U.S. Coast Guard’s Ashley Cruz, Stationed At Port Canaveral, Wins Leadership Award
By Lt. Sarah Janaro // June 21, 2016
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Cruz was the recipient of the 2016 MCPO Pearl Faurie Leadership Award.
The award was presented during the Sea Service Leadership Association’s 29th Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.
Cruz currently serves as Station Port Canaveral’s only electrician’s mate and has full responsibility for the upkeep of an aging, 11-acre property with more than 12 station building structures.
Cruz continually goes above and beyond in assisting with pier-side engineering support to five tenant commands. She quickly identified herself as a proven and trusted leader with judgment and maturity well above her pay grade.
Cruz serves as the unit’s Leadership Diversity Advisory Council chair, where she holds quarterly council meetings and engages the crew on leadership development, fully keeping the command advised on all concerns.
When she is not hard at work on her rate or collateral duties, she is routinely found in the galley helping the staff prepare lunch for the crew, in the armory helping clean weapons, or in the classroom helping shipmates plan for their college degree, register for courses and prepare for college exams.
Cruz also goes above and beyond in volunteer efforts. She volunteers her time to provide concierge services to new mothers at the Cape Canaveral Hospital’s maternity ward, contributing over 50 service hours in 2015.
She is one of Station Port Canaveral’s two Victim Advocates and earned credentials as a nationally certified professional working on behalf of victims of crime.
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Cruz has been an inspiration to those who serve alongside her. Her dedication to her craft, crew and community is beyond reproach. She is a true representative of the core values of the United States Coast Guard.
“I am definitely honored to receive this award, especially being the only female engineer nominated,” said Cruz.
“I greatly enjoyed being part of the ceremony with so many other deserving women.”
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