It is 2012, and reflecting on a very blessed 30-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, or 34 counting the Coast Guard Academy, I realize that my path was not very orthodox. I do not contend it would be perfect for everyone, but it certainly worked for ...
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Fast Response Cutter Bernard C. Webber pulled into port at Miami on Feb. 9 for the inaugural delivery of the service’s next-generation patrol boat, and Cmdr. Michael Rorstad knows firsthand the work ...
U.S. Coast Guard emergency medical technicians are often responsible for providing initial medical treatment to rescued victims, and as a result of more stringent certification and training requirements, they are about to become even more proficient ...
The Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 103, requires federal agencies to install advanced meters at all federal buildings to the maximum extent practicable by October 1, 2012. Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Tr...
With nearly five months of 24/7 operations under the Centralized Service Desk's belt, things are looking up. Seventy four employees are now on hand in St. Louis, working CGFIXIT tickets and answering phones. As part of the Command, Control, Communica...
Greetings from the nation’s capital… Another year is in the books; bring on 2012!! I offer a hearty welcome back to work for those who enjoyed some well-deserved rest during the holidays. As many of you know, the DCMS enterprise remained in full swin...
Napoleon once stated that “an army marches on its stomach,” and the same can be said for a Coast Guard crew. As such, the Offshore Patrol Cutter project team has recognized that the new vessel needs thoughtfully designed spaces for ef...
In the role of Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS), I often describe my job as akin to that of a band director. While my role is not to play specific instruments, it is to ensure that the mission support “ band” plays with the harmony and sy...
Voracious little marine worms, mollusks and crustaceans that bore into wood and eat it, have been feasting their way through the wooden piles that support Pier 3 at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May Harbor, N.J. The wooden pil...
It is unlikely that a helicopter would be nominated for an award in a supporting actor role on a TV show, but in The Weather Channel’s new series, “Coast Guard Alaska,” the service’s MH-60T Medium Range Recovery helicopter is showcased for the integr...
In his spring 2011 Service Lines article, Rear Adm. Timothy Sullivan, my predecessor as commander of Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), outlined why the U.S. Coast Guard needs FORCECOM , as well as what FORCECOM is designed to do. Here, I’d like to ...
The future of your military personnel records is about to get easier, due in part, to the Coast Guard’s improved document imaging system. By employing the right technology, our people will be better connected to the information they need to make good...
In early November, two Coast Guard cutters were docked in Baltimore: the former Coast Guard Cutter Taney and the newest National Security Cutter, Stratton. Though moored just a few blocks apart, they were separated by more than 75 years, each designe...
The time has come for the U.S. Coast Guard to officially drop the Deepwater name from any reference to our acquisition portfolio. The active period of performance for the last line item under the Integrated Coast Guard Systems contract ends in January...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies the flu vaccination as the “primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications.” The development of widespread flu...
Capt. A. G. Lamplugh is widely credited as having stated in the 1930’s that, “Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving...
Both the Commandant and I have recently released messages offering our personal thanks to each and every member of the Coast Guard for their extraordinary efforts throughout the Fiscal Year 2011 audit process...
In the midst of construction to build out the Centralized Service Desk, along with the districts transitioning their help desk responsibilities to the CSD, Hurricane Irene hit in late August and turned the best laid plans...
Lt. Russ Merrick just completed aircraft familiarization with an MH-65D Short Range Recovery helicopter May 10 at Coast Guard Station Fire Island on the south shore of Long Island, N.Y. Merrick and his helicopter crew were conducting...
Greetings from the Nation’s Capitol and what may be an early happy holiday season to each and every one of you. I’d like to start by thanking a couple of the senior enlisted leaders who will be departing and...
Base Miami Beach was established Sept. 28 to coordinate all regional mission support activities in the 7th District area of responsibility. The base commander will synergize field-support delivery...
The concept of field or mobile medicine in America came to the forefront during the Civil War with tactics formalized by Gen. Walter Reed, M.D., U.S. Army. A medical station was placed in the area of operations with casualties...
Wireless email provides an “on the go” capability that has the potential to make our jobs easier, more efficient and more effective. The ability to communicate via email without having to be at a computer...
As I look back on a busy and challenging fiscal year 2011, I’m proud to say that your efforts to further mission support modernization have been outstanding. Let me highlight a few of the significant milestones we’ve reached...
Before Alameda, Calif., could become the first homeport of the Coast Guard’s new National Security Cutter (NSC)—which arrived there in the summer of 2008—someone had to make sure it could actually fit...
Coast Guard Facilities Design and Construction Center is currently executing a comprehensive capital reinvestment plan to restore the Coast Guard’s critical shore facilities severely damaged during Hurricane Ike...
