- Welcome Aboard
- History
- Ship's Characteristics
- Command
- Science Planning
- Weekly Updates
- Contact the Ship
- Contact Webmaster
Security Levels
October 9, 2008
Dear Friends and Family,
As we continue to head south, the ship is thawing out and allowing the crew to make final preparations for our return to Seattle. We are anxious to return after four months away…hoping Seattle still has one warm day left before winter sets in.
Regardless of the fact that our trip is nearing on end, we still have much work that needs to be accomplished. On October 1, we had our final off-load of science personnel. All those that were onboard for phase 6 of Arctic West Summer departed as we officially concluded our final science phase. Once again we loitered off Barrow, where the weather actually cooperated. Throughout three hours of flights, conditions remained fairly calm and visibility remained high.
Sunday evening the crew had a chance to display their many unique abilities during HEALY’s Talent Show. Since most of our time is spent working, we rarely have the opportunity to witness the many different gifts that the crew possesses. Everyone had a great time enjoying the musical and video skills of their shipmates.
We were off Kodiak on Monday, offering us the opportunity to conduct flight ops with Air Station Kodiak. Since HEALY is one of the only operational vessels on the west coast that can land an HH-60, we spent several hours in the afternoon and into the evening with one of the HH-60s from Kodiak. Four pilots and one aircrew worked on various Deck Landing Qualifications while several HEALY crewmembers worked toward qualification as Helicopter Control Officer, Landing Signal Officer, or tiedown.
While our stop in Kodiak was a short one, a lot of necessary work was completed, making our arrival into Seattle an easier one. We quickly off-loaded all of the trash which had accumulated during our two months in the Arctic. And we brought on board fresh food…bananas, lettuce, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese…we’ll eat well on our way home. We also had the chance to host the Defense Attachés’ Association for a tour. The Defense Attachés’ of nearly 40 nations were traveling through Alaska, visiting various military bases. It was a great opportunity to introduce them to HEALY and the work we do.
One day remains until we moor in Ketchikan for two days. During that time the majority of the crew will enjoy the weekend off. SNBM Merten has once again organized another HEALY Triathlon, more affectionately known as the Pain Train. Since this one is not taking place in Dutch Harbor, SNBM Merten has made some changes: the distance for the swim was doubled and the bike was increased by 5 miles. After we depart Ketchikan, we will only have two more days underway before we reach Seattle where we will remain until the spring. During our in port period, crew members will go to schools, enjoy time on vacations, and some will depart us for other units. HEALY will also receive some much needed maintenance before we get back underway for the spring cruise.
Congratulations to DC1 Imgarten, who was honored as the Sailor of the Quarter for July through September. The Sailor of the Quarter is voted on by the Chief’s mess and represents the enlisted member who most exemplifies the Coast Guard core values on board HEALY. In addition, congratulations to IT1 Dabe for qualifying as JOOD and Bridgewatchstander and SN Murray for qualifying as Bridgewatchstander.
Until Next Spring,
Tara Schendorf
Public Affairs Officer
Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF)