Coast Guard Reservist returns home from oil spill response

U.S. Coast Guard District 8
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Benson

Date: 01.16.2014
Posted: 01.16.2014 15:49
News ID: 119270

NEW ORLEANS – A Mount Juliet, Tenn., resident and Coast Guard Reservist assigned to Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Point Nashville, Tenn., returned from an extended tour of duty for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response, Jan. 4.

Chief Petty Officer David Dame was recalled to active duty in April 2013 and remained on active status for 10 months during his second deployment to the largest oil spill response in U.S. history.

“It was a great learning experience,” said Dame. “I’m glad to be heading home to spend time with my daughter.”

Due to his considerable leadership abilities, Dame worked as the Operations Branch director for the state of Louisiana and was a liaison between the state representatives, local stakeholders and wildlife agencies during the response. He managed more than 100 Coast Guard and civilian personnel during cleanup operations. He also worked as a Ground Support Unit leader.

Dame was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for his performance during the response.

At the conclusion of this deployment, Dame will be returning home to Mount Juliet, Tenn. Dame enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1998.