Out of the history books
Ensign Duke Plays a Hunch 40 Cover Story Rumrunners Beware Unleashed - DOG 8 Story by PA2 Mike Lutz, CG Magazine The Coast Guard answers the call for a centralized command response group through the implementation of the Deployable Operations Group Undeterred - MSRT 14 Story by PA1 Larry Chambers, 5th Dist. Unequaled - NSF 18 Story by PA1 Chad Saylor, PIAT Unrelenting - MSST 24 Story by PA1 Donnie Brzuska, PADET Mayport Unwavering - TACLET 28 Story by PA1 Anastasia Devlin, PADET San Diego 44 Unflinching - PSU 34 Story by PA3 Bill Colclough, 9th Dist.
t was the third of July 1927, and Pushing his revolver into the side of the master, Ensign Charles L. Duke was following Duke demanded the vessel be stopped, then his instincts. More precisely: there was brought to anchor at Bedloe’s Island where Features a shadowy steamer running in the darkness of Prohibition agents could board, inspect and, Albatross Discovered 40 Story by PA3 Sandra-Kay Kneen, PADET St. Petersburg New York’s Upper Bay passing behind a well-lit incidentally, give Duke badly needed back-up. liner in quarantine and proceeding rather When the skipper proved reluctant, despite the Lost at Sea 42 Iuncertainly up the Narrows. Duke, a two-year proddings of Duke’s gunpoint, the ensign again Story by William Thiesen, Atlantic Area Historian veteran in the Coast Guard, was suspicious. It took matters in hand by spinning the untended was the night before a holiday and a prime time ship’s wheel and grounding it in 10 feet of water Looking Back 44 to lay in fresh “off the boat” party gin. on Robbins Reef. Though the odds were unfa- Story by PA2 Christopher Evanson, 5th Dist. The ensign, with two crewmen and five vorable, he had both “captured” the ship and bullets in his service revolver, gave chase. prevented it reaching the Jersey shore where 48 Protecting the Rescuers 48 At over 20 knots, in CG-2327, a 38-foot picket the crew might escape. Story by PA3 Jonathan Ciley, 11th Dist. boat, they soon closed and identified the Of course, the ensign was still aboard an alien suspect as the Economy, a run-down rust vessel with an unknown number of presumably bucket of European registry. This was a profile hostile miscreants. Duke quickly hailed his two that further fueled Duke’s inclinations that they crewmen on CG-2327 and sent them to Bedloe’s were up to no good. Island for assistance. By the time help was sent, Fighting a heavy chop and drenching spray, it was after 12:30 a.m. The boarding had taken Duke drew alongside and hailed them to heave place somewhere after 9 p.m. and Duke was to. The only reply was a refusal with no sign of still alone on the Economy. In fact, it was 2 a.m. slackening pace. Not to be easily deterred, Duke when the cutter Calumet approached. The cut- fired two rounds for emphasis, then maneu- ter could not close because of the shallow water. vered to close with the vessel despite maintain- CG-122 then grounded in the mud and CG-143 ing a speed that put his stern into heavy sea nearly met the same fate. It was 6 a.m. when and quickly soaked his little crew. friendly faces relieved Duke aboard the seized Knowing the precarious situation of his vessel vessel. and the imminent danger of being swamped Duke’s hunch had paid off. Investigation Departments or colliding with the fleeing freighter, Duke revealed 3,000 drums of alcohol, each with fifty gambled. He had his helmsman bring the gallons, valued “on the street” at $50,000. The Up Front 2 pitching, wallowing picket boat within arm’s vessel, in actuality, was the 793-ton Greypoint length of the quarry, reached out, grabbed the from Antwerp and Halifax. Its name had been All Coast 6 rail and pulled himself aboard. He carried his changed en route. Log Book 50 revolver, now with three bullets, and a flash- In all, Duke had captured 22 men and led On The Cover Coast Guard members light. “perhaps the most heroic” exploit in the rum represent some of the multi-role elements of the Feeling his way forward on the darkened war. Duke explained with these words, “I had a new Deployable Operations Group. freighter, Duke encountered a burly sailor hunch that the rumrunner might try to slip by blocking his path. The butt end of his pistol over the holiday weekend. This steamer had the Illustration by CG Magazine Staff displaced this obstacle and he continued to the rumrunner look. You’d think they would be wise wheelhouse where he found six men, including and paint their boats, but they pick out the the vessel’s master. worst old tubs for their rum ships. I can tell one These odds, given the ensign’s obvious almost every time.” audacity, meant only that the element of surprise was on his side. This was sufficient. Story and photo courtesery of CG Historian, CG-09224 Up Front Helping Hands A crew from Coast Guard Station Yankeetown rescued four people from an overturned vessel more than six miles southwest of the County Road 40 boat ramp, in Yankeetown, Fla., May 28.
Photo by BM2 Fritz Miller, Sector Key West
www.uscg.mil/magazine Coast Guard • Issue 4 • 2007
3 Up Front Popping smoke BM1 Aaron Udland gives training on the mark 124 day/night flare at Station Juneau, Alaska, June 14. The thick orange smoke can be seen from the air and should be used when the person in the water can see or hear a passing aircraft or vessel.
Photo by PA3 Eric Chandler, 17th Dist.
www.uscg.mil/magazine Coast Guard • Issue 4 • 2007
5 Coast Guard
Adm. Thad Allen
Commandant t Pediatric Care Vice Adm. Vivien Crea AET2 Glenn Hosford and AST1 Vice Commandant Al Auricchio, of Air Station Cape Rear Adm. Mary Landry
Cod, Mass., rush an incubator Director of Governmental & to an awaiting helicopter at the Public Affairs Floating Hospital for Children Capt. James McPherson
at Tufts New England Medical Chief, Public Affairs Center Boston, April 16. Despite Patricia Miller
storm conditions, the aircrew Deputy Chief, Public Affairs flew a neo-natal medical team to CWO4 Lionel Bryant
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital where Chief, Imagery Branch a newborn was in need of PAC Kimberly Smith
advanced neo-natal care. Editor PA1 David Mosley Photo by PA2 Luke Pinneo, 1st Dist. PA1 Mike O’Berry PA2 Mike Lutz
Assistant Editors
Subscriptions: Call (202) 512- u Beer Goggles A 1800 or write to Superintendent participant attemptes to walk of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. To while wearing the boating under subscribe online, follow the link the influence goggles as SN at our web site at www.uscg.mil/ Alexander Fey of Station Tawas, magazine.
Mich., observed at the station’s Submissions: We need safety fair, June 9. your stories, photographs, comments and suggestions. Contact the magazine staff Photo by PA3 Bill Colclough, concerning ongoing and future 9th Dist. products and submissions to Coast Guard magazine. Submit your stories to: U.S. Coast Guard (CG-09221), 2100 2nd Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20593-0001, or e-mail them to [email protected]. or more guidelines, visit the
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Coast Guard, COMDT PUB P5720.2, is produced for members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Editorial content is unofficial and not authority for action. Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Homeland Coast Guard Security or the Coast Guard. Stories may be reprinted except Associated Press wire stories t Whale of a Time A Coast Guard 25-foot and articles reprinted from other response boat, from Station Vallejo, Calif., assists publications. • marine biologists working to direct two wayward Issue 4 whales in a turning basin west of Sacramento, Calif., May 18. • Photo by PA3 Tara Molle, 13th Dist. 2007 p Escort Duty CGC Mustang escorts the USNS Henry J. Kaiser into Seward, Alaska, May 9. The Mustang escorted the Kaiser as part of standard procedures for naval vessel visits to Alaska. The cutter is a 110-foot Island Class patrol vessel homeported in Seward.
Photo courtesy of CGC Mustang 7 D O G
Unlea sheStory by PA2 Mike Lutz, dCG Magazine The Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group marks the next step in national readiness
www.uscg.mil/magazine Coast Guard Photo by PA3 Sondra-Kay Kneen, PADET St. Petersburg • Issue 4 • 2007
9 D O G
The Coast Guard answers the call for a centralized command response group through the implementation of the
Photo by PA1 Adam Eggers, PADET Houston p Pack Rats Boarding team members from Maritime Safety and Security Team 91104, Galveston, Texas, pack away the 60-foot long rope they used to vertically insert onto the CGC Harry Claiborne during a vertical insertion and he Coast Guard has developed a new command full capabilities exercise March 1. to fight terrorism and respond to natural disasters. This elite force of maritime first responders was established during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on July 20. The Deployable Operations Group takes the Coast Guard’s six deployable special force units and puts Tthem under one roof for the first time. By combining these
forces into one command, their operating procedures and www.uscg.mil/magazine effectiveness is more streamlined and interchangeable. “The DOG will improve the Coast Guard’s response to national emergencies by providing equipped and trained adaptive force packages for any type of national emergency or threat,” said Rear Adm. Thomas Atkin, commander of the DOG. “By tailoring the response, personnel and equipment, they will be used more strategically and preserve assets for
future use.” Coast Guard The DOG’s mission is to provide organized, equipped and trained Deployable Specialized Forces to Coast Guard, DHS and interagency operational tactical commands. These forces will deploy in support of national requirements as
adaptive force packages, across the U.S. and other high • Issue 4 interest areas. “The DOG will provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for adaptive force packages needed to meet a variety of threats and • emergencies,” said Atkin. “The DSFs will deploy in support of 2007 national requirements as tailored, integrated force packages.” The DOG will respond to hurricanes and other major Photo by PA3 Mike Lutz, PADET New York natural disasters, terrorist attacks or threats on the high p Water-Colors The image of MSTC Britton Henderson, Atlantic Strike Team, is reflected in an oil spill on the seas and in ports, counter-narcotics operations and migrant Delaware River, Nov. 28, 2004. For more than 30 years, members of the Coast Guard’s National Strike Force have interdiction operations and will work with interagency deployed around the world responding to incidents such as major oil and chemical spills and radiological and hazard- partners. ous materials releases. 11 “As a sole force manager, we will be able to organize within those ports.” There are eight PSUs. D O G equipment and train these forces in our core mission There are two Tactical Law Enforcement Teams; requirements as well as ensure they are properly one in Alameda, Ca., and the other in Miami, Fla. cross-trained in the special mission tactics, TACLET’s deploy aboard Navy vessels to techniques and procedures utilized by enforce U.S. and international laws. q Dropping In For A Visit An HH-60 hovers the various DSFs,” said MKCM Darrick The National Strike Force has three above the CGC George Cobb as members of the Dewitt, DOG command master chief. teams trained as warfare agent Maritime Safety and Security Team 91103, San Pedro, The DOG will deliver whatever response units and is responsible for Calif., vertical insertion team perform a tactical exercise asset is required to complete the the removal of hazardous materials. mission instead of having to “The personnel that make up outside the Harbor of Los Angeles in 2005. call multiple units for different the Naval Coastal Warfare’s five Photo by PA3 Prentice Danner, PADET Los Angeles resources. squadrons and two groups are “No longer will the response responsible for the command to a particular event or crisis and control, communication, involve just merely calling up a computer and intelligence particular unit, like an MSST,” support,” said Dewitt. “They are said Atkin. “Rather, the request also the primary communication for a capability will come in and link between theater command the DOG will take assets and and NCW units when they are
Photo by PA1 Adam Eggers, PADET Houston aspects of any DSF and put them deployed.” together in a team to better match The idea of the DOG first came the capability request.” about after the terrorist attacks on There are 34 units from around the Sept. 11th. The Coast Guard deployed country inside the six DSF’s that make numerous units to New York Harbor to up the DOG. help evacuate people who were stranded There are 12 Maritime Safety and Security and to secure the harbor. The different units Teams around the country from Miami, Fla., to were trained in multi-mission operations but were Anchorage, Alaska. “MSSTs are a domestic security not connected to each other very well. antiterrorism force,” said Dewitt. “They protect ports “It occurred to me at that time as the Atlantic Area as well as high value assets within those ports. They commander if we could somehow put all those assets p Listen Up GMC Troy Shull, of Maritime Safety also conduct waterfront security for high profile together that deploy, train and equip them, with a and Security Team 91104, Galveston, Texas, discusses events.” standard doctrine they would be more effective in a strategy with his team as they conduct a sweep of a pier The Maritime Security Response Team is a similar event,” said Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of for explosive devices during a training exercise. counterterrorism unit that is trained to conduct the Coast Guard. advanced interdiction operations in hostile The DOG is a result of what the Coast Guard has environments and is located in Chesapeake, Va. learned from the past. It is the newest weapon to “Port Security Units are expeditionary forces,” counter the threats against the United States. By said Dewitt. “They’re responsibility is to maintain combining the DSFs and working with other agencies, and establish security in overseas ports during U.S. the DOG will be better trained, communicate better military operations and to protect the U.S. assets and be able to respond to any situation faster. Phtoto by JOSN David Coleman, USN
www.uscg.mil/magazine PA1 Adam Eggers, PADET Houston Coast Guard
p On Point Boarding team members from Maritime Safety and Security Team 91104, Galveston, Texas, • conduct a security patrol along the decks of the CGC Issue 4 Harry Claiborne during a capabilities exercise, March 1. • u PSU Pursuit Crewmembers from Port Secu- 2007 rity Unit Detachment Delta conduct a high-speed patrol aboard a 25-foot Transportable Port Security Boat as a part of a routine force protection mission. PSUDD was supporting Joint Task Force-Guantanamo Bay and Operation Enduring Freedom. 13 ms rt
undeterred
MSRT: Making the world safer, one high-speed tactical vertical insertion assault at a time.
