The Long Blue Line (Spring 2023)

SPRING 2023 

YOUR RETIREE NEWSLETTER & MORE 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 

ADM FAGAN: 

STATE OF THE 

COAST GUARD 

NATIONAL 

WALL OF 

MUSEUM: 

PHILANTHROPY 

LEGACY'S SHADOW: 

THE KEEPER'S 

LOST GRAVE

2 SPRING 2023 

THE LONG BLUE LINE

THE LONG BLUE LINE SPRING 2023 

3


Managing Editor: Scott McGuire 

Graphic Designer: Scott McGuire 

Contributing Writers: 

William H. Thiesen, Ph.D. 

MCPO Jeff Creighton, USCG (Ret.) 

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. 

dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/retnews/ 

where you can also subscribe for 

e-distribution of this newsletter 

and other important retiree 

communications. 

Coast Guard Distribution Lists can 

be found at the USCG Public Affairs 

News Room at: www.news.uscg.mil. 

ON THE COVER: 

Admiral Linda L. Fagan, 

Commandant of the Coast Guard, 

speaks to guests during the 2023 

State of the Coast Guard Address 

in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 

2023. The State of the Coast Guard 

Address is when the commandant 

lays out the vision for the Service. 

(U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty 

Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles) 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 

6 

8 

10 

12 

16 

26 

30 

34 

40 

44 

52 

58 

66 

68 

70 

72 

73 

74 

76 

78 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 

Phase One of Museum Construction is Done 

National Retiree Council Co-Chairs 

Message from the Director 

Reunions, Notices & Items of Interest 

COVER STORY | Admiral Linda Fagan Delivers Her 

First State of the Coast Guard Address 

Why I Give: Coast Guard Veteran Tim Greene honors his brother's 

Coast Guard legacy on the museum's wall of philanthropy 

It Takes a Nation: A new architectural rendering of the 5-story 

atrium's wall of philanthropy in the museum 

Portraits of Service: Meaningful stories from shipmates 

Legacy's Shadow: The Keeper's Lost Grave 

Adapting to the Cyber Terrain 

Retirement Notices 

TAPS Notices 

Chaplain's Corner 

U.S. Coast Guard Exhibit at National Naval 

Aviation Museum 

Untold Story of the Coast Guard and Patos Light 

Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs 

Yoga as a Path to Wellness, Movement, and Peace 

Health Records Digitization Updates 

PPC-RAS 

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 2023, is 22 MAY 2023. 

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

PHASE 

ONE IS 

DONE 

Looking at a construction site in its preliminary stages is not normally a moving experience. The ground is 

ripped up and muddied from heavy equipment pushing earth around. But for me, the construction site of the 

National Coast Guard Museum ignites a spark. This is because I know what is soon to stand on that spot, 

and I’ll get to that. But first, let me take this opportunity to proudly declare—PHASE ONE CONSTRUCTION 

IS DONE! 

Phase one construction was the initial preparation of the museum site, known as bulkhead and fill. There was a 

plethora of work involved, but the gist of it is this: the museum was sited along the jagged bank of the Thames 

River, and the edge needed to be straightened out. This was accomplished by driving a series of sheet piles 

(interlocking metal walls) into the bedrock along the water's edge and then backfilling the void. This made a 

nice, level, tidy footprint for the museum—we are ready for construction to continue. 

We will soon be moving to the next phase of construction, which is the drilling and installation of the Museum 

piles—240 of them. These piles are load-bearing columns that will be strategically placed into the recently 

prepped site and anchored directly into the underlying bedrock. This will provide the structural 

integrity for the museum. This phase is planned to begin this summer. 

Now, let’s talk about the museum. We have a lot of stories to tell encompassing 

a lot of years. Coast Guard narratives and artifacts, together under one roof, 

will paint a picture of the 232-year (and counting) history of our Service. 

The story of our Coast Guard unfolds in step with our developing Nation. 

Our Service came alive the same year President George Washington 

delivered the first “State of the Union Address”; and prior to Vermont 

becoming our 14th state, to the ratifi cation of The Bill of Rights, and 

to the creation of the U.S. Postal Service. Through a maritime lens, we 

will garner perspective on some of the transitions, triumphs, hurdles, and 

achievements that have helped forge who we are today from our origins 

as a burgeoning seafaring Nation. History will come alive. This, to me, 

is exciting. 

Semper Paratus! 

Vince Patton, MCPOCG, USCG (Ret.) 

Chief of the Mess, 

National Coast Guard Museum 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

1PHASE 


7

NATIONAL RETIREE 

COUNCIL CO-CHAIRS 

RADM JEFF HATHAWAY: With everything that 

is going on in our world today, there is still nothing 

like a glorious spring, courtesy of Mother Nature—I 

hope you enjoy yours. I attended the retired senior 

leadership conference at Coast Guard Headquarters 

in late February. Those of us in attendance heard 

some very frank views on today’s USCG from 

our commandant, MCPOCG Jones, and other 

current senior leadership, including the two Area 

Commanders. Here are my personal takeaways: 

• Our enlisted recruiting shortage remains a critical 

issue for our CG (as with all the Services.) We 

have not filled out a Cape May recruit company in 

over two years. All 19 ratings are at critical levels. 

The CG is using all means available to reach and 

influence potential recruits. But with only 25% of 

recruiting age youth eligible to join the military, 

and only a small percentage of those interested 

in serving, it’s a tough job. All the Services are 

focused on the same small pool of candidates. 

How can you help? Share the best parts of your 

CG experience with those around you and refer 

the contact info of anyone that says “tell me 

more” to our energized recruiters. There is $1,000 

waiting for anyone that provides a referral that 

eventually boards a bus to Cape May! Our vice 

commandant has promised to provide a list of 

standardized talking points for general use. We 

will distribute to all once received. 

• The Coast Guard’s budget is generally healthy 

and our multi-year recapitalization of our 

cutter, aviation, and small boat fl eets is going 

gangbusters. Our senior acquisitions admiral 

shared an interesting insight: the biggest reason 

that our new cutters are larger than before is 

because 40% of interior space is now reserved 

for crew habitability. Gone are the days of triple 

high racks and in with four person berthing 

compartments! But our cutters and small boats 

don’t sail, and our aircraft don’t fly without people 

(see point above)! 

• Finally, ADM Fagan pointed out that our CG 

has never been in higher demand; both by our 

public and U.S. combatant commanders around 

the world. CG cutters and aircraft are making 

far fl ung deployments around the globe. But 

our commandant said she stands firm on one 

premise; if you want more USCG, you’ll have 

to create more USCG. Mission trade-offs and 

spreading our overworked crews even more are 

not on the table for discussion. 

Thoughts on retirement: 

"Retirement is 

when you stop 

living at work and 

start working at 

living." 

—Anonymous 

MCPO Lloyd Pierce, USCG (Ret): cgsilverancientmariner11@outlook.com 

RADM Jeff Hathaway, USCG (Ret): hathaway.cgnrc@aol.com 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

MCPO LLOYD PIERCE: Now secure special sea 

detail and set the sea watch—2023 on deck! New 

year, new challenges. Our Coast Guard continues 

to weather some heavy seas and has put out a 

call for assistance (we’ve pointed out how to help 

in this issue). We (retirees) will face a change of 

command of sorts as RADM Hathaway winds down 

his tenure as CGNRC co-chair. Our (CGNRC) 

mission remains the same—to act as a conduit 

between retirees and the Coast Guard. All ahead 

standard. 

Computers, email, social media, iPhones, internet, 

“e” this and “e” that are “making things simpler” they 

say. Every one of us who spent time connected to a 

wall by a phone cord, or pulled off the road looking 

at a paper map, just rolled their eyes. Computers 

have simplified some things and complicated 

others. 

One of the things that I fi nd simpler is managing 

and monitoring my retirement benefits. I just finished 

my annual personal audit, where I reviewed and 

checked my financial, medical, and personal 

records. My computer was my friend. Why sit waiting 

for the next available operator if I can do it myself? I 

decided to try to check and correct my Coast Guard 

retirement account both ways—by phone and by 

self-help (computer). 

Locked out of my direct access account (infrequent 

use), I called the customer service line and emailed 

the customer care address at the same time. I was 

on hold waiting when I got my email response from 

PPC with my temporary password. I remained on 

the line to see how long the wait would be. By the 

time the YN1 answered and helped me, I was 

already logged in and changing my password. The 

actual business part of what I needed to do in my 

account (from emailing PPC to password change 

to account adjustments) was done in under 20 

minutes by computer. 

My phone experience was mixed (I called several 

times). I’m an East Coast person, forgetting 

sometimes that there are other time zones. I 

generally only pay attention to the weather on the 

East Coast and only get worried about blizzards 

and stuff if they’re impacting the eastern seaboard. 

I don’t know much about Kansas except that 

Dorothy and Toto were from there, and it’s a really 

long fl at state somewhere between Reno and St. 

Louis that gets big tornadoes. Point is, there are 

events affecting PPC’s ability to conduct business 

that I may not be aware of, and they may not 

always be there at my beck and call. There’s 

always room for improvement and we (CGNRC) 

are working with PPC to make sure retirees' needs 

are reasonably met. 

I restate the pitch for keeping an active email 

account and current address on fi le with PPC. I 

can personally certify that the quickest and most 

efficient way to manage your pay account is to log 

into direct access and enter your own changes. 

Phone contact remains an option but pending 

blizzards, ice storms, tornadoes, and volume of 

calls might have you waiting. Email contact gives 

you a record of requests and responses with the 

benefi t of not having to wait for the next available 

operator. 

Lastly, something to monitor MOAA - TRICARE For 

Life Benefi t Targeted by Congressional Budget 

Offi ce Report. From the article “A biennial report 

from the Congressional Budget Offi ce (CBO) 

takes aim at TRICARE For Life (TFL), offering two 

proposals among its options to cut the defi cit 

that would signifi cantly increase costs for seniors 

using the TFL benefi t.” “Signifi cantly” is key here 

– especially since the benefi t is currently no cost 

to the retiree (as long as you enroll in and pay for 

Medicare part B). 

Underway as before…. 

THE LONG BLUE LINE 


9

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE DIRECTOR 

Upon assuming duties as the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard in June 2022, ADM Linda 

Fagan announced that “Tomorrow looks different, so will we.” The Assistant Commandant 

for Human Resources (CG-1) is no exception. RADM Brian Penoyer is now Director, Talent 

Management Transformation Task Force (TMX), Dr. Donna Mischell Navarro is Acting CG-1, 

CAPT Tony Williams is CG-1 EA, and I am Acting Director of Military Personnel (CG-13). Expect 

continued transition of CG-1 leadership in alignment with the Commandant’s Intent and CG 

Strategy, accessible at https://www.uscg.mil/alwaysready/ 

With the arrival of Spring, I want to highlight that March 1, 2023 marked the 20th Anniversary 

of the Department of Homeland Security. Secretary Mayorkas shared in his message to DHS 

personnel, accessible at https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/DHS%20Message.pdf, “Today 

we are more than 260,000 people strong. Our workforce includes 32,000 public servants who, 

since day one, have helped our Department advance to meet the dynamic and evolving threats 

and challenges we now face. They (our plank holders) are a shining example of the dedication 

and talent of all of you.” Many CG military retirees are among the Department’s plank holders and 

ALL are shining examples of the dedicated public servants (and family) who’ve faithfully served 

the U. S. Coast Guard and our country—thank you! 

ADM Fagan shared in her 2023 State of the Coast Guard Address—“We need to do a better 

job telling the Coast Guard story. Nothing is more important to our recruiting effort than building 

awareness of the Coast Guard brand. And to help do that, tonight I am thrilled to announce a 

new marketing campaign.” Please encourage young people with whom you’d be proud to serve 

to learn more about the CG, its career opportunities, and connect with a CG Recruiter at the new 

GoCoastGuard website - Home Page | United States Coast Guard (gocoastguard.com) CG 

retirees can now receive $1,000 awards for each referral resulting in a successful enlistment. 

Three retirees have received awards as of this writing. 

Finally, I want to again thank RADM Jeff Hathaway, USCG (Ret.), and MCPO Lloyd Pierce, USCG 

(Ret), for their continued exemplary leadership as Co-Chairs of the CG National Retiree Council 

and advocacy for our CG military retiree community! I look forward to hosting the Council’s next 

annual meeting at CG Headquarters, tentatively planned for August 2023. 

Yours in Service, 

CAPT Monique Roebuck 

Acting Director of CG Military Personnel (CG-13) 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


11

REUNIONS, NOTICES & 

ITEMS OF INTEREST 

USCGC CAMPBELL ASSOCIATION WHEC-32 

REUNION & ALL OTHER SECRETARY CLASS 

327 CUTTERS 

Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick Hotel 

Providence, RI 

May 2-4, 2023 

COST: $139 per night, plus tax (includes breakfast) 

For Reservations: call Kelly O’brien @ 401-681-4723 

at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and identify yourself as part 

of the Campbell Assoc. for the group rate. 

Activity fee: $225 per person. Meet and greet 

reception includes two days of touring (lunch 

included), a boat ride on the Providence River, a 

banquet dinner Thursday evening, and hospitality 

suite (complimentary beverages and snacks). Please 

make check payable to USCGC Campbell Assoc. 

and mail to Robert Dell, 416 Dock Drive, Lansdale, 

PA 19446. 267-663-7710 or rvdell32@gmail.com. 

Please provide names of all people attending—pass 

the word! 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES 

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE 

USPHS OFFICERS 

Membership in the Commissioned Officers 

Association of the USPHS (COA) is even more 

important after retirement. USPHS Commissioned 

Corps officers are reminded of the importance of 

maintaining their membership with COA following 

retirement and to update their profile with a personal 

e-mail address. Staff are happy to assist, so reach 

out anytime to (301) 731-9080, coamembership@ 

coausphs.org 

GRAND HAVEN COAST GUARD FESTIVAL: 

HONORING MEN AND WOMEN OF THE 

COAST GUARD 

Grand Haven, MI 

July 28 to August 6, 2023 

Greetings from Coast Guard City, U.S.A.! This year’s 

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival runs from July 28 

to August 6, 2023. Each year during the festival we 

make it a point to celebrate our Coast Guard retirees 

who have already served proudly in the Nation’s 

greatest (and the oldest) continuous seagoing 

service, the United States Coast Guard! 

Please join us this year for our Retirees Reunion 

Dinner on Wednesday August 2, 2023. 

For more information about the 2023 Grand Haven 

Coast Guard Festival, National Memorial Service, and 

the Retirees Reunion Dinner, please visit our website 

www.coastguardfest.org or call the office at 616- 

846-5940. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

COAST GUARD 

COMBAT VETERANS 

ASSOCIATION 

Nugget Hotel 

Sparks, NV 

May 22, 2023 - 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

The Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association 

Convention/Reunion will be held at the Nugget 

Hotel, Sparks, NV (Reno area). Please join us for 

great hospitality, camaraderie, a salute to past 

and present Coast Guard men and women, a silent 

auction, and an awards banquet. Featured day 

tour is frontier town Virginia City, NV. For additional 

information, contact MCPO Michael Placencia 

(Ret.) at: (661) 401-0609 or mwplacencia@ 

hotmail.com. Complete reunion details are 

available at: www.coastguardcombatvets.org 

NCCGRC’S 29TH 

ALL-SERVICES 

RETIREE SEMINAR 

Gresham Conference Center 

Coast Guard Island, Alameda, CA 

April 22, 2023 - 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

The Northern California Coast Guard Retiree Council 

announces the 29th All Services Retiree Seminar 

to be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 8:00 

am - 12:00 pm, 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. 


