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.

U. S. COAST GUARD MISSIONS (POST 9/11/2001)

For over two centuries the U.S. Coast Guard has safeguarded our Nation’s maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe. We protect the maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as America’s Maritime Guardian — Always Ready for all hazards and all threats.
Today’s U.S. Coast Guard, with nearly 42,000 men and women on active duty, is a unique force that carries out an array of civil and military responsibilities touching almost every facet of the U.S. maritime environment.
The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready."

Missions

By law, the Coast Guard has 11 missions:

• Ports, waterways, and coastal security
• Drug interdiction
• Aids to navigation
• Search and rescue
• Living marine resources
• Marine safety
• Defense readiness
• Migrant interdiction
• Marine environmental protection
• Ice operations
• Other law enforcement

(listed in order of percentage of operating expenses)
Thus, we are military, multi-mission, and maritime.

Your role in homeland security

Your role in homeland security

Monday, September 12, 2011

Posted by: LT Schump

Yesterday, the nation commemorated the 10 year remembrance of the Sept. 11 terror attacks on our country. Vigilance was the word of the day as we collectively reflected on the lives lost that day as well as the steps we have taken as a nation to ensure it never happens again. While our first responders and military have taken the lead on safety and security in the decade since, individuals can, and do, play an important role in making our communities and nation more secure. Homeland security is something every American has a role in.
The Coast Guard, in partnership with federal, state and local agencies keeps a vigilant watch on our nation’s waterways. But, with more than 95,000 miles of coastline to protect, the Coast Guard and our partners also rely on alert individuals.
Homeland security begins with hometown security, and working together you can build a strong foundation for a secure and resilient homeland in your community.
One of the programs that places all Americans at the forefront of impacting our nation’s security is the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign. The goal of this program is as simple as it sounds, if you hear or see anything suspicious tell local authorities about it. By raising public awareness of possible terrorist indicators and encouraging every citizen to report suspicious activity to authorities, the country is further strengthening its ability to stay protected from threats.

Click on the above image to see a video on "If You See Something, Say Something.™"

The Coast Guard, in partnerships with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, also enlists the public’s aid in reporting suspicious activity on the water with America’s Waterway Watch. The overall purpose of the program is to allow those Americans who are familiar with our country’s coastlines to assist federal, state and local law enforcement agencies by being observant and attentive in recognizing possible threats and crimes on and around our waterways. After all, nobody knows what is normal for a certain area better than the very citizens who live, work or play in or around America’s waterfront.
You don’t have to live on the coast to keep a watchful eye. America’s rivers, bridges, tunnels and inland ports are all places where citizens can make a difference by reporting unusual activity.
Every American plays a role in keeping our nation safe. Remember, homeland security begins with hometown security, and an alert and informed public is critical to keeping our neighbors out of harm’s way.

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Download the Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide for more information. But remember, this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Please use this link for more  information and hurricane preparedness guides.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml

Remembering 9/11: Protecting America’s ports

COAST GUARD Compass

Official Blog of the U.S. Coast Guard

Remembering 9/11: Protecting America’s ports

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Posted by: LT Stephanie Young

Co-authored by Lt. Daniel Orchard, International Port Security Program.

A Border Enforcement Security Task Force boarding team conducts a boarding on a tanker vessel April 29, 2009, off the coast of Long Beach, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall.

America’s seaports are an important part of our economy. When the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 occurred a decade ago, the nature of the tragedy understandably led to a rallying call to improve security at our airports. Less evident to many, however, were the social and economic impacts an attack on one of our nation’s ports might have.

Members of Coast Guard Port Security Unit 313, forward deployed from Everett, Wash., provide anti-terrorism and force protection at Mina' Ash Shu'aybah Port in Kuwait. U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eileen Kelly Fors.

Ports like New York City, San Francisco, Baltimore, Houston and Los Angeles are not only the entry point for many of the goods that Americans consume, they are also among our most populated cities. Doing everything possible to protect our seaports is critical for our economy, environment and way of life. Since the 9/11 attacks ten years ago, the Coast Guard and others have worked to improve the security of our seaports.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the Coast Guard – with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, significantly increased inspections of inbound ships for terrorists, stowaways, smuggled materials or weapons. But hundreds of vessels enter our ports each day. No matter how strong our security is at home, a threat to the global supply chain represents a threat to our national interests.
To combat this potential threat from abroad, the Coast Guard created the International Port Security Program three years later to engage our partners around the need to improve security in their ports as well. During the same year, the International Maritime Organization implemented a set of standards for port security called the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, or the ISPS Code.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Dutch Harbor, Alaska, personnel use an infrared video scope to scan for heat signatures from a cargo container being offloaded from a motor vessel. More than 30 containers were moved to reach a container suspected of housing Chinese migrants smuggled into the United States. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Marshalena Delaney.

