Shipmate of the Week – Crew of CG6038

Shipmate of the Week – Crew of CG6038

Friday, October 7, 2011

The crew of CG6038, Petty Officer 2nd Class Craig Powers, Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Giumette, Lt. Andy Schanno and Lt. Mike Snyder, pose for a photo during a refuel on their way home from the rescue. Photo courtesy of Lt. Andy Schanno.

Soaking wet and hypothermic, Keith Hutchins stood on a rocky ledge with nowhere to go, trapped on Mount Ripinsky, Alaska. As he leaned against the mountain, 2,500 feet off the ground, there was no way of knowing if he would be there another 20 hours or if a rescue crew would be there to save him.
Hutchins was hiking on the mountain’s trail when there was a drastic change in weather. Becoming disoriented in whiteout conditions, he was caught in an avalanche and slipped, falling hundreds of feet onto a rocky ledge.

Keith Hutchins is transported from a Coast Guard rescue helicopter to ambulance after being rescued by the crew of CG6038. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Remarkably, Hutchins still had signal on his cell phone and dialed 9-1-1. Mountaineers and rescue personnel from Haines Volunteer Fire Department, Juneau Mountain Rescue and Skagway Fire Department headed out to free Hutchins, but due to poor weather conditions and the steep terrain rescuers couldn’t reach him from below. They had to try from above and knew just who to call.
The crew of CG6038 – Lt. Andy Schanno, Lt. Mike Snyder, Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Giumette and Petty Officer 2nd Class Craig Powers – had only been on duty for a few minutes at Air Station Sitka when they got the call to launch for the rescue.
Rescuers weren’t sure where exactly Hutchins was, so the crew of the 6038 used their searchlight and flew back and forth across the base of the mountain below the clouds. Hutchins, in contact with mountain rescue, could see the searchlight and reported when he saw the beam directly below him.
The crew had a better idea of where Hutchins was, but the whiteout forced the rescuers to make a tough call – they would have to leave Hutchins overnight.
“It was a bit discouraging to have to leave him there, but there was no possible way to rescue him,” said Powers, the crew’s rescue swimmer. “If he could just hang in the night ‘till the next day we were sure, if the weather cooperated, that we could rescue him.”
The crew awoke the next morning and awaited a break in the weather. As snow and wind churned around the airport, a gap in the clouds came.
The crew hovered around the mountain’s rock outcroppings and trees, now fully encased with ice. After multiple passes, the crew spotted Hutchins. Schanno, the aircraft commander, and Snyder positioned the helicopter as Powers was hoisted below the helicopter.

The view from the rescue helicopter's cabin of Keith Hutchins as he stood on a rocky ledge on Alaska's Mount Ripinksy. Photo courtesy of Lt. Andy Schanno.

“Nick Giumette, the flight mechanic, conned the helicopter into perfect position,” said Powers. “I bounced along the icy cliff side and ended up in a powdery, snowy ravine just below the survivor’s legs.”
After close to a day spent standing upright, thousands of feet up a mountain, Hutchins was safe.
“I just wanted to give the guy the biggest hug in the world,” recounted Hutchins in an interview after the rescue. “I was like dude you just saved my life.”
The crew of CG6038 were true heroes that day. They made the peaks of our nation’s Last Frontier just one other place the Coast Guard saves lives – even if it was from a mountaintop.
“I never imagined I’d be plucking people off mountains when I was growing up in western Pennsylvania,” said Snyder, the co-pilot. “It’s an indescribable feeling to help somebody like that. “
“I sincerely never envisioned myself being put into a position to save people’s lives, not to mention from a helicopter in Alaska,” added Powers. “It’s extremely gratifying and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
The crew of CG6038 will be honored at the Coast Guard Foundation‘s 31st Annual Salute to the United States Coast Guard next Thursday alongside a rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay. Stay tuned next week to hear their story!
Do you know a Shipmate that has done something great for the service, the missions or the public? Please submit your nominations using the “Submit Ideas” link on the right.

Mount Ripinsky, Alaska, where the rescue of Keith Hutchins took place. Photo courtesy of Lt. Andy Schanno.

Double drug bust for Diligence

Double drug bust for Diligence

Monday, October 10, 2011

Crewmembers from Coast Guard Cutter Diligence transfer bales of cocaine onto the cutter in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The Coast Guard has been America’s first line of defense against threats delivered by and from the high seas for decades. While on patrol last month in the Caribbean the men and women aboard Coast Guard Cutter Diligence proved to be that first line of defense once again as they interdicted two drug-smuggling fishing vessels laden with cocaine.

Crewmembers from Coast Guard Cutter Diligence offload 2,808 pounds of cocaine at Coast Guard Sector Key West. The cocaine was seized from four suspected smugglers aboard a vessel during a routine boarding. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

Diligence, a 210-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Wilmington, N.C., was on a routine patrol in the Western Caribbean Sea when a 35-foot fishing vessel was spotted by the crew.
“We went ahead and enacted a bilateral agreement; we got permission to get on board the vessel,” said Ensign James Heuser, one of Diligence’s boarding officers. “Once on board we went and did a basic initial safety inspection which is just to make sure that its safe for my crew to be on board the vessel.”
While the inspection was part of normal procedures, a discovery by the boarding team made it anything but routine.
“During that inspection one of my team members went up forward to check one of the holds to look in the bilge to make sure there was no water coming in, and he saw a bunch of bales stacked up pretty much to the deck plates he was standing on,” said Heuser.
The bales stacked to the deck plates ended up being 2,808 pounds of cocaine.
The Diligence crew detained four suspected smugglers aboard the vessel and prevented the trafficking of the cocaine, worth an estimated street value of $34 million.
“Seeing that much contraband in one place and knowing we have positive control over it is gratifying but also reminds you how serious and dangerous our mission can be,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Clark, a member of the boarding team for the drug bust.
Later in their patrol, Diligence moved towards the Eastern Caribbean Sea, and once again interdicted a fishing vessel. The boarding team made a plain-view discovery and retrieved 54 individually wrapped packages, testing positive for cocaine. Once more, the crew stopped the smugglers and prevented the haul – worth an estimated street value of $1.5 million – from reaching our shores.

Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Tyler, a crewmember aboard Coast Guard Cutter Diligence, offloads a bale of cocaine at Coast Guard Sector Key West. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

It was a joint effort that allowed Diligence to seize the contraband; from the boarding team to cooperating authorities, law enforcement officers and agents provided a united front to ensure nothing got past their line of defense.
“These interdictions were conducted during joint operations with Dutch and French authorities and highlight the importance and effectiveness of international partnerships as we work to stem the flow of illegal narcotics,” said Cmdr. Douglas Goodwin, Diligence’s commanding officer.  “Additionally, the professionalism and proficiency of Diligence’s crew were critical to our success in interdicting these vessels.”
“A drug bust doesn’t happen without every person onboard the cutter doing their job.  I’m proud of the entire crew; everyone stepped up,” added Clark.
After their 45-day multi-mission patrol in the Caribbean came to an end, crewmembers knew they played an important part in securing our nation’s borders. In the fight against smugglers whose aim is to profit from illegal drugs, Diligence prevailed as they interdicted a total of 2,927 pounds of cocaine during the two separate cases.
“My favorite part of this patrol is knowing that when we came back we would be able to hold our heads high and say we stopped drugs from getting onto the streets in some community, somewhere,” said Clark.

A boarding team from Coast Guard Cutter Diligence board a fishing vessel in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel was carrying 2,808 pounds of cocaine. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Paying it forward

Each year, the President of the United States designates September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month – a national celebration of the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Continuing Compass’ recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month 2011, we bring you the story of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ahmed Suarez who became a U.S. citizen while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and has gone on to excel in the very service that saved his life.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ahmed Suarez receives the Letter of Commendation from Capt. Matthew Sisson for his work in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response. Photo courtesy of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ahmed Suarez.

Ask any Coast Guard member why they joined the service and you will get a different answer from just about everyone.  Some join for the adventure, to see the world, the chance to save lives, be a part of something bigger than themselves or the opportunity to serve their country. But it is rare to find someone who joins the Coast Guard to repay the act of being rescued from almost certain disaster.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ahmed Suarez was eight years old when his family of 14 was rescued by the Coast Guard. Their boat’s fuel system broke down and their family was left drifting throughout the night. By fortune or destiny, a fishing boat spotted their vessel and called the Coast Guard.
“I remember how big that 41-foot boat looked to me as a crewmember picked us up and transferred us onboard. After that we were taken to Coast Guard Station Islamorada,” recalls Suarez.
This one moment changed Suarez’ life forever and with a wish to pay it forward, Suarez enlisted in the Coast Guard at the age of 20.
“I joined the Coast Guard because I wanted to help people; to be able to do what the Coast Guard did for me,” said Suarez.
His first duty station was at the Fire and Safety Test Detachment in Mobile, Ala. Suarez’ desire to serve the very country that rescued him and his family came to fruition immediately as he found himself  assisting with the recovery efforts for both Hurricane Katrina and Deepwater Horizon.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Suarez is currently stationed on Coast Guard Cutter Shearwater, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported out of Portsmouth, Va. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Evanson.

“When Deepwater Horizon transpired,  I was directly involved with developing and testing new technologies to detect submerged oil, as well as deploying oil containment booms on the Coast Guard’s only landing craft to protect Alabama’s gulf shore beaches,” said Suarez.
After working along the gulf shores, Suarez received orders for Coast Guard Cutter Shearwater, an 87-foot patrol boat home ported in Portsmouth, Va. Because these boats are highly sought after and extremely competitive for junior enlisted members, Suarez took every opportunity given to him and met every challenge.  Despite his performance there was one thing holding him back from moving up in the ranks.
Suarez was still awaiting U.S. citizenship, which is necessary for non-U.S. citizens serving in the Coast Guard if they wish to make the Coast Guard a career. In order to advance past the rate of seaman or to re-enlist, servicemembers must become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Despite the extensive process it takes to become a citizen, Suarez knew without a shadow of a doubt it was something he desired.
“It is an incredibly long process,” said Suarez. “They lost my paperwork twice, but it was all worth it in the end to be able to take that oath.”
“Whenever I get new crew assignments, I tend to look up any information I can find,” said Master Chief Petty Officer William James, commanding officer of Shearwater. “So when I saw that then Seamen Ahmed Suarez had been an E-3 for five years, a red flag went up. But then I found out he has been waiting for his citizenship to go through since you can’t advance to the rate of petty officer until you are a U.S. citizen. That shows me complete dedication and love for the service; having a family at that pay grade is not easy.”
Suarez continues to excel as a crewmember aboard Shearwater where he performs critical missions in defense of the nation of which he is now a citizen. Every day he is aboard Shearwater is a day he honors the courage and sacrifice of countless Americans who have gone before him, and pays tribute to the rescuers who changed his life.
“I have been commanding officer for five different 87-foot patrol boats and Petty Officer Suarez stands out. He qualified in record time in each of his watch stations. It usually takes two months to qualify inport officer of the deck and Suarez was fully qualified in less than a month,” said James. “To get the full underway crewman and engineering officer of the watch it normally takes three months but he got qualified in a month and a half. He’s just one of the hardest working and driven people I have met in my 28 years of service.”

