Brown Hound

Hurricane Links

2011-08-26T11:50:00.002-04:00

Here are some good links for hurricane information.

http://www.stormpulse.com/atlantic
This is a site that I just found out about this year. It is a very nice graphical display of the storm forecast.

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/article.html
I am a big fan of Weather Underground (the website, not the radical group). Their chief meteorologist has a blog where he breaks down the storm nicely.

http://www.weather.gov/view/prodsByState.php?state=VA&prodtype=discussion

http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=AKQ&StateCode=VA&SafeCityName=Carrollton
The weather-guessers at the National Weather Service send out their discussions on what they are seeing and how they came up with their forecasts. The audience is other meteorologists so they can get a little technical but there is a lot of good information in there. Both of these links go to the same product but in a different format.

Enjoy and stay dry!

Still Here

2010-09-11T08:01:00.003-04:00

To anyone who is still checking on this blog I apologize for the lack of content. I realize that it's been over a year since I wrote but there's been a lot going on that precluded me from writing.

I'll start writing again soon.

M/V Arctic Sea "Disinformation"

2009-08-20T09:11:00.003-04:00

Modern Day Piracy is complaining that the press wasn't told that the Maltese and Russians knew where the M/V ARCTIC SEA was located.

It sounds like the only information that was kept from the press was the location of the vessel. I think that was an entirely reasonable thing to do.

Let's put this in another way. Suppose a bus had been hijacked and was taken somewhere. The press gets the word and conjectures about it "disappearing." Meanwhile, the police are using a tracking beacon on the bus that the hijackers don't know exists. Is it wrong for the police to keep the press in the dark about the location of the bus until the situation is resolved?

If it was revealed that the concerned parties knew exactly where the ARCTIC SEA was, would the hijackers have removed the crew? If so, we'd probably still be looking for them. At the least, they would have tried to locate the beacon and secured it.

This wasn't a disinformation campaign against the press. It sounds like the press is upset that someone was able to keep a secret this time.

Hat Tip: Eagle Speak

CNN Gets it Wrong

2009-02-23T11:31:00.002-05:00

Today, CNN posted a story about a British couple who had to be rescued in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a common enough story but CNN had this line that causes me to write this entry;

Armstrong alerted the U.S. Coast Guard of their problems. However, the Coast Guard told the couple they were too far out to be rescued.

That's hooey! This is what I believe happened. The sailors contacted the Coast Guard to report their situation. When their position was plotted, the Coast Guard realized that they were well out to sea. At that point, the only option for the sailors is to be removed from their boat by another vessel. When they realized that they'd have to leave their boat behind, they decided to wait it out or arrange for a towing vessel. The bill for a tow boat to come that far out probably exceeds the value of the sailboat.

Finally, when the reality of their situation sunk in, they called the Coast Guard and said they'd like to get off. At that point, an AMVER vessel was most likely diverted to take the crew to safety.

The US Coast Guard is responsible for Search and Rescue in a chunk of the Atlantic that extends out to 040 Degrees Longitude. The area is over 4 million square nautical miles. No matter where you are in that chunk of water, the CG will make every effort to assist you.

OPSEC

2008-12-25T19:31:00.001-05:00

Be careful what you talk about. You might be in this guy's restaurant.

HT to Storming the Tower of Babel.

Wii Games

2008-11-22T22:18:00.002-05:00

I was asking for suggestions on Wii games that a 3 1/2 year old girl would like. My older sister suggested the following games. Any other suggestions?

Amazon.com Widgets

DVD Bleg

2008-11-15T11:17:00.002-05:00

I need a new DVD player for a non-HD TV. Is there any reason not to get a HD-DVD player for $47?

4th Annual Valour-IT Fundraising Competition

2008-11-15T02:31:00.004-05:00

Project Valour-IT supplies voice-controlled laptops and other technology that supports the physical and psychological recovery of wounded veterans. Each year the milblogs and other bloggers spread the word about the project and encourage donations. Teams are divided by service branch in a spirit of fun competition, though all the money goes to the same place. Please click on the graphic on the sidebar to donate! Help Team Coast Guard help our wounded warriors!

==Update==
The Coast Guard Team has kidnapped the other team thermometers!

Good Advice

2008-10-31T15:18:00.001-04:00

FrankJ at IMAO has excellent advise to carry us through to Election Day; "Be Positive."

McCain and Palin in Virgina Beach

2008-10-22T15:18:00.002-04:00

In my seat
Originally uploaded by medicjm

I went to the McCain/Palin Rally in Virginia Beach earlier this month. I took my camera fully intending to put up a long blog post about it. Obviously, I have not had time to do it. I have posted some of my photos in Flickr.

I am in this picture taken by the BBC.

What Caused the Economic Mess.

2008-09-26T10:25:00.003-04:00

Here's a video on Youtube that examines the cause of our current economic situation all the way back to the Community Reinvestment Act.

It is 10 minutes long and I apologize for that but it is worth a look.

UPDATE: Well, the video was blocked. The new link is here;

The Palin Effect

2008-09-21T02:28:00.003-04:00

The Weekly Standard has a good article titled, "The Palin Effect." The author, Noemie Emery, dissects the effect Sarah Palin has had on the media and Democrats. Here's the money quote:

Somehow, every element of her life--the dual offense of being a beauty-queen and hunter; the Down syndrome baby who wasn't aborted; the teenage daughter about to get married, whose baby also wasn't aborted; the non-metrosexual husband working the nightshift; the very fact of five children--touched a nerve on the liberal template, and sent the whole beast into convulsions, opening an intriguing and somewhat frightening window onto the turbulent id of the left.

Emery also looks at how Palin's entrance has changed the game for Hillary.

"That sound you hear--along with a small snort from Hillary--is the weight of power in the Democratic scale sliding back to the side of the Clintons. After [Obama} made a point of stressing how little she matters, he now seems to need her more than ever. And she, of course, does not need him.

It's a very interesting read.

Just Asking

2008-08-31T12:04:00.002-04:00

How come I haven't heard anyone say that Governor Palin has just as much foreign policy experience as Bill Clinton when he was nominated for president? Just asking.

Governor Palin for VP!

2008-08-29T08:29:00.004-04:00

I've been interested in Gov. Palin (R-AK) as a Veep pick for some time. CDR Salamander seems to think she's going to get the nod.
Then there's this piece ofevidence.

UPDATE! All the major news outlets say they've confirmed that Palin is the pick!

Second Update: When Fox said they confirmed Palin, I started flipping through to the other news channels. When I got to MSNBS, the pundits were still talking about Pawlenty. Then someone off camera shouted, "It's Palin!" and all the talking heads said, "who?"

Southern Appeal found a message thread on a Hillary Clinton forum and they are ecstatic.

The Water Buffalos

2008-08-25T15:35:00.002-04:00

I participated in a live draft this year for a fantasy football league. It was only the second time I've done it live and in person. It's so much better with beer and hot wings. Anyway, here's my team in no particular order.
QB
Peyton Manning
Mark Bulger

RB
Deuce McAllister
Julius Jones
Clinton Portis
Chester Taylor

WR
Marvin Harrison
Kevin Curtis
Antwaan Randle El
Dante Stallworth
Hines Ward

TE
Todd Heap
Jeremy Shockey
Marcedes Lewis

K
Stephen Gostkowski
Jeff Reed

DEF
New England
Buffalo

How I Spent My Weekend

2008-07-20T19:32:00.001-04:00

I'm the one behind the camera.

In Spite of Ourselves

2008-07-04T03:02:00.001-04:00

Someone sent me a link to this song. I love it!

Diocese of Southern Virginia Bishop Candidates

2008-07-01T03:15:00.003-04:00

The Diocesan Nominating announced the five nominees for the 10th Diocesan Bishop of Southern Virginia. You may view nominees’ biographical sketches, and written answers to six questions posed by the nominating committee, by clicking on their names.

The nominees are:

The Very Reverend Edward H. Harrison
Dean, St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL

The Rev. Herman “Holly” Hollerith, IV
Rector, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, VA

The Rev. Canon E. Daniel Smith
Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Missouri

The Rev. L. Murdock Smith
Rector, St. Martin’s, Charlotte, NC

The Rev. Mary C. Sulerud
Canon for Deployment and Vocational Ministry,

Huh?

2008-06-24T11:45:00.003-04:00

Here's a strange finding of the recent religion in America survey;
21% of Atheists Believe in God
I don't get it.

Hat tip; IMAO.

USCG to Establish Law Enforcement Rating

2008-06-24T09:56:00.003-04:00

When I enlisted in 1991, there was a rumor that the Coast Guard would establish a Law Enforcement Rating for the enlisted. Every year the rumor would resurface. The Port Security Specialist (PS), a reserve only rating, would get all excited by the prospects for them. Eventually, everyone would be disappointed until the rumor started up again.

Well, now the rumor can be put to rest for it is now fact.

The law enforcement and security rating, approved by Allen June 6, integrates the port security specialist rating, which is filled by reservists only, with an active-duty counterpart. Fully establishing the new rating is expected to take 24 months.

This is good news for those in the PS rate. I would predict that there is going to be a slew of EAD opportunities for PS's who will provide the framework of the new rating. I wonder if the current PS Rating Force Master Chief, PSCM Sam Allred (a previous shipmate of mine) will be made the first Master Chief of the new rating.

I'm Still Alive

2008-06-11T14:22:00.003-04:00

I am embarrased by how long it's been since I've actually put a post up here. I have been blogging here as well as on a blog that you can't get to from here.

Please keep coming back and I'll have more for you.

Allelulia! The Lord Is Risen

2008-03-23T04:25:00.001-04:00

John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Looking for Strawberries

2008-03-04T19:20:00.004-05:00

I've been following the goings on between the Sea Shepherds and the Japanese whaling fleet. The latest news from the activists is;

Mr Watson said two crew from his protest ship Steve Irwin covertly planted tracking devices on the harpoon ship Yushin Maru No.2 when they boarded it mid-ocean on January 15, sparking a three-day standoff as they were held on board.

I'm incredulous that they have actually planted a homing device on the ship for the following reasons;
1. How is it powered? Sure, you could have a battery powered transmitter but it wouldn't last very long. To provide enough juice to make it last long enough to be worthwhile, you would need something the size of a car battery. The problem they pose is that they are heavy and too large to conceal on your body.

2. Where is it's antenna? Ships are made of metal and metal is notorious for blocking transmissions. So unless the crew of the whaler allowed the protesters go aloft to install one, the device would have to rely on an internal antenna.

The main reason that I don't believe the Sea Shepherds is;

3. They talked about it! They broke a major rule in intelligence; don't reveal your sources and methods. If this thing was so effective in leading them to the fleet, why on Earth would they tell anyone about it?

My feeling is that the whole thing was a ruse to jerk the whalers' chain in the hopes of making them tear the ship apart looking for a non-existent tracking device.

An extra pat on the back to anyone who can cite the reasoning behind the title of this post.

The day before the primary

2008-02-11T17:46:00.000-05:00

This is a strange experience for Virginia voters. We have a primary that someone actually cares about. I had today off and stuck around the house and my phone has been ringing off the hook with recorded messages from the candidates. It actually started yesterday with a push-poll from Huckabee.

I've only gotten one call from the Democrats and that was from Obama.

The rest of the calls were evenly split between McCain and Huckabee. The McCain calls have all been sponsored by the campaign. The one strange call that I got was a recording of former Maryland Governor Ehrlich urging me to vote for McCain in "tomorrow's Maryland primary." I don't even live close to Maryland. The only reason I can think of for getting that call is that I lived in Maryland for a year and was registered to vote there.

Remember, vote early and often!

Just Wondering

2008-01-31T21:37:00.000-05:00

In an effort to drive out the Marines, the Berkeley City Council has given Code Pink a free parking spot in front of the USMC recruiting office. I wonder if the council will give a free parking spot to a pro-life group in front of an abortion clinic?

Cell Phone Spam

2008-01-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

At 8:20 this morning, someone sent me a text message. When I read it, I saw that I had gotten spam. titanwxe@agferrari.com wants me to buy small cap stocks in precious metals. I don't know how to block this.

Baltimore Light

2008-01-25T23:13:00.000-05:00

I found this image on the Library of Congress website. It shows the Baltimore Light undergoing a upgrade. The box that's being hoisted is a nuclear reactor. Here's some more information;

The Baltimore Lighthouse became the world’s first nuclear powered lighthouse in 1964, when a 60-watt isotopic power generator was installed. According to a local newspaper, this generator was “smaller than a 55-gallon oil drum,” and was reputed to be capable of supplying an uninterrupted ten-year flow of electricity without any maintenance or refueling. The installation of the generator is shown in the photograph to the right, but it was removed two years later as the Coast Guard was concerned with “cost and environmental considerations.”

Chinese Counterfeits and National Security

2008-01-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

I ran across this article on Strategy Page. It starts off with a report that the FBI recently arrested two brothers for selling counterfeit computer parts. The parts included "Cisco router components" and were made in China.

Sounds pretty tame so far. Counterfeits just seem to be a common hazard nowadays. In this case, some business got saved the inconvenience of sub-par parts. Except that the brothers weren't going to sell them to a business. "The two brothers had a contract to sell these parts to the Department of Defense and other government agencies."

The article sums it all up nicely;

But with the Department of Defense installing counterfeit computer components, it becomes a national security issue. There's also the fear that the Chinese, or some other hostile nation, might get their hands on real computer components, and replace some of the chips with modified ones that will make government networks easier to hack. Yes, it just gets worse.

Yep, it does.

Hat tip to Instapundit.

On a slight tangent, The Elephant and the Dragon has been added to the Coast Guard Reading List.

Psst! Wanna buy a lightbulb?

2008-01-02T15:41:00.001-05:00

I ran across this on Opinionjournal.com today:

Just like that--like flipping a switch--Congress and the president banned incandescent light bulbs last month. OK, they did not exactly ban them. But the energy bill passed by Congress and signed by President Bush sets energy-efficiency standards for light bulbs that traditional incandescent bulbs cannot meet.

The new rules phase in starting in 2012, but don't be lulled by that five-year delay. Whether it's next week or next decade, you will one day walk into a hardware store looking for a 100-watt bulb--and there won't be any. By 2014, the new efficiency standards will apply to 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt bulbs too.

I guess this means I'll have to start hoarding light bulbs in 2010 or be forced to buy black market bulbs from Mexico. They'll be right beside the high flow toilets.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2007-12-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

Every year, the USCGC Shearwater is decorated for Christmas.

Classy Move

2007-12-17T08:28:00.000-05:00

I would like to write about the Redskins going to the Meadowlands and hanging a W on the New York Football Giants but I won't.

Since the Redskins game was at 8:00 last night, I was able to watch the Cowboys game and root for whoever was playing them. In this case, the Philadelphia Eagles. A good time was had in the Brown Hound household as the Eagles embarrassed Tony Romo in front of his girlfriend, Jessica Simpson.

Really, the game was unremarkable until the final two minutes when Brian Westbrook did something that I've never seen before. The Eagles were up by four when Westbrook broke away with the ball and took off for the endzone. There was no one to stop him. He stopped on the one yard line and I thought that he was going to strut it in for a TD. Instead, he took a knee! He realized that there was too much time on the clock to give Dallas the ball back. So for the good of the team, he let his personal stats take a hit. That's teamwork!

2008 Reserve JO Assignment Panel for ISC Portsmouth

2007-12-09T07:21:00.000-05:00

SUBJ: 2008 RESERVE JUNIOR OFFICER ASSIGNMENT PANEL FOR ISC
PORTSMOUTH(PF) - INITIAL
A. RESERVE POLICY MANUAL
1. THIS MSG INITIATES THE 2008 SELECTED RESERVE JUNIOR OFFICER (RJO) ASSIGNMENT SEASON FOR UNITS AND MEMBERS SERVICED BY ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF). IAW REF A, THE 2008 RJO ASSIGNMENT PANEL WILL CONVENE MAY 8-9 2008.
2. THE FOLLOWING OUTLINES THE RJO ASSIGNMENT PROCESS ACTION ITEMS
AND THE TIME LINE FOR COMPLETION:
A. 04FEB08: IN ADDITION TO DIRECT ACCESS, ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF) WILL PUBLISH THE SHOPPING LIST VIA CGMSG AS NECESSARY TO ENSURE RJOS ARE PROVIDED WITH THE LATEST AND MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE.
B. 04APR08: COMMAND CONCERNS AND POSITION VALIDATION SUBMITTED TO ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF). GUIDANCE FOR SUBMISSION WILL BE TRANSMITTED VIA SEPCOR.
C. 07APR08: ASSIGNMENT PANEL MBRSHP CONFIRMED.
D. 18APR08: RJO SUBMISSIONS TO ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF). SEE RJO INFO SECTION FOR SUBMISSION DETAILS.
E. 25APR08: PRECEPTS AND READ AHEADS SUBMITTED TO PANEL MBRS.
F. 02MAY08: ASSIGNMENT DECONFLICTION COMPLETED BY ISC(PF)S.
G. 08-09MAY08: ASSIGNMENT PANEL CONVENES. LOCATION TBD.
H. 16MAY08: PANEL RESULTS PUBLISH VIA CGMSG.
I. 30MAY08: ORDERS ISSUED IN DIRECT ACCESS.
J. 13JUN08: MBR DEADLINE TO DECLINE ORDERS.
K. 01JUL08: TRANSFERS EFFECTED.
3. TO ENSURE EQUITABLE ASSIGNMENT OPPORTUNITIES, ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF) WILL SUSPEND THE OFF-SEASON ASSIGNMENT PROCESS AFTER 01MAR08. ALL OFFICERS REQUIRING A SELRES POSITION AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPETE AT THE ASSIGNMENT PANEL.
4. UNITS REQUIREMENTS:
A. PROVIDE ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF) WITH NAME OF UNIT POC TO COORDINATE COMMAND CONCERNS AND POSITION VALIDATION VIA E-MAIL NLT 04FEB08.
B. ENSURE ALL ASSIGNED RJOS ARE PROVIDED A COPY OF THIS MSG.
C. ENDORSE RJOS E-RESUME.
5. RESERVE JUNIOR OFFICER REQUIREMENTS:
A. RJOS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN E-RESUME IF:
(1) TOUR COMPLETE IN CY 2008.
(2) SELECTED FOR THE NEXT HIGHER PAYGRADE.
(3) ASSIGNED TO AN UNBUDGETED POSITION.
B. RJOS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES MAY SUBMIT AN E-RESUME FOR PANEL CONSIDERATION:
(1) NOT TOUR COMPLETE. REQUIRES CMD ENDORSEMENT ON E-RESUME.
(2) RJOS ASSIGNED TO IRR. IRR MBRS WILL REQUIRE CGPC-RPM APPROVAL PRIOR TO ORDERS BEING ISSUED.
C. SUBMIT E-RESUME VIA DIRECT ACCESS. NO OFF-LINE RESUMES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
D. SUBMIT THREE MOST RECENT OERS AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION (I.E. LTR OF RECOMMENDATION, AWARDS, COURSE INFORMATION, ETC.) NOT CONTAINED IN DIRECT ACCESS. OERS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHOULD BE MAILED OR SCANNED AND E-MAILED TO:
(1) REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT SECTION, COAST GUARD INTEGRATED SUPPORT COMMAND PORTSMOUTH(PF), 4000 COAST GUARD BLVD, PORTSMOUTH, VA, 23703
(2) D05-DG-PORTSMOUTH.PF.REQUIREMENTS(AT)USCG.MIL.
E. MBRS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THEIR DOCUMENTATION IS RCVD BY
ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF) NLT 18APR08.
F. RJOS DESIRING AN ASSIGNMENT TO AN INTELLIGENCE COMMAND (EX: MIFC-LANT, ICC) SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR PKGS ASAP TO ALLOW FOR ADDITIONAL PROCESSING TIME.
G. ENSURE MBR INFO IN DIRECT ACCESS IS UP TO DATE PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF PKG. TO UPDATE, USE THE FOLLOWING PATH IN DIRECT ACCESS: HOME-SELF SERVICE-EMPLOYEE-TASKS-E-MAIL ADDRESSES.
6. ISC PORTSMOUTH(PF) POC: LT JOHN CODD, 757-483-8647, JOHN.B.CODD(AT)USCG.MIL
7. CG-1313, INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

USCG LANTAREA Reserve Command Master Chief

2007-12-04T17:27:00.000-05:00

I served with Master Chief Dikun (pronounced "deacon") at Port Security Unit 305. I am very pleased to see this.

R 042200Z DEC 07
FM COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA//A//
TO ALLCOGARD LANT
INFO COMCOGARD PERSCOM ARLINGTON VA//RPM//
COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
COMPACAREA COGARD ALAMEDA CA//PCMC//
BT
UNCLAS //N01306//
SUBJ: ATLANTIC AREA RESERVE COMMAND MASTER CHIEF ASSIGNMENT
1. I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SELECTION OF MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER WILLIAM J. DIKUN AS THE PROSPECTIVE ATLANTIC AREA RESERVE COMMAND MASTER CHIEF.
2. MASTER CHIEF DIKUN ENLISTED IN THE COAST GUARD RESERVES IN 1986. HE HAS SERVED WITH DISTINCTION AT VARIOUS STATIONS AND PORT SECURITY UNITS (PSU'S) THROUGHOUT ATLANTIC AREA. FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, MASTER CHIEF DIKUN HAS SERVED WITH DISTINCTION AS THE FIRST COAST GUARD DISTRICT RESERVE COMMAND MASTER CHIEF.
3. MASTER CHIEF DIKUN BRINGS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO ATLANTIC AREA. HE SERVED WITH PSU 303 IN SAUDI ARABIA DURING OPERATION DESERT STORM, WITH PSU 305 IN NEW YORK CITY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SEPT 11TH AND LATER IN GUANTANAMO BAY CUBA IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, AND WITH THE REDEPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AND INSPECTION DETACHMENT (RAID) TEAM IN IRAQ AND KUWAIT TO SUPPORT OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. IN A LESS EXOTIC LOCALE, HE WAS OOD AT A SMALL BOAT STATION OVERSEEING WEEKEND SMALL BOAT OPS. HE ALSO SERVED AS THE COAST GUARD LIAISON TO THE US AIR FORCE 421ST GROUND
COMBAT READINESS SQUADRON WHERE HE ADMINISTERED AND CONDUCTED ADVANCED PSU/NAVAL COASTAL WARFARE TRAINING OF CG PERSONNEL.
4. A STRONG PROPONENT OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION, MASTER CHIEF DIKUN IS A GRADUATE OF THE USCG CHIEF PETTY OFFICER RESERVE COURSE, THE USAF SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER ACADEMY, AND THE USN SENIOR ENLISTED ACADEMY. HE IS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE USA SERGEANTS MAJOR ACADEMYNON-RESIDENT CLASS WITH AN ANTICIPATED GRADUATION IN SUMMER 2008. HE ALSO HOLDS A MASTER OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE DEGREE, A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE, AND SEVERAL ASSOCIATES OF ARTS DEGREES.
5. MASTER CHIEF DIKUN WILL RELIEVE RESERVE COMMAND MASTER CHIEF DENNIS KIRK ON 23 JAN 2008 AT THE ATLANTIC AREA OFFICES. I WISH MASTER CHIEF KIRK CONTINUED GREAT SUCCESS AS THE CMC OF THE NEWLY COMMISSIONED MARITIME FORCE PROTECTION UNIT KINGS BAY GA. I THANK HIM FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO ATLANTIC AREA OVER THE LAST FOUR
YEARS. HE HAS BEEN AN OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF THE ATLANTIC AREA TEAM AND I WILL MISS HIS WISE COUNSEL.
6. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
7. VADM D. B. PETERMAN, COMMANDER ATLANTIC AREA, SENDS.
BT
NNNN

USS Arizona

2007-12-04T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal has an article on artifacts from the USS Arizona.
several tons of the Arizona, were removed from the ship during the construction of the memorial and transported to a spot across the channel from Ford Island, where they have been ever since, holding a silent and lonely vigil against time and the elements.