13

REUNIONS, NOTICES & 

ITEMS OF INTEREST 

UNIFORMED SERVICES 

ID CARDS 

Uniformed retirees and dependents with next 

generation USID cards, as depicted below, do not 

need to take any action, provided your id card has 

an “INDEF” expiration date. 

All USID cards remain valid through their expiration 

dates. All those with old USID cards, as depicted 

below, will however need to get next generation 

USID cards by 2026. 

VA OFFICE OF SURVIVORS ASSISTANCE: 

SURVIVOR QUICK GUIDE 

The Office of Survivors Assistance was established 

by Public Law 110-389, Title II, Section 222, in 

October 2008, to serve as a resource regarding all 

benefits and services furnished by the Department 

to Survivors and Dependents of deceased 

Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. OSA 

also serves as a principal advisor to the Secretary 

of Veterans Affairs and promotes the use of VA 

benefits, programs and services to survivors. 

• Survivor Journey Map: 

www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/docs/survivor_ 

jm_survivorfacing_v92.pdf 

• Survivor Quick: 

www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/docs/ 

SurvivorBenefitsandServicesQuickGuideADA. 

pdf 

• National Cemetery Administration Quick 

Guide: 

www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/docs/ 

NCAQuickGuideADA.pdf 

• Funeral Resources: 

www.cem.va.gov/funeraldirector.asp 

• Bereavement Counseling: 

www.vetcenter.va.gov/Bereavement_ 

Counseling.asp Vet Center Call Center at 

877-927-8387 is available 24 hours a day, 7 

days a week 

• Application Forms and Information 

www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_ 

survivor.asp 

Official information on USID cards is accessible at: 

www.cac.mil/next-generation-uniformedservices-id-card/ 

USCG retirees & dependents may also direct 

related questions to Ms. Jacqueline Helms, USCG 

Deers/Rapids Project Officer, CG Personnel 

Service Center (PSC) at: 

Jacqueline.Helms@uscg.mil 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Call the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) 

National Call Center at 800-827-1000 to: 

• Check on the status of your claim 

• Obtain tax documentation 

• Notify VBA of the death of a veteran or a 

benefit recipient 

• Request information on burial and mortuary 

benefits 

• Learn about benefits available to surviving 

family members 

• Much, much more 

www.va.gov/survivors/ 

E-Mail: officeofsurvivors@va.gov 


15

ADM 

LINDA 

FAGAN 

MARCH 

7 

STATE 

of the 

COAST 

GUARD 

ADDRESS 

20 

23 

WASHINGTON 

D.C. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

It is an exciting time for the Coast Guard 

and our workforce. For nearly 233 years 

our Service has provided safety and security 

for the American people. Today we uphold that 

tradition and the Coast Guard’s future is bright. 

We’ve never been in greater demand around the 

world, and that demand is matched by greater 

recognition of the Service’s value to the Nation. 

There are challenges ahead but with the dedication, 

professionalism, and passion of everyone who 

serves in the Coast Guard, we are ready to meet 

them all. 

The U.S. Coast Guard is a unique instrument of 

national power. We are a military service, a law 

enforcement agency, and a regulatory agency. Our 

combination of authorities and capabilities means 

we contribute to America’s national security and 

economic prosperity in ways no other single federal 

entity can. 

As an operational component within the Department 

of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard is committed 

to the Secretary’s priorities, including maritime 

border security, crisis response leadership, and 

cybersecurity protection of critical infrastructure. 

We collaborate with the other components to build 

cohesion and efficiency across the Department and 

build trust with the American people. The Coast 

Guard, as one of the six Armed Services, is a valued 

and integrated member of the Joint Force. Our total 

workforce of over 57,000 active duty, Reserve, and 

civilian personnel, supported by 21,000 Auxiliary 

volunteers, serve around the world. These sentinels 

are the heartbeat of the Coast Guard; they are 

always ready to protect, defend, and save the 

people we serve. 

We uphold the Nation’s trust because of our 

enduring commitment to our core values of Honor, 

Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Around the world, 

our blue uniforms and iconic red racing stripe are 

symbols of professionalism and good maritime 

governance. 

However, the world is changing, and the pace 

of that change is accelerating. Rapid advances 

in technology, changes in the global economy, 

great power competition, and the impacts of 

climate change are all converging on the maritime 

environment and impacting Coast Guard missions. 

The Coast Guard’s unique capability and culture 

posture us well to respond to these changes. 

We have the enduring responsibility to safeguard 

the Marine Transportation System and enable the 

uninterrupted flow of commerce, which sustains 

more than 30 million American jobs and contributes 

more than $5.4 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy 

every year. More than 90% of the Nation’s imports 

and exports move by water. 

Just as important as our major ports, are the 

14,000 miles of waterways on our inland rivers 

that power the economic engine of the heartland. 

The importance of river transportation was made 

clear this past fall. Extreme low water levels on the 

Mississippi River restricted vessel traffic, making it 

difficult for midwestern farmers to get their harvest 

to market. 

The Coast Guard’s inland river cutter fleet worked 

feverishly to reset the buoys marking the shifting 

channels. Some of these cutters have been serving 

since World War II. I am excited about the new 

Waterways Commerce Cutter, which will give our 

crews reliable platforms to do their economically 

vital work on the rivers. The new cutters will also 

accommodate both men and women, ensuring 

We uphold the Nation’s 

trust because of our 

enduring commitment 

to our core values of 

Honor, Respect, and 

Devotion to Duty. 

Around the world, 

our blue uniforms 

and iconic red racing 

stripe are symbols 

of professionalism 

and good maritime 

governance. 


17

heartland assignments are open to every member 

of the Service. 

The rivers are not our Nation’s only critical 

freshwater transportation links. On the Great Lakes, 

the shipping industry moves more than 160 million 

tons of cargo every year. That flow must continue 

even during the harsh winter ice season. Your 

Coast Guard facilitates nearly 1,000 vessel transits 

every winter with our fleet of seven icebreakers in 

the region. I am fully committed to fielding critical 

Great Lakes icebreaking capability to keep that 

traffic moving. 

Farther offshore, new technology is increasing 

demand for Coast Guard waterways management. 

The offshore wind industry will soon begin 

constructing wind turbines in an area of ocean 

larger than the state of Rhode Island. Our offshore 

waters are equally important to the growing 

commercial space industry. American companies 

launched more than 2,000 spacecraft last year, a 

36% increase from the year before. 

The Coast Guard plays a key role in the development 

of the offshore wind and commercial space 

industries. We must balance new activity in our 

waters with traditional activity such as commercial 

fishing. Thanks to Congress and the Administration, 

our 2023 appropriation included critical new staff 

and field positions for this vital work. 

The Marine Transportation System is a complex 

network of infrastructure, vessels, sensors, and 

data that enables the efficient movement of cargo 

and passengers. These essential networks are 

Our operational success in every mission is more closely 

tied to data than at any time in our history. Data is a 

strategic asset. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

vulnerable to malign cyber activity. The Coast Guard’s 

responsibility to maintain a safe and secure Marine 

Transportation System extends to cyberspace, our 

newest operational domain. 

We now have two fully operational Cyber Protection 

Teams. They work proactively with government and 

industry partners to protect our ports from cyber 

threats. I’m pleased to share that a new Cyber 

Protection Team will soon stand up on the West 

Coast. 

To staff our growing Cyber Protection capability, 

this year we will assign the first members of the 

new Cyber Mission Specialist rating in our enlisted 

workforce. These professionals will enhance the 

Coast Guard’s capacity to protect the maritime 

industry in cyberspace. 

Our operational success in every mission is more 

closely tied to data than at any time in our history. 

Data is a strategic asset. We recently stood up a 

new Office of Data and Analytics. This expert team 

is accelerating the implementation of a new “big 

data” platform we call SURVEYOR. This system 

will integrate enterprise-level data and workforce 

analytics to enable better decision making. 

As we protect the Marine Transportation System, we 

are always focused on the people who go to sea. 

Everyone has the right to work in this environment 

free from fear and harassment. I am committed to 

supporting the U.S. maritime industry’s efforts to 

create a workplace culture that does not tolerate 

any form of harassment or sexual assault. The Coast 

Guard will promptly address all reports of sexual 

misconduct on U.S. flagged vessels, and pursue 

accountability for perpetrators. 

Equally important to mariners is our lifesaving work 

throughout U.S. waters and along our maritime 

borders. Today we perform this mission on a scale 

we have not seen in decades. Large numbers of 

people are embarking on perilous journeys in hopes 

of reaching the United States. We are surging 

ships, aircraft, and people to the Caribbean basin, 

Admiral Linda L. Fagan, Commandant of the Coast Guard, 

speaks about her vision for the Service during the State 

of the Coast Guard Address in Washington, D.C., in 

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

Brandon Giles) 

to prevent the loss of life at sea and deter these 

dangerous voyages. 

This mission is led by our Medium Endurance 

Cutters, many of which are over 50 years old. They 

are increasingly expensive to maintain, and the 

current high operational tempo puts even greater 

pressure on their aging systems and their crews. 

We are excited that the replacements for these 

ships, the Offshore Patrol Cutters, are under 

construction now, with the first expected to go in 

the water this year. These new cutters will expand 

the Coast Guard’s capability to secure the U.S. 

maritime border and disrupt transnational criminal 

organizations. 

The Coast Guard will keep pace with changes 

impacting the Marine Transportation System as 

we conduct our missions on our coastlines, rivers, 

lakes, and maritime borders. But we are aware of 

looming threats that could challenge our ability to 

succeed in the future. We must apply foresight and 

take action today to be ready for tomorrow. 

The impacts of climate change are affecting 

Coast Guard missions now. More frequent severe 

weather, retreating Polar ice, migrating fish stocks, 

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. 


19

and coastal infrastructure damage all demand 

new approaches to how we operate and maintain 

our assets. Calendar year 2022 was the eighth 

consecutive year the Coast Guard responded to a 

severe weather disaster that caused more than ten 

billion dollars in damage to American communities. 

Our recently released Climate Framework plots 

a course to build resilient infrastructure, enhance 

our leadership in crisis response, and strengthen 

partnerships to be ready for future demands. We are 

building our own energy resilience, through projects 

like a new solar power micro-grid at Training Center 

Petaluma, California. And we are doubling down on 

our traditional role of leadership during any maritime 

disasters, including hurricanes, oil spills, and vessel 

accidents. 

Thanks to Congress and the Administration, our 

2023 appropriation provided new resources— 

both people and assets—to help us lead maritime 

incident response and protect the American people 

when disaster strikes. 

As an Arctic nation, the United States seeks a polar 

region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, and 

cooperative. 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 

Guests look on as Admiral L. Fagan gives her address. (U. S. 

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles) 

enduring presence in the high latitudes. We operate 

the Nation’s surface fleet of polar capable ships – 

the heavy icebreaker Polar Star, and the medium 

icebreaker Healy. 

Our icebreaker crews demonstrated their capability 

this year. Healy transited to the North Pole in 

October, and this evening Polar Star is sailing 

home from Antarctica to complete its 26th voyage 

south. But a fleet of only two polar icebreakers does 

not deliver the high latitude presence the Nation 

requires. 

The National Strategy for the Arctic Region 

specifically calls to grow our fleet beyond two ships. 

The three future Polar Security Cutters will enable a 

shift from episodic presence to year-round Coast 

Guard presence in the high latitudes. 

Voyages to the high latitudes, like every Coast 

Guard mission, begin and end at a shore facility. 

Maintenance and recapitalization of our buildings, 

piers, and runways are essential to mission 

success. Today we have units operating from 

shore infrastructure that is over 100 years old, 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

like Station Rockland, Maine, which was built in 

1881. Maintaining this aging shore infrastructure 

is a demanding task. It requires consistent funding 

that our current budgetary topline does not allow. 

We must invest in new construction, particularly in 

critical locations such as Seattle and Charleston, as 

we build out homeports for new cutters. 

The condition of our shore infrastructure challenges 

both readiness and resilience. Investment in new 

construction and strong funding for maintenance will 

secure the shore facilities we need to complete our 

missions at sea and in the air. 

The impacts of climate change, our national security 

interests in the Polar Regions, and aging shore 

infrastructure all challenge the Service. But in these 

challenges, there is opportunity. We will answer 

the call and live up to our legacy of service to the 

American people. 

I am confident in making that statement because 

of our support from Congress, but also because 

of our Coast Guard workforce. I am proud of the 

dedication, professionalism, and passion of every 

individual who serves in the United States Coast 

Guard. These sentinels are my highest priority. 

To make their service a meaningful and rewarding 

experience, we will transform our talent management 

system, provide Coast Guard families the worldclass 

support they deserve, and make new 

investments in our recruiting infrastructure. 

We need to do a better 

job telling the Coast 

Guard story. Nothing is 

more important to our 

recruiting effort than 

building awareness of 

the Coast Guard brand. 

The first order of business is to align the talents, 

desires, and experiences of every individual with the 

needs of the Service, to maximize the performance 

of both. The way we hire, train, assign and 

promote our people has not changed significantly 

since the 1960s. We must adapt to remain an 

employer of choice. I am proud to announce a 

Talent Management Transformation Task Force, a 

new team that will build the agile and integrated 

human resources structure we need to manage our 

workforce more creatively. 

We are already implementing policies that provide 

greater flexibility in service. Many people join the 

Coast Guard already possessing the skills and 

credentials that we need. We are now allowing them 

to begin service at the rank appropriate for their 

experience. We are finding new opportunities for our 

workforce to maintain geographic stability, making 

it easier for them to continue to serve where they 

have roots like a spouse’s career or family ties. And 

we are moving away from the fixed promotion and 

assignment timeline that forces people to choose 

between two options: “up” or “out.” There is much 

work to do in this area. I am certain that changes to 

our talent management system will make service in 

our Coast Guard more rewarding and enhance our 

mission effectiveness. 

An external network of support is equally critical 

to the success of our workforce. The demands 

of military service mean that while we recruit 

individuals, we retain families. We will ensure our 

workforce and their dependents have access to 

the world-class housing, healthcare, and childcare 

they deserve. Congress and the Administration have 

already done much to help us provide that support. 

As a result of new authority, we have extended 12 

weeks of parental leave to all service members. 

Many are already taking advantage of this new 

benefit. 

Over the last two years Congress has also 

provided $155 million to build capacity and 

make improvements at our Child Development 

Centers. And the 2023 appropriation included 

an additional $5 million for Child Care Subsidies 

to help our service members find childcare 

in locations where it works for them and their 

families. 

Our families deserve safe, affordable housing 

that they can be proud of. In the many remote 

communities home to our smaller units, families 

often rely on Coast Guard-owned housing. I thank 


21

Congress for the support they provided in the past 

to help us build beautiful new homes in places like 

Eastport, Maine. 

