H1N1 Readiness Update

Guest Post from RADM Mark Tedesco,

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the H1N1 influenza (flu) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with H1N1 flu. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of the world. WHO's decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity [Source: www.cdc.gov]. WHO currently assesses the severity of the H1N1 virus as moderate.

The federal government is mounting an aggressive response to the H1N1 flu outbreak. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as the lead federal agency for a declared public health emergency, is committing funds for the production of a potential H1N1 vaccine.

Although a H1N1 vaccine is not currently available, I and my staff, along with the Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security & Stewardship (CG-5) and Director of Response Policy (CG-53), will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance to educate and safeguard Coast Guard personnel.

In response to this H1N1 outbreak, the Coast Guard has released numerous ALCOASTs and messages to help prepare and protect our Coast Guard family against this emerging disease. Timely information on H1N1 can be found on the Coast Guard portal. Additionally, I broadcasted a series of informative H1N1 webcasts that can be found on the Coast Guard H1N1 website. For family preparedness, CG-111 has created a Family Readiness page which has a wealth of resources.

All Coast Guard members should ensure they have taken the appropriate Influenza training modules located on E-Learning . These modules focus on influenza awareness and prevention. Additionally, Coast Guard cutters that are experiencing connectivity issues can use the H1N1 Influenza PowerPoint to educate their members on H1N1 Influenza until they obtain better connectivity. Note however this PowerPoint is not an alternative to the current mandatory Influenza GMT located on the Coast Guard Learning Portal.

Semper Paratus,

RADM Mark Tedesco

Farewell to Jim Sloan

Shipmates,

I had the sad duty to inform you last week of the passing of Jim Sloan, our recently retired Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Investigations, after a long struggle with Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Today we celebrated his life at a Mass held in Annapolis followed by his internment at Davidsonville, Maryland. Jim was accorded full military honors and I presented his flag to his wife Cindy and son Owen.

My post from his retirement is provided below.

Farewell, Shipmate.

ADM A

Retirement of James F. Sloan
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but it is a worthy topic.

On Thursday, 19 March 19, 2009, we held a retirement ceremony for James F. Sloan, our Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Investigations. The ceremony was unique. It was held at Jim's home in Annapolis where Jim is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

For more information on this disease click here.

Jim's career has spanned an incredible breadth of public service. He was an Army signals intelligence officer from 1966 to 1969. From 1970 to 1978 he was a police officer and investigator in Union County, New Jersey. He joined the Secret Service in 1979 and served until 1999. During the Bush (41) administration he was the head of the security detail for First Lady Barbara Bush. On his retirement from the Secret Service he became the Director of the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) where he became a crucial player in identifying financial transactions that funded terrorist organizations following the attacks of 9/11.

I met Jim in 2003 when I interviewed him for the position of Assistant Commandant following the departure of Fran Townsend to serve in the Bush (43) administration. He was hired and immediately became an integral part of the Coast Guard and our transition to a member of the Intelligence Community. Among other accomplishments he created our Field Intelligence Support Teams, our Service Cryptographic Element, championed the installations of SCIFs on our National Security Cutters, a SIPNRnet lab at the Coast Guard Academy, and the development of a Counterintelligence Program in the Coast Guard. He is an extraordinary leader, terrific collaborator and partner, strategic thinker, and, most of all...he is very funny. On even our most stressful days, Jim was there with a joke, anecdote, or sea story (like the time he drove the Pope-mobile). He didn't invent the word "shipmate" but he perfected it.

The leaders who attended the ceremony today and the recognition afforded Jim was remarkable:

I presided and awarded Jim the Commandant's Distinguished Career Service Award.

Lieutenant General John Kimmons represented the Director of National Intelligence and presented Jim the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. On behalf of the Military Intelligence Corps, he also presented Jim the Knowlton Award.

Vice Admiral Bob Murrett represented the United States Navy and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). He presented Jim with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the NGA Medallion for Excellence and the Edwin T. Layton Award. The latter award is named for the legendary Navy intelligence officer who broke the Japanese code in World War II.

Mr. William Baity of the Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) announced the creation of the James F. Sloan Award for Partnering that was established in Jim?s name.

Mark Sullivan, the Director of the U.S. Secret Service, gave Jim the Director's Award and talked about he had been mentored by Jim.

Lieutenant General Keith Alexander, the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), was on travel but had visited days earlier where he presented Jim with the NSA Medallion for Excellence.

Jim's brother Tom made remarks for the family and proposed a toast (the first retirement I have attended with a toast in the program! Leave it to the Irish).

The Chaplain of the Coast Guard, the newly minted "Monsignor" and Captain Paul Cuddy provided the invocation and benediction.

Cindy Sloan, Jim's wife, who has been a mountain of strength, soul, and courage sat beside me and I was honored.

By far, the most important presentation of the day was given by Owen Sloan, Jim's son, who spoke for his Dad. His remarks follow:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Admiral Allen, distinguished guests, friends, and former colleagues. I am deeply moved and touched by your presence here today. Today is a bittersweet day; a day I knew would one day arrive but a day that I hoped was still further on the horizon. While ALS may have taken from me the ability to talk or walk, the disease hasn't robbed me of my passion for life, my love of god and country, and most importantly -- the love and strong bond of family and friends.

As I reflect back on my career in the service to this nation, my most cherished memories are not of my job titles or specific operational matters. For me, my career highlights have been the many men and women I have had the privilege to serve alongside within the United States Secret Service, the Department of the Treasury, and the United States Coast Guard. So while the awards and accolades bestowed in my honor today mean a lot to me; however, for me, the honor of serving alongside so many outstanding professional public servants has been the greatest gift of all.

To my good friend Mark Sullivan -- the US Secret Service is in great hands and I am humbled to see so many of my old US Secret Service colleagues here today. The training, camaraderie and esprit-de-corps of serving with such an outstanding group of professionals gave me the bedrock foundation to leverage and integrate the seams between law enforcement intelligence and national level intelligence.

The necessity for the integration of national and law enforcement intelligence became obvious to me during my tenure as the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. To my longtime friend and FINCEN deputy Bill Baity -- I am proud of the many accomplishments of the dedicated men and women at FINCEN. These stalwart professionals perform a vital but little known service in protecting this nation. I feel secure in knowing that you remain on watch, leading this important work to secure the financial sector by analyzing and disseminating financial law enforcement and intelligence information.