Read the rest here.

PY08 RESERVE LIEUTENANT SELECTION BOARD RESULTS

2007-11-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

R 051514Z NOV 07 ZUI ASN-A00309000006
FM COMCOGARD PERSCOM ARLINGTON VA//C//
TO ALCGPERSCOM
BT
UNCLAS //N01401//
ALCGPERSCOM 071/07
SUBJ: PY08 RESERVE LIEUTENANT SELECTION BOARD RESULTS
A. RESERVE POLICY MANUAL, COMDTINST M1001.28A
1. THE SECRETARY HAS APPROVED THE REPORT OF THE SELECTION BOARD
CONVENED ON 24 SEPTEMBER 2007 WHICH RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING NAMED
OFFICERS ON THE INACTIVE DUTY PROMOTION LIST (IDPL) FOR PROMOTION
TO THE GRADE OF LIEUTENANT. OFFICERS SELECTED ARE LISTED BELOW IN
IDPL PRECEDENCE ORDER:
NO. NAME DEPT
1. BAUER, DAVID M. CGPC RPM
2. IOVEN, WILLIAM G. CGPC RPM
3. JENKINS, CRAIG T. CG PSU 311
4. DETZER, BRETT M. CGPC RPM
5. CLEMONS, DARREN L. CGPC RPM
6. CHANNELL, CYNTHIA N. CG SECTOR ANCHORAGE
7. MILLHENCH, KARA N. CGPC RPM
8. GROSE, THOMAS R. CGPC RPM
9. SCOTT, ANTOINETT CG SECTOR JACKSONVILLE
10. VEGA, WALTER CG SECTOR SAN JUAN
11. ROGERS, GREGORY S. CG SECTOR SAN DIEGO
12. DAVIS, ANDRIA E. CG MSU GALVESTON
13. HEDRICK, SONJA R. CG SECTOR SAN DIEGO
14. SZETO, KIN P. CG SFO EASTERN SHORE
15. LARUE, LIAM J. CG SECTOR BALTIMORE
16. COLLINS, PATRICK C. CG CG SECTOR MIAMI
17. HOBBS, JAMES A. CGPC RPM
18. BENNETT, WILLIAM R. CGPC RPM
19. BROOKS, RICKY CGPC RPM
20. FERREIRA, JACOB D. CGPC RPM
21. LEATHERWOOD, AARON D. CG SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS
22. HEMBREE, KYLE L. CG SECTOR MIAMI
23. BLAZEJEWSKI, DEANNA L. CGD EIGHT
24. BEINING, MICHAEL A. CG SECTOR BALTIMORE
25. JOHNSON, LUCAS D. CGPC RPM
26. SAMS, JOSHUA G. CG MSU PADUCAH
27. PEREZ, DANILO M. CGPC RPM
28. MASSINGILL, JOHN S. CG LANTAREA
29. INMAN, MAXINE COMDT
30. GRAY, MARK A. DD - TAT CARTAGENA COLOMBIA
31. HUDMAN, ARTHUR V. CG SECTOR NEW YORK
32. DUDLEY, BRIAN W. CG SECTOR JACKSONVILLE
33. WYMAN, ROBERT P. CG PACAREA
34. PEYERL, KATHLEEN M. CG SECTOR NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
35. DILKEY, RYAN D. CG SECTOR MIAMI
36. TURNER, KELLEY M. CG PSU 301
37. MILLS, MATTHEW D. CG SECTOR ST PETERSBURG
38. VONK, JOHN C. CG PACAREA
39. ROSE, BRANDI A. CG LANTAREA
40. PINTO, ADRIANE M. CG SECTOR NEW YORK
41. CREPS, ETHAN M. CG SECTOR HONOLULU
42. GOLAND, KRISTOFER K. CG PSU 311
43. DEWHIRST, THOMAS J. CG ISC SAN PEDRO
44. HUNTER, TARA D. CG SECTOR NEW ORLEANS
45. TILEY, BRYAN D. CGD ONE
46. OSBORNE, NICHOLAS J. CG SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO
47. GONZALEZ, BENITO CG SECTOR CORPUS CHRISTI
48. BRODEUR, JEFFREY M. CG SECTOR BALTIMORE
49. CONLIN, ROBERT C. CG SECTOR DELAWARE BAY
50. LEMANSKI, JUSTIN J. CG MSU PADUCAH
51. DONOVAN, DANIEL J. CG SECTOR JACKSONVILLE
52. DOUPE, MICHAEL T. CG SECTOR GUAM
53. TIFFANY, KELLEY L. CG SECTOR SAN DIEGO
54. WEBSTER, BRIAN K. CG SECTOR BALTIMORE
55. RANGLE, JESSE B. CG PACAREA
56. LILLEY, SCOTT M. CG SECTOR MIAMI
57. NEAL, STEVEN K. CG STA SEATTLE
58. OTT, JOHN J. CG SECTOR UPPER MISSISSIPPI
59. HANLEY, PATRICK S. CG SECTOR NEW YORK
60. CODER, ELLINOR R. CG MSU WILMINGTON
61. ORCHARD, DANIEL R. CG PSU 301
62. ORTIZ, TOMAS CG SECTOR NORTH CAROLINA
63. MCDOWELL, JOSEPH T. CG SECTOR DELAWARE BAY
64. WELCH, DANNY L. CG MSU MORGAN CITY
65. VESPI, ROBERT D. CG PSU 309
66. BRIGGS, MARK A. CG SECTOR CHARLESTON
67. WEBBER, PETER M. CG SECTOR JUNEAU
68. SMITH, JONATHAN R. CG MSU DULUTH
69. OROSCO, RUBEN E. CG SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO
70. SAMBOR, PETER J. CG SECTOR UPPER MISSISSIPPI
71. JOHNSON, CASEY E. CG PSU 307
72. COLLIER, ALISON E. CG SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO
73. PARSONS, JOHN L. CG SECTOR SOUTHEASTERN NEW ENGLAND
74. LISLE, NICHOLAS M. CG SECTOR CHARLESTON
75. BEALON, HANNAH L. CG SECTOR NEW YORK
76. MANNION, STEVEN C. CG SECTOR NEW YORK
77. FERNANDEZ, DAVID CG SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO
78. GRAHAM, BRANDI L. CG SECTOR CHARLESTON
79. DIMAGGIO, MICHAEL CG SECTOR NEW YORK
80. LAZO, JILL L. CGPC RPM
81. HOLLOWAY, BRIAN D. CG SECTOR CORPUS CHRISIT
82. GREEN, EDGAR T. CG SECTOR MIAMI
83. WALIGUN, JOSEPH C. CG SECTOR NEW YORK
84. BECK, DEREK F. CG SECTOR HOUSTON-GALVESTON
85. ESPINOSA, MARCOS A. CG SECTOR MIAMI
86. HERON, MARLON L. CG SECTOR LAKE MICHIGAN
87. VILLEGAS, MONICA CG SECTOR LA/LB
88. GLINN, JOAN PAULA CG SECTOR CORPUS CHRISIT
89. SORIANO, JOCELYN L. CG SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS
90. NGUYEN, KHOAMAN T. CG GP PORT ANGELES

2. OFFICER PROMOTION BOARDS REVIEW ONLY OFFICERS' RECORDS AND ANY
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CANDIDATES DIRECTLY TO THE BOARD. TO ENSURE
THAT ALL CANDIDATES COMPETE ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD, OFFICER
PROMOTION BOARDS ONLY SEE THE OFFICER PORTION OF A RECORD. THE
BOARDS ARE ALSO GIVEN ELIGIBILITY ROSTERS OF THE CANDIDATES. THESE
ROSTERS ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER AND IDENTIFY THEIR EMPLOYEE ID.
ABOVE AND IN ZONE OFFICER ROSTERS ARE COMBINED, SO THAT THE STATUS
OF THE CANDIDATES IS NOT DISCERNIBLE.

3. PROMOTION STATISTICS FOR THIS BOARD ARE PROVIDED BELOW. THERE
ARE MANY VARIABLES (E.G., CHANGES IN PERFORMANCE, GROUP SIZE,
APPROVED VOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS, ETC.) THAT WILL CAUSE SELECTION
RATES TO FLUCTUATE FROM YEAR TO YEAR AMONG GROUPS. DOCUMENTED,
SUSTAINED HIGH PERFORMANCE IS THE BEST WAY TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE
FOR PROMOTION.

A. OPPORTUNITY OF SELECTION (OOS): (90/97 - 92%)
B. APPROVED VOLUNTARY SEPARATION REQUESTS APPEARING BEFORE
THIS BOARD: (0)

4. SELECTION RATES BY GENDER:
A. MALE (69/73 - 95%)
B. FEMALE (21/24 - 88%)
5. SELECTION RATES BY ETHNIC GROUP:
A. BLACK (6/6 - 100%)
B. HISPANIC (8/8 - 100%)
C. AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKAN NATIVE (1/1 - 100%)
D. ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER (6/6 - 100%)
E. WHITE (65/71 - 92%)
F. ID PENDING (5/5 - 100%)
6. THE BOARD'S MEMBERSHIP AND UNITS ARE:
NAME UNIT
CAPT LURILLA J. LEE, USCGR MLCPAC
CDR GEORGE R.W. LEE, USCGR CG SECTOR PORTLAND
LCDR SCOTT R. BENSON, USCGR CG SECTOR DETROIT
LT CHERYL L. HONEYCUTT, USCGR COMDT (CG-1312)
LT AARON J. ROE, USCG CG PSU 313
LT DALE A. MCFARLAND, USCGR CG SECTOR NORTH CAROLINA
7. THE PRECEPT WHICH CONVENED THIS BOARD AND CHARGED THE MEMBERS
WITH THEIR DUTIES, AND THE COMDT'S GUIDANCE FOR PROMOTION YEAR 2008
SELECTION BOARDS, ARE AVAILABLE VIA THE CGPC (RPM) CG INTERNET SITE
HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/RPM/PY08 OR ON CG CENTRAL AT
HTTP://CGCENTRAL.USCG.MIL LOCATED AT MY WORKSPACE : CAREER
MANAGEMENT : RESERVIST : PROMOTIONS AND ADVANCEMENTS OR EMAIL A
REQUEST FOR THESE DOCUMENTS TO ARL-PF-CGPC-RPM-QUERY(AT)USCG.MIL.

8. ALTHOUGH THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECTION BOARD, INCLUDING ITS
DELIBERATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTION, CANNOT BE DISCLOSED TO
ANY PERSON WHO WAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, BOARD MEMBERS DO HAVE
VALUABLE INFORMATION THAT CAN BE SHARED REGARDING THE GENERAL
SELECTION PROCESS AND ITS FAIRNESS AND EQUITY.

9.

10. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
NNNN

2008 FLAG ASSIGNMENT AND SENIOR LEADER MESSAGE

2007-10-31T16:28:00.000-04:00

R 291732Z OCT 07 ZUI ASN-A00304000019
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00//
TO ALCOAST
INFO SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC
CJCS WASHINGTON DC
CNO WASHINGTON DC
CDR USNORTHCOM
CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
CDR USSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL
CDR USJFCOM NORFOLK VA
DIR ONDCP WASHINGTON DC
CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF STATE WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
COGARD HQSUPRTCOM WASHINGTON DC
BT

UNCLAS //N01426//
ALCOAST 507/07
COMDTNOTE 1426
SUBJ: 2008 FLAG ASSIGNMENT AND SENIOR LEADER MESSAGE
1. THE SECRETARY HAS APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO THE PRESIDENT THE
NOMINATIONS OF VICE ADMIRAL ROBERT J. PAPP, JR AS COMMANDER,
ATLANTIC AREA, REAR ADMIRAL CLIFFORD I. PEARSON FOR PROMOTION TO
VADM AND ASSIGNMENT AS COAST GUARD CHIEF OF STAFF, AND REAR ADMIRAL
DAVID P. PEKOSKE FOR PROMOTION TO VADM AND ASSIGNMENT AS COMMANDER,
PACIFIC AREA. APPOINTMENT TO THESE BILLETS AND PROMOTION AS
APPROPRIATE WILL OCCUR FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION BY THE SENATE.

2. WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE SERVICE OF VADM D. BRIAN
PETERMAN, OUR CURRENT ATLANTIC AREA COMMANDER AND VADM CHARLES D.
WURSTER, OUR CURRENT PACIFIC AREA COMMANDER. BOTH HAVE MADE
ENORMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SERVICE THROUGOUT THEIR CAREERS AND
MOST RECENTLY AS MEMBERS OF THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL SINCE MAY 2006.
THEIR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN ESSENTIAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDING
CONCEPTS FOR THE COAST GUARD'S NEW MISSION EXECUTION AND MISSION
SUPPORT STRUCTURE. WE HONOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE COAST GUARD AND
OUR NATION.

3. SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION BY THE SENATE FOR ASSIGNMENT TO THE
VICE ADMIRAL BILLETS DISCUSSED IN PARA (1) AND FOR THE RDMLS
(SELECT) LISTED BELOW, THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENTS ARE APPROVED.

4. TOGETHER WITH THE TALENTED SENIOR CIVILIANS WHO COMPRISE THE
COAST GUARD'S SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE (SES), THIS LISTING REFLECTS
THE COAST GUARD'S CURRENT SENIOR LEADERSHIP INCLUDING INCUMBENTS
REMAINING IN CURRENT ASSIGNMENTS.

5. THESE ASSIGNMENTS ARE BASED ON OUR CURRENT BILLET STRUCTURE.
IT IS MY INTENT TO TRANSITION TO OUR NEW MISSION EXECUTION AND
MISSION SUPPORT STRUCTURE WHEN THE NEW SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
ARE APPROVED AS PROVIDED IN AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION CURRENTLY BEING
CONSIDERED BY THE CONGRESS.

VICE ADMIRALS:

CG-09 VICE COMMANDANT VADM V. S. CREA
CG-01 CHIEF OF STAFF VADM (SEL) C. I. PEARSON
LANTAREA VADM R. J. PAPP, JR
PACAREA VADM (SEL) D. P. PEKOSKE

REAR ADMIRALS:

DISTRICT COMMANDS

FIRST DISTRICT RADM D. G. GABEL
FIFTH DISTRICT RADM F. M. ROSA
SEVENTH DISTRICT RADM R. S. BRANHAM
EIGHTH DISTRICT RADM J. R. WHITEHEAD
NINTH DISTRICT RDML (SEL) P.V. NEFFENGER
ELEVENTH DISTRICT RADM C. E. BONE
THIRTEENTH DISTRICT RADM J. P. CURRIER
FOURTEENTH DISTRICT RDML M. K. BROWN
SEVENTEENTH DISTRICT RADM A. E. BROOKS

MAINTENANCE AND LOGISTICS COMMANDS

MLC LANT RADM R. T. HEWITT
MLC PAC RADM T. S. SULLIVAN

AREA SENIOR RESERVE OFFICERS

SR. RESERVE OFFICER LANTAREA RDML (SEL) S. E. DAY
SR. RESERVE OFFICER PACAREA RADM (SEL) M. R. SEWARD

COMBATANT COMMANDS

DEPUTY J3 U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND RDML C. C. COLVIN
DEPUTY J3 U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND RDML R. C. PARKER

JOINT INTERAGENCY TASK FORCES

DIRECTOR, JIATF SOUTH RADM J. L. NIMMICH
DIRECTOR, JIATF WEST RDML P. F. ZUKUNFT

TO REMAIN IN CURRENT BILLET PENDING FURTHER ASSIGNMENT:

LANT LANTAREA CHIEF OF STAFF RDML (SEL) S. H. RATTI
D14 D14 CHIEF OF STAFF RDML (SEL) C. W. RAY

HEADQUARTERS UNITS

ACADEMY SUPERINTENDENT RADM J. S. BURHOE
NPFC DIRECTOR NAT'L POLLUTION FUND CENTER TBD,

HEADQUARTERS STAFF

CG-00H DIRECTOR, CIVIL RIGHTS STAFF MS. T. A. DICKERSON
CG-00J CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE HON J. N. INGOLIA
CG-01T DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION RADM J. A. BRECKENRIDGE
CG-092 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS RDML M. E. LANDRY
CG-094 JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL RDML W. D. BAUMGARTNER
CG-094D DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL MR. C. M. LEDERER
CG-1 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR
HUMAN RESOURCES RADM J. A.BRECKENRIDGE
CG-11 DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RADM M. J. TEDESCO
CG-12 DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT RDML(SEL) D. A.NEPTUN
CG-12D DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL
MANAGEMENT MR. C. B. ODOM
CG-13 DIRECTOR OF RESERVE AND TRAINING RDML (SEL) D. R. MAY
CG-2 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR INTELLIGENCE
AND INVESTIGATIONS MR. J. F. SLOAN
CG-2D DEPUTY ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR
INTELLIGENCE AND INVESTIGATIONS RDML C. A. COOGAN
CG-4 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR
ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS RDML(SEL)T.P. OSTEBO
CG-4D DEPUTY ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR
ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS MR. J. G. ORNER
ACO ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS RADM S. BRICE-O'HARA
ACO-I INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN
POLICY ADVISOR TBD
CG-ACO-O DIRECTOR OF INSPECTIONS AND
COMPLIANCE RDML(SEL)K.S. COOK
CG-5 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR MARINE
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND STEWARDSHIP RDML B. M. SALERNO
CG-51 DIRECTOR OF ASSESSMENT, INTEGRATION
AND RISK MANAGEMENT TBD
CG-52 DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS
AND STANDARDS MR. J. G. LANTZ
CG-53 DIRECTOR OF RESPONSE POLICY RDML (SEL) J. R. CASTILLO
CG-54 DIRECTOR OF PREVENTION POLICY RDML(SEL)J.A. WATSON
CG-7 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR CAPABILITY RDML W. E. JUSTICE
DOG DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS GROUP RDML T. F. ATKIN
CG-6 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR C4 AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RDML D. T. GLENN
CG-8 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR RESOURCES RDML(SEL)K.A. TAYLOR
CG-8D DEPUTY ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR
RESOURCES MR. M. J. RAJK
CG-9 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR ACQUISITION RADM G. T. BLORE
CG-91 SENIOR PROCUREMENT EXECUTIVE AND
HEAD OF CONTRACTING ACTIVITY MS. C. M. GRADY
CG-92 DEPUTY CHIEF ACQUISITIONS OFFICER
AND DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITION SERVICES MR. M. F. TANGORA
CG-93 PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICER RDML R. J. RABAGO
CG-93D DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITION
PROGRAMS MS. G. L. PHAN
LIAISON/FIELD ASSIGNMENTS
DHS DHS MILITARY ADVISOR TO S-1 RDML D. B. LLOYD
GMII DIRECTOR, GLOBAL MARITIME
INTEL INTEGRATION RADM R. R. KELLY

6. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

7. ADM T. W. ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
BT
NNNN

Commandants Says: Buckle Up!

2007-10-29T15:49:00.000-04:00

ALCOAST 506/07
COMDTNOTE 5102
A. COMDTINST M5100.47, CH 10, I.2.D AND I.9.G
SUBJ: OFF-DUTY MOTOR VEHICLE MISHAPS
1. LAST NIGHT I RECEIVED ANOTHER CALL REPORTING THE DEATH OF A
COAST GUARD MEMBER IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. SINCE LABOR DAY, WE
HAVE LOST FIVE SHIPMATES IN OFF-DUTY MOTOR VEHICLE MISHAPS. IN THE
PAST FIVE YEARS, OUR FOLKS HAVE HAD ALMOST 800 OFF-DUTY CAR, TRUCK,
AND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS. MOST WERE PREVENTABLE. THIS IS
UNACCEPTABLE. IT RUNS COUNTER TO OUR CHARACTER AS GUARDIANS, IS
DEVASTATING TO OUR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES, AND UNDERMINES OUR
TREMENDOUS OPERATIONAL SUCCESS.
2. WE MUST HEAR AND HEED THE VOICES OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SILENCED
IN THESE ACCIDENTS - AND ACT. START BY KNOWING WHO YOUR AT-RISK
SHIPMATES ARE, AND HOW THEY SPEND THEIR OFF-DUTY TIME. LEAD BY
EXAMPLE, REGARDLESS OF RANK AND RATE AND FOSTER A CULTURE OF DOING
THE RIGHT THING. PLAN AHEAD TO AVOID UNNECESSARY AND DEADLY RISK,
AND HOLD SHIPMATES AND OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR ACTIONS.
WATCH EACH OTHERS BACKS. BE A TEAM.
3. NOW IS THE TIME TO TURN THE TIDE AND START PUTTING SAFETY FIRST.
IN ADDITION TO THE TRAINING AND PPE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN REF
A, I AM DIRECTING THE FOLLOWING POLICY CHANGES, INCLUDING EFFECTING
THESE GENERAL ORDERS: ALL MILITARY MEMBERS, INCLUDING RESERVISTS
IN AN ACTIVE STATUS INCLUDING IDT AND ADT, ARE ORDERED TO WEAR SEAT
BELTS WHEN AVAILABLE AND FUNCTIONING IN A MOVING CAR OR TRUCK,
WHETHER THEY ARE ON OR OFF-DUTY. ADDITIONALLY, EVERY MILITARY
MEMBER OPERATING OR RIDING AS A PASSENGER ON A MOTORCYCLE IS
ORDERED TO WEAR A CERTIFIED PROTECTIVE HELMET. THESE ORDERS APPLY
WHETHER THE MEMBER IS ON OR OFF-DUTY AND REGARDLESS OF ANY LESS
RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CIVIL JURISDICTIONS. FAILURE TO COMPLY
WITH THESE MANDATES MAY RESULT IN ADMINISTRATIVE AND/OR OTHER
ACTION UNDER THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. COMMANDING
OFFICERS/OFFICERS-IN-CHARGE SHALL ENSURE THAT ALL MEMBERS IN THEIR
COMMAND ARE AWARE OF THESE ORDERS, AND SHALL HOLD THOSE WHO FAIL TO
FOLLOW THEM ACCOUNTABLE.
4. FOR PURPOSES OF LINE OF DUTY/MISCONDUCT DETERMINATIONS, FAILURE
TO TAKE PROPER VEHICULAR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND TO COMPLY WITH
THESE ORDERS WILL BE CONSIDERED AS ONE OF POTENTIALLY SEVERAL
FACTORS DURING LINE OF DUTY/MISCONDUCT DETERMINATIONS. ALTHOUGH A
MEMBERS FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE ORDERS WILL NOT CREATE AN
AUTOMATIC PRESUMPTION OF MISCONDUCT, A DETERMINATION OF NOT IN THE
LINE OF DUTY BECAUSE OF A MEMBERS MISCONDUCT COULD RESULT IN A LOSS
OF IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AND OTHER BENEFITS TO THE SERVICE MEMBER
AND/OR SERVICE MEMBERS FAMILY.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS

Dirty Jobs- Navy Style

2007-10-26T22:29:00.001-04:00

These guy love their job.

Hat tip to CDR Salamander.

How to Shatter A Castro-phile’s Arguments.

2007-09-28T08:37:00.000-04:00

This is rather long but a good read. I had to transcribe this from a hard copy so any typos are mine and not the authors.

1. USINT is pleased to send in this distillation of the best or our briefings and responses to questions about Cuba, usually from audiences that are opposed to U.S. policy towards Cuba.

Q. The U.S. embargo (called “blockage by the GOC and its close allies) has not brought down the Castro regime. Why do you persist with this failed policy?

A. U.S. trade and other sanctions are the least we can do to respond, as we must, to a regime that has had a history of totalitarian rule, export of violence and subversion, and unremitting hostility to the United States. It is true that the Castro regime has withstood the sanctions, but it is also true that the USG has been true to its principles by seeking to isolate a regime that is so alien to all that American democracy stands for. We stood firm for 45 years until the USSR and the Iron Curtain collapsed. The collapse of communist rule in Cuba has taken longer, but is just as inevitable.

Q. Didn’t the U.S. Defense Department come out with a report saying that Cuba is not a threat to the United States?

A. Yes, although the report’s drafter turned out to be Ana Belen Montes, a woman who was convicted for espionage on behalf of the Cuban regime. Although Cuba may not pose a conventional military threat to the U.S., it clearly demonstrated, with Ana Belen Montes, that it is an intelligence threat. The Cuban regime considers itself an enemy of the USG and is an instigator of anti-American activities all over the world, especially in Latin America. Its functionaries in Venezuela and Bolivia right now are helping leaders there assault those countries’ democratic institutions. Cuba is on the list of countries that support international terrorism; any intelligence it picks up from the USA, it can be expected to pass on to other rogue states or groups that are enemies of the USA.

Q. But aren’t we missing out on great trade opportunities?

A. Cuba is an impoverished Third World country with a GNP in the neighborhood of 35 billion dollars. The Cuban exile community in the USA alone, with 15 percent of Cuba’s population, has a larger GNP. We can easily handle not trading with Castro’s Cuba for however much longer it takes until it becomes a free society. In the mean time, our laws permit sales of agricultural products to the tune of roughly 400 million dollars per year.

Q. But won’t the Spanish, other Europeans, Canadians and Asians have a leg up on us for new investment opportunities?

A. Investors in Cuba are buying into an apartheid system that pays virtual slave wages and provides no internationally recognized worker rights. We are surprised that people who protested against apartheid in South Africa or against sweatshops in Mexico or Southeast Asia are not up in arms over working conditions in Cuba, where wages are 15 dollars a month. Cuban citizens also have no right to stay in the hotels that the Europeans and Canadians invest in and frequent as tourists. The question should be: Why would democratic countries in Europe and Canada want to do business with a brutal totalitarian government like Cuba? Finally, when Cuba truly opens up its economy, we are confident that American businesses will take full advantage of the opportunity to work with enterprising Cubans.

Q. Isn’t the embargo hurting the Cuban people?

A. The Cuban regime’s state-run, inefficient economic system is preventing the Cuban people from prospering. This is a deliberate policy which keeps Cubans so busy scraping by to put food on the table that they have no time or energy left to protest. The embargo aims to deny U.S. resources to the regime, but does not prevent Cuba from obtaining goods and services from other countries.

Q. If you end the embargo, won’t the Cuban regime no longer be able to blame the USG for its problems?

A. If we ended the embargo, the Cuban regime would continue to blame the USG for its problems, either by presenting us a bill for cumulative damage to their economy or finding some other issue. For example, they have completely invented a controversy involving five of their spies that were arrested in the United States and convicted by a U.S. court. The fact that other members of that same spy network confessed and plea bargained has had no effect on the Cuban regime’s propaganda campaign.

Q. If you relax the embargo’s travel restrictions, wouldn’t an influx of American tourists usher in democratic change?

A. Two million Canadian and European tourists per year have not ushered in democratic change. They have put roughly two billion dollars in the pocket of the regime, helped perpetuate an apartheid tourist system, and also, in many cases, participated in sex tourism.

Q. But wasn’t Cuba America’s brothel and gambling casino before Castro replaced Batista in 1959?

A. There were certainly injustices and political grievances surrounding Batista’s rule, but not many economic ones. Cuba was, in the 1950s, a very popular destination for U.S. tourism and investment in many sectors. It was one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America, in terms of GNP, cars and televisions per capita, and also social indicators. More American were living in or visiting Cuba than vice-versa; and immigrants from Italy and Spain were streaming in by the thousands.

Q. Isn’t it true that Castro’s Cuba has set an example to the world in areas of health and education?

A. By repeating this mantra, you are unwittingly duped into perpetuating “the big lie.” A lie, if repeated many hundreds of times, is still a lie. The Cuban health care system was the best in Latin America before Castro took over. The regime invests heavily in the health system but in ways that are inefficient: Cuba has more doctors per capita than Denmark, yet hospitals lack bed sheets and simple medications like aspirins. Health care is politicized, forcing thousands of doctors overseas on “international missions” while Cubans back home are uncared for. Doctors in Cuba spend half their time at political meetings, drawing them away from patient care. Medicine is administered via an apartheid system: The best facilities and doctors are reserved for foreigners, tourists and regime nomenklatura; facilities for ordinary Cubans are no better than those in most other Third World countries. Ordinary Cubans, even if they have hard currency, are not allowed to buy medications at the best pharmacies, which are reserved for foreigners and nomenklatura.

Q. But what about education? And that high literacy rate?

A. Cuba had levels of education and literacy among the top tier of Latin American countries in the 1950s. The Castro regime’s literacy campaign claimed to have raised the rate, but did so with a heavy ideological component. Cubans are largely literate, although younger ones nowadays are struggling with basic reading and math skills. Additionally, all through the grade levels they are force-fed propaganda and given grades and opportunities in accordance with their political loyalties (and their parent’s political loyalties). Because the Cuban regime restricts access to free information, including the internet, Cubans grow up with limited options for reading and use of computer. They are among the most computer illiterate societies in Latin America.

Q. But back to health care, isn’t it true that Cuba has a world-class low level of infant mortality?

A. Not necessarily. One problem with statistics. Even UN and other international statistics are provided by the Cuban regime, which defines the truth in political terms. Additionally, Cuban obstetricians regularly insist on and administer abortions for most pregnancies where there is any suggestion of health risk for the newborns. The high rate of abortions has the effect of skewing the numbers in a way that produces better statistics for infant mortality, as well as life expectancy.

Q. Hasn’t Fidel Castro had broad popular support among the Cuban people?

A. It is impossible to measure how much support Fidel Castro has. Obviously, he has never measured his popularity by free elections. Public opinion polls are not possible because of the climate of fear that pervades Cuba. Spying and reporting on the citizenry is one of the regime’s most labor and resource-intensive activities, and is backed by brute force. Stating one’s opposition to Castro’s rule is a crime, punishable by many years of imprisonment. Unable to vote at the ballot box, Cubans vote with their feet. Emigration from Cuba is massive, and is the desire of most young Cubans. Their preferred destination is the USA, but they settle in many other countries too, including relatively poor ones in Latin America.

Q. But now that Fidel Castro is incapacitated, shouldn’t we sit down and talk with Raul Castro? Isn’t he a more pragmatic, nicer guy?

A. Raul Castro has participated in every aspect of the Cuban regime’s totalitarian rule, including mass murder of Cubans and kidnapping of American citizens. We have many grievances to discuss with a Cuban government, but we do not accept that passing command from a dictator to his brother represents any kind of legitimacy worthy of a change in policy. Raul Castro may be more pragmatic than Fidel Castro; but that’s not saying much. Raul Castro himself has stated that he has no intention to change the communist nature of the regime. No, what’s not needed is a US/Cuba meeting that legitimizes Raul Castro, but rather a full consultation between the regime and the Cuban people regarding the future of their country.

Q. But we talk to China, and they are a communist country that violates human rights.

A. The USG does not have a one-size-fits-all foreign policy. Our relationship with China has a much different history and its own texture—including considerable advocacy for human rights in China. Regarding Cuba, no effort to embrace the regime, either by us or any other country, has made a dent in it totalitarian nature.

Q. Isn’t U.S. policy toward Cuba held hostage to right-wing exile Cubans in Miami?

A. That question is insulting to Cuban exiles, who have come to America under difficult circumstances and managed to succeed, in the aggregate, based on hard work, education and other values that have brought about success to any immigrant group that has sought the American dream. To the extent that Cuban Americans have elected leaders with a point of view about Cuba, that is the way our democratic system works, for Cubans, or for any other immigrant community. Opinion polls show that Cuban exiles have a diversity of viewpoints on Cuba and on other political issues; they vote both Republican and Democrat. They know and care move about Cuba than other Americans, so it is normal, and desirable, that they have an impact on U.S. policy. In any case, their wish for democracy and freedom in Cuba is consistent with U.S. policy worldwide.

Q. Aren’t Cuban dissidents who receive aid from Miami pawns of U.S. policy?

A. The Cuban democratic opposition is a home-grown response to lack of freedom on the island and grotesque abuses of human rights by the Cuban regime. There are many components to this opposition: Independent journalists, librarians and teachers; political movements and parties; free labor leaders; human rights monitors; and The Ladies in White. This latter group is made up of relatives of Cuban political prisoner. The U.S is proud to provide assistance to these people, who in most cases have nowhere else to turn. Who in their right mind would suggest a U.S. policy that turns our back on courageous people seeking freedom?

Q. How can the USG let Posada Carriles walk free? Isn’t that inconsistent with our counterterrorism policy?

A. In the recent legal proceedings regarding Luis Posada Carriles, the USG was on the side arguing for keeping Posada in jail. A judge ruled differently, ant the executive branch must abide by that decision. However, Posada is not now a legal U.S. resident and is subject to expulsion. There are active legal cases regarding his connection to violent crimes that cannot be commented on because they are active cases. As of today, Posada Carriles has been accused of many crimes but not convicted of any of them.

2. We have deliberately made this message unclassified with the hope that it is circulated widely and used to rebut Cuban propaganda.

Books for Sale

2007-09-25T10:58:00.001-04:00

I've put some of my extra books up for sale on Amazon. You can see the list here. If you've never used this service, it is a good way to make a few bucks on books that you don't want to keep around anymore.

If you are looking for something on Amazon please consider using the search box at the top of the page. I get a little kickback for every order that's placed that way. If you have a similar link on your site, let me know and I'll use it the next time I order.

PY08 RESERVE LIEUTENANT COMMANDER SELECTION BOARD RESULTS

2007-09-20T15:18:00.000-04:00

R 201819Z SEP 07 ZUI ASN-A00263000026
FM COMCOGARD PERSCOM ARLINGTON VA
TO ALCGPERSCOM
BT
UNCLAS //N01401//
ALCGPERSCOM 053/07
SUBJ: PY08 RESERVE LIEUTENANT COMMANDER SELECTION BOARD RESULTS
A. RESERVE POLICY MANUAL, COMDTINST M1001.28A
1. THE SECRETARY HAS APPROVED THE REPORT OF THE SELECTION BOARD CONVENED ON 20 AUGUST 2007 WHICH RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS ON THE INACTIVE DUTY PROMOTION LIST (IDPL) FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF COMMANDER. OFFICERS SELECTED ARE LISTED BELOW IN IDPL PRECEDENCE ORDER:
NAME DEPT
1.BAKER, MICHAEL CGPC RPM
2.BALL, GARY F. CG SECTOR BALTIMORE
3.SCHAMBIER, ROBERT M. CG SECTOR SEATTLE
4.CURRENT, KEIRSTEN E. COMDT
5.GUTIERREZ, FERNANDO CG SECTOR SAN JUAN
6.ROSELLO, BRAD CG MSU CHICAGO
7.KOMATINSKY, SEAN A. CG MSU LAKE CHARLES
8.FONDRAN, GREG A. CGD NINE
9.WENNET, CRAIG L. CG ISC BOSTON
10.LAVRENCHIK, MICHAEL P. CGD NINE
11.OSBORNE, NATHAN H. CG SECTOR SAN JUAN
12.CORALIN, LETICIA I. CG SECTOR SAN JUAN
13.KIRCHOFF, GERALD A. CG SECTOR OHIO VALLEY
14.HUOT, CATHERINE L. CG SECTOR ANCHORAGE
15.CASSELS, WILLIAM B. CG SMTC
16.CROFF, DIANE M. CG SECTOR ST PETERSBURG
17.GRACE, PATRICK J. CGD THIRTEEN
18.WATSON, ANGELA R. CG MLCLANT
19.NEELEY, KRISTINE B. CG SECTOR SAN DIEGO
20.KUCK, JEFFREY W. CG SECTOR ST PETERSBURG
21.COOPER, ROBERT M. CG PSU 309
22.TIEMAN, JASON E. CG MSU GALVESTON
23.LEE, CHRISTOPHER E CGD FOURTEEN
24.POTTER, ERIN B. CG SECTOR SAULT STE MARIE
25.GENSCH, KEITH CG SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS
26.MALONE, PAULA J. CG SECTOR ST PETERSBURG
27.WASSERMAN, JEFFREY M. CGD ELEVEN
28.MARGULIES, WILLIAM P. NCWRON 25
29.MACK, BRUCE G. USJFCOM
30.WILLIAMS, JEFFREY A. NCWRON 33
31.SERRANOSANCHEZ, RAMON L. CG ESU MIAMI
32.LAVERY, KEVIN P. CG PACAREA
33.WILCOX, CHARLES E. USCENTCOM
34.WOODY, LAWRENCE E. CG PACAREA
35.HINES, KENNETH J. CG SECTOR OHIO VALLEY
36.BENN, WILLIAM S. CG PSU 313
37.SCHROEDER, KRISTEN M. CG SECTOR LONG ISLAND SOUND
38.BALTZ, KENNETH A. CG SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO
39.MURPHY, NATALIE M. CG SECTOR MOBILE
40.ACOSTA, MONICA B. CGD SEVENTEEN
41.VEALENCIS, JOSEPH J. CGPC RPM
42.EBBERS, DOUGLAS L. CG SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO
43.BOYD, CORNEDA Y. CG SECTOR LOWER MISSISSIPPI
44.CONKLIN, JENNIFER J CG SECTOR HONOLULU
45.GARRITY, ELISA M. CG SECTOR SAN DIEGO

[SNIP]

6. THE BOARD'S MEMBERSHIP AND UNITS ARE:
NAME UNIT
CAPT KIMBERLY J. PICKENS, USCGR COMDT (CG-131)
CDR ANDREW S. MCKINLEY, USCGR CG PSU 309
LCDR ALAN R. TUBBS, USCG CG PACAREA
LCDR BRION J. FITZGERALD, USCGR CG ELC BALITMORE
LCDR NECIA L. CHAMBLISS, USCGR COMDT (CG-094M)
LCDR RICHARD F. BRANNON, USCGR CG GST
7. THE PRECEPT WHICH CONVENED THIS BOARD AND CHARGED THE MEMBERS WITH THEIR DUTIES, AND THE COMDT'S GUIDANCE FOR PROMOTION YEAR 2008 SELECTION BOARDS, ARE AVAILABLE VIA THE CGPC (RPM) CG INTERNET SITE
HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/RPM/PY08

9/11

2007-09-11T13:03:00.000-04:00

A few days after the 9/11 attacks, someone made a very moving slideshow online. You can find it again here.

Don't forget.

PY08 RESERVE COMMANDER SELECTION BOARD RESULTS

2007-09-10T14:43:00.000-04:00

R 101801Z SEP 07 ZUI ASN-A00253000017
FM COMCOGARD PERSCOM ARLINGTON VA
TO ALCGPERSCOM
BT
UNCLAS //N01401//
ALCGPERSCOM 052/07
SUBJ: PY08 RESERVE COMMANDER SELECTION BOARD RESULTS
A. RESERVE POLICY MANUAL, COMDTINST M1001.28A
1. THE SECRETARY HAS APPROVED THE REPORT OF THE SELECTION BOARD
CONVENED ON 30 JULY 2007 WHICH RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING NAMED
OFFICERS ON THE INACTIVE DUTY PROMOTION LIST (IDPL) FOR PROMOTION
TO THE GRADE OF COMMANDER. OFFICERS SELECTED ARE LISTED BELOW IN
IDPL PRECEDENCE ORDER:
NO. NAME DEPT
1. NELSON, ROBERT T. CGPC RPM
2. NELSON, RICHARD K. CG ISC NEW ORLEANS
3. DAVENPORT, WILLIAM F. CG SUPRTCEN ELIZABETH CITY
4. ROSZKOWSKI, LEONA M. COMDT (CG-00H1)
5. OBRIEN, SEAN K. CGD NINE
6. GASSER, THOMAS CG SECTOR CHARLESTON
7. MURAKAMI, MARK M. CGD FOURTEEN
8. DAVIS, JOHN W. CG MLCLANT
9. CAMPBELL, LISA M. CG SECTOR BOSTON
10. ROBINSON, JAMES P. CGD ONE
11. MURPHY, CHARLES G. CG LANTAREA
12. POLLIO, CAROL A. CG ICC
13. HOFFMAN, PETER M. CGD NINE
14. BROWN, BARON K. CG SECTOR LA/LB
15. MEDEROS, ROGELIO A. SOUTHCOM
16. BROWN, DENNIS A. NCWRON 30
17. WASCO, FREDERICK CGD NINE
18. MORGAN, CRAIG W. CG SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS
19. MAKI, KYLE E. NCWRON 30
20. STUCK, MATTHEW B. CGD ONE
21. WALDMAN, ROBERT CG LANTAREA
22. HARTZELL, JOHN M. CG LANTAREA
23. DONALDSON, JEAN T. JFCOM
24. MILLER, PHILLIP D. CG LANTAREA
25. MILLER, DONALD A. CG ISC MIAMI BEACH
26. EVANISH, MICHAEL D. CG MSU PITTSBURGH
27. SALL, CHAMPEE V. SOUTHCOM
28. LIVINGOOD, JAMES S. CG LANTAREA
29. COX, MARK D. JFCOM
30. ANDREWS, JAMES B. NCWRON 33
31. WILLIS, FOREST A. CG SUPRTCEN ELIZABETH CITY
32. GAROFOLO, JOHN J. CG ACADEMY
33. KILLMER, PETER D. CGD NINE
34. FITZGERALD, BRION J. CG ELC
35. CLARK, DANIEL W. SOUTHCOM
36. BRADY, ROBERT M. CG GST
37. BROWN, SHERRI L. CG MLCLANT
38. WEBSTER, CAMERON K. CGD THIRTEEN
39. TUBBS, ALAN R. CG PACAREA
40. MCCONNELL, FRANK V. CG TRACEN YORKTOWN
41. NAUERT, GERALD A. TRANSCOM
42. SCHAEFER, FRANKLIN H. CGD SEVEN
43. HENDERSON, SCOTT D. CG SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO
44. SMITH, BENJAMIN L. CG MSU TOLEDO
45. ELLIS, RICHARD CG SECTOR SAN DIEGO
46. KALLEN, DAWN M. CGD ONE
47. HOLDREN, CATHERINE A. CG GP ASTORIA
48. RHINEHART, KERSTIN B. CGD NINE
49. LINSKY, SCOTT R. CG AST
50. HILL, STEVEN J. CENTCOM
51. SCHNEIDER, DOUGLAS B. CG ACTEUR
52. HAMMER, ELLEN L. CG SECTOR BALTIMORE
[snip]
6. THE BOARD'S MEMBERSHIP AND UNITS ARE:
NAME UNIT
CAPT MICHAEL F. MORIARTY, USCGR CG LANTAREA
CDR GREGORY S. LINGLE, USCGR CGD ELEVEN
CDR KATHLEEN A. DUIGNAN, USCGR COMDT (CG-094M)
CDR SANDRA K. SELMAN, USCG CGD SEVENTEEN
CDR JAMES M. KELLY, USCGR CG LANTAREA
CDR KEVIN H. NISHIMURA, USCGR CGD FOURTEEN

Final Letter on the Healy Accident

2007-08-30T06:49:00.000-04:00

The Coast Guard Chief of Staff has released the final decision letter on the diving accident on board the USCGC HEALY.

R 291955Z AUG 07 ZUI ASN-A00241000009 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-01//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N05101//
ALCOAST 426/07
COMDTNOTE 5101
SUBJ: RELEASE OF CHIEF OF STAFFS FINAL DECISION LETTER ON THE 17 AUGUST 2006 CGC HEALY CLASS A DIVER MISHAP
1. THE RELEASE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFFS FINAL DECISION LETTER SIGNALS THE COMPLETION OF A RIGOROUS SAFETY INVESTIGATION, MISHAP ANALYSIS, AND HIGH LEVEL REVIEW OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH LEAD TO AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEATHS OF TWO OF OUR SHIPMATES ON 17 AUGUST 2006. THIS IS THE SECOND OF TWO PROCESSES THAT INQUIRED INTO THIS MISHAP. THE FIRST PROCESS WAS AN ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION. FINAL ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION ON 10 JANUARY 2007. THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THIS SAFETY INVESTIGATION WAS TO FIND OUT WHY THE MISHAP OCCURRED SO SIMILAR MISHAPS CAN BE PREVENTED IN THE FUTURE. THE FINAL DECISION LETTER OUTLINES THE NUMEROUS CAUSAL AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS THAT RESULTED IN THIS TRAGIC MISHAP. NO SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL FACTS WERE FOUND IN THIS INVESTIGATION BEYOND THOSE IDENTIFIED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION. IT ALSO DIRECTS CHANGES TO VARIOUS COAST GUARD PROGRAMS IMPLICATED IN THIS MISHAP TO IDENTIFY/AVOID SIMILAR HAZARDS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES IN THE FUTURE. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE HONOR THE MEMORIES OF OUR FALLEN SHIPMATES BY DILIGENTLY IMPLEMENTING THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS DIRECTED IN THE FINAL DECISION LETTER. ALL MEMBERS OF THE COAST GUARD ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE ENTIRE FINAL DECISION LETTER AS POSTED ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:
A. COAST GUARD MEMBERS WITH ACCESS TO A CG STANDARD WORKSTATION SHOULD VIEW THE FINAL DECISION LETTER POSTED ON CG CENTRAL AT:
(HTTP://CGCENTRAL.USCG.MIL).
B. MBRS WITHOUT CGSW ACCESS CAN VIEW A COPY OF THE SAME LETTER AT:
(HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/CCS/CIT/CIM/FOIA/ELECTRONIC_READING_ROOM.HTM).
2. THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 26 CAUSAL FACTORS AND 48 CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS IDENTIFIED. THE CENTRAL THEMES WERE A LACK OF APPROPRIATE SUPERVISION, A LACK OF A RISK ASSESSMENT WHICH LED TO POOR DECISION MAKING, AND A LACK OF OPERATIONAL DISCIPLINE ON THE PART OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED.
3. WHILE THERE IS STILL MUCH WORK LEFT TO DO IN ORDER TO ADDRESS ALL OF THESE CAUSAL FACTORS, THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
A. IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALCOAST 440/06, A ONE-DAY SAFETY STAND DOWN WAS ORDERED AND COMPLETED FOR ALL DIVING UNITS. IN ADDITION, A MODIFIED DIVING PROGRAM SAFETY SURVEY (NO TRAINING, INSPECTION
ONLY) WAS COMPLETED ON EVERY DIVING UNIT ON OR BEFORE 12 JANUARY 2007.
B. TO IMPROVE SUPERVISION AND OVERSIGHT, THE DIVE PROGRAM MANAGER BILLET WAS UPGRADED FROM AN O-3 TO AN O-4 AND A CHIEF PETTY OFFICER BILLET WAS ESTABLISHED AS THE ASSISTANT COAST GUARD DIVING PROGRAM MANAGER. AREA COMMANDERS, DISTRICT COMMANDERS, AND THE DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS GROUP COMMANDER ALSO DESIGNATED DIVING PROGRAM OVERSIGHT BILLETS WITHIN THEIR COMMANDS. THE INDIVIDUALS FILLING THESE BILLETS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TRACKING THE READINESS, QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING STATUS OF THEIR DIVING UNITS.
C. PRIOR TO AND DURING OPERATION DEEP FREEZE 2007, USCGC POLAR SEA COMPLETED A DIVE RISK ASSESSMENT, COMPLETED PRESCRIBED DRY SUIT TRAINING, AND ADDED A TEMPORARY DUTY USCG DIVING ADVISOR TO SERVE AS DIVE TEAM SAFETY OBSERVER DURING ANTARCTIC TRAINING AND DIVE OPERATIONS.
D. THE ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS REAFFIRMED AND EMPHASIZED THAT DIVING UNIT COMMANDERS ARE TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR AND TO REQUIRE REGULARLY SCHEDULED TRAINING DIVES TO ALLOW DIVERS TO MAINTAIN PROFICIENCY AS REQUIRED BY THE CG DIVING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL, COMDTINST M3150.1B.
E. THE ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS SENT A DIVE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE TO THE DIVING IN THE ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT COURSE FROM
15 - 22 MARCH 2007 TO LEARN THE LATEST INFORMATION ON DIVING IN THE ARCTIC REGION.
F. THE ASSISTANT COMMANDANTS FOR OPERATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPED A DIVE TRAINING MODULE FOR INCLUSION IN APPROPRIATE TRAINING SYLLABI FOR COMMAND CADRE OF DIVE UNITS AND OTHER FIELD UNITS WHO MAY UTILIZE DIVERS. SPECIFICALLY, THE PROSPECTIVE COMMANDING OFFICER AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PCO/PXO) AFLOAT COURSE, THE PROSPECTIVE OPERATIONS OFFICER (POPS) AFLOAT COURSE, AND THE BOAT FORCES COMMAND CADRE COURSE ADDED A BLOCK OF INSTRUCTION.
G. THE ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS UPDATED THE DIVE PROGRAM SAFETY SURVEY CHECKLISTS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN CG/NAVY POLICIES AS OF 23 APRIL 2007.
4. THE FOLLOWING DIRECTED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS STILL PEND BUT ARE WELL UNDERWAY TOWARDS COMPLETION:
A. THE ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS CHARTERED A CROSS- DIRECTORATE STUDY TEAM, INCLUDING DIVE EXPERTISE FROM THE NAVY AND OTHER RECOGNIZED SOURCES OF DIVE EXPERTISE, TO EVALUATE REQUIREMENTS, MANAGEMENT, AND POLICY GUIDANCE FOR THE COAST GUARD DIVING PROGRAM WITH A REPORT OUT TO THE CHIEF OF STAFF. THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY TEAM ARE CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW FOR POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE DIVE PROGRAM.
B. AMENDMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO THE CG DIVING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL, COMDTINST M3150.1B, TO REFLECT DIRECTED CHANGES TO POLICIES, INCLUDING CHANGES TO THE DIVE STANDARDIZATION AND SITE VISIT PROGRAM, DIVING EQUIPMENT AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES, PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENTS, OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT FOR DIVE TEAMS, AND DIVE LOG KEEPING PROCEDURES.
C. ADDITIONAL DIRECTED ACTIONS ARE LISTED IN THE FINAL DECISION LETTER POSTED AT THE WEBSITES LISTED IN PARA 1.A. AND 1.B.
D. AMONG THE ADDITIONAL ACTIONS BEING DIRECTED IS A FORMAL ORGANIZATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT TO BE CONDUCTED FOR ALL COAST GUARD OPERATIONAL MISSION AREAS TO IDENTIFY, CLARIFY, AND MITIGATE ASSOCIATED RISKS PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO RAPIDLY EXPANDING/EMERGING MISSION AREAS.
5. AS THE COMMANDANT STATED IN HIS ALL HANDS MESSAGE THIS PAST JANUARY, AS COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN WE ACCEPT RISK, BUT WE WILL NOT ACCEPT PREVENTABLE LOSS OR INJURY. OUR SYMPATHIES CONTINUE TO GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND SHIPMATES OF THOSE THAT LOST THEIR LIVES IN THIS MISHAP. THE LEADERSHIP OF THE COAST GUARD IS STEADFASTLY COMMITTED TO SAFE MISSION EXECUTION.
6. INTERNET RELEASE IS AUTHORIZED.
7. VADM R. J. PAPP, CHIEF OF STAFF, SENDS.
BT
NNNN

Saluting out of Uniform

2007-08-18T13:11:00.000-04:00

I got this email yesterday;

FYI for all of you, this bill was actually written by our former MCPOCG Vince Patton. He is the reason we have this privilege now. (Actually, it hasn't passed the House yet. So, stand by.)
________________________________________
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.
"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not. I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others."
This Bill was passed July 25, 2007.

It'll be interesting to see if military members will do this when the national anthem is being sung at sporting events.

ACTIVE DUTY REAR ADMIRAL (LOWER HALF) SELECTION BOARD

2007-07-18T14:45:00.001-04:00

ALCOAST 348/07
COMDTNOTE 1401
SUBJ: ACTIVE DUTY REAR ADMIRAL (LOWER HALF) SELECTION BOARD
1. THE SECRETARY HAS APPROVED THE REPORT OF THE SELECTION BOARD
CONVENED ON 11 JUL 2007 RECOMMENDING OFFICERS ON THE ACTIVE DUTY
PROMOTION LIST (ADPL) FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF REAR ADMIRAL
(LOWER HALF). OFFICERS SELECTED ARE LISTED BELOW IN PRECEDENCE
ORDER.
NAME UNIT
(1) CAPT JAMES A. WATSON, USCG CGD SEVEN
(2) CAPT STEVEN H. RATTI, USCG CG LANTAREA
(3) CAPT DANIEL A. NEPTUN, USCG CG PACAREA
(4) CAPT KEVIN S. COOK, USCG CGD THIRTEEN
(5) CAPT THOMAS P. OSTEBO, USCG COMDT
(6) CAPT KEITH A. TAYLOR, USCG COMDT
2. THE BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND UNITS ARE LISTED BELOW:
NAME UNIT
VADM ROBERT J. PAPP, JR., USCG COMDT (CG-01)
RADM DALE G. GABEL, USCG COMDT (CG-4)
RADM JOEL R. WHITEHEAD, USCG CGD EIGHT
RADM JOHN P. CURRIER, USCG COMDT (CG-9)
RDML MANSON K. BROWN, USCG CG MLCPAC
RDML CYNTHIA A. COOGAN, USCG COMDT (CG-13)
3. ALTHOUGH THE PROCEEDINGS OF A SELECTION BOARD, INCLUDING ITS
DELIBERATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTION, CANNOT BE DISCLOSED TO
ANY PERSON WHO WAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, BOARD MEMBERS DO HAVE
VALUABLE INFORMATION THAT CAN BE SHARED REGARDING THE GENERAL
SELECTION PROCESS AND ITS FAIRNESS AND EQUITY. IF THERE ARE ANY
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RESULTS OF THE ADPL BOARD, CONTACT CDR JIM
ANDREWS AT 202-493-1611.
4. THE PRECEPT WHICH CONVENED THE ADPL RDML BOARD AND CHARGED THE
MEMBERS WITH THEIR DUTIES, AND THE COMDTS GUIDANCE FOR PROMOTION
YEAR 2008 SELECTION BOARDS, ARE AVAILABLE VIA THE CGPC (OPM-1) CG
INTERNET SITE HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/HQ/CGPC/OPM/BOARDS/BOARDS.HTM OR
BY CALLING YN2 AIMEE BOCKSNICK AT 202-493-1615.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. ADM THAD ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.

RESERVE REAR ADMIRAL (LOWER HALF) SELECTION BOARD

2007-07-18T14:39:00.001-04:00

ALCOAST 347/07
COMDTNOTE 1401
SUBJ: RESERVE REAR ADMIRAL (LOWER HALF) SELECTION BOARD
1. THE SECRETARY HAS APPROVED THE REPORT OF THE SELECTION BOARD
CONVENED ON 11 JUL 2007 RECOMMENDING OFFICERS ON THE INACTIVE DUTY
PROMOTION LIST (IDPL) FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF REAR ADMIRAL
(LOWER HALF). OFFICERS SELECTED ARE LISTED BELOW IN PRECEDENCE
ORDER.
NAME UNIT
(1) CAPT STEVEN E. DAY, USCGR CG PACAREA
2. THE BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND UNITS ARE LISTED BELOW:
NAME UNIT
VADM D. BRIAN PETERMAN, USCG CG LANTAREA
RADM MARY P. ODONNELL, USCGR RETIRED
RADM DUNCAN C. SMITH, III, USCGR RETIRED
RADM DAVID W. KUNKEL, USCG CGD SEVEN
RDML MICHAEL R. SEWARD, USCGR CG PACAREA
3. ALTHOUGH THE PROCEEDINGS OF A SELECTION BOARD, INCLUDING ITS
DELIBERATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTION, CANNOT BE DISCLOSED TO
ANY PERSON WHO WAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, BOARD MEMBERS DO HAVE
VALUABLE INFORMATION THAT CAN BE SHARED REGARDING THE GENERAL
SELECTION PROCESS AND ITS FAIRNESS AND EQUITY. IF THERE ARE ANY
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RESULTS OF THE IDPL BOARD, CONTACT CDR KENT
BAUER AT 202-493-1702.
4. THE PRECEPT WHICH CONVENED THE IDPL RDML BOARD AND CHARGED THE
MEMBERS WITH THEIR DUTIES IS AVAILABLE VIA THE CGPC (RPM) CG
INTERNET SITE HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/HQ/CGPC/RPM/RPMHOME.HTM OR BY
CONTACTING LT LOUIS DERING AT 202-493-1237.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. ADM THAD ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.

Zucchini Crabmeat Casserole

2007-06-23T20:20:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe in the last issue of Virginia Wildlife Magazine. It's very good and the leftovers heat up well.

12 oz blue crabmeat (I used 1 lb)
4 cups zucchini sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix (Bisquick)
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons instant minced onion
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon oregano
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients together and spread in a 12 x 7 1/4 x 2 inch greased baking dish.
Bake uncovered until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
Serves 6

Enjoy! Let me know if you try it.

Posted at the Carnival of the Recipes.

Happy Birthday Army!

2007-06-12T07:23:00.000-04:00

R 111317Z JUN 07
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00//
TO DA WASHINGTON DC ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01000//
ALCOAST 292/07
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: 232ND BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY
1. THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE COAST GUARD WISH THE UNITED STATES ARMY A HAPPY 232ND BIRTHDAY.
2. SINCE JUNE 14, 1775, THE ARMY HAS ANSWERED THE CALL OF DUTY TO DEFEND THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION AND FIGHT TYRANNY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. DESPITE GREAT RISK AND SACRIFICE, YOU PROUDLY SERVE IN HARMS WAY, UPHOLDING YOUR CORE VALUES, AND STEELING YOUR RESOLVE IN THE FACE OF TREMENDOUS TESTS OF HONOR AND COURAGE. IT IS YOUR ADHERENCE TO THESE TIMELESS VIRTUES THAT HAS MADE OUR MILITARY SO SUCCESSFUL AGAINST OUR ENEMIES AND SO RESPECTED BY OUR FRIENDS.
3. IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT CHALLENGING TIMES DEMAND EXTRAORDINARY VISION AND LEADERSHIP. YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED MORE THAN YOUR SHARE THIS YEAR, BOLDLY FIGHTING THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR DESPITE STRETCHED DEPLOYMENTS AND A RELENTLESS OPERATIONAL TEMPO. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE KNOW THEY CAN RELY ON OUR SOLDIERS. YOU ARE ARMY STRONG.
4. THE COAST GUARD IS PROUD TO SERVE WITH YOU. SEMPER PARATUS.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. ADM T.W. ALLEN, COMMANDANT, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD, SENDS.
BT
NNNN

Death of a Coast Guard Hero

2007-05-07T10:49:00.000-04:00

I met BM2 Perrett while I was at OCS. He was passionate about his calling and love for the Coast Guard. He will be sorely missed.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Boats.

R 062029Z MAY 07
FM CCGDEIGHT NEW ORLEANS LA//DRMC//
TO COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//RPF//
COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA//CC//
R 062008Z MAY 07 ZUI ASN-A08126000037
FM COMCOGARD SECTOR NEW ORLEANS LA//CC//
TO CCGDEIGHT NEW ORLEANS LA//DRMC//
BT
UNCLAS //N05360//
SUBJ: DEATH OF AN HONORED CG MEMBER
1. COAST GUARD SECTOR NEW ORLEANS ANNOUNCES WITH REGRET THE DEATH
OF WORLD WAR II COAST GUARD VETERAN MARVIN J. PERRETT. MR. PERRETT
WAS FOUND DECEASED IN HIS RESIDENCE AT METAIRIE, LOUISIANA ON
SUNDAY, MAY 06, 2007. HE WAS 81.
2. MR. PERRETT WAS BORN ON SEPTEMBER 17, 1925 IN NEW ORLEANS,
LOUISIANA WHERE HE ATTENDED WARREN EASTON HIGH SCHOOL. ON SEPTEMBER
18, 1943 AT 1700, THE DAY AFTER HIS 18TH BIRTHDAY, MR. PERRETT WAS
SWORN INTO THE COAST GUARD. UPON BEING SWORN IN, MR. PERRETT
ATTENDED A RIGOROUS SIX-WEEK BOOT CAMP AT ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA AT
THE PONCE DE LEON HOTEL. UPON COMPLETION OF BOOT CAMP, MR. PERRETT
WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE AMPHIBIOUS TRAINING BASE AT CAMP LEJUNE,
NORTH CAROLINA, WHERE HE WAS TRAINED BY BOTH COAST GUARD AND MARINE
CORP. PERSONNEL TO BECOME A COXWAIN FOR LANDING CRAFT, VEHICLE,
PERSONNEL (LCVP). UPON COMPLETION OF LCVP TRAINING, MR. PERRETT
ATTENDED LANDING BARGE SCHOOL IN LITTLE CREEK, VIRGINIA WHERE HE
LEARNED TO OPERATE THE HIGGINS LANDING CRAFT. UPON COMPLETION OF
LANDING BARGE SCHOOL, MR. PERRETT WAS ASSIGNED TO THE COAST GUARD
MANNED ATACK TRANSPORT USS BAYFIELD WHERE HE SERVED AS A COXSWAIN OF
ONE OF THE BAYFIELD'S LANDING CRAFT. DURING THE INVASION OF
NORMANDY, MR. PERRETT CONDUCTED TWO INVASION TRANSPORTS TO UTAH BEACH. DESPITE HEAVY GUNFIRE FROM GERMAN SHORE BATTERIES, MR. PERRETT SAFELY TRANSPORTED 36 SOLDIERS ON THE FIRST LANDING AND MAJOR GENERAL R.O. BARTON, THE COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE 4TH
INFANTRY DIVISION, ON THE SECOND LANDING. MR. PERRETT ALSO SERVED
AS A COXWAIN DURING THE INVASION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE. SHORTLY AFTER
HIS EUROPEAN CAMPAIGN, MR. PERRETT CONTINUED HIS ASSIGNMENT ONBOARD
THE USS BAYFIELD, WHICH PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF IWO JIMA.
DURING THIS INVASION, MR. PERRETT TRANSPORTED U.S. MARINES ON THE
BEACHES OF IWO JIMA, BUT LOST HIS BOAT DURING THE FIRST BEACH
LANDING DUE TO INGRESS OF WATER OVER THE STERN. STRANDED ON THE
SHORES OF THE ISLAND, MR. PERRETT WAS ABLE TO AVOID GUNFIRE FROM
JAPANESE TROOPS AND OBTAIN TRANSPORTATION TO THE BAYFIELD. MR.
PERRETT ALSO SERVED AS PART OF A DIVERSIONARY TACTICAL OFFENSE
DURING THE INVASION OF OKINAWA.
3. ON MAY 1, 2007, MR. PERRETT HOSTED A WEEK LONG CG SYMPOSIUM WITH
HUNDREDS OF SECTOR NEW ORLEANS PERSONNEL, WHICH INCLUDED A CG
HISTORY DISPLAY, INCLUDING SEVERAL TOURS AND TRANSITS ONBOARD A
HIGGINS TYPE LCPV ACROSS LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN AND 39FT RHIB FROM
TEXTRON MARINE AND LAND SYSTEMS. THE BODY OF MARVIN PERRETT WILL BE
DONATED TO TULANE MEDICAL CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LA.
4. THE EFFORTS OF MR. PERRETT WERE LITTLE KNOWN, AND THE MEN WHO
TRANSPORTED AND LANDED TROOPS ON ENEMY BEACHES HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED
BY HISTORIANS, WRITERS AND FILM PRODUCERS; HOWEVER, WITHOUT
INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS MR. PERRETT, THESE INVASIONS WOULD NOT HAVE
BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
BT
NNNN

Reserve Senior Chief Wanted

2007-04-18T07:05:00.000-04:00

SUBJ: ADSW-AC SOLICITATION: DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS GROUP COMMAND
SENIOR CHIEF RESERVE FORCE, CG-3RDOGCC-CSC: E-8
A. EMAIL FM OSCS JENNIFER JENSEN, CG-3RDOGCC-CSC, DTD 10APR07
B. PERSMAN, COMDTINST M1000.6A, ARTS. 4.E.2A AND 4.E.21
C. RECALL OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS TO EXTENDED ACTIVE DUTY,COMDTINST
1141.3B
D. COMMAND MASTER CHIEF PROGRAM, COMDINST 1306.A, ARTS. 5.A.2-9,
5.B.1-4 AND 5.F.
1. SOLICITING FOR ONE RESERVE SENIOR CHIEF FOR ADSW-AC WITH
PROJECTED LONG TERM EXTENDED ACTIVE DUTY CONTRACT. DESIREABLE
CANDIDATE WILL INITIALLY HAVE SHORT TERM ADSW-AC ASSIGNMENT FROM
01JUL07 TO 30SEP07, BUT ELIGIBLE FOR CONTINUANCE ON ADSW-AC DUTY TO
01JUL08, EAD CONTRACT WILL THEN BE OFFERED FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO
YEARS.
2. REQUIREMENTS: RESERVE SCPO WITH EXPERIENCE IN A PSU, MSST, OR
STRIKE TEAM AND A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF RESERVE ISSUES. THE DOG CSCRF
IS A CRITICAL POSITION FOR THE SUCCESS AND FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE
DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS GROUP. THE DUTIES ARE DETAILED IN REFS B AND
D. THE CSCRF WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL ADVOCATE FOR RESERVISTS WITHIN
THE DOG COMMUNITY AND WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE DOG COMMAND MASTER
CHIEF TO RESOLVE ISSUES THAT IMPACT ASSIGNED MEMBERS. THIS IS AN
OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY FOR STRONG LEADERS WITH EXPERIENCE AND
EXPERTISE IN THE DEPLOYABLE SPECIALIZED FORCES COMMUNITY TO HELP
BALANCE WORKFORCE NEEDS WITH COAST GUARD GOALS.
3. RESERVE SENIOR CHIEFS WITH COMMAND APPROVAL AND THAT MEET THE
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA IN REFS B, C AND D ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE FOUND IN REF C AND MUST BE ACCOMPANIED
BY A REQUEST FOR EXTENDED ACTIVE DUTY (CG-3472). LEAVE THE BILLET
NUMBER BLANK AND INCLUDE ALL REQUIRED ITEMS IN REF D. PACKAGES MUST
BE RECEIVED NLT 01MAY07. PLEASE ENSURE CONTACT INFORMATION IS
INCLUDED IN YOUR APPLICATION. APPLICANTS CAN ANTICIPATE ADSW-AC
ORDERS TO BE FOLLOWED BY A (02) YEAR EAD CONTRACT. SELECTION WILL
BE MADE NLT 15MAY07 AND ALL MEMBERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE
SELECTION VIA MESSAGE.
4. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE POSITION OR APPLICATION PROCESS,
CONTACT OSCS JENNIFER D. JENSEN, COMMAND SENIOR CHIEF, DOG
COMMISSIONING CELL, (202)493-1182 OR EMAIL AT JENNIFER.D.JENSEN(AT)
USCG.MIL.
5. APPLICATION: INTERESTED RESERVE PERSONNEL WITH COMMAND APPROVAL
SUBMIT REQUESTS TO YNC LYNDA KENNEDY, AND MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGE
TO THE DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS GROUP COMMISSIONING CELL, 4200 WILSON
BLVD, SUITE 470, ARLINGTON, VA 22203-1804 (ATTN: OSCS JENNIFER D.
JENSEN) OR E-MAIL TO JENNIFER.D.JENSEN(AT)USCG.MIL, SUBJ LINE – DOG
CSCRF, AS A PDF ELECTRONIC FILE; PDF FILE MUST CONTAIN SIGNATURES.
6. MLCA(PF) REQUEST YOU SOLICIT YOUR AOR AND FORWARD MESSAGE TO
CG-1313: INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

