Coast Guard News

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News Release
Date: September 23, 2010
Contact: District 7 Public Affairs

CGC Mohawk to return home
from West Africa deployment


The Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk arrives in Monrovia, Liberia, Aug. 12, 2010. The Mohawk traveled to Monrovia to begin with the Liberian Coast Guard as part of the African Partnership Station, an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.  Cmdr. Robert Hendrickson, the commanding officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk, speaks to the media in Monrovia, Liberia, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010.  USCG photos by PO3 Victoria Bonk.  

KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk is scheduled to return to its homeport of Key West at 1 p.m. Monday following the completion of a 107-day deployment to West Africa.

The crew of the Mohawk deployed to the West Coast of Africa to work with partner nations building the capacities and capabilities necessary to make their borders stronger and less porous.

The Mohawk completed an extensive three-and-a-half-month patrol transiting more than 27,000 nautical miles, conducting extensive joint maritime training and operations with law enforcement detachments and naval forces of Morocco, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal. The Mohawk conducted at-sea boardings of several suspect vessels and assisted in the seizure of illegal drugs.

“We demonstrated tactics, techniques and procedures that partner nations can employ using their own resources to strengthen their borders and improve their maritime domain awareness,” said Cmdr. Robert Hendrickson, Mohawk’s commanding officer.

The crew also volunteered more than 400 hours of community service. They refurbished school classrooms and equipment in Casablanca, Morocco, and built a cookhouse at an orphanage in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

“The crew showed the good will of the United States in this strategically important part of the world through their professional and personal interaction with their counterparts and also in the communities with our community relations projects,” said Hendrickson. “I could not be more proud of their professionalism, initiative and adaptability.”

As a multi-mission, 270-foot medium-endurance cutter, the Mohawk's crew conducts a wide range of Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, homeland and coastal security, and environmental and natural resources protection.

News Release

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News Release
Date: September 24, 2010
Contact: District 14 Public Affairs

Honolulu-based patrol boat returns home


The Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island and Coast Guard Cutter Kukui condut a refueling at sea during a Multi-unit Law Enforcement Patrol in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 19, 2010. The crew if the Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island above right, stand on the pier at Midway Atoll, for a group photo, Sept. 18, 2010. The crew was part of a Multi-unit Law Enforcement Patrol and covered nearly 3,000 nautical miles providing law enforcement in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Han**** Sea Mounts, and Midway Atoll.  USCG photos  

HONOLULU — The Honolulu-based Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island returned home Friday, after a 13-day law enforcement patrol in the North Western Hawaii Islands.

The Galveston Island participated in the Multi-unit Law Enforcement Patrol with the Coast Guard Cutter Kukui and a HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point.

This is the first MULEPAT that a Honolulu-based patrol boat has embarked on since May 2009. The Galveston Island patrolled nearly 3,000 nautical miles providing law enforcement within and around the Marine National Monument. Areas covered were the Han**** Sea Mounts, the Midway Atoll, and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

A MULEPAT is a patrol where two or more Coast Guard units join forces to complete a mission. The main mission of this patrol was multifaceted; the Galveston Island’s main mission was to enforce laws and treaties, the Kukui’s main mission was to service aids to navigation in the area, with law enforcement as a secondary mission, and the Hercules provided additional support from the air by being their eyes in the sky.

The Galveston Island not only enforced U.S. laws, but while in international waters was a participating member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

“Patrolling in international waters allowed us to move from the normal U.S. laws and regulations that we enforce everyday and allows us to enforce the WCPFC regulations as a member nation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Lee McMillan, operations petty officer on the Galveston Island. 

The Galveston Island is one of two 110-foot patrol boat based in the Main Hawaiian Islands.  The primary mission of the Galveston Island is to enforce laws and treaties and conduct search and rescue throughout the Pacific.  Galveston Island has a compliment of two officers and 16 crew.

News Release

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News Release
Date: September 24, 2010
Contact: CGHQ Washington

Commandant Papp meets with CGA cadets participating
in annual Academy Women Fall Leadership Symposium



WASHINGTON — Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert Papp meets with Coast Guard Academy cadets who were participating in the 7th Annual Academy Women Fall Leadership Symposium, Sept. 24, 2010. During their meeting Papp and the cadets discussed the leadership roles available to women in the service and the importance they will have shaping the Coast Guard's future.

