MCPOCG Reserve Eric L. Johnson, USCG (Ret.)
The Naval Order of the United States is pleased to announce that Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Eric L. Johnson, USCG (Ret.) has been selected to be the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Sea Service Award – Senior Enlisted. Master Chief Johnson was recognized during our annual Congress in Boston, Massachusetts in October. The Distinguished Sea Service Award – Senior Enlisted recognizes the exemplary service of a recently retired senior enlisted person who, over their total career, distinguished them self and the naval services, such that they should be singled out as one who stands "First Among Firsts."
Master Chief Johnson culminated his career as the personal advisor and assistant to the Commandant in matters affecting the enlisted members of the Coast Guard reserve and their families.
He guided the development of policy for managing the enlisted Reserve workforce, represented the Coast Guard on the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Senior Enlisted Advisor Council, testified to Congress, spoke at myriad civilian and military forums, and worked closely with service organizations that support enlisted Reserve personnel issues. He traveled worldwide to ensure that policies best supported Coast Guardcommands, detachments, and personnel. Under his leadership, the Coast Guard Reserve was more effectively integrated into operations, experienced a 45% reduction in members assigned to billets outside of reasonable commuting distances, and experienced a significant improvement in retention; a critical effort as the citizen-sailor becomes an increasingly integral part of our Nation’s defense.
Master Chief Johnson was a program reviewer in the Office of Budget and Programs at Coast Guard Headquarters. He was the Command Master Chief for Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico, and served at Group South Portland, Maine, and Port Security Unit 301 at Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He served in the Selected Reserve at Coast Guard Group Long Island Sound and at Aids to Navigation Team Redwood. He deployed to Operation Desert Storm for the Coast Guard’s first deployment of a ‘notional’ port security unit comprised of reservists qualified in specific assignments who trained nationwide. Master Chief Johnson served in USCGC Unimak (WHEC 379), USCGC Duane (WHEC 33) and at the Coast Guard Research and Development Center.
Master Chief Johnson was a State Trooper for the states of Connecticut and New Hampshire from 1987 until 2007.