PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Steven Hearn is scheduled to receive the title of Silver Ancient Mariner at a change of watch ceremony at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, Va., Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.
The title is awarded to the active duty enlisted member who best personifies the dedication and professionalism of the Coast Guard while also having the earliest date of qualification for a permanent cutterman’s pin and a minimum of 10 years sea service.
Hearn, a native of Portsmouth, Va., is the son of retired Coast Guard Cmdr. John R. Hearn Jr., who was the fourth Gold Ancient Mariner from July 1, 1985 to April 30, 1987. The Hearns are the first father and son to have both been awarded the Ancient Mariner title.
Adm. Robert Papp Jr., commandant of the Coast Guard and current Coast Guard Gold Ancient Mariner will preside over the ceremony as Hearn relieves the current Silver Ancient Mariner, Master Chief Petty Officer Richard Vobornik, who is retiring after 30 years of service in the Coast Guard.
The Gold Ancient Mariner title is awarded to officers while the silver is awarded to enlisted members
