The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

SPRING 2024 

ACTION NEEDED 

TO CONTINUE 

RECEIVING 

YOUR FREE 

LONG BLUE 

LINE 

(see page 10) 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 

ADM LINDA FAGAN: 

STATE OF THE 

COAST GUARD 

ADDRESS 

A DESERVING NAME FOR THE 

USCG CUTTER 

CALHOUN 

BEAU BRIDGES: 

A FAMILY 

AFFAIR

2 SPRING 2024 

THE LONG BLUE LINE

THE LONG BLUE LINE SPRING 2024 

3


Editor In Chief: Patti Fazio 

Managing Editor: Scott McGuire 

Art Director/Graphic Designer: 

Scott McGuire 

CG Retiree Services Program 

Manager: Bob Hinds, USCG CWO4 

(Ret.), Honorary CG MCPO 

Staff Writers: MCPO Jeff 

Creighton, USCG (Ret.) 

Contributing Writers: Renee 

Coleman, National Coast Guard 

Museum Director of Public Affairs 

Editorial Support: Catherine Janney 

Chief of the Mess: MCPOCG Vincent 

W. Patton, Ed.D., USCG (Ret.) 

PUBLISHER: 

The Long Blue Line is published 

quarterly by the National Coast 

Guard Museum Association, 

78 Howard Street, Suite A, New 

London, CT 06320 

ADVERTISING: 

Pentagon Publishing, Inc. 

2342 Oak Rd. 

Snellville, GA 30078 

Contact Jenny White, 

jenny@pentagon-usa.us 

PAST ISSUES: 

Current and past issues of The Long 

Blue Line (formerly The Retiree 

Newsletter) are accessible at: www. 

longblueline.org 

Current Coast Guard News is 

accessible at www.news.uscg.mil 

You may sign up for CG news 

updates at https://public. 

govdelivery.com/accounts/ 

USDHSCG/subscriber/ 

new?category_id=USDHSCG_ 

C18ou 

ON THE COVER: 

The USCG Calhoun National 

Security Cutter (NSC) is one of 

the newest additions to the Coast 

Guard’s white-hull cutter fleet. 

The NSC is the largest and most 

technologically advanced ship in the 

Coast Guard. The NSCs serve as 

afloat operational-level headquarters 

for a variety of complex missions. 

(U.S. Coast Guard photo) 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 

6 

8 

10 

12 

22 

24 

30 

38 

44 

50 

54 

60 

66 

74 

80 

91 

92 

94 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 

A Time for Celebration 

National Retiree Council Co-Chairs 

Message from the Director 

Reunions, Notices & Items of Interest 

Small Artifact: Giant Tale: The USCGC Tampa placard 

COVER STORY | Never Give Up: The newest addition to the 

Legend Class National Security Cutter fleet named after Master Chief 

Petty Officer Charles L. Calhoun 

State of the Coast Guard Address: ADM Linda Fagan 

delivers the annual speech in Washington, D.C. 

A Family Affair: Actor Beau Bridges ruminates on his family's 

deep connection to the Coast Guard 

Portraits of Service: Meaningful stories from shipmates 

Music is in Air: The Auxiliary music program 

Hot Jobs: Exciting opportunities in the Auxiliary 

Built to Last: The early days of the 210' cutter fleet 

The Best Defense: Two Coast Guard Reservists test their mettle 

through the sport of boxing 

Retirement Notices 

TAPS Notices 

Chaplain's Corner 

Work-life: Connecting with the Transition Assistance Program 

Other Important Retiree Resources 

Find all of this content at longblueline.org 

• CHANGES TO RETIREE & ANNUITANT MAILING/EMAIL ADDRESSES: The CG Retiree Services Program 

Manager, Mr. Robert Hinds, does NOT have the capability to change mailing/e-mail addresses in Direct Access 

(DA). Retirees & Annuitants may change their mailing/e-mail addresses by accessing their DA Self-Service account at 

www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/gp/ or by contacting CG PPC at 866-772-8724, e-mail: ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil 

• USCG/PHS/NOAA INPUT FOR LONG BLUE LINE: Submit input to Robert Hinds, Robert.C.Hinds@uscg.mil. 

Deadline for input for The Long Blue Line, Summer (JUL) 2024, is 25 MAY 2024. 

Neither the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) nor the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) endorse the National Coast 

Guard Museum Association, or any other non-federal entity. Further, neither DHS nor the USCG endorse or support the 

products or services advertised in this newsletter, the organizations advertising in this newsletter, or the statements of 

any non- U.S. Coast Guard contributors for this newsletter. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


5

A TIME 

FOR CELEBRATION 

DECK 5 

EVENTS CENTER & MEMORIAL TERRACE 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

I 

have said time and again, as we prepare to 

build the National Coast Guard Museum, 

we are building more than a museum. We 

have teams of incredible folks working 

on truly making this a special place for 

the entire Coast Guard workforce, New 

London community, and visitors from around our Nation. 

Imagine a place to host that special event in your life 

and career, such as a family wedding, a retirement 

party, or an advancement or promotion ceremony. 

Now imagine hosting any of those events in the National 

Coast Guard Museum, overlooking the historic Thames 

River, with access to a beautiful and reverent memorial 

terrace honoring those who have served before us. 

As I travel around the country both for business and 

pleasure, I have found that the perfect setting to have 

our museum is in a historic place that can truly deliver 

the dynamic Coast Guard story to the public, and to 

our Coast Guard community. YES, New London, 

Connecticut, has been a home to the Coast Guard since 

its beginnings as the Revenue Marine Cutter Service in 

1790. While it’s not exactly the ‘birthplace’ of the Coast 

Guard, it is nestled in a historic region along the I-95 

corridor between Boston and Philadelphia, where 

nearly 234 years ago, Treasury Secretary Alexander 

Hamilton pushed the idea of creating a unique multimission 

government and military service that has paid 

dividends many times over to the American taxpayer. 

The National Coast Guard Museum will be a home for 

all, a place to honor those who have served, a place 

to inspire future generations, and a place for all of us to 

celebrate those special milestones in our lives. Thank you 

for your support! 

Semper Paratus, 

Vince Patton, MCPOCG, USCG (Ret.) 

Chief of the Mess 

National Coast Guard Museum 


7

NATIONAL RETIREE 

COUNCIL CO-CHAIRS 

RADM MERRIE AUSTIN: Happy spring! The first 

buds have begun to appear on the trees, daffodils 

are pushing through the soil, and the first grains of 

pollen have begun wreaking havoc for hay fever 

sufferers here in Virginia. 

I want to welcome two new Regional Retiree Councils: 

Southwest RRC/Base Galveston and Great Lakes 

RRC/Base Cleveland. I want to thank CDR Joe 

Leonard, USCG (Ret.), MSTCM Eric Pugh, USCG 

(Ret.), CAPT Lorne Thomas III, USCG (Ret.), and 

OSCM James Bach, USCG (Ret.) for volunteering to 

stand up the Southwest RRC and Great Lakes RRC, 

respectively. I really appreciate your willingness to 

serve your fellow retired Coasties. If anyone lives in 

an area that is not covered by a Regional Retiree 

Council and is interested in establishing one, please 

contact Mr. Bob Hinds and he will guide you through 

the steps. 

MCPO Pierce and I met with ADM Fagan in December 

to brief her on the National Retirees Council Annual 

Report. We presented our worklist for this year, and 

she appreciated the focus and prioritization of the 

worklist items. Here they are: 

1. Gather feedback from the CG retiree community 

regarding the way forward for The Long Blue 

Line with the National CG Museum Association: 

Please see the Message from the Director on 

page 10 for more information. 

2. Codify the maximum time to process Audit Error 

Worksheets as 90 days (PPCINST). In progress. 

In practical terms, PPC has been averaging well 

below 90 days for the past year or so; we look 

forward to this benchmark being codified into the 

future. 

3. Develop CG Retiree Final Affairs Guide. I want 

to thank CAPT Mike Rosecrans, USCG (Ret.) 

for taking on this very important project. A first 

draft is done, and we would love to get some 

feedback from Annuitants or others who may 

have experienced losing a veteran loved one to 

see if they find the included references helpful, 

or if they think there’s other information that we 

should include. Please contact Bob Hinds if you 

are interested in helping us “crowdsource” this 

Guide to make it as useful as possible. 

4. Partner with CG Recruiting IMT/CGRC in support 

of recruiting efforts. We are looped into the 

Recruiting IMT, where I get frequent updates on 

their efforts, and they appreciate all of the support 

Retirees are providing in their communities to 

speak with infl uencers and potential recruits. 

Please continue to share your service stories to 

drum up interest in the CG! 

5. Monitor PPC-RAS customer communications 

(e, g. new phone system) and planned VA 

compensation in Direct Access (DA). In progress. 

6. Improve communications with CG "Gray Area" 

retirees, including provisions for RET-2 to get an 

estimate of retired pay from PPC six months prior 

to transfer to RET-1. In progress. 

7. Update CI 1800.5I in alignment with the unique 

needs and demographics of Regional Retiree 

Councils (RRCs), reducing administrative 

demands. In progress. 

If you have input/questions on any of the above, 

please contact Bob Hinds at: 

Robert.C.Hinds@uscg.mil 

Thoughts on retirement: 

"For many, retirement is a time for personal growth, 

which becomes the path to greater freedom." 

—Robert Delamontague 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

MCPO LLOYD PIERCE: Spring has sprung, and 

with it, we’re reminded that so has an election year. 

I’m confident none of us who have served need to 

be reminded of the importance of voting. Please 

look at our government representative make-up 

and consider how many of our representatives have 

military experience. The national numbers hover at 

record lows prompting me to take military experience 

into consideration as I make my decisions. Veterans 

have a lot at stake, and we need to have our 

viewpoints represented and our earned benefi ts 

protected. There are numerous sources to look up 

details and numbers—including through your Military 

Coalition organizations. 

LAST CALL! As pointed out a few times over the last 

couple years, the VA and DoD have transitioned to 

electronic medical records. This has required the 

Coast Guard to scan all paper records into electronic 

files. The Coast Guard has been actively engaged 

in this task for several years and is scheduled to 

complete it in April 2024. That means, if you still have 

your official Coast Guard Medical Record, you are 

about to miss the bus. You need to get your record 

to the nearest Coast Guard medical clinic or mail it to 

the address listed in the Reunions, Notices & Items 

of Interest section in this edition—NOW! I’d like to 

believe that this is a wasted paragraph, but I know at 

least four friends in my small circle that have admitted 

to having their record. You will not be able to file 

claims with the VA without a computerized medical 

record. Stop what you’re doing, find a copier or office 

supply store, make a copy of your record, send it to 

HSWL … then come back and finish reading. 

Soon, you will be receiving a letter from Admiral 

Raymond (CG-1M) about The Long Blue Line. This 

is an important letter; it requires you to act if you 

wish to continue to receive a free copy of The Long 

Blue Line printed edition by mail. I won’t rehash the 

contents here as the letter is self-explanatory. I say 

again, the letter requires you to act if you wish 

to continue receiving The Long Blue Line 

printed edition by mail for free. 

Our retiree community continues to 

serve through various initiatives. The 

National Retiree Help Desk continues to be staffed 

and actively assisting retirees. We have an active 

mentoring network where retiring (or retired) 

members can match up with a mentor to help them 

through the transition to the civilian world. We have 

groups helping with recruiting events and we have 

new chapters coming online. There are plenty of 

opportunities to get involved and every event and 

gathering grows our community. We are moving 

ahead as a group and keeping ourselves credible 

and relevant. Check inside this publication or contact 

your regional chairperson for details. 

This year I’m excited to head to Topeka, Kansas, as 

the CG Pay and Personnel Center hosts our Coast 

Guard National Retiree Council’s annual meeting. 

This will provide an opportunity to visit and exchange 

information and ideas with the people that keep us 

paid. We look forward to a productive and informative 

meeting. 

Lastly, my tenure as a national co-chair is coming 

to an end. We will be soliciting for a replacement 

soon. If you feel inspired to serve—watch for the 

solicitation. 

MCPO Lloyd Pierce, USCG (Ret.): 

cgsilverancientmariner11@outlook.com 

RADM Merrie Austin, USCG (Ret.): 

maustincgnrc@gmail.com 


9

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE DIRECTOR 

USCG, USPHS, NOAA Retirees & Annuitants: 

I’m writing to make you aware of an IMPORTANT planned change to the mailing of THE 

LONG BLUE LINE (LBL), published/distributed on my behalf as Director of Retiree Services 

to +67,000 retirees & annuitants. The LBL, formerly The Retiree Newsletter, remains the 

primary means by which the Coast Guard communicates information of interest/importance 

to the retiree community. 

As many may recall, it was announced in The Retiree Newsletter, April 2019, that the 

publication would transition to all digital/e-mail distribution in January 2020, with temporary 

mailing to those without internet access. Many retirees, including CG National Retiree Council 

(CGNRC) members, requested a solution to preserve a paper newsletter. The National Coast 

Guard Museum Association (NCGMA) offered such a solution, providing a more robust 

publication including the same CG content (e.g. pay & benefits updates, retirements, TAPS, 

reunions/notices, retiree resources) – and much more. The NCGMA has funded, published, 

and distributed the LBL since January 2020 through a cooperative agreement with the CG 

and it continues to be highly well received by readers. 

While the NCGMA remains steadfast in its intent to distribute the LBL at no cost to the CG 

and readership, considering ever-growing publication and mailing costs, it will be necessary 

to make changes. Everyone who wants to continue receiving a FREE paper copy of the LBL 

by mail, including those currently receiving other NCGMA mailings, will need to “opt-in” to 

the NCGMA mailing list. LBL subscribers will also need to maintain a current mailing address 

with the NCGMA. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward this class of mail. Individuals on 

the NCGMA mailing list can also expect to receive NCGMA updates, invitations to NCGMA 

events, fundraising campaigns, and other no obligation opportunities to support the NCGMA. 

The NCGMA will continue to protect the personal information of individuals on the NCGMA 

mailing list and will NOT share or use personal information for any other purposes. 

Beginning in January 2025, those who’ve not “opted-in” to the NCGMA mailing list will only 

receive a digital version of the LBL from the CG via GovDelivery at their home e-mail address 

in Direct Access (DA). You may check/update your e-mail address(es), and/or elect not to 

receive the LBL, through your DA Self-Service account at: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ 

ras/gp/. Those needing additional assistance may contact PPC at ppc-dg-customercare@ 

uscg.mil or by phone at 866-772-8724. The LBL is also accessible to the public at: https:// 

www.longblueline.org/. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

I’m joined by RADM Merrie Austin, USCG (Ret.), and MCPO Lloyd Pierce, USCG (Ret.), 

CGNRC Co-Chairs, in encouraging all retirees & annuitants who want to continue receiving 

a FREE paper copy of the LBL via U.S. Mail beginning in January 2025 to “opt-in” to the 

NCGMA mailing list at your earliest convenience through ONE of the options below: 

SCAN 

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 

Scan QR code and 

complete the online form. 

WEB 

CONTACT 

Visit 

longblueline.org 

Call NCGMA at 

860-443-4200 

Sincerely, 

or 

Click "OPT IN" button and 

complete the online form. 

e-mail 

info@coastguardmuseum.org 

M. W. Raymond 

Assistant Commandant for Military Personnel 

My POC for this initiative is Mr. Robert Hinds, Retiree Services Program Manager, Robert.C.Hinds@uscg.mil, 202-475-5451. 



11

REUNIONS, NOTICES & 

ITEMS OF INTEREST 

USCGC WOODRUSH GROUP 

DULUTH REUNION 

LOCATION: Duluth, Minnesota 

DATE: September 13–15, 2024 

Pease contact OS1 Michael F. Zronek, USCG (Ret), 

at mzronek@aol.com for further information. 

USCGC WESTWIND (WGB 281) 

REUNION 

LOCATION: Maritime Conference Center, Linthicum 

Heights, Maryland 

DATE: September 20–22, 2024, Group Dinner on 

the 21st 

Room Rates: $169 for single, 1 queen bed, $199 double, 

2 queen beds. Each room receives a complimentary 

breakfast and dinner. 

Reservation: 1-866-900-3517 refer to code: 5925 

ALL Icebreaker Sailors Welcome! 

Further Information: Frank Roberts (910) 279-0823, 

froberts58@gmail.com 

2024 RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY (RAD) 

LOCATION: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan 

DATE: September 21, 2024 

The event will be held in the Joint Dining Facility 

(Building 164) 43156 Wagner Drive. Sign-in starts 

at 8:00 a.m. and the program will start at 9:00 

a.m. Contact information is below. Request widest 

dissemination to support ALL military retirees. 

Selfridge Retiree Affairs Office 

P. O. Box 450045 

Selfridge ANGB, MI 48045 

586-239-5580 

selfrao@yahoo.com 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

GLACIER REUNION 

SAVE THE DATE 

LOCATION: Mystic, Connecticut 

DATE: SEPT 20–22, 2024 

Greetings all Navy and Coast Guard men and women, grey, white, and red hull sailors and aviators. Mark 

your calendars to join us for the USS/USCGC Glacier Reunion September 20–22, 2024 in Mystic, CT. 

All grey, white, and red hull icebreaker sailors are welcome to join the fun and have a great time reminiscing 

and getting to know shipmates from all icebreaker Deep Freezes (South) and Artic West/East summer/ 

winter (North) trips. 

Contact: SHARON INGRAM shingram1@live.com 

2023 GLACIER REUNION COMMITTEE: 

Chair - Bill Davis billdavis2619@gmail.com 

VChair - Fred Nichols fredcnichols@gmail.com 

Treasurer - Tom Berstene tberstene@outlook.com 

Sharon Ingram shingram1@live.com 

Dale Thompson dale.thompson5@icloud.com 

Bert Dejong dejongpago@hotmail.com 

Fred Santesteban fcsant@outlook.com 

Bill Sheretz sheretz@waypt.com 

Bill Kelsey wkelsey@twc.com 

Tell three shipmates who you know about the reunion, and have those shipmates spread the word. We 

are hoping to get many icebreaker shipmates in attendance. 


13



NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST GUARD RETIREE 

COUNCIL 30TH ALL SERVICES RETIREE SEMINAR 

LOCATION: Gresham Conference Center, Coast 

Guard Island, Alameda, California 

DATE: April 27, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

The Northern California Coast Guard Retiree Council 

announces the 30th All Services Retiree Seminar to 

be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. 

to 12:00 p.m., in the Gresham Conference Center, 

Coast Guard Island, Alameda, CA. Speakers and 

information tables will provide the latest information 

on TRICARE, current legislation, legal assistance, 

scams, fraud, Space-A travel, and more. Additional 

information is available at: NCCGRC.org or contact: 

David.D.Swanson@Outlook.com or by phone at 

510-390-6312. 

40TH YEAR CLASS REUNION 

USCG OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL 4-84 

CAPT Algernon J. Keith, USCG (Ret.) 

NOW HEAR THIS, members 

of Officer Candidate School 

(OCS) class 4-84 that graduated 

and were commissioned on 

September 7, 1984, at (Reserve) 

Training Center Yorktown, VA, 

are exploring the possibility 

of holding a 40th year class 

reunion in September 2024. 

Class members interested in obtaining more 

information are encouraged to contact Jim Armstrong 

at (502) 741-1355, James_Armstrong@bellsouth. 

net, or Algernon Keith at (508) 360-7944, ajkunc93@ 

aol.com 

USCG CPOA/CGEA 

CONVENTION 

LOCATION: Seattle to Alaska 

DATE: August 23–30 

Cheif Petty Officers Association/Enlisted Association Convention will be held underway! 

Seattle to Alaska - August 23–30 

As we continue to seek innovative ideas for our convention location, this one should 

be epic! Engage early as cabins book up fast. 

Learn more at: www.uscgcpoa.org/membership/convention/ 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

USCGC STORIS U.S. COAST GUARD 

VETERAN AND FAMILY REUNION 

LOCATION: Inn on Lake Superior and Conference Center, Duluth, Minnesota 

DATE: June 2–4, 2024 

The USCGC Storis reunion has opened attendance invitations to other Kodiak-based cutters. As those units 

shared moorings over the years in a tight-knit Coast Guard community, there are a lot of common experiences 

of the island and working in that AOR. This includes Citrus from 1964-79, Ironwood from 1979-2000, Firebush 

from 1979-2003, and then going back further with older Vets who served in Clover from 1948-58, Sedge 1950- 

57 and Bittersweet from 1947-64. Then, of course, there would be the other WMECs Confidence (1966-83) 

and Yocona (1983-1996). 

Please contact as soon as possible: Jon A. Ottman, Clay Township, MI, for additional details and to get 

registration packet through his reunion email address at: w38reunion@gmail.com 

As a general overview, the event will be headquartered at the Inn on Lake Superior and Conference Center in 

Duluth's historic Canal Park, right on Lake Superior. 

• Registration fees for the event are $125 p/p for adults, $60 p/p for children. This includes food for the Sunday 

night "Icebreaker" Meet and Greet and the Tuesday night banquet. Cash bars will be available. 

• General room rates are $159-176 per night, plus local tax and charges. 

• We plan a two-hour narrated brunch cruise on the MV VISTA STAR for the morning of June 3. Our journey 

will take us to see the sights around Duluth/Superior Harbor and Lake Superior. 

• Costs for the cruise are $70 p/p for adults, $40 p/p for children, including hot breakfast and coffee. 

• Several other activities are planned, including visits to the retired USCGC Sundew (WLB-404) and other 

attractions in Duluth, Superior (WI) and the Minnesota North Shore. We also hope to visit STA Duluth and 

CGC SPAR, if their schedules permit. 

• We plan on having the Foundation for Coast Guard History in attendance to conduct oral history interviews 

with reunion attendees. 

Most important are the opportunities to 

have social interactions with shipmates, 

renew old friendships and make new 

acquaintances. Our meeting space will 

give us the opportunity to share sea 

stories, view films, slides, and photos, 

and celebrate the history of Storis and 

the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Principal contact: Jon A. Ottman, Clay 

Township, MI. For additional details and 

to get the registration packet, contact 

Jon through the reunion email address 

at: w38reunion@gmail.com 


15



COAST GUARD AVIATION ASSOCIATION – 

ANCIENT ORDER OF THE PTERODACTYL 

LOCATION: Jacksonville, Florida 

DATE: October 15–18, 2024 

Greetings all current and former Coast Guard Aviation 

Aircrew (Pilots, Flight Mechanics, Rescue Swimmers, 

Basic Aircrewman, Auxiliary Aircrew). We are excited 

to announce our 2024 Roost (conference) save 

the dates in Jacksonville, Florida. This year’s Roost 

will host a special celebration of ALPAT and its 

distinguished 60+ years of service. We will also be 

celebrating the 25th anniversary of HITRON. Based 

on the great success of the 2023 Roost Professional 

Day, we will also be hosting our 2nd Career Transition 

Session. 