Great news for all of you technology early adopters; Service Lines is going all electronic! Have no fears though, each electronic edition of the magazine will still contain awesome photo spreads, interesting articles and plenty...
R&D center tests oil removal from iceApril 12, 2012
As petroleum reserves in the Arctic become more attractive, scientists at the Coast Guard’s Research and Development Center in New London, Conn., are helping to develop new ways to tackle the unique...
Commissioning the 3rd National Security CutterApril 3, 2012
Michelle Obama, the first lady and ship's sponsor, welcomed the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton into service Saturday during the ship's commissioning ceremony in Alameda, Calif. ...
March 28, 2012
Watch your inbox this week for an email from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management inviting you to participate in the 2012 Coast Guard Organizational Assessment Survey. The information you provide in the survey plays a critical role in helping the ...
March 22, 2012
In 2010, the Coast Guard Yard began electrification of the five shipbuilding tower cranes, which will provide significant savings for the Coast Guard when complete. The electrification of the tower cranes represents a reduction of 1,570 tons of CO2 e...
March 2, 2012
Since Congress mandated the Coast Guard implement a rescue swimmer program in 1984, a select group of Coast Guardsmen have earned the privilege of being flown in and dropped alone into perilous sea conditions to rescue those in distress. Each year mo...
March 1, 2012
The Coast Guard’s Facilities Design and Construction Center has completed a new, approximately 21,000 square foot engineering and rescue swimmer facility at Group/Air Station North Bend in North Bend, Ore. Personnel from the group/air station began m...
Feb. 9, 2012
Representatives from the Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection completed a $9 million replenishment project when they dispersed the last load of more than 620,000 cubic yards of sand place...
Jan. 31, 2012
If you’ve ever looked at your personal view in Coast Guard Business Intelligence, which gives a snapshot of your personal readiness, you’ll notice that dental readiness is a key measure used to determine individual deployability. Fifty eight Coast Gu...
Jan. 25, 2012
Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) customers in Cape Cod unwrapped an early present over the holiday season. On Nov. 21, 2011, the CGX in Buzzards Bay, Mass., held a grand re-opening ceremony. Not only is the newly renovated exchange over 20,000 square feet,...
Jan. 19, 2012
While the goal of the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 is to increase telework usage among eligible employees, in the event of inclement weather, telework becomes a mission-essential benefit. To see if you are eligible to participate in...
Jan. 13, 20121
A major renovation is underway on the Coast Guard’s gymnasium facility aboard the Training Center Cape May. The $3.7-million renovation will help to improve...
Jan. 9, 20121
The Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore faced a busy dry-dock schedule throughout the fall of 2011. Yard tradesmen readied several cutters for “return to sea” including the Coast Guard Cutter Shearwater, an 87-foot patrol boat in the Yard...
Jan. 3, 2012
The Director of Operational Logistics is soliciting applications for Logistics Support Element team members. The LSE is a new Emergency Response Team under the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support...
Dec. 27, 2011
The U.S. Coast Guard and the American Red Cross placed approximately 240 Coast Guard recruits with 79 southern New Jersey families Christmas Day and 220 recruits with 92 families for Thanksgiving as part of Operation Fireside. Coast Guard...
The Coast Guard doesn't have Special Forces
Dec. 20, 2011
Fiction -- The Coast Guard does have specialized forces. One special operations force is the group of 12 Maritime Safety and Security Teams strategically placed around the nation. The events of Sept. 11, 2001, clearly highlighted the need for...
Dec. 14, 2011
November 8 marked a historic day for the Coast Guard’s H-65 helicopter program, as the Short Range Recovery product line received its final HH-65C airframe, CGNR-6596, from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, Ind. The entire H-65 fleet...
Dec. 7, 2011
The former U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney was stationed in Honolulu Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese war planes attacked Pearl Harbor. Under the command of the U.S. Navy but with a Coast Guard crew, the cutter repeatedly fired on planes...
Yellow Ribbon Program
Dec. 6, 2011
While it is commonplace for the U.S. Coast Guard’s active duty military members to deploy, one can easily forget that Coast Guard reserve members also play an important role in deployment efforts. The Coast Guard Yellow Ribbon Program, which is primarily...
Nov. 29, 2011
The Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter project achieved an important milestone this week for the Coast Guard’s patrol boat recapitalization efforts. The Bernard C. Webber, the lead ship in the Sentinel class, got underway...
Nov. 28, 2011
The Honorable Frank LoBiondo, congressman from New Jersey’s 2nd District, visited Training Center Cape May, N.J., Oct. 7. Rep. LoBiondo engaged in a working lunch with the Recruit Training Board of Advisors and...
