Ron McBrien received the Presidential Medal of Volunteer Service, photograph by Richard Crozier
Ronald McBrien has served the United States for more than 60 years, serving in the U.S. Army for 36 years prior to serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
As Ron retires in June 2024 he will do so in gallant fashion. During his time in service, Ron received The President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Gold Medal and Certificate from President Barack Obama for Lifetime Achievement Award for building a stronger nation through volunteer service.
Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015
Ron McBrien The President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal, photograph by Richard Crozier.
Ronald McBrien joined the Auxiliary in 1996. Ron serves 1,000 hours each year. Ron served considerable time as Watchstatnder at Boston Light. “In April 1999, as a new USCG Auxiliary member in Danversport Flotilla, it was Flotilla Commander Ronald McBrian that was my mentor helping me complete the Crew Training Program, become a FSO Vessel Examiner and helping me obtain training with active duty USCG Petty Officer’s as a fellow Assistant Lighthouse Keeper at USCG Station Boston at Little Brewster Island in Boston
Harbor,” says Paul Medina.
Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015
On September 11th 2001, Danversport Flotilla Commander Ronald McBrien was serving as the Quartermaster aboard USCG 110’ Grand Isle in Gloucester harbor, Auxiliary Quartermaster in charge of the cutter Grand Isle, Ronald McBrian at 1000 on 9/11, 2001 was ordered to take the 110’ cutter safely out to sea to keep the vessel out of harm’s way while the attacks occurred that morning. He safely executed the active duty order and took the Grand Isle out to sea in response
to the September 11, 2001 tragedy of the terrorist attacks on the United States Homeland.
Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015
“As Flotilla Commander of Danversport Flotilla at the June 2015 Flotilla meeting, I had the honor of presenting to Ronald McBrien the Gold Medal and Certificate from President Barack Obama for Lifetime Achievement Award for building a stronger nation through volunteer service,” says Paul Medina.
Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015
Ron was the recipient of the Arthur J. Benway Award in 2020. Ron was named Auxiliarist of the year in 2020 for North Shore Division First District North Region, the award was presented “In Recognition of Outstanding Service to United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, North Shore Division, First District Northern Region.”
Ronald McBrien at Beverly Flotilla Meeting Photo by fellow Auxiliarist
Ronald McBrien at Station Gloucester Photograph by SO-CS FSO-PA Flaherty
Ron’s commitment in placing service above self is admirable. His work ethic is exceptional and he has instilled a spirit of service to many service members that look to him as a role model. Ron has made a major impression on all who have served with him. The numerous lives that Ron has changed for the better is shown in the many stories told about him, whenever his name is mentioned. Ron has been ever present at Station Gloucester for many years. Ron’s legacy is an indelible mark on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. For all who have served with Ron it has been a great honor to serve with him.
Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015
Ron McBrien at Station Gloucester, photography by fellow crewmates
While serving as the Watchstander for Station Gloucester from 2018 to 2022 Ron was selected as Station Gloucester’s Sailor of the Quarter in 2020. “For high level of performance, dedication to duty, and extraordinary work ethic. Performed above and beyond the expectations of your position and stood out amongst this exceptional crew. Worked tirelessly in … Watchstanding rotation. Stood over 65 watches and nearly 400 hours this quarter … Your diligent watchstanding included manning the communications center during several rescue missions and while the unit conducted recreational boating safety boarding directly contributing to the overall safe boating environment in Station Gloucester’s area of responsibility (AOR). Selflessly volunteered your time … Frequently working with the USCGC Key Largo. Your performance and positive attitude have been exemplary … and are keeping with the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guards core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Congratulations and Bravo Zulu. Many times Ron would take the first watch by 0600. His commitment to service is admired by many.”
Ron achieved AUXOP Operational Auxiliarist upon completing an advanced training program and has served as a role model for shipmates. Another area receiving Ron’s time was in the Boat Crew program, both as Boat Crew and Coxswain. “Ron and I served aboard the Eagle on several in-port visits,” says Richard Crozier.
Ron also has achieved Certified Instructor. “Ron is an avid Auxiliarist,” says Brian McMahon Earning Coxswain rating, Boat Crew, AUXOP, Flotilla Commander, and Vice Commander in his first few years, “Ron burned up the track in his first few years,” says Brian McMahon.
Ron held appointed office and served as District Staff Officer Member Training, Flotilla Staff Officer Information Systems, Flotilla Staff Officer Secretary/Records, Flotilla Staff Officer Member Training. Ron’s 14 years of service on the USCGC Grand Isle a 110’ Island Class Cutter based in Gloucester, his qualifications were as In-Port Watchstander and In-Port OOD
“Ron has also served on variety of special projects including the history of Station Gloucester,” says M. Craig Stanley.
Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015
“Always a gentleman and respected by all, as well as one of my closest friends,” says Richard Crozier.
Ron is an inspiring leader. He will be missed. We wish him the very best in his retirement from the United State Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Good Morning Gloucester 