Promotion Year 2008 Zones

2007-03-30T08:32:00.000-04:00

R 291708Z MAR 07 ZUI ASN-PS7089000007
FM COMCOGARD PERSCOM ARLINGTON VA//C//
TO ALCGPERSCOM
BT
UNCLAS //N01610//
ALCGPERSCOM 021/07
SUBJ: 2007 OER SUBMISSIONS AND PY08 OFFICER SELECTION BOARDS
A. RESERVE POLICY MANUAL, COMDTINST M1001.28A, SECTION 7.A
B. PERSONNEL MANUAL, COMDTINST M1000.6A
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 202042Z FEB 04, ALCOAST 077/04
1. MOST OFFICER EVALUATION REPORTS (OERS) ARE SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE AT
CGPC (OPM-3 AND RPM) BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER. OFFICERS ARE
ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT INPUT FOR OERS ON THE SCHEDULED DATE. IF THE
REPORTED ON OFFICER OR REPORTING OFFICER IS SCHEDULED TO DETACH
DURING SUMMER 2007, DELAYING SUBMISSION OF THE OER TO PROVIDE
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF PERFORMANCE PRIOR TO TRANSFER OR CHANGE OF
REPORTING OFFICER MAY BE WARRANTED. HOWEVER, COMMANDS SHOULD
REPORTING OFFICER MAY BE WARRANTED. HOWEVER, COMMANDS SHOULD
CAREFULLY EVALUATE WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS VALUE ADDED TO ANY DELAY
IN SUBMISSION OF AN OER PAST THE SCHEDULED SUBMISSION DATE. OFFICERS
WHO ARE BELOW THE ZONE ARE REMINDED TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF
DELAYING THEIR ANNUAL OERS AS SELECTION BOARDS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH
THEIR RECORDS AS PART OF THE SELECTION BOARD PROCESS. OFFICERS
PROJECTED TO BE IN OR ABOVE ZONE FOR SELECTION SHALL NOT DELAY
SUBMISSION OF THEIR ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL OER.
2. IN PREPARATION FOR PROMOTION YEAR 2008 (PY08) SELECTION BOARD
SEASON, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
ONLY. PRELIMINARY ZONE SIZES ARE ESTIMATES BASED ON HISTORICAL
AVERAGES AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS OFFICIAL PY08 ZONE SIZES.
ACTUAL ZONE SIZES WILL BE PUBLISHED UPON APPROVAL OF THE OFFICER
CORPS MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WILL MOST LIKELY BE SMALLER THAN PROJECTED
ZONE SIZES. SIGNAL NUMBERS (SIGNO) ARE FROM THE 2006 REGISTER OF
OFFICERS AVAILABLE AT
HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/HQ/CGPC/OPM/REGISTER/REGISTER.HTM OR ON CG
CENTRAL UNDER CAREER MANAGEMENT. THE 2007 REGISTER SHOULD BE
AVAILABLE IN EARLY MAY.
3. FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, THE ESTIMATED ACTIVE DUTY PROMOTION LIST
(ADPL) ZONE SIZES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
A. RDML SEL: CAPTAINS WITH A DATE OF RANK (DOR) OF 01JUL05 OR
EARLIER. THIS INCLUDES OFFICERS IN YEAR GROUP 81 WHO MAY ALSO BE
SUBJECT TO CONTINUATION.
B. CAPT SEL: COMMANDERS WITH SIGNO LESS THAN/EQUAL TO 732 (2006) /
614 (2007).
C. CDR SEL: LIEUTENANT COMMANDERS WITH SIGNO LESS THAN/EQUAL TO
1798 (2006)/ 1622 (2007).
D. LCDR SEL: LIEUTENANTS WITH SIGNO LESS THAN/EQUAL TO 3331 (2006)
/ 3066 (2007).
E. LT SEL: ALL LIEUTENANTS (JUNIOR GRADE) WITH A DOR OF 01JUL06 OR
EARLIER.
F. LTJG SEL: 04JUN07 BOARD: ALL ENSIGNS WITH A DOR OF 31JUL06 OR
EARLIER. 28NOV07 BOARD: ALL ENSIGNS WITH A DOR OF 31JAN07 OR
EARLIER.
4. PER REF A, IF A RESERVE OFFICER'S ADPL RUNNING MATE IS CONSIDERED
FOR SELECTION, THE INACTIVE DUTY PROMOTION LIST (IDPL) OFFICER IS
ALSO CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION. CGPC-RPM ASSIGNS IDPL OFFICERS THEIR
RUNNING MATES. THE 2006 RESERVE REGISTER IS AVAILABLE AT
HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/HQ/CGPC/RPM/RPMHOME.HTM OR ON CG CENTRAL UNDER
CAREER MANAGEMENT (RESERVES). THE 2007 RESERVE REGISTER SHOULD BE
AVAILABLE IN EARLY MAY.
5. FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, RESERVE OFFICER PRELIMINARY ZONE SIZES ARE
AS FOLLOWS:
A. CAPT RETENTION: CAPTAINS WITH DOR OF 01JUL07 OR EARLIER.
B. CAPT SEL: COMMANDERS WITH SIGNO LESS THAN/EQUAL TO 114 (2006) /
83 (2007).
C. CDR SEL: LIEUTENANT COMMANDERS WITH SIGNO LESS THAN/EQUAL TO 304
(2006) / 266 (2007).
D. LCDR SEL: LIEUTENANTS WITH SIGNO LESS THAN/EQUAL TO 605 (2006) /
568 (2007).
E. LT SEL: ALL LIEUTENANTS (JUNIOR GRADE) WITH A DOR OF 01JUL06 OR
EARLIER.
F. LTJG SEL: ALL ENSIGNS WITH A DOR OF 08SEP06 OR EARLIER.
6. OERS FOR ALL OFFICERS SHOULD ARRIVE AT CGPC (OPM-3 FOR ADPL, RPM
FOR IDPL) NLT 45 DAYS AFTER THE END OF PERIOD (EOP) DATE TO PROVIDE
AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR REVIEW, CORRECTIONS (WHEN REQUIRED), VALIDATION
AND ENTRY INTO OFFICER RECORDS. RATING CHAIN MEMBERS ARE REMINDED TO
ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT FORMS (CG FORM 5310 A/B/C/D, VERSION 10/06)
ARE USED FOR ALL OERS SUBMITTED WITH AN EOP DATE OF 01JAN07 OR LATER.
THE REVISED COMMANDER OER (CG FORM 5310C) REQUIRES BOTH A PROMOTION
RECOMMENDATION AND COMPARISON SCALE MARK IN SECTION NINE.
7. FOR RESERVE OERS, OFFICERS IN ZONE ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A
SPECIAL OER IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 10.A.3.C.1.C OF REF B.
OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR SPECIAL WORK (ADSW) OR INVOLUNTARY ACTIVE
DUTY MUST FOLLOW POLICIES OUTLINED IN REF C. REPORTING OF DAYS
PERFORMED ON IDT/ADT/ADSW/TITLE 10 MUST BE INCLUDED AT THE END OF
SECTION 2 OF THE OER.
8. AS OUTLINED IN ARTICLE 10.A.2.H.2 OF REF B, OER ADMINISTRATORS ARE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY AND TIMELINESS OF OER
SUBMISSIONS. SECTION 14 ON PAGE 4 OF EACH ORIGINAL OER (CG FORM 5310
A/B/C/D, VERSION 10/06) SHOULD BE INITIALED AND DATED TO INDICATE THE
REQUIRED ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OF THE DOCUMENT HAS BEEN COMPLETED
PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO CGPC.
9. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT CGPC-OPM-3 (ADPL OFFICERS)
AND CGPC-RPM-1 (IDPL OFFICERS). OPM-3 CONTACT INFORMATION IS
AVAILABLE AT HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/HQ/CGPC/OPM/OPMMAIN.HTM OR ON CG
CENTRAL AT MY WORKSPACE/CAREER MANAGEMENT/OFFICER/EVALUATION.
RPM-1 CONTACT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT
HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/HQ/CGPC/RPM/RPMHOME.HTM.
10. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

DWO Needed

2007-03-22T15:03:00.001-04:00

SUBJ: TDY VOLUNTEER SOLICITATION FOR CGC PEA ISLAND: DECK WATCH OFFICER
(DWO) E-5 TO O-3
1. SOLICITING FOR ONE ACTIVE DUTY DWO QUALIFIED MALE/FEMALE FOR CGC PEA
ISLAND TO REPORT ON 02APR07 AND DEPART OOA 29APR07 IN KEY WEST, FL. WPB
AND/OR COXN EXPERIENCE PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED. FOR ADDITIONAL INFO
CONTACT MR. LARSON, (305) 535-4510/7582.
2. APPLICATION: MEMBERS MUST HAVE COMMAND APPROVAL TO BE SELECTED
FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT. USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO APPLY:
A. PACAREA PERSONNEL FOLLOW SERVICING ISC LOCAL PROCDURES.
B. INTERESTED LANTAREA CUTTER PERS W/CMD APPROVAL SUBMIT REQUESTS
DIRECTLY TO MLCA (PF). POCS: CWO2 DALTON/YN2 BENNETT AT
(757)628-4508/4495/FAX 4511.
C. ALL OTHER INTERESTED LANTAREA PERS W/CMD APPROVAL SHALL FORWARD
THEIR APPLICATION TO THE THEIR SERVICING ISC (PF) POC:
ISC MIAMI: BOB LARSON BOB.LARSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC BOSTON: YNCM RUDOLPH VINCENT.E.RUDOLPH(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC CLEVELAND: AIDALIS MILLS AIDALIS.MILLS(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC ST. LOUIS: LINDA ROBINSON LINDA.ROBINSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC NEW ORLEANS: DR. MCELMOYLE ROBERT.W.MCELMOYLE(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC PORTSMOUTH: YNC L. KENNEDY LYNDA.B.KENNEDY(AT)USCG.MIL
D. MEMBERS MAY APPLY BY COMPLETING THE ATTACHED ONLINE
APPLICATION FROM ANY CG STANDARD WORKSTATION (CGSW):
HTTP://WEBAPPS.MLCA.USCG.MIL/PDIV/FORCEOPS/VOLUNTEERS/DEFAULT.CFM.
MEMBERS WITHOUT CGSW ACCESS MY EMAIL THEIR APPLICATION TO THEIR ISC
(PF) POC IN PARA B. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFO IN E-MAIL
APPLICATIONS: NAME, EMPLID, RANK, STATUS AD/RES/AUX, GENDER,
CONTACT PHONE NUMBER (WORK AND HOME/CELL), PERMANENT UNIT, UNIT
POC, UNIT POC PHONE AND DESIRED DUTY BASED ON THE SOLICITATION MSG.
3. REQUEST PARENT COMMANDS TO THOROUGHLY SCREEN/PREPARE
VOLUNTEERS FOR AFLOAT DUTY. CURRENT MEDICAL/DENTAL EXAMINATIONS ARE
REQUIRED.
4. FOR LANTAREA ISC (PF)'S: FORWARD NAMES OF APPROVED VOLUNTEERS TO
ISC MIAMI (PF). ISC MIAMI (PF) POC: MR. LARSON, (305) 535-4510/7582.
5. MLCPAC (PF) REQUEST YOU SOLICIT YOUR AOR.
6. INTERNET RELEASE NOT AUTHORIZED.

ADSW-AC Opportunity at the Academy

2007-03-22T14:44:00.000-04:00

SUBJ: VOLUNTEER TDY/ADSW-AC SOLICITATION FOR CG ACADEMY: ONE OS1/2 OR
YN1/2
1. SOLICITING FOR ONE ACTIVE DUTY OR RESERVE ONE OS1/2 OR YN1/2
TO REPORT UNDER TDY/ADSW-AC ORDERS TO THE CG ACADEMY, AT NEW LONDON,
CT FROM 16APR07 TO OOA 17AUG07. MBR WILL DIRECT, COORDINATE AND
PROCESS NEW PERSONNEL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIST WITH
ACCESSION OF DCA STUDENTS. THIS IS IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF NEW
REQUIREMENTS UNDER HSPD 12 AND NEW ACCESSION REQUIREMENTS AT CGA.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT CWO JAMIE WILSON AT (860) 701-6746.
2. APPLICATION: MEMBERS MUST HAVE COMMAND APPROVAL TO BE SELECTED
FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT. USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO APPLY:
A. PACAREA PERSONNEL FOLLOW LOCAL SERVICING ISC PROCEDURES.
B. INTERESTED LANTAREA CUTTER PERS W/CMD APPROVAL SUBMIT REQUESTS
DIRECTLY TO MLCA (PF). POCS: CWO2 DALTON/YN2 BENNETT AT
(757)628-4508/4495/FAX 4511.
C. ALL OTHER INTERESTED LANTAREA PERS W/CMD APPROVAL SHALL FORWARD
THEIR APPLICATION TO THE THEIR SERVICING ISC (PF) POC:
ISC MIAMI: BOB LARSON BOB.LARSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC BOSTON: YNCM RUDOLPH VINCENT.E.RUDOLPH(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC CLEVELAND: AIDALIS MILLS AIDALIS.MILLS(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC ST. LOUIS: LINDA ROBINSON LINDA.ROBINSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC NEW ORLEANS: DR. BOB MCELMOYLE ROBERT.W.MCELMOYLE(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC PORTSMOUTH: CHIEF KENNEDY LYNDA.B.KENNEDY(AT)USCG.MIL
D. MEMBERS MAY APPLY BY COMPLETING THE ATTACHED ONLINE APPLICATION
FROM ANY CG STANDARD WORKSTATION (CGSW):
HTTP://WEBAPPS.MLCA.USCG.MIL/PDIV/FORCEOPS/VOLUNTEERS/DEFAULT.CFM.
MEMBERS WITHOUT CGSW ACCESS MY EMAIL THEIR APPLICATION TO THEIR ISC
(PF) POC IN PARA B. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFO IN E-MAIL
APPLICATIONS: NAME, EMPLID, RANK, STATUS AD/RES/AUX, GENDER, CONTACT
PHONE NUMBER (WORK AND HOME/CELL), PERMANENT UNIT, UNIT POC, UNIT POC
PHONE AND DESIRED DUTY BASED ON THE SOLICITATION MSG.
3. REQUEST PARENT COMMANDS TO THOROUGHLY SCREEN/PREPARE
VOLUNTEERS FOR AFLOAT DUTY. CURRENT MEDICAL/DENTAL EXAMINATIONS ARE
REQUIRED.
4. FOR LANTAREA ISC (PF)'S: FORWARD NAMES OF APPROVED VOLUNTEERS TO
ISC BOSTON (PF) POC: YNCM RUDOLPH (617) 223-3468.
5. MLC PAC (PF) REQUEST YOU SOLICIT YOUR AOR.
6. CG-1313 REQUEST POST ON WEBSITE. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

SHORT-TERM ADSW-AC RESERVE SOLICITATION

2007-03-21T07:19:00.000-04:00

R 201344Z MAR 07 ZUI ASN-A02079000005
FM COMCOGARD MLC LANT NORFOLK VA//PF//
TO AIG 11938
COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1313//
INFO COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA//ARE//
COGARD INTSUPRTCOM NEW ORLEANS LA//PF//
BT
UNCLAS //N01330//
SUBJ: SHORT-TERM ADSW-AC RESERVE SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL
FISHING VESSEL SAFETY COORDINATORS: E4-E6
1. SOLICITING FOR ONE E4-E6 RESERVIST TO RPT ASAP FOR SIXTY DAYS
UNDER ADSW-AC ORDERS TO SECTOR NEW ORLEANS. REQUIRED TRAINING WILL
BE PROVIDED. MEMBER WILL BE WALKING THE DOCKS PERFORMING DOCKSIDE
CFV EXAMINATIONS. FOR MORE INFO CONTACT MR. DAVID JOHNSON AT
(504)589-4234.
2. APPLICATION: MEMBERS MUST HAVE COMMAND APPROVAL TO BE SELECTED
FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT. USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO APPLY:
A. PACAREA PERSONNEL FOLLOW SERVICING ISC LOCAL PROCEDURES.
B. INTERESTED LANTAREA CUTTER PERS W/CMD APPROVAL SUBMIT REQUESTS
DIRECTLY TO MLCA (PF). POCS: CWO2 DALTON/YN2 BENNETT AT (757)
628-4508/4495/FAX 4511.
C. ALL OTHER INTERESTED LANTAREA PERS W/CMD APPROVAL SHALL FORWARD
THEIR APPLICATION TO THE THEIR SERVICING ISC (PF) POC:
ISC MIAMI: BOB LARSON BOB.LARSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC BOSTON: YNCM RUDOLPH VINCENT.E.RUDOLPH(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC CLEVELAND: AIDALIS MILLS AIDALIS.MILLS(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC ST. LOUIS: LINDA ROBINSON LINDA.ROBINSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC NEW ORLEANS: DR. MCELMOYLE ROBERT.W.MCELMOYLE(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC PORTSMOUTH: YNC L. KENNEDY LYNDA.B.KENNEDY(AT)USCG.MIL
D. MEMBERS MAY APPLY BY COMPLETING THE ATTACHED ONLINE
APPLICATION FROM ANY CG STANDARD WORKSTATION (CGSW):
HTTP://WEBAPPS.MLCA.USCG.MIL/PDIV/FORCEOPS/VOLUNTEERS/DEFAULT.CFM.
MEMBERS WITHOUT CGSW ACCESS MY EMAIL THEIR APPLICATION TO THEIR ISC
(PF) POC IN PARA B. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFO IN E-MAIL
APPLICATIONS: NAME, EMPLID, RANK, STATUS AD/RES/AUX, GENDER,
CONTACT PHONE NUMBER (WORK AND HOME/CELL), PERMANENT UNIT, UNIT
POC, UNIT POC PHONE AND DESIRED DUTY BASED ON THE SOLICITATION MSG.
3. FOR LANTAREA ISC (PF)'S: FORWARD NAMES OF APPROVED VOLUNTEERS TO
ISC NOLA FOT/DR. ROBERT MCELMOYLE AT (504) 253-6340.
3. FOR COMDT (CG-1313): INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED, REQUEST YOU
POST ON RESERVE WEBSITE FOR 30 DAYS.
4. MLCA POCS: CWO DALTON/YN2 BENNETT AT (757)628-4508/4495/FAX
4511.
BT
NNNN

Large ADSW-AC Solicitation

2007-03-19T07:25:00.000-04:00

R 191902Z MAR 07 ZUI ASN-A02078000031
FM COMCOGARD MLC LANT NORFOLK VA//PF//
TO AIG 11938
INFO COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA//AP//
COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1313/CG-3831//
BT
UNCLAS //N01330//
SUBJ: SHORT-TERM ADSW-AC SOLICITATION FOR SAFE PORT ACT SPOT CHECK
INSPECTION PROGRAM: E4-03 AND VARIOUS RATINGS.
A. EMAIL FM RUTH ROSKAM CG-3831 TO CWO R. DALTON MLCLANT PF OF
19MAR07.
1. IAW REF A, SOLICITING FOR RESERVE PERSONNEL (61) E5-03 AND
VARIOUS RATES/RANKS TO RPT UNDER SHORT-TERM ADSW-AC ORDERS UNTIL
30SEP07. THIS SOLICITATION IS IN SUPPORT OF THE SAFE PORT ACT,
WHICH REQUIRES SPOT CHECKS OF MTSA REGULATED FACILITIES. SELECTED
PERSONNEL SHOULD EXPECT ORDERS COMMENCING ASAP.
2. JOB DESCRIPTION: SELECTED RESERVISTS WILL AUGMENT UNIT PERSONNEL
IN CONDUCT FACILITY SECURITY AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF
COAST GUARD HOMELAND SECURITY MISSION. QUALIFIED PERSONNEL WITH THE
FACILITY INSPECTOR (EU) AND MARITIME SECURITY INSPECTOR FACILITY
(SF) COMPETENCIES AND/OR MSTA ENFORCEMENT PREFERED, HOWEVER NOT
REQUIRED. FOR MORE INFO CONTACT LANTAREA POC: CRAIG CROSS (757)
398-6565, PACAREA POC STEPHEN DANSCUK (510) 437-5839
3. RESERVE ADSW-AC BILLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING UNITS:
LOCATION RANK/RATE AMOUNT
SECTOR N. NEW ENGLAND E5/E6 1
SECTOR S.E. NEW ENGLAND E5/E6 1
SECTOR LONG ISLAND SOUND E5/E6 1
SECTOR NEW YORK E5/E6 1
SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS E5/E6 1
SECTOR NORTH CAROLINA E5/E6 1
SECTOR SAN JUAN E5/E6 4
SECTOR ST. PETERSBURG E6 3
SECTOR ST. PETERSBURG O3 1
SECTOR MIAMI E4/E5/E6 3
SECTOR MIAMI O2 1
SECTOR JACKSONVILLE E5/E6 1
SECTOR SAVANNAH E5/E6 1
SECTOR CORPUS CHRISTI E5/E6 5
SECTOR HOUSTON/GAL E5/E6 5
SECTOR NEW ORLEANS E5/E6 3
SECTOR OHIO RIVER VALLEY E5/E6 3
SECTOR LMR E5/E6 2
SECTOR UMR E5/E6 2
SECTOR BUFFALO E5/E6 1
SECTOR DETROIT E5/E6 1
SECTOR MILWAUKEE E5/E6 2
SECTOR SAULT STE MARIE E5/E6 1
SECTOR LA-LB MST2 1
SECTOR LA-LB PS2 1
SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO PSC 1
SECTOR PORTLAND MST1 4
SECTOR SEATTLE E5/E6 2
D14 MST2 2
SECTOR ANCHORAGE E4/E6 2
SECTOR JUNEAU E4/E6 2
LANTAREA O3 1
4. APPLICATION: MEMBERS MUST HAVE COMMAND APPROVAL TO BE SELECTED
FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT. USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO APPLY:
A. VOLUNTEERS SELECTED BY UNITS TO FILL THE FACILITY SPOT CHECK
POSITIONS AT THEIR PERMANENT DRILLING UNIT SHALL FORWARD THE NAMES
TO THE THEIR SERVICING ISC (PF) POC FOR APPROVAL AND FUNDING
REQUEST:
ISC MIAMI: BOB LARSON BOB.LARSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC BOSTON: YNCM RUDOLPH VINCENT.E.RUDOLPH(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC CLEVELAND: AIDALIS MILLS AIDALIS.MILLS(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC ST. LOUIS: LINDA ROBINSON LINDA.ROBINSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC NEW ORLEANS: DR. MCELMOYLE ROBERT.W.MCELMOYLE(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC PORTSMOUTH: YNC L. KENNEDY LYNDA.B.KENNEDY(AT)USCG.MIL
B. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO RESERVISTS CURRENTLY ASSIGNED TO THE
UNITS IDENTIFIED IN PARA 3. RESERVISTS REQUESTING TO PERFORM ADSW-
AC ORDERS AT A UNIT OTHER THAN THEIR PERMANENT DRILLING UNIT SHALL
COMPLETE AN APPLICATION AND HAVE COMMAND APPROVAL FORWARD TO THE
POC LISTED IN PARA 4.A VIA CHAIN OF COMMAND. MEMBERS MAY APPLY BY
COMPLETING THE ATTACHED ONLINE APPLICATION FROM ANY CG STANDARD
WORKSTATION (CGSW):
HTTP://WEBAPPS.MLCA.USCG.MIL/PDIV/FORCEOPS/VOLUNTEERS/DEFAULT.CFM.
MEMBERS WITHOUT CGSW ACCESS MAY EMAIL THEIR AN APPLICATION TO THEIR
ISC (PF) POC IN PARA 4.A VIA THEIR CHAIN OF COMMAND. INCLUDE THE
FOLLOWING INFO IN E-MAIL APPLICATIONS: NAME, EMPLID, RANK, STATUS
AD/RES/AUX, GENDER, CONTACT PHONE NUMBER (WORK AND HOME/CELL),
PERMANENT UNIT, UNIT POC, UNIT POC PHONE AND DESIRED DUTY BASED ON
THE SOLICITATION MSG. LANTAREA ISCS SHALL FORWARD VOLUNTEERS
DIRECTLY TO THE SERVICING ISC OF THE SECTOR FOR WHICH THE RESERVIST
REQUESTS TO PERFORM ADSW-AC. IF REQUESTED UNIT IS A PACAREA UNIT,
FORWARD TO MLCLANT (PF) FFA.
C. UNITS SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH THEIR REQUEST TO BRING A
RESERVIST ON ADSW-AC:
1. NAME OF RESERVIST
2. UNIT RESERVIST ASSIGNED
3. PERIOD
4. ESTIMATE COST FOR PAY AND FICA
5. ESTIMATE PER DIEM COST
D. LANTAREA ISCS SHALL EMAIL THE REQUESTS OF APPROVED VOLUNTEERS
DIRECTLY TO RUTH.A.ROSKAM(AT)USCG.MIL AND CC UNIT POC AND MLCA
(PF). MS ROSKUM WILL PROVIDE TONO/ACCT DATA FOR APPROVED PERSONNEL
5. PACAREA PERSONNEL FOLLOW LOCAL SERVICING ISC PROCEDURES.
5. MLCA (PF) POC: CWO R. DALTON/YN2 L BENNETT (757) 628-4508/4495.
7. MLCPAC (PF) REQUEST YOU SOLICIT YOUR AOR.
8. CG-1313 REQUEST YOU POST ON WEBSITE FOR 60 DAYS. INTERNET
RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
NNNN

