USCGC Frederick Hatch: A beacon of excellence and diplomacy in the Pacific

Honoring the Legacy of Maritime Excellence In January 2024, the Surface Navy Association National Symposium in Washington, D.C., was marked by the commendation of the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award (Small). This accolade recognizes operational efficiency and pays tribute to the spirit of pioneering leadership and maritime governance that defines the U.S. Coast Guard. “I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of the Frederick Hatch crew that led to our success over the past year and the cutter’s subsequent selection for this award. They pushed the boundaries of what is possible for Fast Response Cutters and Oceania operations while overcoming significant challenges, and their influence across the region and Service cannot be overstated. It was an honor to accept the award alongside them, as the camaraderie and teamwork they have developed make Frederick Hatch a great place to work every day,” said Lt. Patrick Dreiss, commanding officer of USCGC Frederick Hatch.