Above Right: Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert Papp takes a group portrait following a meeting with Coast Guard Academy cadets who were participating in the 7th Annual Academy Women Fall Leadership Symposium, Sept. 24, 2010. During their meeting Papp and the cadets discussed the leadership roles available to women in the service and the importance they will have shaping the Coast GuardÕs future. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty officer 1st Class Kip Wadlow. 

News Release

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Photo Release
Date: September 24, 2010
Contact: District 13

LCDR Michael Ray Cain retires
in Astoria after 27 years of service



ASTORIA, Ore. —  Lt. Cmdr. Michael Ray Cain speaks to guests at his retirement ceremony in the Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Ore., hangar Friday, Sept., 24, 2010. Cain retired after 27 years of service to the Coast Guard, seven of which were spent as the sole marine inspector for southern Washington and northern Oregon.

Above Right: Capt. Douglas E. Kaup (left), Sector Columbia River commanding officer, presents the Coast Guard Commendation Medal to Lt. Cmdr. Michael Ray Cain (right) in the Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Ore., hangar Friday, Sept., 24, 2010. The Coast Guard Commendation Medal is awarded to service members who, while serving with the Coast Guard, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service above normally expected and worthy of special recognition. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kelly Parker.

Photo Release

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USCG Blog Release
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Written by: LT Connie Braesch

Adm. Papp speaks to
Honor Flight WWII Veterans


Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr. speaks to a group of more than 100 Veterans at a recognition luncheon today as part of the Honor Flight Program that began in May of 2005. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Telfair H. Brown, Sr.
 

“Today provides us the opportunity to reflect upon and honor your service – as well as the service of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. You defended our freedoms, and protected our ideals. We must never forget – and never let our children forget that freedom is not free.” – Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Bob Papp


WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Adm. Papp visited with the more than 100 World War II veterans and their escorts from Central Florida who visited the nation’s capital on the Volusia Honor Air Flight.



The Honor Flight Network – a federal nonprofit organization that transports America’s veterans from all over the nation to Washington, D.C., – brings our war heroes to visit memorials dedicated in honor of their service and sacrifices. Many, if not all, of the veterans who visit the memorials are doing so for the first time and may have never had an opportunity if not for the Honor Flight program.

“Since America felt it was important to build a memorial to the service and the ultimate sacrifice of her veterans, the Honor Flight Network believes it’s equally important that they actually get to visit and experience THEIR memorial.”

This is the philosophy behind the Honor Flight Network’s service, which is provided free to our veterans. What started in May 2005 with the transport of 12 veterans on six small planes has transitioned into commercial airline carriers transporting 17,832 veterans in 2009.

USCG Blog Release

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Photo Release
Date: September 24, 2010
Contact: District 9
USCG photos by:  PO3 George Degener

Coast Guard Cutter Alder returns
to Duluth from the Canadian Arctic



BUFFALO, N.Y. — (Above photos)  The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alder, homeported in Duluth, Minn., prepares to transit the system of locks that separate Lake Erie from Lake Ontario, July 17, 2010. Alder is underway as part of Operation Nanook, one of three major operations conducted per year in the Canadian Arctic, designed to demonstrate international cooperation and expand the international ability to respond to emergencies in the Arctic region.

 

HOPEDALE, Labrador — (Above left)   Small-boat crewmembers make their approach on Coast Guard Cutter Alder, at anchor, August 5, 2010. Alder is underway as part of Operation Nanook, one of three major operations conducted per year in the Canadian Arctic, designed to demonstrate international cooperation and expand the international ability to respond to emergencies in the Arctic.

JACOBSHAVN ISFJORD — (Above right)   U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder transits past an iceberg field located above the Arctic Circle, while steaming south along Greenland's western coast, August 22, 2010. Alder is underway as part of Operation Nanook, one of three major operations conducted per year in the Canadian Arctic, designed to demonstrate international cooperation and expand the international ability to respond to emergencies in the Arctic.