We are also continuing to invest in expanded access 

to healthcare. This year we added to our cadre of 

organic medical providers, and we built a medical 

school pipeline for our own Coast Guard doctors. 

Behavioral and mental health care providers are 

critically important to the wellbeing of our workforce. 

Thanks to a new partnership with the U.S. Navy, 

we are training Corpsmen as behavioral health 

technicians, to assist our growing roster of mental 

health professionals. 

Like the other branches of the Armed Forces, 

and much of the private sector, the Coast Guard 

is experiencing a workforce shortage. We are 

struggling to recruit the people we need to hire into 

our ranks. 

Our recruiting shortfall threatens our readiness 

and ability to serve the American people. I have 

a sense of urgency to address this challenge. We 

must ensure that every American, from coast to 

coast and throughout the inland states, knows who 

we are and what we do. I am grateful for the $6.5 

million above our original budget request Congress 

provided to increase our recruiting capacity. We 

are opening seven new recruiting offices, to be 

present in more American communities. And we 

are standing up four new Junior ROTC units this 

year, bringing the Coast Guard’s total to ten across 

the Nation. This is a large expansion of a very 

exciting program. 

We need to do a better job telling the Coast Guard 

story. Nothing is more important to our recruiting 

effort than building awareness of the Coast Guard 

brand. And to help do that, tonight I am thrilled to 

announce a new marketing campaign. I invite you 

to join us in the atrium after the Address for the 

unveiling of the campaign’s new branding, inspired 

by our Coast Guard Ethos. 

This work to build Americans’ awareness of their 

Coast Guard will help us fill our ranks, particularly 

the buses to our Recruit Training Center at Cape 

May, New Jersey. Once recruits arrive, they 

deserve to complete their training at a world-class 

facility with barracks, classrooms, and physical 

training spaces worthy of the traditions of our 

Service. I am excited for the planned construction 

of a new barracks building and look forward to 

working with Congress to gain support for future 

investments, including an all-weather training 

facility and additional barracks. 

When we make the talent management, family 

services, and recruiting transformations we need, 

we will be prepared to meet the demands of the 

future. I am fully confident of the Coast Guard’s 

ability to succeed in this work. 

There is no better example of the Coast Guard’s 

full potential than our work in the Indo-Pacific. 

With modern cutters, resilient infrastructure, and 

a thriving workforce we can advance the Nation’s 

strategic objectives through expanded presence, 

training, and engagement. 

The Coast Guard’s long-held global reputation 

as a trusted partner opens new doors and builds 

new coalitions in a region critical to great power 

competition. We help smaller nations protect their 

own sovereignty by countering illegal, unreported, 

and unregulated (or IUU) fishing. IUU fishing has 

replaced piracy as the leading maritime threat to 

the rules-based order. The U.S. Coast Guard is a 

global leader in IUU fisheries enforcement. 

Every day, our crews 

do difficult work. They 

brave wind and waves to 

complete their missions. 

We will apply that same 

determination to confront 

the challenges we face as 

a Service and will emerge 

even stronger sentinels 

of our maritime safety, 

maritime security, and 

economic prosperity. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


23

Throughout the Indo-Pacific, Coast Guard cutters, 

aircraft, and people are welcomed representatives 

of the United States. Other countries model their 

own navies or coast guards after our example 

of a professional military and maritime service. 

By strengthening our partners and allies, we 

strengthen our own Nation’s standing in a way that 

has enduring benefits for the American people. 

This is true around the world, in places like West 

Africa, South America, and the Arabian Gulf. We 

are a Global Coast Guard. This is our value to the 

Nation. 

We may be small, but we are incredibly capable. 

Everywhere the United States has maritime 

interests, we protect, we defend, we save. We are 

the United States Coast Guard. 

Admiral Linda L. Fagan stands in the center of the room at 

the State of the Coast Guard Address reception. (U. S. Coast 

Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles) 

Every day, our crews do difficult work. They brave 

wind and waves to complete their missions. We 

will apply that same determination to confront the 

challenges we face as a Service and will emerge 

even stronger sentinels of our maritime safety, 

maritime security, and economic prosperity. 

I can say this emphatically because I am 

encouraged about the support we continue to 

receive from Congress and the Administration. 

Thank You. I am confident that our trajectory of 

enhanced mission excellence can be matched 

by a similar trajectory of consistent, 3-5% annual 

budget growth. 

This means that by 2033, the United States Coast 

Guard would be a $20 billion a year organization. 

I am certain you will not find a better return on 

investment for the American people. 

Thank you once again for your attendance here this 

evening, and thank you for your enduring support 

of your United States Coast Guard. 

Semper Paratus! 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


25

WHY I 

GIVE 

During the summers growing up in Snug Harbor, 

Rhode Island, Tim Greene and his siblings William 

(Billy), Michael, Beth, and Keli were inextricably 

linked to the ocean. 

When his eldest brother, Billy, enlisted in the Coast 

Guard in the late 1970s, he unknowingly planted a 

seed that would be instrumental to Tim’s future. At 

the time of Billy’s enlistment, Tim had just entered 

high school. And like many young teens, Tim didn’t 

have overly deep thoughts about a distant career. 

As Tim advanced through high school, stories of his 

brother’s Coast Guard service began to take root. 

The first stories of Billy’s adventures that made 

their way back to Tim was when Billy was stationed 

aboard the 82-foot cutter Point Jackson in Cape Cod, 

Massachusetts. Soon after that came accounts of 

Billy’s time at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, when he 

attended Aviation Technician “A” school. And later, 

anecdotes of Billy stationed at Opa-locka, Florida, 

as an early crew member for the HU-25 Falcon fleet. 

MY BROTHER WAS THE BEST, A 

REALLY GOOD GUY WHO LOVED THE 

COAST GUARD. 

As a senior in high school, Tim was feeling adrift, 

and his graduation date was closing in. One of his 

best friends, who had a cousin in the Coast Guard, 

suggested they enlist after high school. Because 

of Billy’s rousing Coast Guard tales, and the deep 

respect he fostered for his brother, Tim was all in. 

In April 1984, at the age of 17, Tim enlisted with his 

friend. Tim naively reckoned he could be stationed 

at Point Judith, RI, and not have to stray too far from 

the idyllic seaside landscapes he knew so well. He 

figured he would pilot his family’s 22-foot Mako boat 

to and from the Point Judith Coast Guard station 

each day to report for duty. It all made sense. By 

August, Tim and his best friend were headed off to 

boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey—unaware of 

the realities of the military. 

After boot camp, Tim was not stationed in Point 

Judith. He quickly understood that the Coast Guard 

assigns you to where they need you—not where you 

desire to go. His first assignment was on the United 

States Coast Guard Cutter Diligence, homeported 

in Cape Canaveral, Florida—more than 1,200 miles 

away from familiar Snug Harbor. Initially disappointed 

about the distant location, Tim soon found his 

assignment on Diligence rewarding. It became 

instrumental to his growth as an adult and the entire 

experience was quite profound. 

Diligence’s deployments lasted about 30 days. 

One of the primary missions of Diligence was 

the prevention of illegal migration, and what Tim 

witnessed on those seas opened his eyes. In Tim’s 

words, “Seeing 150 souls loaded onto a small, very 

unstable sailboat risking everything to try to make it 

to the United States—very impactful.” He began to 

fully appreciate the comforts and freedoms afforded 

to him having been born in the United States. After 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

I LIKE THE IDEA OF VETERANS BEING ABLE TO VISIT THE MUSEUM AND BE 

REMINDED OF THE GOOD WORK THEY DID WHILE IN THE SERVICE—AND THE 

CONTINUED GOOD WORK OF CURRENT SERVICE MEMBERS. 

spending time on Diligence, Tim was to report to 

Boatswains Mate “A” school in Yorktown, Virginia. 

While still in port a few weeks shy of his Virginia 

departure, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 

across the Floridian sky. 

After BM “A” school, Tim was stationed on the 95- 

foot patrol boat Cape York in Key West, Florida. There 

were some search and rescue operations but it being 

the mid-1980s, off the coast of Florida, many of the 

patrol boat’s missions were drug interdictions. One 

interdiction that stands out for Tim is the 133-foot 

coast freighter Macado Maru. Tim recalls, “The ship 

had 1,850 lbs. of cocaine hidden in a compartment 

below the anchor locker. The smugglers were pretty 

crafty in the way they hid the contraband. We had to 

take the ship back to Key West and remove some of 

the chain from the locker before we got access into 

the compartment containing the drugs. As arresting 

officer on the boarding team, I had to testify in front 

of a grand jury and then subsequently at the trials of 

the captain and first mate. Again, very impactful for 

a 20-year-old.” 

For the most part, Tim and Billy’s Coast Guard 

journeys ran parallel courses, but they did cross 

paths on occasion. Unfortunately, their overlapping 

Coast Guard careers were to be short-lived. While 

Billy was stationed at Opa-locka, he was diagnosed 

with a terminal brain tumor that would require a 

medical discharge. But to Billy, the Coast Guard 

meant everything. He was on course to being a lifer. 

He fought heart and soul trying to find a way to remain 

in the Service. After exhausting all possibilities, Billy 


27

was discharged. About 10 years after leaving the 

Coast Guard, Billy crossed the bar. But not before 

having two fantastic children. “My brother was the 

best, a really good guy who loved the Coast Guard,” 

Tim fondly recalls. 

After Tim’s four-year commitment, he did not reenlist. 

He decided to attend the University of South Florida, 

where he received his bachelor’s degree in political 

science. He began working for the State of Florida 

in law enforcement—all the while contemplating 

law school. In 1999, Tim learned about a promising 

business opportunity from his other brother, Michael. 

It was to be the second franchisee of a new company 

called “PODS” (Portable On Demand Storage). 

Today, almost everyone has seen a PODS container 

in their travels. And there is a good chance it was one 

of Tim and Michael’s, especially if it was in the New 

England region. No longer in the PODS business, Tim 

and his family branched out into other businesses: 

Dunkin’ Donuts, Bagster, and R&R Freight Logistics 

to name a few. When asked about how the Coast 

Guard had influenced him after his time in the 

Service, Tim said, “This is what I needed. In those 

four years, it taught me everything.” 

Throughout the years, Tim kept Billy close to his 

heart. He knew he wanted to do something special 

in remembrance of his brother. Only he had not 

determined what that “something” was. He knew 

he wanted a place for Billy’s children, and now his 

grandchildren, to be able to go and understand 

the values Billy believed in. A place where they, 

too, could make that connection between their 

father (or grandfather) and the Coast Guard. It was 

an encounter with a former Commandant of the 

Coast Guard who suggested that he reach out to 

the Museum Association to see what options were 

available. 

After Tim connected with our Association, he made 

a generous donation in honor of his brother securing 

the naming opportunity for the Oil Spill Response 

exhibit, which will feature a HU-25 Falcon Jet, and 

will be located in the Protectors of the Environment 

wing of the National Coast Guard Museum. This act 

of generosity will also list his brother on the Wall of 

Philanthropy. His nieces, nephews, grandnieces, 

and grandnephews will now have “that place.” For 

Tim, this was about preserving the memory of his 

brother, but he also fully recognizes the Museum’s 

implications. Tim said, “I think it is important for the 

general public to be reminded of the sheer scope of 

the Coast Guard’s missions. It’s truly amazing to think 

of all the missions that the Coast Guard performs 

throughout the world. In addition to that, I like the 

idea of veterans being able to visit the museum and 

be reminded of the good work they did while in the 

Service—and the continued good work of current 

service members.” We look forward to seeing Tim 

and his family at the Museum—and to Aviation 

Electronics Technician Second Class William “Billy” 

Greene who has crossed the bar, thank you for your 

service. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

THE WAIT 

IS OVER! 

New Coin! 

THE THIRD AND FINAL CHALLENGE 

COIN HAS ARRIVED! HONOR. RESPECT. 

DEVOTION TO DUTY. 

The USCG 47-foot Motor Lifeboat takes center stage as we honor the skills and tenacity 

of all the boat force crews. To get your coin, become a Plankowner or upgrade your 

current Plankowner gift ($5 per month minimum) before September 30, 2023. For more 

information on how to join our Plankowner Crew or upgrade your current monthly gift, 

please visit www.coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner 

VISIT: 

coastguardmuseum.org/plankowner 

EMAIL: 

donate@coastguardmuseum.org 

CALL: 

860-443-4200 


29

IT 

TAKES 

A NATION 

To borrow from the idiom “It takes a village,” this 

project has benefited greatly from the generosity 

of donors in all 50 states—so as one might expect 

when fundraising for a national museum, “It takes 

a Nation.” 

The National Coast Guard Museum atrium is going 

to be nothing less than spectacular. As soon as 

visitors enter the museum from New London’s City 

Pier Plaza, the Coast Guard experience will spark their 

imagination. The atrium will be a five-story, open air 

space featuring a full-size HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter 

suspended in an action stance from the ceiling. 

A rescue swimmer hovers beneath the helicopter 

on a hoisting cable showcasing the Coast Guard 

mission as lifesavers around the globe. Glass walls 

will allow the spacious area to be filled with natural 

light and provide a view of the lively waterfront—the 

distinction between the interior and the maritime 

scenery outside has been thoughtfully designed to 

be blurred. A grand staircase will spiral upwards to 

the Quarter Deck and the entrance to the exhibits. As 

visitors soak in the rescue experience and reach the 

pinnacle of the staircase, the first item in their line of 

sight is the Museum’s Wall of Philanthropy. What a 

perfect setting to recognize those who have helped 

make the National Coast Guard Museum a place for 

all to enjoy—a place where visitors will make lasting 

memories and deep connections to the values and 

missions of the United States Coast Guard—truly a 

community space. 

Why is the Wall of Philanthropy important? At first 

glance, the Wall of Philanthropy provides a place for 

the Museum to recognize its high-water mark donors, 

but it accomplishes much more. If you look closer, 

the Wall showcases the value of having individuals, 

groups, and organizations working together towards 

a common, greater goal. It serves as a reminder 

of the positive impact philanthropy can have on a 

community and will be the inspiration for current and 

future generations regarding the importance of giving 

back. Lastly, we hope it becomes a meaningful way 

for Coast Guard families to preserve a legacy, a call 

to serve—inspiring many generations to come. 

The idea of preserving a legacy can be illustrated 

by our recent donors, CDR and Mrs. Frank Dean, 

USCGR (Ret.) and annuitant Mrs. Kathy Grande. While 

each had very different reasons for giving, they have 

secured their spots on the wall of philanthropy. The 

Dean's and Grande were our matching gift donors in 

our $200,000 year-end matching gift campaign. 

Being a Reservist, when Frank found out the Museum 

was going to showcase the importance of ALL Coast 

Guard workforces, he was ecstatic. He believes the 

Museum will help spread the word and share the 

diverse mission of the Coast Guard. 