The Coast Guard has championed the implementation of the ISPS Code by working with more than 150 coastal nations and collaborating with our foreign partners as they develop security systems around global centers of maritime trade and transportation.
Prior to this effort, merchant sailors would experience significant differences in port security as they pulled alongside the pier in various harbors around the world. The security at some ports was nearly impenetrable. In other ports, however, safety was a legitimate concern.
In the relatively short period of time ISPS has been in place, the Coast Guard has seen improvements in the security of foreign ports. One clear measure of success is the drop in the number of stowaways attempting to enter the United States since 2004.
Still, more work remains to be done. The Coast Guard will continue to work with our foreign partners while we simultaneously protect our homeland by boarding and inspecting ships that travel to America.
Our world is powerfully connected by maritime trade. The International Port Security Program is one of the many ways your Coast Guard works around the world to secure America’s maritime borders.

REMEMBER 9/11/2001 A DECADE LATER

Remembering 9/11: A decade later

Monday, September 5, 2011

Posted by: CDR Glynn Smith

The following blog was posted by Cmdr. Glynn Smith on behalf of Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp.
This post from Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp leads a series of posts that highlight the Coast Guard response on Sept. 11, 2001, and how our service has evolved over the past decade as the nation remembers and honors those lost in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa., on that now infamous day.

A Coast Guard rescue team from Sandy Hook, N.J., races to the scene of the World Trade Center terrorist attack. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tom Sperduto.

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 people were killed by terrorists who hijacked four commercial jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon and, only because of the heroic efforts of several passengers, a Pennsylvania field. First and foremost, this is a day to pause, reflect and honor those who were lost, including more than 400 first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to rescue their fellow citizens, as well as the thousands of service members who have selflessly given their lives in the overseas contingency operations that have followed. We will never forget them. Their sacrifice only strengthens the commitment of every member of the Coast Guard to serve.

Coast Guard crewmembers patrol the harbor after the collapse of the World Trade Center. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tom Sperduto.

While the events of 9/11 were tragic, the Coast Guard takes great pride in its response that day. Immediately following the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center’s North Tower, junior personnel from New York City, though they were witnessing the unfathomable, instinctively responded. They were able to meet this challenge by drawing upon the leadership, training and culture passed down by over two centuries of Coast Guardsmen. They also leveraged our strong maritime partnerships. When they put out the call for all boats to respond to Lower Manhattan, hundreds of merchant mariners piloting tug boats, ferries and every other type of watercraft formed a boatlift that safely evacuated 500,000 people in just nine hours – an amazing, heroic and largely unknown feat.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard rapidly swung into action. Our versatile cutter fleet was repositioned from offshore to inshore and served as command and control platforms in our ports. Reserve and auxiliary forces reported for duty – many even before they were called – and civilian staff members worked tirelessly to support these enhanced operations. Our culture of adaptability, agility and empowering our people to act, combined with our multi-mission vessels and aircraft allowed us to quickly shift focus and confront this new threat.

Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma guards the Hudson River Sept. 17, 2001, as part of port security duties after Sept. 11. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tom Sperduto.

Looking back, it is amazing to see how the Coast Guard and our Nation has transformed since 9/11. Almost half of our current active duty members joined the service post-9/11. Just fourteen months later, on Nov. 25, 2002, the Department of Homeland Security – our new department – was established. Our response also proved the value of the integrated field units and we have made it the model for how we deliver services to the public via our Coast Guard Sectors around the country. We have greatly enhanced our ability to monitor activity on the water to detect potential threats through surveillance tools, increased vessel and aircraft patrols, partnerships with governmental and private entities and membership in the intelligence community.
Coast Guard capabilities have also vastly evolved. We now have teams of highly trained, deployable specialized forces to protect our ports and respond to the full range of maritime threats. We continue to recapitalize our fleet with new aircraft and cutters outfitted with advanced sensors that are fully interoperable with both DHS components and Department of Defense assets. We have also constructed a layered maritime defense strategy of shore-based, maritime patrol and overseas inspection forces.
However, we must never forget that what made the Coast Guard strong on 9/11, and what continues to make us strong today, is our people. I am proud to lead a talented and dedicated force whose vigilance ensures our homeland, ports and waterways are safe and secure. Their dedication to duty keeps the Coast Guard Always Ready – Semper Paratus to serve this great nation.
Throughout the week, the Compass blog will be featuring stories and imagery on our 9/11 response and the evolution of our service in the decade since. I encourage you to visit and learn more about this formative day in our history and how we continue to honor those who were lost.
Adm. Bob Papp
Commandant

REMEMBERING 9/11/2011 AND A BRAVE PETTY OFFICER'S ACTIONS

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2011/09/remembering-911-me1-carlos-perez/

Please see the above link and remember our fellow Americans that were lost on this tragic day.  The USCG was one of the first military services on scene.

