Surface Navy Association

SNA Hampton Roads members and guests at the SNA sponsored reception on board USCGC EAGLE during SAIL250 festivities 19 June 2026

In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, host LT Scott Harris, USN, Secretary of the SNA Monterey Chapter, speaks with LCDR Donald Rudnickas, Commanding Officer of CGC SPAR (WLB 206), and EMC Marc Mouton, Command Chief, recipients of the 2025 Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Awards.

The conversation explores the leadership philosophy, teamwork, and operational excellence that earned CGC SPAR recognition for superior cuttermanship. Rudnickas and Mouton discuss the unique challenges of Coast Guard operations on the Great Lakes, including aids to navigation, icebreaking, crew development, and maintaining mission readiness amid increasing operational demands.

The episode highlights the critical relationship between commanding officers, chiefs, and crews in creating a meaningful sense of purpose. Their insights on leadership, mentorship, and service offer valuable lessons for members of both the Coast Guard and Surface Warfare communities while reinforcing the importance of professional development and maritime excellence at sea.

Host:
LT Scott Harris, USN
Secretary, SNA Monterey Chapter

Guest:
LCDR Donald Rudnickas, USCG
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR, Commanding Officer
2025 Officer Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Award Winner

EMC Marc Mouton, USCG
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR, Command Chief
2025 Enlisted Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Award Winner

U.S. Coast Guard

Award Spotlight: Building Purpose Aboard CGC SPAR In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, host LT Scott Harris, USN, Secretary of the SNA Monterey Chapter, speaks with LCDR Donald Rudnickas, Commanding Officer of CGC SPAR (WLB 206), and EMC Marc Mouton, Command Chief, recipients of the 2025 Hopley Yeato...

In this trailer for an upcoming episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, we preview a conversation with LCDR Donald Rudnickas, Commanding Officer of CGC SPAR (WLB 206), and EMC Marc Mouton, Command Chief, recipients of the 2025 Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Awards.

Together, they discuss the leadership, teamwork, and sense of purpose that helped their crew excel through demanding operations on the Great Lakes. From icebreaking and aids to navigation to developing future leaders, their story highlights the people behind mission success in the United States Coast Guard.

Listen to this preview and discover the leadership lessons that earned CGC SPAR recognition for superior cuttermanship.

Trailer: Building Purpose Aboard CGC SPAR In this trailer for an upcoming episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, we preview a conversation with LCDR Donald Rudnickas, Commanding Officer of CGC SPAR (WLB 206), and EMC Marc Mouton, Command Chief, recipients of the 2025 Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Aw...

US GEN. DAN CAINE just went full AMERICAN MIGHT, praising the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers DOMINATING Iran!

"Over 500 feet long they displace 9,000 tons and it is the sports car of the United States Navy."

"They stand nearly 10 stories tall and their four gas turbine engines can drive the ship at 30 plus knots."

"These ships are armed to the teeth with surface-to-air missiles, land attack cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine rockets, torpedoes, five-inch naval guns, multiple electronic warfare systems, embarked helicopters extending the reach and capability of each and every one of these destroyers."

"But far and away the most important weapon on board these ships is the American sailor. Over 300 warfighters are the heart and soul of these@ warships."

Bless the troops 🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) on X