The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

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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. 42 SPRING 2024 THE LONG BLUE LINE
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 THE LONG BLUE LINE SPRING 2024 43
Page 1 and 2: SPRING 2024 ACTION NEEDED TO CONTIN
Page 3 and 4: THE LONG BLUE LINE SPRING 2024 3
Page 7 and 8: I have said time and again, as we p
Page 9 and 10: MCPO LLOYD PIERCE: Spring has sprun
Page 11 and 12: I’m joined by RADM Merrie Austin,
Page 13 and 14: GLACIER REUNION SAVE THE DATE LOCAT
Page 15 and 16: USCGC STORIS U.S. COAST GUARD VETER
Page 17 and 18: NEVER TOO LATE: A CASE OF MISTAKEN
Page 23 and 24: Somehow, someway the placard was re
Page 25 and 26: How does the Coast Guard celebrate
Page 29 and 30: Get Your NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEU
Page 31 and 32: This is what we are known for. This
Page 33 and 34: We are prototyping unmanned systems
Page 35 and 36: the Polar Security Cutter. This is
Page 39 and 40: A FAMILY AFFAIR By Beau Bridges In
Page 41: shared many of his experiences with
Page 45 and 46: Festivals held in Grand Haven, Mich
Page 47 and 48: Prior to opening his highly recogni
Page 51 and 52: AUXILIARY Auxiliarists who possess
Page 53 and 54: The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Aux
Page 55 and 56: Because of this, there are now more
Page 57 and 58: hands-on training by certified AUXC
Page 61 and 62: Meanwhile, the two leading ships of
Page 63 and 64: In 1961, the Raymond Loewy and Will
Page 67 and 68: In the military, and in the Coast G
Page 69 and 70: Petty Officer 2nd Class Van Alstyne
Page 71 and 72: eassured Van Alstyne. He told her i
Page 73 and 74: RESERVE Chief Warrant Officer Antho
Page 75 and 76: ! FERNANDEZ HIDALGO, CARLOS FIKE, B
Page 77 and 78: TINSTMAN, LAWRENCE TISCHER, JACE TO
Page 81 and 82: BOYLE, DAVID SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH CDR
Page 83 and 84: FRIER, WALTER GARLAND, TX YNC RET.
Page 85 and 86: MIZELLE, TIMOTHY COLERAIN, NC SKCS
Page 87 and 88: TAPS TURNER, THERON DEPTFORD, NJ CW
Page 89 and 90: NOAA TAPS ALDERMAN, RICHARD TUCSON,
Page 91 and 92: CHAPLAIN'S CORNER EMBRACE EVERY SEA
Page 93 and 94:
NEW USCG RETIREE MENTORING & TRANSI
Page 95 and 96:
COAST GUARD LEGAL ASSISTANCE Coast
Page 97 and 98:
CG PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER, RETIREE
Page 99 and 100:
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The Long Blue Line (Spring 2024)

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