News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

May 14, 2002

Harman Presents Medal to Redondo Beach Coast Guard Officer Named Reservist of the Year

--“Our nation remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and we are grateful
that we have patriots like Alexander Gayson to help protect us” --

WASHINGTON D.C. - Rep. Harman today presented the award for the 2001 Coast Guard Reserve Officer of the Year Award to Redondo Beach resident Alexander Gayson.

Petty Officer Grayson serves in Coast Guard Port Security Unit 311, which is based in Los Angeles.

“Petty Officer Gayson is a cherished son of the South Bay, a remarkable Californian and a true American hero,” stated Harman. “Our nation remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and we are grateful that we have patriots like Alexander Gayson to help protect us. It is with deep gratitude and pride that I stand here today to honor him with this prestigious award.”

Officer Gayson has participated in several deployments with the Coast Guard, including:

September 26 - present: deployed under short notice to Middle East to advance, then coordinated port security unit. Also chosen as a Tactical Action Officer to direct boat operations;
September 11, 2001: assisted in Coast Guard voluntary recall for Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach security, coordinated security patrols;
March 2001 - May 2001: Middle East (Operation Southern Watch), named as Readiness Petty Officer;
October 2000 - February 2001: Republic of Georgia, training border patrol.

Throughout his career in the Coast Guard, Gayson has demonstrated a strong work ethic, accountability and devotion to duty. He is also one of the Coast Guard’s leading experts in Chemical, Biological and Radiological defense and also one of the few certified grenade instructors.

Gayson has received numerous military awards such as the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

During this past year he exceeded the expectations of his superiors by volunteering to remain in the Republic of Georgia two months beyond his call to duty to assist with the set-up and operation of a radar site.

In Los Angeles, he helped coordinate an extensive schedule of trainings to help improve Port Security Unit 311’s level of readiness.

On September 11th, 2001, Petty Officer Gayson played a critical role in organizing security patrols of Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors. He was then selected to join an advance mission in the Middle East and remained deployed as a key member of PSU Detachment Echo in the Middle East. He is actively engaged in port security operations that provide force protection for U.S. Navy and allied shops operating in this high threat region.

Gayson, the father of two sons, volunteers extensively in the South Bay, coaching Little League teams, and speaking at elementary schools.

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