The makings of a Coast Guard Ironman

The makings of a Coast Guard Ironman

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Ferreira and Lt. Rachel Beckman pose for a photo while at the Ironman World Championship in 2010. The two represented the Coast Guard in the mentally and physically challenging race that has more than 1,800 competitors and will again be competing this year. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young.

With contributions from Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Torres, Training Center Petaluma, Calif.
A visit to the land of aloha typically involves surfing waves, relaxing on sandy beaches and of course celebrating the luau tradition. But for the 1,800 athletes traveling to Hawaii’s tropical paradise to compete in the Ironman World Championship this weekend, the islands will be anything but tranquil. Representing the U.S. Coast Guard in the service’s signature orange and blue in this cruel feat of fortitude will be Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Ferreira.
At age 47, Ferreira has represented the Coast Guard at the World’s Ironman since 2005 and will once again embark on the 140.6-mile journey in search of the title of “Ironman.” Ferreira joins nine other servicemembers in the race – each military service is allowed a male and female competitor – which has involved military athletes from the very first Ironman.

Command Master Chief Michael Ferreira of the 14th Coast Guard District runs by the crowd after transitioning from the bike to the run while competing in the Ironman World Championship in 2010. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young.

The Ironman Triathlon was spawned by a simple debate between competitors at the conclusion of a 1978 running race: who is more fit – swimmers, runners or other athletes. Among the debaters was U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Collins and his wife Judy. Together they envisioned a race to settle the argument once and for all.
Fifteen athletes participated in the first Ironman, with only 12 completing the race. This Saturday, Ferreira will continue the tradition of military competitors started by Collins when he competes in the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and to finishing things off a 26.2 mile run, or what Ferreira refers to as a “cool down.”
Starting out in shorter races at age 25, Ferreira worked his way up by joining a local runner’s group, eventually leading him to the Boston Marathon where, as fate would have it, he met his biggest supporter and training partner – his wife.
It is no secret there is tremendous stamina and endurance required to compete in the Ironman and Ferreira has been training for years. Ferreira describes his training as “continual” and increasing in difficulty.
“In the beginning I start off with short races, then by the middle of the year I try to do half-Ironman and then a few months before the race I concentrate on longer training that will prepare me for the Ironman events,” said Ferreira.
While the race cannot be performed without maintaining a meticulous training regimen, experience in the competition is also crucial.
“The race is always very difficult, and on any given year for different reasons,” said Ferreira. “The heat, wind and elements can be cruel in Kona. It is a fantastic venue to test ability, emotion and tenacity. Training is what it is. For any event, you prepare yourself to the best of your ability with the time you have available. Get yourself mentally ready to work hard and give it what you’ve got on race day.”
When it comes down to race day, Ferreira looks forward to signature elements of the Ironman – including Hawaii’s crystal clear waters – but there are still grueling components that test the body and the mind.
“The swim, although my weakest event, is beautiful, clear and cool,” said Ferreira. “The bike can get long and beats up on you mentally. The ride back from Hawaii is like an ‘easy ticket’ ride; often you are riding between 30 to 35 miles per an hour with crosswinds that can be interesting and challenging. The run gets tough as you might imagine. The final mile of the run believe it or not, is the easiest.”

At age 47, Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Ferreira has represented the Coast Guard at the World’s Ironman since 2005. Photo courtesy of Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Torres.

Despite his strenuous training schedule and his passion for competing in the race, Ferreira understands he doesn’t have the time to finish at the very top; his leadership and guidance are needed somewhere else.
Ferreira is the current command master chief of the 14th Coast Guard District. As the command master chief he is an essential member of the district’s leadership and advocates for the needs of servicemembers and their families. He never forgets his responsibility to his people and balances this important leadership role with his training.
“You do the best you can with the time you have,” said Ferreira. “I would prefer to train much more than I have time to do currently. The process is still fun and I think you have to ensure yourself to keep that point in the front of your mind. It’s about doing something you enjoy! It’s all about that work-life balance.”
Ferreira will compete alongside fellow Coast Guardsman Lt. Rachel Beckman at this year’s competition and with exactly 1 day 12 hours 50 minutes and 32 seconds until they compete we wish them both the best of luck!

Second interdiction of Western Caribbean drug sub

New trend in drug smuggling routes developing

Click image for video.

MIAMI -- Video footage of a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel interdiction in the Caribbean Sea Sept. 17, 2011. The SPSS was interdicted by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk. U.S. Coast Guard video.

Setting the sails for success

Setting the sails for success

Monday, October 3, 2011

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Officer-in-Training Jared Halonen, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Mateo and Officer Candidate Jennifer Flowers work together to plot the location of the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

While the partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration typically occurs during joint operations, crisis responses or exercises, last week the agencies partnered while sailing on America’s Tall Ship, the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle.

Coast Guard Officer Candidate Joseph Della Rosa and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Officer-in-Training Andrew Clos give a nautical brief aboard Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

For the first time, NOAA officer trainees joined Coast Guard officer candidates aboard the 295-foot barque training vessel in a move to integrate more leadership into their seamanship training.
“We are attempting to model our Basic Officer Training Class off of the Coast Guard Academy’s Officer Candidate School based upon OCS’s record of success,” said Lt. j.g. Jonathan Heesch, the NOAA liaison to the Coast Guard Leadership Development Center and the junior officer in charge of the NOAA Officer Training Center.
The idea to conduct joint Coast Guard and NOAA training began early last year and came to fruition these past few weeks.
“When NOAA approached the academy’s Leadership Development Center, we jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with them,” said Lt. Diana Tkacs, Coast Guard OCS instructor. “The officer career is built around the ability to network and negotiate, not only with the people you work with, but with other departments, districts, local agencies and government agencies.”
Instead of waiting for a joint operation or crisis, this group of officer trainees became acquainted before responding to an incident or even beginning their careers.

