R 131330Z DEC 11

ALCOAST 566/11
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: COMMANDANTS HOLIDAY MESSAGE
1.  SHIPMATES, DURING THIS VERY SPECIAL AND MEANINGFUL TIME OF THE
YEAR, LINDA AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES FOR YOUR
CONTINUED SERVICE TO THE COAST GUARD AND OUR NATION.
2.  MANY OF YOU TODAY ARE STANDING THE WATCH ABOARD SHIPS AT SEA, ON
STATIONS ALONG OUR COASTS AND WATERWAYS, AND IN PORTS. SOME OF YOU
ARE FORWARD DEPLOYED IN COMBAT ZONES IN DISTANT LANDS. I AM SURE YOU
WOULD RATHER BE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT YOUR DEDICATION TO DUTY AND VIGILANCE ARE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING OUR LIBERTY, SAFETY AND SECURITY. WE
APPRECIATE THE SELFLESS SACRIFICE OF YOUR FAMILIES WHO REMAIN ON THE
HOME FRONT AND SUPPORT YOUR ABILITY TO SERVE.
3.  IF DUTY KEEPS YOU APART FROM YOUR FAMILIES THIS SEASON, THANK YOU
FOR STANDING THE WATCH. IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO CELEBRATE THE
HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SHIPMATES, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO
SAFELY ENJOY YOUR TIME TOGETHER AND LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.
4.  AS WE BRING THE YEAR TO A CLOSE, YOU CONTINUE TO INSPIRE US WITH
HONOR, RESPECT AND DEVOTION TO DUTY.
5.  WE WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND SUCCESS
IN THE NEW YEAR.
6.  SEMPER PARATUS, STAND A TAUT WATCH.
7.  ADMIRAL BOB AND LINDA PAPP, SEND.
8.  INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.