U. S. COAST GUARD RESERVE RECRUITING WITH THE SOCIAL MEDIA

Hi, my name is LT Sandor L. Schump, and I am  a commissioned officer and work at Coast Guard Recruiting Command in Arlington, VA.  I am currently in charge of  diversity, and recruiting officers, and enlisted reserves into the U. S. Coast Guard.  I try to align my recruiting mission goals with the CG COMMANDANT'S policy by recruiting a diverse number of candidates into the Coast Guard Reserve workforce.  The motto is to "recruit the best ten, not the first ten".  My goal is to bring CG Reserve recruiting to the social media and to use this blog as a potential way to seek the best candidates to join the CG Reserve, possibly even a few in this class.  For part time work (one weekend a month, two weeks a year) we offer medical benefits, the Montgomery GI Bill, Dental Insurance, tuition assistance in the amount of 4500.00 per year, and decent pay for part-time work, especially in these rough economic times.  We pick the best of the best.  I will continue this blog throughout the course and update it with Coast Guard messages and recruitment opportunities as they become abreast.  Also, for those with a BS degree or higher, I will post reserve and active duty officer dates, times, and deadlines. 

Thank you,
LT Sandor Schump, 202-309-9843
Recruit The Best Ten, Not The First Ten

Please visit our external website at http://www.gocoastguard.com/find-your-career/reserve-opportunities.   If interested in the Coast Guard Reserve.  For all information to join the to the Coast Guard, either active or reserve please visit www.gocoastguard.com. 

We live by the Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.

               



U. S. Coast Guard Reserve and Active Duty Officer Recruiting Times and Deadlines:

FY12 Coast Guard Recruiting Command
PANELS AND DEADLINE DATES

IMPORTANT! The application process for all officer programs consists of compiling a package of your credentials and other documents. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. You should be in contact with a recruiter well in advance of the deadline. A medical physical along with other tests are required. Occasionally, lengthy delays occur so contact your nearest recruiter to get the process started early!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION NO LATER THAN (NLT) DATES BELOW ARE THE FINAL DUE DATES. ALL DOCUMENTS THAT ARE REQUIRED MUST BE TURNED IN TO YOUR RECRUITER BY THE THE DATE SPECIFIED.

What does NLT mean?
Coast Guard members shall have applications completed and submitted to the Educational Services Officer (ESO) by the NLT date.

Civilians and ESO’s shall have applications fully completed and submitted to the local Recruiting Office no later than the RO date. These dates are final and recruiters should not feel obligated to make exceptions.

CGRC PANEL: 01-12 (DCO)

TO ESO NLT: 12SEP11 - TO RO NLT: 03OCT11 - TO CGRC NLT: 31OCT11
PANEL START DATE: 05DEC11

CGRC PANEL: 02-12 (SRDC/PA)

TO ESO NLT: 03OCT11 - TO RO NLT: 31OCT11 - TO CGRC NLT: 22NOV11
PANEL START DATE: 30JAN12

CGRC PANEL: 03-12 (OCS-T)

TO ESO NLT: 03OCT11 - TO RO NLT: 07NOV11 - TO CGRC NLT: 05DEC11
PANEL START DATE: 13FEB12

CGRC PANEL: 04-12 (CSPI/PPEP)

TO ESO NLT: 12DEC11 - TO RO NLT: 17JAN12 - TO CGRC NLT: 21FEB12
PANEL START DATE: 19MAR12

CGRC PANEL: 05-12 (DCO/PA)

TO ESO NLT: 12DEC11 - TO RO NLT: 17JAN12 - TO CGRC NLT: 21FEB12
PANEL START DATE: 26MAR12

CGRC PANEL: 06-12 (OCS-R)

TO ESO NLT: 05DEC11 - TO RO NLT: 09JAN12 - TO CGRC NLT: 21FEB12
PANEL START DATE: 30APR12

THE DCO AND OCS OFFICER SELECTION PANELS SCHEDULE WILL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS FOR EACH SPECIFIC PANEL, AS LONG AS FY12 VACANCIES EXIST: A. 01-12 (DCO): DCA, WIFI (WILKS FLIGHT INITIATIVE), DCL. MARGRAD, AND CMAPPPB. 03-12 (OCS-T): TEMP AND AVCAD
C. 05-12 (DCO-PA): DCE, DCIO, DCL, DCSS, MARGRAD, AND DCPA
D. 06-12 (OCS-R): RESERVE AND AVCAD. CIVILIANS, SELRES, AND ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS BELOW THE RANK OF E-5 WITH LESS THAN FOUR YEARS OF ACTIVE DUTY ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE OCS-R PANEL.


Updated on 9/4/2011:  The Coast Guard Reserve will be offering enlistment bonuses after October 1, 2011.  Stay tuned if interested.  The bonus amounts should be in the 5K and/or 10K range.

Updated on 9/5/2011:  The U. S. Coast Guard has a social media/blog page that lists all recovered narcotics, lifesaving, national defense, environmental missions, and major mission topics of interest on it very own home/blog page. Please feel free to visit it at  www.uscg.mil.