Coast Guard Officer Candidates Jake Aulner and Michelle Simmons study the nomenclature of the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. The officer candidates, who graduate in December 2011, are sailing on Eagle as part of their training to become Coast Guard commissioned officers. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

“This collaboration has offered both the Coast Guard officer candidates and NOAA officers-in-training an opportunity to build a unique relationship early on in their careers,” said Tkacs.
“It’s important because it teaches our officers how to interact and how to operate with other officers and gives them a glimpse into what things are like in the Coast Guard. If you look at the Coast Guard mission areas and the NOAA mission areas, we overlap in several of them,” added Heesch.
While Eagle heads to an extended drydock period in Baltimore, the NOAA and Coast Guard officers will head back to the Coast Guard Academy in New London to continue their training and development as future leaders in their service

Coast Guard & Air Force: A tradition of training

Coast Guard & Air Force: A tradition of training

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Coast Guard Cutter Terrapin maintains a safety zone while airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base undergo SERE Specialist Training U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn.

Written by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn.
The success of U.S. Coast Guard missions depends largely on the experience and expertise of our members. Sometimes, Coast Guard missions and missions of other U.S. armed services overlap, providing the opportunity to share our knowledge and capabilities. The U.S. Air Force has called upon this experience and expertise of the men and women at Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay for 44 years.
Station Tillamook Bay, situated on the Oregon coast, and other Coast Guard Pacific Northwest assets have been working with the Air Force to train airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., twice a year since September 1967.
Airmen attending the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Specialist Training School, come to Garibaldi, Ore., to undergo the open water portion of the six-month technical training program required of all potential SERE specialists. Successful completion of the course prepares future SERE specialists to instruct any Air Force SERE related program and be worldwide deployable.

Instructors from the SERE Technical School parachute into the ocean during the coastal phase of training on the Oregon coast. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emerald Ralston.

Throughout this critical training, the Air Force relies on the Coast Guard for expertise in open water transportation, recovery and overall safety.
Coast Guard motor lifeboat crews transport airmen and their instructors to the open ocean. They are required to jump overboard, wearing dry suits to maintain body temperature in the frigid water. Instructors deploy life rafts as airmen and instructors climb inside. They spend six hours afloat in the open ocean, learning first-hand the harsh realities of survival at sea. Motor lifeboat crews generate wake in the absence of heavy natural swells, simulating the often tumultuous seas off the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
For the final stage of the open water portion, Coast Guard rescue helicopter crews hoist the airmen from the water, simulating an aerial rescue at sea.
Earlier this month, Coast Guard Cutter Terrapin out of Bellingham, Wash., also partnered with the Air Force and was on scene with the airmen as they floated in life rafts whilemotor lifeboat crews from Station Tillamook Bay transported airmen and trainers to and from the open ocean.
Lt. Col. Jeremiah Monk, commander of the 66th Training Squadron responsible for running the school at Fairchild AFB was excited about not only the training that day, but the training tradition that the Air Force has shared with the Coast Guard.
“We had yet another excellent training experience, due in no small part to the United States Coast Guard support received from both Station Tillamook Bay and Cutter Terrapin,” stated Monk. “SERE has been working with Tillamook for 44 years. That duration stands testament to not only the consistently outstanding training conditions for SST, but also largely to the world-class support provided by the men and women of Station Tillamook Bay.”

Students in the SERE Technical School head into the water before spending a few hours in a life raft, learning to survive in an ocean environment on the Oregon coast. U.S. Air Force photo Senior Airman Emerald Ralston.

As head of the SST school, Monk recognizes dangers posed by treacherous environments all over the world. He commends the Coast Guard’s ability to successfully operate in one of the most dangerous conditions: the open ocean.
“Open water training is one of ten training periods in the course,” added Monk. “But because of the inherently hostile environment, it is arguably our most complex and dangerous training phase. We mitigate that risk by our close working relationship with the Coast Guard.”
Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Saindon, commander of Station Tillamook Bay, is proud his station has played such a longstanding role in ensuring defense readiness in conjunction with the Air Force.
“We are extremely proud to be able to work with the Air Force in providing survival training for combat situations,” gleamed Saindon. “For 44 years Station Tillamook Bay has played a key role in the training, thus a critical role in national defense. Our location provides an excellent training environment and our personnel provide the expertise required to operate within it.”
Monk stated that in addition to the training, his airmen gain a valuable experience by watching Coast Guard crews operate assets in the field.
“As a side benefit, the partnership also allows us an opportunity to showcase the USCG to our young airmen, most of whom have no experience working with our sister services,” added Monk. “Our trainees had the exceptional opportunity to be aboard as our Coast Guard Tillamook Bay partners were diverted to escort six civil vessels back to safe harbor amidst a quickly-developing weather situation. After seeing the case first-hand, I speak for all my men in saying we have a new-found appreciation for all the Coast Guard does for our country and our citizens, day in and day out.”

A 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Tillamook Bay, Ore., creates swells while airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base undergo SERE training. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn

Protecting our oceans: Nabbing drift net violators

Protecting our oceans: Nabbing drift net violators

Friday, September 30, 2011

The crew of the Kodiak-based Coast Guard Cutter Munro monitors the Bangun Pekasa, a stateless fishing vessel suspected of illegal large-scale high-seas drift net fishing Sept. 9, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Renegade large-scale high-seas drift net fishing indiscriminately kills massive amounts of fish and other marine life such as whales and turtles. The practice of using enormous nets suspended for miles in open water is a significant threat to ocean ecosystems and to the food and economic security of nations relying on fishery resources.
With miles of netting deep under the water’s surface, drift net fishing is difficult for law enforcement authorities to spot. But earlier this month, the Coast Guard – in cooperation with federal and international partners – seized a fishing vessel and crew suspected of large-scale illegal high-seas drift net fishing in the North Pacific Ocean.

