Today in Coast Guard History
1968 – M/V Triple Crown foundered off the coast of Southern California with a loss of nine lives while retrieving the anchor and chain of a large offshore drilling rig. The Coast Guard investigated.
1999 – Elian Gonzalez, a five-year old Cuban boy, was found on Thanksgiving morning clinging to an inner tube three miles off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was among three survivors of a boating accident which killed 11 migrants fleeing Cuba. The Coast Guard searched from Islamorada to Boca Raton, using a HU-25 and a HH-65 from Coast Guard Air Station Miami, a HC-130 from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Coast Guard Cutter Maui, and a 41-foot UTB from Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. The child later gained international notoriety when his father, a Cuban citizen, attempted to have him returned to Cuba, a desire that Elian’s relatives in the U.S. fought through the U.S. court system all the way to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled in his father’s favor and the child was returned to Cuba.
Blogs
Cleanup on aisle ‘shoreline’ – Coast Guard Pacific Southwest
When oil spills occur, the Coast Guard assigns trained personnel to survey the scene, protect the environment and conduct evaluations. The Coast Guard specifically employs the Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) teams comprised of trained personnel with expertise in oil and cleanup techniques, geomorphology, (and in some cases, archeology) to assist in cleaning up the beaches and shoreline areas.
Recruit Journal Alfa 189: Week 03 – Coast Guard Boot Camp
Today started a bit rocky. We were slow this morning, and Ø1 of our shipmates forgot their cover (hat). We all ended up marching to chow with our hands in our pockets, and our heads down. This was pretty embarrassing. Divine hours were nice. We had time to iron uniforms, shine boondockers, and write letters. Once divine hours ended, we had our rack inspections. We are getting better at setting them up. We did a company run today, and everyone enjoyed that. After our run, we did a 4ØØ calorie bike workout, which made us really tired. ALFA-189 is finally starting to come together as a company, but Week Ø4 starts tomorrow. Things are going to start getting tough!
Shipmate of the Week – MK2 Michael Ball – Coast Guard Compass
As a member of Maritime Safety and Security Team Seattle, Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Ball has seen his fare share of challenging missions. But one recent exercise had Ball far outside of his comfort zone during the Mangudai Warrior Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Elsewhere
Decorated Veteran – The Portland Observer
It’s been a long and rewarding journey from Harriet Tubman School in Portland to a distinguished career in the U.S. Coast Guard for Michelle Watson.
The former Portland and Vancouver area resident has just finished a year in which she met President Obama and the First Lady; was promoted as the first African-American woman commander of a Coast Guard security unit in Virginia; and served as a deputy commander in security for the president’s second inauguration in Washington, D.C., last January.
How The Houston Ship Channel Security District Keeps Port Free From Economic Threats – KUHF News for Houston
It’s about protecting the Houston Ship Channel from any threat. Infrastructure and equipment funded by the Houston Ship Channel Security District were on display at the annual meeting of stakeholders at the Houston Marriott South. The district funds layers of security protection to support law enforcement along the ship channel.
Video
Coast Guardsman Earns Army Badge
Seaman Cody Reed, from Air Station Barbers Point, recently graduated from Army Air Assault School, learning the skills to make maximum use of helicopter assets and earning the privilege to wear the badge. Tech Sgt. Michael Jackson with the Defense Media Activity – Hawaii News Bureau, interviewed Reed about his accomplishment.