Contact: Tony Hahn – tony.hahn@aoptero.org 

IMPORTANT REMINDER TO USCG RETIREES 

REGARDING YOUR HEALTH RECORDS 

A Coast Guard member's health record is the property 

of the U.S. Government. The CG is congressionally 

mandated to provide a copy of the health records 

of retired members to the Department of Veterans 

Affairs (VA). The CG implemented a contract in 2022 

to digitize paper health records to ensure prompt 

availability to the VA upon a member’s retirement. The 

current contract scheduled to conclude in April 2024 

is being extended as needed. 

As highlighted in ALCOAST 076/24 - FEB 2024 

DIGITIZATION AND LONG-TERM STORAGE OF 

PAPER HEALTH RECORDS UPDATE https:// 

content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/ 

bulletins/38a1fc1 ... records digitization has been 

prioritized and retirees are Priority 1. A CG Health, 

Safety, and Work-Life Service Center (HSWL SC) surge 

team is augmenting contracted efforts in support of 

expediting completion of this priority group. Retirees 

in possession of their original health records are 

asked to make copies and return their original 

health records as soon as possible to your last 

servicing clinic or by mail to: 

Commanding Officer HSWL SC 

Attn: HSWL SC CRPC 

300 E. Main Street STE 1000 

Norfolk, VA 23510-9109 

The CG is still required to provide the VA a copy of 

original health records for retirees currently receiving 

VA benefits, and the VA will continue to request them 

until received. Once your record is received by HSWL 

SC, it will be digitized and uploaded to the electronic 

system for access by the VA. Health records should 

also contain form DD-2963, which certifies the record 

is accurate. If you retired from the CG and left without 

a copy of your health records and/or form DD-2963, 

you may obtain copies from your last servicing clinic 

or HSWL SC. 

Retirees with questions, including accessibility of 

their health records to the VA or to request a DD- 

2963, are encouraged to send an e-mail to the HSWL 

Central Records Processing Center at: D05-SMB- 

HWSLCentralCell@uscg.mil 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

NEVER TOO LATE: 

A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY AND THE PURPLE HEART PROJECT 

By CWO3 Charles W. Meyer, USCG (Ret.) 

laketow2@aol.com 

Charles Green, a crewmember aboard USCGC 

TAMPA, will be posthumously awarded the Purple 

Heart presented to his family on Memorial Day, May 

27, 2024, at Arlington National Cemetery by the Coast 

Guard Memorial. Charles Green will be the 63rd 

USCGC Tampa crewmember so recognized. 

The Purple Heart Project’s work is ongoing to identify 

and recognize remaining crewmembers eligible for 

this honor, men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for 

their country. 

Left: UB-91 firing a torpedo at USS Tampa in Bristol Channel, Wales. (Painting 

by John D. Wisinski, US Coast Guard Collection.) 

Right: New Coast Guard recruit Charles Green, who enlisted under the alias 

“Frank Garrett” in January 1917, was assigned to USS Tampa. He and his 

shipmates perished when the Tampa was torpedoed by a German U-boat on 

26 September 1918. 

Charles W. Meyer has spent nearly three years researching and writing this article published 

in Sea History, Winter Issue #185. 

https://seahistory.org/wp-content/uploads/SH185-Purple-Heart-Feature-Article.pdf. 

He also assembled a short video "Remember the Tampa," which can be viewed at: 

https://youtu.be/rVCUvjqPG5Y 


17



CONNECTING WITH VA 

By Drew Craig, Department of Veteran Affairs’ Veteran 

Experience Office 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed 

to increasing access to earned benefits for veterans, 

their families, caregivers, and survivors. VA’s Veteran 

Experience Office is working to improve the overall 

experience for all VA customers by providing 

designated “front doors” for various communications 

channels. 

MyVA411 is the VA’s telephonic front door. Veterans 

can speak with a VA representative 24-hours a 

day, seven days a week by calling (800) 698-2411. 

MyVA411 call center agents can answer many 

frequently asked questions, or these agents can 

connect customers with a subject matter expert within 

the Department for further assistance. 

Va.gov is VA’s digital front door. This Va.gov site 

contains links to a wealth of information to assist VA 

customers in applying for access to all VA benefits and 

services. Veterans can search for specific information 

related to a single benefit or explore all the various 

benefits available, to include health care, disability 

compensation, education, career and employment, 

life insurance, housing assistance, and much more. 

VA also developed and deployed VAMobile, VA’s app 

for use on smartphones or tablets. The app can be 

used to schedule, cancel, or change appointments, 

chat with VA healthcare providers, and many other 

purposes. VAMobile features links to numerous mental 

health and general fitness sites, as well. The app can 

be downloaded from your device’s app store or by 

navigating to mobile.va.gov/Appstore 

Additionally, the VA Welcome Kit was created to 

assist customers in directly connecting via phone, 

internet, mail, or in-person to access the benefits and 

services earned through service to our country. The 

VA Welcome Kit can be accessed online at va.gov/ 

welcome-kit 

However you choose to reach out to your VA, the 

Department is ready to assist. 

GRAND HAVEN COAST GUARD FESTIVAL: 

CELEBRATING A CENTURY 

Greetings from Coast Guard City, U.S.A.! Each year, 

during the annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, 

we make it a point to celebrate our Coast Guard 

Retirees who have served proudly in the Nation's 

greatest (and the oldest) continuous seagoing service, 

the United States Coast Guard! Please join us for 

dinner and this year's Festival theme, Celebrating a 

Century. 

To find out more about the 2024 Grand Haven Coast 

Guard Festival and National Memorial Service, please 

visit our website www.coastguardfest.org or call the 

office at 616-846-5940. 

You are cordially invited to join us at the Retirees 

Reunion Dinner, July 31, 2024. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


19

FIND YOUR 

"BERING" 

USCGC Alex Haley's (WMEC-39) small boat 

and boarding team return from a living marine 

resource protection boarding in the Bering Sea 

in January. Haley's crew completed a 45-day patrol 

during which they conducted domestic fisheries 

enforcement, responded to search and rescue, and 

conducted several shipboard training exercises. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jasen Newman. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


21

SMALL 

ARTIFACT: 

GIANT TALE 

Amongst the stacks and rows of the 

Coast Guard Heritage Asset Collection is 

a dollar bill-sized placard so unassuming 

that it’s easily overlooked. Measuring just 

a smidge under 4 inches in height, a tad 

bit over 12 inches in width, and a mere 

.3 inches in depth, this bronze placard is 

the only, verified, artifact from the Coast 

Guard Cutter Tampa, which sank in 

September 1918 off the coast of Wales 

near the end of World War I. 

PA2 Andrew Tompkins, the curatorial 

historian for the National Coast Guard 

Museum, holds this placard very near 

and dear to his heart and ranks it as one 

his favorite pieces in the collection. 

“This placard is arguably the most 

impactful artifact in the collection from 

World War I,” he said. “It represents 

a significant loss of life. We lost 111 

Coast Guard service members, four 

Navy personnel, five civilians, and 11 

members of the British Royal Navy.” 

The sequence of events that led the 

placard back to the United States is still 

something of a slight mystery, but over 

the decades the story has slowly been 

pieced together, save for some time 

gaps. 

“It washed up on a beach in 1924 in 

Porthcawl, which is a town in Wales,” 

Tompkins said. “It was found by a 

local resident, and the placard was still 

attached to a piece of wood from the 

Tampa's original lifeboat.” 

The placard was verified as belonging to 

the Tampa because of its standard size 

and shape, and it holds an identification 

number that can only match the Tampa. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Somehow, someway the placard was 

returned from the United Kingdom to the 

United States shortly after its discovery, 

and eventually returned to the Coast 

Guard for safekeeping. 

"Every other artifact, that I know of, we’ve 

gone out to find,” Tompkins said. “This 

is the only artifact that has come to us. It 

broke free from the Tampa and literally 

rose from the depths of the Atlantic to 

come back to us, and that’s part of what 

makes this piece so incredibly special.” 

By: Renee Coleman, National Coast Guard Museum 


23

By: Renee Coleman, National Coast Guard Museum 

NEVER 

GIVE UP 

Crew: 124 (22 Officers, 15 CPO, 85 Enlisted) | Displacement: 4306LT 

Length: 418’ 7’’ | Max Speed: 28 knots | Range: 12,000 Nautical Miles 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

How does the Coast Guard celebrate the life and legacy of a man who is 

considered a pioneer and great champion of the enlisted service members? 

By naming the newest addition to the Legend Class National Security Cutter 

fleet after him. The Coast Guard will officially welcome its 10th Legend Class 

National Security Cutter, USCGC Calhoun (WMSL 759), in a commissioning 

ceremony on April 20, 2024, in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Photo by Renee Coleman, National Coast Guard Museum 


25

This 418-foot cutter, which is homeported in 

Charleston, South Carolina, is named after Master 

Chief Charles Calhoun, the first master chief petty 

officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG). 

Calhoun originally joined the Navy in 1943 at 17 

and was trained as a torpedoman. He served on 

the USS Lunga Point in the Pacific Ocean theater 

during World War II. He participated in many of the 

bloodiest battles, including the battles of Leyte Gulf, 

Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The Lunga Point’s 

crew received the Navy Unit Commendation for 

“extraordinary heroism and action against enemy 

Japanese forces in the air, ashore, and afl oat” 

following a kamikaze attack on the ship. Calhoun 

was honorably discharged from the Navy on Feb. 

21, 1946. 

Originally from Ocean City, Maryland, 

Calhoun returned home and went to 

work for the postal service. On Sept. 

20, 1946, Calhoun joined the U.S. 

Coast Guard. 

His notable accomplishments 

include working on the board that 

led to the creation of the cutterman 

insignia, implementing a program of 

local advisors who reported to the 

MCPOCG offi ce to hear enlisted 

personnel issues, and starting the 

movement toward the Coast Guard 

wearing its own style of uniform 

instead of Navy uniforms. 

“Master Chief Calhoun was a 

trailblazer in many ways,” said Vince 

Patton, the eighth master chief petty 

officer of the Coast Guard and friend 

to Calhoun. “He was the first MCPOCG. He came into 

the job facing some tough challenges. There was a 

population on the enlisted side that didn’t want that 

kind of oversight to happen and there was the other 

side that welcomed it. He dealt with the opposition, 

and he changed the culture.” 

Of the many incredible objects stowed on the 

USCGC Calhoun, one stands out. Up until February 

2024, the crew have been stewards of Master 

Chief Calhoun’s dress uniform, which was kept 

on board. The effort to receive Calhoun’s uniform 

was coordinated with Coast Guard Training Center 

Left: Master Chief Petty Officer Charles L. 

Calhoun's uniform. 

Right: Portrait of Master Chief Petty Officer 

Charles L. Calhoun, the first master chief 

petty officer of the Coast Guard. Calhoun, 

76, died Feb. 24, 2002, in Santa Rosa, 

Calif. He was born April 20, 1925, in Ocean 

City, MD, and enlisted in the Coast Guard 

in September 1946. During a career that 

spanned almost 30 years, he served on 

board six different cutters, accumulating 

more than 14 years of sea time. He also 

served in Vietnam. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


27

Petaluma in January 2023. Since then, the uniform, 

which has been maintained by careful and diligent 

hands, has become a symbol of pride for the crew. 

Chief Matt Hall, the boat’s chief mess president and 

the damage control and repair division chief, was, 

at one point, a custodian of the uniform. 

“We are very well aware of the significance of this 

uniform,” Hall said. “It’s really highlighted when we 

go through the Chief’s Call to Initiation, where we 

learn and carry on the history of the Coast Guard. 

To be able to see over a 50-year period since 

the inception of the Master Chief Petty Officer of 

the Coast Guard and having that uniform on the 

namesake ship for him has been a pretty remarkable 

moment for all of us.” 

Late February 2024, the National Coast Guard 

Museum team temporarily took possession of 

Calhoun’s uniform to prepare it for commissioning 

day. The Museum team will design a modest exhibit 

space solely for the commissioning in one of two 

hangars on the boat. It’s an opportunity for guests to 

celebrate the momentous day, soak in Coast Guard 

history, and honor a man who gave so much to his 

country and the Coast Guard. 

“Our motto is Never Give Up, and we’ve pretty 

much been living the motto since acceptance of 

the ship,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Aaron 

DeLuca, the Calhoun’s command senior enlisted 

leader and the main propulsion division senior chief. 

“The cutter has gone up against some significant 

challenges getting out of the Yard, and no matter 

what, the crew keeps reporting in and getting to 

the next challenge or hurdle and continues to push 

forward. The entire crew really wants to see this all 

through to completion and embodies the motto to 

absolutely never give up.” 

Chief Petty Officer Matt 

Hall, left, the Calhoun’s 

chief mess president and 

the damage control and 

repair division chief, stands 

with Senior Chief Petty 

Officer Aaron DeLuca, the 

Calhoun’s command senior 

enlisted leader and the main 

propulsion division senior 

chief. 

INSIDER TIP: Master Chief Charles Calhoun redefined the culture 

of the chief’s mess. His leadership and contributions will be 

included on Deck 3 in the Defenders of Our Nation Wing in the 

Redefining the Defense Rolls exhibit alongside other chiefs such 

as Chief Alex Haley. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Get Your 

NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION 

2024 CHALLENGE COIN 

Today! 

JOIN. 

UPGRADE. 

SUPPORT. 

Honor the 210’ Reliance-Class cutters, a venerable platform 

for the modern U.S. Coast Guard’s fleet, which is celebrating 

60 years of service. To get your coin, become a plankowner or 

upgrade your current plankowner gift ($5 per month minimum) 

before September 30, 2024. For more information, please visit: 

www.coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner 

donate@coastguardmuseum.org 

www.coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner 

860-443-4200 


29

DELIVERD BY 

ADM LINDA FAGAN 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

This is what we are known for. This is the 

Coast Guard people see every day protecting 

our economic prosperity and national 

security. This is the Coast Guard that is 

respected and admired around the world. 

I 

am honored to share the phenomenal work 

that our United States Coast Guard does 

every day, highlight the threats shaping 

the maritime domain, and advocate for the 

investments needed to ensure the Coast Guard 

remains Always Ready. 

A few weeks ago, you may have heard about the 

rescue of six people and two dogs off the coast of 

Washington State by a Coast Guard crew. Or you 

might have heard about a U.S. Coast Guard cutter 

operating as part of a task force that seized almost 

1,700 pounds of narcotics in the Arabian Sea, or 

the rescue of three boaters from a sinking vessel in 

the Virgin Islands. 

Last summer, when the community of Lahaina on 

Maui was devastated by a wildfire; Coast Guard 

crews braved heat and smoke to rescue people who 

fled to the ocean to escape the flames. Our boat 

crews do not train to respond to wildfires. But in that 

moment, they demonstrated our ethos to protect, 

defend, and save. They selflessly put themselves 

in harm’s way so others might live. 

Last year, the United States Coast Guard saved 

nearly 5,000 lives and ensured the safety of 

thousands more through our operations to prevent 

maritime accidents before they happen. 

Additionally, our crews continued their work to 

deter maritime migration throughout the Pacific, the 

Caribbean, and the Straits of Florida by responding 

to large numbers of people taking to the sea on 

incredibly hazardous voyages. 

This is what we are known for. This is the Coast 

Guard people see every day protecting our 

economic prosperity and national security. This 

is the Coast Guard that is respected and admired 

around the world. 

We don’t do this work alone. The Coast Guard 

serves alongside the other operational components 

of the Department of Homeland Security to support 

the Secretary’s priorities including maritime 


31

order security, crisis response readiness, and 

cybersecurity protection of critical infrastructure. 

We are one of the six Armed Services fully integrated 

into the Joint Force. Our ability to partner and 

collaborate with the maritime forces of other nations 

supports American national security priorities. 

Around the world, our iconic red racing stripe 

symbolizes professionalism and strong maritime 

governance. 

Along every U.S. coastline, and in every U.S. port, 

we work with state and local officials as well as the 

private sector to protect the safety and security of 

the Marine Transportation System. 

In the Caribbean and in the Eastern Pacific, 

we continue to collaborate with our fellow DHS 

components, the Department of Defense, and our 

international partners to stem the flow of illegal 

drugs to the United States. 

Throughout our more than 233-year history, we 

have done whatever the Nation called on us to do 

to protect our interests at sea. 

But I must tell you our challenges are many; the 

threats confronting the United States continue 

to change—and that change is occurring at an 

accelerating pace. 

I set a vision to transform the Service to meet those 

rapidly evolving challenges. Over the past two years 

the Coast Guard has made tremendous progress 

with significant investments to advance our 

workforce and mission readiness. We are deploying 

improved technology that reflects the most rapid 

advance in our information systems in decades. 

But I must tell you our challenges are many; the threats 

confronting the United States continue to change—and 

that change is occurring at an accelerating pace. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

We are prototyping unmanned systems in the air, 

on the water, and even underwater to improve our 

maritime domain awareness. The Coast Guard of 

the future will increasingly rely on data, analytics, 

and artificial intelligence to inform our missions. 

We must get this right. Our Office of Data Analytics 

continues to update processes to support our 

modern workforce, assets, and operations. 

These technologies represent force multipliers for 

our Service, but our greatest effort is in strengthening 

and supporting our workforce. We’ve transformed 

our talent management system. Two years ago, 

I highlighted the need to modernize the way we 

recruit, train, deploy, and support our people. 

Last year, I announced a Talent Management 

Transformation Task Force. They hit the ground 

running, challenged long-held assumptions, and are 

writing new personnel policies that make it easier 

to join and serve in the United States Coast Guard. 

We have invested in recruiting, and we’re meeting 

new recruits where they are. We now train newly 

enlisted service-members in their technical specialty 

by assessing the skills and abilities they already 

have, and then create a customized curriculum. 

This tailored approach is paying dividends. This 

past year, 149 new Petty Officers graduated from 

technical training 31% faster and reported to 

frontline Coast Guard operations that much sooner. 

We are moving away from a rigid, one-size-fitsall 

system, to one that enables every individual to 

perform to their full potential. It’s a generational 

change in our approach to talent management. 

Today, a well-trained and well-equipped workforce 

is especially critical. Across the country and around 

the world, demand for the Coast Guard is growing. 

It’s easy to understand why. The U.S. Coast Guard is 

the world’s premiere agency to help partner nations 

build and sustain governance in their sovereign 

waters. This year we continue to demonstrate our 

Adm. Linda L. Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard, 

speaks to guests during the 2024 State of the Coast Guard 

Address in Washington, D.C., March 20, 2024. The State 

of the Coast Guard Address speaks to the vision for the 

Service. (U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st 

Class Brandon Giles) 

unique capability for this work off the coast of Africa, 

throughout the Pacific, and in the Arctic. 

The Pacific region is home to more than half the 

world’s people, and more than two-thirds of global 

economic activity. The region is key to U.S. security, 

and we are strengthening our presence there today. 

We recently moved the Medium Endurance Cutter 

Harriet Lane from the East Coast to a new home port 

in Honolulu to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to 

strengthen maritime governance and achieve the 

objectives of the United States Indo-Pacific Strategy. 

Harriet Lane is making a difference today on her first 

patrol in the South Pacific. Last month, the cutter 

enacted our bilateral agreements with both Vanuatu 

and Fiji, and embarked law enforcement officials 

to conduct boardings of Chinese vessels fishing in 

their sovereign waters. This work protects Pacific 

nations’ sovereignty and upholds the international 

rules-based order. 

The Arctic is another region important to national 

security. The United States seeks an Arctic region 

that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous. The Coast 

Guard contributes to that goal through enduring 

presence in the high latitudes. 

The Arctic is becoming 

even more critical 

as diminishing sea 

ice opens new waters 

to commercial and 

military activity. 

The Coast Guard 

protects our national 

sovereignty through 

enduring presence in 

the high latitudes. 


33

Last summer the cutter Healy transited the Arctic 

north of Russia, and later engaged with key Arctic 

partners such as Norway, Canada, Denmark, and 

Iceland. As an Arctic nation, our work in the northern 

high latitudes ensures our national sovereignty, 

secures American waterways, and protects 

American natural resources. 

We watch over Arctic ports and waterways just as 

we do those along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific 

coasts, as well as our inland waterways. The 

Marine Transportation System contributes $5.4 

trillion dollars to the U.S. economy every year and 

supports 30 million American jobs. The Coast 

Guard’s actions to ensure the safety and security 

of the Marine Transportation System protect 

America’s economic prosperity and national 

security. 

For more than two centuries the Coast Guard has 

protected our ports against physical attack, but 

today the threats are changing. The next attack 

on maritime infrastructure is likely to come from 

cyberspace. 

In February, the President signed an executive 

order that further enables Coast Guard efforts to 

directly address cyber threats. Along with newly 

proposed regulations, it empowers the Coast 

Guard to better protect waterfront facilities and 

Adm. Linda L. Fagan at the podium delivering the The State of 

the Coast Guard Address. (U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty 

Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles) 

vessels and includes reporting requirements for 

actual or threatened cyber incidents. 

Cyberattacks are only one aspect of the rapidly 

changing global security landscape. Autonomous 

warfare, gray-zone tactics, attacks on commercial 

shipping, climate change, and transnational criminal 

activity are all threats to maritime governance, 

peace, and security. 

The Coast Guard must continue to transform to keep 

pace with these drivers of global instability. 

Our readiness as a Service depends on our ability to 

support our people with the capable ships, aircraft, 

systems, and infrastructure they need to complete 

their missions. This includes a single fleet of MH- 

60 helicopters and the new Waterways Commerce 

Cutter. And I am excited about the potential to field 

additional Fast Response Cutters. 

Last year we celebrated a significant milestone in 

our acquisition portfolio as we launched the first 

Offshore Patrol Cutter Argus. This year, my top 

acquisition priority is beginning construction on 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

the Polar Security Cutter. This is the first new heavy 

icebreaker constructed in the United States since 

the 1970s. As an Arctic nation, a new polar security 

cutter is critical to creating persistent presence in 

the high latitudes. 

In the near term, the purchase of a commercially 

available icebreaker would increase U.S. presence 

in the Arctic while we work to build the new class of 

Polar Security Cutters. 

We must continue to invest today to ensure the 

Coast Guard fleet of tomorrow is ready. Our future 

mission success and America’s prosperity depend 

on it. 

