16 July 2008: "Healy" received the Coast Guard Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation award for meritorious service from April 2007 to July 2008, while conducting science operations in support of national scientific, economic, and political interests. "Healy" conducted a multi-year project in order to evaluate the entire ecosystem of the Bering Sea. Data collected during these missions helped improve the understanding of food webs and biological communities in the Arctic. Through superior mission execution in adverse weather, "Healy" exceeded expectations significantly.