SPARs Day: A day to remember

Posted by LT Connie Braesch, Thursday, July 22, 2010

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Coast Guard Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara poses with members of Coast Guard SPARS, July 22, 2010. SPARS is a contraction of the Coast Guard motto Semper Paratus and its English translation Always Ready. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Casey J. Ranel.

“A tremendous tribute.”  - Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O’Hara, Coast Guard Vice Commandant

The massive, brand new 418-foot cutter provides surprisingly little shade on the hot and sunny pier in Pascagoula, Miss., where the Coast Guard’s most influential female leaders from past and present gather to remember, honor and celebrate the legacy of Capt. Dorothy Constance Stratton and the SPARs the day before First Lady Michelle Obama christens the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton.

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Coast Guard Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara talks with Coast Guard SPAR Dorothy Kurtz, July 22, 2010. Created Nov. 23, 1942, the SPARS was the U.S. Coast Guard's all women reserve force. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Casey J. Ranel.

Several of the 24 SPARs proudly dressed in a uniform resembling the one they wore during World War II more than 65 years ago… a crisp white button-down shirt, carefully tied black ascot, neatly pressed slacks and a garrison cover pinned with the Coast Guard shield.

Joined by the family members and guests, their laughs can be heard across the room and their smiles illuminate with each passing peer.

All of them gather here for one purpose – to take part in the naming of the newest Coast Guard cutter after their leader and friend, Capt. Stratton.

“Dorothy Stratton was a trailblazer,” said Vice Adm. Brice-O’Hara. “Her legacy, which is represented by all the SPARs who are with us, is enduring.”

“Dorothy Stratton was a leader, bringing women into the service,” said Capt. Bruce Baffer, the Stratton’s prospective commanding officer. “[The christening] is a celebration of how far women have come in the Coast Guard. There are no jobs they can’t do.”

“[Dorothy Stratton] was really a women ahead of her time. When you think of all the leadership positions she had not just in the Coast Guard but as dean the of women at Purdue and the executive director of the Girl Scouts,” said Melinda Cook, Dorothy’s great niece and one of eleven family members that traveled from the west coast to be at this week’s events.

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Barbara Stratton and Dr. Richard Stratton, the niece and nephew of Capt. Dorothy Stratton pose for a photo in front of Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, July 22, 2010. U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Casey J. Ranel.

“This event is a culmination of Dorothy Stratton’s achievements and to what she did as a career women in the military before and after her service. The scale of this event really matches her achievements and we are just honored to be a part of it,” said Kelly Cook, Melinda’s husband.

“Its quite an honor for the family,” said Barbara Stratton Myers, Dorothy’s niece. “I don’t think that in her lifetime she thought this would happen. Number one that [the ship] would be named after a female, and number two that it would be named after her.”

“Aunt Dorothy would be extremely humbled and would down play everything,” added her nephew, Rick Stratton. She would question what all the fuss was about, he said.

She may be modest but the “fuss” is well deserved recognition helping to remind every Coast Guardsman that steps aboard the ship for many years to come of her memory and accomplishments.

Thank-you Capt. Stratton for your service. Thank-you to her family members and fellow SPARs for being here to help the Coast Guard celebrate this special occasion.

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The SPARs were honored and recognized during SPARs Day at the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding facility, July 22, 2010. U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Casey J. Ranel.

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  • Mary P.Lefmann

    I am a Spar who really wishes she was down there today. Good Luck today. and Bon Voyage to the USCG Cutter, Stratton. May she have many years service.
    The Coast Guard is a very special and wonderful military and Homeland Security unit. And my 2 plus years remain as close to the main part of my life.
    Mary Pace Lefmann

  • Christopher Wood

    On behalf of the CGC Chase Association membership we call for fair winds and following seas for Capt. Baffer and his crew as they cast off all lines and get the Cutter Stratton underway. She is a beauty and is a great honor to Dorthy, her (our) Spars, the USCG and the United States of America.