As we build new cutters, we must continue to 

perform the maintenance necessary to reliably 

operate our legacy fleet. The cost of shipyard 

maintenance has increased rapidly, forcing the 

Coast Guard to make difficult decisions. We project 

our maintenance budget will only cover half of our 

planned cutter maintenance projects next year. 

Deferred maintenance erodes operational 

resilience—directly threatening mission execution. 

For more than two 

centuries the Coast 

Guard has protected 

our ports against 

physical attack, but 

today the threats are 

changing. The next 

attack on maritime 

infrastructure is 

likely to come from 

cyberspace. 

Our operational platforms rely on shore facilities that 

also require maintenance. Shore facilities, including 

buildings, piers, and runways, require significant 

investment and are just as essential to frontline 

operations as cutters, aircraft, and small boats. Our 

workforce and their families must also have access 

to reliable and affordable housing, childcare, and 

healthcare. 

To address our shore infrastructure backlog, meet 

the needs of our operational fleet, and ensure we 

can execute projects at maximum speed, we must 

also strengthen our capacity for civil engineering 

and contracting work. I am committed to working 

with the Administration and Congress to ensure we 

have the consistent and reliable funding necessary 

to maintain the readiness of all elements of our 

operational fleet. 

The quality of our facilities and ships not only impact 

mission readiness; it is an important factor potential 

recruits think about when they consider Coast Guard 

service. And recruiting is critical to operational 

readiness. 

Like the other branches of the Armed Forces, the 

Coast Guard is experiencing a personnel shortfall. 

The Service cannot maintain the same level of 

operations with this gap. We cannot do the same 

with less. 

We’ve made the difficult decision to adjust our 

operations and strategically reallocate personnel, 

to prioritize our lifesaving missions and the 

protection of the Marine Transportation System. 

These temporary changes are not a permanent 

solution. Americans want more Coast Guard, not 

less. But trying to maintain the status quo with 

a workforce shortage puts our people and the 

American public at greater risk. 

While we operate the Coast Guard during this 

personnel shortfall, we are working diligently 

to close the workforce gap. Recruiting work 

requires dedicated professionals to highlight the 

opportunities available in the Coast Guard. We are 

opening new recruiting offices and adding more 

recruiters, led by a new cadre of talent acquisition 

specialists who are proven advocates for our 

Service. 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Coast 

Guard’s Core Values—Honor, Respect and 

Devotion to Duty. These are words our newest 

members memorize on their first days in uniform. 


35

But they are more than just words—they define the 

meaning of Coast Guard service. I expect every 

member of our workforce to live by these values 

every day. 

But it is clear to me that not everyone experiences 

a climate aligned with our core values. 

It’s no secret what has come to light in the past 

year. Members of our workforce have experienced 

in the past—and are experiencing today—harmful 

behaviors from harassment to bullying to sexual 

assault. Harmful behaviors—particularly sexual 

harassment and sexual assault—are crimes and 

have no place in society. And they have no place in 

our Coast Guard. They undermine our culture and 

shatter our readiness. 

Today we are working aggressively to prevent 

abuses, listen to and support victims and 

survivors, and strengthen the Service’s culture 

and commitment to our core values. We’ve 

recently adopted a new Safe-to-Report policy and 

established an Enterprise Victim Advocate—the first 

ever in any military service. We’ve fortified training 

for Special Victims Counsels, and we are improving 

training throughout the workforce, including revised 

bystander intervention training to empower service 

members to prevent and stop harmful behaviors. 

Most importantly, we are embarking on a longterm 

initiative to strengthen our service culture. 

We do not approach this work lightly or with the 

belief that it will be quick or easy. Strengthening 

our culture demands consistent work and longterm 

commitment, and our values must always be 

reflected in our daily actions and traditions. 

This effort is as critical to our workforce and mission 

readiness as building new ships or infrastructure. 

A culture intolerant of harmful behaviors is the 

standard the American people expect. 

It is the standard I set for the Service. 

We will meet that standard —and your United States 

Coast Guard will continue to protect, defend, and 

save with the devotion we are renowned for. 

Thank you for your enduring support of the United 

States Coast Guard. 

Semper Paratus! 

Admiral Linda L. Fagan delivers the State of the Coast 

Guard Address reception. (U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty 

Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles) 

Most importantly, we 

are embarking on a 

long-term initiative 

to strengthen our 

service culture. We 

do not approach this 

work lightly or with 

the belief that it will be 

quick or easy. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


37


THE LONG BLUE LINE

A FAMILY 

AFFAIR 

By Beau Bridges 

In my family, the first one to go to sea 

was my grandpa, on my mom’s side … 

a tough little Englishman from Liverpool 

named Frederich Simpson. As his first 

grandchild, I couldn’t say “Grandpa.” 

All that came out was “Packa.” Later, 

that was shortened to “Pack,” and that’s 

how he was known to his family for the rest of 

his life. His dad was a blacksmith. They were a 

poor family; he had 11 siblings. At the age of 12, 

he would sit on the dock watching the clipper 

ships coming in and out, and he would dream 

of adventures in far off lands. His wanderlust 

became too much, and he stowed away one 

misty morning. He was discovered too far out at 

sea to return and so began an exciting chapter 

of his life that would take him seven times 

around the world on a sailing ship. He loved 

to regale his family with tales of going around 

the cape horn in the summer where he would 

fall asleep in the blazing noon sun and the rats 

would nibble on his toes. His favorite story was 

being ordered to furl the sails in a snowstorm … 

his knuckles frozen … unable to hold out … he 

fell toward certain death … only to be saved by 

a line dropped gently to the deck. If that didn’t 

happen, I wouldn’t be telling you this story. I 

feel his spirit is with me as I often reflect on the 

company of fellow seafarers. 

I GREW UP IN 

MAR VISTA … 

A TOWN NEAR 

THE SEA IN 

SOUTHERN 

CALIFORNIA. 

THE OCEAN 

WAS AN 

IMPORTANT 

PART OF MY 

WORLD. 


39

The name I answer to is Beau Bridges. My parents 

were reading Gone with the Wind and wanted to name 

me after a character named “Beau” … a baby in the 

novel. But there was a problem. I was born December 

9, 1941, in Los Angeles, two days after Pearl Harbor 

was bombed. The lights in the hospital were blacked 

out … they thought the Japanese were going to keep 

coming and bomb the city. Also, back in those days, 

they heavily sedated women preparing for childbirth, 

so my mom Dorothy was a bit groggy when a nurse 

came in and asked, “What would you like to name your 

child?” She replied, “Call him ‘Beau.’” The nurse said, 

“I’m sorry, ma’am, there must be some confusion, you 

have a son, not a daughter!” Not wanting to continue 

the conversation, my mother said, “Just call him ‘Lloyd 

Vernet Bridges, the Third’ after his father.” Or the “turd” 

as Pack used to call me. 

I grew up in Mar Vista … a town near the sea in 

Southern California. The ocean was an important part 

of my world. My dad was also an actor, and he always 

loved the sea … and when his series “Sea Hunt” came 

into our lives, he enjoyed the celebrity attached to 

introducing the underwater world to so many people 

throughout the world. During this time, he developed 

a relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and 

participated in many events promoting their brand of 

military service. In appreciation of his interest, they 

gave him the honorary commission of commodore. 

When President Kennedy ordered the blockade of 

Cuba in 1962, my father urged me to enlist. I was 17, 

and Dad thought if we were going to go to war, I should 

join the Coast Guard Reserve … and so I did, at age 

18. My brother Jeff would follow me eight years later. 

My boot camp was in Alameda, California, and my 

company was Lima 28. Right away, I learned some 

lessons that would serve me all my life: the importance 

of teamwork, the necessity of complete physical 

and mental preparation for the task ahead, and the 

importance of respect for your crew and for yourself. 

I’ve stayed in touch with a number of my mates from 

those early years. 

The Coast Guard motto is “Always Ready,” and we 

were … but the conflict with Cuba never evolved into 

all-out war. I served my tour of duty in peacetime, 

completing my service just before the Vietnam War 

got underway. 

My uncle, Fred Simpson, Jr., was a merchant marine 

during World War II and saw wartime action. He 

I SERVED MY TOUR OF 

DUTY IN PEACETIME, 

COMPLETING MY 

SERVICE JUST BEFORE 

THE VIETNAM WAR 

GOT UNDERWAY. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

shared many of his experiences with me. I also had 

a number of friends who served in the military in the 

Vietnam War. Some of them gave their lives in service. 

I have a profound feeling of gratitude for those men 

and women who have served in wartime … and I also 

appreciate the strength and indomitable spirit of their 

families … who stayed at home waiting for their loved 

ones to return … sometimes having to meet the 

challenge of ultimate loss … or the challenges 

of rehabilitation after debilitating injury. 

I pray that these national heroes and 

their families are fully appreciated by 

their fellow Americans, and that we 

make sure their service to protect 

and defend us is respected 

and does not go unrecognized. 

Returning war veterans need to feel the care and 

attention they deserve. We need to assure their good 

physical and mental health, to assist them in finding 

comfortable living accommodations for themselves 

and their families, and to help them find work in the 

civilian community if that is what they desire. 


41

When I was working in Wilmington, North Carolina, I 

met up with a group of veterans who served on the 

cargo ship U.S.S. Achernar (AKA 53). Members of 

their group had served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. 

It was their 29th annual reunion, and they were there 

with their families. George Rateike “Ratike” was the 

only WWII vet. His landing craft was blown up at 

Omaha Beach. Floundering in the water with four 

other survivors, they were picked up by a bunch of 

“Limeys” (as he called them). They dropped them 

off on the beach … but not before they gave George 

and his mates a few cans of beer … a big surprise 

since liquor was banned on the U.S. Navy ships. My 

grandpa would’ve enjoyed that story. I asked George 

why the Englishmen didn’t take them back to the 

Achernar. He said their ship thought they had been 

lost in battle, so they went back to pick up another 

group of marines to take to the beachhead. George 

finally made it back and completed his mission. Over 

the few days I spent with the veterans of the “Mighty 

A,” I came to appreciate their keen sense of family. 

They continued to enjoy the camaraderie and were 

still dedicated to the happiness and peace of mind of 

their crew and their families. 

It is an honor to share my story with all of you. And 

I would like to leave you with a favorite poem of my 

grandfather Fred Simpson: 

A wheel, to steer her full and by, 

With billowed sails just lifting at the clew; 

Watch sun-tanned sailors sway on high 

On royal yardarms up above the blue. 

Knowing the joy of homeward bound, 

And watch the reeling knots that lead to home; 

Hear trade winds hum, a pleasant sound 

That drives our ship across the foam. 

When I put out across the bar, 

Dear Lord, give me a breeze, a starry sky, 

A full-rigged ship to take me far 

Away, with sails all set to full and by. 

Peace, Pack. 

Longings 

Once more to sail around the Horn, 

And see again Diego Rameriz; 

To feel the breeze at break of dawn 

Blowing from bergs that roll in choppy seas. 

To hear the call, “All hands on deck!”; 

Tumbling from bunks and fighting with the gale; 

The shrieking wind, thoughts of a wreck 

As high aloft we go to shorten sail. 


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HONOR. 

ENGAGE. 

EDUCATE. 

INSPIRE. 

JOIN US ON THE 

WALL OF PHILANTHROPY! 

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO SERVICE – JOIN US! 

This is a unique opportunity to have your name, or that of a loved one, included on the wall of philanthropy in the spectacular 

atrium of the National Coast Guard Museum. More than 50 Coast Guard retirees, veterans, annuitants, family members, 

and auxiliarists have already made commitments of $50,000 or more to secure their places. 

The National Coast Guard Museum wall of philanthropy will be more than a place for the museum to recognize its highwater 

mark donors. It will showcase the value of having individuals, groups, and organizations working together towards 

a common, greater goal and serve as a reminder to the positive impact philanthropy can have on a community. It will be a 

perfect place for Coast Guard families to preserve a legacy—inspiring current and future generations as to the importance 

of giving back. 

The professional staff at the Museum Association will help you explore the different methods of giving and opportunities for 

support. Katherine Bainbridge (kbainbridge@coastguardmuseum.org) is ready to answer your questions about joining 

our growing group of dedicated Coast Guard supporters on the wall of philanthropy! 

visit longblueline.org 

info@coastguardmuseum.org 

www.CoastGuardMuseum.org @USCGMuseum @USCGMuseum 


43

PORTRAITS OF SERVICE 

There are thousands of untold stories that are not in the history books. The Long Blue Line is 

a fantastic platform to share your personal journeys from the diverse mission sets of the Coast 

Guard. 

We are excited to provide a place where readers can share their Coast Guard story. We’ve 

made it easy for you with a simple questionnaire at coastguardmuseum.org/retirees 

TELL YOUR STORY! 

MKCM Stephen H. Petersen, USCG (Ret.) † 

Pettus, Texas 

1942 – 2023 

Master Chief Petty Officer Steven Petersen, 

past National President of the United States 

Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association 

(CGCVA) crossed the bar on July 25, 2023, at 

81 years of age. 

Born in Bronx, New York, he enlisted in 1960 

and served 22 years in the Coast Guard, retiring 

in 1982. Steven was a life member of CGCVA 

since September 1987 and faithfully served the 

organization in several capacities including two 

terms as national president and two terms as 

national vice president, in addition to serving four 

times as co-chair of the Reunion Committee and a 

full term as the chairman of the board of trustees. 

Over the years, Steven served as the association’s 

invited representative at three Coast Guard 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Festivals held in Grand Haven, Michigan, and 

was a featured presenter at several Coast 

Guard Sentinel Class (Fast Response Cutter) 

commissioning events. He was present at the 

solemn dedication of the Enlisted Memorial 

in Cape May, New Jersey, honoring the men 

and women who have lost their lives in the 

line of duty since 1915. 

Throughout his time with CGCVA, his 

leadership and understanding of the 

experiences of their members were key 

to sharing the organization’s goals and 

accomplishments at these events. This 

resulted in him being selected as the 2022 Don 

Kneip Award recipient for his distinguished 

service. 

By his shipmates’ own accounts, Steve was a 

quiet and unassuming man. One who rarely 

dwelled on sea stories of his experiences with 

others. Having served on five different cutters and 

various shore assignments, his experiences were 

varied like so many. During his time in uniform, he 

became a qualifi ed hard hat diver and achieved 

the rank of master chief. One of his most notable 

assignments was during a deployment to Vietnam, 

where he took charge as Team Leader within 

Explosive Loading Detachment #4 in Danag and 

later assumed duties as the Offi cer-in-Charge of 

the entire detachment. Notably, he was the last 

member of the detachment to depart Vietnam 

before the country fell to the North Vietnamese. 

At the conclusion of his time there, Steve was 

awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious 

service. 

He is survived by his wife Kay; his children, Will 

(Michelle) and Demi; his granddaughters, Kaylen 

and Brooke. A memorial service was planned for 

Steve’s internment at Arlington National Cemetery 

during a private ceremony. 

Rest in Peace, WE have the watch. 

Stephen H. Petersen (on right) receives the Bronze Star for his 

meritorious service during his time served in Vietnam. 

This portrait of service was developed 

from a past edition of the Coast 

Guard Combat Veterans Association 

publication The Quarterdeck Log. For 

more information about CGCVA visit: 

www.coastguardcombatvets.org 


45

SS3 Gaston Merideth, USCG veteran 

Tampa, Florida 

Growing up in Florida as one of 15 children in 

the house, Chef Gaston Merideth learned at a 

very early age that he had a keen interest and 

energy in the kitchen—forged from fending for 

himself when it came to cooking. It wasn’t long 

before he found his way into the culinary world. 

He began as a dishwasher in high school gaining 

kitchen experiences and earning free meals. 

Soon thereafter, following in the footsteps of an 

older brother, Gaston enlisted in the United States 

Coast Guard and received orders to Subsistence 

Specialist (SS) “A” School after completing 

bootcamp. As a newly minted SS, Gaston was 

off to the mighty Coast Guard Cutter Bramble, 

homeported in Port Huron, Michigan, where he 

served his entire enlistment. 

Returning to his home state of Florida, Chef 

Gaston built up his culinary credentials, earning 

an impressive list of awards and recognition for 

his gastronomic creations. Gaston pushed his 

culinary expertise when he launched his own 

line of barbeque sauces using native ingredients 

and fl avors more familiar to Floridians. Utilizing 

the sweeter taste of strawberries, raspberries, 

blueberries, local citrus juices, and spiced with the 

uniquely local flavor of Datil peppers (also known 

as the yellow lantern chili), Gaston created Chef G’s 

Florida BarBQ sauce. To date, the Chef G’s sauce 

brand has four flavor profiles: Classic, Heatwave, 

Florida Gold Honey Mustard, and Fusion. Chef G’s 

Florida-style BarBQ sauces are shipped nationwide 

and have garnered a great deal of acclaim. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Prior to opening his highly recognized 

catering company, Chef Gaston’s 

Culinary Services, in 2013, Gaston 

served as Executive Chef and Food 

Services Director for Universal Studios 

Orlando and Marriott International. In 

addition, he has owned and operated 

a variety of dining venues from casual to a gourmet 

hors d’oeuvres company. However, he knew his true 

calling was to showcase his creativity and talent 

through catering. 

Through the years, he has made an ongoing effort 

to share his knowledge and skills as an instructor 

at The Culinary Arts at Manatee Technical College 

and as a State of Florida Food Safety Management 

and Test Administrator. Recognizing the importance 

of giving back to his community, Chef Gaston has 

been a 20-year board member for the Selective 

Services and frequently participated in the training 

of junior culinarians within the Coast Guard during 

symposiums presented at Air Station Clearwater. A 

certified executive Chef, Gaston has accumulated 

an extensive list of achievements, certifi cations, 

and recognition for his culinary accomplishments 

earning him titles as the 2023 Chef of the Year for 

Restaurants Guide International and the 2022/23 

Chef of the Year and Member of the Year for the 

American Culinary Federation Tampa Bay. 

TELL US YOUR STORY 

Tell us your incredible Coast Guard stories and what the National Coast Guard Museum 

means to you, and your profile may be featured in the next issue of the Long Blue Line. 

www.coastguardmuseum.org/retirees 

PORTRAITS OF SERVICE 


47

LIKE A DOG 

WITH TWO TAILS 

Marine science technicians from Coast Guard 

Sector Houston-Galveston smile at Connie, a dog 

they rescued from a container, at David Wayne Hooks 

Memorial Airport in Spring, Texas, in February. While 

conducting a routine inspection of containers at the 

Bayport Container Terminal, the Coast Guard members 

heard barking and scratching sounds that alerted them 

to a container in which the dog had been trapped for at 

least eight days. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Perry Shirzad. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


49

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION AUXILIARY 

MUSIC IN THE AIR: 

THE AUXILIARY MUSIC 

PROGRAM 

Musical notes 

float in the air, 

unseen as the 

wind, but when 

you hear the 

melodic notes, they can trigger 

heartfelt emotions. Music has 

been called the universal 

language, but it can also 

enhance awareness, pride, 

and communication across 

the Auxiliary culture and the 

public. The U.S. Coast Guard 

Auxiliary Music Program has an 

important mission: to augment 

the Coast Guard, enhance the 

Coast Guard Auxiliary purpose 

and message, heighten visibility, 

and give the general audience 

listening pleasure. There are 

Coast Guard Auxiliary bands 

and vocalists from Coast to 

Coast. To explore the rich 

history and evolution of the 

Auxiliary Music Program and 

how an Auxiliarist musician can 

become involved, it begins 

with several decades of past 

commitment and tradition. 

The history of the Coast Guard 

Auxiliary Music Program 

extends, at least, to the formal 

formation of the Service in 

1939, back to the earliest 

days of brave crews daring 

By Joy Burnette, 

National Branch Assistant 

Publications Support (A-DIR) 

life-saving ocean rescues. 

Auxiliary archives housed in 

the Special Collections of the 

East Carolina University Library 

document some early, handpenned 

musical scores, articles, 

photos, and references to past 

performances. 

Many Coast Guard songs 

have been written and played 

throughout the years, with 

the earliest written in 1943. 

But there is one Coast Guard 

song that strikes near and 

dear to the hearts of all who 

serve and volunteer: the official 

Coast Guard march, “Semper 

Paratus.” Most Auxiliarists have 

heard “Semper Paratus,” but 

most have never heard “Fly 

Your Ensign,” the earliest of the 

official Coast Guard Auxiliary 

marches, or the “United States 

Coast Guard Auxiliary” anthem. 

The original Auxiliary march was 

written by Captain Joseph J. 

Drexler, Division 6, 3rd District, 

sometime during the 1950’s, 

and there have been various 

arrangements and lyric versions 

played throughout the years. In 

1980, a second march, “East 

Coast to the West Coast,” was 

created by Jim MacDonald. By 

1991, Sig Heller and Roy Kaiser 

wrote another Coast Guard 

Auxiliary march, and Denise 

Osso wrote an undated Auxiliary 

anthem. 

Then, time rushed forward. 

In 2013, Auxiliary leadership 

identified ways to enhance 

already robust programs, and 

develop new programs, to 

meet the evolving needs of the 

Auxiliary. The enrichment of the 

Auxiliary Music Program is just 

one slice of the larger, overall 

expansion. The Auxiliary music 

services have been available 

for some time, and the current 

growth builds on past and 

present leadership that guides 

and advances the program 

mission even further. As noted 

in the Auxiliary Musician 

(AUXMU) Program Standard 

Operating Procedures, “the 

AUXMU program shall be 

conducted to enhance Coast 

Guard and Auxiliary missions 

and activities through musical 

accompaniment provided by 

The Coast Guard Auxiliary march “Fly Your 

Ensign” was published in the August 1964 

Silver Anniversary edition of TOPSIDE, the 

forerunner to Navigator. (Sheet Music - U.S. 

Coast Guard Auxiliary archive photos.) 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

AUXILIARY 

Auxiliarists who possess requisite musical 

skills and successfully meet established 

qualification criteria as identified in these 

guidelines.” Whether your instrument is a 

woodwind, horn, percussion, or voice, the 

music program welcomes all trained Auxiliary 

member musicians. 

According to Benjamin Palmer, National 

Branch Chief - Aux Music (A-DIR), the Coast 

Guard Auxiliary Music Program provides 

There is one Coast 

Guard song that 

strikes near and 

dear to the hearts 

of all who serve 

and volunteer: the 

official Coast Guard 

march, “Semper 

Paratus.” 

opportunities for an Auxiliarist musician 

to participate in musical endeavors and 

performances that may include “local flotilla 

and division meetings, change of watch 

ceremonies, parades, air shows, formal 

balls, Fourth of July celebrations, possibly 

the Grand Haven Michigan gathering” and, 

sometimes, the solemn task of playing taps. 