The crew of the Bangun Pekasa tend to fishing nets prior to a Coast Guard Cutter Munro law enforcement boarding. The Coast Guard actively participates in the international cooperative efforts against large-scale high-seas drift net fishing as encouraged by the United Nations moratorium. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Acting on vessel sighting information from a Fisheries Agency of Japan airplane, Coast Guard Cutter Munro launched its helicopter and crew who located the fishing vessel Bangun Perkasa with 22 fishermen aboard approximately 2,600 miles southwest of Kodiak, Alaska.
Bangun Perkasa’s crew reportedly abandoned their fishing nets and attempted to leave the area once they spotted the helicopter flying above them. The vessel was found to be operating without valid flag state registration and seized as a stateless vessel for violations of U.S. law.
Upon boarding the vessel, a Munro team found more than 10 miles of drift net, 30 tons of squid and approximately 30 shark carcasses aboard. They retrieved the abandoned net and began the lengthy escort toward Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
“The seizure of the Bangun Perkasa highlights how international cooperation along with U.S. Coast Guard high endurance cutters can detect, monitor, and interdict high-seas drift net fishing vessels,” said Capt. Gregory Sanial, 17th Coast Guard District chief of enforcement. “This method of fishing is illegal, despicable and shows complete disregard for the world’s ecosystem, and the joint effort of the many Pacific nations shows our dedication to ending this barbaric practice, enforcing maritime law and being good stewards of the environment.”
Munro handed the vessel’s escort back to port off to Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, which is bringing the Bangun Perkasa to Dutch Harbor where the case will be turned over to the Alaska Region of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement for the investigation.
“We will conduct a thorough investigation of this case and continue our work to prevent high-seas drift net fishing, which is globally recognized as an indiscriminate fishing practice that kills marine mammals, sea birds, sharks and fish,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA’s assistant administrator for fisheries. “NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement in Alaska continues to combat this illegal fishing with the help of Canada, Russia, Japan, China and Korea, our international partners in the North Pacific.”
“This case demonstrates how our cutters and crews allow the United States to maintain constant vigil far from the U.S. mainland,” said Rear Adm. Cari Thomas, the Coast Guard director of response policy. “Our high endurance cutters routinely operate from South America to the Bering Sea. The Munro, and cutters like it, are more than 40 years old and slated for replacement. National Security Cutters that are faster, better equipped, more durable, safer and more efficient than their predecessor, will continue to ensure U.S. interests are protected today and for decades to come.”

DOUGLAS MUNRO

Today, the 27th of September 2011 will be the 69th Anniversary of the death of SM1 Douglas Munro, the only US Coast Guardsman to receive the Medal of Honor.

Let’s all take a moment and pay tribute to our Coast Guard Hero.

On September 27th 1942 Signalman (SM) First Class Munro was the Officer-in-Charge of a group of Higgins Boats in Guadalcanal that was evacuating  500 Marines. Petty Officer Munro, under constant risk of his life, daringly led five Higgins Boats towards the beach. As he approached the beach, he signaled the other boats to land and then in order to draw the enemy’s fire and protect the heavily loaded boats with Marines, he valiantly placed his craft so that it would serve as a cover for the last Marines to leave the beach.  It was thus that he was fatally wounded, he remained conscious sufficiently long enough to say four words “did they get off” he died with the realization that his mission had succeeded and his final assignment had been carried out.

Since Munro was operating under the authority of the Navy, he received the Navy Medal of Honor. A Coast Guard Medal of Honor exists, but has never been issued.

There have been two ships named after him, the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WHEC-724) and the Navy’s USS Douglas A. Munro (DE-422). Also the barracks building located at the US Coast Guards Training Center Cape May, NJ (Munro Hall) is named in his honor and this is where his “MEDAL of HONOR” is on Display.

SEMPER PARATUS    

Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Posted by: LT Stephanie Young

President Barack Obama signs the certification stating the statutory requirements for repeal of DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) have been met, in the Oval Office, July 22, 2011. Pictured, from left, are: Brian Bond, Deputy Director of the Office of Public Engagement; Kathleen Hartnett, Associate Counsel to the President; Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta; Kathryn Ruemmler, Counsel to the President; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen; and Vice President Joe Biden. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

Beginning today, the policy governing the service of gay and lesbian members – commonly referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – has been repealed. Now implemented, the repeal allows gay and lesbian Americans to serve openly in the military.
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt released a letter to the service earlier this morning informing Coast Guardsmen that all policies relating to “Don’t’ Ask, Don’t Tell” are no longer in effect. In the letter they addressed the repeal as well as their confidence in the service to hold fast to the service’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
“We will continue to Respect all our Shipmates today, just as we did yesterday, and we appreciate your continuing leadership as our Service implements this policy change,” wrote Papp and Leavitt in the letter.
In December 2010, the President signed into law legislation to repeal 10 USC § 654, the statute which established the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Under rules outlined in the law, the president, secretary of defense and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were required to certify that implementation of the new policies and regulations written by the Department of Defense was consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion and recruiting and retention of the armed forces.
For more information on this important issue, you can read previous Coast Guard Compass coverage on the repeal here. To read Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp’s full written testimony before the Senate Armed Forces Committee, click here, and to see video of the hearing, click here. The “Report of the Comprehensive Review of the Issues Associated with a Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is available here.

Tags: "Don't ask, Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant, DADT, Don't Tell", Joint Chiefs of Staff, Master Chief Michael Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, secretary of defense

 

Coast Guard lends a hand for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Coast Guard lends a hand for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Monday, September 26, 2011

Posted by: LT Stephanie Young

Coast Guardsmen from Coast Guard Cutter Diligence and Station Oak Island attend the unveiling event for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition which capped a week of 24-hour days with more than three thousand military and civilian volunteers. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn.

Written by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a show known for bringing tears of joy to families who witness a dramatic reconstruction of their homes. During a recent production a few Coast Guardsmen were on hand in Fayetteville, N.C., to participate in the unveiling of a 5,000-square-foot house rebuilt for Barbara Summey Marshall, who served 15 years in the Navy.

First Lady Michelle Obama greets military personnel during a visit to the set of an episode for the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Obama joined three thousand military and civilian volunteers to give Barbara Summey Marshall, who served 15 years in the Navy, the surprise of her life. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn.

Marshall shares her home with the Steps N Stages Jubilee House, which provides shelter, support and mentoring services to homeless female veterans. Coast Guard men and women hold close relationships with the communities in which they live and serve, so it was only fitting that they would lend a hand.
Coast Guardsmen were able to participate in the rebuilding of the new home, which started by tearing down the old one. A giant rope was fastened around the house and led across the state of North Carolina to the ocean where a rescue boat from Station Oak Island helped bring the old house down. The rope, as it crossed the state before being handed off to Coast Guardsmen, symbolized the unity of effort and level of support for a woman who was truly affecting change in her community.
More than three thousand military and civilian volunteers worked around the clock to transform Marshall’s 1,600-square-foot house into a 5,000-square-foot home for her work in the veteran community to continue.
After the demanding days of rebuilding by thousands of volunteers, Coast Guardsmen from Coast Guard Cutter Diligence and Station Oak Island attended the unveiling of the new home alongside other servicemembers and members of the community. The presence of the servicemembers signaled not only their support for Marshall but also their utmost respect for her ability to change the lives of homeless veterans.
The opportunity was especially touching for the Coast Guardsmen as they reflected on the Year of the Coast Guard Family – a campaign to foster resilient Coast Guard members and military families.

Click the above image to see a motor life boat from Coast Guard Station Oak Island help tear down the house from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

“It was great to see the family’s reaction,” said Ensign Andrew Price, stationed aboard Diligence. “I can only imagine the joy and gratitude they felt towards the crew of Extreme Makeover and all the volunteers that helped build the house. You could definitely tell from the outside that a lot of hard work and professional expertise went into the renovations.”
The episode aired last night and can be viewed online at the Extreme Makeover Home Edition website.

Every Dog Has Its Day

Every dog has its day

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Posted by: LT Stephanie Young

The multi-mission Maritime Security Response Team and Maritime Safety and Security Teams of the U.S. Coast Guard provide port safety, security and law enforcement capabilities to America’s ports. Partnerships are important in achieving their mission, and one of these partnerships is with man’s best friend.
Canine explosive detection teams are part of the MSRT and MSST and perform explosive detection operations in and around our nation’s ports and aboard vessels. The canine explosive detection teams, capable of operating in a wide range of environments, secure key maritime infrastructure in cities across America and work alongside local law enforcement agencies in security sweeps for large-scale events.
The canines, just like their handlers, must be prepared for every situation they will encounter in their mission and train in a variety of scenarios. In the below story you will get a glimpse of that training as you follow Sirius, Evy and their handlers as they train from both aboard a vessel and a helicopter.

Click on the above image to see a video of canine helicopter familiarity training. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Pamela J. Boehland.

Written by Petty Officer 2nd Class Pamela J. Boehland.
Sirius stood on the bow of the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat with her tail tucked between her legs and quaking in her custom-made harness. Her soft, velvety ears were pinned back and she looked up at canine handler Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Hartman as he stroked her head and murmured reassurances to her. As Sirius struggled to find her sea legs, Hartman clipped a line to the black Labrador’s harness. Her shaking legs were lifted from the aluminum deck of the lifeboat, and she was hoisted up the broad side of the haze-grey WWII liberty ship, the Jeremiah O’Brien, which was moored at Pier 45 in San Francisco.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Hartman, a maritime law enforcement specialist with the Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco, and Evy, a military working dog, conduct explosive detection training on the moored Jeremiah O'Brien. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Pamela J. Boehland.

The hoist up the O’Brien is part of the dogs’ ongoing training program designed to expose them to all of the fields they could be potentially called to serve in. They are both bomb-sniffing dogs, and typically search for explosive material on ferries and in warehouses and port facilities. Their training, however, sometimes requires them to be transported to assets that they are not naturally comfortable with, such as airplanes or moving boats.
“The loud noises and vibrations of the boats scare the dogs, and we have to redirect their attention and prepare them, so if that call does come in, they are ready,” said Hartman.
Sirius’ usual handler, Petty Officer 1st Class Joe Tokarsky, was at the top of the ship, and he pulled her, hand-over-hand, up the 35-foot side. Additionally, she had another safety line attached to her, handled by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Sumner in case Tokarsky lost control. Once she was over the side and on deck, she got right to the job she was trained to do, locate explosives.
She searched the ship until she found the explosive-type scent she was looking for, went still and was rewarded with playtime with her friend and handler, Tokarsky.
After Sirius, it was Evy’s turn to be hoisted. The motor lifeboat nosed up to the O’Brien and Hartman brought the four-year old Belgian Malinois on deck.
Handlers are taught how to safely hoist dogs as part of their initial training at the Customs and Border Protection K-9 school in Front Royal, Va., and field exercises like this help refresh their initial training. It is an important part of acclimating the dogs to at sea searches.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Hartman hoists Evy, an explosive detection dog, up the side of the moored Jeremiah O'Brien in a training that prepares the dogs for boarding larger ships at sea. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Pamela J. Boehland.