To Lieutenant General Jeff Kimmons and my Intel Community Colleagues -- VADM Bob Murrett and Brigadier General Dick Lake -- I appreciate all your sage advice and counsel as we pressed to support the efforts of the Director of National Intelligence in meeting the intelligence requirements of national policy makers and military service leaders. I am proud of our collective accomplishments and trust that you will carry on with this important mission. Admiral Blair is surrounded by a wise counsel of intelligence leaders. I look forward to watching from the sidelines as you continue to shape the national intelligence community into the world class organization it has become.

Admiral Allen - I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the US Coast Guard, and had fate dealt me a different hand, I would have enjoyed continuing to support the important missions of the Coast Guard. Thanks to the leadership, vision and ardent support of you and VADM Vivian Crea, the Coast Guard Intelligence and Criminal Investigations Program has grown into a leading organization within the maritime intelligence arena. Your commitment to support the policy and resource needs of this enterprise has made the CG Intel and Criminal Investigation program never as important to CG operational commanders and national decision makers as the program is today. I appreciate the trust and confidence you placed in me as your principal intelligence advisor but more importantly, I appreciate the trust and confidence you have placed in your intelligence and criminal investigations organization. Intelligence has never been more important in the Coast Guard. Intelligence truly drives Coast Guard operations.

In addition to the many other titles I have acquired over my professional career, I am most proud to carry the title of Coast Guardsman. Since being afflicted with ALS, the GUARDIAN ETHOS spirit of so many CG members has been most poignant to witness first hand.


Finally -- there is one group of individuals that mean even more to me than the Secret Service, the Intelligence Community, or the US Coast Guard. I am obviously speaking of my family. While we will all one day retire from our occupations, we will always have our families. And it?s the support of my family -- like so many of you -- that allowed me to achieve so many successes in my professional life.

While I may have missed birthdays, or anniversaries, or holidays due to my professional duties, I knew I always had the loving support of my wife and son. To Cindy and Owen: While I could not always be with you in flesh, please know that I was always with you in spirit on these special occasions. Everyday we are together is special to me. There is nothing more important in this world to me than both of you. While my plans for the retirement years may have changed, my undying love for both of you has not. I thank you with all my heart for your love and support.

And to my brothers, sisters and extended family -- thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for Cindy, Owen and me. With the onset of ALS, I have had one less thing to worry about knowing that you all have come together as a family supporting my own family during these difficult days. I thank you all for traveling to Annapolis to join in this special day.

In closing, I would like to say how touched I am that you all were able to arrange your busy and important professional and personal schedules to honor my family and me with your presence at today's ceremony. I cherish the memories I carry with me. I look forward to staying in contact with all of you and hearing about the important work your agencies continue to perform on behalf of the Nation. Thank you all!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Earlier Chairman Syvestre Reyes, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence made these comments on the floor of the House of Representatives:
Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fellow Army veteran, a man of great integrity and an unwavering sense of commitment to his Nation, Mr. James F. Sloan, on the occasion of his retirement after 34 distinguished years of public service.

I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Sloan in his role as the Coast Guard's Assistant Commandant for Intelligence. When he assumed his duties in 2003, the Coast Guard had only two years earlier been designated a member of the Intelligence Community. In the years since, Mr. Sloan has been responsible for modernizing the Coast Guard intelligence program to keep pace with an ever-expanding and increasingly complex set of national security threats.

Mr. Sloan has also worked to cultivate extensive relationships and collaborative partnerships with other elements of the Intelligence Community. He has been an enthusiastic advocate for bringing the Coast Guard's wide-ranging expertise to bear in a variety of crucial national missions. Under his leadership, the Coast Guard has become an integral actor in the fight against terrorism, providing port security, conducting maritime interdiction, and supplying essential tactical and operational intelligence to a variety of other U.S. Government agencies.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention Mr. Sloan's 21 years of service with the United States Secret Service. During more than two decades, he served as the agency's Deputy Assistant Director for Protective Operations and later as the Senior Program Manager of the Anti-Terrorism programs, where he represented the Secret Service on the National Security Council.

The Nation is better and safer as a result of Mr. Sloan's service. For that, we thank him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A day to remember and a friend to cherish forever.

ADM A

Meet our Summer Intern and Guest Contributor

Hello everyone!!

My name is 1/c Ryan Cassidy and I'm a cadet from the US Coast Guard Academy. You may be wondering why a cadet is posting on the iCommandant blog, and frankly, I'm a little surprised by it too. During the four summers at the Coast Guard Academy, cadets spend portions of their summers at operational units to receive exposure to the "real" Coast Guard. Heading into their senior year, cadets have the opportunity to participate in internships ranging from training dolphins, to working with the DIA, to training and deploying with a TACLET team. I was fortunate enough to receive an internship working in the Commandant's office to better understand the use of social media and technology as part of the Coast Guard's broader modernization into a change-centric, learning organization.

So, over the next few weeks I will be reporting regularly on activities of the Commandant and his staff and will hopefully be able to provide a different perspective on Coast Guard modernization. I know the Corps of Cadets at the Academy has heard of modernization, and you may have too, but what does this really mean? Over the next few weeks, I will be able to observe Coast Guard senior leadership as well as Headquarters activities and conversations and gain a better understanding of modernization. By the end of my internship, I hope to be able to explain what modernization means for the work horses of the Coast Guard, our non-rates and petty officers as well as the implications modernization will have on someone like a cadet who will be joining the real Coast Guard in just under a year. After all, it's the future generations of petty officers and officers who will be on the front lines, driving the boats, making the busts, doing the inspections and we all should understand how we fit in.

Now, I hate listening to myself talk and I definitely don't like talking to myself, so if you have a question about what is happening at the top, please comment to any of the posts and I will do my very best to answer your questions. Also, any feedback on the posts would be greatly appreciated. Well, until next time, thank you for reading and Semper Paratus!

-1/c Cassidy

iCommandant Note: We have recently been taking the pulse of our modernization efforts to date, and we have a lot of reason to be encouraged that we are on the right track. The need and logic for modernization has been validated by two third-party reports by the GAO and NAPA. However, these reports have also provided some specific areas of emphasis that we must focus on for continued successful implementation.

One specific observation is that we have done a good job communicating with the Coast Guard team on the need, or "Cause for Action," for modernization, but that more work needs to be done to help the field-level units and deck plate workforce understand what modernization means to them and their future in the Coast Guard. These guest posts by Mr. Cassidy are one effort to try to do that. By providing him with the opportunity to study, observe and assess our modernization effort at the strategic level, we hope that he, as a soon-to-be Junior Officer and future leader in our service, will help us communicate the benefits of modernization in more clear and relevant terms.