The music program is open to all qualified 

auxiliary vocal performers and members who 

play a traditional concert instrument. Serving 

in the Coast Guard Auxiliary music program 

is not only an outward presentation of our 

Service but can also lead to the individual 

musician’s enjoyment and all members a little 

bit of pride. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED 

Interested musicians should be aware 

of the qualification demonstrations and 

avenues of participation. There are three 

levels of auxiliary music performance and 

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION 


51


expertise that are expected 

to be demonstrated by each 

musician. AUXMU1, AUXMU2, 

and AUXMU3 qualifications 

are designed for trained 

musicians and confirm the 

level of their instrumental 

expertise. Certification levels are 

accomplished through a very 

familiar process—the music 

audition. Once an Auxiliarist 

has established contact with 

the music branch, the new 

musician will be instructed to 

perform a piece of music of their 

selection that demonstrates the 

best of their musical talents, 

range, and expertise. Musicians 

will also be required to run 

multiple major and minor scales 

and some sight-reading. The 

music audition is accomplished 

through virtual meetings and the 

sharing of audio files. 

Further, Mr. Palmer noted that 

the audition is evaluated for 

“difficulty of music played, 

dynamics, control, interpretation, 

solo, and sight reading.” This 

evaluation “ensures the quality” 

of musical performances across 

the local flotilla, district, and 

national levels. Anyone with 

qualifications can participate 

in a band, chorus, or solo in 

other flotillas or districts. You do 

not have to be a member of a 

particular flotilla to participate. 

In the future, as the program 

grows, qualified Auxiliary 

musicians may be allowed to 

wear a Music Program ribbon 

and the music honorary cord 

when performing in uniform. 

The Coast Guard and Coast 

Guard Auxiliary have a long 

and colorful musical history. It 

is the combination of musical 

talents and shared experiences, 

such as a love of music, 

camaraderie, music history, 

and an exceptional level of 

commitment, that drives the 

success of the Auxiliary Music 

Program. The Coast Guard 

march “Semper Paratus” 

rings in our ears and echoes 

in our hearts. Soon, I hope, all 

Auxiliarists will be familiar with 

the early rendition of the “Fly 

Your Ensign” march—OUR 

march. So, may the music and 

lyrics of these melodies never 

escape our memories and spur 

us forward with honor, respect, 

and devotion to duty. From the 

archives, lest we forget: 

“Fly Your Ensign” (1959 

version) 

Chorus: 

We are the Coast Guard 

Auxiliary 

Let’s weigh the anchor, 

Set the course and off to 

sea. 


Auxiliary 

To promote safe boating is 

our policy. 

Tell each commander and 

commodore. 

That he can count on us, 

From every ship and shore. 

So, FLY YOUR ENSIGN 

proudly in the breeze, 

Steady ready in all 

emergencies. 

The Coast Guard stands for 

safety on the seas. 


Auxiliary. 

“Semper Paratus” (1943 

version) 

Chorus: 

So, here's the Coast Guard 

marching song, 

We sing on land or sea. 

Through surf and storm and 

howling gale, 

High shall our purpose be. 

"Semper Paratus" is our 

guide, 

Our fame, our glory too. 

To fight to save or fight and 

die, 

Aye! Coast Guard, we are 

for you! 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary 

have a long and colorful musical history. It is 

the combination of musical talents and shared 

experiences ... that drives the success of the Auxiliary 

Music Program. 

AUXILIARY 

Both photos: Mesa, AZ - The 

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 

Arizona Band Flotilla (114- 

10-3) performs at official 

military ceremonies, veteran 

functions, and nonpolitical 

civic events in appreciation of 

all veterans. (Photo courtesy 

of the Mesa Independent.) 

Special thanks to the USCG Auxiliary History Team (A-DIR) and the USCG Auxiliary 

Archives at the East Carolina University Library, cared for by the Special Collections 

Research Team. Their contributions to this article are remarkable. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE 


53


H T 

JOBS 

By: Matthew Thompson, AUXPA3, National Branch Chief – Publications Support (A-DIR) 

There is no doubt that the United 

States Coast Guard Auxiliary 

offers exciting opportunities for 

members to augment the Coast 

Guard’s active duty and Reserve 

personnel. 

The possibilities for service are endless. Whether 

it’s on the ice above the Arctic Circle, at the 

sunny beaches of Florida’s Space Coast, high 

in the sky over the Great Lakes, or somewhere 

out in cyberspace and beyond, the Auxiliary is 

there to be the force multiplier that provides the 

workforce to keep the Coast Guard moving. 

The 20,112 members of the Auxiliary form a 

diverse workforce with a significant amount of 

experience and knowledge that can be used to 

support the Coast Guard and further enhance 

its mission success across the globe. The Coast 

Guard recognizes this and understands that many 

Auxiliarists train to perform the same activities 

performed by Coast Guard personnel. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Because of this, there are now more opportunities 

than ever for an Auxiliarist to work along-side 

members of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard 

Reserve. Opportunities include augmenting 

Coast Guard personnel in the areas of Public 

Affairs, Marine Safety, Surface Operations, and 

Emergency Management, amongst others. Areas 

of expertise that are in particularly high demand 

include Aviation (AUXAIR), Culinary Assistance 

(AUXCA), Cybersecurity (AUXCYBER), Linguistics 

(Auxiliary Interpreter Corps), Medicine (Auxiliary 

Health Services), and Ministry (Auxiliary Chaplain 

Support). 

AUXILIARY 

AUXILIARY AVIATION 

PROGRAM (AUXAIR) 

AUXAIR is an integral part of the Coast Guard 

search and rescue team and its homeland security 

forces. AUXAIR is an Auxiliary operational program 

organized on the district level rather than at the 

flotilla or division levels. AUXAIR aviators have 

varied aviation backgrounds, and many have prior 

military experience. AUXAIR aviators volunteer 

their aircraft as facilities, just as surface operators 

volunteer their boats. AUXAIR participates in many 

Coast Guard missions, including Search and 

Rescue, Waterways and Coastal Security, Marine 

Safety and Pollution Response, Aids to Navigation, 

and Ice Reconnaissance. AUXAIR also conducts 

Logistic Transport Missions. 

Auxiliarists involved in AUXAIR take Auxiliary 

aviation training, completing the syllabus for their 

level of qualification. There are three qualification 

Top: William Church, District 9 Central, Staff Officer 

Aviation, stands by his Cessna 182 at Selfridge Air 

National Guard Base in Michigan. Selfridge ANGB 

is home to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit. 

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo.) 

Botttom: US. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class 

Kimberly Seymore (left), a culinary specialist 

onboard Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10), 

and Auxiliarist Miranda Henry (right) cook scallops 

in the galley while underway in Antarctica, Jan. 13, 

2022. U.S. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 

3rd Class Diolanda Caballer.) 



55


levels for pilots, similar to active duty Coast Guard: 

Aircraft Commander, First Pilot, and Co-Pilot. 

AUXAIR does not offer flight training for pilots. 

Rather, it builds on what certified pilots already 

have learned. Non-pilot crew positions include 

Observer and Air Crew. Observers generally 

handle communications between aircraft and 

Coast Guard units, assist the pilot with navigation, 

keep records while in flight, and focus their 

attention outside while searching. Observers are 

the payload for search missions. AUXAIR cannot 

perform most missions without the Observer. 

Air Crew are observers with additional training and 

qualifications. After having their knowledge and 

skills approved by an Auxiliary Flight Examiner, 

they may be certified by the District Director of 

Auxiliary as Pilots, Observers, or Air Crew in the 

AUXAIR Program. 

AUXILIARY CULINARY 

ASSISTANCE (AUXCA) 

AUXCA supports the Coast Guard and the Coast 

Guard Auxiliary for all culinary needs. They promote 

and provide culinary assistance to Coast Guard 

units (both on land and at sea) and to Auxiliary units, 

supporting the Coast Guard National Strategic 

Plan, and training and maintaining a high degree 

of proficiency. The AUXCA program enables 

members to participate in the program on one of 

two levels, depending on their abilities and needs. 

An AUXCA1 performs duties that are in direct 

support of the Coast Guard and may also assist 

the Auxiliary. An AUXCA2 can only support Coast 

Guard Auxiliary events. An AUXCA2 is not eligible 

to work in, or for, any Coast Guard unit, cutter, or 

event. AUXCA Specialists receive classroom and 

Left: Active duty Coast Guard, Auxiliary flight surgeons, and psychologists attend the U.S. Navy Aeromedical Conference at Pensacola 

NAS in August 2023. The photo was taken at the Coast Guard section of the National Naval Aviation Museum. (U.S. Coast Guard 

Auxiliary photo by Dr. Richard Sumrall.) 

Right: Team from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy participated in the National Security Agency’s 20th annual National Cyber Exercise 

(NCX), a three-day cyber competition that tests offensive and defensive cybersecurity skills virtually. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty 

Officer 2nd Class Hunter Medley.) 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

hands-on training by certified AUXCA Instructors 

and/or active-duty Culinary Specialists using Coast 

Guard Approved AUXCA Program guides. The 

initial preparation and training are similar for both 

levels of AUXCA, but the training circumstances, 

currencies, and mandatory participation hours are 

different. 

AUXILIARY 

AUXILIARY CYBERSECURITY 

AUGMENTATION PROGRAM 

(AUXCYBER) 

The Auxiliary Cybersecurity Augmentation 

program (AUXCYBER) has been established 

to allow qualified Auxiliarists with a broad 

range of expertise in cybersecurity and 

cyberspace operations to augment the Coast 

Guard cyberspace workforce. As the missions 

and responsibilities of the Coast Guard have 

expanded, so has the need for cybersecurity 

personnel to perform missions supporting different 

Coast Guard commands. Auxiliarists in the 

AUXCYBER program may support Coast Guard 

Cyber Command (CGCYBER), its units, and 

Coast Guard commands at the Area, District, and 

Sector level in cybersecurity activities including 

Cybersecurity Outreach, Awareness, Education, 

and Training, Facilities/Vessel Inspections, Review 

of Cybersecurity Amendments of Facility Security 

Plans and Facility Security Assessments, Cyber 

Exercise Support, CGCYBER, Cyber Protection 

Team (CPT) Augmentation, Maritime Cyber 

Readiness Branch (MCRB) Augmentation, and 

Cybersecurity for Recreational Boating Safety 

Missions. 

AUXILIARY INTERPRETER 

CORPS 

Members of the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps translate 

and interpret written and spoken languages into 

another language. Due to the fact that the Coast 

Guard operates on a global scale, they need to 

be able to communicate with individuals or groups 

that don't speak English. Professional interpreters 

can be very costly and unfamiliar with Coast Guard 

terminology. Furthermore, they are not always 

ready or qualified to assist. Auxiliary interpreters 

conduct a wide variety of missions. Some are 

domestic, while others may be abroad. Missions 

include air medevac, boarding teams, cutter 

deployments, communications watch standing, 

foreign VIP tours, foreign training events and 

conferences, basic emergency training at Coast 

Guard units, translation of documents, speeches, 

training materials, and media articles, participating 

in courts of inquiry where witnesses do not speak 

English, translating radio recordings from foreign 

vessels involved in accidents, and other authorized 

Coast Guard missions. Any member of the USCG 

Auxiliary who speaks a foreign language in addition 

to English may apply online. 

Interpreters’ competency levels are graded 

based on the Coast Guard interpreter grading 

system, as set forth by the International Language 

Round Table (ILR) and the Defense Language 

Institute (DLI). The higher the number, the 

more mastery of the language. Areas of tested 

competency are Interpretation, Translation, and 

Oral Communication. The Division Chief of the 

Interpreter Corps appoints any member of the 

Interpreter Corps who has a proven track record 

in a specific foreign language and who is willing to 

perform competency-level testing. 



57


AUXILIARY HEALTH SERVICES 

AUGMENTATION PROGRAM 

(HM) 

The Auxiliary Health Services Augmentation 

program allows credentialed Auxiliary health care 

professionals to volunteer their skills in clinics and 

sickbays where the Coast Guard is already providing 

similar levels of healthcare. As the missions and 

responsibilities of the Coast Guard have expanded, 

so has the need for healthcare personnel to perform 

routine healthcare and to be available for backfill. 

Auxiliarists who already have specific certifications 

and licenses may request privileges to perform 

those tasks and must submit verification of licensure, 

training, and additional information. 

If the Coast Guard can utilize an Auxiliarist’s specific 

skill set, they may be authorized to perform duties 

as outlined in the privileging guidelines established 

in the Coast Guard Medical Manual. Credentialed 

Coast Guard Auxiliarist Health Care providers are 

only placed at clinics requesting need. Assignments 

will be coordinated between the Coast Guard 

Office of Health Services Work Life and the local 

Coast Guard clinic Manager or Senior Medical/ 

Dental officer. Auxiliarists are expected to work at 

least two days a month. In addition to working in 

clinics and sickbays, Auxiliarists can also volunteer 

to work at small boat stations and assist with 

search and rescue (SAR) efforts as a member of 

a SAR boat crew. In the past, the program only 

allowed physicians to participate. In more recent 

years, the program has been expanded to include 

dentists, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, 

psychiatrists, social workers, and certain other 

allied healthcare professionals such as Emergency 

Medical Technicians. 

AUXILIARY CHAPLAIN 

SUPPORT (ACS) 

Coast Guard Chaplains are officers of the U.S. 

Navy Chaplain Corps who are assigned to duty 

within the U.S. Coast Guard. They hail from a variety 

of denominations and provide religious ministry 

to Coast Guard members and their families. They 

play a vital role in supporting the overall mission 

execution of the Coast Guard. However, due to the 

limited number of Chaplains assigned to the Coast 

Guard, they may be prevented or delayed in 

the timely response to requirements for service. 

Because of this, the Coast Guard created the 

Auxiliary Chaplain Support (ACS) Program. 

The ACS Program supplements and supports 

Navy Chaplains serving with the Coast Guard 

by expanding the religious ministry capacity 

within the Coast Guard to better meet the needs 

of its members and their families. Auxiliarists 

with clergy credentials must meet many of the 

same qualifications as members of the Navy 

Chaplain Corps, and Chaplain of the Coast Guard 

administers the ACS Program and its associated 

qualification and training requirements. The ACS 

Program does not replace Coast Guard Chaplains 

but supplements and supports their mission. ACS 

Chaplains serve under the direct supervision of 

a designated Coast Guard Chaplain and must 

coordinate and report all religious ministry support 

to that Chaplain. 

Finding people who are interested in learning a 

new skill or donating their time and established 

skill set starts at the flotilla level. Members are 

encouraged to speak to their mentors, Flotilla 

Commanders, and Member Training Officers and 

seek out qualifications that are of interest to them. 

Participation in various programs offered to the 

members allows Auxiliarists opportunities to see, 

experience, and interact with individuals, places, 

and environments that they may not have the 

chance to deal with in another workplace setting. 

The opportunities can be challenging, enjoyable, 

and rewarding. Participation in one of the programs 

listed in this article, or any other Auxiliary 

program, can be very rewarding regardless of 

expertise or abilities. In the Auxiliary, rewards 

come in all shapes and sizes, but the biggest 

reward is satisfaction in knowing that you have 

done well and provided a service to the country 

and the Coast Guard. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


59

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION ACTIVE DUTY 

BUILT TO LAST 

THE EARLY DAYS OF THE 210-FOOT CUTTER FLEET 

By CMDR Nolan V. Cain, U.S. Coast Guard 

With the Fast Response Cutter and National 

Security Cutter programs nearing completion, 

and the recent launch of the first Offshore 

Patrol Cutter, Argus, the Coast Guard is well on 

its way to recapitalizing the fleet with highly 

capable assets. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Meanwhile, the two leading ships of the 

210-foot Reliance-class cutters, Coast 

Guard cutters Reliance and Diligence, will 

turn 60 years old in June and August of 

this year, respectively. While ships of this 

vintage might otherwise be considered 

maritime museums, these iconic cutters 

and their dedicated crews continue to 

carry out Coast Guard lifesaving, law 

enforcement, and homeland security 

missions. The following is a 

look back at the beginning 

of Reliance and Diligence’s 

distinguished 60 years of 

service. 

The decision to name the 

first two 210-foot cutters— 

Reliance and Diligence—came early in 

1962. A study that concluded in November 

of 1961 evaluated more than 15 categories 

of names, including lakes, indigenous 

tribes, islands, seamounts, universities, 

historic cutters, and commandants. It was 

decided that the Reliance-class would 

include seven ships with historic names and 

the rest would take on names that, “connote 

action, aggressiveness, and daring.” Some 

of the initial suggested names were seen 

as too aggressive, and this direction was 

later amended to use names that were, 

“desirable human traits.” While some of 

the names on the list were adopted for the 

210-foot cutters we know today, there were 

Coast Guard cutter Reliance conducting 

helicopter operations circa 1964. (U.S. Coast 

Guard photo). 

ACTIVE DUTY 



61


many that thankfully did not make the cut, 

such as, CGC Eager, CGC Lively, CGC 

Aggressive and CGC Timely. 

It is no mystery why the lead ships were 

named so. The many preceding cutters 

bearing the names Reliance and Diligence 

were rich in heritage and service history. 

The current Reliance is the fourth so-called 

cutter, with the first being a steam tug 

commissioned in 1861 that saw service in 

the Civil War and was sold in 1865. The 

second Reliance was commissioned in 

1867 and patrolled the waters of Alaska 

until it was decommissioned in 1876. The 

third Reliance was a 125-foot cutter built 

in 1927, during Prohibition, to interdict 

rumrunners and later refitted as a subchaser 

in World War II. The cutter was 

stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the 

outbreak of World War II and attacked an 

enemy submarine near Johnston Atoll in 

1944. 

The current Diligence is sixth in a long line 

of cutters of the same name, beginning 

with one of the service’s original 10 

revenue cutters built in 1790. Built in 1798, 

the second Diligence was larger and could 

carry between 10 and 14 guns. This cutter 

was transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1799 

to fight in the Quasi-War with France. Little 

is known of the third cutter Diligence other 

than it was lost in a hurricane in July of 

1806 near Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. 

The following year, a fourth Diligence was 

built that saw action in the War of 1812 and 

was in service until 1831. The name was 

not used again until 1927, when the fifth 

cutter Diligence was commissioned. Like 

its sistership Reliance, Diligence’s main 

purpose was to stem the flow of illegal rum 

smuggling and it served until 1961. 

In the early 1960s, America was a country 

on the brink of social and political change. 

The civil rights movement was in full 

swing, and the Cold War threatened 

global stability. The vibrant sounds of 

the Beatles and Motown dominated the 

airways, a fitting soundtrack to the start of a 

dynamic decade. Art and design reached 

It is no mystery why the lead 

ships were named so. The many 

preceding cutters bearing the 

names Reliance and Diligence 

were rich in heritage and 

service history. 

new heights with Googie architecture and 

the radical car designs from the Detroit 

automotive companies. One person 

in particular, Raymond Loewy, had a 

tremendous impact on industrial design the 

first half of the 19th century and continued 

to make his mark well into the 1960s. 

His repertoire included a wide variety of 

“streamlined” designs for furniture, kitchen 

appliances, automobiles, and trains, as well 

as the well-known Coca-Cola bottle, and 

even spaceship interiors. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

In 1961, the Raymond Loewy and 

William Snaith design team took on the 

interior design of the Coast Guard’s first 

shipbuilding endeavor since World War II— 

the Reliance-class cutter. This ship design 

program included general arrangements 

of interior spaces, furniture, materials, and 

colors. The firm’s work in the area of ship 

interior design would lead to fundamental 

changes in habitability standards for U.S. 

Navy ships. 

The Reliance-class cutters were originally 

designed with search and rescue as their 

primary mission. Requirements published 

in 1961 called for a cutter 210-feet in 

length with a 34-foot beam and equipped 

with a novel combined diesel and gasturbine 

propulsion plant (CODAG), giving 

the cutter a cruising range of 5,000 miles 

at 15 knots. Special features included a 

flight deck large enough to land a Coast 

Guard Seahorse helicopter, a 360-degree 

visibility bridge, and exhaust piped through 

the stern. The contract was awarded to 

Todd Shipyard in Houston, Texas, which 

subcontracted a majority of the detail 

design to J.J. Henry, Inc., Naval Architects 

in Philadelphia. 

At the time, the Reliance-class’s 

construction materials and processes were 

state-of-the-art and included advanced 

epoxy protective coatings and noise 

reducing materials. The cutters equipment 

and general arrangements were designed 

to reduce personnel and maintenance 

requirements and best utilize available 

space. The cutters were not intended for 

wartime use but were equipped with a 

3-inch, 50-caliber gun and space allocation 

was made for anti-submarine warfare 

equipment should the need arise. 

Reliance was christened and launched on 

May 25, 1963, and Diligence held a similar 

ceremony on July 20, 1963. Both ships were 

commissioned the following year in June 

and August of 1964, respectively, beginning 

a new era for the Coast Guard cutter fleet. 

Initial plans called for as many as 30 

Reliance-class cutters, but only 16 were 

built with the last, Alert, entering service in 

1969. The ships performed favorably and 

were able to reach their target speed of 18 

knots, however, the CODAG arrangement 

was difficult to operate and took up much 

of the engine room space. Only the first five 

cutters received the CODAG propulsion 

system, and the rest received Alco diesel 

engines. In the 1970s, the more reliable 

Alco engines became standard for the 

entire class. 

Reliance proved its value to the fleet 

early on by providing a proof of concept 

for cutter helicopter operations. Up to 

this time, landing helicopters on cutters 

had been experimental and not part of 

standard operations. The Reliance-class 

cutters, along with their forthcoming bigger 

siblings, the Hamilton-class cutters, were 

designed with a helicopter landing pad. 

Because this capability was unproven, the 

future of cutter-based aviation hinged on 

Coast Guard cutter Diligence shown with the 

prototype “racing stripe” painted on the bow 

in December 1966. (Coast Guard Historian’s 

Archive). 

ACTIVE DUTY 



63


the successful operational testing on the 

210s. In preparation for the operational 

tests, a wooden grid was added on 

Reliance’s flight deck to stabilize the 

helicopter during landings by capturing 

the landing gear. Due to scheduling 

complications, initial cutter helicopter 

operations took place during Reliance’s 

sea trials, from July 7 to 10, 1964, off the 

coast of Galveston. During this three-day 

period, a HH-52 helicopter completed 170 

landings, including 20 nighttime landings. 

