Deployable Specialized Forces and AECOM to be honored at annual DC Salute

The Coast Guard Foundation will host the Twenty-Second Annual Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard in Our Nation's Capital on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the National Building Museum in Washington DC. This premier military recognition event brings together U.S. Coast Guard leaders, federal officials, maritime and defense industry partners, and patriotic supporters to celebrate the service and sacrifice of Coast Guard members across the country and around the world.

The program will include remarks from senior DHS and U.S. Coast Guard officials, highlighting recent operations and achievements that reflect the service's enduring commitment to America's national security, maritime safety, and economic strength.

Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces to Receive Unit Honor

The Coast Guard Foundation will honor the U.S. Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) for their exceptional contributions over the past year as the tip of the spear in defending America's maritime borders and upholding international law. Operating across the globe, the DSF have delivered record-breaking drug seizures and played a critical role in the seizure of shadow tankers evading international sanctions. 

These efforts reflect the DSF's readiness to deploy rapidly and execute complex missions that safeguard the Nation's economic prosperity and security. The DSF demonstrate the Coast Guard's unique and indispensable role at the intersection of national security, law enforcement, and maritime operations.

AECOM Recognized for Coast Guard and Community Contributions

The Coast Guard Foundation will also recognize AECOM’s contributions to the Nation's prosperity through the physical infrastructure of the military services, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the private sector, as well as its longstanding support of the community, the Coast Guard Foundation, and service members. AECOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Troy Rudd will accept the award on behalf of the company. 

For more than 50 years, AECOM has proudly supported the U.S. Coast Guard in their mission of maritime safety, security, and stewardship. AECOM’s dedicated teams are focused on improving shoreline infrastructure nationwide, including planning, design, and environmental services for mission-critical facilities that meet current and future needs. As a trusted professional services firm and the global infrastructure leader, AECOM solves complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings, partnering with the public and private sectors to create innovative, resilient infrastructure throughout the full project lifecycle, from advisory, planning, design, and engineering to program and construction management.

Support Coast Guard Members and Their Families

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Coast Guard Foundation's programs, which provide scholarships for Coast Guard families, support morale and wellness initiatives, and deliver emergency assistance during natural disasters and personal hardship. Contributions help strengthen the lives of Coast Guard members and their loved ones nationwide.

Event Details 

Twenty-Second Annual Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard in Our Nation's Capital 

• Tuesday, June 9, 2026
• National Building Museum | 440 G Street NW, Washington DC
• Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Mary Ann Elliott: 6:30 pm 
• Dinner, sponsored by AECOM & Cheniere Energy, and Program: 7:30 pm 
• Dessert Reception, sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation & GovCIO, to Follow
• Attire — Military: Service Dress Blue Alpha | Civilian: Business/Cocktail

Dinner Committee Chairs: Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.) and Corrine Kosar

For reservations and inquiries, contact Becky Ketterhagen, Coast Guard Foundation: 860-457-1413 | bketterhagen@coastguardfoundation.org

Title Image: A Coast Guard color guard presents the colors while attendees of the Coast Guard Foundation's 2025 Salute to the Coast Guard in Our Nation's Capital stand at the National Building Museum on June 10, 2025.

Disclosure: AI was used in the creation of this content