To really be of value in this he will need your help. Your questions and comments will help fuel his critical thinking and focus his research and consideration on those areas of greatest interest in the field. We hope you enjoy reading his posts and over the next month we will each come to understand a little better just what modernization means for our service.

A Conversation with Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner George DaPont

A Conversation with Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner George DaPont
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

On Thursday we traveled to Quebec City for the Annual US/Canada Coast Guard Summit. This meeting was started in 2005. We hosted the last meeting in Seattle in 2008.

This forum is an excellent way to exchange information and coordinated our respective efforts. My good friend George DaPont has been an excellent partner for the last three years and have been able to address a broad range of issues that impact both organizations. The photo posted here was taken while we were having a discussion aboard the Canadian Icebreaker Des Groseilliers which is schedule to depart 2 July for their summer Arctic deployment. The officers and crew hosted an opening reception on board and we thank them for their hospitality.

The summit was held at the historic Chateau Frontenac which is in the old walled portion of Quebec City. This is a marvelous city to visit and we will post more photos on FLICKR.

The agenda included the following:

1. A visit to the Regional Command Center located on the Coast Guard Base in Quebec. Their center is very similar to our operations in New York and Puget Sound where we have combined our Sector Command Centers with the Vessel Traffic Center. The Canadian system for managing their portion of the St Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes is impressive. We received a in depth briefing on waterway management and learned a great deal.

2. We received a joint briefing from RDML Pete Neffinger (D9) and Assistant Commissioner Wade Spurrell (Central and Arctic Region) on bilateral cooperation. The briefing included our joint shiprider program, management of icebreaking assets, and search and rescue.

3. We had a general discussion on a variety of topics including our participation in the North Pacific and North Atlantic Coast Guard Fora, the revision to our existing Search and Rescue MOU, and LORAN C.

4. We signed a MOU on Cooperation in Ship Design and Construction that will allow us to exchange information and best practices on issues such as ice breaker design.

5. The Canadians provided an overview of our Data Exchange Agreement regarding Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT).

6. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police provided a briefing on their Great Lakes Maritime Security Operations Center and their Great Lakes Maritime Security Enforcement Teams.

7. Transport Canada discussed the role of Canada's Interdepartmental Maritime Security Working Group, resumption of trade planning, small vessel security, and reciprocity issues on security clearances.

8. Bud Mercer, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the Integrated Security Unit for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver gave an excellent brief that included the maritime aspects of the event.

9. At the close of the meeting I was pleased to present Commissioner DaPont with the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award, well deserved recognition for his leadership and partnering for the last three years.

These are extraordinarily useful meetings that have significantly improved our respective organizations and we thank our Canadian friends for their excellent hospitality.

ADM A

All Hands: GALLATIN/DALLAS in drydock in Charleston

All Hands: GALLATIN/DALLAS in drydock in Charleston
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

After departing EAGLE last Thursday, I visited both DALLAS and GALLATIN. Both vessels are drydocked together in the same graving dock at Detyens Shipyard (former Charleston Naval Shipyard). I walked through both vessels and met with the COs, followed by an all hands on the dock below the vessels.

This is a tough availability for the crews who are working long hours, standing fire watches, and carrying out unit level work lists. A significant issue has been heat and portable air conditioning units have been installed to lower temperatures.

I visited the spaces on GALLATIN that were damaged in the recent fire. Our MISHAP team is on scene.

I stressed in my remarks to the crews that I appreciated their hard work and the terrific effort being expended to get these cutters back to sea.

We will continue to press for funding for the cutter fleet, as we move forward to deliver the National Security Cutters and begin the design of the Offshore Patrol Cutter.

Again, my thanks to the crews for the outstanding work they are doing,

ADM A

Charleston: EAGLE All Hands

Charleston: EAGLE All Hands
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates

We were up early last Thursday and underway on a Station Charleston 41' UTB enroute EAGLE laying at anchor near Fort Sumter.

After arrival honors and a quick conversation with outgoing CO CAPT Chris Sinnett and incoming CO Eric Jones we held an All Hands with the crew and embarked cadets. The questions were wide ranging ... career opportunities for our new officers, the new law enforcement rating, and intelligence as a career field.

I also had the opportunity to meet our many partners from the ports of Charleston and Savannah. It was great to see our old friends from my days as the Seventh District Commander. RADM Steve Branham and the Seventh District Team (hat's off to CAPT Bob Grant) did a terrific job; as did CAPT Mike McAllister and the Sector Charleston Team.

EAGLE continues to be our pride and carrying the message that mission effectiveness at sea requires leadership skills acquired on deck ... handling lines, giving commands, and watching out for each other.

ADM A

USCGC ANDRSCOGGIN (WHEC 68) Reunion

DSC00319.JPG
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

On Wednesday evening I attended the annual reunion of the USCGC ANDROSCOGGIN (WHEC 68) in Charleston, SC. I was joined by CAPT Bob Wagner, CO USCGC DALLAS.

I reported to the ANDY in July 1971 as a brand new ensign and was assigned as Gunnery Officer, Assistant First Lieutenant, and Oceanographic Officer (ocean station mission). I was transfered in 1973 to the Rescue Coordination Center in San Juan, Greater Antilles Section.

This reunion started a little over five years ago to celebrate the ANDY's Vietnam deployment in 1967-68 (see: www.fishing-boating.com/androscoggin/). They have since expanded the event to include those of us who did not make the deployment.

This year's reunion was particularly poignant because in this last year we lost RADM Bill Stewart, the CO during the deployment. Bill Stewart has been a friend and mentor to me since I was a LTJG in 1974 (after a short tour in GANTSEC) and assigned to LORAN Station Lampang, Thailand. "Then" CAPT Stewart was the Chief of Operations in the Fourteenth District. We were thrilled and pleased that Paulette Stewart, his widow could join us. Her remarks of gratitude hushed the crowd.

It was clear from the remarks that evening that Bill Stewart was a remarkable CO who still evokes respect and admiration from his 67-68 crew. From naval gunfire support to land combat operations to interdictions at sea (and some liberty in Subic Bay), they hung together and completed the deployment without a major casualty or injury.

Bill Stewart's spirit was with us and I was proud to be with CAPT Bob Wagner who guided DALLAS through a superior out of hemisphere deployment last year, including the delivery of relief supplies to Bitumi, Georgia.

I received an unusual gift from the group. A plaque with a ship's patch and a fire ax.

The gift was symbolic of an event that occurred in the fall of 1971 in the Coast Guard Yard when a fire broke out in lower crew berthing (aka the Snake Pit). I was trapped with four other crewmen by the smoke and flames several decks above as the fire vented through the air castle. As we were nearly out of oxygen we cut away the insulation on the bulkhead and used the emergency destruction ax in the Radio Room to pound SOS. We were lucky, a crewman on the pier heard the beating and advised the Engineering Officer who himself donned an Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA) an led our rescue. The EO was/is retired LCDR Oscar Poppe, a mustang Boiler Technician and someone I owe my life to.

Definitely a memorable evening.

Thanks ANDY Crew, thanks Paulette Stewart, thanks Oscar Poppe (living well in Texas), and, above all, thanks Bill Stewart.

ADM A

Meeting with Former Commandants/Vice Commandants

Former Commandant's/Vice Commandant's
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

Catching up on the events of this week.

We were pleased and honored that many of the former Commandants and Vice Commandants (and their spouses) were able to join us this week to renew acquaintances and to discuss where the Service is headed.

I provided an overview of the current transition with the new DHS team and discussed Modernization in the context of the new threat environment that we operate in.

Mike Tangora of our Acquisition Directorate gave an excellent presentation of our many programs and the considerable progress that has been made to establish a new acquisition enterprise in the Coast Guard.

RADM Keith Taylor briefed on the execution of our FY 2009 budget and the current House and Senate marks for our FY 2010 appropriation.

RADM Brian Salerno gave an operational overview and discussed our effort to create a global governance modal to combat piracy.

A recurring theme was the maturation of our acquisition organization and the recapitalization requirements we face.

I answered several questions regarding the status of our Polar Icebreaking Fleet and the current maintenance effort on the POLAR STAR.

We thank our past leaders for participating in this event and the frank and insightful discussions that took place.

ADM A

First Modernized Coast Guard Command Fully Stands Up

Guest Post from CAPT Beth Pepper, Commanding Officer, CG Legal Service Command

The Legal Service Command, comprised of 70 attorneys, paralegals, interns and support staff located in 3 offices across the country, reached full operating capability on Sunday, 21 June. After discussions with the American Federation of Government Employees union, the LSC became the first of the Coast Guard modernized commands to achieve that goal. The LSC is a combination of both MLC legal offices, minus the attorneys and staff who became the dedicated legal staffs of D5, D11 and both Areas. In addition to the LSC offices in Norfolk and Alameda, the LSC also has two attorneys assigned in Arlington, imbedded with the Personnel Service Center.

The LSC is the first command devoted solely to the delivery of legal services in the Coast Guard and reports directly to the Judge Advocate General and Deputy. Its primary clients are the new DCMS Logistics & Service Centers. The LSC allows greater flexibility in responding to contingency operations, provides a single command for specialized legal expertise for the field and provides one-stop shopping for the DCMS field commands. The LSC is also one of the primary on-the-job training commands for new lawyers in the Coast Guard (both funded and direct commission), with 25 first-tour Judge Advocates among its ranks.

The commissioning ceremony for the LSC was held on 23 April at ISC Portsmouth. At that time, only the LSC?s command cadre and military justice branches were in place. After completion of discussions with AFGE, who provided input and advice concerning their represented employees, earlier this month, the LSC got the green light to completely stand up. As a result of a lot of hard work, the LSC is proudly providing full legal support for the entire Coast Guard!

For more information about legal support, see ALCOAST 376/09
/ALCOAST.Legal%20Service%20Command.pdf.

SITREP

Shipmates,

There were several significant events this week that I wanted to share with you. I will be posting on each over the next several days.

1. On Tuesday evening I hosted a reception for former Commandants and Vice Commandants followed by a series of briefings and discussions on Wednesday on current events including Modernization, the transition of Administrations, Coast Guard Acquisition, Current Operations, and the FY 2009 and 2010 budgets.

2. On Wednesday evening I traveled to Charleston, SC and attended the reunion of the USCGC ANDROSCOGGIN (WHEC 68), my first unit.

3. On Thursday morning I rode a Station Charleston 41-foot UTB out to USCGC EAGLE in Charleston Harbor near Fort Sumter. I held an All Hands with the crew and cadets and met local dignitaries who were embarked for Charleston's Harbor Fest.

4. Later that day I toured both GALLATIN and DALLAS undergoing repairs in the same dry dock. I met with both COs and addessed both crews. I also met with the management of Detyens shipyard.

5. We departed Charleston and proceeded to Quebec, Canada for the 5th US/Canada Coast Guard Summit where we discussed a wide range of mutual issues.

As we continue to face our daily challenges we continue to grieve the loss of our shipmate, Jim Sloan, and think of his family.

ADM A

Mr. James Sloan

It is with deep regret that I notify you of Mr. James Sloan's death on 24 June /Mr.%20Sloan%20ALCOAST.pdf. Mr. Sloan served as the Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Investigations (CG-2) from November 2003 until his retirement on 27 February 2009.

Jim had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. While his body finally succumbed to this devastating illness, his spirit never wavered. He is survived by his wife Cindy and son Owen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family during this difficult time.

Mr. Sloan led an incredible life and was sincerely committed to public service. From his time in the U.S. Army, as a police officer and investigator, a Secret Service assistant director charged with the protection of the President and other high-level government officials, director of financial crimes for the U.S. Treasury Department, to being a Coast Guard Assistant Commandant, Mr. Sloan was the epitome of professionalism. In addition to his major contributions to our Nation's safety and security, Mr. Sloan was a true leader and mentor who inspired those around him.

Mr. Sloan will be sorely missed but we will honor his memory by continuing to serve in a way that he would be proud of - with dignity, commitment, and an unyielding dedication to our shipmates. Fair winds Jim.

Coast Guard Auxiliary's 70th Anniversary

Coast Guard Auxiliary's 70th Anniversary
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

On Tuesday we celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. They are a remarkable organization, and I thank them for their outstanding service, as outlined in this message. For the past decade, Coast Guard Auxiliary efforts have accounted for more than 3,100 lives saved, assistance to more than 91,000 boaters in distress, the prevention of the loss of more than $437 million in property and the education of more than 1.6 million boaters through boating safety courses, in addition to the many other services the Auxiliary provides. Coast Guard Auxiliarists accomplished these feats by volunteering more than 36 million hours of their time.
For their service the Coast Guard Auxiliary received a Unit Commendation medal today. National Commodore Nick Kerigan accepted on behalf of these great citizens!