A second set of flight-deck landings was 

scheduled in November of that year, this 

time in more challenging environmental 

conditions. At the conclusion of these 

evolutions, Reliance had proven that 

the Coast Guard was ready to advance 

shipboard helicopter operations. 

Not to be outdone by her slightly older 

sister-ship, Diligence was soon pioneering 

a new concept as well. After a referral from 

President John F. Kennedy, the Coast 

Guard once again collaborated with the 

Loewy and Snaith team—this time to 

design a new service logo. In March of 

1965, the design firm presented their ideas 

for the new service logo to senior leaders 

at Coast Guard Headquarters. Soon after, 

Diligence was chosen as one of the units 

to prototype the new logo, along with the 

cutter Androscoggin, several aircraft, 

and small boats. This design was later 

implemented Service wide in 1967. 

The 1960s was an exciting decade 

for space exploration. At the time, the 

“Space Race” was in full swing and by 

1965 the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration’s (NASA) was ready to 

launch the third Gemini mission. Gemini III 

was the first crewed space mission for the 

Gemini program. CGC Diligence and her 

sister ship Vigilant, with attached HH-52 

helicopters, joined the aircraft carrier USS 

Intrepid as part of the Gemini III capsule 

recovery force. The pilots that flew in the 

recovery operations were the same that 

had participated in the initial helicopter 

operational tests aboard Reliance. The 

Gemini III mission was launched on the 

morning of March 23, 1965, and splashed 

Not to be outdone by her 

slightly older sister-ship, 

Diligence was soon pioneering a 

new concept as well. 

down approximately four hours later just 

short of the designated landing area. 

Diligence was first on scene and launched 

its helicopter to ensure the safety of the 

Gemini and crew. Sometime afterward, 

Navy helicopters from USS Intrepid 

recovered the astronauts. Although the 

Coast Guard was largely uncredited, this 

mission proved the versatility of the new 

class of cutter. 

For Reliance and Diligence these early 

missions were just the beginning of six 

decades of service to our nation. These 

ships and the generations of crewmembers 

to cross their decks went on to launch 

daring rescues, pursue drug smugglers and 

poachers, responded to natural disasters, 

and remain to this day enduring symbols 

of U.S. sovereignty on the high seas. There 

are many newer and more sophisticated 

cutters in the Coast Guard’s fleet today; 

however, none can match the character 

and legacy of these two ships. 

This article was 

published on MyCG. 

For more great Coast 

Guard stories, visit 

www.mycg.uscg.mil 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


65

RESERVE 

By Chief Warrant Officer Anastasia Devlin 


Chief Warrant Officer Anthony L. Birds (left) competes in a 

boxing match. (Photos courtesy of CWO Birds) 

COAST GUARD 

RESERVISTS TEST THEIR 

METTLE THROUGH THE 

SPORT OF BOXING 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

In the military, and 

in the Coast Guard 

Reserve in particular, 

training ensures that 

when units are in active 

operations and something 

unexpected happens, 

training kicks in, and 

the response becomes 

automatic. 

For two Coast Guard reservists, this 

applies to another area—boxing. 

Reserve members Chief Warrant 

Officer Anthony Birds and Petty Officer 

Second Class TJ Van Alstyne have a lot 

in common. They are athletic with law 

enforcement backgrounds; they’ve both 

pursued careers as educators; they’re 

serving in the Coast Guard Reserve at 

deployable port security units; and they 

both love the challenge and absolute 

thrill of being in the ring against an 

opponent. 

With 25 years of military service and 

more than a decade in the boxing ring, 

Birds is the slightly more seasoned of 

the two. His easy-going nature and calm 

demeanor are contagious, and it’s easy 

to see how he’d fare under pressure. 

But he didn’t originally lean toward 

the competitive side of boxing. As 

an instructor at the Federal Law 

Enforcement Training Center in 

Charleston, South Carolina, he started 

boxing as a way to keep himself agile 

and sharp. Frederick Gray, another 

instructor and former boxer, began 

training Birds on the basics: stance, 

footwork, reactions, heavy bag, and 

speed bag. 

After a number of years, Birds became 

increasingly faster and better—to the 

point that Gray told him, “You should 

probably compete.” 

“I didn’t feel ready,” said Birds, but Gray 

convinced him otherwise. They decided 

to give it a shot in one of the local 

competitions in 2015. He remembers 

when he first set foot in the ring, he was 

nervous. 

“Training and actually being in there 

with someone trying to knock your block 

off are two totally separate things,” Birds 

said with a laugh. 

Training and 

actually being 

in there with 

someone trying 

to knock your 

block off are two 

totally separate 

things. 

“That first round, I was trying to work out 

my strategy, even though we’d worked 

on it for weeks,” he said. “It’s like a big 

chess match where you’re watching the 

other person. You're trying to figure out 

what moves they're making and counter 

it. Your brain is going a thousand miles 

an hour trying to decipher all these 

movements. Then BAM! I got hit with a 

big left hook, and I thought, ‘Okay, that 

one hurt—this is real now.’" 

RESERVE 



67

RESERVE 


As he prepped with Gray for the second 

round, the coach reminded him to slow 

down his breathing and go back to the 

basics: footwork, defense, use the jab, 

and look for the openings for other shots. 

Birds used breathing techniques to slow 

his heart rate down, and he focused on his 

well-trained basics, following the coded 

guidance Gray fed him from the corner. 

“Once I got in the ring and settled down, 

I started to see the openings,” said Birds, 

trusting his training to guide his defense 

and concentrating on his offensive moves. 

The rest of the fight felt like a blur to 

him. After he had finished three rounds, 

the referee pulled Birds’ wrist to the air, 

signaling his victory. 

He’s been in a number of fights since then, 

but that first match was special. For Birds, 

training is crucial, whether it’s part of his 

work as a law enforcement instructor, his 

role as the engineering division officer at 

Port Security Unit 309, or preparing for his 

next fight. This spring, Birds is scheduled 

to compete in the 5th Annual Las Vegas 

Masters Boxing Championships, putting 

his training to the ultimate challenge. 

He’s been in a 

number of fights 

since then, but 

that first match 

was special. 

Van Alstyne would agree, 

but equally important may 

be the right attitude toward 

that training. 

A born athlete, TJ Van 

Alstyne had been training 

with her uncle for the past 

few years as a boxer, a 

hobby that would both 

challenge her and keep 

her in shape for her work 

as a police officer with the 

Norfolk Police Department 

(NPD). 

She loves the physical fitness, 

camaraderie, and working around the 

community. 

Her first law enforcement (LE) partner at 

NPD, Todd Williams, said, “I remember 

meeting her when I was still in the [police] 

academy, and she told me, ‘Stay tough! 

I’m looking forward to seeing you out 

there on the street.’” He said Van Alstyne’s 

good mood and positive energy were her 

hallmark, as well as her love of a new 

challenge. 

As partners, Van Alstyne and Williams 

responded to police cases during the 

day and often talked about joining the 

military as a way to continue challenging 

themselves. They researched which 

branch would fit them best. 

When they decided on the Coast Guard, 

Williams left for training in January 2020, 

and Van Alstyne followed a few months 

later. She remembers a tough time during 

boot camp where she was considering 

leaving, partly because of the stress, and 

partly because she was worried about 

her family back home being without her. 

She called Williams for his advice. Her LE 

partner was now a machinery technician 

second class at PSU 305’s waterside 

division. This time it was Williams who 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Petty Officer 2nd Class Van Alstyne continues to train to maintain 

top physical fitness for not only her success in boxing, but also 

her position as a maritime enforcement specialist. (Photo courtesy 

of Tashara Van Alstyne) 


RESERVE 


69

RESERVE 


Petty Officer 2nd Class Van Alstyne and a then Petty 

Officer 3rd Class Williams were partners in their 

civilian police department and stationed together at 

PSU 305. (Photo courtesy of Tashara Van Alstyne) 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

eassured Van Alstyne. He told her it was 

worth it to stay, and that he’d look out for 

her family while she was away. 

Within a few weeks, she finished training 

strong and joined PSU 305’s shoreside 

division as a maritime enforcement 

specialist. As part of her training plan, 

she noted that one of her goals was to 

become a boxer within the next few 

years. During the week, Van Alstyne 

worked as a police officer, gravitating 

toward community relations, mentoring 

and problem solving with other leaders 

in the community. She kept up her daily 

workouts, and three evenings per week, 

she boxed with her uncle, Ras Blessings, 

known as Coach Big Lion. 

“She’s a major pillar of this community 

through her community service and 

working with the youth,” he said, noting 

that boxing wasn’t just about competing, 

but also about TJ building a legacy and a 

history. “She’s a big advocate for women 

and the local community. She’s an overall 

humanitarian.” 

Williams said that Van Alstyne has 

a presence that captures people’s 

attention. “I like working with her 

because when she speaks, people 

listen. It’s like talking to a company 

commander [at boot camp]. You get 

dialed in—you listen to what she has to 

say,” he said. 

When her unit deployed to support 

maritime operations as part of Joint Task 

Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, she spent 

time in the boxing gym training for the 

Olympic trials under her uncle’s remote 

direction and guidance. In between her 

time qualifying and standing duty, she 

was able to concentrate on training, 

spending time on the basics: footwork, 

punches, jabs, uppercuts, roadwork, and 

conditioning. 

“We always stick with the basics because 

basics are what can get it done,” said Big 

Lion, noting that Van Alstyne’s strength is 

her defense. “It becomes automatic. You 

don’t have to do anything extraordinary to 

win in the ring—it’s about sticking to the 

basics.” 

As she trained in Guantanamo Bay, she 

couldn’t help inspiring others along the 

way. 

“She pretty much started up her own 

boxing group down there [in Cuba] with 

different branches,” said Williams. 

The dynamo 

has the kind of 

personality that 

is constantly— 

relentlessly— 

moving forward, 

and her positivity 

invites others to 

advance alongside 

her. 

“Being away from home and able to focus 

on my [boxing] training really fueled me. 

It was nice to be able to build my career 

and also be around a lot of elite-minded 

individuals. When everyone around me is 

great, it’s hard not to be great,” said the 

5-foot-3 boxer. 

The dynamo has the kind of personality 

that is constantly—relentlessly—moving 

forward, and her positivity invites others to 

advance alongside her. She’s rebounded 

RESERVE 



71

RESERVE 

Birds and Van 

Alstyne have 

chosen a challenge 

that requires both 

the right training 

and the right 

attitude. 

from sports injuries, switched her career 

focus to the field of education, and 

continued to motivate others in all her 

communities, even at the PSU. Much of the 

time, she’s the driving force for shipmates 

finding compromise, for her students who 

need motivation or calm, or for ensuring 

the quieter voices in the room get heard. 


It’s a striking contrast to the starkness of 

the ring when two opponents are facing 

off. When she’s boxing, Van Alstyne may 

look like she’s alone, but she’s an example 

of what it looks like to have a team of 

people behind you in your corner. They 

give back the energy that Van Alstyne 

gives out so freely. 

She’s early in her boxing journey compared 

to Birds, but already competing. Her 

people-focused nature stays with her in the 

ring. According to her uncle, she’s known 

for checking on her opponents. Last June, 

Van Alstyne attended the Olympic trials in 

Pueblo, Colorado. She didn’t qualify. She 

was sad but, ultimately, undeterred. 

“People had put me in a position to get 

there, helping me pave the way. I felt like 

I’d let down my community,” she said. “But 

you have to embrace those moments, 

because those are destiny moments.” 

“We had our eyes on the Olympics, but 

my thing is this: her journey is not about 

a win or a loss, it’s about the experience,” 

said Coach Big Lion. “She’s in tune with 

the experience, and she’s a tough cookie. 

She’s on the road to greatness.” 

She and her uncle are back to training, 

this time for her pro debut in a career as a 

professional boxer. 

Birds and Van Alstyne have chosen a 

challenge that requires both the right 

training and the right attitude. Focusing 

on the basics, the training—whether it be 

for your civilian or military career—can turn 

the tide in any battle. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

RESERVE 

Chief Warrant Officer Anthony L. Birds competes in 

a boxing match. (Photo courtesy of CWO Birds) 



73

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION RETIREMENTS 

RETIREMENTS 

ADAMS, JONATHAN 

ADKINS, RYAN 

ALLEN, DAWSON 

ALLEN, BLAKE 

ALLING, JESSE 

ALLYN, DAVID 

ANDERSON, LAUREN 

ANDRADE, JOSEPH 

ANGELES, DERRIAN 

ANTONIDES, KRISTIN 

APPLEGATE, PAUL 

AVERY, ALTARA 

BAER, MATTHEW 

BALICK, LAWRENCE 

BALMACEDA, ALAIN 

BAUDOUIN, QUINN 

BEASLEY, DAVID 

BECKER, RYAN 

BELL, TIA 

BELTRAN - VAZQUEZ, GEORGE 

BENDER, JARED 

BENSONOFF, ALEXANDER 

BERRIOS, JADE 

BLOMME, MARGARET 

BOATNER, KENNETH 

BRASSELL, JOCELYN 

BREEDLOVE, AARON 

BROBST, DYLAN 

BROWN, JOHN 

BRYANT, MURRAY 

BUCK, JAMES 

BUNTIN, JESSE 

BURKHALTER, AUSTIN 

CAPISTRANO, FLIP 

CARON, SETH 

USCG 

BMC 

BM1 

SK1 

MK2 

MSTC 

BM2 

CS1 

MSTCS 

AET3 

GMCS 

GM2 

YN1 

CAPT 

ETCS 

CAPT 

ET1 

MSSD4 

EM1 

OSS3 

F&S4 

MKC 

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CARON, CHRISTOPHER 

CARPENTER, DANIEL 

CHANDLER, WAYNE 

CHRISTIAN, KATHLEEN 

CLARK, ANTHONY 

COLLINS, JAMES 

COLOMBO, LOUIS 

COLON, RAYMOND 

COMBS, JANET 

CORDOVA, ALEJANDRO 

COULING, MATTHEW 

CROCETTI, RICHARD 

CROSS, BYRON 

CUMMINGS, BRANDON 

CURRAN, RYAN 

CUTTING, JESSICA 

CYPERT, JONATHAN 

DANAHER, JOSEPH 

DAVENPORT, ADAM 

DE LEO, DONALD 

DELAMERENS, PAUL 

DENTON, RICHARD 

DESMET, ERIC 

DICKERSON, JOSHUAH 

DILLINGHAM, DEAN 

DION, MADELINE 

DIX, ARNETH 

DOLAN, COREY 

DUFFY, FRANCIS 

DUNCAN, BRYAN 

DUPRE, MICHAEL 

DUVERNAY, TYRE 

EDHEGARD, PAUL 

EVANS, TIMOTHY 

FARKAS, JONAH 

HSC 

MKC 

BMC 

YN1 

ISS2 

MST1 

ME3 

EMC 

LT 

BMC 

OSCM 

BM1 

AST2 

BM1 

AET3 

YN1 

YNC 

BMC 

CDR 

BMCM 

BM1 

MUCS 

AMT3 

AET2 

BMC 

OS3 

YN1 

BM1 

MSSE2 

ETC 

AVI2 

AMT2 

CS2 

BM1 

LT 

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THE LONG BLUE LINE

! 

FERNANDEZ HIDALGO, CARLOS 

FIKE, BRENT 

FORTENBERRY, MATTHEW 

FREDERICKSON, CLINT 

FYLE, AMY 

GARCIA, LAUREN 

GERCON, ADAM 

GILBERT, BILLY 

GILBERT, JORDAN 

GILLAN, ROBERT 

GILLIS, WILLIAM 

GILROY, GERARD 

GODIE, ISAIAH 

GOLDENBERG, ROBERT 

GRESHAM, TARA 

HARRIS, JUSTIN 

HASCHE, ORLANDO 

HEGERICH, MAUREEN 

HENDERSON, ZACHARY 

HERMAN, ANDREW 

HERMANN, CHAD 

HOGAN, DANIEL 

HOLBROOK, ANGELA 

HOLLIDAY, SHELLEY 

HOLMES, ALEXANDER 

HOLTORFF, ROBERT 

HOLTZ, STEVEN 

HOREJSI, JON 

HOWARD, MARC 

HUTH, BRIAN 

IMPERIAL, STEVEN 

IOVEN, WILLIAM 

JACKSON, NOLAN 

JAMES, MADISON 

JENNINGS, FRANCIS 

JEUNE, DARRYL 

JOHANSSON, SOREN 

JOHNSON, JAMES 

JOHNSON, SEAN 

JOHNSON, MARCUS 

JOHNSON, JESSIE 

JOHNSTON, CARL 

JONES, MALIK 

JONES, CALEB 

JORDAN, DAVID 

JUDD, TRAVIS 

KARIAM, JONATHAN 

KEHLER, MATTHEW 

It's been noted that some CG Reserve retirees in RET-2 status (awaiting pay) are missing from this list. Efforts are underway 

to include all RET-2 retirees in future issues. 

MK3 

ENG4 

AETCS 

MSTC 

YN2 

SK1 

LT 

AETC 

AST1 

CDR 

MECM 

BM3 

GM2 

MKCS 

HSC 

CMSC 

MKCS 

LCDR 

BM2 

OSC 

ETC 

MK2 

CDR 

YNC 

FN 

MUC 

CS2 

AETC 

ME2 

PA1 

AVI3 

LCDR 

IS2 

CADET 

PACM 

CS2 

OS2 

CAPT 

WEPS4 

ME2 

OSC 

MK1 

EM2 

MK3 

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MKCM 

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AMTC 





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KELSEY, KYLE 

KENDALL, KOLE 

KILPATRICK, ZAKERY 

KIMBALL, KENNETH 

KING, THEODORE 

KING, DANIEL 

KING, RYAN 

KLEIN, ERIC 

KLINKER, JONLUC 

KUKETS, NICHOLAS 

LANE, DAVID 

LANTIGUA FUENTES, AMY 

LANTRY, NALANI 

LARAIA, DANIELLE 

LAVRENCHIK, MICHAEL 

LEE, CHRIS 

LEVERIDGE, JACKSON 

LINDSTROM, NICHOLAS 

LOMBARDI FLYNN, MONICA 

LORD, GARRET 

LOWRY, STEVEN 

LOYD, ERIC 


OS1 

ME3 

BM1 

MKCM 

DC1 

YNC 

SK2 

MK1 

EM2 

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AVI4 

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CADET 

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ET2 

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RETIREMENTS 

75


LUCKETT, GIOVANNI 

MALILAY, ROBERT 

MAMARIAN, JACOB 

MARTIN, RAYMOND 

MARTINEZ GARCIA, JUAN 

MASHURA, MATTHEW 

MASON, FRANK 

MASSON, JOHN 

MATHEWS, WESLY 

MATT, GEORGE 

MAYOL-NEGRON, SHIARA 

MCCALISTER, DAVID 

MCCREARY, ASHLYNN 

MCINTYRE, DAVID 

MCWILLIAMS, HALEY 

MEDINA, JEAN 

MENZIES, KEVIN 

MERRIMAN, MATTHEW 

METIVA, ALISSA 

MIKELL, MATTHEW 

MILLER, GEDDY 

MILLSON, SAM 

MINGUS, CLINTON 

MOLLE-CARR, TARA 

MOORE, ALEXANDER 

MORRISSEY, PATRICK 

MOSZYNSKI, ELISE 

MROS, JOSHUA 

MURPHY, ROBERT 

MYERS, ROBERT 

NADELL, RACHEL 

NEAL, BENJAMIN 

NORTON, MEGAN 

OCONNELL, JAMES 

OLIVA, JOANNE 

ORTEGA, ALEXIS 

PAGE, CHRISTOPHER 

PALMER, KEVIN 

PATRICK, ANTHONY 

PATTERSON, JOHNATHAN 

PETERS, STEWART 

PILEGGI, DAVID 

PLANTE, HENRY 

RABY, DONALD 

RAMIREZ, NOELIA 

RAYNOLDS, EDWARD 

REAGAN, JOSHUA 

REVILLA, ALEXANDER 

RICKER, DALLAS 

RIVERA, JOVAN 

ROBBINS, RACHEL 

YN1 

MK2 

MK2 

BM1 

SN 

YN1 

BM2 

PAC 

AMT2 

MKC 

YN3 

ISCM 

MK3 

BMC 

LT 

LTJG 

CDR 

OS1 

SN 

MSSE4 

LCDR 

SNET 

OS1 

PA1 

LCDR 

BMC 

EM1 

AST2 

BM1 

MKCS 

LT 

LCDR 

HS2 

MEC 

MSTC 

LT 

BM2 

MK1 

CS2 

SN 

BMC 

IVC 

ME1 

LT 

IS1 

LCDR 

BMC 

ME2 

MK3 

SN 

MK2 

11-27-2023 


11-28-2023 

12-01-2023 



12-27-2023 




11-27-2023 

12-01-2023 












12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 

11-28-2023 


12-01-2023 






12-25-2023 



12-26-2023 


12-30-2023 


12-13-2023 



11-27-2023 




11-27-2023 



ROBINSON, CHRISTOPHER 

ROSADO-LENZI, RAQUEL 

ROUSSEAU, HYLAN 

RUIZ, SERGIO 

SALTER, SEAN 

SAMPSON, MIKE 

SANCHEZ, OMAR 

SANTO TOMAS, FEDERICO 

SCHAEFFER, DAVID 

SCHEMEL, CARL 

SCHLAUPITZ, BRAD 

SCHMITZ, CATHERINE 

SEALS, KELLY 

SIMPSON, ALEXANDER 

SIMPSON, BRANNON 

SMITH, CAROL 

SOUTHWORTH, MYLEE 

SPURLOCK, BRYCE 

STEIN, JESSICA 

STEWART, LAUREN 

STRICKLAND, JEREMY 

STUDIE, DAVID 

SUCRE, ANEL 

SUMMERS, AARON 

TAAFFE, SEAN 

TANNER, CHRISTOPHER 

TESKA, DAVID 

THOMPSON, ROBERT 

THOMPSON, JESSE 

BOSN4 

LT 

BM1 

SN 

CAPT 

MK2 

BM2 

MK1 

MSTC 

LCDR 

ELC4 

LCDR 

CAPT 

EM1 

BMC 

MSSR2 

GM2 

BM3 

SK1 

LCDR 

LCDR 

MSSD4 

MK1 

SN 

AMT3 

ETCS 

CAPT 

BM1 

AMT1 

12-01-2023 



11-27-2023 

12-17-2023 





11-29-2023 





12-07-2023 

12-22-2023 


12-25-2023 


12-14-2023 




12-21-2023 





12-01-2023 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

TINSTMAN, LAWRENCE 

TISCHER, JACE 

TOOLEY, DOUGLAS 

TRAINA, DOMINIC 

TUCKER, KENNETH 

TUCKER, JOSHUA 

TUDELA, CHRISTOPHER 

TURNER, JAMES 

TURNER, TREVOR 

URSIN, JENNIFER 

VAN BEBBER, ERIC 

VEACH, TIMOTHY 

VIA, GREG 

VICK, JOHN 

CDR 

YN2 

BM1 

LCDR 

BMC 

LT 

OSC 

CSC 

BM1 

MSTCM 

SK1 

LT 

BMCM 

MSTC 


11-27-2023 



12-01-2023 

12-14-2023 





11-27-2023 




VINCENT, GLENN 

WADE, AARON 

WALSH, JOHN 

WALTERS, MORRIS 

WATSON, ROGER 

WENDSCHUH, KURT 

WEST, JENNIFER 

WILL, JACOB 

WILLIAMS, KEVIN 

WILLIARD, STUART 

WOLFORD, PATRICK 

YBALLA, ROCQUE 

YEAGER, NATHAN 

ZAUNER, PETER 

MSTC 

MSTC 

BM1 

ISM4 

MK2 

AET1 

BM2 

MK2 

OS1 

AMT1 

MSTC 

LT 

SK1 

CDR 



12-10-2023 

12-01-2023 






12-01-2023 





RETIREMENTS 

! 

