Striper finders not always keepers
The pre-dawn January morning was chilled with a light breeze while wisps of fog clung to the distant skylines of Portsmouth and Norfolk. The crew of Shearwater was underway for Operation Striper Swiper, a federal and state initiative to preserve the striped bass population in federal waters — three nautical miles out from the shore and beyond to 200 nautical miles.
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.
From seaman to commanding officer
Success is defined differently for everybody, but for one Coast Guardsman – who started his enlistment as a young, untested seaman recruit and is now the commanding officer of a small-boat station – success was constructed by a goal he set for himself when he was only two years into his career.
WWII Coast Guard Grumman Duck crash site located after 70 years
Today, the Defense Department’s Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command announced that an expedition team – comprised of U.S. Coast Guard servicemembers, scientists and explorers – has produced sufficient evidence that the crash site of the Grumman Duck has been found beneath the ice near Koge Bay, Greenland.
Shipmate of the Week – HS1 Brian Flor
If you’re looking for Alaskan adventure and gritty challenges, look no further than Coast Guard Cutter SPAR. Known as the “Aleutian Keeper,” the men and women aboard SPAR continuously brave every mission that comes their way – no easy feat while sailing the waters of the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea.
There is no short cut
The start of the spring semester began this week at the United States Coast Guard Academy, and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp traveled to the New London, Conn.-based institution to continue the tradition of delivering a leadership address to the corps of cadets.
Aloha to heavy weather training
Saying Aloha to the Pacific’s heavy seas, National Motor Lifeboat School’s instructors just finished two weeks of intensive search and rescue training off the coast of Hawaii. Lifesavers from throughout the Pacific gathered at Station Honolulu for a series of unique skill enhancement evolutions.
Announcing the 2012 Video of the Year
We’ve sifted through and tallied up your votes for the Coast Guard’s video of the year and you all left no doubt to what you love the most…being part of the action! From high surf off the Oregon coast to the intense training it takes to save lives, your favorite videos showcased the commitment Coast Guard men and women display on each and every mission.
Shipmate of the Week – Monsignor James Dorney
Like any soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman who takes a vow to serve, a military chaplain takes a different type of vow. A chaplain not only serves but ministers to military personnel and, in many cases, their families and civilians working with the military. Military chaplains are trained to serve any spiritual need, regardless of religious affiliation, and offer pastoral care and support their religious rights and needs.
Have you voted?… 2012 Video of the Year
By now we hope you have watched all of our Video of the Year nominees. But, if you haven’t, there’s still time! “Polls” close tomorrow so you can still have your voice heard in choosing the year’s most compelling Coast Guard video. To vote for the videos, like your favorite on the Coast Guard’s Facebook page or on the Coast Guard’s YouTube 2012 Videos of the Year playlist.
