Stettenbenz was recognized for his superior performance of duty while serving as the Army National Guard Liaison and Planning Officer at Joint Forward Operating Location Nome, Alaska from Aug. 10 to Aug. 24.

Stettenbenz demonstrated superior leadership in direct support of Operation Arctic Crossroads 2009, the Coast Guard’s largest small boat and helicopter deployment to Northwestern Alaska. During this time Stettenbenz provided invaluable insight and expertise to the Coast Guard Air Operations Officer necessary to integrate Army National Guard assets into an effective multi-service aviation contingent.

Stettenbenz efforts as the local area aviation subject matter expert ensured the safe execution of over 60 joint service helicopter sorties, often in heavy fog and through mountainous terrain, effectively completing all assigned missions in support of Coast Guard strategic goals.

Criminal Division Chief José Ruiz Santiago and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn Canals from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Puerto Rico accepted to prosecute the Dominicans for attempting to enter illegally into the United States or a U.S. Territory.

The crew of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection DASH-8 aircraft located the migrants Monday night traveling illegally from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico aboard a grossly overloaded 25-foot wooden yola (boat).

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Matinicus on patrol in the Mona Passage diverted and interdicted the migrant vessel. They Matinicus’ crew safely embarked the 11 men and one woman from the yola and collected the migrants biographic information, including digital fingerprints and facial photographs.

The Matinicus later rendezvoused with awaiting Border Patrol agents in Añasco, Puerto Rico, who conducted migrant interviews onboard the Matinicus and took custody of the Dominicans Tuesday afternoon.

Coast Guard Cutter Matinicus is a 110-foot patrol boat home ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The concept of CBIG resulted from a March 2006 collaboration of local Homeland Security components that effectively stemmed the increased flow of traffic across the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. In July 2006, CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air & Marine (A&M), Office of Field Operations (OFO), and Office of Border Patrol (OBP), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the United States Attorney ‘ s Office, District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal maritime traffic and gaining control of our nation’s Caribbean borders.

America’s Waterway Watch (AWW) is a national program with a local focus of the US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, both members of The Department of Homeland Security. The program encourages Americans who live, work or recreate on or near our waterways to become a part of the eyes and ears of our national defenders in the war on terrorism by being observant and reporting suspicious activities. Suspicious activities should be reported to The National Response Center (1-877-24WATCH) or 911.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is scheduling numerous speaking engagements at local marinas, schools, and clubs throughout the coming months to help carry out the wishes of Mayor Murphy. The goal of AWW and the Coast Guard Auxiliary is for our citizens to continue this vigilance year round. Anyone who would like their organization to participate in this program, can call 305-745-1546. For more information on America’s Waterway Watch visit the web site at www.americaswaterwaywatch.us.

Industry Day is designed to provide a forum for members of the marine industry to interact and discuss various issues with personnel from the Coast Guard. The event is open to the general public but is geared especially to commercial vessel operators and waterfront facility representatives.

“I encourage all our industry partners, especially smaller operators, to attend this event,” said Lt. Cmdr. Vivianne Louie, chief of Prevention at Sector Juneau. “We really look forward to this event because it will provide us with a fantastic opportunity to establish stronger relationships with our maritime partners through face to face interaction”.

Morning presentations will include an overview of Sector Juneau organization and functions, as well as an introduction to program managers and subject matter experts. An open session in the afternoon will give industry members the opportunity to engage in informal discussions on topics mentioned above as well as variety of topics including marine casualty reporting, Maritime Transportation Security Act regulations and pollution response procedures.

Subj: Death of a distinguished CG Veteran

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Lieutenant Herbert M. Collins, USCG (REt.), a legendary Coast Guardsman and the last surviving crewmember of the all-African American Pea Island Life Saving Station. Lieutenant Collins succumbed to cancer on Sunday evening, March 14th, surrounded by family and friends.

Surfman Herbert M. Collins, a member of the Pea Island Lifesaving crew who served there during World War II. US Coast Guard Archives, Photo courtesy of his daughter, Ms. Joan Collins.

Lieutenant Collins service to the Coast Guard and our nation alone is significant, especially in light of the challenges that African Americans faced as the service was integrated. Yet his legacy runs even deeper in our collectie heritage as he was alos the grand nephew of Dorman Pugh, one of seven Gold Life Saving Medal recipients form the Pea Island Rescue of the crew of the stricken schooner E.S. Newman in 1896. When Lieutenant Collins retired in 1976, he and his family set the bar for the longest continuous family service inthe Coast Guard, a record that began with his grandfather, Joseph H. Berry, in 1880.

Born in 1921 in Manteo, North Carolina, Lieutenant Collins enlisted in the Coast Guard and attended boot camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. First assigned to the Cutter Tallapoosa in Savannah, Collins served as a Mess Attendant. He then served at stations from Florida to Virginia, including aboard cutter Mendota in Norfolk, Virginia, alongside renowned author and Coast Guardsman, Alex Haley. Lieutenant Collins then transferred to the all-African American Life Saving Station at Pea Island where he served as a Surfman for the duration of World War Ii. He and his fellow Surfmen carried out vial search and resuce responsibilities and responded to a distressed shio that had been hit by a torpedo between Pea Island and Chicamacomico Coast Guard Sations. In 1947 Lieutenant Collins ended an historic era in Coast Guard history as he handed over the keys when the Pea Island Station was decomissioned. He later received his commission and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 1976.

