NCGMA Newsletter 2023 SPRING

SPRING 2023
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Phase One is Done
Exhibits: Protectors of the
Environment
Revenue Cutter ARGUS
Promenade
Paratus Passage made
possible by Coast Guard
Senior Leadership
STORIES
THAT
MATTER
SPRING 2023
PAGE 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT:
NO HERO STANDS ALONE
The United States Coast Guard has played a vital role in protecting our Country for
over two centuries. Unique to this military branch, the Coast Guard’s missions stretch
across a wide gamut—from ensuring maritime safety to protecting the environment—
from combating drug traffi cking to participating in scientifi c research—from
maintaining safe and navigable intercoastal waterways to counterterrorism. With
its incredible longevity and broad purview come incredible stories. Stories that have
indelibly shaped, and continue to shape, the history of our Nation. And at the heart
of those stories are its people.
PHASE
ONE IS
DONE
Once the 80,000 sq. ft. museum is built and the public is traversing its doors,
many Coast Guard heroes will be showcased—those men and women who have
blazed the trails, risked their lives and sacrificed, charted new courses into unknown
territories, and have unquestionably helped mold the world we live in today. But no
military museum, regardless of its size, could ever completely encapsulate the true
impact of ALL the men and women who have served.
These humble heroes come in many forms—as seaman and admirals, mentors and
leaders, friends and colleagues, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters—those
who have worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of those around
them. They are the inspirational, driving force behind monumental achievements.
They all have modestly embodied the Coast Guard Core Values of Honor, Respect,
and Devotion to Duty!
The National Coast Guard Museum Association is proud to announce the start
of our Paver Program, giving you, our readership, the first opportunity to put your
name, or that of a loved one, on a paver at the National Coast Guard Museum. The
pavers will be part of the Revenue Cutter ARGUS Promenade, named after one of
the original 10 Revenue Cutters that was homeported only yards from the Museum
location. The Promenade will adorn the Thames River and will run alongside the
museum. These pavers will be a meaningful way to preserve a legacy, and the
names to be etched in stone will serve as a reminder of the truly collaborative force
that forms the framework of today’s Coast Guard. Every paver will have a story, and
every story will have helped in bringing this museum to life. For more information
on the Museum’s living archive, see page 8. Our team is ready to help when you
are ready to carve your mark in Coast Guard history.
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President
National Coast Guard Museum Association
MUSEUM
CONSTRUCTION
UPDATE
On a cool, bright mid-April day, concrete
finishers from McCarthy Concrete buffed out the
last segments of the newly poured concrete pile
cap and curb at the site of the National Coast
Guard Museum, officially completing bulkhead
and fi ll. The Museum Association is proud to
declare that PHASE ONE CONSTRUCTION
IS COMPLETE!
Now that this initial phase of construction
is fi nished, we are preparing for vertical
construction. But before erecting a maritime
themed Coast Guard museum on this
picturesque waterfront site, modifi cations to
the existing parcel of land were required,
which included a bulkhead and fill. A
bulkhead is an erosion resistant wall built
along a coastal edge. Once installed, a
bulkhead creates a void between the existing
land and the water’s edge. The fill is what goes
into that void—reclaiming land. Summing
up the Museum’s phase one construction in
one simple sentence could read like this: the
National Coast Guard Museum is sited along
the jagged bank of the Thames River, and that
edge needed to be straightened out and filled
in before building upwards.
PAGE 2 NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION SPRING 2023
PAGE 3

But that is a bit of an oversimplification. Here’s
a closer look at what was involved.
In October, even before this portion of the
project could begin, part of the existing City
Pier Plaza needed to be deconstructed. This
was implemented in close coordination with
the City of New London. Over 4,000 sq. ft.
of existing granite and brick pavers that ran
along the northern half of City Pier Plaza were
removed by hand and palletized. Carefully
salvaging the pavers was important in order
to reuse them in other locations around the
city. Additionally, light posts and 11 large
bollards with decorative chain and granite
bases were removed for future use.
Following the removal of items, the demolition
of a portion of City Pier Plaza began. Along
with the removal of an existing concrete slab,
85 sixteen-inch steel encased concrete support
piles and approximately 1,080 cubic yards of
stone and concrete riprap (stone rubble) were
removed from the area. In total, 11,550 sq. ft.
of concrete and rebar was removed (approx.