Kathy made a gift to honor her late husband USCG 

LT Anthony Grande. She said, “Anthony carried his 

Coast Guard experience with him all his life. He was 

so proud of having served. I wanted to find a way to 

honor him.” 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

GIVING 

CIRCLES 

ALEXANDER HAMILTON 

$2.5M+ 

Recognizing these donors who drive the effort to build 

the museum has been a hallmark of the National Coast 

Guard Museum Association’s capital campaign. 

To date, nearly 40 Coast Guard retirees, veterans, 

annuitants, and auxiliarists from all backgrounds have 

made commitments of $50,000 or more to secure a 

place on the Wall of Philanthropy. We encourage you 

to “Join Us” too. There are five giving levels, each 

named for a hero from the predecessor Services 

and/or the modern Coast Guard. These exceptional 

leaders, along with donors who went above and 

beyond, will soon have a permanent reminder of their 

generosity and service to our Nation on the Museum’s 

Wall of Philanthropy. 

The professional staff at the Museum Association 

can help you explore different methods of giving and 

opportunities for support. 

For more information, contact Katherine Bainbridge 

at: kbainbridge@coastguardmuseum.org 

DOUGLAS MUNRO 

$1M - $2,499,999 

IDA LEWIS 

$250,000 - $999,999 

RICHARD ETHERIDGE 

$100,000 - $249,999 

ELLSWORTH BERTHOLF 

$50,000 - $99,999 


31

THE FUTURE 

LOOKS BRIGHT 

Japan Coast Guard service members try on law 

enforcement equipment during a tour of the Coast 

Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756). USCGC Kimball 

was in Kagoshima, Japan, in February on a multi-day 

port call. Kimball was there to conduct joint training and 

professional exchanges with members of the Japan 

Coast Guard through Operation Sapphire, a perpetual 

operation to strengthen relationships, increase bilateral 

engagements, and focus on maintaining a free and 

open Indo-Pacific. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi 


33

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! 

CAPT Joe Abeyta, LCDR USCG (Ret.) 

Charleston, SC 

With a substantial Service career, Abeyta has 

seen his share of duty stations. When asked 

about the one he enjoyed the most, Abeyta 

replied, “Honestly, every station seemed like it 

was my favorite at the time.” However, he does 

have an affinity for Station Miami Beach. He liked 

the activity. “We averaged over 2,000 cases a 

year—everything from rescues to shooting out 

the engines of vessels trying to flee with drugs or 

migrants.” 

Abeyta does have one rescue that rises above 

the others. “It was a rescue that I’ll never forget. 

It’s not often that you find someone hanging onto 

the lid of a cooler, floating all night offshore near 

Key Biscayne until someone could save them,” he 

remembered. 

The story begins with two brothers fishing off their 

boat one quiet night after work. Around 1 a.m., a 

large, rogue wave slammed the stern of their boat 

leaving it swamped. A few seconds later, the stern 

was walloped by another wave that sank the boat. 

After the boat went down, loose items remained 

floating in the water. In almost complete darkness, 

the brothers managed to spot their plastic cooler. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

They broke the lid off giving them each something 

buoyant to cling to. 

After floating all night, one brother drifted up on a 

beach. The other brother was not so fortunate. He 

was still missing somewhere offshore. At 8:30 that 

morning, Abeyta was headed out to participate in 

weapon drills aboard Coast Guard vessel 33118, 

a 33-foot Special Purpose Law Enforcement Craft. 

Abeyta and his crew received notification from a 

local news helicopter that had spotted the missing 

brother. “Since I was the Commanding Officer, my 

presence on the boat was that of the sheriff in the 

police car when responding to an incident. We 

responded, I supervised, and assisted our team 

with the rescue,” he recalled. 

After CAPT Abeyta retired, he wanted to continue 

helping people in need on the water. He wanted to 

provide that vital service to his community, so he 

began working with TowBoatUS as an owner and 

captain. Abeyta said, “Whether someone serves 

in the Coast Guard for four years or 30 years, 

everything they learned and experienced can 

easily translate into a career with the company.” 

To Abeyta, joining TowBoatUS just made sense. 

Abeyta continued, “I found that the amount of 

training in the Coast Guard sets you up perfectly to 

be a TowBoatUS captain, so we often try to recruit 

former Coast Guard, both men and women, to 

join our TowBoatUS workforce. These individuals 

are the people that are always involved in their 

community, they are local leaders, and they have 

worked in ports and harbors. Those are all skills 

we used in the Coast Guard, and they translate 

perfectly over to a career with TowBoatUS.” And 

like the Coast Guard, when boaters are in trouble, 

regardless of conditions, Abeyta answers the call. 

“When someone calls for help, and I tell them I 

spent 24 years in the Coast Guard, there’s an 

immediate sense of relief. They know that I have 

the professionalism and expertise that is required 

to do this job.” 

About the TowBoatUS Fleet: 

Our Charleston, SC TowBoatUS business 

has five boats in service at all times. Our 

primary flagship vessel is a 25-year-old 

Coast Guard Safe Boat that was formerly 

on the Great Lakes. It has hull #31 in Safe 

Boats, and it is very neat to have a vessel 

from the Coast Guard in our fleet. 

About the Captains: 

We have three full-time captains. One is 

a reserve second class bosun mate. Our 

General Manager is a Coast Guard retiree 

who brings leadership and operational 

understanding to our business. 


35

MLES2 Anthony Ross, USCG (Ret.) 

Alameda, CA 

Anthony Ross graduated college, moved back in 

with his parents, and ruminated over his future. 

One day while attending a local minor league 

baseball game, his mom said, “Why don’t you join 

the Coast Guard?” 

Over the next few weeks, the suggestion made more 

and more sense. After all, Ross had EMT experience 

and was no stranger to the water, having spent a lot 

of time sailing in the Great Lakes with his parents. He 

thought it would be a great way to experience the 

world, earn money for further education, and maybe 

help people along the way. Ross enlisted in August 

of 2001. 

While he was attending boot camp, the tragic events 

of 9/11 occurred and like many Americans, Ross felt 

a heightened sense of duty to serve and protect his 

Nation and he started exploring the Coast Guard’s 

newly formed Maritime Safety and Security Team 

(MSST). After boot camp, Ross was stationed on the 

USCG Cutter Boutwell in Alameda, California. Call it 

“stars aligning” or a coincidence, Ross was up for a 

transfer right when a position on the MSST became 

available, and he jumped at the chance to be part of 

the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection mission. 

Ross had been serving on the MSST for a year when 

one of two canine handler positions opened. He 

quickly volunteered. “Again, I was fortunate enough 

to be in the right place at the right time,” Ross said. 

The commanding officer selected him to fill the spot. 

“The job as a canine handler in the Coast Guard, in 

my humble opinion, is the best in the Service. Not 

only are you working alongside your canine partner, 

but you have what amounts to a fast-paced and very 

independent duty. The responsibility associated 

with training a bomb sniffing dog, and conducting 

explosive detection canine operations, cannot be 

understated,” Ross continued. 

The bond between handler and canine starts at 

basic handler school. In Ross’s case, it was the 

Customs and Border Protection Canine Enforcement 

Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia. Ross was 

paired with Chiquita, a three-year old Belgian 

Malinois. After the 16-week training, handlers are 

sent back to their units with their canine partners. 

In the Coast Guard, the dogs live at home with their 

handler. Eating, sleeping, and working together for 

only a few short months creates an unbreakable 

bond. This connection is vital. When asked about his 

connection with Chiquita, Ross said, “I can’t really 

articulate how much Chiquita meant to me—and 

really still does. I was fortunate to have Chiquita. 

I think she was the best bomb dog in the world, 

but every handler thinks their dog is the best. She 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

was the perfect size to conduct helicopter vertical 

delivery and other operations at sea.” 

When Ross returned to Coast Guard Station Alameda 

as the Pacarea Canine Explosive Detection Team 

Force Manager, it was no surprise that he became 

involved in repairing a canine memorial located on 

the site. That memorial was dedicated to BM2 Sandor 

Csitar and Hawk, a beloved Coast Guard dog that 

passed away in 2009. Ross saw an opportunity to 

repair the memorial and make one for his Chiquita. 

Ross started raising funds. 

During the fundraising process, Ross was contacted 

by Fred Brodsky from the Coast Guard Foundation 

regarding a possible donation. Brodsky took the time 

to visit the site and was moved. He became committed 

to funding a new memorial, and the Jack Ayre USCG 

K9 memorial was born. Seaman First Class Jack Ayre 

was one of the first K9 handlers in the Coast Guard. 

He served with his dog in World War II as a beach 

patrol officer. After his retirement, he started a fund to 

help pay for canine training and to keep the canine 

program operating. 

The new Jack Ayre USCG K9 memorial’s inscribed 

centerpiece is a six-foot tall cornerstone “in honor 

and remembrance of all the faithful and brave U.S. 

Coastie canines” featuring an image of Jack Ayre and 

his military dog, Mal. The center monument is flanked 

by two memorial walls that pay homage to individual 

service dogs. Memorial panels can be personalized 

by Coast Guard handlers in honor of their dogs. The 

ribbon cutting and dedication took place on March 

13, 2023—also known as National K9 Veterans Day! 

Special thank you to the Coast Guard Foundation for 

supporting this intitive. 

Ross explains, “There is no other capability that can 

replicate what these K9 teams do. The Coast Guard 

is the only maritime homeland security entity that can 

deliver a K9 to vessels offshore via helicopter or vessel 

in a matter of hours. The dog’s ability to detect even 

the smallest amount of explosive odor is unrivaled by 

any piece of mechanical equipment. Furthermore, 

there is no way to measure the number of times the 

mere presence of a K9 team has deterred illegal 

activity. Anyone who has encountered a K9 team in 

the public setting knows what a formidable presence 

they bring to the table.” 

After Ross retired from the Coast Guard, he was 

hired by the TSA. He works as a Canine Training 

Instructor at San Francisco International Airport. He 

lives in the Bay Area with his wife and daughter. 

Other beloved members of their family are Ginger 

(cat) and Jake (dog). 


37

SPAR Mabel Johnson 

Staten Island, NY 

“For us, you are like our Founding Father. 

It's like the opportunity to speak and talk to 

George Washington, or Alexander Hamilton, 

who created the Coast Guard.” 

Rear Admiral June Ryan spoke those words in 

Cleveland after a meeting with then 102-year-old 

Mabel Johnson, a former member of the SPARs, 

the Coast Guard Women's Reserve. 

Mabel (Evensen) Johnson was born of Norwegian 

immigrant parents on Staten Island, New York, in 

November 1914. Her father died when she was 

13, forcing her mother to work as “a domestic” 

cleaning homes on the Island. Needing to help 

support the family, Mabel attended secretarial 

school, and began working for the Metropolitan 

Life Insurance Company in downtown Manhattan 

in 1931 at 17 years old. 

As the Second World War blazed across the globe, 

a desire ignited in 28-year-old Mabel to do her part 

to support the War effort. With that passion, she 

was determined to walk up Broadway where she 

had seen the Armed Forces Recruiting offices and 

sign up for the first Service she came across. The 

first recruiting sign read “Coast Guard SPARS.” 

And, as the saying goes, “the rest was history.” 

In October, Mabel boarded a train from Grand 

Central Station with the destination of Coast Guard 

SPAR Training Camp in Palm Beach, Florida. This 

SPAR boot camp was at the iconic Biltmore Hotel, 

which had been converted for training. She joined 

Training Company 101. With her administrative 

experience at Met Life, the duties of a storekeeper 

(SK) were a natural fit, and Mabel began SK 

training after boot camp. Storekeeper's school was 

an eight-week intensive study in many subjects 

and included difficult exams. Classes were from 

8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The exams were every 

Saturday morning. Mabel and her 5 roommates 

would spend the evenings studying together. 

There was a feeling of camaraderie and longlasting 

friendships were made. 

After SK school, Mabel transferred to Cleveland 

to serve in the Pay & Personnel Division for the 

Coast Guard District Nine Office for all personnel 

operating on the Great Lakes. She was offered a 

transfer to Hawaii, but she had fallen in love with 

Ken Johnson, a fellow Staten Islander then serving 

in the Merchant Marine Service. Ken made many 

dangerous trips across the Atlantic as a radio 

operator. His safety was a concern for Mabel. 

Mabel also had friends who were fighting in Europe 

and feared for their safety as well. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

On May 8, 1945, VE-Day was declared—Victory 

in Europe! There was much excitement in the 

Cleveland Coast Guard office on Euclid Avenue. 

On their little radio, the Coast Guard men and 

women listened to President Truman proclaim that 

the war in Europe was over. Bells were ringing, 

whistles were blowing, and people (including the 

Coast Guard servicemen and women on the 16th 

floor of the Keith Building) were tossing papers out 

the window in celebration. Euclid Avenue was knee 

deep in makeshift confetti! 

Not long after VE-Day, Mabel corresponded with 

a SPAR in New York and arranged a “mutual” in 

which the two SPARs traded assigned locations. 

In March 1946, she returned to New York City to 

marry Ken, where his ship was homeported. Mabel 

still recalls how servicemen and women were 

required to always wear their uniforms, but she 

was able to obtain special permission to wear a 

white dress for her wedding. 

Mabel and Ken enjoyed 63 years of marriage 

before his passing in 2008. They raised three 

children on Staten Island: Ken, Jr. (1947-2000), 

Elizabeth (Betty), and Gary. Mabel crossed the bar 

in the presence of her loving family on December 

20, 2022, at the age of 108. 

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. 

visit www.coastguardmuseum.org/retirees 


39

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION ACTIVE DUTY 

LEGACY’S 

SHADOW: 

THE KEEPER’S 

LOST GRAVE 

By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Lally, 

Coast Guard District 5 Public Affairs 

Creeping vines and underbrush 

slowly crawl to cover a light-gray 

stone slab, attempting to conceal 

the grave’s resident from the eyes 

of the world. A Jarvisburg, North 

Carolina, local legend’s final resting 

place—hidden from the world for more than half a 

century—nearly lost to history, until that all changed 

near the end of 2022. 

A surreal gray-white dust cloud rises from the long 

gravel road as a vehicle makes its way down to a 

two-story sea-green house with an overhang porch. 

Along the driveway to the right sits a waist-high 

white picket fence around a small grove of trees. 

As the car pulls to stop and its occupants step out, 

they take in the sight of their new home. 

After walking through the house, the homeowner, 

Gavin Wente steps onto his back porch, to check 

out the view of his backyard. Off to his left is a small 

pond with an island at its center. In the opposite 

direction he spots another peculiar grove of trees 

with a similar picket fence surrounding it. 

Ensnared by curiosity, Wente walks over to this 

picketed area. As he gets closer and opens the 

small gate, he notices what looks to be small 

white, weather-stained standing stones covered by 

creeping vines and brush. His interest piqued, he 

explores farther into the little grove to discover more 

stones, but these stones have etchings on them. 

Wente had just discovered one of the little 

cemeteries on his newly acquired property, which 

the previous owner had informed him about. 

During Thanksgiving, Wente’s son and daughter 

decided to help their father clear out some of the 

brush from the grove and made a discovery that 

would uncover the whereabouts of a Pea Island 

Keeper, one whose last resting place was lost for 

more than 70 years. 

“My daughter had texted me ‘there is a name on one 

of these stones,’” said Wente, reliving the discovery. 