Story by PA1 Larry chambers, 5th dist.
ut past the cow pastures of Chesapeake, Va., one of the Homeland Security Department’s newest weapons is being honed. Operating under a thick veil of security, the 200-person Maritime Security Response Team is stationed far from prying eyes, but is poised to strike at any Oseaborne threat to the United States. The MSRT has existed in various incarnations since 2003, but was formally established in May 2006 with the mission statement “to be a first responder to potential terrorist situations; deny terrorist acts; perform non-compliant security actions; perform tactical facility entry and enforcement; participate in port level counterterrorism exercises and educate other forces on Coast Guard counterterrorism procedures.” “We are providing a service to the public that is very much needed,” said Cmdr. Gerard Williams, executive officer. “It is critical to continue and grow www.uscg.mil/magazine this mission.” The unit contains many aspects of the Maritime Safety and Security Teams, such as boarding operations and high-speed tactics, but brings a more robust set of resources to the national security table. With a broad range of capabilities, ranging from airborne tactical law enforcement to bomb detection, they can package elements to meet the requirements of a mission. Policies and doctrines for the unit Coast Guard have been developed along the way, said Lt. Thomas
Garcia, planning officer. “We were brand new, with ms rt brand new capabilities,” he said.
Elements of the MSRT train in advanced • Issue 4 u Congo Line Members of the Maritime Security
Response Team check the deck of a vessel for suspi- • cious activity. MSRT became part of the Deployable 2007 Operations Group in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., July 20. USCG Photo 23 close-quarters combat tactics. These Direct kinds of material a ship might be carrying, said ms rt Action Teams are trained to vertically insert Garcia. The CBRNE will then determine if another from a helicopter to a ship’s deck and neutralize agency is needed for more advanced technical support. enemy personnel. A team can roll in with Two canine handling teams provide another advanced mission planning, weapons skills, explosive detection element to the MSRT and breeching capabilities and aerial gunner are also capable of stowaway detection. support. Williams had this advice for anyone considering There is also a waterside security branch signing on to the MSRT. “Be mentally and physically trained in advanced vessel tactics and delivery fit. Be a true professional. This is not something to of DATs. Amid all the high-speed maneuvering take lightly, this is not something you can go home and training, a close bond grows among the and talk to your friends about. If you want to join members of the MSRT. “It’s a very close-knit the MSRT, move forward, but do it in a mature unit,” said Garcia. “We’re training together all manner.” the time.” “I enjoy my job and enjoy the challenge,” said Additionally, the MSRT has the ability to Garcia. “The rewards are well worth it.” counter terrorists who may plan to use the maritime transportation system as a means to move weapons or even to act as a weapon u Got a Light? A Maritime Security Response against other vessels or port infrastructure by Team member cuts through a watertight door on a deploying its chemical, biological, radiological, vessel. The MSRT, based out of Chesapeake, Va., nuclear and explosives detection team. This is one of the six deployable special force units that team can detect and identify many of the was placed under the centralized command of the Deployable Operations Group.
USCG Photo
q Shoots and Ladders Members of www.uscg.mil/magazine the Maritime Security Response Team practice boarding a vessel from the ground before testing their skills on the water. The Direct Action Teams are responsible for stopping terrorists from using vessels as weapons against other vessels and port infrastructure. Coast Guard USCG Photo • Issue 4
t Members of the Maritime p The Maritime Security •
Best Entrance Follow the Leader 2007 Security Response Team practice their vertical Response Team investigates the deck of a vessel insertion operations in a field. They use the vertical for anything out of the ordinary. The MSRT is trained insert technique to quickly get to suspicious vessels. to stop terrorists from using ships to transport weapons. USCG Photo USCG Photo 17 n sf unequaled The Coast Guard’s National Strike Force responds any time, any where, for any hazard
Story by PA1 Chad Saylor, PIAT Always There or more than 30 years, members of the Sept. 11, 2001 Coast Guard’s National Strike Force have The World Trade Center towers in New York City deployed around the world, responding to collapse. Air quality and other health hazards incidents such as major oil and chemical become a concern at Ground Zero. NSF team spills, radiological and hazardous members join the Coast Guard response and assist materials releases and incident command with critical needs for air monitoring, and response management support. FJust as the Coast Guard is chiseled from many site safety and decontamination. unique and service-based components, the NSF Feb. 1, 2003 is also a union that brought together crisis response experts into one cohesive command. The Federal The Space Shuttle Columbia suffers a catastrophic Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the Clean Water failure during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, Act of 1977 and, more significantly, the Oil Pollution scattering debris throughout parts of Texas, Act of 1990 forged the current NSF. Louisiana and Arkansas. The NSF assists the Presently, more than 200 active duty, Reserve, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with debris civilian and Auxiliary members provide crucial and recovery, command and control, site safety and highly-sought services and resources to Federal small boat support. On-Scene Coordinators. Team members are found at
the Atlantic Strike Team in Fort Dix, N.J., the Gulf www.uscg.mil/magazine Feb. 3, 2004 Strike Team in Mobile, Ala., the Pacific Strike Team Ricin, a lethal toxin, is discovered in the Dirksen in Novato, Calif., and the NSF Coordination Center in Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth City, N.C. The NSF supports Federal On-Scene Coordinators While many responders don life jackets or flight and other agencies with site entry, decontamination suits, members of the NSF can usually be found and Incident Command System roles. wearing coveralls and are prepared and equipped for Continued on page 22 Aug. 29, 2005 Coast Guard 8 million gallons of oil spill and other real and potential environmental threats loom throughout the u Crude Collection BM1 Quoen Harris of the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. NSF teams Atlantic Strike Team based in Fort Dix, N.J., takes a sample at the Sundown East oil spill site in Potash, La., conduct salvage assessments, oil spill contractor • oversight, HAZMAT assessment and removal and Sept. 16, 2005. More than 120 Coast Guard members Issue 4
fill critical ICS roles. from all reaches of the Atlantic and Pacific Areas assisted Photo by PA2 Mariana O’Leary, PacArea in the Hurricane Katrina clean up efforts of a reported 8 • million gallons of product. 2007
19 RAD Backpack Hard Hat n sf (detects gamma ray and thermal Air purifying respirator neutron radiation) Safety Glasses Particulate air sampling pump — can take Handheld spectrometer (provides gamma dose Chemical four simultaneous samples and rate and neutron count rate, source finder splash suit and automatic nuclides identification) Chemical resistant Pocket Chemical tape (provides radiac weapons seals at openings Inside the suit: hard (detects detector and between PPE hat and SCBA radiation) identifier (detects items) Self-contained nerve and blister breathing agents, as well as Fully-encapsulating Chemical resistant apparatus gamma and x-ray chemical radiation) nitrile gloves resistant suit RAD pager (measures gamma and Airborne neutron rate) Two layers particulate of gloves monitor (detects dust, smoke, fumes and mists)
Chemical resistant safety boots
Level D Chemical www.uscg.mil/magazine splash suit Level c Toxic vapor analyzer (de- tects organic “Hot Zone” Ensembles and inorgan- Coast Guard members throughout the ic gases) service use safety equipment and wear specialized personal protective equipment Coast Guard (PPE) to keep them safe from the hazards of their jobs. The hazards facing National Strike Portable infrared Force members are typically toxic substances and atmospheres. The Occupational Safety Multi-gas spectrometer • detector Issue 4 (Analyzes solids, and Health Administration provides regula- tions for personal protection, especially the (monitors powders, pastes, eyes, skin and respiratory system, which four •
gels and liquids) is categorized in four levels of protection: A 2007 through D. MSTC Rob Birdwell, chief of the atmospheric hazards at the Atlantic Strike Team’s Chem Shop, models Radiation some typical PPE and equipment strike team same time) members may use to identify hazards and detector Single beam infrared spectrometer Level B stay safe when they enter the “hot zone.” (scans five distintct gases simultaneously) Level A 21 Photo Illustration by CWO3 Brandon Brewer, PIAT n sf Continued from page 18 u The Long Haul The Hazardous responders bring when the states are overwhelmed or long deployments. For example, personnel are still Materials Response Trailer is equipped don’t have the NSF’s technical abilities. responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita — almost to support responders donning levels A, “With the NSF, you know you’re going to get a two years into the cleanup effort — assisting with B and C Personal Protective Equipment, quality person to do the job,” said Mosher. “They’re committed to their mission. If they’re not responding, salvage and debris removal. and can support a team for up to five days. Much of the NSF’s caseload is not as exciting as they’re training – that’s a very rare entity at the federal Equipment onboard includes a 5,000-psi reports of helicopter rescue missions or high-seas level.” drug busts. While it’s true that many members deploy compressor, satellite communications Team members are expected to deploy to an to major oil spills and other well-known environmental system and a 40-kilowatt generator. expansive array of incidents at home and abroad. disasters, most of the time, you’ll find NSF personnel To meet those demands, personnel are constantly doing not-so-glamorous jobs such as supervising the q Ground Zero Guardians The training. “It’s (training) an intensive process,” said unearthing of hundreds of chemical drums in New National Strike Force monitored air quality Decker. “Your first year is mostly training at the unit Jersey or providing cost documentation assistance and coordinated equipment and personnel and at schools around the country.” for lead contaminated soil removal work in Weogufka, wash-downs amid the rubble of the Sept. Wilson said that it could take up to three years just Alabama. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack. to reach the level of Response Supervisor. Wilson, who “I’ve met a lot of Coasties Photo by PAC Mark Mackowiak, PIAT in addition to his qualification who don’t know what the as an ICS and Vessel of Strike Force does,” said MST2 Opportunity Skimming Josh Decker, GST. “We do so System instructor, can also much, and our horizons are list another credential to so broad that it never gets his ever-growing resume: boring, it’s always something commercial truck driver. That different.” skill is essential given the fact “We’re unique in the Coast the team members have to Guard,” said MK2 Dustin tow a considerable amount Wilson, a three-year member of gear. The three Strike of the AST. Teams are self-sufficient Wilson says the NSF is units that can have members different from typical Coast on the road within an hour Guard units because of the of notification. Members are wide range of expertise and typically deployed at least 140 the vast area of responsibility days per year, according to team members oversee. one team’s data. To maintain “Unlike a sector where that rapid deployable status, the AOR may be 300 or 400 the teams palletize equipment square miles, we (the AST) and transport it with fully have one-third of the country self-contained mobile as well as deployments incident command posts, abroad,” said Wilson. hazardous material response The NSF is not just unique, trailers, boats, high-tech it’s special – literally. communications equipment,
