Thoughts of a Husband, Father, Virginian, Mustang Coastie, conservative, Anglican, and dog lover.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Death of a Coast Guard Hero
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
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Reserve Senior Chief Wanted
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.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Promotion Year 2008 Zones
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.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
DWO Needed
(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
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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
SHORT-TERM ADSW-AC RESERVE SOLICITATION
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
Monday, March 19, 2007
Large ADSW-AC Solicitation
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
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
Friday, January 19, 2007
Things a Man Should Know: About Fatherhood
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.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
USCGC Healy Diving Accident Report

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
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Light of Other Days
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.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Cool Timewaster
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!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Another Shipmate Crosses the Bar
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
Friday, November 10, 2006
Happy Birthday Marines
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
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Meatball Lasagna
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.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Happy Birthday Navy!
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
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
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Coast Guard and NASCAR
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
Friday, September 15, 2006
Happy Birthday Air Force!
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
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.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Two Shipmates Have Crossed the Bar
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
Friday, August 04, 2006
Happy Birthday Coast Guard!
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.
Monday, July 24, 2006
The Electoral College
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.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Food For Thought
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?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Coast Guard Change of Command
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
Monday, May 22, 2006
How Not To Call For Help
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.
Monday, April 24, 2006
In Memoriam
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
Monday, April 17, 2006
America's Most Wanted All Star
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.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Help Wanted
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
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
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Ensign Delays A Vice Admiral
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.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.
It looks like the Muse beat CNN by half an hour!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Roe Effect
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
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Oklahoma Suicide Bomber
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
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.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Another Odd Quiz

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!!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Coast Guard Guidance on the Purchase of P&O.
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.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
Coast Guard Vice Admiral Nominations
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
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Leadership Quote
Field Marshall Sir William Slim
Speech to U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 8 April 1952
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Terry Mattingly: So a reporter walks into a church (rimshot)
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.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Here's to the Coast Guard
*** 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."
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Additions to the Blogroll
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.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Rep Forbes on Rep Shadegg
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.