On the slate of stone was etched the name Capt. 

L.S. Wescott Feb. 28, 1852 – Feb. 14, 1935. 

“She asked me if the name meant anything to me,” 

said Wente. “In my 30-years of service in the Coast 

Guard, knowing the Service’s history and legacy, as 

well as my location here in Jarvisburg, I had an idea 

of the keepers of Station Pea Island.” 

Wescott was one of the original members of the Pea 

Island Life-Saving Station along the Outer Banks of 

North Carolina during the late 1800s. He was also 

one of the station’s keepers, a person who was in 

charge of the station. 

Upon this discovery, Wente knew he had found 

something significant and reached out to multiple 

people he knew, one being the Coast Guard Atlantic 

Area Historian, Dr. William Thiesen, and members of 

the Pea Island Preservation Society, who shed light 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

As he gets closer and 

opens the small gate, he 

notices what looks to be 

small white, weatherstained 

standing stones 

covered by creeping 

vines and brush. 

ACTIVE DUTY 

on the legacy of Wescott and the Pea Island crew. 

On Oct. 4, 1900, Lewis S. Wescott became Keeper 

Wescott of Pea Island Life-Saving Station. In 1915, 

the Life-Saving Service and Revenue Cutter 

Service merged to form today’s Coast Guard. With 

this merger of those Services, Wescott, being the 

current Keeper of Life-Saving Station Pea Island, 

would have become the first Black Keeper of a U.S. 

Coast Guard Station. 

“Capt. Lewis S. Wescott received the title due to 

his respected position as head of the Pea Island 

Station,” said Thiesen. “He served as officer in 

charge of the station for 16 years, second only to 

famed keeper, Richard Etheridge’s 20 years as 

the station’s keeper. Wescott was a member of the 

original all-Black crew, established in 1880 and he 

served the arduous lifesaving duty continuously for 

36 years.” 

Before taking command of Pea Island in 1900, 

Wescott learned and served under Etheridge, 

who would drill his crew meticulously, which would 

become an invaluable aspect for those men. This 

training would also help Wescott when he then 

became a keeper. 

To get an idea of the legacy left by Wescott and 

his fellow surfmen from Station Pea Island take a 

moment to imagine yourself witnessing the bravery 

of the Pea Island crew in the midst of a savage 

storm. 

In October 1896, howling hurricane winds blasted 

the three-masted schooner, E.S Newman, nearly 

100 miles off course and slamming the ship 

aground about two miles south of the Pea Island 

Station. 

Due to the storm’s severity Pea Island Life-Saving 

Station Keeper Etheridge had suspended the 

routine beach patrols that his crew would diligently 

do on a regular basis. However, that didn’t mean he 

Above: The grave of CAPT Lewis S. Wescott, 

a Keeper of Life-Saving Station Pea Island, was 

discovered in Jarvisburg, North Carolina. 

Below: Rare photo showing the heroic Pea Island 

Lifesaving Station crew commanded by famed 

African American keeper Richard Etheridge. (Coast 

Guard Collection) 

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION 


41

U.S. COAST GUARD INFORMATION ACTIVE DUTY 

and his crew didn’t keep a watch for any vessels in 

distress or needing assistance. 

This would be the Newman crew’s saving grace— 

that and Etheridge’s rigorous training for his crew— 

that would ensure the ship’s crew would escape 

the fury of the howling winds and angry sea. The 

sea and winds had heaved the ship off course, but 

the vigilant eyes of a watchman noticed a distress 

signal. 

Theodore Meekins, a surfman at Station Pea Island 

saw the distress flare and notified Etheridge. He 

and his crew immediately set their training into 

motion. They launched their surfboat. 

Etheridge and his crew battled against the raging 

seas, that at this point created strong tides and 

sweeping currents, yet this crew looked into the 

face of the raging waves in defiance. 

Seeing the fierceness of the sea, Etheridge knew he 

needed to change tactics. He used a long tethering 

line and sent his two strongest swimmers into the 

raging seas toward the ravaged boat and the 

nine souls aboard. The sea roared and raged, not 

wanting to give up its prey. However, these surfmen 

wouldn’t let the sea have its prize and made it to 

the schooner. These men didn’t do this just once, 

they did it 10 times. Each time, these brave and 

strong surfmen brought one of the souls aboard the 

Newman and safely ashore from the furious sea. 

Nearly 100 years to the day after the rescue, 

Etheridge and his crew were posthumously 

award the Gold Lifesaving Medal. One of those 

men part of that rescue was Wescott. 

The leadership that Wescott learned from 

Etheridge would serve him eight years later 

when he became the Keeper of Pea Island 

Lifesaving Station. 

A little before midnight on Dec. 11, 1904, a 

substantially strong north-northwest gale, 

mixed with a snowstorm and rough seas had 

unleashed its fury on the seven-man crew of 

the three-masted schooner, Montana, which 

was ladened with salt. The storm and seas once 

again had teamed up to shove this vessel along 

the coast with the goal of tearing it to pieces to 

get at its cargo and crew. 

Fortunately for the Montana crew, the storm 

had beached the vessel about a quarter mile 

north of Station Pea Island, whose Keeper was 

Wescott. Wescott and his crew worked tirelessly 

until morning on rescue attempts that seemed 

to keep failing. 

After battling the raging frigid waters, the surfmen, 

under Wescott’s leadership, were able to rescue six 

of the seven men. 

Wescott would go on to lead his crew to other 

rescues along the Outer Banks of North Carolina 

before retiring on his birthday after more than 30 

years of service. He retired officially from being the 

Keeper of Coast Guard Station Pea Island on Feb. 

28, 1916, at the age of 64. 

Nearly 19 years to the day of Wescott’s retirement, 

he passed away and would be buried in Jarvisburg, 

North Carolina in 1935 in that little grove where trees 

and brush grow. Instead of the location of his grave 

being lost to history and nature’s crawling, creeping 

vines, it was rediscovered by Wente, who served in 

the very Service Wescott retired from. 

The unearthing of Wescott’s resting place had a 

profound impact on people of the Jarvisburg area as 

well. William Jarvis, a retired Air Force senior master 

sergeant and Jarvisburg native mentioned he and 

many others in the local Jarvisburg area were 

excited and humbled at this discovery, because 

of what men like Wescott and the other Station Pea 

Island members meant to their community. 

“As a kid, I heard my dad always speak of the 

Wescott brothers,” said Jarvis. “This is another 

piece of history for Black America.” 

Jarvis also mentioned he and others grew up 

hearing stories of the Pea Island crew and the 

heroic actions those men accomplished during their 

time serving as surfmen at the Life-Saving Station. 

Wescott’s legacy, along with those of his fellow 

service members of the Pea Island Life-Saving 

Station have left a lasting impact of devotion to 

duty, which is seen through the Pea Island crew’s 

actions time and time again. These men had an 

impact beyond just the Service they were a part of 

but also the communities they lived with. 

Like a mountain’s shadow stretching across a 

valley, the legacy Wescott left behind has had a 

lasting impact on more people than they could ever 

imagine. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


43


RESERVE 

ADAPTING 

TO THE 

CYBER 

TERRAIN 

In his 2015 Cyber Strategy, then Commandant 

Admiral Paul Zukunft said that cyber was 

inextricably linked with all aspects of Coast 

Guard missions; he underscored both the 

opportunities as well as the challenges 

associated with developing the Service’s cyber 

technology. 

By CAPT William J. Kintz, USCGR 

“The Coast Guard must adapt to the ongoing 

and rapid advancements in cyber technology,” 

said Zukunft. “In continuing our proud history of 

responding to the ever-evolving maritime needs 

of the Nation, the Coast Guard will fully embrace 

cyberspace as an operating domain.” 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

Our journey began with a 2017 solicitation for 

applicants interested in a “unique operational 

duty [that] entails significant responsibility 

and demands extraordinary commitment from 

members who display a strong interest in 

cybersecurity and cyberspace operations and 

have the desire to be part of the CGCYBER 

crew.” 

RESERVE 

In May 2018, I was tasked with building the 

Coast Guard’s Reserve Cyber Program ahead 

of the arrival of the plankholder crew, which 

arrived that October. We began the daunting 

task of building a new program with few 

precedents to guide us. The initial solicitation 

message set the foundation for the two aspects 

of serving at CGCYBER that continue to make 

CGCYBER a distinctly unique opportunity for 

reservists. 

The first aspect is a heavy reliance on 

preexisting civilian cyber experience as a 

prerequisite for assignment. Cyber is such 

a rapidly evolving career field that it requires 

constant engagement and training to maintain 

proficiency, which is something that cannot be 

We are quickly closing in on a decade since 

then, and our leaders have continued to deliver 

on the critical investments in personnel and 

technology needed to prevent and respond to 

cyber incidents within Coast Guard networks 

and the Marine Transportation System. 

Then Commandant ADM Karl Schultz reiterated 

in his 2021 Cyber Strategic Outlook that it was 

not only important for the safeguarding of the 

maritime domain, but also the security of the 

Nation. 

“There is no strategic objective the U.S. Coast 

Guard can adequately meet – or operational 

mission the U.S. Coast Guard can fully perform 

– without a robust and comprehensive cyber 

capability,” he said. 

TAKING A FIX 

The Coast Guard continues to make great 

strides in developing and growing a workforce 

to meet that mission. 

There is no strategic 

objective the U.S. Coast 

Guard can adequately 

meet, or operational 

mission the U.S. Coast 

Guard can fully perform, 

without a robust and 

comprehensive cyber 

capability. 



45

RESERVE 

The Coast Guard must adapt to the ongoing and 

rapid advancements in cyber technology. In continuing 

our proud history of responding to the ever-evolving 

maritime needs of the Nation, the Coast Guard will fully 

embrace cyberspace as an operating domain.” 


sustained within a reservist’s typical 48 drills 

and 12 days of active duty each year. 

Limiting assignment opportunities to those who 

are cyber experts in their civilian careers is part 

of what makes our program feasible. It also 

creates a unique win-win symbiotic relationship 

between the Service and the civilian employers; 

CGCYBER reservists bring the latest industry 

standards to the Service while simultaneously 

bringing back experience gained through 

exposure to unique operating and training 

environments. 

The second aspect is our remote participation 

program. This is an extension of the current 

Coast Guard telework policy that enables 

reservists residing outside of the 100-mile radius 

of the main CGCYBER locations (which are near 

Washington, D.C, and St. Louis) to use another 

Coast Guard facility nearby as their primary 

drill location. Once we validate the unit’s site 

capabilities it is designated as a CGCYBER 

satellite facility. 

These new ways of executing Coast Guard 

missions, while very successful from the 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

onset, became essential when the COVID-19 

pandemic hit. Our shipmates throughout the 

Reserve Component surged to staff the DoD 

Commercial Virtual Remote (CVR) Teams help 

desk, assist with the expedited migration of 

email services of DoD365, and deploy new 

mobile and remote access technologies to 

alleviate the unprecedented demand on virtual 

desktop interface (VDI) resources. Our efforts 

ensured the Service could continue critical 

mission execution, with thousands of new 

remote users, despite quarantine or lockdown 

circumstances. 

CGCYBER’s reservists have been tightly 

integrated into daily command operations to 

a degree I have not experienced before in my 

career, with an unprecedented level of access 

to the command cadre. We have worked 

alongside our active duty counterparts during 

cyber operations in both the prevention and 

response sides of the domain, including Cyber 

Protection Team (CPT) missions, joint cyber 

exercises, and command cyber readiness 

inspections. 

CHARTING THE 

COURSE AHEAD 

The Commandant recently released two 

significant service-level strategies: the 2021 

Cyber Strategic Outlook and Ready Workforce 

2030. These strategies issued the charge to 

bolster the cyber protection of both the Marine 

Transportation System and Coast Guard 

operational networks, as well as the critical need 

to transform talent management, through both 

recruiting and retention. The Cyber Reserve 

Program is transforming to answer those calls 

with a large-scale strategic growth plan. 

Our growth plan will be implemented over 

the next several years in parallel with the 

introduction of the new cyber mission specialist 

(CMS) enlisted rating and cyber mission 

manager (CMM) warrant officer specialty. 

The growth plan triples the number of reserve 

cyber billets across the Service and creates 

a distinctive cyber career path for our senior 

enlisted and officers. It offers both CGCYBER 

and joint Service cyber opportunities through 

the creation of a Reserve CPT, the Cyber 

MTS Advisor Program, and the stand up of a 

new Coast Guard Reserve Unit at U.S. Cyber 

Command in Fort Meade, Maryland. This 

unit, integrated into the USCYBERCOM Joint 

Cyber Reserve Element, will create new joint 

Service opportunities at the Nation’s pinnacle 

organization for cyber operations alongside 

our Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps 

Reserve and National Guard counterparts. 

A CPT is a standardized cyber incident response 

team construct designed by USCYBERCOM 

in a DoD-wide cyber program similar to our 

Incident Command System. Each position 

in the CPT has a specific training pipeline to 

enable interoperability amongst the Services. At 

present, the duration of the training requirements 

is beyond what a reservist can complete within 

the bounds of our annual training allotment. and 

these billets will be staffed primarily by reservists 

who qualified on active duty before shifting to 

the Reserve; this will ensure the Coast Guard 

retains its critical cyber experts. Other reservists 

may serve in the Cyber Incident Response & 

Effects Branch where they will provide expert 

support alongside CPT personnel during cyber 

response operations. 

The Cyber MTS Advisor Program will place 

Reserve cyber expertise on the staff at each 

sector, district, and area headquarters, building 

essential communication pipelines between 

the operational commanders and CGCYBER. 

RESERVE 



47

RESERVE 


CMS BECOMES NEWEST RATING AVAILABLE 

TO RESERVISTS By CMDR Frank Puzzini, CGCYBER Reserve Division 

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest 

growing occupations in the United States, 

and that growth is also being seen in the 

Coast Guard. 

Excitement is building with the recent 

establishment of the cyber mission 

specialist (CMS) rating and the cyber 

mission management (CMM) warrant 

officer specialty; this paves the way for 

the change-in-rating process for Reserve 

members into CMS and CMM roles. 

The accelerated lateral process, coming 

one year ahead of schedule, is due to 

the urgent need for experienced Reserve 

cyber operators to meet the high Coast Guard 

demand signal and support a wide spectrum 

of cyber missions. Opportunities abound for 

qualified Reserve members. 

The Coast Guard is seeking technical 

specialists and out-of-the-box thinkers to take 

on the new CMS enlisted and CMM warrant 

officer roles that will work to protect and 

defend the Coast Guard’s cyber terrain. The 

24/7 protection of the Coast Guard mission 

platform is directly supported by reservists, 

and their roles will grow as CGCYBER’s 

Reserve Division (and supporting elements) 

expands to more than 150 members over the 

next several years. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

There, they will provide expertise to local Coast 

Guard exercise planners, incident responders, 

and marine inspectors. They will work alongside 

civilian MTS cyber specialists and Auxiliary 

cyber forces to add cyber insight to the 

execution of traditional Coast Guard missions. 