HUDSON BAY — (Above left)  The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder steams through heavy seas after departing Nuuk, Greenland, heading for the St. Lawrence Seaway, August 26, 2010. Alder is underway as part of Operation Nanook, one of three major operations conducted per year in the Canadian Arctic, designed to demonstrate international cooperation and expand the international ability to respond to emergencies in the Arctic.

DULUTH — (Above right)  The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder moored in Duluth.  During her 56-day deployment the Alder supported the Canadian forces while conducting maintenance visits and community outreach to remote sites along the Labrador coast, provided transport for members of the Canadian armed forces, conducted crew exchanges to enhance cultural understanding.  Additionally they participated in drills and exercises based on an array of naval warfare, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and other scenarios, all designed to increase interoperability and effectiveness.
 
  
District 9 Photo Album Release

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Press Release
Date: September 28, 2010
Contact: District 17

Coast Guard, state agency prepare fleet
for upcoming Red King crab fishery season


Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Frank, a marine science technician with Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak, reviews the expiration date on an emergency positioning indicating radio beacon on the fishing vessel Silver Spray to help inform the vessel's captain Bill Prout Sept. 28, 2010. EPIRBs are a required piece of equipment and it is essential that they be properly registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (USCG photos by PO3 Jonathan Lally)

KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game personnel are beginning preparations to safeguard the fishing fleet for the start of the 2010 Red King crab season in Bristol Bay.

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment in Kodiak and Unalaska are scheduled to conduct dockside exams beginning the week of Sept. 27. Dockside exams are to ensure the vessel’s safety equipment is in good working condition before fisherman take to the water. Fishermen will be able to correct any deficiencies before the season begins.

Fishermen are encouraged to attend the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association training at the community pool and local harbor in Unalaska and Kodiak. Topics covered will include life raft, survival suit and pyrotechnics or flare training.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game deploys observers aboard approximately 20 percent of the fleet for the duration of their fishing operations. A current Coast Guard dockside examination decal is required to carry an observer. Fishermen who do not already have a valid decal for this season can call the Seventeenth Coast Guard District Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinator at 1-800-478-7369 or their local MSD for help with locating a dockside examiner in Alaska.

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game 74 vessels have pre-registered as of Sept. 21 for the Red King crab fishery.

In anticipation of the increased number of vessels operating in the region, Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews are scheduled to pre-stage in Cold Bay for the Red King crab fishery. This allows aircrews provide for a more rapid response should the need arise. A Coast Guard high-endurance cutter will also be on patrol in the Bering Sea during the majority of the season.

Fishermen are also asked to notify the Coast Guard 24 hours before a vessel's initial departure from port. Any crab vessels with crab pots on board must notify the Coast Guard via telephone or fax and provide the following information: (1) the name and official number of the vessel; (2) name of the person making the notification; (3) number of pots aboard and maximum number of pots their stability letter allows for and; (4) the expected time of departure. This information allows Coast Guard examiners to ensure a safety check has been performed on the vessel.

Press Release

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Press Release
Date: September 28, 2010
Contact: District 7

Coast Guard Commandant speaks at
Coast Guard Investigative Service graduation



GLYNCO, Ga. — Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp above left, speaks at the graduation ceremony held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy in Glynco Tuesday Sept. 28, 2010. Papp addressed the new agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service after they completed the Special Agent Basic Training Program.

Graduates of the Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent Basic Training Program above right take their oath at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy in Glynco Tuesday Sept. 28, 2010. CGIS agents have four primary missions: criminal investigation; operational intelligence; protective service operations and liaisons with partnering law enforcement agencies around the world. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme.

Press Release

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News Release
Date: September 30, 2010
Contact: District 5 Public Affairs

CGC Harriet Lane returns
home after 9-week patrol



PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane is scheduled to return to its homeport of Portsmouth late today following a successful nine-week patrol conducting maritime law enforcement, alien migrant interdiction, and search and rescue.

During Harriet Lane’s patrol, the crew assisted in the repatriation of 279 Haitian migrants to Cap-Haitien, Haiti. The 279 migrants were transferred to the cutter for one night where they were provided water, food and basic medical attention before they were repatriated to Cap-Haitien the next day.

