News Release

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Lt. Ashley Crouch, aide to the superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy and Athens, Ga., native, received a Coast Guard Achievement Medal during a ceremony held at the Coast Guard Academy here Aug. 25.

The medal was presented to Crouch by Rear Adm. J. Scott Burhoe, superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy.

 The citation presented to Crouch states she received the medal for her superior performance of duty while assigned to the Professional Maritime Studies Department at the academy from July 2008 to July 2010. A nautical science instructor, Crouch’s professionalism and expertise directly contributed to the education of more than 600 cadets in navigation, relative motion and ship handling using visual simulation and training vessels.

“I loved teaching navigation for the last two years, and I’m also excited to begin my new job as aide,” said Crouch.

“Lt. Crouch consistently displayed remarkable passion for each cadet’s professional development providing well-balanced, personalized and extensive feedback for research papers, laboratory assignments and exams,” said Burhoe. “She also provided extra hours of instruction to cadets, requiring individual assistance both personally and professionally.”

As the Service Academy Exchange Program coordinator, Crouch managed the administrative and logistics functions for more than 50 cadets selected for the one-semester experience at sister service academies. Crouch reorganized the application and selection criteria, recommended candidates and planned inter-service events at neighboring military installations, and her efforts resulted in improvements in the program’s visibility, value and success, said Burhoe.

During the summer training program aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, Crouch qualified as officer of the deck, under power and sail, earning the commanding officer’s complete confidence, said Burhoe. While aboard, she served as a subject matter expert and directed instruction for more than 250 cadets in the application of fundamental navigation concepts.

Crouch, a 2001 graduate of Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Ga., is the daughter of Jim and Donna Crouch of Athens.

For more information, contact the public affairs office at (860) 444-8270 or (860)-444-8272.