ON THE HORIZON 

I am encouraged by the continued high level of 

support and resources our Service leadership 

at all levels has committed to the cyber mission 

over the last five years. This multi-faceted 

approach includes the expansion of the 

workforce (both active and reserve), setting up 

the cyber degree program at the Coast Guard 

Academy, establishing the Auxiliary Cyber 

Flotilla, and authorizing the establishment of 

both the cyber mission specialist rating and 

cyber mission manager warrant specialty. 

There is a clear recognition of the dependence 

on cyber for the successful execution of all the 

Coast Guard’s missions and the safe operation 

of the MTS. They recognize the capabilities 

that reservists bring to this unique operational 

domain and have given us the opportunity 

to deliver the preparedness, patriotism, and 

professionalism that the reserve component is 

renowned for, and they are putting the resources 

behind that recognition. 

The future is bright. The program’s growth will 

be rapid. The opportunities to excel and lead 

are infinite. That is great news as the Nation’s 

need has never been greater. 

ALL THAT IS 

MISSING IS YOU 

We’re looking for people with civilian experience 

in IT or cyber operations, intel, data analytics, or 

any other specialty with a cyber nexus (linguists, 

lawyers, foreign culture specialists, etc.). If you 

want to bring those talents to bear on some of 

the most challenging and complex missions 

out there, CGCYBER is where you want to be. 

For questions on joining the Reserve Cyber 

Program, email CGCyberSRO@uscg.mil 

RESERVE 

These members will directly support missions 

that align with the Coast Guard’s vison for cyber 

operations in support of several strategies, 

including defense of Coast Guard enterprise 

mission platform; protection of the Maritime 

Transportation System; and operations in 

cyberspace. 

To help quickly grow this new career path, 

we need to leverage the extraordinary civilian 

cyber skill sets of Reserve members with 

leading-edge cyber expertise. The Coast 

Guard is seeking members with civilian sector 

training (like CompTIA Sec+, CompTIA CySA+, 

CISSP, and CCNA), as well as degrees in 

cybersecurity from an accredited university— 

all of which can be used to qualify for CMS and 

CMM positions. 

Career progression may include billets as 

CGCYBER Reserve Division representatives 

at areas, districts, or sectors. These reserve 

cyber advisors will guide the operational 

commands and work on missions at 

U.S. Cyber Command supporting active 

defense of the Coast Guard’s portion of 

the Department of Defense Information 

Network with blue team/red team 

operations. 

The growth of the positions continues; new 

rating performance qualifications (RPQs) 

are expected in late Summer of 2023 and 

the Service wide exam question bank will 

be ready for 2024. Member selection into 

reserve CMS rating and CMM specialty is 

slated for the end of Spring 2023. 

If you have the drive and motivation to 

be part of a fast-growing, highly skilled 

new Coast Guard mission– we’d love to 

talk with you! Email us at CGcyberSRO@ 

uscg.mil. 



49

COOL BREEZE, 

TIGHT SQUEEZE 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Magness, a 

machinery technician and Coast Guard Station 

Marathon crewmember, conducts maintenance 

on a Coast Guard Station Marathon 45-foot 

response boat-medium. The RB-M is equipped 

with twin MTU Detroit Diesel Series 60 and can 

reach a maximum speed of 40 knots. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian Gray. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE


51

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION RETIREMENTS 

RETIREMENTS 

ADAMS, JOSHUA 

BAFIA, JOHN 

BEMIS, CHRISTOPHER 

BERGMAN, DAVID 

BERRY, MICHAEL 

BIDWELL, ERNEST 

BISS, JOSHUA 

BLECHINGER, MARK 

BOSS, BRIAN 

BOSS, CHRISTOPHER 

BOYLES, DARREL 

BRADFORD, ABIGAIL 

BRITTINGHAM, WILLIAM 

BROWN, FERNANDO 

BROZUSKY, NICHOLAS 

BRUMMETT, DAVID 

BRUMMITT, DONALD 

BUCCI, KRISTEN 

BURGOA, MARK 

BURNSIDE, ELIZABETH 

BURNSIDE, SAM 

CAREY, MATTHEW 

CARPENTER, BRANDON 

CASTONGUAY, ALEXANDER 

CASTROPAGAN, JOSE 

CEPERO-FEBRES, DAVID 

CHAMPEAU, CHRISTOPHER 

CHRISTIANSON, CALVIN 

COMPTON, THEODORE 

CONNOLLY, ADAM 

CORNWELL, MICHAEL 

COX, RUSSELL 

CUPP, AUSTIN 

CURRY, RYAN 

USCG 

CUSUMANO, STEVEN 

AETC 

MSSE3 

DC1 

OSC 

EMC 

BM1 

MK1 

ET1 

MAT2 

BOSN4 

MKC 

LTJG 

MK2 

MK1 

MSSE2 

SKC 

IVC 

AMT1 

MKC 

YN1 

BM1 

BM2 

OS2 

OS1 

F&S3 

CS1 

MST1 

AMT2 

EMCS 

FSC 

AETCS 

DCCM 

MK3 

AMTCS 

MKC 

02-01-2023 

12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 




12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-14-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-21-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-26-2022 


12-01-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 


12-13-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-31-2022 

12-01-2022 


DANIELS, THOMAS 

DELLAROSA, JOSEPH 

DEMELLO, DEBORAH 

DERING, LOUIS 

DIGMAN, JOHN 

DORCHAK, MICHAEL 

DRAPER, MATTHEW 

FAY, DANIEL 

FERNANDO, MARK 

FISHMAN, DANIELLE 

FLYNN, PATRICK 

FORBES, JASON 

FRANKLIN, WILLIAM 

FREEMAN, MICHAEL 

FRIEND, STEVEN 

FULTZ, JOHN 

FURGES, CHAUNCEY 

FURR, JAMES 

GARDINER, DAVID 

GARZON, JAMES 

GAUTIER, LIONEL 

GEMLO, ZACHARY 

GERVAIS, MICAH 

GILBERT, STEVE 

GRAFCHIKOVA, ANNA 

GUTIERREZ, LIZETTE 

HARNAGE, DENNIS 

HELLMANN, DAVID 

HENRY, NATHAN 

HOLMES, JEDEDIAH 

HOOVER, RICHARD 

HOUSAND, LUKE 

HOUSEY, KEITH 

HUTCHERSON, SCOTT 

IMPEARTRICE, ANTHONY 

MKCM 

LCDR 

EM1 

LCDR 

MECM 

CDR 

BMCM 

SK1 

PERS4 

CS3 

CAPT 

AVI4 

MSTC 

BMCM 

PSC 

AVI3 

ME1 

EM1 

CDR 

CDR 

FN 

MK3 

ET1 

MKC 

CDR 

MST1 

AET3 

MK3 

BM2 

MK1 

EMCS 

BM1 

BM1 

OSCM 

ET1 

12-01-2022 


12-08-2022 


12-02-2022 



12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 





12-15-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-28-2022 


12-26-2022 


12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 

12-11-2022 


12-31-2022 


12-01-2022 






THE LONG BLUE LINE

! 

IRIZARRY, REYNALDO 

JACKSON, JAMES 

JANITZ, DEVON 

JENSEN, ADAM 

JENSEN, ROBERT 

JOHNSON, NICK 

KANNAN, ANTHONY 

KINNEAR, CHARLES 

KOVACS, MICHAEL 

KREMER, PERRY 

KUCHAR, JUSTIN 

LAMBTON, JOYCE 

LAWSON, DAINE 

LAZA, TRAVIS 

LEACH, JONATHAN 

LENKE, SCOTT 

LIEB, ERICK 

LIRETTE, DARYL 

LUCAS, DAVID 

LUFFMAN, BRANDON 

MALLORY, KEVIN 

MANN, TODD 

MARCOUX, TYLER 

MAROVICH, FRANK 

MASSENGILL, JEREMY 

MASSIMI, ELIZABETH 

MATEO SANTIAGO, EDGARDO 

MAULE, BENJAMIN 

MCCLOUD, JAMAL 

MCCORMACK, AARON 

MCDOUGAL, CASEY 

MCFARLAND, KENNETH 

MCHUGH, SHERI 

MEEDEL, CHRISTOPHER 

METCALF, JAMES 

MILLER, FRANK 

MILLER, JOSHUA 

MOCK, JORDAN 

MOLNAR, MICHAEL 

MOORE, COMMANDER 

NICOLAI, CHAD 

NICOSIA, VITO 

NOEL, DANIEL 

NOWELL, STEPHEN 

OBRIEN, SEAN 

OLIVAS, ROBERT 

PAGADOR, TONY 

PAYNE, ROBERT 

It's been noted that many newly assessed 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 of The Long Blue Line. 

FS1 

MUCS 

MKC 

MK1 

SKCS 

CSCM 

BMCM 

MEC 

LTJG 

CAPT 

AMT2 

YN3 

MK3 

ME1 

YN1 

MKC 

AST1 

MKC 

MKC 

BMC 

MEC 

MSSD4 

ME1 

DC1 

EM1 

CDR 

OSCS 

CAPT 

HS2 

SK2 

AMT2 

AMTC 

SKC 

INV4 

MK1 

AMTC 

CAPT 

MK1 

MECS 

CDR 

BM1 

ELC4 

BM2 

LCDR 

CAPT 

MST1 

MK1 

MKCM 

12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-14-2022 


12-11-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-25-2022 


12-28-2022 

12-23-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-19-2022 

12-01-2022 






12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-12-2022 


12-09-2022 


12-15-2022 







12-01-2022 


12-01-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 




PEREZ, STEVEN 

PETERS, DANIEL 

PETTA, MICHAEL 

PHILLIPS, ANTHONY 

PHILLIPS, BRIAN 

POMEROY, JUSTIN 

PORTER, BRIAN 

POWELL, WESLEY 

PRATT, CHANDLER 

PRICE, KOLBY 

RALSTON, BRYAN 

ROBINSON, MALINDES 

RODRIGUEZ, TYLER 

RUSSELL, CLIFFORD 

SABA, ANDREW 

SAMBOR, STEPHEN 

SAYERS, RYAN 

SCHAEFER, DERIK 

SCHEID, RYAN 

SHARP, ROGER 

SILBERSTEIN, DAVID 

SIMONTON, TABITHA 

IT2 

LT 

CDR 

LT 

OS1 

AMT2 

LCDR 

AMTCM 

EM2 

YN1 

ENG4 

ME1 

MK3 

BM3 

BM3 

BMC 

BMC 

OS1 

AMT1 

OSC 

BM1 

YN1 

12-27-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 


12-16-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-16-2022 



12-13-2022 


12-17-2022 

12-12-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-11-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-08-2022 




RETIREMENTS 

53


SIMS, WILLIAMS 

SKIBA, WALTER 

SMEYKAL, OTTO 

SMITH, BRENDAN 

SORENSEN, BRIAN 

SPERANDEO, THOMAS 

STAMFORD, DAMON 

STANICKI, TIMOTHY 

STENSON, LEE 

STONE, MATTHEW 

STRICKER, ATHENA 

STURGIS, JOSEPH 

SUMMA, DANIEL 

SUNAGAWA, RYAN 

SUTEHALL, RUTH 

SWAIN, JUSTIN 

SWOPE, DONNIE 

SYPNIEWSKI, KENT 

TAMAYO, JOSE 

THOMPSON, MICHAEL 

THOMSON, SAMUEL 

THORPE, AARON 

MK1 

MK3 

HSCS 

MK2 

SKCM 

BM2 

YN1 

AET3 

LCDR 

BM2 

LT 

AVI2 

BMC 

CS2 

MST2 

MSTC 

MSSE4 

MK1 

MK2 

AST1 

MST1 

BM1 

12-01-2022 

12-10-2022 

12-31-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-27-2022 



12-01-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-11-2022 



12-11-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-17-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-17-2022 


TORBETT, RYAN 

TRAN READ, SHOSHAWN 

TULLOS, MICHAEL 

VACCO, HOWARD 

VERDURA, BRANDON 

VIEL, RICHARD 

WACHOWSKI, JUSTIN 

WALDMEIER, JOSHUA 

WATERS, LEONARD 

WATSON, CHARLES 

WATSON, ISAAC 

WATSON, SEAN 

WATTS, DEAN 

WEBSTER, JOHN 

WHEELER, GERALD 

WILLARD, MATTHEW 

WILLIAMSON, ANDREW 

WOODWARD, RICHARD 

WRIGHT, LESLIE 

YOUNG, BRIAN 

YOUNGBLOOD, DAVID 

ETC 

AMT3 

ETC 

CDR 

AST2 

MAT4 

MKC 

LT 

MST1 

MK1 

MK3 

MKC 

LCDR 

BM1 

EMC 

MST2 

MK2 

AET2 

LT 

MKC 

AT3 




12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 








12-03-2022 




12-13-2022 


12-04-2022 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

! 

ALLEN, CHRISTOPHER 

AUSTIN-HANSBERRY, LORI 

BECKSTEAD, DAVID 

BERILLA, HOLLY 

BERKHOUSEN, KATHERINE 

BOSSLER, SUMNER 

BREITBACH, JILL 

BROOKS, MARY 

BROWN, FLEURETTE 

BUTLER, CINDY 

CAMPBELL, PRINCESS 

CARPITCHER, FREDA 

CARRIA, KATHRYN 

CECERE, CARL 

CHEN, LANA 

CLARK, NIKKIA 

CLEMONS, ANGELA 

COLLEDGE, MICHELLE 

COMBS, JEREMY 

COOPER, DEBRA 

CRAMER, DAVID 

CRAWFORD, TODD 

CUNNINGHAM, ELAINE 

DELCHAMPS, GORDON 

DELSESTO, BARBARA 

DICKENS, JAMES 

DILL, GREGORY 

DOMINGUEZ, DINO 

ELENBERG, KIMBERLY 

ENGLAND, LUCINDA 

ESPESETH, BRADLEY 

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

ranks are denoted with an asterisk. 