The cutter’s patrol also provided an excellent opportunity for more that 30 new crew members to gain experience and earn qualifications in their respective watch stations.

“The past two months have been an excellent opportunity to focus patrol efforts on the Windward Passage to detect and deter migrants from making the dangerous journey north,” said Cmdr. Jay Vann, Harriet Lane’s commanding officer. “We are proud that the Harriet Lane was once again a vital contributor to nationally significant missions.”

The Harriet Lane is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Va. The cutter operates primarily in the littoral waster of the United States and throughout the Caribbean to enforce immigration, fisheries, customs and drug interdiction. Additional information on the Harriet Lane, including photos and ship news can be found at http://HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/LANTAREA/CGCHARRIETLANE.

News Release

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Congress Approves Coast Guard Authorization
with Provisions Authored by LoBiondo

Congressman Secured Language to Ensure Parity with Other Services;
Crack Down on Smuggling Undocumented Individuals via Vessels;
and, Protect U.S.-Flagged Vessels & Crews from Liability during
Pirate Attacks
 
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), Ranking Member of the House Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, today praised the passage of H.R. 3619, the “Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Authorization Act of 2010” which authorizes $10.2 billion in funding for the Coast Guard in fiscal year 2011. This funding level rebukes the President’s proposed budget cuts for the Service, which faced bipartisan opposition. Furthermore, the bill allows for an additional 1,500 personnel to be added to the Service’s roster rather than the 1,100 personnel cut as called for by the President’s proposed budget.

“From clean-up in the Gulf to protecting our ports, the men and women of the Coast Guard are constantly told to do more with less. They rightly deserve our continued support and the full resources of the federal government to help them succeed at their missions,” said LoBiondo, a member of the Congressional Coast Guard Caucus. “I applaud my colleagues for recognizing the critical role the Coast Guard plays daily across the country and abroad while recognizing the need to completely reject the President’s request for irresponsible and devastating cuts to the Service.”

Nationally and locally in South Jersey, the availability of quality housing for Coast Guard personnel and their families has been a significant issue for the Service. Making a positive step in the right direction, the “Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Authorization Act of 2010” now enables the Service to use revenues from the sale of excess property to rehabilitate and build new service member housing.

“Although I am disappointed we could not do more to help improve housing for service members and their families, particularly those stationed at the Training Center in Cape May, the bill does make a good first step by providing a new revenue stream the Coast Guard can tap to help make some improvements,” continued LoBiondo. “It is unacceptable that our service men and women and their families are forced to live in outdated, substandard and sometimes nearly dilapidated housing.”

H.R. 3619 also incorporates three separate pieces of legislation previously introduced by LoBiondo.

Included in H.R. 3619 is LoBiondo’s bipartisan legislation, the “Coast Guard Service Member Benefits Improvement Act” (H.R. 2901), which would eliminate discrepancies in benefits between members of the Coast Guard and members of the Armed Services. Now, Coast Guard personnel and their families will have expanded child care services, improved housing, Chaplain-led family programs, enhanced retention and medical travel reimbursement. Additionally, it authorizes two (2) new service medals for service members: a Coast Guard cross and silver star.

“The Coast Guard is unique within the military community because it is located outside of the Department of Defense, and, while these authorities have been made available to the other military services, this provision was necessary to provide the Coast Guard similar capabilities,” said LoBiondo in introducing the original legislation.  “This was a common sense step which will improve services to service members and their families.”

Also included in H.R. 3619 is LoBiondo’s efforts to provide liability relief to U.S. merchant mariners who are attacked by pirates. Modeled after his “U.S. Mariner and Vessel Protection Act” (H.R. 2984), the provision would provide civil liability protection to crewmembers who use force to defend a U.S. vessel against a pirate attack. As part of a classified Special Forces trip in September 2009, LoBiondo met with Navy Seal teams in Kenya who are currently training local forces to battle ongoing pirate attacks.

Finally, the “Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Authorization Act of 2010” would make it a crime and creates new penalties on those who fail to ‘heave to’ or stop a vessel for the Coast Guard or other law enforcement when knowingly smuggling undocumented individuals into the country abroad vessels. This provision is modeled after LoBiondo’s “Maritime Law Enforcement Improvement Act” (H.R. 1440).