USCG & USPHS are addressing errors in USPHS ranks due to differences in permanent and temporary ranks. Corrected 

ranks are denoted with an asterisk. 

ACKER, ALISHA 

ADDISON, THOMAS 

ALLANSON, MARK 

ALLEN, SARA 

ALVES, GELIO 

ANDERSON, ALICIA 

ARAOJO, RICHARDAE 

BALLOM, TECORA 

BEGAY, JOSIE 

BELGARDE, DEBRA 

BLANKENSHIP, JAMES 

BLODGETT, JEFFREY 

BONSELL, HEATHER 

BRIDGES, LINDA 

BROWN, DONNA 

BRUCE, MICHAEL 

BRUCKLIER, CHARLES 

BUCKSER, JEFFREY 

BUSH, VALLAN 

CERESA, CARRIE 

CLARK, MICHAEL 

CLAYTON, MARK 

COADY, JEFFREY 

COATS, JERI 

CUKA, JUDY 

DANDRIDGE, BEVERLY 

DARRAH, CLYDE 

DAVIS, GREGORY 

DE VORE, DEANNA 

DUCHESNE, CARLOS 

DYE, KRISTAL 

USPHS 

CDR 

CDR 

LT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

RADM 

RADM 

CDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 
















12-01-2023 













12-01-2023 


12-01-2023 

DYER, BIRGIT 

EGELSTON, KRISTIN 

FISCHER, MARC 

FULLBRIGHT, SHEILA 

GARBARINI, THOMAS 

GARY, JOHN 

GENTILE, GEORGE 

GOOCH, DERRICK 

GOROSKI, DEAN 

GRAHAM, DONALD 

HANN, GREGORY 

HARDIN, JOSHUA 

HENG, CHRISTINE 

HOLLINSHED-MILES, TANYA 

IADEMARCO, MICHAEL 

JONES, CECILY 

KALATHIL, ABRAHAM 

KIESTER, MARCI 

KIM, JULIANE 

KNIGHT, NANCY 

KOWALSKI, PETER 

Kurelja, Lindsay 

LACOUR-DAVIS, YVETTE 

LANE, BERNETTA 

LAWRENCE, MARY 

LEE, SHANNON 

LILES, THOMAS 

LINK, STEVEN 

LITTON-BELCHER, KIMBERLY 

MA, LUCY 

MAHONEY, DIANNA 


LCDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

LT 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

RADM 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

LCDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 



12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 
























12-01-2023 





77


MASSOUDI, MEHRAN 

MASTALSKI, JOHN 

MCENTEE, JAMES 

MCMASTER, MARY 

MCMILLAN, HENRY 

MERMIN, JONATHAN 

MIGNONE, A 

MIRAFLOR, NOEL 

MOCCA, CHRISTOPHER 

MONTGOMERY, GARY 

MOREL, MARIA 

NIVEN, JULIE 

NORBERG, DAVID 

ORSEGA, SUSAN 

PEDERSEN, DEAN 

PLUMMER, ANDREW 

POLCZYNSKI, ERIC 

RANKINS, MONICA 

RITTER, MARK 

SCHMIDT, RACHAEL 

KURELJA, LINDSAY 

SHOEMAKER, LEE 

NOAA 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

RADM 

CAPT 

LCDR 

LCDR 

LT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

RADM 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

LT 


12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 










12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 







12-01-2023 

SHERWOOD, LESLEY 

SHOEMAKER, LEE 

SIMS, SHANE 

SKANCHY, DAVID 

SMITH, MANDIE 

SMITH, DARIN 

SRINIVASAN, ARJUN 

STENNIES, GAIL 

STEYERT, ROBERT 

THOMAS, MARVIN 

TILLMAN, MANON 

TREDWAY, JENNIFER 

TURNER, JENNIFER 

WALTERS, DANNY 

WILLIAMS, DEVIN 

WILLIAMS, ANGELA 

WILLIAMS, LILLIE 

WILSON, MACKENZIE 

WRIGHT, KYLE 

ZIMMERMAN, JULIE 

COAST GUARD TRANSITION ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAM (TAP) 

CAPT 

LT 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 


12-01-2023 


12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 






12-01-2023 



12-01-2023 

12-01-2023 



12-01-2023 


TAP prepares Service Members separating or retiring from the Coast Guard for their transition to 

civilian life. All eligible SMs are required to complete the standardized components of the TAP. 

These components are 1) Pre-separation Counseling and 2) the Transition Seminar, encompassing 

the Transition Goals, Plans, and Success (GPS) core curriculum. 

dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health- 

Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Transition-Assistance-Program/ 

TRYING TO CONNECT WITH A FELLOW 

USCG, USPHS, OR NOAA RETIREE? 

If you need help connecting with a USCG, USPHS, or NOAA 

retiree, you may provide the individual’s name (and rank/ 

paygrade if known), along with your contact information to: 

Robert Hinds, CG Retiree Services 

e-mail: Robert.C.Hinds@uscg.mil 

phone: 202-475-5451 

(An attempt to contact the individual and provide 

your contact information will be made by email) 

DO NOT SEND PERSONAL IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (PII), SUCH 

AS SSN, EMPID, THROUGH PUBLIC E-MAIL (E.G. AOL, G-MAIL, ETC.) 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


79

TAPS 

TAPS 

DEPENDENT TAPS: To place a Dependent TAPS notice in The Retiree Newsletter, provide the dependent’s 

name, relationship to retiree, date of passing, and city/state to Robert Hinds at: Robert.C.Hinds@uscg.mil or 

phone: 202-475-5451. 

