Shipmate of the Week – SN Thomas Sconiers
When Seaman Thomas Sconiers, lead seaman aboard Coast Guard Cutter Washington, says he has been in the Coast Guard “all me bloomin’ life” he means it. His father, Thomas Sconiers Sr., is a chief warrant officer having risen through the ranks as an electronics technician. As a young boy, Sconiers lived in nearly every major Coast Guard town in the country, from Kodiak, Alaska, to Mobile, Ala.
More than 50 years of service & still going strong
There are many attributes that make the Coast Guard the organization it is today. From the officer and enlisted workforce, to civilian employees and volunteers, to veterans, they all work in tandem to create a well-oiled machine. However, every once in a while, someone stands apart from the rest due to their selflessness and dedication to not only the Coast Guard, but the community around them.
Coast Guard artist honors WWII vets
Coast Guard artist Chris Demarest has serious talent and has used his skills to share the service and sacrifice of service members with countless Americans.
Responding in the aftermath of a disaster: The Surge Capacity Force
The size and impact of Hurricane Sandy will be remembered for years to come and the significance of the storm will not be lost to the Coast Guard civilian volunteers who were part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Surge Capacity Force. Following Hurricane Katrina, a need was recognized for the federal government to be more responsive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Thus, the surge capacity force was created.
Astoria: An official Coast Guard City
Standing on the 17th Street Pier in Astoria, Ore., you’ll witness the ebb and flow of a bustling maritime community as fishermen prepare for the days catch and tug and pilot boats set out to safeguard commercial ships. But there’s a new addition to the pier in the form of a simple black granite slab. The monument is plain but what it stands for is a rich respect and partnership that has lasted for generations. Six words are etched in the granite to symbolize this respect – Astoria an official Coast Guard City.
Shipmate of the Week – AUX Bill Nelson
Written by Senior Chief Petty Officer Sarah B. Foster, Atlantic Area Public Affairs. Uncovering the mysteries of our nation’s past can shed light on historical events, along with providing insight on how our past shaped our future. As our nation [...]
Life of a service dog: Can dogs really fly?
As I grow up I am beginning to learn more about what it takes to be a service dog. A good service dog has to be healthy, happy, confident and steady. Oh, and did I say smart? All of these traits are also traits many Coast Guardsmen have. Just as in their training, I am provided all sorts of experiences so I can be prepared. I’d like to think I am “always ready” just like they are!
Taking care of our own
Hurricane Sandy was a storm of historic proportions making landfall along the densely populated Northeast coast, destroying property and leaving behind unprecedented damage. Coast Guardsmen, so familiar with the role of rescuer, were now part of the population who needed help. Just like the surrounding community, Coast Guard buildings and assets were significantly damaged and hundreds of Coast Guard members and their families were forced to evacuate from their homes and workplace. Members and families needed help in finding adequate housing, filing insurance claims and working to return their lives to normal.
ICE: Intelligence, clothing, equipment
Many recreational boaters in colder parts of the country have put their boats away until spring, but scores of boaters still rely on their vessels for hunting, fishing and transportation. Once familiar lakes or rivers can freeze over and become unpredictable and dangerous. Ice is an ever-changing surface, and the fluctuating weather conditions affect the ice’s stability.
Adm. Papp discusses cutter topics at Surface Navy Association’s Symposium
Addressing a crowd, including both Coast Guard cuttermen and Navy surface warfare officers, the Commandant described how maritime countries have shown an increasing emphasis on a “maritime governance” approach using law enforcement authorities in contrast to the traditional Mahanian “control of the sea” approach to ensure safety, security and prosperity.
