The Long Blue Line (Fall 2022)

AN EMOTIONAL AND
HISTORIC MOMENT
INSPIRE
HONOR
In the days leading up to our Keel Laying Ceremony in August, I expected the long-awaited
day to stir up a lot of emotions. I was counting on experiencing sheer joy that together, we
had achieved this long-awaited milestone. And you know when a crowd of Coasties come
together, laughter always erupts as we recall the good times we’ve shared during our service
time and beyond it. The buzz of common excitement was a palpable feeling in the crowd of
over 500 that day in New London.
What I did not foresee were tears of joy. Now I know that some of us old Coasties feel
the need to keep a stiff upper lip, but I found myself, along with a few of my fellow board
members being overcome by strong sentiment thinking about just how long our Service has
been waiting for this opportunity. In fact, as Admiral Loy and I looked at each other at the
beginning of the ceremony, we smiled and gave an early confirmation that this was going to
be an emotional moment for us.
ENGAGE
Nobody that I served with joined the Coast Guard for recognition or accolades. We entered
this Service out of a sense of duty, a desire to serve others, a devotion to patriotic responsibility.
Sure, many of us were seeking adventure and to see the wider world, but we never expected
to be congratulated for it. This museum effort was never driven by a desire for personal glory,
it’s about all of us who call ourselves shipmates, and all of those who have come before us.
For those who were unable to join us, I can tell you firsthand that this ceremony did the Coast
Guard proud. Seeing Admiral Fagan preside over the Keel Laying and presented a welldeserved
Distinguished Public Service Award to our Chair and my dear friend, Susan Curtin,
was a humbling historic experience.
And now to see the images of construction underway on the New
London waterfront is stirring up another emotion. Pride. And this
is a good and righteous pride about all the hard work that’s
gotten us here. I am confident we will reach the finish line with
our campaign.
Semper Paratus!
Vince Patton, MCPOCG, USCG, Ret.
Chief of the Mess, National Coast Guard
Museum
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THE LONG BLUE LINE THE LONG BLUE LINE FALL 2022
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