Security Levels
PCS INFORMATION
UNIT INFORMATION
DATE SHEET FILLED OUT: 08 January 2008
UNIT NAME: USCGC MORGENTHAU (WHEC 722)
PERSONAL MAILING ADDRESS: (Your Name)
COMMANDING OFFICER
USCGC MORGENTHAU (WHEC 722)
FPO AP 96672-3917
SHIPS PHONE: (510) 437-3981 FAX: (510) 437-3521
Website: http://www.uscg.mil/PACAREA/CGCMORGENTHAU/
E-Mail: [first name] (.) [middle initial] (.) [last name] @ uscg.mil
Ex: (John D. Smith) john.d.smith@uscg.mil
Welcome Aboard Packages: In-depth Alameda Area Welcome Aboard packages are available by emailing Mrs. C.J. Johnson at ISC Alameda Work/Life (cj.johnson@uscg.mil) and by E-mailing your sponsor. Include in your request a good leave address and copy YNC Andray James for tracking purposes (andray.s.james@uscg.mil).
Welcome Aboard messages:
Messages are sent to each newly assigned member. If you haven’t received your message shortly after receiving orders, please contact the ship and ask to be directed to the Ship’s Office for assistance. If we are underway, send an email to YNC Andray James (andray.s.james@uscg.mil). Ask for the name of your sponsor and inform us if you have not received your message.
REPORTING ABOARD
Procedures for Reporting: The uniform for reporting in is Tropical Blue Long. Call the ship (510) 437-3981 and advise your sponsor or Officer of the Deck (OOD) of your arrival date and plans. If you are flying into Alameda and the ship is in port the OOD will arrange for someone to pick you up at the airport and bring you to the ship. If you are meeting the ship in a port other than Alameda, the Ship’s Office will coordinate for someone to meet you at the airport.
Upon arrival you can expect to be met by your sponsor, he/she will assist you in locating your assigned berthing and help you get settled in. If you report after the normal workday, your sponsor may not be on board, but the OOD will help you until your sponsor returns. Your sponsor will assist you in your check in process ensuring that you have met with the appropriate personnel. The check in process can take up to 10 days.
It is standard practice to introduce our new shipmates at quarters and see that they meet with their Department Head, the Executive Officer, and the Commanding Officer with-in 48 hours of reporting.
If MORGENTHAU is underway, where to report: ISC Alameda Admin (510) 437-2904/3827/3053/5386
Address: Bldg 21, Coast Guard Island, Alameda, CA 94501. Member should also take public transportation from the airport to Coast Guard Island (SFO to Alameda $50.00; Oakland Airport to Alameda $20.00). Any transportation cost will be reimbursed upon arrival and completion of the travel claim.
Is it Advisable to Bring Dependents Along When Reporting? New personnel should transfer their families with them to the area, however, when initially checking into the ship please do not bring family members onboard the ship until check-in process is complete.
Crossing The Brow: When crossing the brow, proper honors will be rendered to the national ensign and the quarterdeck. Uniformed personnel coming aboard will face aft and salute the ensign (if it is flying), then turn, and salute the quarterdeck. Upon departing the ship, the procedure is reversed; salute the quarterdeck, then the ensign. Personnel in civilian clothes should stop and face aft in respect for the ensign, but do not salute. Proper etiquette also calls for no horseplaying, eating, drinking, or wearing hats while crossing the brow. The brow is secured from first call to colors and opened after colors.
Greeting The Commanding Officer: On board, salutes shall be dispensed with after the first daily meeting, EXCEPT for those rendered to the Commanding Officer and officers senior to the Commanding Officer. Junior personnel shall sound off “attention on deck” and stand at attention when the Commanding Officer enters a room. Underway, when the CO enters or leaves the bridge, the first person to see him will sound off “Captain on the bridge” or “Captain below” as appropriate, and all personnel on the bridge will salute.
WORK AND CREW
Typical SA/SN Job Assignment: Assigned to the Deck Division. The first six months for a Seaman or Seaman Apprentice reporting aboard will be a busy and exciting time. Underway a Seaman participates in all deck evolutions under the supervision of the Boatswains Mates, and is responsible for handling mooring lines, anchoring the ship raising and lowering of the ship’s small boats, serving as small boat crewman, and performing rescue-swimmer duties. A Seaman typically stands two 4-hour watches a day while underway. In port Seamen will help the galley by serving as mess cooks on a rotating basis. Mess cooking is an important aspect of habitability and crew morale and demonstrates the support side of the Coast Guard operations. Seaman also serve on damage control teams during general quarters and general emergency; fighting fires, controlling flooding, and dewatering spaces. Seaman also serve as a vital part of the ship’s defense force by manning machine gun mounts and the MK75/76mm cannon. By the end of four months on board, all Seaman will complete the basic damage control course, qualify as an in port watch stander, and become qualified on helm and lookout.
Typical FA/FN Job Assignment: You will be assigned to either the Main Propulsion Division or the Auxiliary Division where you will begin the qualification process while you assist your assigned Division with the daily work routine. As a Fireman Apprentice, you will qualify as a Security Watch stander in port and underway and an Auxiliary (Generator) Watch stander in port. Underway a Fireman can expect to stand two 4-hour watches a day until full qualification is obtained. In port or underway, you will be required to complete your Damage Control Personnel Qualification Standards (DCPQS) within four mounts of arrival. The Damage Control Officer sets up a draining plan that covers all of the required sections every two months. You may find the training challenging at first, but will find it easily completed within the required time. This qualification is necessary for the survivability of the ship. Damage Control is the responsibility of the entire crew from the Commanding Officer down to our newest member. You will serve as a member of one of our repair lockers or be a member of engineering repair (engine room) during general quarters or general emergency. All firemen will help the galley by serving as a mess cook on a rotating basis. Mess cooking is an important aspect of habitability and crew morale and demonstrates the support side of Coast Guard operations. By the end of four months on board, all Firemen will complete the basic damage control course, qualify as an in port watch stander, and become a qualified security watch stander.
Ratings Present at the Unit: OS, BM, IT, ET, GM, MK, EM, DC, SK, YN, FS, and HS.
Striking Rate : The Coast Guard allows Firemen and Seamen to advance to petty officer in certain ratings through “on the job training”, called striking, in lieu of formal schools. Due to the diversity of rates on board, all of these rates are available. A non-rate can strike: Boatswains Mate (Deck or Navigation) (BM), Damage Controlman (DC), Electricians Mate (EM), Food Service Specialist (FS), Machinery Technician (MK), Store Keeper (SK), or Yeoman (YN). If not striking a rate, many Fireman and Seaman apply for an “A” school in their desired rate. With a wide variety of opportunities, MORGENTHAU is a great training platform.
Uniform Normally Worn During Worday : Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), Tropical Blue Long (Trops) for some inport watch standers. While underway on Eastern Pacific Patrols approved deck shoes may be worn.
Inport Watch Type and Duty Rotation for SA/SN & FA/FN: Personnel will stand an inport security watch; standing watch on a 1-in-5 rotation once qualified.
Underway Watch Type and Duty Rotation for SA/SN & FA/FN: SA/SN will stand helm and lookout watch. FA/FN will stand security or auxiliary watch usually in a 1-in-4 to a 1-in-6 rotation.
LOCAL INFORMATION AND HOUSING
Average Temperature : SUMMER: 73°F (high) & 55°F (low)
WINTER: 55°F (high) & 45°F (low)
Nearest Cities :
Oakland (2.5mi)
San Francisco (14.5mi)
Nearest Airports :
Oakland International Airport OAK (6.7mi)
Directions to Coast Guard Island-- Head North on Airport Exit towards Passenger Terminal Acc. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto AIRPORT DR. Turn RIGHT onto HEGENBERGER RD. Take the I-880 NORTH ramp. Merge onto I-880 N. Take the 29TH AVENUE exit towards FRUITVALE AVE. Merge onto 29TH AVE. Turn LEFT onto E 10TH ST. Turn LEFT onto 29TH AVE. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto FORD ST. FORD ST becomes KENNEDY ST. Turn LEFT onto DENNISON ST. Continue over the bridge to COAST GUARD ISLAND.
San Francisco International Airport SFO (26.2mi)
Directions to Coast Guard Island-- Start out going West on DEPARTING FLIGHTS ACC towards AIRPORT EXIT. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto AIRPORT EXIT. Take the US-101 NORTH/I-380 WEST ramp towards I-280/SAN FRANCISCO/SAN BRUNO. Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto US-101 N. Take the I-80 exit towards BAY BRIDGE/OAKLAND. Take the I-580 EAST exit towards HAYWARD/STOCKTON/DOWNTOWN OAKLAND/CA-24/ALAMEDA. Merge onto I-580 E. Take the I-980 west EXIT TOWARDS downtown OAKLAND/(I-880 S). Merge onto I-980 W. Take the I-880 SOUTH exit on left. Turn SLIGHT LEFT at the intersection of I-880 to stay on I-880 SOUTH RAMP. Merge onto I-880 S. Take the EMBARCADERO exit towards 16TH AVE. Turn LEFT onto EMBARCADERO E. Turn RIGHT onto DENNISON ST. Continue over bridge to COAST GUARD ISLAND.
Nearest Military Facilities:
CG Island – CGC MORGENTHAU’s Homeport
Travis Air Force Base (52.5mi)
Location of Nearest Exchange and Commissary:
CG Exchange – CG Island
Large Military Exchange & Commissary – Travis Air Force Base (52.5mi)
Local Banks: Most members choose to stay with their home bank, however, Wells Fargo (www.wellsfargo.com), Bank of America (www.bankofamerica.com), and Washington Mutual (www.wamu.com) are in the area and are popular.
Is There a Credit Union In The Area?: Yes- Sea West Credit Union, located on CG Island. (www.seawest.coop or 510-532-5160)
Rate of Auto Insurance for Typical 18-20 YR Old:
Single Male: $125/month
Single Female: $125/month
Rate of Auto Insurance for Typical Young Family: $200/month
Area Schools: There are several schools in the area; Bay Farm Elementary (www.alameda.k12.ca.us/education/school/school.php?sectionid=6) and Amelia Earhart Elementary (www.alameda.k12.ca.us/education/school/school.php?sectiondetailid=63&sc) are located on Bay Farm Island. George P. Miller School is the closest to CG Housing.
Where Do Most Dependents Receive Medical Care? Upon checking into the unit, member needs to set up an appointment with the health care advisor in the CG Island Clinic. The advisor will give the member a list of providers available in the area for his/her family. The member selects a provider based on the family’s specific needs.
What Level of TRICARE Is Available? Standard/Prime/Extra
Continuing education available in the area: On Coast Guard Island is Columbia College, offering night classes for CG personnel. CG Island offers DANTES and CLEP exams (www.uscg.mil/mlcpac/iscalameda/). CGC MORGENTHAU is also active in the SOCCOAST AFLOAT Program and has regular signups for distance/CD-ROM Classes.
Religious Denominations in the Area: All denominations are available.
Quarters and/or Barracks Available: Yes, onboard, barracks or UPH. Housing Note: There is often a significant wait for unaccompanied personnel housing. Non rated personnel should expect to move into the barracks while they wait for a housing unit to become available. We are currently using 2BR / 2BA furnished townhouses with garage located less than 5 miles from the ship. Family housing is generally available when needed. Contact OSC Christopher Ramp (christopher.b.ramp@uscg.mil ) to submit housing application and get paperwork started on housing prior to your report date so you can move in upon arrival.
Where Will a Single Non-Rate More Likely Live?: Non-rates will live onboard and Unaccompanied Personnel Housing is available. Only E-2 and above, single with no dependents qualify for UPH.
Is Government Owned Housing Available? Yes in three locations- one in Alameda, Concord and Novato (www.uscg.mil/mlcpac/iscalameda/housing/ ).
Is Leased Housing Available? No
Where Do Most Dependents Live? CG Owned Housing in Alameda, Concord or Novato.
Average Wait for Housing: 4-6 months`
Housing Office Phone: (510) 769-0831
Housing Note: Although the bay area is considered a high cost area, you can afford to live here. There are several locations to choose from that will not only meet our housing needs, but will also meet the needs of your family. We receive a Cost of Living Allowance along with Basic Allowance for Housing which will cover a large portion of your out of pocket expenses if you decide to rent or buy.
Average Cost of Two Bedroom Apartment In The Area: $1,500 / MONTH with or without utilities. Websites for local apartments in the area: www.forrent.com, www.rent.com (local zip code is 94501).