1,400 tons).
Once the site was clear, 105 interlocking,
metal sheet piles could begin being installed.
These would make up the walls that form both
the inner and outer bulkheads. The sheet piles
were driven and secured into the bedrock
and now form the water facing outline of the
Museum’s lot. By the end of December, all
“in water work” was completed. Completing
this portion of the project before January 1,
2023, was essential as not to disturb local
fishing industries.
After the sheet piles were locked in place, the
area between the inner and outer bulkheads
was dewatered and walers were installed
behind the bulkheads to provide support.
Finally, 22 tie rods were installed. These rods
are used to connect the outer bulkhead to the
inner bulkhead. This prevents the bulkhead
from succumbing to lateral forces—essentially,
locking itself together.
At this stage, the site was ready to be
backfilled. It took 187 trucks to haul in 1,350
tons of aggregate. That’s about 3,125 cubic
yards of fill over an approximate 9,000 sq.
ft. area landward from the new bulkhead. The
aggregate was evenly disbursed, which now
provides a nice, level, tidy footprint for the
museum.
With phase one in the books, phase two
will soon begin. Phase two of construction
will consist of the installation of 240 micropiles.
These piles are load-bearing concrete
columns that will be strategically placed
into the recently prepped site and anchored
directly into the bedrock. This will provide the
foundational integrity for the museum. This
phase is anticipated to begin this summer.
THE WAIT
IS OVER!
New Coin!
THE THIRD AND FINAL CHALLENGE
COIN HAS ARRIVED!
HONOR. RESPECT. DEVOTION TO DUTY.
The USCG 47-foot Motor Lifeboat takes center stage as we honor the skills and tenacity
of all the boat forces crews. To get your coin, become a Plankowner or upgrade your
current Plankowner gift ($5 per month minimum) before September 30, 2023. For more
information on how to join our Plankowner Crew or upgrade your current monthly gift,
please visit www.coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner
VISIT:
coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner
EMAIL:
donate@coastguardmuseum.org
CALL:
860-443-4200
PAGE 4 NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION SPRING 2023
PAGE 5

DECK 04
STEWARDSHIP
INSIDE THE EXHIBITS
PROTECTORS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
The Coast Guard protects the Nation’s
waterways and marine ecosystems to
ensure all Americans enjoy a rich, diverse, and
sustainable ocean environment. The Protectors
of the Environment Wing highlights the
Coast Guard’s commitment to responding to
environmental challenges during everyday
operations and during natural or man-made
disasters. Because many people never see this
mission in action up close, unless there is a disaster
in their region, the goal in this wing is to situate
visitors in the middle of the action, whether it be in
underground marine environments, in the hold of
a ship, or on shore following a hurricane.
The Living Marine Resources Gallery is
organized by species and chronology. Over
time, various industries and human migratory
patterns have created threats to regional and
global populations. In the 19th century, much
of the Revenue Cutter Service work in this area
concerned whales, seals, and the people that
sought them, as well as salmon in the Pacific
Northwest, sponges in Florida, and migratory
birds.
When whaling became controversial in the early
20th century, the Coast Guard found itself at the
forefront of worldwide opposition to whaling. In
the latter half of that century, the Coast Guard,
with partner agencies and nations, took an active
role in enforcing domestic and international law
on fisheries conservation. This global partnership
now protects the Exclusive Economic Zone,
comprised of 2.25 million square miles of ocean.
The Containing Catastrophes Immersive
Gallery will place visitors amid some of the
most impactful disasters, natural and man-made.
This audio-visual presentation focuses not only
on the damage wrought, but the actions of
first responders to protect and restore wildlife.
Most importantly, the gallery displays how
lessons learned from past events have altered
approaches to minimize environmental effects
going forward.
Finally, visitors encounter the Environmental
Enforcement Gallery, which protects maritime
species by carrying out laws designed to curb
chemical pollution and invasive species wreaking
havoc. Accomplishing this worldwide mission
requires the Coast Guard to carry out and uphold
a complex mix of domestic laws and international
treaties.
To learn more about the visitor experience, go to:
coastguardmuseum.org/exhibits
DECK
4
location
PAGE 6 NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION SPRING 2023
PAGE 7

ANNOUNCING
THE MUSEUM
COMMEMORATIVE
PAVER PROGRAM!