www.uscg.mil/magazine The National Oil and USCG Photo USCG Photo personal protective Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, USCG Photo equipment and photographic gear, all of which can p usually referred to as the NCP, specifically names Capitol City Cleanup travel by Coast Guard C-130 planes. NSF units as “special teams” that are available to Members from the National Strike Force Decker said the teams can have cases that last assist on-scene coordinators in their preparedness inspect the basement of the Dirksen for months and even years, so they need to have the and response duties. NSF responsibilities feed into Senate Office Building in Washington, capability to respond to long-term incidents. the broader National Response System, which is D.C., Feb. 3, 2004, following the discovery The NSFCC, established in 1991, provides oversight a network of people, plans and resources used to of the toxin ricin in the building’s mail room. and strategic direction to the teams and maintains manage environmental threats. the extensive national Response Resources Inventory Coast Guard (RRI) logistics network, which provides details on oil The EPA and Coast Guard are chairs of the National t BM1 Chris Response Team, which is coordinated by 16 federal No Sea In Sight spill response equipment and other resources located Snyder, of the Pacific Strike Team, agencies responsible for coordinating emergency around the world. Additionally, the Coordination preparedness and response to oil and hazardous monitors the Anaconda Copper Mine Center is responsible for implementing the Coast
site in Yerington, Nev., for radiation • substance pollution incidents. The EPA, in particular, Guard’s Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) Issue 4 often calls on NSF expertise. in September 2006. More than 200 classification program, which provides owners of “The Coast Guard’s National Strike Force is critical active duty, Reserve, civilian and vessels and facilities that handle oil in U.S. waters an assessment of the capabilities of private industry spill to our daily operations,” said Eric Mosher, Chief of the Auxiliary members fill the National • 2007 Response and Prevention Branch for EPA Region 2 in Strike Team’s response efforts to response organizations. New York. manage any number of environmental As the NSF integrates into the DOG, the skills, experience and expertise of these leaders in response Mosher, a Coast Guard veteran, says he has EPA threats, from oil and chemical spills to teams that have the same training as Strike Team will allow the Coast Guard, the Department of members, but he relies on the special expertise NSF radiological and hazardous materials Homeland Security and their agency partners to releases. continue being invaluable around the globe. 23 mss t
q 2fer Boarding team members from Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team 91104, Galveston, Texas, are hoisted into an Unrelenting HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter after conducting a vertical insertion exercise March 1. MSST Kingsbay is one of a dozen MSSTs specializing in waterborne and shoreside antiterrorism force protection
Story by PA1 Donnie brzuska, padet Mayport
sleepy little town in Southern Georgia may not seem like the ground level for one of the biggest organizational changes in the Coast Guard, but St. Mary’s is home to Maritime Safety and Security Team, 91108 Kingsbay — one of the many units reallocated under the authority of the Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group.
A This means Lt. Cmdr. Paul Murphy, the www.uscg.mil/magazine commanding officer of MSST Kingsbay, and his crew of about 100 men and women have transferred to the DOG, and like the other deployable units, MSST Kingsbay retained its operational requirements and location. MSSTs are one of the Coast Guard’s newest deployable units specializing in waterborne and
shore-side antiterrorism force protection for strategic, Coast Guard high-interest vessels and critical infrastructure. The quick response force of the MSST was created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Established in 2003, the crew of MSST Kingsbay •
is no stranger to change in the post-9/11 Coast Issue 4 Guard. They were still in training to become a newly established unit when the Coast Guard transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security in March • 2003. 2007 The first MSST was established almost one year after the terror attacks in New York and Washington. Since then, 12 maritime safety and security teams have been created at various strategic points throughout the United States. For Murphy, the transition is simply a new chapter 25 Photo by PA1 Adam Eggers, PADET Houston in the ever-evolving world of his still adolescent mss t homeland security unit. “We’re excited about the change,” said Murphy. “I think people are starting to realize that this is becoming a more solid career path, and the members of my crew can see themselves staying at tactical q Point And Click GM1 John Callison, a units for a couple of tours now because of the promise member of Coast Guard Safety and Security Team the DOG offers.” 91104, Galveston, Texas, prepares to engage role play- Murphy’s unit has participated in numerous ers simulating a security breach on a secured pier during security operations within their designated area of a training exercise earlier this year. responsibility, which aligned with their previous parent command, Coast Guard Atlantic Area in Portsmouth, Va. Most notably, the crew of MSST Kingsbay responded to the recovery efforts during Hurricane Katrina. Special operational capabilities are abundant in the new MSSTs. MSST Kingsbay has personnel qualified for just about every maritime security threat known. Kingsbay is home to canine detection teams, radiation detectors, qualified divers, law enforcement teams that can vertically insert onto a ship from a helicopter, entangling systems for fleeing or threatening vessels and less-than-lethal weapons, just to name a small portion of the crew’s abilities. These
Photo by PA1 Adam Eggers, PADET Houston specialized abilities are essentially standard at all MSSTs. “We can offer a unique quick response force consisting of the whole team or certain elements within team,” said Murphy. “We are capable of rapid, nationwide deployment via air, security mission requirements or natural disasters.” With so much change in the Coast Guard in recent years, the people of the units that will be most affected are optimistic. Photo by PA3 Robert Nash, PADET Mayport “I believe, and my crew believes, that we will better p Ride Along CWO Mike Spute, be able to respond to a threat or incident under the q Making Waves Crewmembers from Maritime of Marine Safety and Security Team same template of operations with other deployable 91108, Saint Mary’s, Ga., conducts dive Safety and Security Team 91110, Boston, patrol Boston units that the DOG offers,” said Murphy. “The DOG Harbor, Feb. 24, 2004. Personnel in the 12 makes me hopeful on standardizing not just MSST operations in support of security opera- MSSTs nationwide are trained to respond to a large Kingsbay’s response to an incident, but the Coast tions during the G-8 Summit on Sea variety of maritime security threats. Guard’s response to an incident.” Island, Ga., June 4, 2004. Dive teams www.uscg.mil/magazine are just one of many elements that help Photo by PA3 Andrew Shinn, 1st Dist. MSSTs perform their vital waterborne and shore-side antiterrorism missions.
t Roving Rover BM2 Fredrick Leland and his bomb sniffing dog, Asia, conduct a search along a pier in Los
Angeles in preparation for the arrival Coast Guard of a high-value Navy asset. Canine detection teams are trained to search for explosives both on land and aboard
ships. • Issue 4 • 2007
Photo by PA3 Dave Hardesty, 11th Dist. 27
Tacl et
q Freedom Fighters Members of Law Enforcement Detachment 106, San Diego, ride in a rigid hull inflatable boat from the USS Firebolt to a cargo dhow in the Arabian Gulf in January 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. LEDET 106 is part of the Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team and, like all LEDETs, are often deployed aboard U.S. Navy ships. Unwavering They are considered specialists in vessel boardings and shipboard investigations. Tactical Law Enforcement Teams: “Where the action is.”
Story by PA1 Anastasia Devlin, PADET San Diego
ur PFT is a five mile mountain run; maybe an ocean water swim,” joked Cmdr. Mark Ogle, commander of the Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team. Official
physical fitness test or not, the men and women on “his crew enjoyO the challenge. “This is what we do for www.uscg.mil/magazine fun,” said team member FS2 Nathan Rowley. Mountain runs and ocean swims for fun? Time to separate the men from the boys. Welcome to the world of TACLETs, the Coast Guard’s “away-game, offense team” for counter-drug law enforcement and international training. The Coast Guard introduced the concept of Tactical
Law Enforcement Teams more than 20 years ago. The Coast Guard first four TACLETs were each dispatched to a corner of the country, but they have been whittled down to two deployable units, TACLET South in Miami, and PACTACLET in San Diego. Members of these units will • spend more than half their time away from home. Issue 4 They conduct their primary mission, law enforcement, in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific
Ocean. Their secondary mission, training foreign • naval, coast guard and police forces, is conducted 2007 overseas. They travel to the Caribbean, Pacific Ocean, Asia, Africa, Central and South America and the Middle East with deployments lasting approximately three months. TACLETs are composed of nine smaller units called LEDETs, or law enforcement detachments, 29 Photo by PA1 Matthew Belson, USCGR which spend most of their deployments aboard larger PACTACLET to take credit for what they’ve done. domestic and foreign naval ships. Each LEDET Credit is accepted only when they are acknowledged is composed of eight people who cover a range of as a team. capabilities, including emergency medical technicians, “We want our guys to be quiet professionals,” said linguists, interviewers, aerial gunners (or designated Cmdr. John Daly, commander of TACLET South. marksmen), vertical insertion specialists, boarding “They’re well-trained with great capabilities, and have officers and boarding team members. The average the skills to get the job done safely and effectively complement is a junior officer, a chief and six petty under the most extreme operating conditions. officers. Teamwork is a critical element to the success of every Their counter-narcotics mission is serious, and the LEDET.” members have a lot of return on their investment. In While conducting boardings, LEDETs encounter the past three fiscal years -- 2006, 2005 and 2004-- everything from electrified boat rails, to hostile dogs TACLET members have seized 71.6 tons, 61.9 tons, and sulfuric acid. If you can picture what they’re up and 74 tons of cocaine, respectively. against from those three things, you can bet the drug With three of their busiest months left to go in smugglers have thought of (and employed) worse fiscal year 2007, seizures by PACTACLET and TACLET techniques of keeping LEDETs off their expensive South already have amounted to approximately 55 cargo. The cargo is usually transported in go-fast tons — more than half of all drug seizures Coast vessels, which are favored by narco-traffickers. These Guard wide. According to Ogle, TACLETs account for vessels are stateless and are designed and used to more than 30 percent of all seizures for the federal smuggle drugs at the highest rate of speed possible. government. Go-fasts are built to avoid detection because of their Yet with all these great numbers, word about their low profile, small size and paint scheme. success isn’t spreading like wildfire. In fact, modesty TACLETs use the LEDETS to accomplish their runs rampant throughout the TACLETs, and it’s counter-narcotics mission using a variety of tactics hard to get the members of TACLET South and including unannounced nighttime boardings and q Moving target The CGC Tybee serves as a landing platform as HH-60J helicopter pilots and tactical law enforcement team members practice vertical insertion techniques off the San Diego Coast. TACLET members are constantly training for a multitude of extreme boarding conditions. While conducting boardings, crewmembers encounter everything from electrified boat rails to hostile dogs and sulfuric acid.