BAH Rates Can Be Found At: https://secureapp2.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html
VESSEL HISTORY
Coast Guard Cutter MORGENTHAU is named for Henry Morgenthau, Jr, Secretary of the Treasury from 1934 to 1945. As head of the Treasury Department, he supervised the financing of both President Roosevelt’s New Deal and the United States’ participation in World War II. USCGC MORGENTHAU (WHEC 722), commissioned on March 10, 1969, was the eighth of twelve 378-foot “Hamilton” class High Endurance Cutters (WHECs) built by Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, Louisiana. First homeported at Governors Island, New York, MORGENTHAU was active in the Vietnam War, conducting underway replenishment, naval gunfire support, and patrol duties off the coast of Vietnam. In 1977, MORGENTHAU became the first cutter to have women permanently assigned. Currently homeported at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California, MORGENTHAU’s Pacific coast activities have included drug interdiction and seizures, foreign and domestic fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, and alien migrant interdiction.
From 1989 to 1991, MORGENTHAU was decommissioned to undergo a major mid-life renovation to upgrade berthing and living spaces, rejuvenate engineering systems, and modernize her major weapons and sensors. In the fall of 1996, MORGENTHAU was the first U.S. Coast Guard Cutter to deploy to the Arabian Gulf. Participating in Operation Vigilant Sentinel, MORGENTHAU enforced Iraq’s compliance with United Nations sanctions. After returning from the Gulf, MORGENTHAU continued her Pacific duties, often deploying to the Maritime Boundary Line in the Bering Straits to monitor Alaska’s valuable fisheries and environmental resources, as well as continued alien migrant and drug interdiction efforts off the coasts of Guam and Central and South America. Also in 2001, during a fisheries patrol, MORGENTHAU discovered a Russian vessel fishing in U.S. waters. When the vessel refused to heave to and allow a Coast Guard law enforcement team aboard, MORGENTHAU pursued the vessel across the Bering Sea and up to Russian territorial seas. This resulted in a joint US-Russian law enforcement action, which further cemented cooperative law enforcement actions between the two nations. After the terrorist attacks on September 11th, MORGENTHAU participated in Operation Noble Eagle to safeguard America’s prominent port cities through closer scrutiny of maritime traffic. In 2002, MORGENTHAU traveled to Southeast Asia to assist, train, and teach law enforcement techniques to naval forces of several nations in the East Asian littoral.
Today, MORGENTHAU continues to set the standard in accomplishment of both the Coast Guard’s traditional missions as well as those that have gained new significance in the wake of the September 11th attacks. With a rich past an optimistic future, our motto holds true; MORGENTHAU remains the PRIDE OF THE PACIFIC!
CHARACTERISTICS AND MISSION
MORGENTHAU’s Missions:
Search and Rescue, Enforcement of Laws and Treaties, Protection of Marine Fisheries and Mammals, Maritime Homeland Security and National Defense.
Common Destinations of Deployments:
Eastern Pacific with common port calls: Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica.
Northern Pacific and Bering Sea with common port calls: Dutch Harbor and Kodiak, AK.
Length: 378 feet Displacement: 3,050 tons |
Electronics:
Engines: Armament:
(2) Chaff launchers |
OTHER INFORMATION
Information A Newly Arriving Member Should Know: MORGENTHAU is a great cutter! We focus on Safety, Professionalism, and Teamwork. When conducting check out interviews, the people who are leaving consistently say the best thing about MORGENTHAU is the people. You will find your shipmates helpful and excited about the job we do. Alameda is a great place to live with plenty to do in the local area. There is a gym at the ISC as well as fitness equipment on board. Once qualified, you may be involved in many aspect of shipboard life such as flight deck operations, and law enforcement boarding teams. Underway moral events include swim calls, bingo, casino night, talent show, movies on the flight deck (when we are deployed down south) and fishing. You can expect to work hard, have fun, and enjoy your tour. Our schedule is usually three months underway followed by three months inport.
Ombudsman: The Ombudsman is the ship’s official liaison between your family and the command. She/he is usually a spouse who has considerable knowledge of Coast Guard routine and possesses maturity and common sense. She/he is most valuable and useful when the ship is away from port. Problems encountered by our families (i.e. spouses, children, parents) can go to the Ombudsman who can offer advice support, and guidance, especially while MORGENTHAU is deployed. Currently our unit ombudsman is Mrs. Ramona Gittings who can be contacted at (925) 363-5010 or cgcmorgenthau@earthlink.net. She is a great resource for questions about local family life, support, and many other issues.