USPHS 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

LT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 




12-01-2022 




12-01-2022 





12-30-2022 

12-01-2022 




12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 




12-01-2022 






12-01-2022 


FERRIER, LEAH 

FLYNN, AMY 

FRAZIER, MONIQUE 

FREED, JENNIFER 

GABRIEL, TARA 

GERSHMAN, MARK 

GOLDING, JOSEPH 

GUERRERO, ZITA 

GUIA, MARVIN 

HALL, PHILIP 

HARJO, DIONE 

HAUSER, OLIVIA 

HOPKINS, MICHAEL 

HORT, KIM 

HUNTER, CHRISTOPHER 

HUTCHINS, SHAWNA 

INOKON, UDUAK 

JANZEN, GLENN 

JOHNSON, RYAN 

KIM, JANICE 

KRUMLAUF, MICHAEL 

KUZMICH, GEOFFREY 

LABROZZI, STEVEN 

LAWSON, GAYLE 

LENTZ, JAMES 

LINHART, JOHN 

MACINTYRE, DOUGLAS 

MCMULLEN, SHAUN 

MEDINA, MIGUEL 

MILLER, DAVID 

MITCHELL, PATRICIA 

LCDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 




12-01-2022 







12-01-2022 






12-01-2022 







12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

RETIREMENTS 



55


MOE, KRISTEN 

MORENO, JOSE 

NAVARRO, STEPHEN 

NEMHAUSER, JEFFREY 

NEWTON, BRUCE 

PACHECO, BEATRICE 

PAPPAS, JAMES 

PIHLAJA, KRISTA 

PRICE, DEBORAH 

READY, TRAVIS 

RICHARDSON, NANCY 

RITTER, CARI 

RIVASRIVERA, ANGEL 

ROBB, BRIAN 

RUSSELL, SOPHIA 

SATTERFIELD, WILLIAM 

SEATON, MARK 

CARRIA, KATHRYN 

HALL, PHILIP 

HAUSER, OLIVIA 

NOAA 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CDR 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

LT 

CAPT 

CDR 










12-01-2022 







12-01-2022 

12-30-2022 



SIMMS, KELLEY 

SIMONE, SHARON 

SNELL, SCOTT 

SPRINGER, DANA 

STOVER, MICHAEL 

STRICKLIN, RICHARD 

SWANSON, ROBERT 

SWEETING, WILNETTA 

TAYLOR, JEFFREY 

THAI, LINDA 

THOMPSON, CRAIG 

VINCENT, ERIK 

WENTZ OPSAHL, MELISSA 

WRIGHT, JENNIFER 

YEPA-WAQUIE, HARRIET 

YOUNG, MICHAEL 

HOPKINS, MICHAEL 

MACINTYRE, DOUGLAS 

TAYLOR, JEFFREY 

COAST GUARD TRANSITION ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAM (TAP) 

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/ 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 


12-01-2022 


12-01-2022 

12-01-2022 







12-01-2022 



12-01-2022 


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


57

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. 

A current Coast Guard Master Decedent Affairs Officer (DAO) & Military Funeral Honors (MFH) Coordinator 

Roster is accessible at: dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/retiree/docs/DAO_%20MFH_Master_Roster_. 

xlsx?ver=2018-09-07-140443-903. 

CG MFH Guidance is accessible at: dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/psc/psd/docs/Military%20Funeral%20 

Honors%20Guidance.pdf?ver=2017-03-24-102439-577. 

If you need additional assistance on Casualty & Decedent affairs matters, you may contact Mr. Brian Behlke, CG 

Casualty Matters Chief, at Brian.R.Behlke@uscg.mil , or by phone at: 202-795-6637 (office) or 571-266-2375 

(24x7 work cell). 


