News Release

At 6 feet 5 inches tall, the center for the United States’ all-military team playing at Mons, Belgium, Nov. 26-Dec. 3, could be a member of any of the five military branches.  That man standing tall in middle for the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament  is Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson of Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105).

Johnson, a 2009 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, played for the Bears while attending the service school.  He continued to pursue opportunities to play basketball after commissioning. While stationed on the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin, he was selected as part of the All-Navy team and then the all-military team at SHAPE last year.

That lead to him returning to this year’s team.

“This was a great opportunity to represent the Coast Guard overseas and work with members from the other services,” said Johnson.  “It’s always invigorating to be on a sports team in an athletically competitive environment."

Prior to the tournament, the team ran through their paces during a nine-day training camp at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. The extensive training schedule gave the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard members an opportunity to gel as a team. 

“There’s not a lot of time to get used to playing as a team,” Johnson. ”We pushed hard with a two-a-day practice schedule leading up to the tournament. We built our teamwork and camaraderie during those long days.”

Starting the tournament strong, Team USA defeated teams Belgium, Italy and France before falling to Latvia in the fourth game. They rallied and ended the tournament with a win over Lithuania to take the bronze medal.

“It’s always back and forth,” said Johnson. “You come to this tournament and have the opportunity to play against great teams, and I’m always grateful for the chance to build relationships with members of the other services and our allies. “

Johnson’s high-scoring game of 18 points was against Belgium. Last year, he was on the championship team. It was the first time the U.S. team had taken gold since 2004.

Looking ahead, he would like to play in more tournaments representing the Coast Guard if possible.

“Operational commitments always come first, and I’m hoping there’s a chance for me to play again next year” Johnson said. “The Coast Guard and basketball are synergistic in my life. Being physically fit, does more than make a me good basketball player; it enables me to excel at my Coast Guard duties.”

111203-G-0000X-001  Coast Guard basketball player competes at European tournament

MONS, Belgium  — Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson, stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105), competes as a member of the U.S. All-Military Basketball team at the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament here, Dec. 3, 2011. The U.S. team won bronze at this years tournament. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol.

111203-G-0000X-002 Coast Guard basketball player competes at European tournament

MONS, Belgium  — Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson, stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105), competes as a member of the U.S. All-Military Basketball team at the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament here, Dec. 3, 2011. The U.S. team won bronze at this years tournament. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol.

111203-G-0000X-003 Coast Guard basketball player competes at European tournament

MONS, Belgium  — Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson, stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105), competes as a member of the U.S. All-Military Basketball team at the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament here, Dec. 3, 2011. The U.S. team won bronze at this years tournament. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol.