Coast Guard Commendation Medal

Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Hudgins, a Tactical Coxswain at Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami 91114, was presented with the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for saving the life of a child March 12. Hudgins is pictured with his wife, Stefanie, and sons, Cody and Shane. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Coast Guardsman recognized for lifesaving actions

Published April 3, 2015
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Hudgins, a Tactical Coxswain at Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami, 91114, was presented with the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for saving the life of a child on March 12.

On Oct.5, 2014, an 18-month old child fell into a lake behind his residence. Hudgin's son alerted him of commotion and saw a small child lying unresponsive by the lake. He immediately rushed to the scene and administered CPR with the consent of the child's distraught parents.

Hudgin's confident and swift actions helped saved the child's life until advanced life support from emergency medical services arrived and transported the child to a nearby hospital.

MSST's were established after 9/11 and are modeled after Coast Guard expeditionary Port Security Units (Reserve Component) and Law Enforcement Detachments to protect military load-outs, enforce security zones (moving and fixed); defend critical waterside facilities in strategic ports, interdict illegal activities and provide a modest level of shore-side force protection.

MSST Miami is a tenant unit located at Homestead ARB.