Previously approved by the Senate, H.R. 3619 passed the full House on voice vote late Tuesday evening. It will now go to the President for his signature.

LoBiondo Press Release

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News Release
Date: September 30, 2010
Contact: District 9 Public Affairs

Wisconsin-based Coast Guard cutter
to return home after successful inspection
Crew prepared to begin seasonal recovery of maritime aids to navigation



CLEVELAND — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay is scheduled to return to its homeport of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., this week after completing a required Ready for Operations inspection here.

The three-day RFO is designed to ensure that assigned personnel are properly trained, qualified, certified and outfitted to perform the Coast Guard’s missions safely and effectively.

“It was a very thorough evaluation process,” said Lt. Cmdr. Vasilios Tasikas, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, a 140-foot icebreaking tug. “Going through everything, from our administrative processes to aids to navigation evolutions, towing evolutions, firefighting and damage control drills, not only showed our superiors how capable we are, but we proved to ourselves that we can complete the mission.”

Mobile Bay’s successful inspection ensures that the crew, along with the crews of Ninth Coast Guard District cutters Mackinaw, Alder, Hollyhock and Bristol Bay, will be ready to take part in Operation Fall Retrieve, the annual removal of seasonal aids to navigation in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System. Fall Retrieve is the largest buoy recovery operation in the United States, and is conducted annually to prevent damage to aids to navigation by ice.  The aids are installed once again when the ice thaws and clears, an operation known as Spring Restore.

In addition to their ATON responsibilities, Coast Guard cutters on the Great Lakes also perform ice breaking operations, designed to facilitate the movement of commercial vessels to meet the reasonable demands of commerce on the Great Lakes and to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with flood mitigation.

"This is the time of year when the Coast Guard ice breaking fleet prepares to take on the additional challenge of safely maintaining the maritime transportation system through the winter months," said Cmdr. Kevin Dunn, chief of the Ninth Coast Guard District Waterways Management Branch.  "It's also important we ensure that our ships' crews are ready to respond to emergencies, even in the harsh winter conditions found on the Great Lakes."

Click here for footage of Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay recovering ATON in western Lake Erie during Operation Fall Retrieve 2009.

News Release

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News Release
Date: September 30, 2010
Contact: District 17 Public Affairs

Coast Guard cutter crew participates
in multinational exercise with Russia



JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis recently departed the remote northern Kamchatka peninsula, having completed three days of multinational exercises and goodwill exchanges with the Border Guard of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation Sept. 21-23.

Their visit was part of an ongoing working relationship between the Coast Guard Seventeenth District and the Northeast Border Guard Directorate.  The two agencies meet regularly to coordinate joint fisheries enforcement efforts designed to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing occurring along shared maritime borders in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean.

The Jarvis and the Border Guard patrol vessel Vorovskiy, conducted precise formation steaming on Sept. 20, followed by a search and rescue demonstration led by the Vorovskiy’s helicopter.  After anchoring side-by-side overnight, the two vessels moored together at the pier in Petropavlosk to commence a series of formal and informal exchanges.

Coast Guard and Border Guard personnel conducted reciprocal tours of the Vorovskiy and Jarvis, and engaged in professional discussions regarding search and rescue and law enforcement.

Selected Jarvis crewmembers rose to the challenge of a soccer game against their well-equipped Russian shipmates and attended a formal reception aboard Jarvis hosted by the commanding officer. Honored guests included Lt. Gen. Rafael Daerbaev of the Russian Border Guard, Vladislav Skvortsov, the mayor of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and senior U.S. Defense Attaché Office representatives.

Russian and U.S. officers noted the incredible progress made in official relationships between the Border Guard and Coast Guard, praising international cooperative enforcement as a model for continuing to improve diplomatic relations as well as accomplishing common maritime goals between the two nations.

Following the exercises, Jarvis began patrolling the North Pacific Ocean in support of laws prohibiting illegal high seas driftnet fishing; a destructive practice that depletes wide ocean swaths of marine life and impacts hundreds of local fishing-based economies all around the Pacific Rim.

