National Safe Boating Week 2013
National Safe Boating Week 2013 is here! It is no coincidence this week, focused on educating boaters about the latest safe boating practices, takes place in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the recreational boating season. Many Americans will be visiting our nation’s lakes, rivers and coasts for the first time in months and should keep safety at the forefront of their plans.
Shipmate of the Week – AUX Paul Deafenbaugh
It’s just 24 notes; not a full composition or even a song. It’s merely a bugle call. But this bugle call does more than move mountains; it moves souls.
This 24-note bugle call, known as taps, is part of military funeral honors for those who have faithfully defended our country in war and peace. In this ceremonial paying of respects, perhaps no one else in the Coast Guard best understands taps’ power than Auxliarist Paul Deafenbaugh, the bugler for the U. S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard.
A day in the life at Station Yankeetown
Coast Guard crewmembers at small boat stations across the country stand watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rain or shine, hot or cold, 365 days a year. Ready at a moment’s notice, these men and women spring into action whenever called upon to save those in peril. To them, it’s just a day in the life of a small boat station.
Shipmate of the Week – AUX Bill Nelson
Written by Senior Chief Petty Officer Sarah B. Foster, Atlantic Area Public Affairs. Uncovering the mysteries of our nation’s past can shed light on historical events, along with providing insight on how our past shaped our future. As our nation [...]
The ice is coming! The ice is coming!
Like many places around the country, the cold season has arrived on the Great Lakes. Operational seasonality is an ongoing reality for all who call the region home, and Great Lakes crews are all preparing for the ice to come. Just as the summer months bring a busy schedule due to increased search and rescue and law enforcement cases, the winter brings a hectic schedule full of ice maintenance operations including search and rescue, ice-breaking and aids-to-navigation.
Shipmate of the Week – The crew of 25371
Training, training and more training. Time and again Coast Guard crews pull away from the pier or take flight to train and prepare for missions. It’s in the service’s culture for every member to constantly prepare, including the volunteers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Mobilizing in the aftermath of a hurricane
With the threat of destruction looming every hurricane season, complacency is a responder’s worst enemy and aircrews work year-round to ensure they are ready to support their nation and community in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Altogether the preparedness and teamwork at the region’s four air stations paid huge dividends post-Isaac in the form of 28 lives saved and 54 assisted.
Shipmate of the Week – AUX Mary DeSena
Co-authored by Auxiliarist Steven Evenstad. It was May 2009 when Mary “Dazy” DeSena ventured down to Lake Michigan’s shoreline with her family. The DeSenas, a Navy family, were stationed at U.S. Naval Station Great Lakes at the time and wanted [...]
War of 1812: Historic Ship’s Company
Standing on the dock at Charlestown Navy Yard in Massachusetts, a seaman discusses shipboard life while effortlessly tying knots. Soon he’s joined by another crewmember regaling the crowd with descriptions of food storage at sea, back in 1812. Tugging on their red wool vests, the pair continues their storytelling while transporting the crowd back to a little known era in American history.
Lighting the way
Written by Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Reinhart, 9th Coast Guard District public affairs. Although not as exciting as search and rescue or maritime law enforcement, the Coast Guard’s aids to navigation mission is an essential link that helps sustain [...]
