BOSTON — The Coast Guard will participate in Boston’s Fleet Week and Boston Harborfest 2012, commemorating the War of 1812, scheduled to begin June 28 through July 6, 2012.
The 31st annual Boston Harborfest will commence during the opening ceremony scheduled for Thursday, paying tribute to the war’s bicentennial. During this time, Rear Adm. Daniel B. Abel, commander of the 1st Coast Guard District will speak about the Coast Guard’s role in the war 200 years ago and its heritage ever since.
The Coast Guard’s foundation pre-dates the War of 1812 with the commissioning of the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. Since that time, the Coast Guard has played a role in every major war at the cost of more than 600 lives. The bicentennial provides an opportunity to recognize that history and its impact on how the Coast Guard missions have expanded since into the service’s 11 statutory missions of today.
Just as the Coast Guard’s role in national defense increased following the War of 1812, so did its role in homeland security following 9/11. As a result, while some Coast Guard crews will serve to honor their 222-year service, others will be tasked with continuing the the daily missions related to the safety and security associated with such a large maritime event. Capt. John Healey, commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston is the Captain of the Port and will be leading the operations.
“This is as much a operations as it is a celebration,” said Lt. Joe Klinker, 1st Coast Guard District Public Affairs Officer. “Many of our folks will be recognizing our rich maritime heritage alongside the community. Others will be patrolling the shorelines to keep that community safe.”
The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a 295-foot barque homeported in New London, Conn., along with warships and military tall ships from several nations are expected to be in Boston and open for general public visitation.
A list of scheduled events honoring and celebrating the Coast Guard’s role in the war is as follows:
Thursday, June 28
Noon- Harborfest Opening Ceremony, West End of Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Saturday, June 30
10:00 a.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Eagle arrives at Charlestown Navy Yard
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Juniper open for public tours, Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard
12:00-4:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Marcus Hannah open for public tours, Coast Guard Base Boston
1:00 p.m. -Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration, Puopolo Park, Boston
1:00-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Eagle open for public tours, Charlestown Navy Yard
Sunday, July 1
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Eagle open for public tours, Charlestown Navy Yard
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Juniper open for public tours, Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard
12:00-4:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Marcus Hannah open for public tours, Coast Guard Base Boston
1:00 p.m. -Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration, Puopolo Park, Boston
Monday, July 2
8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. -Coast Guard softball tournament, Boston Common
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Eagle open for public tours, Charlestown Navy Yard
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Juniper open for public tours, Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard
3:30-4:00 p.m. -Silent Drill Team presentation, Charlestown Navy Yard
4:00-5:20 p.m. -Coast Guard Honor Guard/Period Color Guard presents colors, Coast Guard Band concert, Charlestown Navy Yard
Tuesday, July 3
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Eagle open for public tours, Charlestown Navy Yard
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Juniper open for public tours, Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard
Wednesday, July 4
9:00 a.m. -Coast Guard Honor Guard/Period Color Guard participate at July 4th flag raising, Boston City Hall Plaza
9:30 a.m. -Coast Guard Honor Guard/Period Color Guard participate in July 4th Street Parade
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Eagle participates in annual USS Constitution turnaround cruise
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Juniper open for public tours, Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard
11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. -Coast Guard Historic Ship’s Company reenacts present-day Coast Guard area Maritime Security Mission, Castle Island
12:00-1:15 p.m. -Blue Angel and Military Flyover
1:30 p.m. -Silent Drill Team presentation, City Hall Plaza
2:00-3:20 p.m. -Coast Guard Honor Guard/Period Color Guard presents colors, Coast Guard Band concert City Hall Plaza
2:00-6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Cutter Eagle open for public tours, Charlestown Navy Yard
6:00 p.m. -Coast Guard Honor Guard/Color Guard present at July 4th Boston Pops concert
For more information about events, visit www.bostonnavyweek.com.