ADM A

Commandant's Guidance to Promotion Year 2010 Officer Selection Boards and Panels

Shipmates,

There is a lot of talk on our mess decks, bridge wings, hangar decks, and other gathering places regarding the selection of officers for promotion. I annually provide guidance to promotion boards to highlight service challenges an to describe the types of officers we need to lead our Service. This guidance is available on line, but I thought I would post it in this blog to give it wider visibility (/PY10%20CCG%20Guidance.pdf). This guidance covers Promotion Year 2010 boards that will convene in the next few weeks. All officers, active and reserve, must read this guidance but I encourage our enlisted and civilian members to also read it so they understand my expectations.

This is an incredibly exciting time to be in the Coast Guard because the demand for our services has never been greater. We provide a tremendous value to the Nation and the international maritime community. Our Service needs leaders who can sense the need for change, capitalize on opportunities to improve our mission execution or support processes, and manage risk while adhering to our Core Values.

We ask a lot of our leaders. We have to because the stakes are incredibly high. The missions we perform on a daily basis save lives, maintain a safe and effective marine transportation system, guard our borders, protect the environment, safeguard our natural resources, and defend our Nation from those who wish us harm. All of our officers must be able to:

+ Continually Reinforce our Core Values: Integrity and transparency are essential.
+ Think Innovatively and Act with Conviction: Leaders must be able to assess situations, determine risk, develop plans, and take swift, coordinated action.
+ Be Capable of Operating in a Dynamic Environment: The ability to detect an evolving situation which requires change and then implement flexible solutions are critical characteristics.
+ Embrace Partnerships and Unity of Effort: The maritime challenges of the 21st century are beyond any one agency's ability to resolve so we must develop effective partnerships across the public, private, and international spectrum to achieve results.
+ Build the Future Workforce: Leaders must foster a well-trained, educated, and diverse workforce. Our people are our most important asset and our leaders are charged to create an environment where each person can ascend to their full potential.
+ Carry-out the Commandant's Strategic Intent: Selected officers must be our best leaders and managers. They must inspire people to execute my Strategic Intent: Mission Execution, People, Platforms, and Support.

Officers must be lifelong learners to grow personally and professionally. Our junior officers (O1-O4) must develop the specialty, technical, and operational expertise to contribute to the Service at higher levels. At the O5-O6 level, we expect our officers to have the leadership skills, professional knowledge, and external awareness to optimize their people's performance during the accomplishment of the Service's goals. Flag officers and our senior Captains are expected to have a broad understanding of the Service's major challenges, opportunities, and risks while advancing the Coast Guard's goals.

Through their courage and commitment, our men and women enable us to be America's Maritime Guardian. However, we must continually evolve, while maintaining a true bearing on our Core Values, in order to meet future challenges. One of the best things I can leave behind after my tenure as Commandant is a more adaptable and change-centric workforce. This guidance is one of the ways I can do that.

ADM A

Ocean Policy Task Force

On Friday, June 12, President Obama signed a memorandum directing the establishment of an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. The President charged this Task Force with developing recommendations for a national policy for the oceans, our coasts, and the Great Lakes, improved policy coordination, and a framework for coastal and marine spatial planning. On the same date, the President issued a Proclamation for National Oceans Month, 2009. In that Proclamation, the President called for a "more integrated and comprehensive approach to developing a national ocean policy," that will "incorporate ecosystem-based science and management and emphasize our public stewardship responsibilities." He promised that his Administration would "develop a systematic marine spatial planning framework for the conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources."

The President designated the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to chair the Task Force. The other members of the Task Force are to be "senior-level policy officials represented on the existing Committee on Ocean Policy." DHS has asked that the Coast Guard take the lead for DHS on the Task Force and participate in its work and I attended the Task Force's first meeting this morning.

The Coast Guard has a rich legacy as a multi-mission maritime service. For over two centuries, we have safeguarded our citizens, secured our maritime borders, and served as a responsible steward of the oceans, coastal areas, and Great Lakes. In addition, as the principle Federal maritime law enforcement agency, the Coast Guard currently enforces many laws that implement existing ocean governance frameworks and that safeguard our oceans and their marine resources.

The Coast Guard has a vision and strategy for maritime safety, security, and stewardship now and into the future. Among our strategic priorities are strengthening regimes in the U.S. maritime domain, and increasing our awareness of activities in that domain.

The new ocean policy initiative aligns very well with our strategic imperatives and our view of how the Nation should be going forward to better protect its oceans and resources.

Ours is a maritime and coastal nation that relies on oceans, coastal areas, the Great Lakes, and other waterways to connect us with the global supply chain, feed us, supply energy, provide recreation, and buffer us from harm.

The Coast Guard will continue to work with the Congress, our interagency partners, and our regional, state, local, private, and international partners to carry out its strategic vision. We look forward to participating in the Task Force as it will determine the Nation's ocean priorities, which will impact Coast Guard strategy implementation and resource priorities.

The Coast Guard also recognizes that maritime governance can be improved, including at the international, regional, state, and local level, and very much supports that effort. I will keep you informed as we proceed with this important effort.

ADM A

Civil Rights and Diversity Hearing

Today, we had the opportunity to update Congress on how we continue to improve the Coast Guards Civil Rights and Diversity programs. The discussion centered around forward progress on the Coast Guard?s civil rights initiatives and the civil rights program realignment.

Yesterday, we announced our intention to deliver civil rights services through a centrally-managed structure by full-time, professionally trained specialists working out of three regional detachments that report directly to the Office of Civil Rights.

Workplace diversity for both civilian and uniformed personnel remains a top priority for the Coast Guard. While we outpace all other military services in the recruitment of women to our Coast Guard Academy and enlisted recruitment has improved significantly, stronger minority representation at all officer levels needs closer attention. Coast Guard Academy minority recruitment efforts will remain a top priority for us. We have received some innovative ideas from the U.S. Naval Academy Dean of Admissions, Mr. Stephen Latta, which we will embrace.