Evy and Sirius, like all members of the Coast Guard, train regularly to stay proficient. Their handlers constantly challenge them locate various explosive scents because the dogs are vital to finding and stopping bombs.
“The dogs love to work,” said Hartman. “When they take a few weeks off for rest, they are anxious and restless to get back to it.”
Hartman has been working with Evy for two years. Both handlers not only work with the dogs but also take them home and care for them.
“Evy is my partner,” said Hartman. “Even our days off are spent together. We have developed a real bond. She’s a part of the family.”
Hartman, Tokarsky, Evy and Sirius are an important part of the Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco, a team dedicated to stopping hazards at sea. Together, they search ships for threats, safeguard ferries, secure ports and protect our waterways. America’s waterfront is safer because Evy and Sirius are sniffing out dangers. They provide an extra line of security from bombs and explosives and do something that no human or robot can.

Safeguarding ports From Natural Disasters

Safeguarding ports from natural disasters

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

 

The Coast Guard's maritime transportation system management program ensures safe, efficient, secure and environmentally sound waterways essential to the flow of goods and commerce. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Approaching the midpoint of this year’s Atlantic Hurricane season the first eight named storms failed to reach hurricane strength. This of course ended when Hurricane Irene became the first hurricane of the season and impacted more than 1,000 miles of U.S. coastline, effecting millions of citizens and 46 U.S. ports. Little noticed by many but invaluable to all, was how quickly ports along the East Coast opened for business in the wake of Irene, in some cases only hours after she left the city. The Coast Guard, working with partners and the shipping industry, readied these ports for the threatening storm and thereby minimized economic disruption for everyone regardless if the city was situated in the south where tropical cyclones are generated, or as far north as Maine.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano asks a question of Capt. Peter Gautier, commander of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans during a tour of the New Orleans port, Aug. 8, 2011. The Coast Guard provides oversight along the Mississippi River port system, which is among the largest in the world. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephen Lehmann.

In every one of America’s ports, the Coast Guard has plans in place to protect lives and property from the threats of a natural disaster. This preparedness begins in seasons when severe weather is less likely, and continues just hours before a storm’s impact. The Coast Guard cannot do it alone, however, and each captain of the port works with maritime stakeholders and industry partners to use lessons learned from previous storms to hone existing plans or create them for circumstances where no prior ones existed.
“We start with the foundation of working with government and stakeholders on a daily basis,” said Capt. Peter Gautier, sector commander of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans. “Anywhere from the brown water towing industry to the blue water mariners to the offshore drilling and production industry. We know each other very well and we start with a mutual understanding of what we do and what expertise we have.”
As sector commander, Gautier is also captain of the port for New Orleans and is responsible for protecting port facilities, merchant vessels and the maritime transportation system itself. The multibillion-dollar industry depends on its ability to recover after storms but this does not come without challenges. For Sector New Orleans, situated in the heartland of America, planners have to analyze an array of unpredictable natural disasters.

Consumers, businesses and military forces in the U.S. and around the world rely on America’s ports and waterways every day. Even the slightest disruption can have global economic impacts. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall.

“We get everything here because it’s where everything meets,” said Gautier. “This reality presents a challenging circumstance. We have 300 miles of Mississippi River shoreline to cover; then 200 miles of offshore coverage, including the most concentration of offshore platforms anywhere in the country.”
Each of our nation’s ports is unique and so to are the challenges they face in preparing for storms. Coast Guard Sector Boston safeguards the Port of Boston, one of the East Coast’s principal facilities dedicated to cargo, petroleum and liquefied natural gas shipment and storage. In moving tankers and sheltering port infrastructure in Boston, Cmdr. Paul Arnett, Boston’s deputy sector commander, counts on industry partners to tackle their main challenge.
“Keeping situational awareness is the greatest challenge,” said Arnett. “We collect layup plans from vessels and discuss with each facility how their operations will be affected by the incoming weather. These plans are dependent on the projected conditions; as the predicted weather changes, so do the plans.”
Arnett also depends on a group of Coast Guardsmen whose sole focus throughout heavy weather is on storm preparation.
“To overcome the situational awareness challenge, we set up an Incident Management Team to take the lead on overseeing storm preparations and post-storm recovery if needed,” said Arnett. “By having a singularly focused team over the duration of the event, we can spread the workload and ensure that all the details are captured.”

The Port of Boston, above, is a major seaport located adjacent to the city of Boston. It is the largest port in Massachusetts and a principal port on the East Coast. U.S. Coast Guard photo illustration by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Shinn.

One of Boston’s Incident Management Team members is Lt. Garrett Meyer who assisted in preparing New England’s harbors for Hurricane Irene. His experience has shown, that despite the precision in forecasting storms and our certainty in preparations, we can never be too sure.
“We stress not to become complacent; preparing for a storm takes a tremendous amount of preparation and effort and when a storm ends up being less than predicted for a specific area it takes discipline to ensure that the next storm receives the same focus,” said Meyer. “Just because the previous storm unexpectedly decreased in strength does not mean that the same will happen every time.”
U.S. cities contend with the threat of hurricanes and heavy weather every year and a major port taken out of commission for a lengthy period could devastate local businesses and ripple into the national economy. Coast Guard captains of the port face this reality when protecting maritime infrastructure and port facilities and it is through their careful planning and coordination that the maritime transportation system is protected and kept open for business.

DIVING INTO OPERATIONS

Diving into operations

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Posted by: LT Stephanie Young

A Regional Dive Locker East Diver signals how much air he has remaining. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.

Written by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson, Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group.
One second, five seconds, 30 seconds, the clock ticks away. Bubbles occasional rise to the surface from under the dozen First Coast Guard District cutters moored at Naval Station Newport, R.I. The seconds turn into minutes, and minutes lengthen into hours.

Regional Diver Locker East divers prepare their scuba tanks before conducting hull inspections on Coast Guard Cutters Bainbridge Island and Ridley. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.