SHORT-TERM ADSW-AC RESERVE SOLICITATION

2007-03-19T07:24:00.000-04:00

R 191906Z MAR 07 ZUI ASN-A02078000032
FM COMCOGARD MLC LANT NORFOLK VA//PF//
TO AIG 11938
COMCOGARD MLC PAC ALAMEDA CA//PF//
COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1313//
INFO COGARD MARITIME FORCE PROTECTION UNIT KINGS BAY GA
COGARD INTSUPRTCOM MIAMI FL//PF//
COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA//ACS/AR/AP/AX//
COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-CCS/G-R/G-P/G-X/CG-131//
BT
UNCLAS //N01330//
SUBJ: SHORT-TERM ADSW-AC RESERVE SOLICITATION FOR GUN CREWS NSB
KINGS BAY: EIGHT (PO3-PO1)
1. SOLICITING FOR RESERVE PERSONNEL TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS
AT MFPU KINGS BAY, GA THROUGH 30SEP2007. POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION
THROUGH FY08 EXISTS. SHORT-TERM TDY ORDERS ARE ISSUED FOR
ASSINGMENT TO THE MFPU. ASSIGNED PERSONNEL WILL BE USED AS GUN
CREWS ONBOARD NEW, UNIQUE ESCORT VESSELS AND CAN EXPECT A HIGH
OPTEMPO CONDUCTING UNDERWAY OPERATIONS. MEMBERS MUST BE ABLE TO
PASS BTM PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST UPON ARRIVAL AND BE ABLE TO QUALIFY
WITH ALL WEAPONS. MEMBER MUST BE IN CURRENT OR "GREEN" STATUS IN
ALL MEDICAL/DENTAL DATABANKS, INCLUDING WEIGHT STANDARDS OUTLINED
IN COMDTINST 1020.8E AND BE FIT FOR DUTY. SECRET CLEARANCE OR PROOF
OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED. FOR MORE INFORMATION
ON THE POSITIONS CONTACT POC IS LT ANGELA CALDWELL AT (OFFICE)
912-573-2492 OR (CELL) 912-222-8144: ANGELA.CALDWELL(AT)NAVY.MIL
GRADE QTY POSITION QUALS/EXPERIENCE
A. PO3-PO1 08 OSV-GUN CREW GUN QUALS UP TO
M60/M-240 PREFERRED
2. APPLICATION: MEMBERS MUST HAVE COMMAND APPROVAL TO BE SELECTED
FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT. USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO APPLY:
A. PACAREA PERSONNEL FOLLOW SERVICING ISC LOCAL PROCEDURES.
B. INTERESTED LANTAREA CUTTER PERSONNEL W/CMD APPROVAL SUBMIT
REQUESTS DIRECTLY TO MLCA (PF). POCS: CWO2 DALTON/YN2 BENNETT AT
(757) 628-4508/4495/FAX 4511.
C. ALL OTHER INTERESTED LANTAREA PERSONNEL W/CMD APPROVAL SHALL
FORWARD THEIR APPLICATION VIA CHAIN OF COMMAND TO THE THEIR
SERVICING ISC (PF) POC:
ISC MIAMI: BOB LARSON BOB.LARSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC BOSTON: YNCM RUDOLPH VINCENT.E.RUDOLPH(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC CLEVELAND: AIDALIS MILLS AIDALIS.MILLS(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC ST. LOUIS: LINDA ROBINSON LINDA.ROBINSON(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC NEW ORLEANS: DR. MCELMOYLE ROBERT.W.MCELMOYLE(AT)USCG.MIL
ISC PORTSMOUTH: YNC L. KENNEDY LYNDA.B.KENNEDY(AT)USCG.MIL
D. MEMBERS MAY APPLY BY COMPLETING THE ATTACHED ONLINE
APPLICATION FROM ANY CG STANDARD WORKSTATION (CGSW):
HTTP://WEBAPPS.MLCA.USCG.MIL/PDIV/FORCEOPS/VOLUNTEERS/DEFAULT.CFM.
MEMBERS WITHOUT CGSW ACCESS MAY EMAIL THEIR APPLICATION TO THERE
ISC (PF) POC IN PARA B, VIA CHAIN OF COMMAND. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
INFO IN E-MAIL APPLICATIONS: NAME, EMPLID, RANK, STATUS AD/RES/AUX,
GENDER, CONTACT PHONE NUMBER (WORK AND HOME/CELL), PERMANENT UNIT,
UNIT POC, UNIT POC PHONE AND DESIRED DUTY BASED ON THE SOLICITATION
MSG.
5. FOR LANTAREA ISC(PF)'S: FORWARD NAMES OF APPROVED VOLUNTEERS TO
MLCA(PF).
6. MLC PAC: REQUEST YOU SOLICIT YOUR AOR.
7. FOR CG-1313: INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
8. MLCA (PF) POCS: CWO DALTON/YN2 BENNETT 757-628-4508/4495.
BT
NNNN

Things a Man Should Know: About Fatherhood

2007-01-19T16:38:00.000-05:00

A buddy of mine who's first child was born last year sent me this. Enjoy!

1. Don't worry, your dad didn't know what he was doing, either.
2. No, no--not that Spock!
3. Second thought, maybe you should worry.
4. Never tell anybody that you and your wife are "trying." We really don't need the visual, that's why.
5. Never tell anybody where your child was conceived, how long it took, or what song was playing.
6. Do not name your baby after cities, geographical points of interest, features of the solar system, seasons, plants, animals, or current television stars.
7. Your child, at birth, already has a deeply complicated relationship with his mother, and, for the first year, you are only a curiosity. For a couple of years after that, an amusement-park ride. Then, a referee. And finally, a bank.
8. If you want to subject your son to the unkindest cut, insist on a local anesthetic, since many pediatricians don't bother to use one. The anesthetic is for the kid.
9. Baby gas is lessened with a good nipple connection during feeding, which decreases air intake. Assuring that his lower lip is flipped out, not pursed, helps.
10. There is nothing wrong with thumb-sucking, which helps ease the pain of teething. Nonetheless, it probably ought to stop by kindergarten.
11. Diaper-rash remedy: Expose baby's hydraulics to the air until dry. Soak baby's bottom in tepid water with a half cup baking soda. Then, Balmex. Or Lotrimin. Rediaper.
12. You know how they say you'll get used to diapers? You won't. Unless you wear them a lot.
13. Forcing children to use toilets will make them dislike toilets. Children begin using toilets when they tire of that not-so-fresh feeling. Of course, this is long, way long, after you tire of it.
14. The start of crawling: usually begins between six months and twelve months. Standing: usually between nine and twelve months. Walking: between twelve and fifteen months. The onset of the above, as with all developmental skills, is hugely variable among individual children.
15. Avoid walkers, not only because they can be dangerous around stairs but because they don't require a child to balance and thus retard his walking progress.
16. Reason boys are better: They cannot get pregnant.
17. Reason girls are better: They're less likely to get arrested.
18. The threat of an unknown punishment is always more effective than a stated one.
19. Annals of great punishments: making him wash the car, clean the bathroom, and watch The McLaughlin Group. You see, all great punishments should reduce the number of disagreeable tasks you would otherwise have to perform.
20. Teach by example.
21. Your kids can develop an independent sense of good taste only if they're allowed to make their own mistakes in judgment.
22. Relax: Lots of little boys want a Barbie and a dollhouse.
23. The first time you change your son's diaper and he pees all over you is not an accident. It's foreshadowing.
24. Children of too-strict parents are more likely to develop tics.
25. Let them take reasonable risks: A few scrapes in the long run are nothing compared with the scars left by hovering parents. Or tics. In preparation for risks: a Red Cross first-aid course.
26. The most common cause of fatal injury among kids between five and nine involves cars, which is to say, hold their hands. And buckle them in.
27. Try to tuck them in every night, too.
28. When changing diapers, avoid baby powder, as it can irritate her lungs. When changing diapers, definitely don't avoid the Desitin--spread it thick, like Spackle.
29. It never hurts to videotape the baby-sitter. Especially if she's hot.
30. Never disclose to other parents that you have found a good baby-sitter.
31. Reason boys are better: They cost less, especially their clothes.
32. Reason girls are better: They're less likely to burn, slash, or chew the clothes they have.
33. Overalls are not only cute, they provide a convenient handle.
34. At a certain point, your child will appear to survive exclusively on peanut butter, french fries, Cheerios, and hot dogs.
35. Dropping food on the floor is a new and delightful skill to a one-year-old, not a deliberate attempt to annoy you. However, as small he or she might be, never underestimate an infant's ability to project chewed food over great distances.
36. The single most important thing a father can possess: Wet-Naps.
37. NOW, more than ever, don't move into a place without laundry facilities.
38. Children's hobbies to nip quickly in the bud: drums, archery, matchbook collecting.
39. Beware your child's uncles, who will teach your kid dirty words, introduce him to liquor, and give him gifts of drums, archery sets, and possibly matches.
40. It is, of course, your natural right to exert the above negative influences on your siblings' offspring.
41. You are under no obligation to tell children the truth. Lying to children is, in fact, half the fun: "Oh, that tree? That's a yellow-spotted spickle-gruber, of course." On the other hand, they do remember everything.
42. Sesame Street. (In our case, Wonder Pets)
43. Your bedroom door gets a lock. Your teenage son's does not.
44. Lock or no, please knock before entering, as the disruption of a youth who is spanking his monkey will be twice as traumatic for you as it is for him.
45. Other doors to lock: those on the liquor cabinet.
46. There is only one reason for a teenager to burn incense, and we think you remember what it is.
47. Unfortunately, those books that say motherhood makes women desire more sex are referring to women who are not your wife.
48. No matter how wealthy you are, don't buy your kid a car -- offer to match him. Ditto for other adolescent big-ticket items; teach the little guy some responsibility!
49. The previous statement proving you are your parents. Only -- hopefully -- with better fashion sense.
50. Price of a college education for a baby born in 1999: $200,000.
51. If the real response to his question is no, try this instead: "Go ask your mom."
52. DNA tests are 99.9 percent accurate, but check the ears to be absolutely sure.
53. Reason boys are better: Boys start talking later than girls.
54. Reason girls are better: Boys toilet-train later than girls.
55. The twos aren't always terrible. Even if they are, take heart, as kids aged three to six generally believe their parents are the most amazing beings alive and wish to be exactly like them. How scary is that?
56. Establishing savings accounts for your kids and requiring them to make regular monthly deposits teaches them how to eventually become J. R Morgan. The above could prove useful in your dotage.
57. Corny as it sounds, that Harry Chapin guy was right. Then again, you could argue that W. C. Fields was right, too.
58. It's never too early to begin reading to children.
59. Let them read what they enjoy.
60. Except your porn, which your son will eventually steal unless you hide it really well. No, you cannot ask for it back. Furthermore, you cannot steal his.
61. Acceptable reading material: Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Curious George, and any of the following by Roald Dahl -- James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Danny the Champion of the World. Neither of the following by Roald Dahl: Kiss, kiss or Switch Bitch.
62. Know that by the time your kids are teens, those enormous baggy pants will be long gone, as will tattoos, piercing, and Marilyn Manson. Of course, by 2015, kids might very well sever arms and legs as fashion statements.
63. Some parents walk around naked in front of their children. These parents should stop it.
64. Nearly all psychological problems result from feelings of worthlessness, which is to say, every now and then make sure that you tell your kid he's pretty great.
65. And never raise a hand to him. But being a good guy, you probably knew that.
66. The harder they play, the earlier they sleep.
67. Never turn down an invitation to play.
68. No toys that require batteries.
69. They never really outgrow the claw. "No, Dad, no! Not the claw!" means "Apply the claw, please."
70. All in all, fatherhood is pretty terrific -- filled with joy and triumph, promise and miracles -- particularly other people's fatherhood.
71. You might think you know a lot about fatherhood, but not as much as you will when you're a grandfather.
72. If you're thinking that fatherhood means the end of life as you've known it, you, sir, are, of course, absolutely correct.

USCGC Healy Diving Accident Report

2007-01-14T09:48:00.000-05:00

Back in August, the Coast Guard lost two divers, LT Jessica Hill and BM2 Stephen Duque, in the Arctic Ocean. I posted about it here. The investigation is complete and the Commandant has placed the 33 page report on the internet. I encourage anyone who engages in high risk operations to read the report. There are lessons to be learned from this tragic event.

To the men and women of the Coast Guard:

On 17 August 2006, we lost two of our shipmates assigned to CGC HEALY, LT Jessica Hill and BM2 Steven Duque, in a tragic diving accident in the Arctic. There are valuable lessons to be learned by all of us regarding leadership, risk management, training and program oversight that apply to all Coast Guard operations. Therefore, I am directing all personnel to read my entire report. To help ensure public access to the report on the Internet, Coast Guard members with access to a CG Standard Workstation should view my report posted on CG Central at: (http://cgcentral.uscg.mil). Anyone without CGSW access can view a copy of the same report online at: (http://www.uscg.mil/ccs/cit/cim/foia/Electronic_Reading_Room.htm).

Consistent with my commitment to the families of LT Hill and BM2 Duque, each family was provided a copy of my report and has been personally briefed by the Coast Guard Chief of Staff, VADM Papp, earlier this week. We once again express our deepest sympathies as the entire Coast Guard continues to mourn the loss of these two dedicated, hard working individuals. Please keep them, their families and the HEALY crew in your thoughts and prayers. I understand that there is nothing which will make up for the loss of LT Hill and BM2 Duque. We will honor our lost shipmates by taking timely action, at all levels, to improve our dive program.

In addition to this administrative investigation, a Commandant’s Vessel Safety Board has been convened to prevent any similar mishap in the future. Its work is ongoing. The results of that mishap analysis will be disseminated via ALCOAST upon its completion in the coming months.

Concurrent with the public release of this investigation today, the Pacific Area Commander, VADM Wurster, is briefing HEALY crewmembers and the media in the cutter’s homeport of Seattle. As the convening authority, VADM Wurster has taken action to hold HEALY’s Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Operations Officer accountable for failing to meet their personal responsibilities surrounding this mishap.

This is a brief summary of what occurred. In the late afternoon hours of 17 August 2006, three Coast Guard divers from HEALY attempted to conduct two, 20-minute cold water familiarization dives at 20-foot depth during an ice liberty stop in the Arctic ice approximately 490 nautical miles north of Barrow, Alaska. After one of the divers exited the water due to equipment malfunction, the other two divers continued the dive in 29-degree Fahrenheit waters. The divers quickly descended to depths far exceeding their planned depth, one diver descending to 187 feet and the other diver descending to at least 220 feet. Once it became evident that too much tending line had paid out to support a 20-foot dive depth, the divers were brought to the water surface. The divers were recovered with no vital signs and were pronounced dead after extensive resuscitative efforts failed. Final autopsies report cause of death for both LT Hill and BM2 Duque as “Asphyxia with pulmonary barotraumas with possible air embolism” (lack of oxygen with severe air pressure damage to the lungs, including possible air bubbles in the circulatory system).

The bottom line is that this dive should have never occurred. The investigation revealed numerous departures from standard Coast Guard policy that should have precluded diving under the circumstances. Had HEALY’s Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Operations Officer and dive team followed policies established in Coast Guard and Navy Diving manuals, they would not have permitted diving operations.

HEALY had only two qualified and current divers that day; this dive evolution required at least three qualified and current divers, and one qualified Dive Supervisor not actually diving. Additionally, the Diver Tenders were not qualified. Despite these problems, the dive plan was approved by the Commanding Officer without a pre-brief, an operational risk assessment or any medical evacuation plan, as required by Coast Guard and Navy policy.

A critical factor in the loss of the divers was that neither diver wore a weight belt, as required by the Navy Diving Manual. Instead, both divers carried approximately 60 pounds of weight in the pockets of their buoyancy compensation devices (BCD), approximately 2-3 times more weight than normally used by experienced divers in similar cold water and ice dive conditions. The BCD has pockets to carry and, if necessary, jettison weight. However, LT Hill and BM2 Duque filled not only the weight pockets, but also the equipment pockets of the BCD. Thus, much of the divers’ weight was not easily jettisonable. Although LT Hill had some experience diving in the Arctic, this was her first SCUBA dive in the Arctic. This was BM2 Duque’s first cold water dive.

Adding to the risk of the operation, the ship was holding “ice liberty” at the same time, and in close proximity to the dive evolution. The ice liberty included “polar bear plunges,” football and consumption of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Neither LT Hill nor BM2 Duque consumed alcohol prior to diving.

The deaths of LT Hill and BM2 Duque were preventable and resulted from failures at the Service, unit and individual levels. The investigation revealed failures in leadership within the chain of command aboard HEALY, as well as numerous departures from standard Coast Guard policy. Had a proper risk assessment been conducted, this tragedy could have been avoided. As a Service, we failed to exercise sufficient programmatic oversight of the dive program, including failures to adequately staff our dive units and conduct annual dive safety surveys. This mishap further highlighted our need to improve dive expertise in unit dive lockers and address shortfalls in dive program policy, guidance, training and experience. As a result, we will elevate program management on par with other high risk, training-intensive operations such as aviation. A comprehensive list of the corrective actions I have ordered, including those that have been completed, is contained in my report posted online.

We cannot prevent every Coast Guard casualty. Despite the professionalism, bravery, and dedication of our workforce, in rare cases we suffer a serious injury or death in the line of duty. As Coast Guard men and women we accept that risk, but we will not accept preventable loss or injury. This tragedy has prompted us to re-examine our dive program to ensure it is as well managed and safe as such inherently dangerous operations allow. The safe conduct of Coast Guard training is fundamental to Coast Guard readiness. Without it, there can be no successful Mission Execution. When it comes to dangerous operations such as diving, “good enough” is never good enough. We can do better. We will do better.

The sacrifices LT Hill and BM2 Duque made in service to their Nation will never be forgotten. Their loyalty and dedicated service will forever be appreciated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Admiral Thad Allen

Light of Other Days

2006-12-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

If you have 10 or 15 minutes to spare, go read this story. It's called Light of Other Days, and was written by the late science fiction author Bob Shaw.

As a parent, I was especially struck by this story. Don't worry if you don't like science fiction. There are no rocket ships or aliens, just slow glass. Slow glass is a glass that is so dense that light takes years to pass through it. Anyway, go read the story. Let me know what you think.

Hat tip to Thingamababy.

Cool Timewaster

2006-12-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

There's a guy who posts on the rec.crafts.brewing newsgroup who has built a robot that can be controlled via web. Here's a link http://www.swampgas.com/robotics/rover.html
I've been on it twice and both times, the builder was in the room and I was just moving the thing all over. It's pretty neat. Enjoy!

Another Shipmate Crosses the Bar

2006-11-27T17:21:00.000-05:00

P 271939Z NOV 06
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALLHANDS
BT
UNCLAS //N01000//
SUBJ: COAST GUARD LOSS OF LIFE
1. IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I INFORM YOU OF THE TRAGIC LOSS OF ONE OF OUR SHIPMATES IN HAWAII. PORT SECURITY SPECIALIST FIRST CLASS STEVE FAVELA, A DRILLING RESERVIST WITH MSST HONOLULU, PASSED AWAY OVER THANKSGIVING WEEKEND FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AS A POLICE OFFICER WITH THE HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT. HE WAS PARTICIPATING IN A PRESIDENTIAL MOTORCADE WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE HE WAS RIDING WENT OUT OF CONTROL. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, HE WAS ESCORTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO AIR FORCE ONE. HE WAS TAKEN TO QUEEN'S MEDICAL CENTER IN CRITICAL CONDITION, BUT COULD NOT BE SAVED.
2. PS1 FAVELA LIVED AND DIED HONORABLY. HE SERVED HIS COMMUNITY AND HIS NATION NOT ONLY AS A RESERVIST, BUT IN HIS FULLTIME POLICE WORK. THE EXAMPLE HE SET IS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US IN THE COAST GUARD. HE WAS 30 YEARS OLD AND IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, TWO DAUGHTERS AND A SON.
3. THIS LOSS IS A REMINDER TO ALL OF US THAT WE OPERATE IN A HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT. IT ALSO REMINDS US THAT COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN, ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE, SERVE OUR NATION PROUDLY ACROSS THE REACHES OF THE GLOBE TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT OUR NATIONAL INTERESTS. WE ARE PROUD OF PS1 FAVELA'S SELFLESS SERVICE AND HONOR HIM BY OUR CONTINUED DEDICATION TO THE IMPORTANT WORK WE DO FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
4. PLEASE JOIN THE DIRECTOR OF THE SECRET SERVICE, MARK SULLIVAN, AND ME, IN TAKING A MOMENT TODAY TO REFLECT ON THE LOSS OF THIS BRAVE AND DEDICATED MEMBER OF OUR COAST GUARD FAMILY IN WHATEVER WAY YOU FIND MOST APPROPRIATE. PLEASE KEEP HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SHIPMATES IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
5. ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN SENDS.
6. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
NNNN

Happy Birthday Marines

2006-11-10T06:34:00.000-05:00

R 081326Z NOV 06 ZUI ASN-A00312000002 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO CMC WASHINGTON DC
ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01000//
ALCOAST 543/06
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: 231ST BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
1. THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE COAST GUARD WISH THE UNITED STATES MARINE
CORPS A HAPPY 231ST BIRTHDAY.
2. SINCE NOVEMBER 10, 1775 MARINES HAVE CONTINUED THE PROUD TRADITION
OF DEFENDING AMERICA'S INTEREST WORLD WIDE. FROM YOUR VALIANT BATTLES
AT TRIPOLI, BELLEAU WOOD, IWO JIMA, AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ, TO YOUR
HUMANITARIAN RELIEF AND DISASTER RECOVERY OPERATIONS IN THE AFTERMATH
OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA, YOUR PROUD AND FAITHFUL SERVICE TO
OUR NATION IS IN KEEPING WITH YOUR MOTTO "SEMPER FIDELIS."
3. MARINES, WE WISH YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS AND ARE PROUD TO SERVE WITH
YOU. SEMPER PARATUS.
4. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
5. ADM T.W. ALLEN, COMMANDANT, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD.
BT
NNNN

New Hobby

2006-10-28T09:20:00.000-04:00

The Brown Hound is expanding to homebrewing. Here's a picture of the inagural batch fermenting away. You can't see it, but those little yeasties are going to town to make what is supposed to be a Belgian White Ale (witbier). I'll let you know how it turns out.

Meatball Lasagna

2006-10-19T15:15:00.000-04:00

I love Southern Living magazine. This uses egg roll wrappers instead of pasta.

Meatball Lasagna

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (8-ounce) container onion-and-chive flavored cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (3-ounce) package shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 (26-ounce) jars tomato basil pasta sauce
1 (16-ounce) package egg roll wrappers
60 to 64 frozen cooked Italian-style meatballs

1. Stir together first 6 ingredients until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; set aside.

2. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce in bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

3. Cut egg roll wrappers in half lengthwise; arrange 10 halves over pasta sauce. (Wrappers will overlap.) Top with meatballs. Spoon 3 cups pasta sauce over meatballs; sprinkle with 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Arrange 10 wrappers evenly over mozzarella. Spread ricotta cheese mixture over wrappers; top with remaining wrappers and pasta sauce.

4. Bake at 350*F (175*C) for 50 minutes. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake 10 more minutes. Let stand 15 minutes.

Happy Birthday Navy!