Written Testimony:

VADM Clifford Pearson's written testimony
Ms. Terri Dickerson's written testimony

Logistics Information Management System (CG-LIMS) Update

Guest post from CDR Dan Taylor, Project Manager (CG-9334) and Mr. Jim Sylvester, Sponsors Representative (CG-442)

The Coast Guard Logistics Information Management System (CG-LIMS) is a critical enabler of the Coast Guards logistics modernization strategy. While several logistics systems are currently used in the Coast Guard, the Asset Logistics Management Information System (ALMIS) has been identified as the one most closely suited for todays processes, but it is not the modern information technology (IT) capability we will need for future assets and mission support objectives. We will need everything ALMIS can do, and more, to continue to fully and successfully support operational units. We need a configuration management based, maintenance driven supply chain, which is managed with complete visibility across the enterprise.

The aviation community is effectively using a supply chain that is statistically linked to maintenance. That means doing analysis of actual data to predict inventory demand. This is a sound practice that must continue. However, we want to go a step further to include a direct link between maintenance and supply. The current market has tools that trigger inventory procurement with direct shipments based on the location of a completed maintenance procedure. This is one example of a capability that industry is using today and must be part of the Coast Guards system going forward.

Before implementing modern IT tools, we must document requirements like when and where direct shipments occur and how financial integration must occur to account for both the procurement and the inventory valuation. Technologies such as handheld PDAs at the workbench, or three dimensional technical drawings displayed on computer screens, are already available on the market. However, before we invest in the latest technologies, we must ensure that we have a Concept of Operations (CONOP) for how our workforce will use them, along with documented processes and requirements that the technology will support. This is the systematic approach we have used to date (which is supported by many GAO reports), and will continue to use in the acquisition of all logistics IT capabilities.

Our first step to successfully modernize the legacy logistics systems is to document both desired processes and requirements. To identify those requirements, we chartered a CG-LIMS Integrated Product Team (IPT) made up of government subject matter experts from various disciplines throughout the Coast Guard. After months of intense work, the IPT developed a Mission Needs Statement and a preliminary Operational Requirements Document (ORD). A second IPT has been chartered to document a CONOP and develop a full ORD.

We will not change the high level fundamental processes of the aviation business model. The model was chosen for its success in achieving measurable performance outcomes with low variability and its alignment with industry standards. However, we will change lower level processes that can be implemented more efficiently in modern, integrated tools. Ultimately it will consolidate our disparate logistics systems into a common suite of IT tools used by all C4ISR systems, cutters, aircraft, and shore facilities to support common processes. Redundant data entry and manual interface processes in our existing IT processes, which introduce risk to data integrity and slow down the availability of timely and accurate data, simply must be improved.

CG-LIMS is in the earliest stages of the acquisition process. This new capability will be delivered in small increments to reduce implementation risk and operational impact. We will start by replacing the Asset Computerized Management System (ACMS) portion of ALMIS, which manages configuration and maintenance. We will select a tool that can immediately integrate with the Electronic Asset Logbook and with the transformed financial system in the future. This will form the foundation we will build on in future segments, which will either bring additional capability or deploy the system to more product lines.

We will bring in the supply and inventory portions of ALMIS, which will achieve total asset visibility in a tool that is scalable to the enterprise. When we bring in the remaining technical information management requirements, we will have an integrated system that gives the Product Line Managers visibility to manage the entire product line with modern tools in a consistent way across all product lines.

We will continue to report updates on our transformation from all perspectives as we move down this road together. We look forward to working with you and incorporating your feedback into our efforts.

Business Executives for National Security

Shipmates,

Yesterday I spoke to the Business Executives for National Security (BENS).
BENS, a nationwide, non-partisan organization, is the primary channel through which senior business executives can help enhance the nation's security. BENS members use their business experience to drive our agenda, deliver our message to decision makers and make certain that the changes we propose are put into practice. BENS has only one special interest: to help make America safe and secure.



This is the second time I've spoken to this group. The first even was a discussion of the federal response to Hurricane Katrina back in 2006. The topics covered yesterday included Coast Guard Modernization, Piracy, the emerging Arctic, the current status of Deepwater, and post 9/11 progress in port security.



This is a good group and we thank them for their service.



ADM A

Vietnamese Delegation Visit

Vietnamese Delegation Visit
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

Last week we were visited by a delegation of Vietnamese military leaders. The delegation was led by General Khue Tran, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Ministry of Defense. He was accompanied by other seniors leaders representing the Search and Rescue Command, Navy, and Marine Police.

At the request of the Pacific Command, we are partnering with Vietnam in the areas of Search and Rescue and Maritime Law Enforcement. The delegation visited our Search and Rescue in Yorktown as part of the trip in addition to a stop in Honolulu enroute where they were briefed by our Fourteenth District staff and PACOM.

The Coast Guard continues to provide unique Theater Security Cooperation assistance to our Combatant Commanders.

ADM A

RSS Feature in Image 6.0

Guest Post from CAPT Marshall Lytle , Acting CG-6/CIO

On Thursday, June 4th, the C4IT Service Center deployed a series of computer security setting updates associated with Image 6.0. Updates like these are issued periodically by DISA and commercial software providers to address vulnerabilities or risks. Compliance with the updates is required in order for the Coast Guard to maintain its network accreditation with the Department of Defense. One of the modifications contained in this update required us to disable RSS or "Really Simple Syndication" feeds in Outlook2007. This means that those of us who subscribe to RSS feeds from blogs or other news sources, will not be able to receive them via the Outlook2007 RSS feed reader.

Why did RSS feeds have to be shut off? What was the risk? These feeds come to us in a format that allows attachments, graphics and links that can contain code and other malicious actions that are invisible to the user. This is called by the IT security world an "Attack Vector"; an avenue where the bad guys can gain access and take advantage of our information and people through our networks. While we certainly want to be able to work smarter, we also need to provide a safe place to work as well.

This unfortunate action restricts our ability to fully exercise and exploit one of the benefits of Web 2.0 capabilities that I believe is so important to our organization; important because it provides a collaborative and transparent environment for us to better perform our jobs and keep abreast of what's happening. A key aspect of our new CG Portal and Image 6.0 combination is the ability to stay up to date on CG information via RSS.

Although we have complied, I have asked the C4IT Service Center to aggressively pursue several avenues for secure reinstatement of RSS feed capability, as well as looking at alternative methods to deliver these types of feeds.

For more information on RSS feeds.

Penny Collins, Fleet Reserve Association, Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast

Penny Collins, Fleet Reserve Association, Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

I published a post on 3 June regarding the Fleet Reserve Association and their terrific support for the Coast Guard, including the Annual Congressional Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast. Last week the FRA also supported the Enlisted Person of the Year and Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year. We thank Joe Barnes the National Executive Director for his support.