Beneath the water’s surface, Regional Dive Locker East divers skim along the cutters’ hulls – they’ve been working beneath the waves all week.
“We’re performing annual hull inspections, cleaning when necessary, removing lines from around the cutters propellers and unfouling anchors,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Don Selby, RDLE dive team leader. “It’s important work because it lessens equipment wear and tear and prevents damage from fouled propellers. It’s one piece of a maintenance program that ensures Coast Guard’s cutters are ready for operations.”
Hull inspection is one way Coast Guard divers hone their skills to support their normal missions which include the repair, maintenance and placement of aids to navigation; polar operations; ports, waterways and coastal security missions; salvage and recovery operations; and coral reef and environmental surveys. Altogether, they conduct more than 1,000 dives a year.
It’s a broad range of operations for a young program – the regional dive lockers are commemorating their third anniversary on Oct. 1, and the divers have quickly learned that proficiency and dedication to professionalism is vital to their undersea mission.

A Regional Dive Locker East diver front steps into the water to conduct an annual hull inspection on the Coast Guard Cutters Bainbridge Island and Ridley. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.

The divers inspected the cutters’ protective paint, checked the anti-corrosion systems, scraped away barnacles and growths and cut away line wrapped around the propellers. They even relocated a crab living in a cutter’s salt-water intakes. This important work would cost thousands of dollars per cutter if contracted outside of the Coast Guard and allows each ship to achieve greater speed and fuel efficiency.
“Our team inspected 11 cutters including the buoy tenders, Abbie Burgess, Bollard and Juniper, as well as the 87-foot patrol boats, Hammerhead, Ridley and Sailfish,” Selby said. “The divers worked underwater for more than eight hours ensuring the job was done right.”
Doing this hull inspection job right is an essential part of ensuring the cutters and divers are ready for future operations.
“We’re still building our reputation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Bobby Foucha, RDLE dive supervisor. “This might be the first time these cutter crews have worked with Coast Guard divers. Each time we deploy, it’s a chance to show we’re proficient professionals able to support a multitude of Coast Guard missions.”

A Regional Diver Locker East diver dons his fins before conducting an annual hull inspection on Coast Guard Cutters Hammerhead and Sailfish. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.

Shipmate of the Week – HS2 Alicia Zeller

Shipmate of the Week – HS2 Alicia Zeller

Friday, September 16, 2011

Posted by: LT Stephanie Young

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Willow transits past an iceberg during their Arctic patrol. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Alicia Zeller is Willow's health services technician and is responsible for the medical readiness of the ship's more than 40-person crew. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton.

Docked in the heart of Newport, R.I., a city rich in naval history, Coast Guard Cutter Willow feels right at home maintaining aids to navigation in some of the most challenging waterways in New England. Beyond its buoy tending responsibilities, the cutter also performs a myriad of missions including maritime security, marine protection and search and rescue. “In Omnia Paratus,” prepared for everything, is the cutter’s motto, and one member of Willow’s crew lives up to that motto and more.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Alicia Zeller is Willow’s only health services technician, but her responsibility to keep the crew healthy and “Omnia Paratus” does not overshadow her dedication to duty as a critical part of the more than 40-person crew.
During Willow’s recent Arctic deployment, Zeller provided first-class medical care for the crew in addition to other operational roles throughout the ship. Her work commenced as Willow left the heat of a New England summer to hone their Arctic capabilities alongside international navies as a participant in Operation Nanook. After Operation Nanook, the crew continued their icy-water transit to meet with Danish naval vessel Ejnar Mikkelsen. As the cutter made history sailing just south of Petermann Glacier – the northernmost a buoy tender in the U. S. Coast Guard has ever been – Zeller was busy preparing for a mass casualty exercise.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Alicia Zeller receives a Good Conduct Medal from Lt. Cmdr. Brian Donahue and Chief Petty Officer Ben Hicks. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton.

Zeller worked hand in hand with members from Ejnar Mikkelsen and Thule Air Force Base, Greenland, to plan a mass casualty drill that escalated into a mass medical evacuation. Understanding proper medical readiness and the ability to transport patients is a priority at the remote Thule Air Base – the U.S. Armed Forces’ northernmost installation – and Zeller and the medical crews planned everything precisely.
Despite the challenges of the operation, including language barriers and the isolated landscape, Zeller effectively trained Ejnar Mikkelsen and Willow crewmembers as first responders who triaged and treated the exercise’s “patients.” Zeller’s expertise and direction helped both crews learn more about responding at Thule Air Base and, more importantly, allowed responders to hone their skills to save lives.
“Petty Officer Zeller has been an integral part of the success of Willow’s operation in the Arctic. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her profession, her shipmates and the Willow, allowed me to integrate seamlessly with the crew and command,” said Lt. j.g. Jason James, the crew’s physician’s assistant temporarily assigned to Willow for their deployment. “She specifically made it possible for me to provide the high level of care to all aboard, ensuring readiness was maintained.”

Petty Officer 2nd Class Alicia Zeller with the fire investigations team as they do their round of the ship during a drill. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton.

While Zeller’s primary role is to run sickbay and provide medical assistance to her shipmates, she is also heavily involved in daily operations. Zeller qualified on the bridge of the ship as a helmsman, lookout and master helmsman. Zeller also stepped into the role of an in-port officer of the day, a position on the ship where the watchstander is a direct representative of the captain and has responsibility for the ship while in port.
“While standing double watches, Petty Officer Zeller was still able to assist and facilitate numerous serious medical conditions and allowed the appropriate care and disposition, rapidly and appropriately ensuring the health and welfare of all attached to Willow,” said James.
The figure of speech “Jack of all trades, master of none” is often used to refer to a person who has various skills but cannot fully excel at any of them. Zeller’s exceptional medical skills paired with her ability to stand the watch alongside her shipmates prove that she has undeniably mastered her trades.