Photo by PA1 Matthew Belson, USCGR p Echo Company Law Enforcement Detachment 203 was incorporated into the new MSRT based in Chesa- peake, Va. BMC John Bannow, left, BM3 Joshua Henesy, center, and MK3 Matt Liptak, right, measure the depth of a storage tank during a dockside inspection of a 250-foot container ship suspected of oil smuggling while members
of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines stand guard in March 2004. This was the first combined operation in the Iraqi www.uscg.mil/magazine Port of Umm Qasr involving the U.S. Coast Guard, the British trained Iraqi Riverine Patrol Service, Royal Marines and Royal Navy. aerial use of force. Members of the “elite” team have earned 80 points Law enforcement, training and travel – these three or more. basic components of TACLETs should be well-liked Coast Guardsmen deployed to TACLETs can expect and well-understood before a Coast Guardsman to gain law enforcement experience and become decides to apply for the job. world travelers. The average third class petty officer
“What we’re looking for is leaders,” said Lt. Jason at a TACLET has deployed to more than two dozen Coast Guard Finison, a member of TACLET South. “We strive for countries. Not yet 30 years old and only halfway excellence, and we hold our people to a very high through his second tour in the Coast Guard, he’s standard. It’s a life or death mission.” trained junior and senior military officers in use- Therefore, training is tough. Team members can of-force techniques, compartment clearing, proper •
expect to spend a lot of time at the gym. When you use of ion scan devices and other law enforcement Issue 4
Photo by PA2 CC Clayton, PADET San Diego need to carry up to 80 pounds of gear, you’ve got to knowledge. stay in top shape. Through PACTACLET, BM2 Sean McNamara has “We push them hard, but if we don’t push them been to 51 countries in three years. Although all this • hard, they’re going to get killed out there,” said Ogle. travel has forced him to change his wedding date 2007 Members are given two hours to pass a quarterly – twice – he’s sad to be leaving a job that lets him see PFT involving a mile-and-a-half run, a 500-yard as much of the world as he has. swim, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups and DC2 Steve Lutz, a member of PACTACLET for a flexibility test. Tests vary depending on age and the last five years, said he enjoyed the training sex. Passing each of these exercises at the minimum opportunities afforded him by the job. “I’ve been to levels will get you one point each, a total of six. EMT school, linguist school, the SWAT academy, 31 shooting courses…,” he said. All the training and the deployments increase the drive to do law enforcement. Lutz said the dedication is infectious. “It’s just like a virus. It catches on,” he t Heavy Load U.S. Navy FCC Wayne Bishop, left, USS said. “If you’re not a law dog [when you get here], you Robert G. Bradley, and a Coast Guard member from Tactical Law will be.” Enforcement Team South, Miami, unload packages of cocaine The do-gooder feeling isn’t always enough to Jan. 5, 2007, in Key West, Fla. So far in fiscal year 2007, make up for missed birthdays, anniversaries and seizures by Coast Guard TACLETs have reached nearly 55 tons graduations. “It’s like going to Alaska, you either love it or you hate it,” said Lutz. — more than half of all drug seizures Coast Guard wide. He understands the hardships of being away from family, but he said that the brotherhood within TACLET makes up for it. “The team is pretty much like your family. They know me better than my twin brother.” “This is what they call in the tactical community ‘the major leagues,” said Finison. “It’s a full-time mission going non-stop.” TACLETs continue to step up their deployments, tactics and training to compete with the changing methods of the drug traffickers and the flow of illegal narcotics into the country. The team members maintain their course and hone their skills to give them an extra edge in the counter-narcotics fight. “If you’re serious about doing [law enforcement] and willing to take some risks, then you come to the TACLET,” said Ogle. “This is where the
action is.” Photo by MCS2 Timothy Cox, USN Photo by JO3 Bobby Northnagle, USN Photo by JO3 Bobby Northnagle,
www.uscg.mil/magazine
p Training Day Members of Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 401, Mayport, Fla., assigned Coast Guard aboard the USS Typhoon, instruct Republic of Djibouti USCG Photo military personnel during a law enforcement tactics course at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, 2006. • p Practice Makes Perfect Members from Issue 4 Law Enforcement Detachment 401, Mayport, Fla., prac- tice boarding approaches while deployed aboard the HMS • Iron Duke in the Eastern Caribbean in 2007. 2007 Photo by PA2 Bobby Nash, PADET Mayport u Kuwaiti Coach MK2 Mike Bailey, of TACLET p Cocaine Cargo A BM3 with Coast Guard Law Enforce- South, Miami, tends the line aboard the CGC Adak as it ment Detachment 404, Miami, loads kilos of cocaine into boxes pulls into the port at Kuwaiti Naval Base in 2006. Baily marked as evidence for the Justice Department April 4, 2006, in was deployed to the region to train the cutter’s Jacksonville, Fla. LEDET 404 brought back approximately 8.7 crewmembers on boarding techniques. metric tons of illegal drugs seized on the open seas. 33 Photo by PA2 Allyson Taylor Feller, PATFORSWA PS U unflinching The Shore Corps: Port Security Units epitomize vigilance in deployments around the globe
Story by PA3 Bill Colclough, 9th Dist.
igh of noon on the edge of the Persian Gulf, a go-fast races under the Arabian sun. Darting into the security zone of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the operator notices a gray small boat flashing blue lights with .50-caliber machine guns locked and loaded. The security zone violator Nturns out to be only a pleasure-cruising reveler from Kuwait. In the 1980s, the concept of a Rapid Deployment Force was developed to protect vital overseas ports and military equipment. As a specialized service for the U.S. Navy in wartime, the Coast Guard created an equally special entity known as Port Security Units. The port security program predates to the passage of the Espionage Act of 1917, which gave the Coast Guard responsibility for the security of ports. A PSU is a deployable unit organized for operations to provide waterside protection
to key assets such as pier areas, high value www.uscg.mil/magazine assets and harbor entrances at the termination/ origination point of the Sea Lines of Communications. They conduct port security outside the continental United States in support of requesting regional commanders- in-chief. Prior to 1990, the organization of a PSU was theoretical. The first three were established in
Buffalo, N.Y. (PSU 301), Cleveland (PSU 302) Coast Guard u Desert Diligence A Coast Guard 25-foot transportable port security boat from PSU 311 heads
down the Khawr ‘Abd Allah as sunset approaches, • May 23, 2003. Issue 4 Photo by PA1 John Gaffney, USCGR • 2007
35 and Milwaukee (PSU 303). The concept evolved Every member receives combat skills training at PS U out of the Ninth Coast Guard District’s Reserve Camp Lejeune, N.C., in addition to five drills every program. month. “PSUs are supposed to do OCONUS training Currently, there are eight PSUs: every three years,” Bruni said. • PSU 301: Cape Cod, Mass. PSUs employ six fast and maneuverable • PSU 305: Fort Eustis, Va. Transportable Port Security Boats which consist • PSU 307: St. Petersburg, Fla. of 25-foot Boston Whaler Guardians outfitted t Putting the Clamp Down Coast • PSU 308: Gulfport, Miss. with two 175-horsepower outboard engines. Guard Ensign Chad Baker, Port Security Unit • PSU 309: Cleveland The units also are equipped with spare material, • PSU 311: Long Beach, Calif. pick-up trucks and vans as well as boat trailers, 311, Long Beach, Calif., tackles a Marine • PSU 312: San Francisco tents and Department of Defense-compatible acting as a hostile intruder at a basic combat • PSU 313: Tacoma, Wash. radios. There are a total of 16 Individual Storage training course held at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Units available with a capacity of 10,000 pounds, PSUs conduct training throughout the world Each PSU is staffed by 140 reservists and which contain the entire inventory of the unit’s including, Korea, Portugal, Honduras, Egypt five active duty personnel. They prepare for equipment. Fourteen ISUs are deployed overseas, and Jordan. contingency operations during weekend drills according to Lt. Michelle Watson, logistics officer, and normally participate in either an exercise PSU 309. or specialized training during two weeks of Furthermore, PSUs are made up of four active duty. In the past, PSUs have conducted departments and nine divisions: waterside an annual exercise in support of Operation security, shoreside security, support, medical, Bright Star. Prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom, administration, communication, weapons, food PSUs conducted OCONUS training exercises service and engineering. The weapons division in various locations worldwide, including consists of a weapon’s officer, a gunner’s mate Korea, Portugal, Honduras, Egypt and Jordan. first class and two or three gunner’s mates third
q Eyes On The Prize BM2 Melissa Steinman maneuvers a 25-foot Transportable Security Boat during a high speed security patrol near Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait, in 2004, while MK2 Mike Ransdell keeps a look out for possible threats. Steinman and Ransdell are members of Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 from St. Petersburg, Fla., and were deployed to the region to help protect the Port of Ash Shuaiba and coalition ships in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. USCG Photo
www.uscg.mil/magazine USCG Photo u homecoming King A Coast Guard member of Port Security Unit 313, Tacoma, Wash., is greeted by his daughters at McChord Coast Guard Air Force Base after a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in Photo by PA1 Tom Sperduto, PATFORSWA •
2003. Coast Guard PSUs Issue 4 p Since 1990, Port are comprised mostly of Oil On Water Security Units have been deployed to the reservists and are often Middle East in support of U.S. military •
deployed overseas to 2007 operations. PSC Timothy Beard, of PSU 313, protect strategic ports Tacoma, Wash., stands guard on the Mina al used by the U.S. Navy Bakr oil terminal in the North Arabian Gulf off and coalition forces. the coast of Iraq April 7, 2003. 37 Photo by PA1 Matthew Belson, USCGR PS U
class. Members use a variety of light and crew-served weapons. The security division is tasked with providing protection to vessels in security zones and pier areas, as well as providing security for internal unit needs such as the command center, berthing areas and traffic control/vehicle movement. They operate behind the scenes for the entire PSU and also assist the Joint Rear Area Commander’s security forces. With the exception of polar regions or areas with ice-covered water, a PSU is capable of worldwide deployment in national defense regional contingency environments. They conduct defensive operations to protect high value assets within the protected waters of a harbor. The operating environments are from shore sites or barges. Normally, the PSU will operate in a low threat environment (Level 1). q Keeping Watch They can continue operations if area of responsibility Two members of Coast escalates to a medium (Level II) or high threat Guard Port Security Unit (Level III) environment if additional security is 307, St. Petersburg, Fla., provided by the regional commander. stand watch at a checkpoint Typically, the crew operates independently, in Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait, but may operate with a U.S. Navy Mobile Inshore March 26, 2004. PSUs use Undersea Warfare Unit. Additional naval coastal heavily armed high-speed units include Coast Guard high endurance boats and a shoreside cutters, U.S. Marine’s fleet anti-terrorism security teams and U.S. Army military police. security force trained in They are also capable of conducting continuous combat skills and tactics to boat operations with three or four boats help protect coalition forces. Photo by MC2 Sandra Palumbo, USN underway simultaneously. In August 1990, PSU 302 (now 309) was p Medical Marvels Coast Guard personnel activated for Operation Desert Shield. When from Port Security Unit 313, Tacoma, Wash., and www.uscg.mil/magazine coalition forces began shipping war materials to Mobile Security Squadron Seven work together to Saudi Arabia, the protection of ships necessitated prepare a litter for transport while participating in the presence of a port security unit. Their primary a medical drill during exercise Foal Eagle 2007 duty was securing U.S. and allied warships anchored in the port of Manama, Bahrain. PSU at Busan, South Korea, March 27, 2007. The annual 303 (Milwaukee) served in Al-Damman, Saudi joint command post field training exercise Arabia, during the first Gulf War. demonstrates U.S. resolve to support South Korea PSU 301 (Buffalo) was called-up in 1994 for against agressors, while improving U.S. forces Operation Uphold Democracy and was sent to combat readiness and interoperability. Coast Guard Cap-Haitien, Haiti. They secured the port facilities there while exiled President Aristide returned to Manama, Bahrain. power. Several overseas exercises followed, such Before deploying to the port of Ash-Shuaiba,
as Operation Linked Seas in Portugal, Operation Kuwait, for Operation Enduring Freedom in USCG Photo • Foal Eagle in South Korea and Bright Star 2000 February 2003, PSU 309 shipped to Sicily, Italy. Issue 4 in Egypt. PSU 309 relieved PSUs 307, 308 and 313 to After the attack on the USS Cole in October guard U.S. and allied ships in transit to Iraq Photo by PA1 Matthew Belson, USCGR
2000, PSU 309 headed to the Middle East to and to aid security forces in Turkish ports. • p MK3 Jose Espinoza, from Port 2007 provide vital force protection for the Navy assets. Stateside in 2005, PSUs 308 and 309 mobilized At the Ready In December of the same year, three separate and assisted their fellow Americans along the Gulf Security Unit 311, Long Beach, Calif., keeps a vigilant watch at detachments (Bravo, Charlie and Delta) of the unit coast for Hurricane Katrina. Following the storm, a basic combat skills training course on Camp Pendleton, Calif. participated in aspects of Operation Southern many PSU 308 and PSU 309 personnel reported PSU 311 is one of eight PSUs around the country that trains as Watch, again providing waterside security for and immediately for duty, while being personally a rapid deployment force dedicated to protecting vital overseas shipboard security forces on a naval vessel in impacted. ports and military equipment. 39 t Back in Time A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission underwater diver photographs the memorial plaque that was placed at the wreck site of the CG-1240 Albatross that crashed March 5, 1967, with six Coastguardsmen aboard. The plaque was lowered into the water by a crane mounted onboard CGC Joshua Appleby June 19.