After serving in the Coast Guard, Lieutenant Collins continued to be an outstanding advocate for our service. He shared his personal experiences and highlighted the proud history of African Americans who have served. Photos of Lieutenant Collins and additional information on Coast Guard African American history are available here. The extraordinary story of the heroes of Pea Island is the subject of a new film title The Rescue Men, to which Lieutenant Collins contributed. More detail is available here or at www.rescuemenfilm.com

A memorial service will be held at 1330 on 26 March 2010 at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home located at 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904. In lieu of flowers, the Collins family has requested that donations be made to the Montgomery Hospice Inc, 1355 Piccard Drive, Site 100, Rockville MD, 20850. Details of interment remain to be determined.

Adm. T.W. Allen, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Sends.

While on patrol in support of the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, Vigilant’s bridge team spotted the Miss Kristy, a 115-foot motor vessel running towards Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Vigilant escorted the vessel to Providenciales and assisted with a dockside boarding at the request of Turks and Caicos Police and DEA officials. Two bricks of marijuana were discovered; the ship and the 10 crewmembers were turned over to the Turks and Caicos officials and the Vigilant boarding team resumed their patrol. The contraband, vessel and crew await final disposition.

“This is a testament to the multi-mission aspect of the Coast Guard,” said Cmdr. Brian Fiedler, commanding officer of Vigilant. “While providing humanitarian support to the citizens of Haiti, our crew identified and executed a successful counter-drug mission working side-by-side with our Caribbean counter-narcotics partners.”

The Vigilant is a 210-foot medium-endurance cutter home ported in Port Canaveral, Fla.

During the boarding of the vessels, one vessel was found with 10 striped bass aboard while the second had four striped bass.

The economic pressures being felt nationwide and the meteorological conditions driving the striped bass population farther off shore into warmer waters have set the stage for a situation that may entice fishermen to break the law, as evidenced by recent reports from members of the maritime community.

However, in an effort to ensure the longevity of the striped bass population and maintain a level playing field for all fishermen, federal authorities are taking action. In response to multiple reports of commercial and recreational striped bass fishing within the Exclusive Economic Zone, the Coast Guard and NOAA have combined efforts to curtail this illegal activity.

Fishing for striped bass is permitted within state waters, but catching or possessing striped bass outside three nautical miles from shore is a violation of federal regulations.

“Our operations are meant to enforce regulations to safeguard our resources and promote public safety,” said Lt. Cdr. James Klein, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Staten Island.

The evidence package for the seizure has been forwarded to the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement who will determine if a formal Notice of Violation will be issued.

Jeremy C. Fisher, 25, of Holly Ridge, N.C., pled guilty to conspiring to make false distress messages, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

Co-defendants William H. Yates, 22, of Sneads Ferry, N.C., and Steven G. Medina, 21, of Onslow County, each pled guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false distress messages, in violation of Title 14, United States Code, Section 88(c).

The pleas were heard before United States District Judge James C. Dever, III. A Federal Grand Jury returned a Criminal Indictment on December 17, 2009.

“The Coast Guard regards every distress call as an emergency response, so responding to false distress calls degrades our ability to react to legitimate cases and unnecessarily put our people at risk,” said Rear Adm. Wayne Justice, Coast Guard 5th District commander. “Broadcasting false distress calls is not only irresponsible and dangerous, it is also a felony. This case helps to illustrate just how serious the offense is.”

On October 18, 2008, the Coast Guard received a false distress call from the Holly Ridge, N.C., high site antenna. Fisher repeated “Mayday – Mayday.”

The Coast Guard responded, asking for the nature of the distress. Fisher reported that his vessel was taking on water and claimed he was attached to a buoy, with six people on board, and asked the Coast Guard for assistance. Fisher continued, saying “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.” He then adopted a Spanish accent. When the Coast Guard responder realized it was a hoax, he advised the callers that it was unlawful to make a false distress call and advised the caller of the penalties. Fisher responded with repeated profanities.

The investigation found that Fisher, Medina and others had been drinking when the false calls were made.

Further investigation revealed that in October, 2007, Fisher and Yates had also made a false distress call. It was further learned that Fisher had made at least 22 false distress calls.

Pursuant to their written plea agreements, each defendant will pay restitution to the Coast Guard for all search and rescue costs associated with the various hoax calls attributable to them individually. Fisher agreement to pay $234,111.00, Medina agreed to pay $233.48, and Yates agreed to pay $506.80.

Mr. Holding stated, “It is at great expense that false distress phone calls are made, not only wasting taxpayer money, but also diverting scarce resources that might have been legitimately needed elsewhere and by needlessly endangering the lives of those performing their duties to protect, assist and serve those in need.”

At sentencing, Fisher faces up to five years imprisonment followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Yates and Medina each face up to six years imprisonment followed by up to two years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laurina M. Spolidoro represented the government.

The Long Island conducted patrols, boardings and professional exchanges with Navy cruisers, destroyers, multi-agency aircraft and other Coast Guard units such as high endurance cutters, patrol boats, Maritime Safety and Security Teams and the Maritime Security Response Team.

The crew transited more than 2,500 miles roundtrip for the mission including underway maintenance and port calls to Washington state, Canada and Southeast Alaska.

According to Lt. John Christensen, Long Island Commanding Officer, the crew enjoyed taking part in a joint international task force between the U.S. and Canada to enforce border security and safety for the athletes and spectators of the games. They maintained full accountability of vessel traffic transiting from the U.S. to Canada during the Winter Olympics and conducted periodic law enforcement boardings to ensure vessels are in compliance of all U.S. laws and regulations to assist their Canadian counterparts.

The Coast Guard was the lead for all U.S. maritime military naval forces supporting the 2010 Winter Olympics and had the dual responsibility of supporting Canadian Maritime operations while contributing to the larger Canadian government communications effort in promoting public confidence and security.

Vancouver, British Columbia, hosted the 2010 Olympics from Feb. 12 to 28. The Olympic events drew large crowds from around the world.

The Long Island is a 110-foot multi-mission patrol boat operating in an area within the coastal waters of Central and Southeast Alaska.

Comments and photos from the crew’s deployment are available at www.uscgalaska.blogspot.com, choose Long Island from the unit list on the right.

Examinations will be conducted at locations based upon specific requests received from owners of commercial passenger vessels operated on Lake Texoma. The Coast Guard is encouraging vessel owners to specify a marina or other public location where Coast Guard personnel can arrive to conduct examinations to assist owners in meeting established safety and credentialing requirements. The voluntary examination is a “no blame, no penalty & no fault” examination that will assist the boat owner to better understand the federal regulations that are required for operation. Once the courtesy exam is complete, the Coast Guard inspector will issue a Coast Guard decal, a Certificate of Inspection or a boarding receipt, which will document the boat’s level of compliance.

The Coast Guard is working with state and congressional delegations from Texas and Oklahoma to improve safety on Lake Texoma and the Coast Guard’s primary goal is to ensure that sightseeing cruises, fishing charters, and party boats operate safely within the standards captured by established Federal Regulations.

All mariners who carry passengers for hire on the navigable waters of the United States are required to hold an appropriate merchant mariner credential (license). This requirement has existed in one form or another since the passage of The Motorboat Act of 1910. The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) credential was created when the licensing regulations were amended in 1989. The OUPV credential is commonly used by commercial vessels carrying six or fewer passengers and has lower qualification requirements, including age, than the Master license that had been previously required. In addition, all mariners are required to hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) by 46 U.S.C. §70105. This requirement applies to all mariners without regard to the scope of their credentials or the waterways upon which they will operate.

Commercial vessel owners are encouraged to contact Lt. Geoffrey Scibek to schedule a voluntary uninspected passenger vessel examination. He can be reached via phone at (832) 256-3257 or via e-mail at HoustonDOM@uscg.mil.

HOUSTON — Personnel from Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston and Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Five and Ten will conduct voluntary commercial passenger vessel safety examinations throughout the Lake Texoma region March 18 – 23, 2010.

Examinations will be conducted at locations based upon specific requests received from owners of commercial passenger vessels operated on Lake Texoma. The Coast Guard is encouraging vessel owners to specify a marina or other public location where Coast Guard personnel can arrive to conduct examinations to assist owners in meeting established safety and credentialing requirements. The voluntary examination is a “no blame, no penalty & no fault” examination that will assist the boat owner to better understand the federal regulations that are required for operation. Once the courtesy exam is complete, the Coast Guard inspector will issue a Coast Guard decal, a Certificate of Inspection or a boarding receipt, which will document the boat’s level of compliance.

The Coast Guard is working with state and congressional delegations from Texas and Oklahoma to improve safety on Lake Texoma and the Coast Guard’s primary goal is to ensure that sightseeing cruises, fishing charters, and party boats operate safely within the standards captured by established Federal Regulations.

All mariners who carry passengers for hire on the navigable waters of the United States are required to hold an appropriate merchant mariner credential (license). This requirement has existed in one form or another since the passage of The Motorboat Act of 1910. The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) credential was created when the licensing regulations were amended in 1989. The OUPV credential is commonly used by commercial vessels carrying six or fewer passengers and has lower qualification requirements, including age, than the Master license that had been previously required. In addition, all mariners are required to hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) by 46 U.S.C. §70105. This requirement applies to all mariners without regard to the scope of their credentials or the waterways upon which they will operate.

Commercial vessel owners are encouraged to contact Lt. Geoffrey Scibek to schedule a voluntary uninspected passenger vessel examination. He can be reached via phone at (832) 256-3257 or via e-mail at HoustonDOM@uscg.mil.