Nov. 15, 2011
The adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words," refers to the idea that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single, still image. It also aptly characterizes one of the main goals of visualization, namely...
Nov. 10, 2011
The Coast Guard’s fifth National Security Cutter will be named for Joshua James. James is cited with saving more than 600 lives along the New England coastline over a nearly 60-year career with the U.S. Life Saving...
Nov. 2, 2011
Rear Adm. Rábago recently approved the phased implementation of the National Industrial Enterprise Management Plan which outlines a management consolidation of 21 locations that conduct U.S. Coast Guard industrial missions...
Oct. 24, 2011
Rear Adm. Ronald T. Hewitt promulgated 12 new manuals and instructions Sept. 28, which cancelled the legacy Personnel Manual, COMDTINST M1000.6. This change not only reduces the size...
Oct. 18, 2011
The Coast Guard’s 17th and final 110-foot patrol boat, Chandeleur, recently arrived at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore to begin extended refurbishment under the Mission Effectiveness...
Oct. 18, 2011
The Coast Guard awarded a fixed-price incentive contract Sept. 9 valued at approximately $482 million to Huntington Ingalls Industries for production of the fifth National Security Cutter. Following...
The Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy hosted the International Boarding Officer Course Aug. 29 to Sept. 23. The annual course graduated 13 students from 11 countries, spanning four continents and...
Jan. 24, 2012
Petty Officer 1st Class VanDell Dawson, a yeoman at Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma, was awarded the Navy League's 2011 Munro Award for Inspirational Leadership at the Navy League’s National Convention in Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 28, 2011. Dawso...
Jan. 17, 2012
Petty Officer 1st Class Byron L. Knepp, an engineering instructor for the Mobile Training Branch at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, was awarded the prestigious Paul H. Lankford Commandant Award from the U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Offi...
Jan. 10, 2012
Lt. Patrick Sullivan is the 2010 recipient of the Chief Financial Officer Award for Excellence for commissioned officers ranking 0-1 to 0-3. Sullivan received the award, for work at his previous assignment at the Surface Forces Logistics Center in Ba...
Dec. 27, 2011
Chief Warrant Officer Arturo E. Howard was recognized as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Outstanding American by Choice in a ceremony held Sept. 13, 2011. The award was presented by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napoli...
Dec. 15, 2011
Training Center Yorktown’s “Team Boondogglers” participated in the 11th annual Wilderness Challenge Oct. 7 and 8, 2011, at Ace Adventure Resort in Fayetteville, W. Va. Seaman Ron Giles, Petty Officer 1st Class LaraLee Thomlinson, Petty Officer 1st Cl...
Stratton/Faurie Award Submissions
Are honor, respect and devotion to duty second nature to someone you know? If the answer is yes, this is your opportunity to get this person the recognition they deserve. The Sea Services Leadership Association is looking for women nominees for...
Mr. Curtis Odom is the 2011 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award winner. Mr. Odom, director of Personnel Management (CG-12), developed and implemented a U.S. Coast Guard-wide diversity strategic plan which enabled the Commandant...
Seaman Jacob Lowery of U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma was selected as the Coast Guard’s recipient of the American Legion Spirit of Service Award. The award, given to a single member from each branch of service every year, recognizes...
Capt. Edward Eng, commanding officer of the Community Services Command, is the International Military Community Executives Association Leadership Award winner for 2011. Eng is recognized for his innovative leadership in overseeing...
The Coast Guard Institute received third place for the 2011 Spotlight on Leadership Campaign. The Spotlight on Leadership Award is given to those units that demonstrate exceptional models of Coast Guard leadership and leadership...
Training Center Cape May’s Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Walden, a damage controlman by trait, made the All-U.S. Armed Forces Beach Volleyball Team after first making the All-Navy Team. Walden went on to represent...
Petty Officer 3rd Class Roberto de la Rosa, a machinery technician at Training Center Cape May, received the Commandant's Award Sept. 2, upon graduation from the Air Force's Kish Airman Leadership School...
Mr. Chrishan Francis, an Information Systems Security Officer at Operations Service Center Martinsburg was recognized for his demonstrated loyalty, outstanding performance, commitment, dedication and innovation...
I joined the Coast Guard to give back to my country, and also to create more opportunities for myself that I would not have had before. I want to take what I am becoming into the civilian world someday and be an example for others to follow. The Coas...
I have great respect for the missions of the Coast Guard and all Coast Guard personnel and their families and love my job because of the challenges of the position. The Coast Guard...
