U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Maple

Character: defines us as individuals; a term that is often difficult to define, but easy to spot in each other. Strong moral character is evident in the way we take care of one another, is a driving force behind our desire to do a job well, and is the reason we accept and meet the obligations our nation places upon us. Character is what drives us to do the right thing, instead of doing what is easy. Character causes us to make sure our families are taken care of while we are away, and is the reason we take the time to help our shipmates qualify and advance. The high standards of character I expect from everyone will be evident in the way we complete our maintenance, learn our DC and watch-station PQS, service our aids to navigation, and communicate with one another. Know that everything we do has an impact on others, regardless of whether that “other” person is a shipmate, a family member, or a stranger transiting our waterway. Above all, we need to ensure that every choice we make keeps the cutter and crew safe, maintains a capability of meeting our operational commitments, and deals with our newfound extended family in a caring manner. Realize that we can never go wrong by choosing to do the “right” thing, and that sometimes the “right” thing is to admit that we do not know everything. It is OK to ask for help.
 

Leadership: the Marines I have worked with have a great phrase, “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way”. In a nutshell, I expect this from each of us. At some point in time we will all be called upon to lead, at others we will need to follow. The only folks that will be cause me to ask questions are those who are unwilling to do either. I believe that leadership cannot be taught, and that good leaders need to be developed. My responsibility to Maple is to ensure that you have the tools to develop into the leaders of tomorrow, and then provide the opportunity for each of us to step up and lead. Each of us from the newest Seaman Apprentice to the Commanding Officer will have the opportunity. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has been succeeding as an organization because individuals have seen a need for leadership, and have stepped up to fulfill voids. My goal is to create an environment in which you feel empowered to fill those voids.

Teamwork: no individual sailor can be successful alone. Whether working aids to navigation or battling damage control, Maple is full of teams to complete each mission. None, however, is more important than Team Maple. We need to ensure that all of our teams, all of our individual actions, contribute to the success of the cutter as a whole. Maple has been assigned many diverse missions, and as such, we need many diverse teams to succeed. Regardless of whether your team was formed to care for the morale of our families, or was purely operational in nature, each is of vital importance to Maple and will have their “day in the sun”. When teams work toward a common goal, the “net-effect” can be spectacular. I realize that without the care and support of our families, our jobs become more difficult then need be. I want you all to realize that I view your families and friends as important members of team Maple who provide invaluable support. They should have an understanding of what it is you do, and just how much their support means to us all. Please let them know they are welcome to visit you on Maple, let them know they are part of team Maple.

They are our weapons officers, clothing officers, and safety officers. They are our navigators, survival swimmers, and area-specialists. Led by a Chief Warrant Officer, the non-rates and Boatswain's Mates that comprise our Deck Department bring a wealth of diversity and expertise to Maple's crew. Not only do they dutifully service the multitude of Aids to Navigation within our AOR, they also maintain an extensive and diligent record of each aid, enabling rapid planning and response in order to maintain or correct any discrepant light, day-board or buoy.

Most importantly, our Deck Department provides Maple's crew with the training that keeps our members safe in what is undoubtedly one of the Coast Guard's most dangerous work-environments. The cohesion of our Deck Department is manifest in the interpretation of radar, electronic charts and radio communications, the diligence of lookouts, a steady hand at the helm, along with competent (and confident) supervisors. Each member of this department plays a crucial role in Maple's successful movement through some of the most challenging waters in the United States.
 

Engineering Department

Maple's engineering plant incorporates the many components of the Propulsion, Auxiliary, and Electronics Divisions. Many of these components are monitored through the Main Propulsion Control and Monitoring System (MPCMS). This system is Maple's eyes and ears. Incorporating the Coast Guard's latest Naval Engineering technology, MPCMS continually monitors Maple's performance, initiating visual and audible alarms, displaying the machinery plant status, and has the ability to control many pieces of equipment. The Engineering Department is also responsible for maintaining the Electronic Chart Planning Integrated Navigation System (ECPINS). This system ties together radar, electronic charting, GPS, and MPCMS into one component that eliminates the need for a large Bridge Watch team.

Headed by a Chief Warrant Officer, the Engineering Department is responsible for maintaining this complex system along with other basic engineering functions. The department consists of an Information Systems Technician, Machinery Technicians, Electrician's Mates, Electronics Technicians and Damage Controlmen.

Operations Department

While MAPLE is first a military organization, the cutter must also be a functional business. Mission preparedness is the primary duty of Maple's Operations Department, in addition to both business and personnel management. MAPLE can only be operationally successful if we meet our crew’s basic needs while providing them the tools necessary to complete our mission. Without our Yeoman, Store Keeper, Health Services Technician (Corpsman), and Food Services Technicians, providing their indispensable support and procuring vital supplies, the cohesion that we depend upon would be lost.

The Operations Department, headed by a Lieutenant Junior Grade, also coordinates Search and Rescue response, the crew’s training and educational services and command security, in addition to the cutter’s scheduling and trip planning.