The aircraft made a low pass over deal of time on the water, and who the distressed vessel, dropped a appreciates the service history and dewatering pump and disappeared ongoing efforts of the U.S. Coast into the foggy night. The Alba- Guard, it was a wonderful but tross, with its crew of six Coast tragic discovery.” Guardsmen, crashed sometime Recognizing the aircrew’s later that evening 22 miles east of dedication and sacrifice, the Albatross Apalachicola, Fla. All six crew- Foundation for Coast Guard members perished. At the end History and the Coast Guard of an exhaustive 13-day search, Aviation Association sponsored three of the men’s bodies remained the placement of two bronze missing. plaques to memorialize the crew Lt. Clifford E. Hanna, Lt.j.g. of CGNR-1240. Charles F. Shaw, AMT1 Ralph H. One plaque was fixed on a Studstill, AET1 Eckley M. Powlus, monument at Air Station Clearwa- Jr., AET2 James B. Thompson and ter during a memorial ceremony Discovered AET3 Arthur L. Wilson lost their held by the air station. Coast lives while in the service of saving Guard Seventh District Command- Story by PA3 Sondra-Kay Kneen PADET St. Petersburg others. er and “Ancient Albatross” (Senior Barnette was researching other Aviator) Rear Adm. David W. PA3 David Schuhlein contributed maritime accidents in archived Kunkel presided over the cer- newspaper articles when he came emony. Family members of the across the Albatross 1240 inci- deceased crew, and Congressman dent. C.W. Bill Young also attended. “Having dived the wreck a The ceremony honored the six few months prior, something just fallen flight-crewmembers and clicked and I started to investigate their bravery. Photo by Keith Mille, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. more thoroughly, which resulted The second plaque was placed in the identification,” said permanently attached to a marker Barnette. “It was quite exciting at the underwater site. Coast to stumble on the answer when Guard Cutter Joshua Appleby, I previously thought any identifica- homeported in St. Petersburg, tion would be unlikely after my lowered the plaque into the wa- initial exploration dive on the ter at the site of the crash. Div-
wreck.” ers from Florida Fish and Wildlife www.uscg.mil/magazine Barnette provided the Coast Conservation Commission and Guard a precise position of the FSU’s Underwater Crime Scene wreckage along with numerous Investigation dive teams then photographs and documentation fixed the plaque to the site. Fam- of months of research correlating ily members of the deceased the wreckage to the missing rescue crew watched the ceremony from plane. aboard CGC Seahawk, homeported Believing that Barnette’s infor- in Carrabelle, Fla. The Seahawk
hat began as an afternoon mation would bring closure to crew laid a wreath and rendered Coast Guard A crew of six departed Air Station of scuba diving with friends snow and ice. The 1240 had a the case, the Coast Guard enlisted a 21-gun salute in honor of the Wturned into a discovery of speed of 240 mph at 7,600 feet the Florida State University fallen flight-crew. heroism, honor and bravery. In and could operate in more than Underwater Crime Scene Investiga- “I told my brother I loved him St. Petersburg, Fla., in 1967 on a SAR case and July 2006, a recreational diver and 4-foot seas. tion dive team to validate the today, I don’t think I ever told • explorer, Michael Barnette, came On the night of March 5, discovery of the aircraft and him that when we were young,” Issue 4 delivered a dewatering pump to a disabled yacht across the wreckage of a missing 1967, the 40-foot yacht Flying analyze the condition of the said Richard G. Powlus, brother Coast Guard HU-16E Albatross, Fish became disabled and took wreckage. The identity of the of deceased AET1 Eckley M.
on water. The CGNR-1240 was CGNR-1240 was confirmed, Powlus, Jr. •
only to disappear into the fog from which they CGNR-1240, that crashed during a 2007 search and rescue mission 40 years dispatched from Air Station St. Pe- however, no remains or personal “Today the Coast Guard came, never to be heard from again. ago in the Gulf of Mexico. tersburg, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to effects were found. showed great respect. I thought Albatross was a 60-foot aircraft assist the vessel. Despite a heavy “It was great to answer some the ceremony was appropriate and with an 80-foot wingspan. The blanket of fog, the Coast Guard basic questions on this previously showed concern and compassion, aircraft was able to operate from crewmembers located the Flying unidentified wreck,” said Barnette. it gave closure to the family,” said land or water and with skis, from Fish just before 9 p.m. “For someone who spends a great Powlus. 41 www.uscg.mil/magazine Coast Guard • Issue 4 • 2007 43 - -
duty. their lives in the line of services who have sacrificed Coast Guard and its predecessor many unrecognized heroes from the morializes his death. Hillar is one of the existence and no obituary or grave stone me war. No portrait or rendering commemorates his war. The story of the Pickering is one of many lost During his day, Benjamin Hillar was considered After the deadly hurricane of September 1800 had of September 1800 had After the deadly hurricane providedA newspaper article printed in December The case of the Pickering underscores the War, Hillar is a forgotten warrior from Hillar is a forgotten a forgotten War, destruction and some Navy records can trace the Pickering’s distinguished history. chapters in the history of the Coast Guard. a hero. the Quasi Over 200 years have passed since between 175 and 250 men, the privateer out-gunned 250 men, the privateer out-gunned between 175 and the Pickering’s defenses. Termedand out-manned by witnesses as “severe,” battle occurred the nine-hour around battle finally concluded Oct. 8, 1799. The struck its colors and surrendered.when the privateer not Pickering and however, moved on, only Scammel, another day. The sudden disappear survived to fight caused rumors to spreadance of the Pickering in the and his crewpapers that Hillar had been captured and massacred in a French takeover of Curacao, an coast. This massacre never island off Venezuelan the happened. a more account. It noted that a merchant likely vessel sailing through the hurricane’s track after the storm had reported copper-bottomed passing, “a large brig, with quarter-boards and a range of ports, was seen bottom upwards.” history of the obstacles of documenting the early Pickering went Revenue Cutter Service. When the down in that September storm, it took with it many bookkeeping historical documents, including its records, letters, logbooks and memoirs. In addition, of War by the British in the the sacking of Washington 1812 and fires at the Department of Treasury in the early 1800s destroyed much of the archival material that remained to document this majestic cutter and crew.contemporary accounts from Only newspapers, a few Treasury letters that survived Department -
and with a crew of six-pound cannons 14 and 18 nine-and Pickering. With between With Pickering. on a mission to capture privateer in the West Indies privateer in the West the Frenchsent the most powerful dous odds. In early October 1799, dous odds. In early October 1799, and his crew in the face of tremen The Pickering’s battle with the The Pickering’s battle a testament to the bravery of Hillar a testament to the privateer l’Egypte Conquise serves as privateer l’Egypte Pickering. which rivaled the fighting strengthwhich rivaled the of captured at least five armed a few of privateers, 20 privateers and merchant20 privateers and vessels. They captured a French merchant (in 1799 vessel valued at $100,000 dollars) and re-captured at least 10 merchant vessels the French had taken. The crewPickering also of the
between 15 and Pickering captured Hillar had established quite a Hillar had established and the summer of 1800, the and the summer reputation. Between early 1799 Service.” Stoddert wrote to Hellar, wroteService.” Stoddert to Hellar, it.” merit, & will not be unmindful of merit, & will not “The President your is sensible of others, “The Commander is an active and others, “The Commander and well qualified to do good enterprising man,
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The Pickering The Pickering Atlantic Area historian Atlantic
Lost at Sea at Lost
he storm swept in from the equator, along the he storm from swept in the equator, the Florida coast in September Bahamas and up winds and towering waves 1800. Devastating
Secretary of Navy Benjamin Stoddert Hillar grew to be highly esteemed by the press, The Treasury Department The storm was broad enough to engulf the war bears the reputation of an enterprizing zealous officer.” was aware of Hillar’s qualities, writing to “We learn, that complaints are made in the West learn, that complaints are the West made in “We Indies of our naval commanders lounging at in the Pickering, who St. Kitts; except Hillar, carried 14 cannons and had a crew of 70. his superiors and his crew. In March 1800, the New England newspapers printed the following: its raked masts. This spread of canvas provided greater and would enable the cutter to speed catch the highly mobile privateers. Pickering also Secretary State Timothy of Pickering, the sleek two-masted cutter carried double headsails of and double topsails fitted to each commissioned the Merrill Shipyard Newburyport, of Mass., to build the Pickering. Named in honor of then Revenue Cutter Service was called Revenue Cutter Service was called on to help battle the privateers. mained neutral in its struggle with Greatmained neutral in its struggle with Britain, France issued letters of marque, papers permitting armed privateers to prey on American merchant vessels. The mission to help wage a war. Between 1798 and 1800, Between 1798 mission to help wage a war. the United States and France were embroiled in the Angered United States had re that the Quasi-War. Commandant Benjamin Hillar and his crewCommandant Benjamin Hillar and fought to save their ship in those deadly seas. out a separate ships even though each was carrying out the hurricane, and out the hurricane, aboard the Revenue a Cutter Pickering, out as Master similar scene of bravery likely played Aboard the the cutter Scammel, crew jettisoned cannon and anchors in an effort to ride T threatened Insurgent. the American frigate with all hands in 1800. Forgotten Cutter entered service in 1798 and was lost Story by William Thiesen, Story by William he Coast Guard today is a mirror of the true American spirit and identity. Members proud- ly sport the blue and orange racing stripe as a badge of honor. The Coast Guard is culturally Looking Back: Tdiverse, and offers an abundance of opportunities no matter one’s race, gender, creed or religious beliefs. Some of the equipment is old, but the missions are as modern as ever, and members find a way to get the job done. The Coast Guard of today is about as diverse as it can be. The Vice Commandant is a woman, the Commandant was raised by a chief and the p BMCM Robert Hammond is pictured at head of household staff and operations at the White Memories his retirement ceremony in October 1963, as well as in a House is an African-American and soon-to-be retired newspaper clip from earlier in his career of him studying Coast Guard flag officer who earned his stripes as a petty officer before attending officer candidate in a library. school. stewardship occupied his time. It was a steward But as the future looks promising, the past slowly who cleaned up after white officers and enlisted. fades into oblivion. The Coast Guard was not always Second-class citizens was one way to describe the the well of opportunity that it is today. The Coast Coast Guardsmen of color during one of the most Guard was once a by-product of the racially segre- significant wars in history. gated ugly America that few people like to remember. Many questioned whether blacks had the same As retired veterans perish by the day, one man still mental capabilities as whites. This ignorant view remembers his experience as a black man in a was commonplace at the time. A black machinist’s segregated Coast Guard -- a service then that was not mate or coxswain was unheard of, and the thought full of opportunity and not consistent with the ideals of it being any other way was unimaginable. of the present. A young white officer by the name of Carlton “I remember enlisting in 1942 in Harlem, N.Y., Skinner would help pioneer racial equality for blacks and after I took my oath, I was sent home,” said in the Coast Guard, as the executive officer of the retired BMCM Robert Hammond, 84, of Piscataway, original CGC Northland. He first questioned the N.J., “This is war time, why are they sending me troubled racial environment of the Coast Guard when home?” he asked himself. a black crewman serving as a steward saved the ship “It hit me when the bus pulled up to the train- during a patrol when an engine died and rendered the ing center in Manhattan Beach, N.Y., why I was sent ship useless at sea.
