A Bear of a sea story
Written by Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Frederick, Atlantic Area public affairs. Coast Guard Cutter Bear fittingly celebrated 30 years of commissioned service with a recent return to homeport after a successful eight-week patrol in the Caribbean Sea. Bear is the oldest [...]
Shipmate of the Week – Belinda Ellis
Situated along the Oregon coast, just off Highway 101, is the unassuming Siletz Moorage. People travel to Siletz Bay from all over for a day of fishing for Chinook salmon or crabbing; in fact, Siletz boasts “the best crabbing on the Oregon coast.” But due to the quick thinking of Belinda Ellis, one of the moorage managers, Siletz is now home to lifesavers.
The Coast Guard and the fight for cybersecurity
Cyberdefense is taking its rightful place at the forefront of the American military. In the 21st century, computers are the tip of the spear. The Coast Guard is doing its part to keep America safe.
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.
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.
Shipmate of the Week – DCC Dennis Amerson
Written by Lt. j.g. Stephen Henderson, Yard Facilities management department. The Coast Guard Yard, founded in 1899, is the Coast Guard’s only shipyard and is responsible for construction, repairs and renovations of the Coast Guard’s surface fleet and aids to [...]
Rising to the challenge: Low water on the Mississippi River
The rise and fall of river water levels is a constant, impacted by flooding and drought. It’s something those who work on or around the river contend with on a regular basis. This year, rivers throughout the Midwest region are experiencing record low water levels and natural relief through the winter may be minimal. As water levels drop, the channels in which ships and barges travel shrink in width and depth, creating difficulties for shipping commerce. The U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers and shipping industries are working together to adapt to the pressure of keeping the Mississippi River open for commerce and the public.
Shipmate of the Week – BM1 Eli North
The Coast Guard Cutter Greenbrier, homeported in Natchez, Miss., follows a star with strong leadership. This northern star guides the crew of the Greenbrier towards a safer tomorrow, and safe mission execution. Petty Officer 1st Class Eli North is the north star of the Greenbrier and has won the hearts of his crew in the one year he has spent as a deck supervisor.
The ice is coming! The ice is coming!
Like many places around the country, the cold season has arrived on the Great Lakes. Operational seasonality is an ongoing reality for all who call the region home, and Great Lakes crews are all preparing for the ice to come. Just as the summer months bring a busy schedule due to increased search and rescue and law enforcement cases, the winter brings a hectic schedule full of ice maintenance operations including search and rescue, ice-breaking and aids-to-navigation.