News Release

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News Release
Date: September 30, 2010
Contact: District 11 Public Affairs

Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton
to return to homeport



SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton is scheduled to return to its homeport at Naval Base San Diego, Thursday, Sept. 30, following a 76-day deployment to the Eastern Pacific that resulted in the interdiction of four suspected narcotics smuggling vessels.

During Hamilton’s deployment, the crew and embarked aviation detachment routinely deployed cutter small-boats and the embarked helicopter. The crew also employed fixed wing maritime patrol aircraft to detect, pursue and successfully interdict suspected narcotics traffickers.

These efforts led to the detention of two go-fast vessel crews who were subsequently transferred for prosecution in the United States. From these two vessels, Hamilton prevented more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana and more than1,600 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value in excess of 26 million dollars, from reaching the United States.

The crew enhanced key international partnerships through combined operations with Panamanian forces, leading to the interdiction of two additional suspect vessels confirmed to be carrying contraband.

Hamilton also conducted three fueling-at-sea evolutions, enabling the cutter to remain on patrol for extended periods, and increased the overall effectiveness of U.S. and international counter-drug operations.

Crewmembers also volunteered for a local community project during a port call in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Crewmembers painted a retirement center for the poor in a community relations event sponsored by the local chapter of the Navy League.

Commissioned in 1967, Hamilton is the first of 12 high endurance cutters. Its missions include maritime safety and security, fisheries enforcement, and migrant and counter-narcotics interdiction.

News Release

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Photo Release
Date: October 01, 2010
Contact: District 11 Public Affairs

CGC Hamilton arrives in San Diego
from 76-day Law Enforcement patrol



SAN DIEGO — Family members and loved ones of the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton wait on a pier at Naval Base San Diego as the ship returns to homeport after a 76-day patrol to the Eastern Pacific, Sept. 30, 2010. During the patrol, the crew took part in the interdiction of four suspected narcotics smuggling vessels, and participated in a volunteer event at a retirement center for the poor in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.



Left: Crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Chase lift a mooring line from the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton onto a pier at Naval Base San Diego as the Hamilton returns to homeport after a 76-day patrol to the Eastern Pacific, Sept. 30, 2010. 

Right:  Loved ones embrace a crewmember of Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton on a pier at Naval Base San Diego after the ship's return to homeport after a 76-day patrol to the Eastern Pacific, Sept. 30, 2010.  (USCG photos by PO2 Henry G. Dunphy)

Photo Release

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Press Release
Date: October 01, 2010
Contact: District 11 Public Affairs

Coast Guard Sector San Diego
holds change of watch ceremony


Capt. Thomas H. Farris (center), commander of Sector San Diego, presides over the Reserve Command Chief change of watch ceremony at Sector San Diego, Oct. 1 2010. Senior Chief Petty Officer Lia Hitch**** (right) assumed the responsibilities of Reserve Command Senior Chief of the sector from Chief Petty Officer Thomas Baker (left). (USCG photos by PO2 Jetta H. Disco)

SAN DIEGO — A change of watch ceremony  for the Reserve Command Chief of Coast Guard Sector San Diego occured Friday, Oct. 1 at 12:45 p.m., at the Coast Guard base on Harbor Drive.

During the ceremony, Capt. Thomas H. Farris, commander Sector San Diego, presided over the ceremony as Senior Chief Petty Officer Lia Hitch**** assumed the responsibilities of Reserve Command Senior Chief from Chief Petty Officer Thomas Baker.

The reserve command chief shares the same responsibilities as an active duty command master chief. Both represent their commander and communicate the commander’s goals and direction for the command to the field, while simultaneously representing the field’s views and concerns to the commander. They also act as a “resource person” assisting Coast Guard personnel and subordinate commands as required. They enhance communication and foster a better understanding of the needs and viewpoints of all members of the Coast Guard family.

The change-of-watch ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen the respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization. The climax of the ceremony is reached when both members read their orders, face one another, salute and transfer responsibility of the command. This also provides the entire command with the knowledge that the member directed by proper authority is taking command and is an opportunity to witness this transfer of responsibility.

After the change-of-watch ceremony, a promotion ceremony was held as Chief Baker was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

Press Release