home initially; they needed enough blacks to field a While none of the white mechanics could figure www.uscg.mil/magazine A Veteran company,” he said. “My bus stopped at a barracks out how to repair the engine, a black man -- who was with only black men while all the buildings next to it previously cracking eggs -- saved the patrol. The man had white men training; I will never forget it, we were eventually approached Skinner asking to be advanced Remembers the called company 24.” to machinist’s mate. In 1943, African-Americans in the Coast Guard Having considered the request and aware of the were segregated, under-appreciated and their man’s reputation as a skilled and motivated mechanic, abilities squandered. After recruit training, most he submitted a recommendation for advancement. First Steps black Coast Guardsmen manned shore billets with Skinner did not anticipate the response he was to Coast Guard menial tasking -- wasting during a time of war, while receive: the crewman was black, and blacks were only their white counterparts did their part in protecting permitted to be steward’s mates. America. Skinner then petitioned Coast Guard brass. Accord- to Racial Equality “I remember standing watch at my first duty station
ing to historical documents located in Coast Guard • in Boston, and I stood it on a bridge,” said Hammond. archives, he was fearful that the safety of the country Issue 4 Story and photos by If it wasn’t standing watch on a bridge, the duty of was being compromised by having capable yet under- PA2 Christopher Evanson, utilized sailors stuck doing menial busy work ashore, • 5th Dist. t Before and After Retired BMCM Robert when they were really needed underway. 2007 Hammond holds a photo of himself in Piscataway, N.J., At the time, when such radical thinking was March 29.
45 unusual, Coast Guard Commandant Russell R. Wae- The transition was hard and days were long during who served as a government official in Washington, sche gave Skinner the reins on a never-before tried so- bitter cold weather patrols spanning from Boston to D.C., prior to joining the service through officer cial experiment within the sea services: desegregation. Greenland. Skinner and his crew were committed to candidate school. In its massive arsenal of ships, the Navy owned a the task. As blacks integrated with the white crews, As captain, Skinner treated all races the same, small little-used, German-built tensions eased over time. whether it was for recognition or disobedience. He yacht, which had been converted “In the beginning we were called gave blacks authority over whites as petty officers and into a weather patrol ship named We were told that we names by some white crew mem- chiefs if they proved qualified. the USS Sea Cloud in 1942. With were going to be called by bers, but in the end we had their “Mr. Skinner was a very nice man and a very fair little use for the vessel, the Navy every racial epithet that respect,” said Hammond. man,” said Hammond. “We were given an opportunity leased the ship for one dollar to Black crewmen’s work habits to strike any rate we wanted to.” the Coast Guard. Skinner would “ we knew, and at and ability were invaluable amidst The experiment lasted little less than a year’s time, command this ship as part of the absolutely no time were nasty weather and with little room and soon the Sea Cloud was en route to a yard and its experiment. we allowed to retaliate. to move about onboard. Skin- days as an active ship were numbered. But the “When the experiment began, ner feverishly documented in his mission proved successful, and the role of minorities I was working at a Coast Guard Robert Hammond, diary the progress between black in the Coast Guard would forever be changed. Skinner receiving station in Boston, and BMCM Retired and white crews which eventually had made his point. heard the Coast Guard was ask- ” became one. The irony of the vessel’s role in racial desegrega- ing for twenty volunteers,” said In his observations, Skin- tion for the Coast Guard was that the ship was built Hammond. ner noticed very few differences between black and in Nazi Germany, a society whose very values contra- “I wanted to get the hell out of there so I volun- white crew members. He noted that blacks hated bad dicted the value of racial integration. And for the cost teered, and I had no idea what it was for because we weather just as much as the whites. He observed that of a cheeseburger, the Sea Cloud was more than worth were not told,” he said. “We were simply told to pack mind-numbing cold, bipolar waves and undesirable the investment. our sea bags.” food helped unite his crew. According to the Coast For two of the men associated with such a pivotal When Hammond and the rest of the volunteers were Guard historical archives, Skinner documented that moment in Coast Guard history, success was on the p Turn the Page Retired BMCM Robert Ham- met at the Sea Cloud pier, a chief warrant officer told members overall were equally miserable underway. It horizon. Skinner left the Coast Guard after his com- mond looks through a file of old photos and press clip- them to prepare not only for sea but also some prob- taught them their similarities trumped their mission was complete and was tasked by President pings in Piscataway, N.J., March 29. lems they should expect from the white crew. differences. Harry S. Truman to be the first governor of Guam “We were told that we were going to be called by No man was better equipped to take on the respon- after Japanese occupation had ended with the war. As tary history: racial equality. Not long after, the Navy every racial epithet that we knew, and at absolutely no sibility of supervising and facilitating a racial experi- for Hammond, he would enjoy a long illustrious Coast followed suit, and progressive change was in place. time were we allowed to retaliate,” said Hammond. ment such as desegregating a cutter than Skinner, Guard career that saw him begin as a steward but end Now the service is not only full of opportunities for as a master chief boatswain’s mate. He retired in 1963 African Americans, but for immigrants seeking U.S. and remains active today within community veteran citizenship and women as well. The USS Sea Cloud chapters. should forever be known as a baton for change, and As for the Coast Guard, history shows that it willing players like Skinner and Hammond as impor- Historical Voyage The USS Sea Cloud is shown inaugurated one of the biggest changes in U.S. mili- tant links in racial progress. here in an undated file photo.
USS Sea Cloud www.uscg.mil/magazine he Coast Guard-manned Frontier. Its permanent home- ment or publicity and the Sea TUSS Sea Cloud was origi- port was Boston. Cloud simply carried out her nally built in Kiel, Germany as Lt. Carlton Skinner, who first weather patrols like the other the four-masted bark Hussar for reported aboard as executive warships assigned to Task Force E. F. Hutton. The U.S. Ambas- officer in November 1944 and 24. Skinner reported no signifi- sador to the Soviet Union, Joseph took over command after his cant problems and the Sea Cloud E. Davis, acquired it in 1935 and first weather patrol, oversaw an passed two Atlantic Fleet inspec- renamed it the Sea Cloud. experiment in racial integration tions with no deficiencies. With the onset of war. The aboard the warship. He had sent The Sea Cloud was decommis- Coast Guard Navy announced on Jan. 7, 1942, a memorandum up the chain sioned on Nov. 4, 1944, at the that the “four-masted brigantine of command recommending an Bethlehem Steel Atlantic Yard, clipper had been chartered for attempt to begin training Afri- East Boston, and returned to its one dollar per year by the Navy can-American seamen in ratings owner, along with $175,000 to • for use of the Coast Guard.” other than the stewardsmate convert it back to its pre-war Issue 4 The USS Sea Cloud arrived rating, at the time the only rating appearance. The Sea Cloud was in Curtis Bay, Md, on Jan. 11, open to minorities. The Com- stricken from the Navy Vessel •
1942. Here it underwent a con- mandant approved Skinner’s Register on Nov. 13, 1944. 2007 version to a weather observation request and started sending For a first-person account station seamen apprentices aboard the written by Cmdr. Carlton Skinner vessel at the Coast Guard Yard. Sea Cloud. Within a few months, about Racial Integration for Naval It was commissioned a Coast there were over 50 African-Ameri- Efficiency on the USS Sea Cloud, Guard cutter on April 4, 1942, cans assigned to the Sea Cloud, go to the following address. given the designation WPG-284 including two officers. Skinner http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/ and assigned to the Eastern Sea had requested no special treat- history/Carlton_Skinner.html 47 The Coast Guard trains crews how to keep safe while saving lives after an attack involving weapons of mass destruction Protecting the Rescuers Story and Photo by PA3 Jonathan Ciley, 11th Dist. n explosion sent ripples of radiation throughout deliver them to an ambulance at the air station for de- the San Francisco region, leaving the city contamination,” said Lt. Edward Aponte, a pilot for Air A hazardous to human life. An identifiable orange Station San Francisco. helicopter slips through the ruined skyline. For the “Initially the crew would have to escape a chemical or crew, this is no ordinary mission as they prepare to help biological release,” said Steve Ober, senior director for civilians injured in the blast. When they arrive at their the Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Security and destination, they assist and evacuate the injured to a Defense Operations. safe zone. With their respirators and semi-permeable However by evaluating this new equipment and the dry-suits that the crews now wear, they are safe from missions the equipment will be used for, we will be able the hazardous conditions. Without this equipment, the to determine if crews can still perform limited “extremis” crew could not have survived the mission or rescued the search and rescue and urgent ports, waterways and injured. coastal security missions or escape from the area after a
This mission is only a scenario, merely a training chemical, biological or radiological release. www.uscg.mil/magazine exercise in the event this situation occurs, but it is “Our goal is to provide adequate crew protection for a ultimately necessary to help the Coast Guard prepare post WMD release, whether it’s SAR or law for a post weapon of mass destruction event. enforcement,” said Ober. September 2005, President Bush signed the National “The most important thing about this program is that Strategy for Maritime Security, which mandates the it provides another service for our customers,” said “United States build rapid-reaction forces to support Aponte. “For instance if a dirty bomb were to go off, we first responders with capabilities to respond to weapons could respond and extract survivors.”
of mass destruction and other terrorist incidents that The Coast Guard’s main mission is the safety of not Coast Guard occur in the maritime domain. (These forces) will be only the American public, but the crews who perform organized, trained, equipped and exercised to operate in the missions as well, and with the challenges of keeping contaminated environments and manage consequences up with the changing chemical, biological and of a weapon of mass destruction release.” radiological weapons of today’s world, the Coast Guard • New equipment has been researched by the Coast is now trying to make the necessary advancements to Issue 4 Guard Headquarters Office of Security and Defense help its crews stay safe while saving lives. Operations and is now being utilized to help the Coast •
Guard save lives, speed recovery and allow crews to ______2007 operate in the event that a chemical agent from a WMD is released into the environment. u At The Ready Crewmen from Air Station San “For instance, if there was a chlorine tanker that Francisco conduct training with new weapons of mass ruptured, we could safely bring the crew back and destruction safety equipment Jan. 16. 49 Recruits see their futures Logbook Story and Photo by PA3 Angelia Rorison, PADET New York
he CGC Bainbridge Island ensign and commanding officer normally wouldn’t be exposed to a Tpulls up to a pier on a cold and requested permission to come boat or real life experience and it January morning at the Coast aboard. gives them a huge leg up.” Guard Training Center in Cape Once aboard, the recruits went After the recruits devoured their May, N.J. to different stations manned by the steaks, the sound-powered phone Once the mooring lines are crew and learned about life on a in the galley rang. The message: a secured by the crew, The cutter cutter. fire drill in the engine room. The prepares for the arrival of a group At the first station, three mem- recruits dressed in full firefighting Photo by PAC Tom Sperduto, PADET New York of young recruits. The relaxed bers of the crew greeted the re- gear and practiced extinguishing demeanor of the 18-member crew cruits and explained weapons and fires. Each recruit was assigned to disappears as they stand a little self defense techniques used a crewmember who showed them taller, smooth the front of their uni- during law enforcement operations. how to battle a fire. forms and adjust their hats. Then “It was so different from any- The recruits had barely enough they wait. Soon the sound of more thing I’ve ever seen,” said SR Ryan time to catch their breaths be- than 60 pairs of boots marching in Brogan, a D-176 recruit, now fore the next drill began. A voice unison can be heard approaching stationed on the CGC Grand Isle. boomed over the ship’s speakers to WantedStory by PA3 Seth Johnson, PADET New York the pier. Brogan appreciated the lessons begin an abandon ship drill. “Left face,” orders AETC Keith learned when he met with the crew Afterward, the crew tossed Schiaffino, lead company of the Bainbridge Island. neoprene survival suits on the anny Puri is number two on an America’s Puri. “As we came in, the guy jumped out of a two- commander of Recruit Company “The sponsorship helped me a deck. The recruits squeezed into Most Wanted list. story window in his underwear right over the head of a D-176. lot,” said Brogan. “Over all, it gave the suits and jumped into the cold M Puri, a reservist with Coast Guard Investi- DEA agent. We had to chase him two blocks to tackle The recruits turn and face the me knowledge that I didn’t know water. Under close supervision gative Service and full time Deputy U.S. Marshal with him.” crew of the Bainbridge Island. and helped me get into the mix of of the boat’s rescue swimmer, the the New York and New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Puri became a federal marshal in 1996 after During boot camp, recruit things quickly with my fellow recruits practiced their open water Force, was nominated as one of eight finalists in Fox spending four years on active duty in the Coast companies are regularly sponsored crewmembers.” survival techniques. Network’s “America’s Most Wanted” All-star contest. Guard. by an active-duty Coast Guards- When the recruits first arrived The recruits left the Bainbridge America’s Most Wanted viewers voted Puri second While on active duty, Puri was assigned to Stations man. The sponsor serves as a they were quiet and reserved. This Island filled with excited place in a national competition for the nation’s top New York and Jones Beach and qualified as a boat mentor for the company and meets changed once they sat down to conversations of the day’s events. emergency responders. crewman, a boarding team member and a boarding with them during their training to have lunch and heard the laughter “They looked so nervous in Puri is humble about his job, but authoritative officer. answer questions about life in the of the crew and saw the camarade- the beginning,” said SN Charles in appearance. He wears a neatly trimmed goatee, Puri’s advice to Coast Guard members seeking a Coast Guard. It is rare for a whole rie between shipmates. Funderburg, a Bainbridge Island shaves his head and is powerfully built. With his sub- career in law enforcement is simple. Based on his 18 crew to sponsor a recruit company. “There is such good companion- crewmember. “They settled down tle New York accent, Puri seems to embody the city’s years of experience, he said studying and hard work “This is such a tremendous ship from the crew, they made me though, and I think they learned a law enforcement officers seen in movies and television. are the keys to success. chance to provide a true-to-life feel so welcomed,” said SR lot.” “Manny is a great role model, phenomenal “Get your degree and use tuition assistance while in view of life on a cutter and what Richard Marquez Jr., a D-176 However, the recruits were not
investigator and he is cut from a different mold,” said the Coast Guard,” said Puri. “Take every opportunity they will be expected to do when recruit now stationed on the CGC the only ones to benefit from this www.uscg.mil/magazine Dennis Munchel, a fellow Deputy U.S. Marshal and to get as much training as you can. You are doing law they get there,” said Lt. Michael Hollyhock. experience. member of the Coast Guard Reserves. enforcement whether you are on a TACLET or doing a Sinclair, commanding officer of the The recruits listened attentively “It was beneficial to the crew to Puri speaks modestly about his recognition on safety boarding. It’s the experience that counts.” CGC Bainbridge Island, a 110-foot to the stories and advice given by interact with the recruits, it was America’s Most Wanted. Puri strongly recommends people to take their Island Class patrol boat. the crew. like seeing water behind a dam,” “Friends of mine nominated me without telling me. Coast Guard experience to the next level by actively In groups of 10, each recruit “I think that we broadened their said Sinclair. “They are filled with I thought they were joking at first,” he said. seeking out and volunteering for training, classes and came aboard, saluted the horizons,” said Sinclair. “They so much potential.” However, the fugitives Puri hunts down are no schooling.
laughing matter. “You aren’t going to get the experience if you just t Eyes in the Boat AETC Coast Guard As a marshal, Puri has apprehended many high sit around and wait for one boarding a month to come Kieth Schiaffino goes through the profile criminals including murderers, rapists and through,” he said. “Put yourself into positions where sexual predators. you are going to put your skills to good use.” plan of the day with recruit com- When the conversation turns to the fugitives he Puri has one more piece of advice: if a person is pany D-176 before they board the • targets, his tone is poised. looking into law enforcement as a career, stay ahead CGC Bainbridge Island, in Cape Issue 4 “We go after the worst of the worst,” he said. of the curve. Ralph “Bucky” Phillips and Thomas Porter are two “Take every police test you can early,” he said. May, N.J., Jan. 12.
of the fugitives Puri has captured while working with “Don’t wait until the last minute. It can take several • America’s Most Wanted. Both men were wanted for years to get a federal job.” 2007 murdering police officers. Staying ahead of the curve has given Puri an In the beginning of May, Puri was arresting a advantage. From safety boardings to kicking in doors fugitive who had a warrant out for his arrest. When and hunting down America’s Most Wanted criminals, Puri and his partners approached the man’s door they Puri has taken all of his law enforcement training and discovered it was barricaded from the inside. experience and combined it with his own initiative and “We were forced to go in through a side door,” said motivation to be voted one of America’s top cops. 51 Logbook experience the event along with into the Coast Guard collection. collection. them,” said Karen Loew, the chair These submissions are juried by COGAP attracts artists from all of the Coast Guard Committee of both the Salmagundi Club’s walks of life. For instance, Austin’s the New York-based Salmagundi Excellence Committee and the multi-faceted career includes song COGAP Club, which co-sponsors COGAP. Coast Guard. writing and his Top 40 hit, “Short The program also will look to “Being a member of COGAP is Shorts.” Demarest, who deployed to expand its base of support by very important to me, because it is Bahrain, is a recognized author- establishing or reinvigorating a special way to support the Coast illustrator of children’s books and relationships with other artist Guard by helping boost morale and a member of the Coast Guard societies by seeking ways in which by recording history,” emphasized Auxiliary. Back on such societies can help recruit new Loew. “I believe we are all given Many artists are drawn to members and provide a gift, a talent, and this is one of COGAP because of a lifelong love administrative assistance. the best ways to use my artistic of boating; others have a family COGAP was co-founded in the gift … It is humbling to meet the with military history. Whatever the early 1980s by Jim Ward, then courageous men and women of this reason for their involvement, these chief of Coast Guard Community armed service, knowing they may artists share a common character- Relations, and the late George give their life in this calling.” istic: patriotism, with a high regard Track Gray, an artist active for more than Artists may either produce for the service. seven decades. Gray served as its works on their own initiative or the To get information on arranging chairman and champion for more Coast Guard will request specific exhibits, hosting a COGAP artist or than 20 years. pieces. “Wherever I go, I try to to submit suggestions on possible To become COGAP members, stop at a Coast Guard installation deployments and subjects to be artists submit samples of their to look for something that would depicted, units are encouraged to work to Tom Picard, the vice- be an interesting painting,” said contact Mary Ann Bader at mary. chair of the COGAP Committee. artist Tom Austin. During one of [email protected]. To see some The applications are reviewed and those visits he happened to spot a of the collection on-line, visit the Story by Tara Jennings-May those artists accepted can submit Coast Guard crew performing buoy program’s website at www.uscg. samples of work in the beginning of maintenance. The resulting work mil/art or Visual Imagery’s website each year for potential acceptance he created was accepted into the at http://cgvi.uscg.mil. fter a year-long hiatus, the Europe and the Middle East as part Pentagon staff to install COGAP Coast Guard Art Program of the State Department’s Art in works in a newly-refurbished is back on active duty, Embassies Program. corridor in the Office of the Work and play find common ground Apoised to take on new ini- “In the U.S., one of the most Secretary of the Navy. A military tiatives. These will emphasize get- frequented spots displaying Coast library located in the Chicago Loop Story by Tara Jennings-May ting more art out to public venues, Guard art is the House Barber also may host a show, said Bader. deploying artists on select Coast Shop on Capitol Hill,” noted Bader. Other plans include a spring 2008 Rodney G. Martinez is the only COGAP artist Ray Evans Building. Guard missions and expanding the “The shop is visited annually by show of military art in St. Lt. who is active duty Coast Guard. The lieuten- Martinez cites his commanding and deputy com- program’s base of support. thousands of tourists who come in Augustine, Fla. ant has been involved with COGAP since 2005, when manding officers for being very supportive of his “Our program is a powerful ex- to look at the art and other memo- In order to fill in under- his painting, “Majestic Mission: Alaska,” was accepted involvement in COGAP. “They really see the value of ternal outreach tool that, through rabilia.” represented missions in the into the collection. the art program,” he said. “There are people who re- the compelling medium of art, tells Public venues offer higher vis- collection or record future events of “COGAP is a great way to capture history,” said ally want art to be part of the Coast Guard and see it