2006-10-12T17:05:00.000-04:00

R 122041Z OCT 06 ZUI ASN-A00285000025 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N-00//
ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01000//
ALCOAST 501/06
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: 231ST BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
1. THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE COAST GUARD WISH THE UNITED STATES NAVY A
HAPPY 231ST BIRTHDAY.
2. SINCE OCTOBER 13, 1775, THE NAVY HAS MAINTAINED, TRAINED, AND
EQUIPPED COMBAT READY NAVAL FORCES CAPABLE OF WINNING WARS, DETERRING
AGGRESSION, AND MAINTAINING FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. FROM DELIVERING
HUMANITARIAN AID TO BANGLADESH, THE PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA AND EAST
TIMOR, TO ENGAGING THREATS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ, ADHERENCE TO YOUR
CORE VALUES: "HONOR, COURAGE, COMMITMENT" IS EVIDENT IN THE ACTIONS
OF YOUR DEDICATED SAILORS.
3. WE ARE COMMITTED PARTNERS IN OPERATIONALIZING THE NATIONAL FLEET
CONCEPT AND DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MARITIME
SECURITY.
4. SHIPMATES, WE WISH YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS AND ARE PROUD TO SERVE
WITH YOU. SEMPER PARATUS!
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. ADM T.W. ALLEN, COMMANDANT, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD.
BT
NNNN

2006-10-12T11:23:00.000-04:00

This is a great idea.

R 121445Z OCT 06 ZUI ASN-A00285000007 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N05725//
ALCOAST 500/06
COMDTNOTE 5725
SUBJ: MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE FORCE
1. I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, THE MASTER
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE FORCE (MCPO-CGRF)
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO ME AS AN ADVISOR ON AND ADVOCATE FOR THE MEN
AND WOMEN OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE.
2. THIS ACTION IS PART OF THE ONGOING EVOLUTION OF OUR INTEGRATED
RESERVE FORCE, AND RECOGNIZES THE CRITICAL SURGE CAPACITY THE
RESERVE COMPONENT PROVIDES OUR MILITARY, MARITIME, MULTI-MISSION
SERVICE IN THE EXECUTION OF MARITIME HOMELAND SECURITY, DOMESTIC
AND EXPEDITIONARY SUPPORT TO NATIONAL DEFENSE AND RESPONSE TO
DOMESTIC DISASTERS, NATURAL AND MAN-MADE.
3. SINCE THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 2001, RESERVISTS HAVE
ANSWERED THE CALL REPEATEDLY IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM AND IN RESPONSE
TO THE NEEDS OF THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS. CUMULATIVELY, OVER 6,800
COAST GUARD RESERVISTS HAVE BEEN MOBILIZED OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS
UNDER TITLE 10 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE. MANY OF THEM HAVE SERVED
OVERSEAS IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM WHILE MANY
OTHERS HAVE STOOD THE WATCH ALONG 95,000 MILES OF U.S. COASTLINE
AND IN OUR PORTS AND WATERWAYS. MANY HAVE ALSO RESPONDED TO NATURAL
DISASTERS ON OUR OWN SHORES, INCLUDING 700 CALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY
LAST YEAR UNDER TITLE 14 IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA
RESPONSE AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS.
4. THESE DEDICATED CITIZEN-COAST GUARDSMEN HAVE BEEN
EXTRAORDINARILY WELL SERVED SINCE DECEMBER 2003 BY MCPO-CGRF
JEFFREY SMITH, WHO WILL CONTINUE IN HIS VITAL ROLE AS MY PRINCIPAL
ADVISOR ON ISSUES AFFECTING OUR ENLISTED RESERVE FORCE. IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH MCPO-CG CHARLES BOWEN, MCPO-CGRF SMITH AND I WILL
CONTINUE TO WORK TO ENSURE OUR MILITARY WORKFORCE, ACTIVE AND
RESERVE, IS A SINGLE TEAM ALWAYS READY TO MEET ALL THREATS AND ALL
HAZARDS IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. RELEASED BY ADM THAD W. ALLEN.
BT
NNNN

Coast Guard and NASCAR

2006-09-20T19:44:00.000-04:00

The Coast Guard has had a very successful year sponsoring the Coast Guard Racing Team. The main driver, Kevin Harvick, is running away with the Busch Series Championship. So, I was very disappointed to see the following pop up on the message board.

R 201903Z SEP 06 ZUI ASN-A00263000041
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N05700//
ALCOAST 474/06
COMDTNOTE 5700
SUBJ: COAST GUARD "21" RACE TEAM SPONSORSHIP
1. RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING HAS BEEN A GREAT PARTNER TO THE COAST
GUARD. DRIVERS KEVIN HARVICK AND JEFF BURTON HAVE DELIVERED
ASTOUNDING PERFORMANCE, AND HAVE REPRESENTED THE COAST GUARD WELL,
BOTH ON AND OFF THE TRACK. THEY WON SEVEN RACES, AND KEVIN HARVICK
IS ON PATH TO NOT ONLY WIN THE DRIVERS POINT CHAMPIONSHIP, BUT ALSO
TO SET A RECORD FOR THE LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY IN THE HISTORY OF
THE BUSCH SERIES. THEY HAVE HELPED RAISE THE AWARENESS OF THE
COAST GUARD, AND MILLIONS OF RACE FANS NOW ASSOCIATE US WITH THEIR
SUCCESS.
2. UNFORTUNATELY, WE CANNOT CONTINUE THIS SPONSORSHIP FOR THE 2007
NASCAR SEASON DUE TO COMPETING FISCAL DEMANDS. THIS WAS A VERY
DIFFICULT DECISION, BUT WE MUST REMAIN READY TO MEET CURRENT AND
FUTURE MISSION EXECUTION REQUIREMENTS. NEW ACQUISITIONS, SHORE
INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS, INCREASED OPERATING COSTS AND EXPANDING
MISSION DEMANDS REQUIRE US TO CONTINUALLY REASSESS ALL FUNDING
PRIORITIES.
3. OUR NASCAR SPONSORSHIP WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE END OF THE
2006 RACING SEASON, WHICH CONCLUDES NOVEMBER 18TH AT THE MIAMI-
HOMESTEAD SPEEDWAY. I ENCOURAGE ALL MEMBERS OF THE COAST GUARD
FAMILY TO CHEER KEVIN HARVICK ON AS HE CLINCHES THE SERIES
CHAMPIONSHIP. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THANKING RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING
FOR GIVING US SUCH AN EXCITING, SUCCESSFUL, AND REWARDING 2006
SEASON.
4. INTERNET RELEASE IS AUTHORIZED.
5. ADMIRAL THAD W. ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
BT
NNNN

Happy Birthday Air Force!

2006-09-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

R 152020Z SEP 06 ZUI ASN-A00258000035 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO HQ USAF WASHINGTON DC
ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01000//
ALCOAST 470/06
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: 59TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
1. ON BEHALF OF ALL COAST GUARD MEMBERS, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO WISH
THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE A HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY.
2. SINCE SEPTEMBER 18, 1947, THE AIR FORCE HAS WELL FULFILLED ITS
MISSION OF DELIVERING SOVEREIGN OPTIONS FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE UNITED
STATES AND ITS GLOBAL INTERESTS. WHETHER DELIVERING HUMANITARIAN AID
TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA AND THE TSUNAMIS IN ASIA, OR
DESTROYING A BATTLEFIELD THREAT IN AFGHANISTAN OR IRAQ, THE ADHERENCE
TO YOUR CORE VALUES: "INTEGRITY FIRST, SERVICE BEFORE SELF, AND
EXCELLENCE IN ALL YOU DO" IS EVIDENT IN THE ACTIONS OF YOUR DEDICATED
AIRMEN.
3. WE WISH YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS IN YOUR MISSIONS. WE ARE PROUD TO
SERVE WITH YOU. SEMPER PARATUS.
4. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
5. ADM T.W. ALLEN, COMMANDANT, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD.
BT
NNNN

RIP Admiral Kime

2006-09-15T08:52:00.000-04:00

FORMER COAST GUARD COMMANDANT DIES

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Coast Guard today announced the death of Adm. J.William Kime, 72, Coast Guard commandant from 1990 to 1994, who succumbed to cancer earlier this morning."

This is a very sad day for the Coast Guard," said Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of the Coast Guard. "The Coast Guard lost a close member ofour family, and America has lost a great leader.

In the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Adm. Kime pioneered how the Coast Guard now prevents and responds to oil and hazardous chemical spills, significantly minimizing the environmental damage caused by such spills. His legacy can be seen today in how the Coast Guard responds to a broad range of threats and hazards to our maritime, homeland, and national security interests."

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Valerie, their children, and the entire Kime family during this very difficult time,"Allen said.

Kime was nominated to become the 19th commandant of the Coast Guard by President George Bush and, following Senate confirmation, he relieved Adm. Paul A Yost, Jr., on May 31, 1990. Kime's official Coast Guardbiography can be found at
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/JWKimeBio.html

Kime will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Admiral Kime was the Commandant when I enlisted in the Coast Guard. Fair Winds and Following Seas Admiral.

Two Shipmates Have Crossed the Bar

2006-08-19T11:40:00.000-04:00

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the tragic loss of two of our shipmates. LT Jessica Hill of St. Augustine, Florida, and BM2 Steven Duque of Miami, Florida, lost their lives in the line of duty while conducting diving operations from CGC HEALY during an icebreaking mission approximately 600 miles Northwest of Barrow, Alaska. Despite all efforts by the crew of HEALY, they could not be revived after being rescued from the water in distress.

Our highest priority now is to fully support the family, friends and shipmates of LT Hill and BM2 Duque during this difficult time. Both members were single without children, and their respective family members have been notified. I have directed the District and Area commanders to provide whatever support services are necessary for the families and crew of HEALY. HEALY is returning to Barrow where we will be better able to assist them. Two concurrent investigations will be conducted to help determine the circumstances surrounding this accident.

In my conversation with HEALY’s commanding officer, CAPT Doug Russell, this afternoon, I expressed my personal condolences to him and his crew and pledged my support for them while they deal with this loss. CAPT Russell spoke proudly of LT Hill and BM2 Duque. LT Hill was on her second Coast Guard tour serving as the Marine Science Officer aboard HEALY. She was a graduate of University of Western Alabama. BM2 Duque enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2002, and served both afloat and ashore prior to being assigned as one of HEALY’s divers.

This loss is a reminder to all of us that we operate in a hazardous environment and must remain vigilant. It also reminds us that Coast Guard men and women serve our Nation proudly across the reaches of the globe to preserve and protect our national maritime safety, security and stewardship interests. LT Hill and BM2 Duque made the ultimate sacrifice. We are proud of their selfless service and honor them by our continued dedication to the important work we do for the American people.

Please join Secretary Chertoff, me, and all who serve in uniform in taking a moment today to reflect on the loss of these two brave and heroic members of our Coast Guard family in whatever way you find most appropriate. Please keep their families, friends and shipmates in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come. Details on memorial services and how you can express your condolences to the families of LT Hill and BM2 Duque will be provided when available.

Admiral Thad Allen

Happy Birthday Coast Guard!

2006-08-04T09:42:00.000-04:00

R 042300Z AUG 06 ZUI ASN-A00217000001
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01000//
ALCOAST 403/06
SUBJ: COAST GUARD DAY
1. TODAY MARKS THE 216TH BIRTHDAY OF OUR COAST GUARD. THIS
ANNIVERSARY OFFERS US A MOMENT TO CELEBRATE OUR RICH HISTORY,
REFLECT ON OUR PAST AND FOCUS ON OUR FUTURE. THE COAST GUARD'S
UNIQUE LEGACY AS AMERICA'S LIFESAVER AND MARITIME GUARDIAN EVOLVED
FROM THE SELFLESS COURAGE AND UNFLINCHING DETERMINATION OF OUR
PREDECESSORS. IT IS IN THEIR HONOR THAT WE CELEBRATE TODAY.
2. IN 1790, CONGRESS AUTHORIZED SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
ALEXANDER HAMILTON TO BUILD A FLEET OF TEN CUTTERS TO SECURE OUR
FREEDOM AND PROTECT OUR COAST. FOR THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS, THE
REVENUE MARINE WAS THE NATION'S ONLY NAVAL FORCE. OVER TIME, IT
EVOLVED AND ACQUIRED NEW RESPONSIBILITIES TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS
OF A DEMOCRACY IN THE EARLY YEARS OF A NEW NATION.
3. THE WORLD HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY SINCE 1790 AND CONTINUES TO
CHANGE WITH EVERY DAY. THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM, THE MARITIME
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT, THE HOMELAND SECURITY ACT, THE
NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR HOMELAND SECURITY, AND THE NATIONAL STRATEGY
FOR MARITIME SECURITY HAVE GIVEN THE COAST GUARD ADDITIONAL AREAS
OF MISSION EMPHASIS. MEETING THOSE NEW MARITIME SECURITY DEMANDS,
WHILE SUSTAINING THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF THE PUBLIC WE SERVE IN
PRESERVING OUR MARITIME SAFETY AND EXERCISING OUR MARITIME
STEWARDSHIP DUTIES, REQUIRES US TO CONTINUALLY CHALLENGE OURSELVES
AND IMPROVE THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS. BY FOCUSING ON SUPERIOR
MISSION EXECUTION IN ALL THAT WE DO, OUR ACTIVE DUTY, RESERVE,
CIVILIAN AND AUXILIARY MEN AND WOMEN ARE MEETING THESE CHALLENGES
HEAD ON, OFTEN TIMES IN UNIQUE AND INNOVATIVE WAYS. I AM PROUD OF
THESE TREMENDOUS EFFORTS AND YOUR HARD WORK.
4. WITH THE ARRIVAL OF OUR 217TH YEAR OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE, WE
CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THE PROMISE OF MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
AMERICA, AND EVEN MORE CHALLENGES. I REAFFIRM MY COMMITMENT TO
EACH OF YOU ON THIS SPECIAL DAY TO ENSURE THAT OUR COAST GUARD MEN
AND WOMEN ARE THE MOST VERSATILE WORK FORCE IN GOVERNMENT, EQUIPPED
WITH THE MOST CAPABLE FLEET OF SHIPS, AIRCRAFT AND BOATS, ALONG
WITH THE MOST EFFECTIVE SYSTEMS THAT WILL SUPPORT THEM. WE HAVE AN
EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AS AMERICA'S COAST GUARD. WE
WILL BUILD ON THAT LEGACY. WE WILL RISE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES
FACING US. AND WE WILL REMAIN ALWAYS READY.
5. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND SEMPER PARATUS!
6. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
7. ADM T. W. ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.

The Electoral College

2006-07-24T14:52:00.000-04:00

The Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial page has a defense of the Electoral College. Here's a snippet;

Constitutional drafters created the Electoral College as a check on the ability of large states to run roughshod over smaller siblings in presidential elections. They wanted rural interests to receive attention on a par with the much more populous urban centers. Their plan worked. During the 2000 election, for example, voters in a state such as West Virginia proved as critically important as those in Orange County, California. In the midst of a hard-fought election, presidential candidates must understand Appalachian poverty every bit as much as that in inner-city ghettos when putting together a state-by-state coalition that equals 270 electoral votes.

Read the rest here.

Food For Thought

2006-07-03T21:33:00.000-04:00

I just started reading His Master's Voice by Stanislaw Lem. I came across an interesting question posed by the narrator;

It turns out, however, that freedom of expression sometimes presents a greater threat to an idea, because forbidden thoughts may circulate in secret, but what can be done when an important fact is lost in a flood of imposters, and the voice of truth becomes drowned out in an ungodly din? When that voice, though freely resounding, cannot be heard, because the technologies of information have led to a situation in which one can receive best the message of him that shouts the loudest, even when the most falsely?

Coast Guard Change of Command

2006-05-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

R 251740Z MAY 06 ZUI ASN-A00145000027
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01321//
ALCOAST 299/06
COMDTNOTE 1321
SUBJ: COMMANDANTS CHANGE OF COMMAND
1. TODAY I RELIEVED ADMIRAL THOMAS COLLINS AS COMMANDANT. WE HONOR
HIS 38 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE NATION. HE LED THE COAST
GUARD THROUGH TIMES OF SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE AND CHANGE, INCLUDING
THE TRANSITION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
NORTHCOM, THE SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
SECURITY ACT, HISTORIC INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PEOPLES
REPUBLIC OF CHINA, AND THE UNPRECEDENTED RESPONSE TO THE 2005
HURRICANES. WE WISH HIM WELL AND THANK HIM FOR A JOB WELL DONE IN
SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND HUMANITY. I ALSO EXTEND MY SINCERE
APPRECIATION TO MRS. NANCY COLLINS FOR HER SUPPORT DURING ADMIRAL
COLLINS DISTINGUISHED CAREER.
2. CONCURRENT WITH THIS ALCOAST I AM SENDING AN EMAIL, MY FIRST
SITREP, TO ALL HANDS AND TO OUR MANY PARTNERS, OUTLINING MY INTENT.
A PERSONAL VIDEO MESSAGE FROM ME, ALONG WITH THIS SITREP, CAN BE
ACCESSED ON THE COAST GUARD INTERNET HOME PAGE AT WWW.USCG.MIL IN
THE COMMANDANTS CORNER AND ON THE OURCG TAB OF CGCENTRAL AT
HTTP://CGCENTRAL.USCG.MIL. IN THE FUTURE YOU WILL RECEIVE ALL
HANDS MESSAGES DIRECTLY FROM ME VIA SEVERAL CHANNELS, INCLUDING ALL
HANDS GENERAL MESSAGES AND THESE WEBSITES. MY PERFORMANCE GOAL IS
TO ENSURE RECEIPT BY ALL MEMBERS, O-10 TO E-1, IN TWENTY-FOUR
HOURS.
3. I AM EXTRAORDINARILY PROUD OF YOU AND OUR SERVICE. I AM
GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO SERVE YOU AND THE
NATION.
4. ALL HAZARDS, ALL THREATS, ALWAYS READY...SEMPER PARATUS.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
6. ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
BT
NNNN

How Not To Call For Help

2006-05-22T08:47:00.000-04:00

The last case that I had ended up with everyone safe and sound but tired because they spent the whole night on their boat. They didn't have to but they did what so many boaters are doing these days; relying on a cell phone as their only means of communication. Here's a quick synopsis of the case.

Three men ages 19-22 went out on the bay in a 35 year old 18' boat to do some fishing. Some time that night, they ran out of gas. They called 911 on their cell phone and got the Virginia State Police at 9:50 pm. They told the dispatcher that they were broken down near Langley Air Force Base and the call was lost. The call was too short for the phone information to be captured. The VSP called us and we asked Langley Fire Department to send their boat out to investigate. They didn't see anything.

Then Hampton 911 called us around 10:10 pm saying that they had gotten a call from the same guys. They got a little more information from the boat. Now we knew that they were out of gas. Hampton was dispatching their police boat and fire boat. The 911 system was unable to calculate a position of the call though. They did get a phone number and called the carrier, T-Mobile, to find out who the owner was. We got the owner's name and address but he wasn't listed in the phone book so we couldn't call his house. So here's how I found a phone number for him;
1. Looked up the address on the countie's online tax maps.
2. Identified the owner.
3. Called owner, she didn't live there. It was rented and she gave me the tenant's phone number.
4. Called tenant. The boater didn't live there but the tenant was his uncle.
5. Boater lives next door to the uncle with his mother.
6. Uncle has mother call me back.
This took about 45 minutes.

By this time, we were getting concerned that we hadn't found them yet so we launched Station Cape Charles to search. Meanwhile, I called T-Mobile again to get more information about the call. Unfortunately, the technician could only tell me that the phone was currently turned off so he couldn't "ping" it. Since the phone was roaming, he couldn't tell me what tower had picked up the signal.

The mother called back to say that she found out who might be on the boat with her son. She had a cell phone number for one of them. I called the number but got the voice mail. It is now around midnight and the area around Langley has been saturated. We request a helicopter from Elizabeth City, NC to search.

At 1:20, they call 911 again. This time, it's a different phone number that calls. It's the same number the mother gave me. I call Verizon to find out more. This time I am able to get tower information which leads me to expand the search area to part of the bay. As the helo is searching this area, they have a bird strike and have to land at Langley AFB to inspect the airframe. They are able to get back up and resume the search and find the boaters around 5:30 am. The boats are vectored in and tow the boat back to the marina.

OK, so that wasn't a quick synopsis. But it wasn't a quick case. If the guys on the boat had a VHF Marine radio and flares, this would have been a quick case. Here's why cell phones shouldn't replace a radio on a boat;

1. Cell phone companies place towers to get the best coverage over LAND not water. I've been on a boat in sight of a cell phone tower and had no signal.

2. If you call the Coast Guard with a cell phone, no one else can hear you. If you call us with a marine radio, everyone near you with a radio can hear you tell us that you are in trouble. These guys are closer to you than we are.

3. We cannot home in on a cell phone signal. We can use direction finding equipment to home in on any VHF Marine signal though.

Cell phones are a great backup but VHF Marine radio is the best way to get help while you are on the water.

Another great thing to have is towing insurance. The three companies that I know of who offer it are TowBoat US, Sea Tow and Vessel Assist. (I'm not endorsing a company here.)

The other great thing to do is file a float plan. The Coast Guard Auxiliary had a great site where you can download the form.

The Daily Press editorial board wonders if we should seek reimbursement from these guys for the search since they went out unprepared. The only figures that I have is a HH-60 helicopter costs $11,000 per hour. My "billing rate" is around $65/hour. So, we're already up to a hefty chunk of change before we add the boats.

Submitted to the Virginia Blog Carnival.

In Memoriam

2006-04-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

242056Z APR 06 ZUI ASN-A02114000022
FM COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA//ACS/AO/AOF/AOFP//
TO ALLCOGARD LANT
BT
UNCLAS
SUBJ: REMEMBERING A COAST GUARD HERO - DC3 NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL
1. 24 APRIL 2006 MARKS THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOSS OF DC3
NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL AND TWO USN SAILORS WHO WERE KILLED IN THE LINE
OF DUTY WHILE CONDUCTING MARITIME INTERCEPT OPERATIONS (MIO) IN THE
NORTH ARABIAN GULF.
2. DC3 BRUCKENTHAL WAS A PROUD COAST GUARDSMAN WHO SERVED HIS
COUNTRY AND HIS FELLOW MAN WITH HONOR AND COMPASSION. HE WILLINGLY
ENTERED INTO HARMS WAY TO PROTECT OUR NATION AND HIS FELLOW
SERVICEMEN FROM TERRORISTS AND TO ASSIST THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ AS THEY
PURSUE FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY. AS A MEMBER OF TACLET SOUTH, HE
EXEMPLIFIED HONOR, RESPECT AND MOST ESPECIALLY, DEVOTION TO DUTY.
3. THE ANNIVERSARY OF THIS INCIDENT PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT
OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO REFLECT ON THE DANGEROUS LAW ENFORCEMENT,
HOMELAND SECURITY AND NATIONAL DEFENSE MISSIONS OUR PEOPLE PREPARE
TO PERFORM EACH AND EVERY DAY. WHETHER IT BE MIO IN THE PERSIAN
GULF, AMIO AND COUNTER-DRUG BOARDINGS IN THE ATLANTIC AND CARIBBEAN
OR HOMELAND SECURITY BOARDINGS WITHIN OUR BORDERS, THE THREATS
FACING OUR OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL ARE GREATER NOW THAN EVER BEFORE.
DESPITE THE PERCEIVED ROUTINE NATURE OF THESE MISSIONS, IT IS
CRITICAL FOR US TO REMAIN EVER VIGILANT AND ALERT AS WE CONTINUE TO
PERFORM THESE VITAL NATIONAL SECURITY MISSIONS. OUR ADVERSARIES
ARE CONTINUOUSLY LOOKING FOR OUR WEAKNESSES AND SIGNS OF
COMPLACENCY THAT THEY CAN EXPLOIT FOR THEIR BENEFIT.
4. ON THIS DAY PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO REMEMBER DC3
BRUCKENTHAL, REMIND OUR PEOPLE OF THE POTENTIAL THREATS THAT ARE
ALWAYS LURKING IN THE SHADOWS, AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO CONTINUE TO BE
ATTENTIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND SAFE. OUR NATION DEPENDS ON US.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
NNNN

America's Most Wanted All Star

2006-04-17T13:57:00.000-04:00

There is a Coastie in the running for America's Most Wanted All Stars. He is BM2 John Anthony. His wife explains why he was nominated for this award;

We were headed out for ice cream on a Saturday with my then 11 month old son. I saw a plan flying pretty low over Grand Traverse Bay and pointed it out to John. We both shrugged it off until we saw the blast of water. We made a crazy U turn in the middle of the highway. I stayed with my son and John dove into the water.
When he got to the pilot, he was conscious, but was struggling with his harness. John got him free and brought him to the surface.