USCG 

ADAMS, JOHN 

PENNSBURG, PA 

CDR 

RET. 10-01-1984 

TAPS 10-30-2023 

BEIL, MATTHEW 

CLOVIS, CA 

ET2 

RET. 03-21-1998 

TAPS 12-30-2023 


ALLEY, EARL 

SOUTHWEST HARBOR, ME 

ANSELL, ANDREA 

WILLIAMSBURG, OH 

BABCOCK, ROBERT 

LORANGER, LA 

BAILEY, JOSEPH 

SACRAMENTO, CA 

BAILEY, YARDLEY 

TUSCALOOSA, AL 

BARBE, RONALD 

SUFFOLK, VA 

BARNES, WILLIAM 

FREDERICKSBRG, VA 

BARTOCCI, CHARLES 

TOPEKA, KS 

BATES, DON 

ANDERSON, CA 

BAUCHAN, DENNIS 

SPRING LAKE, MI 

BEHAN, WILLIAM 

TUCSON, AZ 

EN1 

YNCS 

ADCM 

RDC 

CDR 

ET1 

CWO3 

YNCM 

CS2 

BMCM 

CAPT 

RET. 05-22-1969 

TAPS 12-07-2023 

RET. 08-01-2003 

TAPS 10-28-2023 

RET. 07-01-1994 

TAPS 10-26-2023 

RET. 08-01-1979 

TAPS 01-16-2024 

RET. 12-01-2016 


RET. 11-01-1990 

TAPS 09-26-2023 

RET. 06-01-1986 

TAPS 10-21-2023 

RET. 06-01-2004 


RET. 09-07-1966 

TAPS 12-03-2023 

RET. 04-01-1979 


RET. 02-22-1980 


BELL, ROBERT 

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 

BENJAMIN, MICHAEL 

ROSEBURG, OR 

BENNETT, DONALD 

JUNEAU, AK 

BERKA, WILLIAM 

EAST FALMOUTH, MA 

BEST, RAYMOND 

CLEVELAND, TN 

BLACK, THOMAS 

ST PETERSBURG, FL 

BOHN, RALPH 

APTOS, CA 

BOHNER, CHRISTIAN 

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 

BOLOGNA, ANTONIO 

MEMPHIS, TN 

BONICA, JOSEPH 

MARSHFIELD, MA 

BOSTON, DONALD 

SEFFNER, FL 

CDR 

PSC 

CWO3 

MKC 

BMC 

HSC 

CAPT 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CWO3 

ETC 

RET. 08-22-1991 

TAPS 10-17-2023 

RET. 07-01-2007 


RET. 07-01-1981 

TAPS 10-08-2023 

RET. 10-01-1987 

TAPS 12-25-2023 

RET. 07-23-2009 

TAPS 12-02-2023 

RET. 07-01-1978 

TAPS 12-23-2023 

RET. 02-19-1990 

TAPS 10-22-2023 

RET. 08-01-1999 


RET. 08-01-1999 


RET. 12-01-1973 

TAPS 10-12-2023 

RET. 02-01-1990 

TAPS 12-28-2023 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

BOYLE, DAVID 

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH 

CDR 

RET. 05-17-2004 

TAPS 10-22-2023 

CHAMBERS, EMMERSON 

CONCORD, CA 

CDR 

RET. 01-01-1975 

TAPS 12-10-2023 

TAPS 

BRADLEY, RICHARD 

MUSTANG, OK 

PERS4 

RET. 10-01-2001 

TAPS 12-14-2023 

CHAPMAN, ALEX 

MOBILE, AL 

YNC 

RET. 03-01-1982 


BRETON, JOSEPH 

SABATTUS, ME 

CWO4 

RET. 08-28-1990 

TAPS 10-13-2023 

CHAR, HARRY 

KANEOHE, HI 

CAPT 

RET. 06-22-1988 


BRIER, ALLAN 

NORTH CHATHAM, MA 

CAPT 

RET. 01-11-1994 


CHEVERIE, CHARLES 

LAKE WORTH, FL 

BMCM 

RET. 02-01-1974 

TAPS 10-06-2023 

BROCK, DAVID 

BOTHELL, WA 

MKCM 

RET. 10-22-1992 

TAPS 12-22-2023 

CIHELKA, CAROLYN 

WOODBRIDGE, VA 

PACM 

RET. 09-01-2007 

TAPS 11-07-2023 

BROTHERS, JACK 

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 

MKCS 

RET. 04-01-1974 

TAPS 11-26-2023 

CLYCE, JOHN 

CORDOVA, TN 

FS3 

RET. 04-21-1978 


BROWN, CHARLES 

PASS CHRISTIAN, MS 

MKC 

RET. 02-01-1983 

TAPS 10-31-2023 

COLBURN, WAYNE 

QUEENSTOWN, MD 

PSC 

RET. 02-23-2009 

TAPS 11-29-2023 

BROWN, DOUGLAS 

OREGON CITY, OR 

CAPT 

RET. 04-05-2000 


COLLIER, WILLIAM 

SEMINOLE, FL 

CWO4 

RET. 07-01-1980 

TAPS 12-14-2023 

BRYANT, TED 

GRANITEVILLE, SC 

LCDR 

RET. 11-01-1976 

TAPS 12-16-2023 

CONNORS, KEVIN 

LITTLE PLYMOUTH, VA 

QM1 

RET. 07-01-1995 


BUERGER, DIETER 

SARASOTA, FL 

BULLOCK, RICHARD 

MESA, AZ 

BUSH, JOEY 

BATTLE CREEK, MI 

BUTLER, JOSEPH 

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 

CAJANDIG, JUAN 

JONESPORT, ME 

CALDWELL, PATTON 

THE HILLS, TX 

CARLBERG, RAY 

FORT WORTH, TX 

CARPENTER, MARVIN 

MOBILE, AL 

CASHON, TED 

DUNEDIN, FL 

CASTELLO, CHARLES 

LEESBURG, FL 

CECERE, PAUL 

PALM BAY, FL 

PS1 

AMC 

FS2 

SK2 

CWO2 

CDR 

PERS4 

ENCM 

MST1 

CWO4 

FSC 

RET. 03-26-1999 

TAPS 10-26-2023 

RET. 07-01-1996 


RET. 09-24-2013 

TAPS 11-23-2023 

RET. 12-01-1960 

TAPS 10-12-2023 

RET. 02-01-1972 


RET. 10-15-1993 

TAPS 10-22-2023 

RET. 03-01-1992 

TAPS 10-30-2023 

RET. 12-01-1970 

TAPS 12-24-2023 

RET. 01-18-1972 


RET. 07-01-1982 

TAPS 09-17-2023 

RET. 11-01-1980 


COURTNEY, IRWIN 

SHADY SIDE, MD 

CRAIG, WILLIAM 

MONROE, WA 

CREHAN, THOMAS 

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 

DALESSANDRO, JAMES 

WILMINGTON, MA 

DAVIS, CHARLES 

HOT SPRINGS, AR 

DAWNOROWITZ, DARREN 

CLAYTON, DE 

DELEONARDIS, JOHN 

S CHATHAM, MA 

DELGROSSO, DENNIS 

SARANAC, NY 

DENNEY, DONALD 

OAK HARBOR, WA 

DEPOE, ANDREW 

CLOQUET, MN 

DHOOGE, JOHN 

OXNARD, CA 

BMCS 

PERS4 

CDR 

LCDR 

IVCS 

BM1 

CAPT 

LCDR 

MK1 

YN2 

DCC 

RET. 01-31-2001 


RET. 05-01-1997 

TAPS 10-17-2023 

RET. 01-08-1995 

TAPS 09-01-2023 

RET. 11-13-2004 


RET. 08-12-2007 

TAPS 11-23-2023 

RET. 05-01-1999 

TAPS 10-06-2023 

RET. 07-01-1990 

TAPS 12-06-2023 

RET. 05-12-2014 

TAPS 12-01-2023 

RET. 08-01-1976 

TAPS 10-13-2023 

RET. 10-10-2006 


RET. 10-01-1989 

TAPS 10-25-2023 



81


TAPS 

DILLON, JOHN 

HOT SPRINGS, MT 

DIVINE, DESIREE 

`BIG PINE KEY, FL 

DIXON, JAMES 

GALVESTON, TX 

DODDS, GEORGE 

FOUNTAIN INN, SC 

DOWDEN, CLARENCE 

DISCOVERY BAY, CA 

DUMLAO, DONALD 

MIDDLEBURG, FL 

DUMLAO, DONALD 

MIDDLEBURG, FL 

DUNCAN, CHARLES 

LANCASTER, SC 

DURKEE, MANFORD 

SPRUCEHEAD, ME 

DVORAK, DOUGLAS 

JUNEAU, AK 

DWIER, RAY 

ALBANY, OR 

FA 

BMC 

MSTCS 

CWO2 

QMCM 

CDR 

CDR 

MKCS 

BMCM 

CWO3 

BMCM 

RET. 07-10-1987 

TAPS 12-05-2023 

RET. 12-01-2011 

TAPS 10-11-2023 

RET. 11-03-2013 

TAPS 11-25-2023 

RET. 11-01-1979 

TAPS 10-31-2023 

RET. 02-01-1989 

TAPS 11-10-2023 

RET. 06-03-1993 

TAPS 11-07-2023 

RET. 06-03-1993 

TAPS 11-07-2023 

RET. 05-21-1984 

TAPS 11-05-2023 

RET. 11-01-1980 

TAPS 09-30-2023 

RET. 02-01-1972 

TAPS 12-15-2023 

RET. 08-01-1973 


ECKEL, ROBERT 

ELK CREEK, VA 

ENTRIKEN, WILLIAM 

ELIZABETH CITY, NC 

EPLER, BRANSON 

LYNN HAVEN, FL 

ESTES, DAVID 

LEAKEY, TX 

FEREDAY, ALAN 

W JORDAN, UT 

FIELDS, JOHN 

BRONX, NY 

FINDLAY, STEVEN 

PRESCOTT, WI 

FITZPATRICK, PETER 

HAMPTON, VA 

FLEMING, MICHAEL 

ARCHER, FL 

FORTE, RONALD 

BRYAN, TX 

FOUCHER, MICHAEL 

BREMERTON, WA 

TTCM 

AMTCS 

CDR 

BM1 

AMT1 

COMM4 

LCDR 

MK1 

BM1 

ETC 

WEPS3 

RET. 10-01-1982 

TAPS 11-21-2023 

RET. 03-01-2007 

TAPS 12-30-2023 

RET. 09-01-1979 

TAPS 10-06-2023 

RET. 05-01-1977 

TAPS 12-18-2023 

RET. 04-01-2004 


RET. 02-19-1998 


RET. 09-07-2009 


RET. 11-01-2002 

TAPS 04-02-2023 

RET. 10-06-1987 


RET. 01-01-1999 


RET. 07-01-2010 

TAPS 12-31-2023 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

FRIER, WALTER 

GARLAND, TX 

YNC 

RET. 10-07-2008 

TAPS 10-13-2023 

HELLER, IAN 

HOLLYWOOD, FL 

HS1 

RET. 06-11-2005 

TAPS 09-12-2023 

TAPS 

FUGARO, ANTHONY 

MILL VALLEY, CA 

RADM 

RET. 04-01-1981 

TAPS 11-09-2023 

HENLEY, LESLIE 

KITTY HAWK, NC 

BMCS 

RET. 04-01-1973 

TAPS 11-20-2023 

FULCHER, MELVIN 

MARSHALLBERG, NC 

BM1 

RET. 08-01-1982 

TAPS 12-18-2023 

HILL, DONALD 

KEY WEST, FL 

DC1 

RET. 03-01-1992 

TAPS 11-16-2023 

FUNDERBURK, DORSEY 

GASTONIA, NC 

RD3 

RET. 09-13-1963 

TAPS 12-21-2023 

HONKE, THOMAS 

MATTAWAN, MI 

BOSN3 

RET. 09-01-1998 

TAPS 09-30-2023 

GARZA, ANTHONY 

CASA GRANDE, AZ 

LT 

RET. 08-01-2000 

TAPS 10-12-2023 

HOOTON, GEORGE 

CANTONMENT, FL 

CWO2 

RET. 04-01-1975 

TAPS 10-02-2023 

GERAMITA, JAMES 

EDENTON, NC 

AMT1 

RET. 09-01-2018 

TAPS 10-18-2023 

HOSKINS, THOMAS 

ELIZABETH CITY, NC 

ELC4 

RET. 02-01-1998 

TAPS 12-05-2023 

GREER, BILLY 

FRISCO, TX 

PS1 

RET. 08-31-1995 

TAPS 12-17-2023 

HUBBARD, JOSEPH 

ELIZABETH CTY, NC 

F&S4 

RET. 07-01-1991 

TAPS 10-01-2023 

HALEY, GARY 

LIVINGSTON, TX 

MKC 

RET. 07-01-1992 

TAPS 10-02-2023 

IVEY, BENJAMIN 

ORANGE, TX 

BMC 

RET. 04-01-2006 

TAPS 09-15-2023 

HALL, JAMES 

ST PETE BEACH, FL 

MK2 

RET. 02-07-1998 

TAPS 11-14-2023 

JACOBS, HERMAN 

STUART, FL 

LCDR 

RET. 08-01-1971 

TAPS 09-06-2023 

HALSTEAD, DAVID 

DULUTH, MN 

HAMAKER, SAMUEL 

VIRGINIA BCH, VA 

HAMILTON, FREDERICK 

LEWISBERRY, PA 

HAMMER, LAWRENCE 

MATTAPONI, VA 

HARBESON, EVERETTE 

CHARLOTTE, NC 

HARM, JOHN 

FLOWERY BR, GA 

HARTSELL, GROVER 

MIDWEST CITY, OK 

HARVILL, SAMUEL 

THOMASVILLE, GA 

HAWKINS, PHILLIP 

ANDERSON, SC 

HEARD, RONALD 

MONTGOMERY, AL 

HEDGECOCK, JERRY 

POWDER SPRINGS, GA 

CDR 

CWO2 

CAPT 

EMC 

CWO4 

CWO3 

RDCS 

CWO3 

LCDR 

GMC 

LCDR 

RET. 06-13-1998 

TAPS 11-19-2023 

RET. 03-01-1980 

TAPS 10-27-2023 

RET. 06-01-1992 

TAPS 12-29-2023 

RET. 09-01-1997 

TAPS 10-06-2023 

RET. 08-01-1985 

TAPS 10-03-2023 

RET. 07-01-1974 

TAPS 11-11-2023 

RET. 05-01-1975 

TAPS 12-10-2023 

RET. 12-01-1979 

TAPS 10-15-2023 

RET. 02-01-1992 

TAPS 07-31-2023 

RET. 02-01-1991 

TAPS 10-28-2023 

RET. 08-01-1969 

TAPS 12-14-2023 

JARMAN, CHARLES 

JACKSONVILLE, NC 

JOHNSON, JIMMY 

NORWALK, OH 

JOHNSON, CHANDI 

LOUISVILLE, KY 

JONES, WILLIAM 

MOREHEAD CITY, NC 

JONES, WILLIE 

FAIRVIEW, OR 

JOYCE, RICHARD 

KINGSTON, NY 

JUAREZ, DAVID 

JUNCTION CITY, KS 

JUCO, RICARDO 

ROCKLAND, ME 

JURKIEWICZ, IAN 

DALTON, PA 

KAST, DONALD 

WADDINGTON, NY 

KEENE, BRUCE 

S PORTLAND, ME 

EMCM 

BMC 

BM3 

BOSN4 

MK2 

SN 

HS2 

FSC 

RDC 

BM1 

BMCM 

RET. 08-01-1976 

TAPS 10-23-2023 

RET. 10-01-1976 

TAPS 12-04-2023 

RET. 03-20-2014 

TAPS 10-10-2023 

RET. 05-01-1999 

TAPS 11-03-2023 

RET. 06-01-1997 

TAPS 11-06-2023 

RET. 04-14-1972 

TAPS 12-04-2023 

RET. 07-01-1995 

TAPS 11-02-2023 

RET. 03-01-1975 

TAPS 10-20-2023 

RET. 04-01-2002 

TAPS 10-03-2023 

RET. 03-01-1996 

TAPS 09-12-2023 

RET. 08-01-1976 

TAPS 12-26-2023 



83

TAPS 

KIEROL, DONALD 

NAUGATUCK, CT 

PSC 

RET. 12-25-1998 

TAPS 11-26-2023 

LOCKE, ROBERT 

OOLTEWAH, TN 

BM2 

RET. 08-23-2005 

TAPS 11-05-2023 

KILLIAN, JAMES 

SWANSBORO, NC 

MK1 

RET. 08-01-1974 

TAPS 10-30-2023 

LOEWY, ANTHONY 

PALMYRA, PA 

ET1 

RET. 06-10-1998 

TAPS 12-11-2023 

KOSTNER, JOHN 

BROOKSVILLE, FL 

RD2 

RET. 02-01-1992 

TAPS 09-22-2023 

LUNA, MICHAEL 


BMCM 

RET. 02-01-1985 

TAPS 11-01-2023 

KRESS, JOHN 

EAST LYME, CT 

LCDR 

RET. 12-01-1990 

TAPS 11-04-2023 

LUNDQUIST, ROBERT 

ST JAMES, NY 

LCDR 

RET. 10-01-1990 

TAPS 09-14-2023 

KROLIKOWSKI, JAMES 

WAUKESHA, WI 

DC2 

RET. 03-26-2014 

TAPS 11-28-2023 

MACDONALD, PAUL 

BRANDON, FL 

LT 

RET. 10-01-1991 

TAPS 11-24-2023 

LAGREGA, ANTHONY 

W MELBOURNE, FL 

PSC 

RET. 07-21-2013 

TAPS 12-17-2023 

MACGARVA, RICHARD 

GARRISON, NY 

CAPT 

RET. 09-01-1976 

TAPS 10-06-2023 

LAIRSON, KENNETH 

CLOVIS, CA 

BMC 

RET. 03-01-1993 

TAPS 12-31-2023 

MACY, JOHN 


SKC 

RET. 10-01-2002 

TAPS 10-26-2023 

LEVEILLE, THOMAS 

NORTH STREET, MI 

CDR 

RET. 08-01-1996 

TAPS 11-24-2023 

MADSON, ROGER 

HENDERSONVILLE, NC 

CAPT 

RET. 03-01-1982 

TAPS 12-27-2023 

LEWCZAK, FRANCIS 

GEORGETOWN, DE 

DC1 

RET. 09-01-1983 

TAPS 09-23-2023 

MALONZO, NOPRACIO 

HERCULES, CA 

CWO3 

RET. 06-01-1990 

TAPS 11-24-2023 


LEWIS, FARRELL 

APPLETON, WI 

LINDSEY, HAROLD 

BRANFORD, FL 

MKC 

AE1 

RET. 10-01-1994 

TAPS 09-10-2023 

RET. 03-01-1975 

TAPS 09-23-2023 

MAPP, BARRY 

HARRINGTON, DE 

MARTIN, JOHN 

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI 

MASON, CHARLES 

SANDY, UT 

MATHEWS, JOYCE 

MANTEO, NC 

MATSON, WILLARD 

BILLERICA, MA 

MCADAMS, DIANE 

BRANDON, FL 

MCGINNIS, JAMES 

WEST POINT, VA 

MCGUFFIE, EDGAR 

TUSCALOOSA, AL 

MCGUIRE, JAMES 

E GREENWICH, RI 

MERRILEES, GEORGE 

MERRITT ISLAND, FL 

MITCHELL, WALTER 

SAUNDERSTOWN, RI 

MK1 

BMC 

LCDR 

SN 

EMCM 

YNC 

BM1 

AMC 

MKC 

RADM 

BMCS 

RET. 04-13-1978 

TAPS 09-17-2023 

RET. 10-01-1978 

TAPS 10-06-2023 

RET. 09-01-1966 

TAPS 10-15-2023 

RET. 09-30-1985 

TAPS 09-25-2023 

RET. 11-01-1967 

TAPS 11-29-2023 

RET. 03-01-2003 

TAPS 11-10-2023 

RET. 09-01-2005 

TAPS 11-21-2023 

RET. 10-02-1995 

TAPS 10-20-2023 

RET. 03-26-2006 

TAPS 12-14-2023 

RET. 07-25-1998 

TAPS 11-18-2023 

RET. 12-07-2009 

TAPS 09-01-2023 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

MIZELLE, TIMOTHY 

COLERAIN, NC 

SKCS 

RET. 08-01-1998 

TAPS 12-05-2023 

PIETRANGELO, ROBERT 

NORTH HALEDON, NJ 

SN 

RET. 05-22-1986 

TAPS 09-25-2023 

TAPS 

MOORE, DONALD 

ETTERS, PA 

AM1 

RET. 03-01-1976 

TAPS 10-01-2023 

POPPLEWELL, VICTOR 

SOUTH MAYD, TX 

CWO4 

RET. 09-01-1974 

TAPS 11-23-2023 

MOORHOUSE, GARY 

FORT MYERS, FL 

QM1 

RET. 09-13-2007 

TAPS 10-31-2023 

POTTER, GEOFFREY 

COEUR D ALENE, ID 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1982 

TAPS 10-16-2023 

MORGAN, DOUGLAS 

MERIDIAN, ID 

BM2 

RET. 11-04-1992 

TAPS 10-29-2023 

POTTER, GUY 

TOMS RIVER, NJ 

BM1 

RET. 08-01-1991 

TAPS 12-09-2023 

MORSE, STANFORD 

HUBERT, NC 

TTC 

RET. 02-01-1969 

TAPS 10-13-2023 

PRESTHUS, KENNETH 

YUMA, AZ 

BM1 

RET. 10-26-2006 

TAPS 11-26-2023 

MUCKENFUSS, RONALD 

RAVENEL, SC 

MK2 

RET. 12-01-2011 

TAPS 11-12-2023 

PRICE, MICHAEL 

STAFFORD, VA 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-2010 

TAPS 11-04-2023 

MURPHY, RICHARD 

SEABROOK, TX 

CDR 

RET. 07-01-1990 

TAPS 11-23-2023 

PRIPUTIN, CHARLES 

OVERLAND PARK, KS 

RM1 

RET. 11-24-1994 


MURPHY, ERNEST 

WINDHAM, ME 

CSC 

RET. 02-01-1970 

TAPS 12-12-2023 

PROTZMAN, WILLIAM 

LAMOINE, ME 

LCDR 

RET. 04-01-1982 


NEFF, DAVID 

LANCASTER, CA 

AMT1 

RET. 09-01-2000 

TAPS 11-05-2023 

PUCKETT, RILEY 

TEAVARES, FL 

ETCM 

RET. 01-01-1977 


NELSON, WILLIAM 

SURPRISE, AZ 

NELSON, BENTON 

CHESAPEAKE, VA 

NETTLES, GORDON 

ARLINGTON, WA 

NEUWEILER, DONALD 

SANTA FE, TX 

NOEL, DONALD 

HUNTINGTON, TX 

OPEZIO, LAWRENCE 


ORR, ALAN 

WEST BATH, ME 

PEARCE, ROBERT 

LOS ANGELES, CA 

PENIA, HENRY 

SEFFNER, FL 

PEREZ, JULIO 

ENCINAL, TX 

PERKINS, WILLIAM 

WINTER PARK, FL 

CWO2 

RMCS 

DTC 

TTCS 

MKCS 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

MST2 

YN3 

CWO1 

RET. 07-01-1987 

TAPS 11-01-2023 

RET. 09-01-1989 

TAPS 12-24-2023 

RET. 04-01-1976 


RET. 02-01-1979 

TAPS 12-15-2023 

RET. 10-01-1992 

TAPS 11-17-2023 

RET. 09-01-1979 

TAPS 11-01-2023 

RET. 10-12-2011 

TAPS 12-12-2023 

RET. 10-01-1987 

TAPS 11-07-2023 

RET. 10-19-2006 

TAPS 11-19-2023 

RET. 11-15-1988 

TAPS 12-24-2023 

RET. 01-01-1974 

TAPS 10-03-2023 

PUIG, WILFRED 

COCOA, FL 

QUINONES, ANTHONY 

LAKE NEBAGAMON, WI 

RAUWORTH, MICHAEL 

NAHANT, MA 

REGAN, ROBERT 

HOUSTON, TX 

REYNOLDS, CHARLES 

PERRY, GA 

RICHARDSON, JOHN 

SOUTH EASTON, MA 

RICKABAUGH, KENNETH 

FRANKTOWN, CO 

RINGO, GENE 

VANCOUVER, WA 

RIVERA, JORGE 

TAMPA, FL 

ROBEY, GERVIS 

TUSCAN, AZ 

ROBINSON, KENNETH 

TOMS RIVER, NJ 

PA3 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

LT 

ET1 

LCDR 

ENCM 

SK1 

YN1 

ADC 

RET. 06-11-1996 

TAPS 11-25-2023 

RET. 06-13-1996 

TAPS 10-11-2023 

RET. 08-18-2009 

TAPS 12-06-2023 

RET. 06-01-1985 


RET. 02-05-1998 

TAPS 10-30-2023 

RET. 01-28-1997 

TAPS 12-17-2023 

RET. 09-12-2019 

TAPS 11-29-2023 

RET. 01-01-1968 

TAPS 11-21-2023 

RET. 12-01-1996 

TAPS 12-18-2023 

RET. 02-11-1999 

TAPS 09-29-2023 

RET. 10-16-1984 

TAPS 11-13-2023 



85

TAPS 

RUSSELL, HUBERT 

STUDIO CITY, CA 

CDR 

RET. 07-01-1970 

TAPS 11-03-2023 

SHARP, RICHARD 

MILTON, DE 

BMC 

RET. 06-01-1974 

TAPS 11-02-2023 

RUYLE, GERALD 

SARASOTA, FL 

PS2 

RET. 05-27-2002 

TAPS 12-22-2023 

SHUE, BOBBY 

KANNAPOLIS, NC 

MK1 

RET. 08-01-1975 

TAPS 11-19-2023 

RYNE, JOSEPH 

MACON, GA 

SA 

RET. 02-19-1986 

TAPS 10-09-2023 

SILER, RONALD 

PHOENIX, AZ 

TTCM 

RET. 02-01-1985 

TAPS 11-12-2023 

SABIN, RICHARD 

HONOLULU, HI 

INV3 

RET. 08-01-2009 

TAPS 12-07-2023 

SLOAN, EMORY 

CHARLEVOIX, MI 

YNC 

RET. 06-01-1979 

TAPS 12-11-2023 

SCHAEFER, FRANK 

PEORIA, IL 

PSS2 

RET. 01-19-1993 

TAPS 12-22-2023 

SMITH, JOHN 

SYLVANIA, OH 

LCDR 

RET. 11-01-1994 


SCHAFERSMAN, MICHAEL 

LINN CREEK, MO 

CDR 

RET. 05-01-1998 

TAPS 12-22-2023 

SMITH, JAY 

MOBILE, AL 

BOSN4 

RET. 02-01-1996 

TAPS 10-27-2023 

SCHALLER, MICHAEL 

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ 

LCDR 

RET. 09-21-2013 


SMITH, HAROLD 

LYNCHBURG, VA 

CWO2 

RET. 01-01-1976 

TAPS 12-17-2023 

SCHOUTEN, DONALD 

PANAMA CITY B, FL 

CWO4 

RET. 06-01-1981 

TAPS 11-07-2023 

SMITH, FRED 

ROCKVILLE, VA 

BM3 

RET. 02-01-1955 

TAPS 12-20-2023 

SCHURR, WALTER 

WEST ISLIP, NY 

PS1 

RET. 05-21-1991 

TAPS 09-27-2023 

SOLER, RAUL 

FELTON, CA 

BM2 

RET. 07-22-2007 

TAPS 10-30-2023 


SEERY, MICHAEL 

MOUNT POCONO, PA 

SHADRICK, GLENIS 

NEW FAIRFIELD, CT 

BM2 

CWO3 

RET. 12-03-2012 

TAPS 11-08-2023 

RET. 08-01-1985 


STANSBURY, MAURICE 

RINGGOLD, GA 

STEPHAN, PHILLIP 

WINTER SPRINGS, FL 

STEVENS, ROBERT 

MARINETTE, WI 

STEWART, MARK 

WASHINGTON, DC 

STIVES, EDWARD 

SATELLITE BEACH, FL 

STOUTJESDYK, JAMES 

JEFFERSON, TX 

STROUD, JOHN 

BURBANK, CA 

THOMPSON, CLAUDE 

ARLINGTON, VA 

THOMPSON, ELMER 

OWLS HEAD, ME 

TILLMAN, JAMES 

WILLISTON, FL 

TIMMONS, VERNON 

FAYETTEVILLE, AR 

BMC 

RD1 

LT 

LCDR 

SK1 

CWO3 

YN1 

CAPT 

F&S2 

EN1 

AD1 

RET. 01-01-1984 


RET. 04-22-2001 

TAPS 12-15-2023 

RET. 08-01-2002 


RET. 08-01-2003 

TAPS 11-24-2023 

RET. 08-14-1991 

TAPS 12-31-2023 

RET. 08-01-1973 

TAPS 11-19-2023 

RET. 12-01-1987 


RET. 07-01-1980 

TAPS 12-31-2023 

RET. 09-16-1997 


RET. 01-01-1971 

TAPS 12-28-2023 

RET. 05-01-1997 



THE LONG BLUE LINE

TAPS 

TURNER, THERON 

DEPTFORD, NJ 

CWO4 

RET. 08-01-1986 


WEIRICH, ALLEN 

JASPER, TX 

BM1 

RET. 11-01-1980 


URFER, KENNETH 

SEVERNA PARK, MD 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1985 

TAPS 10-31-2023 

WESTMAN, JAMES 

KELSEYVILLE, CA 

QMC 

RET. 04-09-1995 

TAPS 11-25-2023 

VACCARIELLO, VICTOR 

WANTAGH, NY 

VANDREUMEL, DAVID 

FORT GRATIOT, MI 

VOLANTE, FLORENCIO 


VOSS, JACK 

ALFRED, ME 

WALKER, HOWARD 

FLUSHING, MI 

WALKER, STEWART 

ROCKVILLE, MD 

WALKER, BARRY 

SANTA ROSA, CA 

WALLACE, JOHN 

CHARLOTTE, NC 

WARREN, HARRISON 

HUMBLE, TX 

WATKINS, DAVID 

ARCADE, NY 

WATKINS, RAYCHEL 

WAIANAE, HI 

EM2 

LCDR 

FS1 

CWO3 

TC2 

CDR 

HSC 

CAPT 

MKC 

AMCS 

HS2 

RET. 05-21-1998 

TAPS 11-23-2023 

RET. 10-01-1976 


RET. 08-10-1977 

TAPS 12-26-2023 

RET. 02-01-1976 

TAPS 11-20-2023 

RET. 09-16-2002 

TAPS 11-03-2023 

RET. 07-01-1981 


RET. 12-01-1996 

TAPS 09-23-2023 

RET. 10-01-1989 


RET. 07-01-1980 


RET. 03-01-1986 

TAPS 12-21-2023 

RET. 11-10-2000 


WESTMAN, JOHN 

VIRGINIA BCH, VA 

WILLIAMS, JOHN 

BUXTON, NC 

WILLIAMS, DAVID 

BUXTON, NC 

WILLIAMS, DAVID 

KNOXVILLE, TN 

WILSON, RICHARD 

GREENVILLE, NC 

WINSTEIN, DANIEL 


WOOD, DALTON 

LEXINGTON PARK, MD 

WYSOCKI, JAMES 

SHELTON, WA 

YOUNG, DAVID 

CHANCELLOR, AL 

YOUNG, LOUIE 

UNIVERSITY CITY, MO 

PS1 

EN1 

ENG2 

HS1 

TTCS 

GMC 

ENG3 

CAPT 

MK1 

CWO4 

RET. 06-02-2004 

TAPS 11-29-2023 

RET. 12-01-1971 

TAPS 11-04-2023 

RET. 07-01-2008 

TAPS 11-20-2023 

RET. 08-01-1994 

TAPS 10-07-2023 

RET. 03-01-1984 

TAPS 11-16-2023 

RET. 06-01-1996 

TAPS 12-27-2023 

RET. 09-09-1995 

TAPS 11-25-2023 

RET. 08-01-1993 

TAPS 12-24-2023 

RET. 01-01-1989 

TAPS 10-18-2023 

RET. 10-01-1984 

TAPS 11-30-2023 



87

TAPS 

USPHS 

BELGARDE, CLAYTON 

DUNSEITH, ND 

CDR 

RET. 10-01-2019 

TAPS 12-27-2023 

KEHOE, JOHN 

WILMINGTON, NC 

CAPT 

RET. 12-01-1998 

TAPS 09-17-2023 

BUSKIN, IRENE 

SEATTLE, WA 

CAPT 

RET. 02-01-2001 

TAPS 11-10-2023 

MARK, FRANK 

WHEATON, MD 

CAPT 

RET. 08-01-1975 

TAPS 09-08-2023 

BUTTERBRODT, MARK 

MARTIN, SD 

CDR 

RET. 01-01-2012 

TAPS 12-05-2023 

MCMURRAY, RHETT 

BUTLER, GA 

CAPT 

RET. 10-01-1994 

TAPS 11-16-2023 

CAMPBELL, WILLIAM 

REDDICK, FL 

CAPT 

RET. 10-01-1974 


MORTIMER, VINCENT 

MAINEVILLE, OH 

CDR 

RET. 11-01-2004 

TAPS 10-24-2023 

CASUGA-MARQUEZ, ERLINDA 


CDR 

RET. 02-01-2014 

TAPS 10-02-2023 

NAU, ERNEST 

FAIRFAX, VA 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1981 


CLINTON, JOHN 

SAN DIEGO, CA 

RADM 

RET. 02-01-2004 

TAPS 09-30-2023 

PARSONS, ROBERT 

ALEXANDRIA, VA 

CDR 

RET. 01-01-2002 

TAPS 11-01-2023 

CODE, JAMES 

CHASKA, MN 

CDR 

RET. 05-01-1998 

TAPS 10-04-2023 

PETTIGREW, GEORGE 

MCKINNEY, TX 

CAPT 

RET. 02-01-1993 

TAPS 11-14-2023 

DAVIS, JOE 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 

RADM 

RET. 09-01-1996 

TAPS 12-19-2023 

POTTER, RICHARD 

MIDDLETOWN, MD 

CAPT 

RET. 11-01-2003 

TAPS 10-02-2023 


DEVLIN, NANCY 

SANTA FE, NM 

EDINGER, STANLEY 

N. BETHESDA, MD 

FAWKES, LENA 

BARDSTOWN, KY 

FLORA, TOMMIE 

AURORA, CO 

FRANKEL, ROBERT 

LAS CRUCES, NM 

GALLANT, RICHARD 

INDIALANTIC, FL 

GARCIA, JULIO 

ROSHARON, TX 

HANLEY, KEVIN 

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 

HOWE, MARGARET 

MORGANVILLE, NJ 

JASINSKI, DONALD 

TOWSON, MD 

JONES, MARK 

VAN BUREN TWP, MI 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

RET. 01-14-2023 

TAPS 10-13-2023 

RET. 11-01-2006 


RET. 10-01-2008 

TAPS 10-18-2023 

RET. 01-01-1988 

TAPS 11-17-2023 

RET. 07-01-1982 

TAPS 11-01-2023 

RET. 01-01-1981 

TAPS 09-21-2023 

RET. 07-01-2001 

TAPS 10-05-2023 

RET. 08-01-2019 

TAPS 11-11-2023 

RET. 02-01-1981 

TAPS 12-26-2023 

RET. 07-01-1985 

TAPS 11-25-2023 

RET. 01-01-1999 

TAPS 12-25-2023 

RACE, RICHARD 

CORVALLIS, MT 

ROST, KEITH 

JAMESTOWN, ND 

RYAN, MARK 

ALPHARETTA, GA 

SHELLEY, ROBERT 

CHATTAROY, WA 

SMITH, LAMONT 

CHARLOTTE, NC 

WINKELMAIER, JOSEPH 

SANTA FE, NM 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

RET. 10-01-2000 

TAPS 11-13-2023 

RET. 10-01-2001 

TAPS 12-12-2023 

RET. 05-01-2015 


RET. 08-01-1990 

TAPS 12-21-2023 

RET. 01-01-1983 


RET. 01-01-2016 

TAPS 10-27-2023 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

NOAA 

TAPS 

ALDERMAN, RICHARD 

TUCSON, FAYETTEVILLE, AZ PA 

LCDR CAPT 

RET. 05-01-1985 

05-01-1996 


09-17-2023 

NIXON, CHARLES 

HOPEDALE, MA 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1989 

TAPS 10-05-2023 

LAND, RALPH 

SUFFOLK, VA 

CAPT 

RET. 08-01-1985 

TAPS 12-15-2023 

SOWERS, JOSEPH 

EDMONDS, WA 

CDR 

RET. 08-01-1984 

TAPS 11-24-2023 



89

TAPS 


DEPENDENT TAPS 

SYLVIA MCCOMBS 

WIFE OF CWO3 RICHARD MCCOMBS, USCG (RET) 

WOODRIDGE, IL 

VIRGINIA MAUTZ 

WIFE OF THE LATE CDR CHARLES A. MAUTZ, USCG (RET) 

PITTSBURGH, PA 

JOY GECK 

WIFE OF LT JACK GECK, USCG (RET) 

ROSEVILLE, CA 

JANICE W. NICKERSON 

WIFE OF YNCM ELDON “NICK” NICKERSON, USCG (RET) 

EXETER, NH 

DOLORES JORDAN WOODWARD 

WIFE OF MKCM ROBERT WOODWARD, USCG (RET) 

BELHAVEN, NC 

GUADALUPE R. ZAPATA 

WIFE OF YNC ADAN ZAPATA, USCG (RET) 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 

SHIRLEY WEAVER 

WIFE OF BMCM RICHARD WEAVER, USCG (RET) 

PERRINTON, MI 

BEVERLY ANN MASON 

WIFE OF PSCM CARTER MASON, USCGR (RET) 

MANASSAS, VA 

JOYCE WILLENE MCINTYRE 

WIFE OF CWO4 MILES K. MCINTYRE, USCG (RET) 

SENECA, SC 

MILES “DAVID” MCINTYRE 

WIFE OF CWO4 MILES K. MCINTYRE, USCG (RET) 

SENECA, SC 

CLAUDIA IRVING 

WIFE OF CWO4 JAMES IRVING, USCGR (RET) 

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ 

BAMBI LYNN CURTIS 

WIFE OF BMCS WILLIAM P. CURTIS, USCG (RET) 

ROME, GA 

JANET J. MURRAY 

WIFE OF CAPT WILLIAM W. MURRAY, USPHS (RET) 

TUCSON, AZ 

LAURA BELL 

WIFE OF MKC THEROL (DAN) BELL, USCG (RET) 

KENNEWICK, WA 

DELORES ANN JOHNSON 

WIFE OF MKC CARL F. JOHNSON, USCG (RET) 

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA 

CWO4 CASIMER C. MROZ USMC (RET) 

WIFE OF CWO4 EDWINA C. MROZ, USCG (RET) 

GLENVIEW, IL 

VICKI LOTZ 

WIFE OF CAPT GREGORY LOTZ, USPHS (RET) 

CINCINNATI, OH 

JENNIE GROSS 

WIFE OF CWO4 HAROLD (BILL) GROSS, USCG (RET) 

MOBILE, AL 

MICHELLE ANN MCALLISTER 

WIFE OF ITC JAMES A. MCALLISTER, USCG (RET) 

O’FALLON, IL 

LYN HARDGROVE 

WIFE OF TC1 JOHN HARDGROVE, USCG (RET) 

DAYTONA BEACH, FL 

NANCY A. QUIROZ 

WIFE OF LT REYNALDO QUIROZ, USCG (RET) 

SEVERN, MD 

MARY A. GLEASON 

WIFE OF LCDR RICHARD J. GLEASON, USCG (RET) 

CARMEL, NY 

DIANNE F. JOHNSON 

WIFE OF CAPT STEVEN JOHNSON, USCG (RET) 

DIAMOND POINT, NY 

11-21-2023 

02-03-2023 

12-03-2023 

12-11-2023 



09-04-2023 

12-13-2023 


09-21-2023 

08-25-2021 

05-02-2023 


06-21-2023 


12-21-2023 

09-15-2023 

11-29-2023 


09-22-2023 

03-05-2023 

12-09-2023 

12-12-2023 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER 

EMBRACE 

EVERY SEASON 

During this change of season, we bear 

witness to the emergence of new 

life bursting forth with brilliant color 

overwhelming the dormancy of winter. 

