SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The motto of the U.S. Coast Guard is “Always Ready” and that’s exactly how members would describe U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Benette Swanson.

The Sault Ste. Marie native received the Coast Guard’s Enlisted Person of the Year award. Swanson, who enlisted in 2021, is a machinery technician. In addition, he is pursuing his associate’s degree in general education at Lake Superior State University.

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U.S. Coast Guard officials said members chose Swanson because of his commitment, leadership, and representation of the Coast Guard’s core values.

Swanson was assigned to the Aids to Navigation team last year which helps ready equipment prior to the ice season.