I signed up to join the Coast Guard because it's become my "family’s business." My grandfather joined in 1947 and served .for five years, and my father joined in 1985 and is currently in his 26th year...
Prior to working for the Coast Guard, I served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was working in the private sector when I saw an advertisement for a job with the U.S. Coast Guard. Although I had a good job, I was looking for something more fulfil...
Joining the Coast Guard was an easy choice for me and I always wanted to serve. When I was younger I viewed the Coast Guard as “family business,” and I looked up to the commitment and dedication that my father had to the missions. His heroic example ...
I transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard from the Army many years ago because I thought that aviation would be more interesting than the infantry, and I was correct. I have worked with many different personalities in the Coast Guard, and one character...
I was motivated to be part of the Coast Guard community because of the respect I have for our seagoing history. It is an honor to serve the boating community in conjunction with protecting our country....
Working in the program manager's office for the Coast Guard's MWR Program has afforded me the opportunity to stay in touch with my entire Service. After almost 40 years of service to the Coast Guard, of which 30 years were on active duty, this truly ...
In 1989, I was at a crossroads in my life and in need of direction. College was not working out as planned, and my parents were growing tired of my indecision. I joined the Coast Guard until I could figure out what I wanted from life. As it turned ou...
My father, a Coast Guard boatswain’s mate chief, taught me from an early age what the chief’s anchor meant about leadership and service. Dad instilled patriotism and family pride in each of his children which I hope that my own daughter, a fourth gen...
In my life, I have had the great honor and privilege to serve my country in the United States military. There is only one honor and privilege that could exceed the gratification of serving my country and that was to serve the people who serve my coun...
Coast Guard aviation does more with less. With the aviation enlisted rate consolidation down to three specific jobs in the late 1990's, aircraft maintainers now resemble civilian related aviation jobs more so than other branches of today's military...
In 1989 looking for a sense of direction and something I could be proud of I joined the United States Coast Guard. After spending seven years on active duty; 14 years as a government (Coast Guard) contractor; and the last year as a government civilia...
I joined the military as a direct result of the attack on September 11, 2001. The missions of the Coast Guard aligned with my goals to protect and serve our people, natural resources and our nation at home and abroad....
What inspired me to join the Coast Guard was the fact the service helped save lives, not take them. ...
One of my primary inspirations to serve with the Coast Guard was to regain the camaraderie and values I once held in the Air Force. As a civilian, your military core values can slowly start to diminish...
I had just graduated from high school when I was approached by a retired lieutenant commander. He told me about the Coast Guard and emphasized...
I joined the Coast Guard to lend a hand to others in need. As a health service technician...
I was not aware of the strong presence of the Coast Guard in our area when I started looking for a job after the United States Joint Forces Command's disestablishment was announced. I saw a job listing for a training...
For thousands of years mankind has been attracted to the lore of the sea. From the depths of the frigid Arctic to the humid Gulf, the Coast Guard has assisted both the mariner and the environment in peril. I joined to...
I needed income to support my family and medical care for my autistic son. I needed a challenge and a work environment with a mission that has a positive impact on the community. The Coast Guard took care of all of these needs...
I wanted to work near the water, and footage of 44-foot motor lifeboats breaking surf at Cape Disappointment in a commercial at 2 a.m. convinced me to join the Coast Guard. From small boats, I found aviation and had to try...
I joined the Coast Guard because it is the most family oriented of ALL the military services. The Coast Guard missions don't depend on a war or conflict; we defend, protect, save lives, and support our country every day.
I've always really wanted to be in the military because my family is law enforcement and military oriented. But I wanted to be part of something different with more unique missions. I didn’t learn about the Coast Guard until...
My experience working for the U.S. Coast Guard has opened my eyes as to how well they take care of their service members. I am prior service U.S Army, turned civilian, and consider the Coast Guard the "little hidden secret"...
I worked on tour boats for 7 years and wanted to continue working on the water. But, I wanted a good job, not just any job. The Coast Guard offered the benefits of military service and was a good job on the water.
The missions of the Coast Guard inspired me to be a part of the team. I am proud to be with an organization that is dedicated to helping others, the environment, and protecting America. It is an honor for me to serve.
One of the reasons I decided to join the U.S. Coast Guard was because I wanted to take advantage of the great educational opportunities. I wasn't able to afford the high cost of college, and the Coast Guard offered me a great job and the chance...
I was inspired to serve in the Coast Guard because I knew I’ll have the opportunity to travel around the US to visit different towns and cities that I have never been to. An adventure with many possibilities...
The Coast Guard’s commitment to community support was very inspiring for me, but more important was being a role mode for my sons and brothers. The procurement support I provide enables operations. I’m part of a team...
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