Springtime is here and it gives us hope. 

A hope that no matter how long and 

cold and barren the winter might be, warmer 

and abundant times are coming. 

In the same way we experience seasonal 

changes in nature, we also find that season 

changes happen to us personally. It is important 

to know that life is full of seasons. The wisdom 

literature of Hebrew scripture points to this very 

notion as the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds 

us, “For everything there is a season, and a time 

for every matter under heaven.” 

Some of life’s seasons will be wonderful, easy, 

and full of celebrations. We might call these 

the mountaintop moments in life. These are the 

seasons we long for, we work hard for, and the 

ones we want to last. While other seasons will 

be difficult, painful, and full of loss. We often 

describe these times as walking in the valley. 

Moments like these can be very challenging and 

can seem as though they drag on too long. 

I want to encourage you that no matter what 

season you find yourself in, know that life is full 

of seasons and seasons always change. If you 

are walking in the valley, take heart, for things 

are looking up. There is hope! If you are on the 

mountaintop right now, don’t fear that a valley 

might be in your future. Enjoy the moment, for 

you didn’t get to this point without an uphill 

climb. Every season is important because 

it is full of purpose. As someone once said, 

“Everyone wants to be on the mountaintops 

of life, but it is in the valley where the real fruit 

grows.” Embrace every season, for each one 

has great value. 

Grace and Peace, 

Matthew E. McGarity 

LCDR, CHC, USN 



91

WORK-LIFE 

TRANSITION 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

Coast Guard Active-Duty and Reserve members and their spouses 

transitioning back to civilian life and Retirees and/or caregivers 

are highly encouraged to check-out and take full advantage of the 

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM at: https://tapevents.mil/ 

Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service and return to life as 

civilians, a process known as the military to civilian transition. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) 

provides information, tools, and training to ensure Service members, their spouses and/or caregivers 

are prepared for the next step in civilian life. 

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is the result of an interagency partnership between the 

Departments of Defense (DoD), Labor (DOL), Veterans Affairs (VA), Education (ED), Homeland 

Security (DHS), Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Office of Personnel Management 

(OPM), in conjunction with the Military Departments who execute TAP. 

The TAP curriculum is an outcome-based curriculum that transforms the way the military prepares 

Service members for transition back to civilian life. The curriculum is designed to provide service 

members with the resources, tools, services, and skill-building training needed to meet Career 

Readiness Standards (CRS). Shortly before departing the military, Service members demonstrate 

achievement of these standards to their command through a verification process called Capstone. This 

process includes an opportunity to connect Service members who may need additional assistance 

to agency partners who provide them with additional support. 


Military to civilian transition occurs within a complex and dynamic network of relationships, programs, 

services, and benefits, which includes transition planning and assistance efforts by individual Service 

branches, the interagency TAP partnership, and community resources delivered through local 

government, private industry, and nonprofit organizations. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

NEW USCG RETIREE MENTORING & 

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE NETWORK! 

RADM Jeff Hathaway, USCG (Ret.) 

CG National Retiree Council Co-Chair 

hathaway.cgnrc@aol.com 

Your USCG National Retiree Council is sponsoring this program to maintain a searchable database 

for our retiree community (and those soon to retire) to both request and offer personal mentoring and 

advice in a variety of areas. Thinking about relocating to a particular geographic area but would like 

insights from those that are living there? Find some help here. Wondering how to start a small business? 

You can find a mentor here. 

We are using a software service called Member Planet to host our registration process and database. It 

is both secure, easy to use and offers great flexibility. Once submitted, your registration is automatically 

forwarded to Mr. Bob Hinds, USCG Retiree Services Program Manager. He validates your eligibility then 

grants access to the database. 

We hope that the USCG retiree community finds this program useful. Prior pilot programs showed a 

demand for such a program but lacked an easily accessible database maintained in the public domain. 

VISIT http://www.uscgretireenetwork.org/ TO LEARN MORE AND ENROLL! 

A big thank you to our 

Capital Area Retiree 

Council for originally 

promoting a retiree 

mentoring program and 

sponsoring the first 

"proof of concept" pilot 

program! 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION RETIREE NETWORKING 


93

OTHER IMPORTANT RESOURCES 

USCG PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER 

RETIREE AND ANNUITANT SERVICES (PPC-RAS) 

4 WAYS TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR RETIRED 

PAY ACCOUNT 

With our improved tools, you can manage your account easily and when it is most 

convenient for you. 

WEBSITE 

Site address: www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/ 

On the website you can: 

• Get important updates 

• Get information on accessing Direct Access (“DA”) Self-Service; 

• View and download forms and packets 

• Get answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs) 

Site address: https://hcm.direct-access.uscg.mil/ 

Helpful Guides are located at www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/gp/ 

You can do the following in DA Self-Service (with nearly immediate results): 


SELF-SERVE 

EMAIL 

PHONE 

POSTAL 

MAIL 

• View Payslip 

• View/Print Year End Forms 

• View/Change Phone Numbers 

• View/Print 1099R 

• View/Change Mailing & Email 

Address 

• Change EFT/Direct Deposit 

1099Rs are mailed to your address in DA. Helpful information is also 

sent via email. 

Email us at: ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil 

• Email us questions or requests. We track/respond to all. 

• Submit forms (e. g. W-4 for Taxes). We track/respond to all. 

• Avoid waiting for mailed documents to be delivered to us. 

• Avoid having to call. 

Call us at: 866-772-8724 

• Change Delivery Options 

• Change Voluntary Deductions 

• View Final Pay Beneficiary 

• Change Federal & State Tax 

• Print Retired Pay Award Letter 

• View Open Debts 

If you do not have access to a computer or email, you can submit your 

request through US Postal Mail. Our mailing address is: 

Commanding Officer 

US Coast Guard PPC (RAS) 

444 SE Quincy St 

Topeka KS 66683-3591 

PPC-RAS can process most requests within one or two pay periods. 

Remember! Incomplete forms or missing documents may result in a delay in processing your request. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

COAST GUARD 

LEGAL ASSISTANCE 

Coast Guard legal assistance attorneys provide advice and counsel regarding personal legal issues to 

thousands of service members, dependents and retirees each year at no cost. These issues may involve 

family law, estate planning, consumer law, land-lord-tenant relations, immigration or many other topics. 

Legal Assistance Program, CI 5801.4F: https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/15/2001716717/-1/- 

1/0/CI_5801.4F.PDF 

Legal Readiness Checklist: www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/Headquarters/Legal/la/Legal%20 

Readiness%20Checklist.pdf 

Personal Readiness Plan (Personal Identity & Vital Documents; Emergency Information & Powers 

of Attorney; Healthcare & Medical Directives; Income, Savings and Investments, and Life Insurance; 

Monthly Expenses, Debt, and Credit Reports; Primary Residence, Insurance & Household Services; 

Vehicle Information, Insurance, Titles & Documentation; Taxes; Survivor Assistance & Benefits; 

Estate Planning & Funeral Instructions): www.uscg.mil/Resources/Legal/LMA/Legal_Assistance/ 

Personal-Readiness-Plan/ 

Legal Assistance Attorneys: www.uscg.mil/Resources/Legal/LMA/Legal_Assistance/Find-A- 

Legal-Assistance-Lawyer/ 

1st District Legal: 617-223-8500 

7th District Legal: 305-415-6949 








13 th PACIFIC AREA ATLANTIC AREA 

11 th 

17 th 

14 th 

9 th 1 st 

5 th 

7 th 

8 th 


U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION OTHER IMPORTANT RESOURCES 

95


CG NATIONAL RETIREE COUNCIL / 

REGIONAL RETIREE COUNCILS & CO-CHAIRS 

CGNRC CO-CHAIRS 

CAPITAL AREA 

CENTRAL GULF COAST 

(MOBILE) 

CHARLESTON 

GREAT LAKES 

RADM Meredith Austin 

maustincgnrc@gmail.com 

MCPO Lloyd Pierce 

cgsilverancientmariner11@outlook.com 

David Bernstein 

dberns01@gmail.com 

John Milkiewicz 

locke45@hotmail.com 

Terry Gilbreath 

tgilbreath@asdd.com 

Charlie Womack 

chwomack@gmail.com 

Ray Bryant 

basecharlestonrrc@gmail.com 

Timothy Schneider 

basecharlestonrrc@gmail.com 

Lorne Thomas 

lorne.w.thomas@uscg.mil 

James Bach 

uw_jimmy@yahoo.com 

PENSACOLA, FL & 

BALDWIN COUNTY, AL 

SAN JUAN, PR 

SECTOR OHIO VALLEY 

SOUTHWEST 

ST. LOUIS 

Jeff Rosenberg 

cg.rrc.pns@gmail.com 

Jose Baltar 

uscg.sj.rc@gmail.com 

Carlos López 

uscg.sj.rc@gmail.com 

James Armstrong 

James.S.Armstrong@uscg.mil 

Gerald Nauert 

gnauert@oldhamcountyky.gov 

Joseph Leonard 

jleonard83@aol.com 

Eric Pugh 

eric.pugh12@outlook.com 

Keith Livingstone 

bassbolt@yahoo.com 

Becky Livingstone 

rebalivingstone@att.net 

EAST CENTRAL FL 

Jim Reynolds 

james.reynolds.cg@gmail.com 

TAMPA BAY AREA 

Don Goldstein 

DGoldstein1@tampabay.rr.com 

LeRoy Dennison 

LeRoy@dennison.com 


FIRST CG RETIREES 

JACKSONVILLE 

HAWAII 

KODIAK 

MIAMI 

NEW ORLEANS 

NORTH EAST 

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

NORTHWEST 

Mike Rosecrans 

m.rosecrans@gmail.com 

YNCM Bobby Wester 

bwester2549@aol.com 

Rod Schultz 

rschultz369@gmail.com 

Anthony Lim 

hawaiiretiree.cc@gmail.com 

Robert Lachowsky 

roblachowsky@yahoo.com 

John Whiddon 

jbwhiddon52@gmail.com 

David Cinalli 

david.cinalli@yahoo.com 

Marc Fagenbaum 

cgrcmiamibeach@gmail.com 

Currently Inactive 

Kevin Brown 

CGRetireeNorthEast@gmail.com 

Thomas Hall 

tadahall@msn.com 

David Swanson 

ddswanson@msn.com 

RADM Bert Kinghorn 

CoChairs@cgretirenw.org 

Sean McPhilamy 

seanmcphilamy@mac.com 

YORKTOWN 

Rick Gay 

rgay@earthlink.net 

David Bunch 

dcbunch52@verizon.net 

Recouncil@TCYYorktown.ucg.mil 

You may elect not to be mailed the 

newsletter by accessing your DA 

Self-Service account at 

• www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/gp/ 

• Select “Change My Delivery 

Options” 

• Uncheck the block labeled 

“I elect to receive the Retiree 

Newsletter by mail.” 

You may also contact CG PPC 

Customer Care for assistance by 

calling 866-772-8724 or by sending 

an e-mail to: 

PPC-DG-CustomerCare@uscg.mil 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

CG PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER, RETIREE & 

ANNUITANT SERVICES (PPC-RAS), DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE & 

OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & WEBSITES 

Directory Assistance and Other Important Phone Numbers & Websites are also accessible at: 

dcms.uscg.mil/portals/10/cg-1/ppc/ras/rasdirectory.pdf 

Questions, Address or Direct-Deposit Changes 

If you need information or have questions 

about: 

• Your retired or survivor benefit plan (SBP) 

annuity payments 

• Your retired/annuitant statement 

• IRS Form 1099-R (reporting taxable 

income) 

• You need to change your and your 

dependents’ home mailing address (for 

retired/annuitant statement, newsletter, 

1099-R, correspondence) 

• Your financial institution or account 

number for your direct deposit 

• Report a change to your designation of 

beneficiary for payment of unpaid retired 

pay (Note: use Form *CG PPC-3600 

Designation of Beneficiary for Payment of 

Unpaid Retired Pay) 

You may make the requests listed above by 

telephone, by fax, or in writing. The telephone 

and fax numbers are: 

Toll free: 1-866-772-8724 

Fax: (785) 339-3770 

Allotments, SBP Coverage and Beneficiary 

Changes 

If you need to: 

• Start, stop, or change an allotment (you may 

use Form *CG PPC-7221 Retired Allotment 

Authorization Form, fax in the form or a 

written request, call us or send us an e-mail 

request). 

• Report a change to your survivor benefit 

plan (SBP) coverage (must be in writing) 

You may fax your request to (785) 339-3770 

or mail to: 

Commanding Officer (RAS) 

USCG Pay & Personnel Center 


Topeka, KS 66683-3591 

Income Tax Withholding Changes 

(*) Note: Forms are available from the PPC website at: 

www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/pd/forms/ or directly from the IRS. 

If you need to: 

• Start or change the amount of state tax 

withholding (retirees can call, e-mail, fax or use 

*IRS Form W-4, or state form. If using IRS form, 

indicate that the form is for state income tax 

withholding, not federal, which state it’s for and 

the dollar amount to be withheld, (minimum 

amount is $10.00, no cents)). We cannot 

withhold state tax for annuitants. 

• Change your federal income tax 

withholding (retirees use Form W-4, 

annuitants use Form W-4P) 

• Change exemptions or additional 

withholding 

Federal tax changes must be in writing. The 

original Form IRS W-4 or W-4P must be mailed 

to PPC (RAS) for action and filing, per IRS 

requirements. PPC (RAS) cannot accept a 

faxed W-4 or W-4P. Please mail to: 




Topeka, KS 66683-3591 

(*) Note: Forms are available from the PPC website at: 

www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/pd/forms/ or directly from the IRS. 

Report of Death 

To report the death of a Coast Guard, NOAA 

or PHS retiree/annuitant call: 

Toll free: 1-866-772-8724 

Fax: (785) 339-3770 

Or write: 




Topeka, KS 66683-3591 

DEPENDENT TAPS: To place a Dependent TAPS 

notice in The Retiree Newsletter, provide the 

dependent’s name, relationship to retiree, date 

of passing, and city/state to Robert Hinds at: 

Robert.C.Hinds@uscg.mil 

phone: 202-475-5451 



97



MEDICARE PART B ENROLLMENT IS MANDATORY AT AGE 65 

dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/retiree/docs/pdf/Turning_65_with_MEDICARE. 

pdf?ver=2018-09-07-143218-930 

When you turn 65, your medical benefits will change. MEDICARE will become your primary medical 

coverage and TRICARE pays secondary to MEDICARE. You MUST enroll in MEDICARE PART 

B to retain your TRICARE coverage. If you are within 90 days of your 65th birthday, you should 

log on to www.ssa.gov or medicare.gov to enroll in MEDICARE PART B. Additional information is 

accessible at: tricare.mil/Welcome/Eligibility/MedicareEligible.aspx?sc_database=web or by phone 

at 866-773-0404. You may also call the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) 

at 800-538-9552. 

OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES 

Medical/Dental Benefits/Phone/Websites/ 

Notes 

Eligibility (DEERS)/ID Cards 

1-800-538-9552 

(TTY/TDD) 

1-866-363-2883 

www.tricare.mil/deers 

In CA: 1-800-334-4162; 

In AK & HI 1-800-527-5602 

Mail-Order Pharmacy 

1-877-363-1303 

www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/ 

Prescriptions/Filling Prescriptions/TMOP 

Federal Employee Dental & Vision Insurance 

Program (FEDVIP—Retirees) 

1-877-888-3337 

https://www.benefeds.com/ 

TRICARE Overseas 

1-888-777-8343 

www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/ 

Regions/RegionsNonUS 

TRICARE East Region Contractor 

1-800-444-5445 

TRICARE West Region Contractor 

1-844-866-9378 

www.tricare.mil 

TRICARE For Life 

1-866-773-0404 

www.tricare.mil/tfl/default.cfm 

www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Retiring 

TRICARE Eligibility—Pharmacy 

(Medicare info) 

1-877-363-1303 

www.tricare.mil/ CoveredServices/Pharmacy/ 

Eligibility.aspx 

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program 

(FLTCIP) 

1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) 

www.LTCFEDS.com 

CG Health Benefits Advisor 

1-800-942-2422 

Veterans Benefits 

Phone/Websites/Notes 

Department of Veterans Affairs 

1-800-827-1000 

www.va.gov 

Reporting the Death of a Veteran/Retiree to 

the VA, 800-827-1000, Press #5, https://www. 

va.gov/resources/how-to-report-the-death-ofa-veteran-to-va/ 

VA Office of Survivors Assistance 

https://www.va.gov/survivors/ 

Insurance Information 

1-800-669-8477 

www.insurance.va.gov 

Veteran’s Group Life Insurance 

www.insurance.va.gov/sglisite/vgli/vgli.htm 

New VGLI Applications and VGLI 

Reinstatements: 

OSGLI 

PO Box 41618 

Philadelphia, PA 19176-9913 

1-800-419-1473 

Overseas phone (continued on next page) 

(973) 548-5699 

Overseas fax# 

(973) 548-5300 

Death and accelerated benefits claims only: 

Fax: 1-877-832-4943. 

All other fax inquiries: 

1-800-236-6142 

e-mail at: osgli.claims@prudential.com 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

All other inquiries: osgli.osgli@prudential.com 

General Correspondence: 

Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance 

80 Livingston Avenue 

Roseland, NJ 07068-1733 

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents 

1-800-827-1000 

www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp 

VA Pamphlet 80-02-1 

Headstones and Markers 

1-800-697-6947 

www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp 

Former Spouse 

CG PPC LEGAL 

785-339-3441 

785-339-3788 (Fax) 

PPC-DG-LGL@uscg.mil 

FSPA & SBP Informational Pamphlet 

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/ 

PPC/Docs/Legal/Uniformed%20Services%20 

Former%20Spouse%20Protection%20Act%20 

(FSPA).pdf 

Former Spouse ID Card and Medical 

Information 

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/ 

PPC/RAS/FormerSpouseDetermination4IDcards. 

pdf?ver=a_wj5dB_ 

FMVcHvKGRPEkBw%3D%3D#:~:text=The%20 

20%2D20%2D15%20rule,if%20they%20do%20 

not%20remarry 

Additional Important Number and Websites 

Final Active Duty Pay 

1-866-772-8724 

Overseas 

www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/separations/finalpay/ 

Commanding Officer (SEP) 


444 SE Quincy St. 

Topeka, KS 66683-3591 

Contact PPC (SEP) for information on severance 

pay, separation pay, disability severance pay, 

LES’s, IRS Form W-2. 

Social Security 

1-800-772-1213 

www.ssa.gov 

Travel Claims 

1-866-772-8724 

www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/ 

Send final travel claim to: 

Commanding Officer (TVL) 


444 SE Quincy St. 

Topeka, KS 66683-3591 

Service Records 

(314) 801-0800 

www.archives.gov/veterans/military-servicerecords 

Write to: 

National Personnel Records Center 

Military Personnel Records 

1 Archives Drive 

St. Louis, MO 63138-1002 

Veterans or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran 

can access www.archives.gov/veterans/ 

military-service-records to make requests. 

All others must write in and include complete 

name, rank/grade, SSN, dates of service, and 

date of birth of the veteran. DD-214s are also 

available via the website 

WWII U.S. Merchant Marine Awards and 

Decorations 

www.maritime.dot.gov/outreach/mariner-medals 

Contact - Awards, Flags, Medals 

Katrina McRae 

Maritime Awards Officer 

Office of Sealift Support 

1200 NEW JERSEY AVE., SE 

WASHINGTON, DC 20590 

United States 

Email: Katrina.mcrae@dot.gov 

Phone: 202-366-3198 

Fax: 202-366-2323 

Business Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm ET, M-F 

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a 

speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access 

telecommunications relay services. 

CG Social Media Sites 

A list of Official CG Social Media Sites including 

Facebook and Twitter is accessible at: 

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/official-sites/ 

CG National Retiree Help Desk 

Toll free 1-833-224-6743 

email: NRHDesk@gmail.com 

Do NOT send Personally Identifiable Information 

(e.g. SSN, EMPID) to the CG National Retiree 

Help Desk. Visit: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ 

retiree/nrhd-pii/ 



99

A 

GREAT 

GIFT FOR 

NEW 

RETIREES

The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

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