Red Cross: Family members should contact the International Red Cross for notification of an emergency at home. The Red Cross will send a message to the ship while we are away from homeport. You should ensure your family has the ship’s address, phone numbers, and ombudsman information handy. Notifying the Red Cross is an important step in getting you out on Emergency Leave.
Messing Availability: Every meal is available onboard at no cost to the crewmember. Underway, midnight rations (midrats) are also prepared for watch standers.
How much personal storage space is available onboard: 12.8 CUBIC FEET – Each crewmember has a coffin rack that is 6’3” long, 6” deep, and 2’2” wide. Each member also has a locker that is 5’7” tall, 1’1” wide, and 1’7” deep.
Laundry: The ship has six washers and eight dryers. There is a schedule of when you are allowed to use laundry. It is divided among the departments, chiefs, and officers. Please do your laundry on your day. Although the ship normally supplies detergent, it is still advisable to bring your own detergent and dryer sheets. Laundry is open to all hands while in port and after 2000 while underway.
Sleeping Bags: Sleeping bags are not authorized for use as they pose a safety hazard onboard ships.
Personal Electronics: Personal electronics, such as TV, VCR, DVD, game counsels stereos, and laptops are allowed on board. Insure items have been inspected by your berthing area’s MAA, and that the items are properly secured for sea.
DRILLS AND EVOLUTIONS
Watch, Quarter and Station Bill (WQSB): The WQSB is the roster for the duties and location of every member onboard for all shipboard evolutions. Use the WQSB to know your responsibilities and where you need to be.
Man Overboard: Each person on board must know what to do if they or a shipmate falls overboard: The person sighting the man overboard shall:
- Yell “Man overboard, port (or starboard) side”
- Throw life rings, smoke floats, life jackets, or any floating gear over the side, as near as possible to the person.
- Ensure the OOD is notified by the quickest means.
- Ensure that eyes are kept on the person at all times and that the man is pointed toward with an extended arm. A person in the water is a small object and difficult to find once you lose sight of him/her. Your pointing arm is a reference point for the Conning Officer to maneuver the ship for recovery. If you did not see the man overboard, report immediately to your Man Overboard station.
General Emergency (GE)/General Quarters (GQ): GE and GQ may be used for the general emergencies or for wartime condition cruising. GQ maintains the ship in a high condition of readiness. Both your GE and GQ assignment is posted on the Watch, Quarter, and Station Bill. GE and GQ are sounded via the alarm system followed by specific announcements on the 1MC. When GE or GQ is sounded, proceed to your station on the double (NOT running).
- In manning stations or for any emergency (or drill) follow the prescribed traffic routes (posted in black): GO UP AND FORWARD ON THE STARBOARD SIDE, AFT AND DOWN ON THE PORT SIDE. Following these routes is always important and doubly so at night.
- Man your station, don battle dress, get equipment in operation, follow instructions.
Abandon Ship: When the word is passed “Make preparations to abandon ship” proceed to your abandon ship station on the double. Bring all equipment, or supplies which you are responsible for to your abandon ship station. Ensure that you know the location of and the proper method for securing your life jacket. Maintain silence and muster assigned personnel as quickly as possible. All hands should be knowledgeable in the procedures for launching a life raft. All hands should know the location, distance, and bearing to the nearest land. All hands should also be wearing extra clothing to protect them from the elements.
Fire or Flooding:
- Underway: When a fire or flood is suspected or discovered, get word to the OOD as quickly as possible. Use the telephone (ext 232) and indicate the location and type of fire. Include the compartment number if possible. If not out of control take initial action to fight the fire close all hatches and scuttles surrounding the space. Engage the casualty from a safe distance until relieved by firefighting personnel.
- Inport: When a fire or flood is suspected or discovered, get the word to the Quarterdeck as quickly as possible. Use the telephone (ext 0) and indicate the location and type of fire, if know. Include the compartment number, if possible. Engage the casualty the same as above. If you are a member of the inport Rescue and Assistance (R&A) team, be sure you understand your duties including where to go as well as the equipment you are required to bring or wear
- Be sure you know your billets!!!
All crewmembers are happy to assist you or answer and questions you may have!