Spotlight and photographs about Petty Officer 3rd Class Thomas M. Blue

Established in 1977, Coast Guard Station Destin is located on the south shore of Choctawatchee Bay at the entrance East Jetties leading into the Gulf of Mexico.

Station Destin's area of responsibility (AOR) encompasses more than 3,100 square miles of Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), bayous and rivers, which accounts for more than 57 square miles of coastline.

Encompassing one of the busiest summer destinations in Florida, Coast Guard Station Destin, maintains its AOR with the help of approximately 31 active-duty crewmembers, nine reservist and more than 55 Auxiliarists.

The crew of Station Destin conducts law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection and numerous joint-agency missions with two 25-foot response boats, two 41- foot utility boats and two 47-foot motor life boats.

Members stationed in Destin, have numerous activities to enjoy in their time off. Miles of beaches, several state parks and in the summertime there are numerous annual festivals unique to the area.

The average temperature for Destin during the summer months ranges between 84 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, with the temperatures during the winter months falling to an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  

For any crewmember assigned to Coast Guard Station Destin, there are also opportunities to further their education by attending Okaloosa-Walton College or The University of West Florida, with campuses located miles from the station.

Station Destin has exemplified the motto of the Coast Guard "Semper Paratus," (Always Ready) for more than 30 years.  The crew is ready, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, to assist, preserve and protect the citizens of the Emerald Coast.

DESTIN, Fla. - Aboard floating Jet Docks, two 25-foot response boats stand ready for the crew's next mission.

These boats are used for quick response and Homeland Security patrols.