So, here's the link to vote.

Not Dead Yet

2006-04-10T08:28:00.000-04:00

I'm still here. My muse is UA right now. I'll get back in the saddle again soon.

Help Wanted

2006-03-28T17:08:00.000-05:00

Want to be a Game Warden? The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries has announced they are going to hire 20 new Game Wardens this year. Click here to get more information on the job and hiring process.

Stanislaw Lem

2006-03-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

I just read that Stanislaw Lem has died. He was a great science fiction writer although he didn't like that title. My first exposure to his works was Star Diaries. I was a collection of short stories following the same intrepid space traveler, Ijon Tichy. My favorite fact about Tichy is that while traveling, he would bake his potatoes in the nuclear pile that powered his rocket.

His most famous book was Solaris which was made into a pretty good movie with George Clooney.

Here are some more picks from his works. For a more complete list, here's a link to Stanislaw Lem's works. Happy reading!

Ensign Delays A Vice Admiral

2006-03-22T00:12:00.000-05:00

Senator Ensign (R-NV) has put a hold on VADM Thad Allen's nomination to be the next Commandant. From the Washington Post;

WASHINGTON -- Republican Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, a former veterinarian who criticized pet evacuation efforts after Hurricane Katrina, is blocking the promotion of a Coast Guard vice admiral who headed the hurricane recovery.

So, does the hold have something to do with pets? No. The Senator is mad at FEMA. What does that have to do with the Coast Guard? Tidewater Muse has the inside scoop.
It looks like the Muse beat CNN by half an hour!

Roe Effect

2006-03-19T01:54:00.000-05:00

Here in Tidewater, Virginia we had a horrible crime committed a few weeks ago. A woman who was 9 months pregnant was found in a car dealer's parking lot with a gunshot wound to her abdomen. She was rushed to the nearest trauma center but her baby died. She was due to give birth that day.

As police tried to find the shooter, her story started to fall apart. Eventually, she confessed to shooting herself. It was interesting to see local columnist, Tamara Dietrich condemn the act while trying to keep her pro-abortion credentials intact. Her column was called "Justice Cried." I can't get it online anymore. The other newspaper in the area, The Virginian Pilot, doesn't seem to have editorialized on the matter.

Now the Commonwealth's Attorney is having a hard time finding any crime to charge her with. The only thing they've been able to come up with is illegally inducing an abortion, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and filing a false police report. She can't be charged with killing a fetus because the code outlaws killing the "fetus of another." I am just dumbfounded that the Code of Virginia has such a glaring gap and this woman may just get off scott free. That's what she's counting on, when interviewed on TV she said that she's "been punished enough."

I wonder how Chad Dotson would prosecute this case.

Links,
http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=100336&ran=212974
http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-87065sy0mar16,0,3705573.story (second letter)
http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=100614&ran=69553
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-81182sy0mar12,1,1638004.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=tammy+skinner&btnG=Search+News

Submitted to the Virginia Blog Carnival

Warning!

2006-03-09T16:20:00.000-05:00

Don't click here!

Oklahoma Suicide Bomber

2006-03-02T04:20:00.000-05:00

Did you hear about the suicide bomber whose bomb went off prematurly outside of the University of Oklahoma's football stadium? Neither had I.

The initial report was; "One person was killed in an explosion in a traffic circle about 100 yards from a packed football stadium at the University of Oklahoma on Saturday night."

Michelle Malkin is on it.

UPDATE: Where's the MSM?

UPDATE 2: Michelle Malkin has an update on the case here.

Richmond Follies

2006-03-02T03:41:00.000-05:00

I miss the Richmond Times-Dispatch. For years, the antics of the elected officials in the City of Richmond made politics in Southside Virginia seem normal and, yes, refreshingly boring. The hunger strikes, shady business deals and junkets to Jamaica made for wonderfully entertaining reading. Things have quieted down there now that some jail sentences were handed down and the hoi polloi were allowed to elect their mayor. That took care of the City Council.

Now, enter the school board. A few months ago, the school board chairman was discovered to have submited his dating profile on a gay pr0n site. (Link to the newspaper article, not the site.) Now, that same member was found with marijuana while going through security at the Richmond Internation Airport. Don't worry, it was strictly for "medicinal purposes."

It might be time to see if I can get the Richmond paper delivered to Tidewater.

Another Odd Quiz

2006-03-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

You belong in Time Enough For Love.
You are older than you look.
Your wit and wisdom are prized by others.
People throw themselves on you, begging to be with you.

Which Heinlein Book Should You Have Been A Character In?
brought to you by Quizilla

Hat tip Castle Argghhh!!!

Coast Guard Guidance on the Purchase of P&O.

2006-02-22T22:59:00.000-05:00

Background: It was recently reported that the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a 12-member panel chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury and comprised of members of the departments of State, Defense, Justice, Commerce and Homeland Security approved the $6.8 billion sale of terminal facility operations in at least six major U.S. ports operated by British-owned Peninsular & Oriental Steamship Co. (P&O) to Dubai Ports World, a government-owned company of the United Arab Emirates. P&O currently runs commercial operations in the ports of New York, New Jersey, Norfolk, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Miami, and Houston. As a component agency of DHS, the Coast Guard was asked to provide information and expertise to DHS necessary for its consideration when reviewing the acquisition proposed by DPW. Some lawmakers are considering legislation to either stop or delay the acquisition citing port security concerns. The President indicated he’d veto legislation aimed at delaying or stopping the transaction.

Talking Points: “The Coast Guard recognizes we live in a global economy and that foreign-owned corporations own and operate businesses within the United States. Laws and international conventions currently in place -- such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the Maritime Transportation Security Act -- regulate the security measures with which vessel and facility operators must comply. The Coast Guard strictly enforces these federal laws and international conventions to ensure compliance and protect the security of our vital ports and waterways.”

 As the lead federal agency for maritime security, the Coast Guard routinely inspects and assesses the security of 3,000 regulated facilities in more than 360 U.S. ports at least annually in accordance with the Maritime Transportation and Security Act (MTSA) and the Ports and Waterways Security Act (PWSA).

 Every regulated U.S. port facility, regardless of owner/operator, is required to establish and implement a comprehensive Facility Security Plan (FSP) that outlines procedures for controlling access to the facility, verifying credentials of port workers, inspecting cargo for tampering, designating security responsibilities, training, and reporting of all breaches of security or suspicious activity, among other security measures. Working closely with local port authorities and law enforcement agencies, the Coast Guard regularly reviews, approves, assesses and inspects these plans and facilities to ensure compliance.

 In addition to the Coast Guard’s broad authorities for ensuring the security of U.S. port facilities and operations, the Coast Guard works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure foreign port facilities and ships comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in an effort to push out our borders and create a layered maritime security posture.

 Given the scale of this pending acquisition, the Coast Guard is ordering its Captains of the Port to re-visit and re-examine all existing P&O port facilities and operations to ensure DHS has the most up-to-date information, which includes an audit of the facility security plan. The Coast Guard will conduct a full on-site MTSA compliance exam at each port facility where P&O maintains a substantial interest, including stevedore services.

The Armorer has more.

SAR Training

2006-02-18T04:58:00.000-05:00

Here is how not to respond to a Mayday.

Coast Guard Vice Admiral Nominations

2006-02-17T18:44:00.000-05:00

R 170003Z FEB 06 ZUI ASN-A00048000001
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO ALCOAST
INFO DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC
BT
UNCLAS //N01426//
ALCOAST 090/06
COMDTNOTE 1426
SUBJ: VICE ADMIRAL NOMINATIONS
1. THE SECRETARY HAS APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO THE PRESIDENT THE
NOMINATIONS OF VICE ADMIRAL VIVIEN S. CREA AS VICE COMMANDANT, REAR
ADMIRAL CHARLES D. WURSTER FOR PROMOTION TO VADM AND ASSIGNMENT AS
COMMANDER, PACIFIC AREA, REAR ADMIRAL D. BRIAN PETERMAN FOR
PROMOTION TO VADM AND ASSIGNMENT AS COMMANDER, ATLANTIC AREA, AND
REAR ADMIRAL ROBERT J. PAPP JR. FOR PROMOTION TO VADM AND
ASSIGNMENT AS COAST GUARD CHIEF OF STAFF.
2. THESE NOMINATIONS ARE PART OF THE CONTINUOUS TRANSITION PROCESS
WITHIN THE FLAG CORPS. WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE SERVICE
OF VADM TERRY M. CROSS, OUR CURRENT VICE COMMANDANT AND VADM HARVEY
E. JOHNSON JR., OUR CURRENT PACIFIC AREA COMMANDER. BOTH HAVE MADE
ENORMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SERVICE AS MEMBERS OF THE LEADERSHIP
COUNCIL SINCE MAY 2002 AND JUN 2004, RESPECTIVELY. THEY HAVE BEEN
INSTRUMENTAL IN BUILDING THE SOUND FOUNDATION FOR CONTINUED
ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS IN KEEPING WITH THE READINESS-PEOPLE-
STEWARDSHIP THEMES OF MY COMMANDANT'S DIRECTION.
3. APPOINTMENT TO THESE BILLETS AND PROMOTION AS APPROPRIATE WILL
OCCUR FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION BY THE SENATE.
4. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
5. ADM T. H. COLLINS, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
BT
NNNN

Leadership Quote

2006-02-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

If you want to talk to men, it doesn’t matter whether they are private soldiers or staff officers, if you want to talk to them as a soldier, and not as a politician, there are only two things necessary. The first is to have something to say that is worth saying, to know what you want to say; and the second, and terribly important thing, is to believe it yourself. Don’t go and tell men something that you don’t believe yourself, because they’llspot it and if they don’t spot it at the time, they’ll find out. Then you’re finished.

Field Marshall Sir William Slim
Speech to U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 8 April 1952

Terry Mattingly: So a reporter walks into a church (rimshot)

2006-02-07T09:03:00.000-05:00

Terry Mattingly has a few things to say about the reporters that cover the "religion beat." Here's the set up;

During this interview, Neuhaus referred to the pope as the "bishop of Rome." The reporter then said, "That raises an interesting point. Is it unusual that this pope is also the bishop of Rome?"

Being an Episcopalian, this is one that gets me;

In a scathing Books & Culture essay entitled "Religiously Ignorant Journalists," sociologist Christian Smith of the University of North Carolina said he is tired of calls from journalists who don't know that Episcopalians are not "Episcopals"

Read the whole thing here.

No More Butter Bars For Me!

2006-02-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

Here's to the Coast Guard

2006-01-27T14:22:00.000-05:00

A friend sent this to me.

*** I liked standing on the bridge wing at sunrise with salt spray in my face and clean ocean winds whipping in from the four quarters of the globe - - the cutter beneath me feeling like a living thing as her engines drove her swiftly through the sea.

*** I liked the sounds of the Coast Guard - the piercing trill of the Boatswains pipe, the syncopated clangor of the ship's bell on the quarterdeck, the harsh squawk of the PA system, and the strong language and laughter of sailors at work.

*** I liked CG vessels -- nervous darting 255s, plodding buoy tenders and light ships, sleek 327s and the steady solid hum of the twin engines on the HH16E

*** I liked the proud names of Coast Guard ships: USS Bayfield, USS Cavalier, USCGC Taney, USCGC Absecon, the Wind class Icebreakers and the USCGC Bibb just to name a few.

*** I liked the lean angular names of CG "shallow water cutters" the 83 footers, Pt Divide, Pt lookout, Cape Trinity and the Cape Higgon. Named for Locations around the states.

*** I liked liberty call and the spicy scent of a foreign port.

*** I even liked the never ending paperwork and all hands working Parties as my ship filled herself with the multitude of supplies, both mundane and to cut ties to the land and carry out her mission anywhere on the globe where there was water to float her.

*** I liked sailors, officers and enlisted men from all parts of the land, farms of the Midwest, small towns of New England, from the cities, the mountains and the prairies, from all walks of life. I trusted and depended on them as they trusted and depended on me - for professional competence, for comradeship, for strength and courage. In a word, they were "shipmates"; then and forever.

*** I liked the surge of adventure in my heart, when the word was passed: "Now set the special sea and anchor detail - all hands to mooring stations for leaving port," and I liked the infectious thrill of sighting home again, with the waving hands of welcome from family and friends waiting pier side.

*** The work was hard and dangerous; the going rough at times; the Parting from loved ones painful, but the companionship of robust CG laughter, the "all for one and one for all" philosophy of the sea was ever present.

*** I liked the serenity of the sea after a day of hard ship's work, as flying fish flitted across the wave tops and sunset gave way to night.

*** I liked the feel of the CG Cutter in darkness - the masthead and Range lights, the red and green navigation lights and stern light, the pulsating phosphorescence of radar repeaters - they cut through the dusk and joined with the mirror of stars overhead. And I liked drifting off to sleep lulled by the myriad noises large and small that told me that my ship was alive and well, and that my shipmates on watch would keep me safe.

*** I liked quiet mid-watches with the aroma of strong coffee and horse Cock sandwiches-- the lifeblood of the CG permeating everywhere.

*** And I liked hectic watches when the exacting minuet of haze-gray shapes
racing at flank speed kept all hands on a razor edge of alertness.

*** I liked the sudden electricity of "General quarters, general quarters, all hands man your battle stations," followed by the hurried clamor of running feet on ladders and the resounding thump of watertight doors as the ship transformed herself in a few brief seconds from a peaceful workplace to a weapon of war -- ready for anything.

*** And I liked the sight of space-age equipment manned by youngsters Clad in dungarees and sound-powered phones that their grandfathers would still recognize.

*** I liked the traditions of the CG and the men and women who served so valiantly. This few gave so much in service to their country. A sailor could find much in the CG: comrades-in-arms, pride in self and country, mastery of the seaman's trade. An adolescent could find adulthood.

*** In years to come, when sailors are home from the sea, they will Still remember with fondness and respect the ocean in all its moods - the impossible shimmering mirror calm and the storm-tossed green water surging over the bow. And then there will come again a faint whiff of stack gas, a faint echo of engine and rudder orders, a vision of the bright bunting of signal flags snapping at the yardarm, a refrain of hearty laughter inthe wardroom and chief's quarters and mess decks.

*** Gone ashore for good they will grow wistful about their CG days,when the seas belonged to them and a new port of call was ever over the horizon.

*** Remembering this, they will stand taller and say, "I WAS A SAILOR ONCE."

Additions to the Blogroll

2006-01-26T13:16:00.000-05:00

I've added two blogs to my roll. The first is the Boating Safety Law and News Blog. Since I deal with boating safety everyday, my interest in this blog is obvious.

The second is Fire and Ice. It is the blog of Marine Michael Fay. He describes himself as;

I am the artist in residence for the United States Marine Corps. I'm currently deployed in Iraq creating a body of artwork reflecting the experience of fellow Marines engaged in the War on Terrorism.

He has put a lot of his artwork on his blog. (Hat Tip to Michelle Malkin.)
Be sure to check them out.

Rep Forbes on Rep Shadegg

2006-01-23T15:29:00.000-05:00

I wrote Congressman Forbes (R-VA-4) asking him to support Congressman Shadegg's bid for House Majority Leader. Here is the reply that I just got.

January 23, 2006

Dear Mr. _____:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for Congressman John Shadegg in the race for House Majority Leader. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts on this matter with me.

Rep. Shadegg has been a member of Congress since 1994 and represents the3rd Congressional District of Arizona. He previously served as Chairmanof the House Republican Study Committee and is now the Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. It is important that we have strong leadership in the House that supports limited government and traditional values. Please be assured that I will certainly review Rep. Shadegg's platform and maintain an open mind towards his candidacy.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. As your Representative in Congress, I appreciate your input on this matter. If I can be of any assistance on this or any other issue, please feel free to contact me in my Washington DC office at (202) 225-6365 or online at www.house.gov/forbes.

With kind personal regards, I am

Yours truly,

J. RANDY FORBES
Member of Congress

JRF:ACM

I guess this puts him as a definate maybe.

The Next Commandant

2006-01-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

R 191954Z JAN 06 ZUI ASN-A00019000033
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-C//
TO ALCOAST
INFO SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF STATE WASHINGTON DC
WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
WHITE HOUSE HOMELAND SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
CJCS WASHINGTON DC
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
CNO WASHINGTON DC
CMC WASHINGTON DC
CSA-W WASHINGTON DC//DACS/ZA//
CSAF WASHINGTON DC
CDR USNORTHCOM
CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
CDR USSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL
CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
CDR USJFCOM NORFOLK VA
CDR USSTRATCOM OFFUTT AFB NE
CDR USTRANSCOM SCOTT AFB IL
DNI WASHINGTON DC
DIA WASHINGTON DC
CIA WASHINGTON DC
DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC
DIR ONDCP WASHINGTON DC
BT
UNCLAS //N01426//
ALCOAST 032/06
COMDTNOTE 1426
SUBJ: PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION OF COMMANDANT
1. PRESIDENT BUSH HAS APPROVED AND WILL FORWARD TO THE SENATE THE
NOMINATION OF VADM THAD W. ALLEN AS COMMANDANT OF THE UNITED STATES
COAST GUARD TO RELIEVE ADMIRAL THOMAS H. COLLINS EFFECTIVE 25 MAY
2006.
BT
NNNN

STATEMENT BY HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY MICHAEL CHERTOFF ON THE NOMINATION OF VICE ADMIRAL THAD W. ALLEN AS COMMANDANT OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

President Bush has announced his intention to nominate an exceptional leader and public servant as Commandant of the Coast Guard in Thad Allen. Thad has my complete confidence and full support, and if confirmed, he will play a major role in shaping the future of this department.

Most Americans came to know and respect Thad for his work overseeing the federal government’s recovery efforts following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Thad is a highly-accomplished Coast Guard veteran who has served our nation in several key positions since his graduation from the Coast Guard Academy in 1971. His service includes Chief of Staff and Commanding Officer at headquarters; Commander of the Atlantic Area, Fifth Coast Guard District; Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District; Director of Resources; and Commander of the cutter Citrus. In response to 9/11, Thad led Coast Guard operations to re-position the Atlantic fleet in support of local port commanders and to establish critical command and control capability.

If confirmed, Vice Admiral Allen will follow a distinguished Commandant in Admiral Thomas H. Collins, at a scheduled change of command in May. Admiral Collins has led the Coast Guard during one of the more challenging periods in its history. He helped to ensure a seamless transition into the department and introduced emerging technologies and innovative programs that have enhanced overall mission performance. I thank Admiral Collins for his continued service and commend his dedication to country.

Bloggers on GOP Leadership Race

2006-01-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

I've signed my name to this statement from many center-right bloggers about the House Republican leadership race:

We are bloggers with boatloads of opinions, and none of us come close to agreeing with any other one of us all of the time. But we do agree on this: The new leadership in the House of Representatives needs to be thoroughly and transparently free of the taint of the Jack Abramoff scandals, and beyond that, of undue influence of K Street.
We are not naive about lobbying, and we know it can and has in fact advanced crucial issues and has often served to inform rather than simply influence Members.

But we are certain that the public is disgusted with excess and with privilege. We hope the Hastert-Dreier effort leads to sweeping reforms including the end of subsidized travel and other obvious influence operations. Just as importantly, we call for major changes to increase openness, transparency and accountability in Congressional operations and in the appropriations process.

As for the Republican leadership elections, we hope to see more candidates who will support these goals, and we therefore welcome the entry of Congressman John Shadegg to the race for Majority Leader. We hope every Congressman who is committed to ethical and transparent conduct supports a reform agenda and a reform candidate. And we hope all would-be members of the leadership make themselves available to new media to answer questions now and on a regular basis in the future.

Signed,

N.Z. Bear, The Truth Laid Bear
Hugh Hewitt, HughHewitt.com
Glenn Reynolds, Instapundit.com
Kevin Aylward, Wizbang!
La Shawn Barber, La Shawn Barber’s Corner
Beth, MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Lorie Byrd, Polipundit
Jeff Goldstein, Protein Wisdom
Stephen Green, Vodkapundit
John Hawkins, Right Wing News
John Hinderaker, Power Line
Jon Henke / McQ / Dale Franks, QandO
James Joyner, Outside The Beltway
Mike Krempasky, Redstate.org
Michelle Malkin, MichelleMalkin.com
Ed Morrissey, Captain’s Quarters
Scott Ott, Scrappleface
John Donovan / Bill Tuttle, Castle Argghhh!!!

Check it out and sign on if you agree at N.Z. Bear's.

This is too much

2006-01-14T07:14:00.000-05:00

The General Assembly is in town! Huzzah!
I have been using the Legislation Information System to see what bills the GA will be working on this year. I came across HB 187. The short title of the bill is; Prohibition on the provision of certain intervening medical technology to unmarried women. The gist of the bill is;

No individual licensed by a health regulatory board shall assist with or perform any intervening medical technology, whether in vivo or in vitro, for or on an unmarried woman that completely or partially replaces sexual intercourse as the means of conception, including, but not limited to, artificial insemination by donor, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, invitro fertilization, embryo transfer, gamete intrafallopian tube transfer, and low tubal ovum transfer.

In other words, if this becomes law, unmarried women couldn't be artificially inseminated. It seems that this would prohibit surrogate mothers. Now I too am distressed by the unimportance placed on fathers by the left and decline in the strength of the traditional family. This is none of the government's business.

The bill's patron is Robert G. Marshall (R-Manassas). Tellingly, there are no co-patrons. I see this bill dying a quick death in committee. It won't be a quiet death if the Dems can help it. They will use this bill as a bully pulpit for them to say how mean Republicans are. Just what we need.

Chicken Cobbler Casserole

2006-01-10T09:54:00.000-05:00

My wife subscribes to Southern Living Magazine. We love the recipes. As soon as my wife puts it down, my first question is, "any good recipes?" There was a winner in this month's edition. The next time we make it, we are going to add more butter to the bread and add garlic when we saute the veggies.

Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Prep: 10 min., Cook: 25 min., Bake: 15 min.

6 tablespoons melted butter, divided
4 cups cubed sourdough rolls
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 medium-size sweet onions, sliced
1 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup white wine
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup drained and chopped jarred roasted red bell peppers
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Toss 4 tablespoons melted butter with next 3 ingredients; set aside.
Sauté onions in remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat 15 minutes or until golden brown. Add mushrooms, and sauté 5 minutes.

Stir in wine and next 3 ingredients; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until bubbly. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch square baking dish; top evenly with bread mixture.

Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: Makes 4 servings
Southern Living, JANUARY 2006