the story of our service,” stated ibility due to the larger audiences historic note, artists will be Martinez. “We’re in a unique moment in Coast Guard as an important part of our organization’s history.” www.uscg.mil/magazine the program’s coordinator, Mary they provide as compared with increasingly sent on mission. history – people are the most important part of this He has devoted over a decade to oil painting, train- Ann Bader. “COGAP promotes most internal Coast Guard set- “Last year, we sent COGAP artist organization. Capturing the art in their day to day op- ing under various professional artists. With a busy the Coast Guard to the public and tings, so the program will focus on Chris Demarest to Bahrain where erations means keeping up the tradition of historically household that includes his wife, three children and fosters support of our missions and increasing displays in museums, he stayed with Coast Guard crews documenting the vibrancy of our missions.” mother-in-law, he describes it “almost like a people in the communities where historical societies as well as signif- for two weeks to visually document The re-energizing of COGAP with the new focus on meditation to sit at my canvas.” they serve. It also demonstrates to icant government locations. Units the daily activities of personnel deploying artists to cover Coast Guard operations Meanwhile, Martinez is looking forward to his own senior officials in government and are encouraged to look for local of Patrol Boat Forces Southwest reminds Martinez of the role that combat artists future deployments, where he hopes to continue other military services our contri- venues, providing an opportunity Asia,” said Bader. “Based on that played in World War I and II, when artists were sent portraying the service’s missions in art. bution to national security and the to bring art to their communities. experience, he created nine pieces, out to document what became history. Coast Guard range of our missions.” Some Coast Guard sites are several which vividly portray our Martinez prepared his own COGAP piece by working In the last three years, COGAP highly effective venues, such as the people at work.” from a photo while stationed at Headquarters. When coordinated more than 120 exhibi- offices of senior leadership or areas Such deployments ensure that he transferred to Pensacola, Fla., he was encouraged tions, displays and loans involving of units that enjoy high traffic. COGAP grows in a way that covers by his command to submit it to COGAP. • over a thousand paintings from In terms of external outreach, the scope of Coast Guard missions Now working in Sector Seattle’s command center, Issue 4 the more than 1,800 works in the some exhibitions slated for the and will offer hands-on experiences Martinez continues to mesh his work and art. As the collection. While many were on near future include one at the Navy for the artists, making the program Navy liaison for the sector, he interacts with the
view at Headquarters and units, Memorial in Washington, D.C., to more attractive to them. •
commander of Navy Region Northwest, Rear Adm. 2007 Coast Guard art has been exhibited mark the Coast Guard’s birthday in “When you deploy, there’s William French. Martinez presented a painting of the throughout the country in muse- August. Several pieces will remain nothing like it – it heightens your barge the admiral uses for ceremonial events as a gift ums and memorials and in the of- for a year and be rotated with new involvement and commitment. De- to the sector. He is now painting a portrait of retired fices of senior government officials art in 2008. The memorial has ployments give you a better sense Coast Guard Cmdr. Raymond Evans, who received the and members of Congress. COGAP over 200,000 visitors annually. of Coast Guard missions and you Navy Cross for his heroic efforts alongside SM1 Doug- art is even on view overseas in The program is also workng with get to really know the crew and las Munro. The painting will be for the sector’s new 53 International Training Division Greetings From River Runner Story by ITD Staff Story by PA2 Kelly Turner, USCGR taff assignments are blocks and close quarters driv- Montenegro offers a rugged terrain he ability to communicate efficiently with agencies, finding him may not have been as easily boring? ing techniques while learning to and coastline attractive to smug- agency partners is crucial to the success of accomplished.” Not if you are at Training avoid accidents, ambushes and glers in everything from cigarettes Coast Guard missions. Sector Ohio Valley Deputy Mike Carr, from Escambia County Sheriff’s SCenter Yorktown’s Inter- insurgents. When not deployed, and migrants to pre-cursor materi- along with other agencies and local Office said, “Every agency, especially the Coast Guard, national Training Division. ITD ITD staff take full advantage of the als for WMD. The ITD is the Coast authorities, includ- ing Escam- went above and beyond what we expected.” Mobile Training Teams are often training opportunities available in Guard’s instrument of U.S. foreign Tbia County Sheriff’s Office in The watchstanders at Sector Ohio Valley played a on the leading edge of the Global Yorktown. policy to help nation like Monte- Florida, Posey County crucial role in the outcome of this case. Over a War on Terrorism. In this capac- This May, Capt. Anne T. Ewalt, negro better secure their borders, Sheriff’s Office in Indiana, and 36-hour time frame and three ity they recently have conducted commanding officer of Train- helping them deny terrorists the the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- watches, every local, state and training in the Republic of Geor- ing Center Yorktown, joined the funding, tools and opportunities neers are a prime example federal agency was notified. gia, Kazakhstan, Solomon Islands, ITD for the opening of a two-week needed to carry out attacks. By of the importance and “The watchstanders on ev- Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Advanced Small Boat Operations improving partner nations’ port effectiveness of interagency ery watch did an Brazil, Peru, Tanzania, Yemen and Course in the newly independent security capabilities, ITD increases partnerships. The coop- outstanding job,” said Lang- Djibouti. The 20 officers and 34 Republic of Montenegro. When not the security of cargoes bound for eration and diligence of these ley. “We were able to contact enlisted of the ITD are always ready participating in the training, Ewalt the U.S. agencies led to the capture of everyone, including every mari- to teach in conditions as varied as met with Montenegrin military, If the opportunity to see the a sexual offender who was on ner and marina on the water. countries just emerging from civil customs, marine safety and border world, while making it safer in the the run from Florida There was no place for him to wars, underway on the Caspian police personnel to better under- process, appeals to you, then con- authorities for four months. hide.” Sea or in the ornate buildings of stand their challenges and training tact the ITD at http://www.uscg. In early February, 63-year-old Gray will be extradited back to NATO partner Portugal, in view of needs. As a Balkan crossroads mil/tcyorktown/international/itd/ Gary Frederick Gray of Pensacola, Fla., fled Escambia County where he’ll be facing the where Vasco Da Gama set sail for between Europe and Asia, index.shtm. the Indies. a court hearing where he plead guilty to lascivious mo- charges against him, as well as charges dealing with Photo by PA2 Mike Lutz, PADET New York lestation of a child 12 years or younger, which carryed his attempt to elude law enforcement officials. Instructors are scheduled for a prison term of 13 years and 10 years of probation. 185 days abroad each year in He cut off his home detention bracelet, which allowed support of ITD engagements with authorities to track him, and disappeared. up to 70 countries annually. Deputy Mike Carr from the Escambia County, Fla. Coast Guard SUDOKU Enlisted members receive Special Sheriff’s Office placed a call April 28 to Sector Ohio Duty Assignment Pay. In recent Valley in Louisville, Ky, urging them to be on the joint deployments with the Navy, lookout in their area for Gray. ITD members have earned sea time Based on Escambia County police information, while conducting training with Gray was evading authorities by kayaking on the numerous Caribbean nations. inland rivers, making his way from Pensacola, Fla., to Staff who qualify on the Defense Pittsburgh, Penn. Carr reported that Gray was Language Proficiency test in a expected to be armed and dangerous and was last target language can also earn www.uscg.mil/magazine seen April 3, on the Tennessee River in the vicinity of interpreter pay. Pickwick Lock and Dam. Knowing a foreign language Sector Ohio Valley immediately contacted the is a great benefit, but not a USACE locks on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio requirement for assignment to rivers alerting them to the situation and giving them ITD. A requirement is a willingness a thorough description of Gray and his kayak. The to work with, respect and Coast Guard partnering with the USACE, requested understand other cultures. ITD that mariners transiting through the lower pool report members get special training any sightings of a kayaker to the Sector Ohio Valley on cultural awareness and force Coast Guard Command Center. protection. During the morning of April 29, a USACE lock The most memorable training is operator in Posey County, Ind., contacted Sector Ohio the survival driving course. Here students get to test high speed
Valley reporting a kayak matching the description of • Gray’s kayak approaching the lock. Sector Ohio slaloming, driving through road Issue 4 Valley watchstander, OS2 Robert Langley, instructed the lock operator to stall the lockage and call 911,
Fill in the blank spaces in the grid so that every • allowing local authorities time to arrive. Shortly u Chillin’ in Chile Lt. Nel- 2007 thereafter, Sheriff James Folz from the Posey County vertical column, every horizontal row and every son Santiago, International Training Sheriff’s Office reported Gray was in custody. 3 x 3 box contains the letters C-O-A-S-T-G-U-R-D, Division Yorktown, Va., gives law “Without the help of the U.S Coast Guard, the without repeating any. The solved puzzle can enforcement training to the Chilean arrest would not have happened,” says Folz. “The be found in the online version of Coast Guard Coast Guard on the Chilean Coast waterways are large and without the Coast Guard’s Magazine at www.uscg.mil/magazine. Guard Cutter Ortiz near Mejillones, communications with all the local, state and federal Chile on July 26, 2006. 55 Whether providing sustenance, maintaining records, ensuring safety at sea or enforc- ing federal laws - everyone con- tributes to the mission. The Coast Guard has saved ... s we celebrates the Coast Guard’s 217th birthday on August 4, we can also celebrate the ... more people than the population of Rhode Island. A1,109,310 lives saved since 1790. Calculated by the Coast Guard’s Historian Office ... more people than the Coast Guard through research of logs and records throughout our multiplied 27 times. service’s various stages of development, this milestone offers us a moment to celebrate our rich history, reflect on our past and focus on our future. ... more people than can fill 373 Fantasy Class cruise The Coast Guard’s unique legacy as America’s life- ships, such as those used to house Hurricane Katrina saver and maritime guardian evolved from the selfless victims. courage and unflinching determination of our team of diverse, multi-competent, multi-mission Coasties, whether active duty, reserve, civilian or auxiliary.
Top Coast Guard Rescues
Hurricane Katrina used swimmers clad in wet suits to swim to victims in Search and rescue operations alone saved 24,135 the water and secure a line to them so they could be lives from imminent danger, usually off the roofs of hauled onto the ship. the victims’ homes as flood waters lapped at their feet. Joshua James and the Hull Life Saving Station Prinsendam Rescue Over the two-day period of Nov. 25-26, 1888, Keeper A fire broke out on the Dutch cruise vessel Joshua James and his crew rescued 28 people from Prinsendam off Ketchikan, Alaska, on Oct. 4, 1980. five different vessels during a great storm. James and The Prinsendam was 130 miles from the nearest his crew conducted differing types of rescues which airstrip. The cruise ship’s captain ordered the ship included the employment of the beach apparatus and
abandoned and the passengers, many elderly, left the rescue by boat. Saving lives since 1790 www.uscg.mil/magazine ship in the lifeboats. Coast Guard and Canadian helicopters and the cutters Boutwell, Mellon and The Priscilla Rescue Woodrush responded in concert with other vessels in On Aug. 18, 1899, Surfman Rasmus S. Midgett res- the area rescued all 520 passengers and crew without cued 10 men without assistance from the barkentine loss of life or serious injury. Priscilla. During the rescue, Midgett went into the water and carried three men, who were too weak to Dorchester Rescue move on their own, to the safety of the beach. On Feb. 3, 1943, the torpedoing of the transport Dorchester off the coast of Greenland saw cutters Keeper George N. Gray and the Charlotte Life Coast Guard Comanche and Escanaba respond. The frigid water Saving Station - Dec. 14-15, 1902 gave the survivors only minutes to live in the cold Over the course of a day and a half, the crew rowed North Atlantic. With this in mind, the crew of the for nearly 60 miles, frostbitten and covered in ice, to Escanaba used a new rescue technique when pulling rescue four men and one woman from the wreck of • survivors from the water. This “retriever” technique the schooner John R. Noyes. You are a Issue 3 •
“The research shows that the common The Historian’s Office has compiled a list of the top ten 2006 rescues in our history. The full list can be found at thread binding us together for 217 years is http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/786/166402/. the pure, unselfish heroism of our people.”
Rear Adm. Mary Landry, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs Lifesaver 23
Photo by PA1 Adam Eggers Dog Team BM1 Anthony Ross of MSST San Francisco stands on a ferry pier with his dog Chiquita waiting to sweep a vessel. Security teams from all over the West Coast were brought to San Francisco for the week of events building up to the 2007 All Star Game at AT&T Park.
Photo by CWO2 Scott Epperson, PADET Los Angeles