SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with San Diego Coast Guard City, announced Petty Officer 1st Class William James, a Sector San Diego Aviation Electronics Technician, as the recipient of the 2025 Coastie of the Year Award during a ceremony at Coast Guard Sector San Diego, Wednesday.
This year’s ceremony honors the legacy of Elizabeth “Gena” Macres (Fischle), a World War II veteran and member of the Coast Guard SPARS, the service’s women’s reserve established during World War II. The ceremony’s theme is “Remembering the Past and Embracing the Future.”
“Events like this matter,” said Capt. Robert Tucker, Coast Guard Sector San Diego commander. “They matter because they recognize service, strengthen partnerships, and because they remind our Coast Guard men and women that the work they do is seen, valued, and appreciated.”
The annual award recognizes exemplary Coast Guard members from San Diego’s five local units who embody the service’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
In addition to James, nominees for the 2025 Coastie of the Year Award included Machinery Technician 1st Class Caleb Gaudian, Machinery Technician 1st Class Sean Sullivan and Public Affairs Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Sappey.
James, a San Diego native, was selected for his outstanding leadership, technical expertise and commitment to service. As a quality assurance inspector and maintenance control petty officer, he upheld the highest standards of aviation safety, improved maintenance efficiency and modernized key programs critical to fleet readiness. He also distinguished himself as a mentor to junior members, a volunteer providing critical incident stress support to fellow Coast Guardsmen and an active community leader through his service with local youth organizations.
“It is a tremendous honor for Coast Guard City to recognize the dedicated women and men of the U.S. Coast Guard serving here in San Diego,” said Magda Fernandez, chairman of San Diego Coast Guard City. “Our Coasties and their families make invaluable contributions as they work selflessly to protect and serve our communities. We are also proud to honor the heroes who came before us, including World War II veteran Elizabeth ‘Gena’ Macres (Fischle), whose courage and legacy helped pave the way for women to serve in the Coast Guard.”
About San Diego Coast Guard City:
San Diego was designated a Coast Guard City by Congress on Feb. 23, 2017, becoming the 23rd city to receive the honor. The designation, renewed every five years, recognizes the partnership between the City of San Diego and the U.S. Coast Guard through events, programs and community initiatives supporting active-duty personnel and their families.
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