SAULT STE. MARIE — A Sault resident was recently recognized with one of the top awards that an enlisted person in the Coast Guard can receive.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Bennette Swanson of the United States Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie was honored on April 30 as the Coast Guard’s Enlisted Person of the Year. Swanson is a machinery technician who enlisted in 2021.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Bennette Swanson of the United States Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie was presented with the Enlisted Person of the Year award on April 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
“It was very cool, it’s the first time anybody from this area has ever won this award,” said Swanson’s father, Tom Swanson. “We’re very proud of him — parents, grandparents — we’re all so excited for him.”
Swanson achieved his required qualifications to advance in record time, allowing him to step up and take on much needed jobs within the Coast Guard.
In 2024, he was assigned to the Aids to Navigation team where he worked to help improve the team’s performance by removing aids to navigation prior to the ice season.
According to the Coast Guard, Swanson was chosen for the prestigious award due to his commitment, ability to lead and his embodiment of the Coast Guard’s core values.
Swanson has a family history with the Coast Guard, with both his father and sister having served. He enlisted soon after graduating from Sault Area High School.
He was previously nominated by his senior chief for Sailor of the Quarter for the sector. After receiving that award, Swanson was automatically nominated for Sailor of District Nine, and eventually nominated for the Enlisted Person of the Year award as he was continually recognized by his superior officers.
“It was his work ethic and leadership abilities and the fact that he was willing to help out that made them think he was deserving of the award,” said Tom Swanson.
Swanson is also very active in the Sault community. He has over 100 hours of volunteering, including coaching youth sports and other efforts. He is also the current president of the St. Marys River Walleye Club, which includes teaching boating safety and environmental conservation.
Swanson is currently enrolled at Lake Superior State University, where he is working towards a degree in general education.
More: St. Marys Walleye Club kicks off new season with May 18 tournament
Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our coverage
Swanson was presented with the award in Washington, D.C. at the Coast Guard Headquarters by Vice Adm. Peter W. Gautier, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Petty Officer Heath B. Jones, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
“He’s a true northern Michigander through and through. He was told he might be able to choose where he serves and he said he wanted to stay right here in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Tom Swanson.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault’s Bennette Swanson earns Enlisted Person of the Year award from U.S. Coast Guard