Guardian of the Week – LTjg Amanda Bazinet

Monday, August 9, 2010

Posted by: Dan Bender

Post written by: Petty Officer Second Class Daniel Bender

LTjg Amanda Bazinet (right) stands with other members of CGC Tahoma's boarding team

LTjg Amanda Bazinet (right) with other members of CGC Escanaba's boarding team.

So often junior personnel in the Coast Guard are able to have a greater impact than their rank would usually imply.  While stationed aboard the Cutter Escanaba until earlier this year, LTjg Amanda Bazinet already had to contend with the daunting task of acclimating to life afloat but took on many responsibilities that were not required of her.

One of the steepest learning curves for a junior officer on a cutter is watch qualification, usually as an engineer or deck watch.  The former entails learning how to operate all of the mechanical components on board the ship, the latter places the officer in charge of the operation of the entire ship.  Most officers qualify in one or the other.  Bazinet did both.

“It’s not unheard of,” said CDR Edward Westfall, Escanaba commanding officer, “but it’s not very common either.”

Bazinet, now a port engineer at Naval Engineering Support Unit Boston, also took the time to qualify as a boarding officer.  It’s a role that requires a lot of training in legal procedures and physical tactics like use of force – something this 5’2″ achiever understands well.  Despite her 125-pound frame she hurled herself at the competition while on the  Coast Guard Academy rugby team.

“I don’t think of it as me being too small,” said Bazinet.

LTjg Amanda Bazinet stands on the bridge of CGC Escanaba with her father, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

LTjg Amanda Bazinet on the bridge of CGC Escanaba with her father, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Apparently no task is too small either.  While aboard the cutter she chaired the human relations council, was unit health promotion coordinator, championed healthier food choices, was damage control assistant, tutored shipmates, improved workout programs, served on the morale committee and instituted foreign language training.

Beyond her many duties aboard the Escanaba, Bazinet led the crew in hundreds of hours of community service.  She organized trips to serve at a soup kitchen, helped out a local maritime museum, and even mentored Girl Scouts.

“She’s really an outstanding JO,” said Westfall, “and a great leadership example.”

Bazinet is proof that rank or stature have nothing to do with being a leader.  A can-do, helpful attitude is all it takes.  Well done ma’am.

Do you know a Coastie that has done something great for the service, the missions or the public? Please submit your nominations for Guardian of the Week using the submit link on the right.

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  • Glenn Collier

    Very proud of you! If only I had been so dedicated!

  • David Craig WS-11

    Ms. Bazinet has been a pleasure to work with in another arena, that being ship repair and modification. As supervisor of the Metal Shop of Industrial Support Activity Boston, I’ve found Ms. Bazinet to be quite capable also in her new duties as a Port Engineer for many black hulls in our AOR. Bravo Zulu to her and those like her!
    Sincerely,
    David P. Craig WS-11

  • David Bazinet

    Once again you have made your parents very proud of you. Keep up the hard work and maintain that attitude!

  • LCDR Sanders

    This is a great story to see, and more importantly a great SEA story. You want to make the most of going to sea…here is how you do it….what a great example to highlight! I know her SHIPMATES will never forget this type of LEADERSHIP and will undoubtedly use LTjg Bazinet as an example for all to live by. Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!

  • William Bell

    I have Known your dad since we were kids and clearly he has a lot to be proud of in your achievements.

  • James A Pokorski FL 6-9

    LTjg Amanda Bazinet:

    Just a short note to you and your PARENTS that YOU have exceeded expectations of many—well done SIR (aka Mam)!

    To YOU and the TEAM you all are

    Semper Paratus

  • Maggie and Brian Doyle

    Nice work Amanda!

  • http://Flotilla6-9,ConroeTX Pierre Catala

    Fantastic work , congratulations.