TRACEN Cape May, N.J.
U.S. Coast Guard

Spotlight

Date: July 30, 2009

PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS
NICHOLAS SUTTON
Coast Guard Recruit Company Commander

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Sutton is currently assigned to Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) Cape May as a recruit Company Commander.  Sutton attended basic training at Cape May in 1999, graduating with November-154. Sutton’s first duty station was aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WMEC-38) home ported in Kodiak, Alaska. Sutton served in the deck department where he held qualifications such as leading seaman, cutter rescue swimmer, and small boat crewman. Sutton served 18 months aboard the Storis before attending Damage Controlman (DC) “A” school in Yorktown, Va. While in “A” school Sutton learned the basic skills to be a DC. Sutton successfully graduated DC “A” school in February of 2001 as Honor Graduate and then was assigned to Naval Engineering Support Unit (NESU) Miami, Fla. While assigned to NESU Miami, Sutton conducted preventative maintenance and repairs on six 110-foot patrol boats home ported in Miami along with many other visiting cutters. In July 2003 Sutton transferred to Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PACTACLET) located in San Diego, Calf. Sutton deployed with the U.S., British and Dutch Navy’s in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean on counter drug and alien migration patrols. Sutton also deployed to Iraq in support of Coast Guard operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom. While at PACTACLET,Sutton qualified as Deployable Team Leader, Boarding Officer, Aerial Use of Force Controller, Emergency Medical Technician, Vertical Insertion Instructor, PACTACLET Assistant Operations Officer and Assistant Officer in Charge for Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 107. Sutton’s actions account for more than 21,000 pounds of cocaine and 100 pounds of marijuana seized. Sutton also helped rescue more than 250 migrants at sea. In March of 2007 Sutton attended Company Commander School in Cape May, N.J. After successfully graduating CC school Sutton reported to TRACEN to begin his duties as a Company Commander. Sutton has graduated seven companies as a Company Commander and two companies as a Lead Company Commander. During the summer of 2008 Sutton was the Ceremonial Drill Master in charge of the recruit drill team and color guard. Sutton is also a qualified pugil stick referee and instructor.  

Sutton’s personal awards include the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, two US Navy / Marine Corp Achievement Medals, two Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, three Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals and the Iraqi Campaign Medal. Sutton also has earned the TACLET insignia and Company Commander insignia. 

Sutton’s other awards and accomplishments include the 2005 USCG Pacific Area Enlisted Person of the Year, 2005 PACTACLET Sailor of the Year, 2006 International Narcotic Enforcement Officer’s Association Special Award of Honor, Company Commander of the Quarter, TRACEN Cape May Enlisted Person of the Quarter, Maritime Law Enforcement Academy Honor Graduate.

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