I will ask Master Chief Bowen and our Compass folks to spotlight other military service organizations that support our people in upcoming posts.

I did want to post this picture of Penny Collins who is the FRA Director for Member Development and a Coast Guard Reservist. Thanks Penny!

ADM A

Budget Hearing -- CHS Border, Maritime, Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee

Today I testified to the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism along with my DHS partners from CBP and ICE.

You can read Chairman Bennie Thompson's statement supporting our recapitalization needs.

Hearing highlights (via twitter @iCommandantUSCG):

Chmn Sanchez open rmks discuss SW Border, as well as maritime "Third Border"

Opening rmks: Modernization is priority http://ow.ly/duP4, MTS is vital and growing http://ow.ly/duHP, More Marine Safety Inspectors

Open rmks cont. - Biometrics http://ow.ly/duJ3, CD ops in south. approach http://ow.ly/duJI, Recapitalization http://ow.ly/duMf

Apprec. passage of DTVIA to counter Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible threat. http://ow.ly/dwe4 Up to third prosecution.

Rep. Souder: Deepwater. If your vsls are always getting repairs, cant go far enough, cant get their fast enough, cant do the mission.

Level of intl/IA coop & intel fusion in CD ops in the southern approaches is highest in my career http://ow.ly/dwwc

Coast Guard Diversity Roundtable

Diversity Roundtable Participants
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

On May 29th, we held a Diversity Roundtable at CG Headquarters. The theme for this first of its kind event was "Championing Leadership Diversity". We brought together national leaders from the private sector, including Chief Executives and members of corporate Boards of Directors, to share their insights on their own diversity initiatives. We successfully gathered their best practices and discussed how we could implement similar procedures in the Coast Guard.

The attendees included from left to right: Workforce Policy Advisor Ms. Portia Davidson (CG-12), Mr. Curtis Odom (CG-12), RADM Jody Breckenridge (CG-1), CAPT Robert Stohlman (CG-12B), Ms. Maria Morukian (Executive Director of National Multicultural Institute), Ms. Grace Rivera-Oven (Host of Maryland Cable TV Show "Week in Review"), Ms. Harriet Mayor Fulbright (President of Fulbright Center), Ms. Catherine Smith (President of National Diversity Best Practices), Mr. John Palguta (National Partnerships for Public Service), Ms. Lynn Gardner-Heffron (President of Diversity Spectrum Corporation), Ms. Cristina Caballero (President of Dialogue on Diversity), VADM Crea, and RADM Ronald Hewitt (incoming CG-1).

The roundtable participants emphasized diversity as part of recruiting and retention programs. That validated some of our previous efforts and we are starting to see positive results. The Coast Guard Academy's Class of 2013 is close to being finalized with 285 applicants having accepted appointment offers out of a total entering class size of 290. As of June 9, the Class of 2013 reflects a total minority population of 15.4 percent, more than a 35 percent increase over last year. We're continuing to show a very strong female enrollment rate as the class of 2013 is projected to contain 29 percent women, higher than any other service academy by a wide margin.

I am committed to developing a diverse workforce because it will help our Service become more flexible, adaptable and prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Diversity - in terms of different ethnicities, genders, cultures, experiences, professional backgrounds, and specialties - is an operational necessity and a critical component of our future organizational success.

USCG receives a visit from the Defense Minister of Norway - Anne-Grethe Stroem-Erichsen

USCG receives a visit from the Defense Minister of Norway - Anne-Grethe Stroem-Erichsen
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates

Last week we had a very constructive conversation with Norwegian
Defense Minister Anne Grether Stroem-Erichsen. Norway is a strong supporter of the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum which has been in existence for 3 three years. We share common issues related to living marine resources, offshore oil and gas production, Arctic presence and icebreaking, and search and rescue. Our next meeting of the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum will be in Iceland this fall.

ADM A

Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Maritime Ops

Arctic Photos
Originally uploaded by icommandant

I spoke today at the Symposium on the Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval and Maritime Operations

Here are the highlights from my remarks via twitter (@iCommandantUSCG):

Hopeful that we will ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty.

More water = more CG responsibility - safety - security - environmental protection #Arctic

90 miles btwn US and Russia. We have a border to manage. #Arctic

Last 2 years we have been testing Arctic operating capabilities. #Arctic

If a vsls draft is more than 22 ft, last place to fuel is Kodiak #Arctic

Input fm indigenous people imperative in Arctic ops - 13 Native regional & 200 village corporations #Arctic

2 things keep me awake. Small vsl security and Arctic shipping accident we can't get to. #Arctic

Arctic op lessons learned: insuff. Infrastruc.; poor comms; ineffect. short range of helos/boats; req icebreaker/hardened vsls #Arctic

I cant conceive of a maj response oper in Arctic not req. use of private infra. #Arctic

A copy of the presentation slides is here: /Arctic%20Symposium.pps

Related posts:

New Presidential Arctic Region Policy

UNCLOS

Updated: SWB and the Southern Approaches -- Two Complementary Efforts

Update: This blog post caught Wired's attention and was a point of focus at our budget hearing

On Monday of this week I traveled to Key West with ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske. We visited Joint Interagency Task Force South to discuss detection and monitoring operations by this excellent interagency and multi-national team. Created in 1989 to provide unique Department of Defense capabilities in support of drug interdiction operations by federal law enforcement agencies JIATF South has become the "gold standard" for interagency cooperation and international partnerships. This is accomplished through a unique combination of information sharing, participation by a wide range of US agencies and international partners, and a continual focus on the power of intelligence to queue operations.

This visit was particularly timely. On Friday, Director Kerlikowske, along with DHS Secretary Napolitano and Attorney General Holder announced President Obama's strategy to stem the flow of illegal drugs and their illicit proceeds across the Southwest border and reduce associated crime and violence in the region. Both this new strategy and some of the challenges faced by JIATF-South were profiled in the Washington Post on Saturday. What the Post didn't do was connect these two efforts as supporting strategies, that when you combine their effects will reduce the flow of illegal narcotics, cash and weapons to and through Mexico, reducing the power and violence of the cartels.

