The 2018 Norwich Native Son Award was presented to former Coast Guard Captain Ed Cubanski on May 30th, 2018 at noon at the Holiday Inn, Norwich. Captain Ed Cubanski attended Wequonnoc Elementary School, Greenville Elementary School, John Moriarty Elementary School, and Kelly Junior High School. He graduated from Norwich Tech in 1984 with a concentration in Electrical Trades. There he earned a Bronze Medal in the 1983 National Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (now SkillsUSA), and a Silver Medal in the 1984 competition. Cubanski earned the Eagle Scout Award, with six palms, in Troop 4 Norwich.
He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. In 2004, he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle University.
Ed Cubanski’s Coast Guard Service
He started his Coast Guard career in 1988, serving as an Engineering-Officer-in-Training aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Chase. From 1990-91 he served as an Assistant Engineering Officer aboard the Cutter Hamilton. In 1992, he completed Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. From 1992-96, he served as a HAZMAT Officer and Aviation Engineering Special Services Branch Chief Air Station Miami. From 1997-98, he served as Unit Development Planning Officer Air Station Miami. In 1998-2000 he was a Polar Operations Senior Aviator in Mobile, Ala. He then served from 2000-2003 as a Project Manager for HITRON, Ship Helo and Polar Operations. From 2003-2006, he served as Operations Officer – Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) in Jacksonville, Fla. In 2006, he became Commander – Executive Officer Air Station Atlantic City. In 2008, he was made Commanding Officer, Air Station New Orleans. In 2010, he was named Eighth District Incident Management Branch Chief in New Orleans. Then, in June of 2013, he was named Sector Commander Long Island Sound, where he led over 2,600 Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and auxiliary personnel in Connecticut and New York. While serving in the Coast Guard, he logged over 3,000 flight hours, was awarded five Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, among several other personal and unit awards.
After Retirement
After retirement in July of 2016, Ed Cubanski moved to Saratoga Springs and now works for FedEx Ground as an operations manager. From Sept. 2013 to Nov. 2015, Cubanski served as the Executive Vice President of the Lordship Father’s Club in Stratford, Conn. Since 1947, the Lordship Fathers’ Club has been chartered to support schools, neighbors and family events. From August 2008 until April 2013, Cubanski led a small group of individuals in overhauling and renovating the Belle Chasse Primary School playground, which had been severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Over 3,000 feet of wood surface were replaced, using over 10,000 screws and 300 bolts. The playground today is used by over 1,150 students. In addition to leading the playground renovation, Cubanski also coached six different youth soccer teams at the school for children ranging from ages 8-13. Cubanski has been the President of the New London Maritime Society since November of 2016. Captain Cubanski is married to Sherry Cagle of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (where the couple resides), and they have two children, Zoe and Lily. Cubanski was nominated by his aunt, Ann M. Carignan of Norwich.
Media Coverage
Norwich Bulletin
Retired Coast Guard captain named Norwich’s ‘Native Son’ of 2018
Norwich Native Credits City for His Success
New London Day
Norwich Rotary awards retired Coast Guard captain with ‘Native Son’ award
Norwich Native Son credits family, coaches, scout leaders and teachers for his success