    Once a Chaser, Always a Chaser, Christopher Wood, member CGC Chase Assoc. History Committee

  • barbara pavkovic rowe

    On behalf of the Fabyan and Pavkovic families from Michigan, we congratulate the Coast Guard on its many significant accomplishments.
    We too celebrate the Cutter Stratton as its represents the historic debut of women into the Coast Guard.
    In 1943, Eleanor Pavkovic Fabyan, then living in Detroit, enlisted in the Spars. After serving her country during World War II, she married Navy veteran George Fabyan. Eleanor continued to keep in touch with the Spars she served with and was instrumental in bringing recognition to the Spars in Coast Guard City USA, Grand Haven , Michigan. In 2002, Eleanor Fabyan was the Grand Marshall for their Coast Guard Parade. For many years, she headed up the effort to bring as many Spars as possible to these festivities.
    Her prominant goal was to fly to Mississippi to attend the July 23 dedication of the Stratton with daughters Cynthia and Deborah.
    Unfortunately, that trip could not take place due to Eleanor’s sudden and serious ailment.
    Nevertheless, our dear and lovely Eleanor was present at the dedication in spirit. Eleanor Fabyan could be identified by her patriotic pride, dignity, and fondness for the Spars.
    We love the Coast Guard, Spars and Eleanor Pavkovic Fabyan.
    Semper Paratus!
    Love from Your Family and Friends

  • MCPO Edna Doak

    This is a proud day indeed to have a U.S. Coast Guard ship that honors Captain Dorothy Stratton as a great leader. USCGC Stratton also represents the dedication and hard work women have brought to the Coast Guard since World War II. Each SPAR blazed a trail of her own. The women who followed in the 70′s and 80′s did the groundwork to make a solid footing for the future. Today’s Coast Guard women emulate the high standards and traditions set by Captain Stratton and the SPARs. We are proud to serve alongside our fellow Guardians in the U.S. Coast Guard and defend our country around the world.

    Fair winds to Captain Baffer and the Coast Guard men and women of USCGC Stratton. Be well and safe on the high seas. Semper Paratus!

  • John Rogers, USCGAux

    My fourth grade teacher was Miss Yvonne Frederick who had served as a SPAR in WWII. Each morning, we would say the Pledge and then sing a patriotic song – typically one from the armed forces hymns. Though my grades were not that stellar at that age, I DID know how to make Miss Frederick happy.

    When it was my turn to choose the patriotic song, I always picked the Coast Guard hymn. I wish each and every one of you could have been there to see Miss Frederick’s PRIDE show as she sang “Semper Paratus is our guide,,,”. That memory still brings a smile to my face and makes me all the prouder of the US Coast Guard’s pioneer women…and those of today.

    I am glad your service has been recognized in the naming of a Cutter for Dorothy Stratton!

    Bravo Zulu!

  • Lynn Goldhammer, LCDR Retired

    I am very fortunate to have connected with the SPARs at the launching of the CGC SPAR, when I was a Lieutenant. I remained active with them through the years, including after retiring in 2007. They are a joy to be with, love sharing their stories, and have an unending love for the Coast Guard and America. It was a pleasure being with them again at the christening of the CGC STRATTON, and also meeting family of CAPT Stratton’s as well as many of her colleagues from Purdue – including a student who received a scholarship named for CAPT Stratton. I flew out to Indiana to interview CAPT Stratton when she was 102 – it was a great honor to meet her. I had always hoped we’d name a building or something after her, so I’m ecstatic to have a new cutter named for her. I’m looking forward to our next SPAR gathering which will be at the CGC STRATTON commissioning!

  • Nathan Wissmann

    On behalf of the USCGC RUSH Chief Petty Officers mess, Congratulations on the comission of USCGC Stratton! Welcome to the fleet, we look foward to serving with you and your crew out in the Pacific. Hopefully you will be around as long, if not longer than we have.

    Stay always “Semper Paratus.”