Good luck to RADM Joe Nimmich as he departs JIATF South shortly to assume new duties as the First District Commander in Boston. Welcome to RADM Dan Lloyd who will arrrive shortly as the new Director. He has been instrumental in the stand up of the National Maritime Intelligence Center in Suitland, MD and was previously the Military Advisor to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

ADM A

New Zealand Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer meets

New Zealand Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer meets with Admiral Thad Allen
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Shipmates,

I recently attended a reception at the New Zealand Embassy and held discussions with Rear Admiral Jack Steer, Vice Chief of Defence, and Ambassador to the United States, Roy Ferguson. The U.S. Coast Guard and Royal New Zealand Forces share many common challenges and we enjoy a terrific working relationship.

The visit to the Embassy was unique in that it included a traditional greeting ceremony of the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. The "Po Whiri" ceremony is intended to ward off evil spirits and unite both visitor and host in an environment of friendship and peace.

The ceremony begins with the "Wero." This is a challenge to visitors or "Manuhiri" to make sure of their intentions. The term Wero literally means to cast a spear. As the Commandant and senior visitor I represented all visitors (Manuhiri) at the Wero.

During the Wero a warrior emerged from the Embassy and demonstrated his skill with the weapon (a spear). During the approach of the warrior his eyes remained fixed on me to determine whether my intentions were friendly and the Manuhiri came in peace. When the warrior drew within a spear length he placed an offering on the ground, the "Rautapu." My obligation was to pick up the offering without losing eye contact with the warrior and then advance into the building as he moved back.

Following the Wero I was greeted by the "Karanga" (a group of natives) where I was welcomed with the "hongi" (a traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses together).

The Po Whiri was followed by a delightful reception and discussion of common interests.  

During the reception the New Zealand government honored U.S. military members who responded when a New Zealand aircraft carrying tourists to Antarctica on a sightseeing flight flew into Mount Erebus (near McMurdo Sound) with the loss of all 257 persons on board in 1977.  The crash site was located by a US Navy aircraft and Navy personnel assisted in the recovery of remains, 44 were never identified.  11 American citizens were awarded the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Erebus).  

All in all, a unique and moving evening with great partners.

ADM A

2008 Combined Federal Campaign Results

CFC Campaign Team
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

Yesterday I was graciously presented with a plaque by the National Capital Area's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for serving as the Honorary Chairperson for the third consecutive year.

While I appreciate the sentiment, it is really all of you contributors who deserve the accolades. Despite these challenging economic times you selflessly demonstrated your concern for the welfare of others by donating a record amount. This year, NCA Federal Employees gave more than $62 MILLION dollars to the CFC.

Equally impressive were the results of our Guardians here in the capital region. The Coast Guard's 2008 campaign resulted in donations of $750,000, $230,000 over the goal. The Coast Guard's organizing team was recognized with personal awards for the core members and a Meritorious Team Commendation for the entire group

Thanks to those of you throughout the Service that give to CFC, support our Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, and participate in the Savings Bond program

BZ

ADM A

"The Coast Guard provides the best bang for the buck"

Congressman Coble at the Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast sponsored by Fleet Reserve Association
Originally uploaded by uscgpress

This morning I spoke at the Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast on Capital Hill. This event was sponsored by our good friends at the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) who do so much to support the men and women of the Sea Services. The Coast Guard Caucus is comprised of 95 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are keenly interested in the work that we provide to the Nation./Coast%20Guard%20Caucus.pdf Congressmen Howard Coble from North Carolina, Gene Taylor of Mississippi, and Joe Courtney of Connecticut attended the breakfast.

It was a great opportunity for me to thank the FRA for their efforts and to discuss the challenges and opportunities the Coast Guard is facing in the coming year.

Master Chief Bowen and Master Chief Isherwood, along with several of the Rating Force Master Chiefs (11 MCPO's in all) attended the ceremony. Here is a picture of Congressman Coble along with this distinguished group of Master Chiefs.

Congressman Coble delivered the best line of the day when he said "The Coast Guard provides the best bang for the buck". That truly reflects the hard work and dedication that our Guardians put forth every day.

E-9 Enlisted Reviewer Update and Perspectives

Shipmates

In one of our earliest blogs we featured an interview with MCPOCG Bowen on the significance of having an E-9 program reviewer.

Today, the first E-9 program reviewer published a guest post on Coast Guard All Hands discussing his experiences in that new position.

Since I was the Resource Director (1996-1999), I have worked to create a presence for the enlisted workforce in CG-82 (formerly G-CPA). It is critically important that we have a senior enlisted perspective as create strategies, develop budgets, and defend our requests for resources.

I have had the opportunity to talk with Master Chief Dykema and know we have the right person in the right job. I asked him to talk about his experience because it is important to create interest in our senior enlisted leaders to take on these types of assignments.

ADM A

Unit Profile -- Coast Guard Station Grand Isle, La.

Station Grand Isle
Originally uploaded by icommandant

Guest Post from LT James Bendle, Commanding Officer Station Grand Isle

The station was honored to host the Commandant May 22, so he could witness our hurricane Gustav and Ike reconstruction progress and impart some wisdom on current service initiatives.

I was invited to make a "guest post" and wanted to take this opportunity to raise unit visibility. Station Grand Isle is one of the three priority "4" small boat stations in the country. It is a true multi-mission station with considerable workload directed towards Search and Rescue, Ports and Waterways Coastal Security, and Law Enforcement missions. The station has recently partnered with U.S. Customs and Border protection for several successful surge operations, yielding multiple arrests and over $10K in illegal narcotic seizures. It is also one of busiest fisheries law enforcement units in the Eighth District. We are co-located with CGC STURGEON and work together during multi-agency pulse operations and law enforcement missions. High performing Boatswain Mates have the opportunity to earn their Deck Watch Officer qualification on the cutter, which makes them excellent candidates for high visibility afloat positions.

Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in the state of Louisiana. The town has been consistently ranked as one of the top fishing destinations in the country. The seafood is incredible; the waters teem with fresh oysters, shrimp, crabs, and crawfish. My crew spends liberty time catching fish, surfing, and playing paintball. The island remains a major Louisiana vacation spot, where the population swells from 1800 to 10,000 during the summer. The unit sits on 26 acres of prime gulf coast real estate with 24 housing units, a heated pool that is open year round, volleyball court, playground, and lighted basketball court. We have a fire pit for BBQ's and camp outs as well as paintball field. Grand Isle is quintessential small town America, a last hold out to the fast moving world of today.

It was an honor to host the 23rd Commandant of the Coast Guard -- the crew at Grand Isle remains:

SEMPER PARATUS