There are many Coast Guard heroes, and they all deserve a
permanent place of recognition. With the commemorative paver
program, you can honor a patriot, thank a loved one, or carve your
own space into the museum’s living archive—the Revenue Cutter
ARGUS Promenade.
The dark gray, 3-inch-thick, textured granite pavers are customengraved
and will last for generations. Pavers are available in two
sizes, 4”x 8” and 8”x 8” and are 100% tax-deductible. The funds
raised go directly toward the museum’s construction and supports its
mission to educate, honor, and preserve the Nation’s rich maritime
history of the United States Coast Guard.
The ARGUS Promenade will be located along the waterfront facade of
the museum. It will start at the Plaza entrance of the museum and will
run adjacent to New London’s City Pier Plaza, which is also the future
homeport of the USCGC EAGLE—guaranteeing your commemorative
paver will be appreciated by hundreds of thousands of visitors every
year. Paver spaces are limited; be sure to secure your lasting memorial
today while concurrently supporting the Coast Guard Museum.
The ARGUS Promenade is named after one of the original 10
Revenue Marine cutters commissioned on behest of the 1st United
States Congress in the early 1790s. Cutter ARGUS was built in New
London where it remained in service for 13 years, a longevity far
surpassing the other original cutters.
HERE’S HOW TO SECURE YOUR PAVER:
1) Order online at www.CGMuseumpavers.com
2) Complete the order form included with this newsletter and mail it along with your check to:
National Coast Guard Museum Commemorative Paver Campaign
Fulfillment Center
2700 E. Lanark St., Suite 120
Boise, ID 83642
3) To place an order by phone using a credit card:1-833-202-0519
PAGE 8 NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION SPRING 2023
PAGE 9

SECRETARIES’ CIRCLE
BREAKFAST
On June 8 in Washington, D.C., members of the 117th
United States Congress, senior dignitaries from across the
Nation, and special guests of the National Coast Guard
Museum Association Secretaries’ Circle joined the 27th
Commandant of the United States Coast Guard Admiral
Linda L. Fagan to celebrate the Congressional partnership
responsible for the recent progress in the construction and
development of the National Coast Guard Museum.
The event was hosted in the Russell Senate Office Building
on Capitol Hill by retired USCG Admiral James M. Loy,
21st Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and
former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. Guests
enjoyed an “all American” breakfast in the historic Kennedy
Caucus Room, which was adorned with artifact displays
from the Coast Guard archives—soon to be on display
in the museum. Admiral Fagan gratefully acknowledged
Congress’s support and unwavering commitment to the
Coast Guard and the men and women who serve.
RECENT & UPCOMING EVENTS
PARATUS PASSAGE MADE
POSSIBLE BY COAST GUARD
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
SEATTLE COAST GUARD LONG
BLUE LINE & MUSEUM UPDATE
On June 29, retired United States Coast Guard CAPT Wes Pulver, National Coast
Guard Museum Association President, and Katherine Bainbridge, Major Gifts Officer,
will be at the Mercer Island VFW Post in Seattle, Washington, to give a presentation
regarding the future of the Long Blue Line (the Coast Guard’s retiree quarterly
magazine) and an update about the construction progress and development of the
upcoming, world-class National Coast Guard Museum.
Coast Guard Retirees, Auxiliary, Active Duty, Reserve, and anyone in the Washington
region who is interested in the learning more about the museum is welcome to attend.
The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Lite fare and refreshments will be provided.
Come out, grab a bite to eat, and learn about (and be a part of) Coast Guard history
in the making. SEE YOU THERE!
If you would like to attend, please RSVP at:
www.coastguardmuseum.com/mercervfw
or email kbainbridge@coastguardmuseum.org
In 2017, the Museum Association initiated
a campaign to engage the senior leaders
of the Coast Guard to raise $1 million to
support construction of the National Coast
Guard Museum. As of June 2023, they have
collectively contributed more than $1.25
million. Proud leaders of the Coast Guard,
once again, have risen above the challenge.
Having surpassed the Senior Leader Campaign’s
initial goal, participants were given several
locations within the museum for naming
opportunities to celebrate their collective
generosity. With retired Admiral James M.
Loy, 21st commandant of United States Coast
Guard, as the naming committee’s lead, the
senior leaders unanimously landed on the
“Paratus Passage.”
The Paratus Passage will be a Servicethemed
entryway linking the pedestrian
bridge that will cross over Water Street
from the downtown parking garage into the
atrium of the museum. For many museum
visitors, the Coast Guard experience will
begin here. Large vignettes featuring Coast
Guard history will line the passage walls
in a timeline fashion. Starting with imagery
from the Service’s Revenue Marine origins
and transitioning to the modern-day Service.
Visitors will immediately form a connection
to the Coast Guard ethos, one which
distinguishes itself from the other Services
by being both a military and humanitarian
operation. The graphic wall displays will
highlight some of the proud men and women
who have served throughout the Coast
Guard’s rich history as both defenders of the
Nation, shielding its people from harm, and
as agile, rapid responders to those in danger
within the maritime domain. As visitors emerge
from the Paratus Passage into the atrium, the
entrance to the fi rst Coast Guard exhibit
is only steps away in the Meet the Coast
Guard gallery. A plaque inside the high traffic
Paratus Passage will recognize the generosity
of the senior leaders.
In addition to naming the Paratus Passage,
senior leaders will be recognized individually
on the Campaign Wall. The Campaign Wall
will be located on the ground fl oor of the
atrium, which opens to Revenue Cutter ARGUS
Promenade and New London’s bustling City
Pier Plaza. This will be the primary entryway
for visitors arriving from the adjacent rail line,
ferry terminals, and the city’s vibrant waterfront
pedestrian walkway. The Campaign Wall will
feature separate plaques of frosted glass
showcasing the groups and organizations
that joined together to support the Museum.
The Senior Leader Campaign plaque will
feature the name of every individual in that
group who has donated $10,000 or more
to the museum effort.
Coast Guard senior leaders understand the
value of leadership that extends beyond
the immediate bounds of the Service. They
understand that this museum will not only
educate visitors to the triumphs the Coast
Guard has celebrated and the hurdles it
has endured, but it will also inspire future
generations to become active participants
in the shaping of our ever-evolving Nation’s
maritime story.
PAGE 10 NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION SPRING 2023
PAGE 11

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Susan J. Curtin
CHAIR
Partner, Power Family Enterprises
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
PRESIDENT
National Coast Guard Museum Association
RADM Richard M. Larrabee, USCG (Ret.)
TREASURER
Past Director, Ports Department, the Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey
CDR Kevin Harkins, Ph.D., USCG (Ret.)
SECRETARY
CEO, Harkcon, Inc.
Jeff Kingsley
Known
Steve Lovelette
President, JMB Financial Advisors
ADM James M. Loy, USCG (Ret.)
21st Commandant of the USCG
MCPOCG Vincent W. Patton, Ed.D., USCG (Ret.)
Northeast Maritime Institute
Michael Rauh
Retired President and CEO, Chelsea Groton Bank
RADM Richard W. Schneider Ph.D., USCGR (Ret.)
President Emeritus, Norwich University
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
COMMITTEE
Gordy Bunch, Chair
ADM Thad W. Allen, USCG (Ret.)
Brandy Birtcher
The Honorable Andrew H. Card, Jr.
The Honorable Michael Chertoff
RADM Tom Gilmour, USCG (Ret.)
Michael Greenwald
The Honorable Michael P. Jackson
The Honorable Jeh C. Johnson
RADM Mary Landry, USCG (Ret.)
Sarah Miller
Thomas Niles
Joe Pyne
The Honorable Thomas J. Ridge
Bob Vicente
Dave Waldmann
SECRETARIES
CIRCLE *
Thomas J. Ridge, Chair
Norm Mineta † , Co-Chair
James H. Burnley, IV
Andrew H. Card, Jr.
Michael Chertoff
Mimi Weyforth Dawson
Elizabeth Dole
Mortimer L. Downey, III
Michael P. Jackson
Jeh C. Johnson
James M. Loy
Janet A. Napolitano
Federico Peña
Paul A. Schneider
Samuel K. Skinner
Rodney E. Slater
The National Coast Guard Museum will engage, educate and inspire visitors from around the world by honoring the courage and skill of the men and women of our
Nation’s unsung Armed Service. The Museum will explore the Coast Guard’s rich history and current impact on our Nation and the world through interactive exhibits,
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based learning experiences, leadership development programming, and public/private partnerships.
www.CoastGuardMuseum.org I info@coastguardmuseum.org I @USCGMuseum I @USCGMuseum I @USCGMuseum
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION