About the Award
Commodore Charles Greanoff first became affiliated with the Coast Guard in 1943. He was released from the Army and immediately signed up with the U.S. Coast Guard Temporary Reserve and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (both entities were one in the same at that time) on August 23, 1943. He became part of District 9 Flotilla 7-03, a port security unit responsible for protecting the Port of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River and the city's bridges.
After the war Greanoff continued his active participation in the new Coast Guard Auxiliary and soon became Flotilla Commander in 1950. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Auxiliary, first holding the position of Division Captain in 1953, Ninth District Commodore in 1956-57, and achieving the Auxiliary's highest position of National Commodore in 1958-59. As National Commodore, Greanoff traveled the country to support the new missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and even testified before Congress on the importance of boating safety regulation. He was instrumental in shaping the Auxiliary into the effective organization it is today. Greanoff's spirit of leadership epitomizes the criteria established for the Auxiliary Inspirational Leadership Award, through his 63 years of sustained service and dedication to the members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Coast Guard, and the nation. In his memory, the Commandant established the COMO Charles S. Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award.
Award Criteria
This award recognizes the Flotilla Commander who best exemplifies the Coast Guard's Core Values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty during the previous calendar year. Only those Flotilla Commanders who demonstrated sustained, exceptional standards of proficiency and conduct, and whose appearance and bearing were consistently impeccable, shall be considered for nomination.
The specific criteria are:
- Exemplifies the Coast Guard Core Values of Honor (integrity), Respect (esteem of junior and seniors, and Devotion to Duty (ethical behavior).
- Fosters a culture of diversity through inclusion and commitment.
- Mentors both junior and senior personnel toward their highest potential.
- Leads and motivates by example to ensure mission execution excellence.
Nomination Deadline
The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 3, 2025.
Nomination Guidelines
- Commodore solicits nominations via ALAUX message annually in accordance with section 11.A.16 of the Auxiliary Manual. Award period is based on the calendar year (January-December 2023).
- Section 11.A.16 of the Auxiliary Manual includes award criteria and nomination routing instructions.
- A selection panel will review the nominations and make recommendations to the Executive Director for Personnel Readiness (DCMS-DPR-XD) for approval. The primary and alternate winners will be vetted by the CGIS prior to Commandant approval.
Award Presentation
The award should be presented at an appropriate ceremony at the district command closest to the winner.