USCG 

ABRAMS, BARRY 

GOOSE CREEK, SC 

ALDERMAN, ALAN 

JAY, FL 

ALEXANDER, ROBERT 

VON ORMY, TX 

ALLER, RONALD 

ELLENSBURG, WA 

ANDERSON, JESSE 

CHAPEL HILL, TN 

AVERY, DUDLEY 

CITRUS SPRING, FL 

BAKER, JOHN 

SOUTH LYON, MI 

BARBERI, JOHN 

OLYMPIA, WA 

BARROW, JACK 

WILMINGTON, DE 

ETCS 

BMC 

BM2 

YNC 

RDCS 

EMC 

ADC 

BMCS 

PA1 

RET. 09-01-1990 

TAPS 01-16-2023 

RET. 02-01-2002 

TAPS 12-09-2022 

RET. 10-01-1995 

TAPS 12-14-2022 

RET. 10-01-1980 


RET. 05-01-1986 


RET. 10-01-1977 

TAPS 11-21-2022 

RET. 09-18-1978 


RET. 03-01-1993 


RET. 06-01-2013 

TAPS 11-17-2022 

BAXA, BENEDICTO 

CHESAPEAKE, VA 

BELCHER, JOHN 

FT MEADE, FL 

BENNETT, NEWTON 

REDMOND, WA 

BETHEL, ROBERT 

NEWPORT NEWS, VA 

BILLIAR, JAMES 

LANCASTER, SC 

BILLINGS, DONALD 

SILVERTON, OR 

BIRD, GARY 

WALKER, LA 

BJORK, EDWARD 

FOUNTAIN VLY, CA 

BLANCHARD, ADLEAN 

JACKSONVILLE, FL 

FSC 

SKCM 

CDR 

EMC 

BM1 

CDR 

CAPT 

YNCM 

YN1 

RET. 07-01-1989 


RET. 12-01-1985 

TAPS 12-15-2022 

RET. 03-01-1991 


RET. 10-01-1999 


RET. 04-01-1982 

TAPS 12-15-2022 

RET. 07-01-1982 

TAPS 11-12-2022 

RET. 06-01-1996 


RET. 11-01-1988 


RET. 12-12-2007 

TAPS 11-29-2022 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

BLANCHARD, JOHN 

COEUR D'ALENE, ID 

BMCM 

RET. 03-01-1979 


CASSEL, JOHN 

COHASSET, MA 

YNC 

RET. 09-01-2008 

TAPS 12-17-2022 

TAPS 

BORDEAU, BRUCE 

ROCHESTER, NH 

BMCM 

RET. 05-01-1982 


CEBALLOS, RICHARD 

SCOTTSMOOR, FL 

AECM 

RET. 11-01-1981 


BORGO, ALAN 

HAYWARD, CA 

WEPS2 

RET. 09-01-1990 

TAPS 11-03-2022 

CHILDS, JOE 

OAKDALE, CT 

ETC 

RET. 11-01-1989 

TAPS 11-06-2022 

BOSTILLO, RUBEN 

SOUTH MILLS, NC 

FSC 

RET. 11-01-1975 


CHRISTIAN, KENNETH 

MOBERLY, MO 

AMCS 

RET. 01-01-1972 

TAPS 11-25-2022 

BOWLES, JOHN 

PULASKI, VA 

PERS2 

RET. 09-01-1994 

TAPS 12-24-2022 

CORNWELL, LESTER 

MURFREESBORO, TN 

MED3 

RET. 02-15-1991 


BOYLAN, JAMES 

WICHITA, KS 

ETCS 

RET. 05-01-1982 

TAPS 12-29-2022 

CREEDON, WALTER 

WAKEFIELD, MA 

LCDR 

RET. 06-24-1987 

TAPS 11-03-2022 

BRIDGMAN, ALFRED 

SEVEN LAKES, NC 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1977 


CRESPO, ALVARO 

LUTHERSVILLE, GA 

LT 

RET. 07-01-1995 

TAPS 11-10-2022 

BROWN, JACKSON 

CHARLESTON, SC 

LCDR 

RET. 02-18-1990 

TAPS 12-11-2022 

CRONIN, JOHN 

SANDWICH, MA 

ET1 

RET. 04-13-2000 

TAPS 12-16-2022 

BROWN, RUSSELL 

LYNDHURST, VA 

BM1 

RET. 03-14-1966 

TAPS 11-24-2022 

DAUGHTRY, JOHN 

LAKE WORTH, FL 

LCDR 

RET. 09-01-2013 

TAPS 12-17-2022 

BRUNS, CLINTON 

BENICIA, CA 

BRUTCHER, ROBERT 

NORWALK, OH 

BURDETT, PETER 

VENICE, FL 

BYERLEIN, JOHN 

NEWPORT BEACH, CA 

BYRD, JOHN 

DARNESTOWN, MD 

CADE, ROBERT 

PORTSMOUTH, VA 

CALDWELL, MICHAEL 

SNOWFLAKE, AZ 

CAMPBELL, STEPHEN 

ROUND ROCK, TX 

CARRETTI, GERALD 

INDIANA, PA 

CARSTENS, BURNELL 

DOWNEY, CA 

CASSARA, NICHOLAS 

APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 

LCDR 

EMCS 

PSS4 

CAPT 

CAPT 

PERS3 

MSTC 

CDR 

FS1 

MKC 

CWO4 

RET. 12-29-2007 


RET. 07-01-1986 

TAPS 12-02-2022 

RET. 04-15-2006 


RET. 08-22-1986 

TAPS 12-22-2022 

RET. 09-01-1978 

TAPS 12-06-2022 

RET. 02-01-1997 


RET. 09-01-2012 


RET. 07-01-1994 

TAPS 12-08-2022 

RET. 03-01-1979 


RET. 08-01-1985 

TAPS 11-23-2022 

RET. 06-01-1986 


DAVIS, WILLIAM 

ELIZABETH CITY, NC 

DECKER, MICHAEL 

MOREHEAD CITY, NC 

DEESE, ROBERT 

FRANKLIN, NC 

DELOSREYES, FERNANDO 

ARLINGTON, VA 

DORGAN, WILLIAM 

WEST HAVEN, CT 

DUBOIS, JEAN 

COLUMBIA, SC 

DUGAN, CHARLES 

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 

DYCHE, ROBERT 

TOPEKA, KS 

ECHOLS, ETHEL 

MEMPHIS, TN 

ELLISON, ROBERT 

S OGDEN, UT 

ENGLISH, ROBERT 

NEW ORLEANS, LA 

ADC 

YNC 

ENCS 

FS1 

PS2 

BMCM 

ASMCM 

SK1 

PS2 

AM1 

QM1 

RET. 09-01-1983 

TAPS 11-04-2022 

RET. 02-01-1998 

TAPS 12-29-2022 

RET. 05-01-1973 

TAPS 11-27-2022 

RET. 10-01-1975 


RET. 10-22-1998 


RET. 07-01-1973 

TAPS 12-13-2022 

RET. 08-01-1980 

TAPS 10-30-2022 

RET. 02-01-1990 

TAPS 11-23-2022 

RET. 09-15-2011 


RET. 11-01-1989 

TAPS 11-17-2022 

RET. 06-21-2001 

TAPS 12-26-2022 



59

TAPS 

EZELL, ROGER 

MARYVILLE, TN 

PS1 

RET. 07-24-2003 

TAPS 12-22-2022 

HALL, VICTOR 

MELFA, VA 

FS1 

RET. 10-01-1996 

TAPS 12-31-2022 

FABEC, RAYMOND 

BRADENTON, FL 

CDR 

RET. 07-01-1999 

TAPS 12-28-2022 

HALLIGAN, JOHN 

MOBILE, AL 

AM1 

RET. 10-01-1991 

TAPS 11-18-2022 

FALU, ANTONIO 

SPRING, TX 

GM3 

RET. 08-11-2007 

TAPS 11-24-2022 

HAMBLETT, RUSSELL 

POQUOSON, VA 

ADCM 

RET. 09-03-1980 


FISHER, WILLIAM 

LODI, CA 

HS1 

RET. 05-01-1984 

TAPS 11-16-2022 

HARLAN, CARL 

FRAZEYSBURG, OH 

PSS4 

RET. 10-11-2002 


FLOYD, ALAN 

PANAMA CITY, FL 

DCC 

RET. 08-01-2004 


HARMS, KENNETH 

SNOHOMISH, WA 

BMC 

RET. 09-23-2000 


FLOWERS, JAMES 

ATLANTIC, VA 

GM2 

RET. 10-19-1998 

TAPS 12-01-2022 

HATHAWAY, STEPHEN 

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 

LCDR 

RET. 07-01-1994 

TAPS 12-20-2022 

FRENCH, HAROLD 

LIHUE, HI 

CAPT 

RET. 04-01-2010 

TAPS 12-17-2022 

HAYDON, LARRY 

CRESTON, WA 

BMCM 

RET. 08-01-1985 


GALMAN, LAMBERTO 

MERCED, CA 

FSC 

RET. 01-01-1995 

TAPS 11-25-2022 

HILDEBRAND, ROBERT 

STAFFORD, VA 

BOSN4 

RET. 08-01-2002 

TAPS 11-19-2022 

GARRISON, DONALD 

FOREST HILL, MD 

BM1 

RET. 05-17-2012 


HILL, FREDERICK 

ALTOONA, FL 

LCDR 

RET. 07-01-1980 

TAPS 12-14-2022 


GATELY, KEVIN 

BAYVILLE, NJ 

GLASGOW, JAMES 

FRANKFORT, KY 

GLEASON, EDWARD 

MUSKEGO, WI 

GOLDBERG, ALLAN 

CHESTERFIELD, MO 

GREEN, SIDNEY 

FOLEY, AL 

GREENWAY, DAVID 

BUFFALO, NY 

GREENWELL, JOHNIE 

N FT MYERS, FL 

GRIFFIN, SEBEN 

VIRGINIA, VA 

GRILL, JEROME 

BOYNTON BCH, FL 

HALL, BRIAN 

LITHIA, FL 

HALL, GRAHAM 

ARLINGTON, VA 

CDR 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

FSC 

MEC 

BMCS 

CWO3 

CAPT 

CDR 

CDR 

RET. 11-01-2012 

TAPS 12-30-2022 

RET. 06-01-1983 

TAPS 12-08-2022 

RET. 11-01-1999 

TAPS 12-13-2022 

RET. 11-21-1998 

TAPS 12-27-2022 

RET. 02-01-1979 

TAPS 11-14-2022 

RET. 08-27-2014 

TAPS 11-30-2022 

RET. 05-01-1988 


RET. 10-01-1972 

TAPS 11-05-2022 

RET. 08-25-1990 


RET. 06-01-2008 

TAPS 12-01-2022 

RET. 12-01-1971 

TAPS 11-08-2022 

HILL, ROBERT 

MEMPHIS, TN 

HOLLAND, BRAXTON 

WALDORF, MD 

HUBER, WILLIAM 

RIVERSIDE, CA 

HUGGINS, HARRY 

PORTSMOUTH, VA 

HURM, JOSEPH 

MARYSVILLE, WA 

IRONS, DAVID 

FALL CITY, WA 

JARVIS, JAMES 

EVANSVILLE, IN 

JOHNSON, DELBERT 

KENT, WA 

JONES, WELTON 

SAN DIEGO, CA 

JORDAN, BRIAN 

BREMERTON, WA 

KAYLOR, JOSEPH 

ROCHESTER, NH 

ENG2 

CWO4 

CDR 

CWO4 

BM1 

CAPT 

FS1 

QMCM 

CAPT 

LCDR 

FS2 

RET. 09-01-2005 

TAPS 12-10-2022 

RET. 10-01-1987 

TAPS 09-15-2022 

RET. 07-01-1987 

TAPS 12-19-2022 

RET. 09-01-1975 

TAPS 11-30-2022 

RET. 07-01-1970 


RET. 07-01-1979 

TAPS 12-03-2022 

RET. 02-12-2001 


RET. 07-01-1975 


RET. 06-18-1996 

TAPS 12-17-2022 

RET. 07-01-2002 


RET. 12-16-1997 



THE LONG BLUE LINE

KEANE, THOMAS 

HAVERTON, PA 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1992 

TAPS 12-30-2022 

LEOPOLD, PAUL 

BUZZARDS BAY, MA 

SK2 

RET. 01-15-2003 


TAPS 

KEATING, MICHAEL 

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL 

LT 

RET. 03-01-1977 


LEWIS, WILBURN 

SPRINGFIELD, OR 

BMCM 

RET. 08-01-1973 

TAPS 12-11-2022 

KELLEY, GEORGE 

WORCESTER, MA 

LCDR 

RET. 08-17-2007 

TAPS 11-27-2022 

LIKENS, WILLIE 

MARRERO, LA 

RMC 

RET. 11-01-1979 

TAPS 12-19-2022 

KNAPP, RICHARD 

JUNEAU, AK 

RADM 

RET. 03-01-1984 


LISK, CHRISTOPHER 

GENEVA, NY 

HSC 

RET. 12-01-2018 


KUTNAR, EDWARD 

PHOENIX, AZ 

CSC 

RET. 08-01-1971 


LONG, JOHN 

TRAVERSE CITY, MI 

AMTCM 

RET. 04-01-2011 

TAPS 10-31-2022 

LANIGAN, JAMES 

MERRIMACK, NH 

MKCM 

RET. 09-01-2000 

TAPS 11-27-2022 

LOOMIS, JAMES 

MARBLEHEAD, MA 

LCDR 

RET. 11-01-1980 

TAPS 11-21-2022 

LARGE, RONALD 

RENO, NV 

PSCM 

RET. 08-09-1997 

TAPS 12-05-2022 

LUMBAG, MIGUEL 

JACKSONVILLE, FL 

FSC 

RET. 08-01-1985 


LARSON, DANIEL 

WICKENBURG, AZ 

QMC 

RET. 07-01-1999 


LYNCH, WILLIAM 

WARREN GROVE, NJ 

RMC 

RET. 03-21-1984 

TAPS 12-01-2022 

LARSON, ROBERT 

HENDERSON, NV 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1984 

TAPS 12-24-2022 

MAGILL, JAMES 

WESTERLY, RI 

ET2 

RET. 10-25-2006 

TAPS 11-02-2022 

LEIMBACH, ALFRED 

SURPRISE, AZ 

LEITNER, JACQUES 

SPRINGFIELD, MO 

BM2 

ADC 

RET. 06-14-1999 

TAPS 12-13-2022 

RET. 11-01-1965 

TAPS 12-01-2022 

MARINELLI, JACOB 

CLOVIS, CA 

MASUR, ROBERT 

CONGERS, NY 

CWO2 

CDR 

RET. 03-01-1968 

TAPS 11-10-2022 

RET. 09-07-1989 




61

TAPS 

MAY, ANNA 

JUNEAU, AK 

YN1 

RET. 10-01-2004 

TAPS 12-14-2022 

PEA, GERALD 

NEWARK, CA 

TTC 

RET. 10-01-1978 

TAPS 12-05-2022 

MCCAHILL, JAMES 

SAN DIEGO, CA 

CDR 

RET. 07-01-1983 

TAPS 12-04-2022 

PESANTE, LUIS 

KISSIMMEE, FL 

SKCS 

RET. 11-01-1998 

TAPS 11-16-2022 

MCCLARA, THOMAS 

BOWLING GREEN, KY 

ETCS 

RET. 01-01-1995 

TAPS 11-04-2022 

PETERS, BRUCE 

EDEN, NC 

MSTCM 

RET. 06-01-1998 

TAPS 12-15-2022 

MCCLURE, W 

ELIZABETH CITY, NC 

LT 

RET. 07-01-1977 

TAPS 12-19-2022 

PITTS, LARRY 

TALLAHASSEE, FL 

ATCS 

RET. 07-01-1986 

TAPS 12-07-2022 

MCCURRY, RICHARD 

BRUNSWICK, MO 

BM1 

RET. 09-01-2003 


PLYLER, HARRIS 

LANCASTER, SC 

SK1 

RET. 09-14-1995 


MCGRATH, JAMES 

SLIDELL, LA 

FSCM 

RET. 10-01-1996 

TAPS 12-28-2022 

POLLEY, WILLIAM 

BUNA, TX 

QMC 

RET. 10-01-1976 

TAPS 12-25-2022 

MEDEIROS, RICHARD 

TAUNTON, MA 

FSCM 

RET. 12-31-1996 

TAPS 12-19-2022 

PRICKETT, CHARLES 

PENSACOLA, FL 

BMC 

RET. 03-01-1981 

TAPS 11-18-2022 

MELCHER, ROY 

BUZZARDS BAY, MA 

CWO3 

RET. 08-01-1983 

TAPS 12-10-2022 

QUEZON, ALIPIO 

BATANGAS, PANGAS 

TN 

RET. 11-20-1957 

TAPS 12-06-2022 

MILLER, GENE 

BELLEVUE, WA 

CAPT 

RET. 08-22-1988 


RAMBUS, JAMES 

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 

BMCS 

RET. 06-01-1985 



MILLER, STEPHEN 

LATHROP, MO 

MILLS, CHARLES 

MALABAR, FL 

MONTMINY, PHILIP 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 

MURPHY, EDWARD 

SOUTH BEND, IN 

MURRAY, MOSES 

INDIAN TRAIL, NC 

NALANGA, PEDRO 

FORT GRATIOT, MI 

NETHKIN, GORDON 

MARYSVILLE, WA 

OCONNELL, JOHN 

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ 

OTTOW, WILLIAM 

MENASHA, WI 

OWENS, MARVIN 

BEAVERTON, OR 

OWSIAK, JOSEPH 

CUMMING, GA 

CWO2 

QMC 

CWO3 

CAPT 

MK1 

FS1 

ENG4 

CDR 

BMC 

YNC 

LCDR 

RET. 08-01-1982 

TAPS 12-14-2022 

RET. 09-01-1988 

TAPS 12-22-2022 

RET. 09-01-1974 

TAPS 11-30-2022 

RET. 12-01-1978 

TAPS 12-16-2022 

RET. 09-03-1985 

TAPS 12-29-2022 

RET. 12-01-1975 

TAPS 11-22-2022 

RET. 09-01-1996 


RET. 03-27-1988 

TAPS 12-10-2022 

RET. 12-01-1990 

TAPS 11-08-2022 

RET. 07-01-1988 


RET. 03-10-2004 

TAPS 11-09-2022 

RANKIN, JAMES 

WILLIAMSBURG, VA 

REED, DENNIS 

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL 

REED, FOREST 

WILLIAMSBURG, VA 

REYNOLDS, JOSEPH 

DELTON, TX 

RICHARDSON, RONALD 

PASOROBLES, CA 

RIGGLEMAN, GAIL 

SIMPSONVILLE, SC 

ROBAKIEWICZ, ROMAN 

WALLINGFORD, CT 

ROBINSON, LYLE 

BLAIRSVILLE, GA 

ROCHE, JAMES 

PALM BAY, FL 

ROLLINGS, FLOYD 

HEATH SPRINGS, SC 

RONDERO, ROLANDO 

SAN DIEGO, CA 

MKC 

BMC 

BMCM 

ETC 

SK2 

YN1 

ET1 

MKC 

BM1 

BMCM 

FSC 

RET. 04-01-1992 

TAPS 12-07-2022 

RET. 04-03-1989 

TAPS 12-31-2022 

RET. 07-01-1975 

TAPS 12-29-2022 

RET. 03-01-1986 

TAPS 11-29-2022 

RET. 12-01-1996 


RET. 01-01-1992 

TAPS 11-26-2022 

RET. 06-01-1970 

TAPS 11-15-2022 

RET. 09-01-1978 

TAPS 11-27-2022 

RET. 12-01-2006 

TAPS 12-05-2022 

RET. 10-01-1996 

TAPS 11-20-2022 

RET. 02-01-1983 

TAPS 11-21-2022 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

ROSE, CLARENCE 

PORT CLINTON, OH 

MKCM 

RET. 10-01-1978 

TAPS 12-25-2022 

SWANSON, ROBERT 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 

CWO3 

RET. 03-01-1975 


TAPS 

ROWLEY, JOHN 

PARKER, CO 

CDR 

RET. 03-13-1989 

TAPS 11-07-2022 

TEMPLE, JACK 

THOMASTON, ME 

MKC 

RET. 03-01-1982 

TAPS 12-25-2022 

SALANGSANG, JOSEFINO 

KAPOLEI, HI 

FS1 

RET. 10-01-1996 


TEMPLETON, EDWARD 

CHESAPEAKE, VA 

RDCS 

RET. 02-12-1970 

TAPS 12-16-2022 

SANDY, CRAIG 

MUSKEGON, MI 

CWO2 

RET. 02-01-1990 


THAYER, RICHARD 

GILBERT, AZ 

FS1 

RET. 11-01-1989 

TAPS 11-29-2022 

SARDINHA, ANTONIO 

SOMERSET, MA 

DC1 

RET. 01-19-1996 

TAPS 11-30-2022 

THOMAS, BARRY 

SOLDOTNA, AK 

TC1 

RET. 12-01-1995 


SAWYER, MICHELLE 

THOMASTON, ME 

F&S3 

RET. 12-01-2011 


THOMPSON, KENNETH 

ASHLAND, VA 

CAPT 

RET. 07-01-1994 

TAPS 11-09-2022 

SCHMIDT, DALE 

COLUMBIA, MD 

CAPT 

RET. 08-01-1984 


THOMPSON, MILTON 

WIMBERLEY, TX 

AVI4 

RET. 09-01-1997 

TAPS 12-30-2022 

SCHULTZ, NORMAN 

GLENDALE, AZ 

YN1 

RET. 10-01-1981 

TAPS 11-24-2022 

THRUSH, THOMAS 

KETCHIKAN, AK 

MKC 

RET. 12-01-2011 

TAPS 11-01-2022 

SCOTT, DAVID 

MCGREGOR, IA 

CDR 

RET. 03-01-1983 


TOLLESON, LEWIS 

FORT MYERS, FL 

CWO4 

RET. 01-01-1986 

TAPS 11-26-2022 

SELIGMAN, LARRY 

VALRICO, FL 

SHIELDS, STAN 

RAWLINS, WY 

SHUBBUCK, THOMAS 

LAS VEGAS, NV 

SIMONS, ROBERT 

ST HELENS, OR 

SLIGAR, DORCY 

PINELLAS PARK, FL 

SNIDER, THOMAS 

TOWANDA, KS 

SOUSA, MANUEL 

CLAYVILLE, RI 

STAPLES, GEORGE 

MYAKKA CITY, FL 

STEINHARDT, GEORGE 

BREWSTER, NY 

STONEHOUSE, DAVID 

MT BETHEL, PA 

STRAVINO, JOHN 

SANTA CLARITA, CA 

CWO4 

PSS4 

CWO4 

MK1 

YN1 

MK1 

FA 

BMC 

BMC 

DCC 

BM2 

RET. 05-01-1987 

TAPS 12-17-2022 

RET. 11-15-2011 


RET. 06-01-1980 


RET. 05-06-2004 


RET. 08-26-1995 

TAPS 11-05-2022 

RET. 04-01-1990 


RET. 01-22-1965 

TAPS 11-16-2022 

RET. 01-01-1975 

TAPS 12-31-2022 

RET. 08-01-1987 

TAPS 11-01-2022 

RET. 05-01-1987 


RET. 12-17-2009 

TAPS 12-05-2022 

TROWBRIDGE, GARY 

ARLINGTON, WA 

TURNER, RICHARD 

PORT ORANGE, FL 

WALAG, JOSEPH 

DES MOINES, WA 

WALDMEIER, JOSHUA 

CANBY, OR 

WALPOLE, PETER 

WESTFIELD, NJ 

WARREN, DEAN 

AZTECH, NM 

WATKINS, MONDEL 

CAMPBELL, CA 

WEGENER, TERRY 

HERNDON, VA 

WHEET, DEAN 

ANNANDALE, VA 

WHITAKER, DAVID 

CANONSBURG, PA 

WICKLEY, ALBERT 

AKRON, OH 

FSC 

FSCS 

RD1 

LT 

PS1 

MK1 

BMCS 

FA 

CWO4 

MKC 

CAPT 

RET. 03-04-1986 

TAPS 11-13-2022 

RET. 03-25-2004 

TAPS 12-11-2022 

RET. 07-01-1995 

TAPS 11-24-2022 

RET. 01-12-2023 


RET. 02-29-2004 

TAPS 12-07-2022 

RET. 12-01-1998 

TAPS 11-27-2022 

RET. 02-01-1977 

TAPS 12-05-2022 

RET. 10-07-1968 

TAPS 12-09-2022 

RET. 07-01-1979 

TAPS 11-14-2022 

RET. 12-01-1996 


RET. 02-07-1996 

TAPS 12-14-2022 



63

TAPS 

WILCOX, ZEB 

GREENSBORO, NC 

ADC 

RET. 04-01-1973 

TAPS 12-11-2022 

WILLIAMS, KEVIN 

BURLESON, TX 

ITC 

RET. 05-05-2021 


WILMOTH, JAMES 

HORNER, WV 

EMC 

RET. 10-28-2004 


WILSON, ROBERT 

GLOSTER, MS 

SD1 

RET. 08-01-1967 

TAPS 11-07-2022 

WOHLFARTH, WILLIAM 

SAN ANTONIO, TX 

LCDR 

RET. 08-01-1978 

TAPS 12-15-2022 

WORKMAN, MARY 

KERRICK, MN 

BM3 

RET. 04-19-1988 


WORRALL, THOMAS 

SUFFOLK, VA 

BMC 

RET. 09-01-2008 

TAPS 12-04-2022 

YOSHIKAWA, ROY 

ROHNERT PARK, CA 

FSC 

RET. 09-01-1982 

TAPS 12-25-2022 

ZANE, LYNNE 

PHILADELPHIA, PA 

BM2 

RET. 10-21-1996 

TAPS 11-29-2022 


ZARZYCKI, JOHN 

TONASKET, WA 

USPHS 

ASHMORE, ROBERT 

EVERETT, WA 

BAJUSCAK, RONALD 

MESA, AZ 

BOCHENSKI, CINDY 

MESA, AZ 

BOGNER, BEVERLY 

RAPID CITY, SD 

BOSCO, LYNN 

CLEARWATER, FL 

BOSTROM, ROBERT 

BROOKSVILLE, FL 

CROSBY, RICHARD 

MINDEN, NV 

HANLEY, GEORGE 

BIG CANOE, GA 

MKCS 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CDR 

RET. 09-01-1990 

TAPS 12-09-2022 

RET. 08-01-1992 

TAPS 12-04-2022 

RET. 09-01-2010 


RET. 04-01-2005 

TAPS 11-28-2022 

RET. 02-01-1998 

TAPS 11-25-2022 

RET. 11-01-2010 

TAPS 11-06-2022 

RET. 04-01-1986 

TAPS 12-07-2022 

RET. 06-01-2010 

TAPS 07-08-2022 

RET. 07-01-2016 


HANLON, HELEN 

SEATTLE, WA 

JANDA, TRENTON 


KOMINZ, DAVID 

WESTON, MA 

MARGOLIS, HAROLD 

TUCSON, AZ 

MILLER, ROBERT 


MUTH, JOHN 

COLORADO SPRING, CO 

NASH, WILL 

SYLVA, NC 

TORNA, STEPHEN 

LAUREL, MT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

CAPT 

RET. 12-01-1988 

TAPS 11-15-2022 

RET. 08-01-2019 

TAPS 12-10-2022 

RET. 04-01-1976 

TAPS 11-04-2022 

RET. 07-01-2004 

TAPS 11-25-2022 

RET. 05-01-2007 

TAPS 11-29-2022 

RET. 10-01-1980 


RET. 07-01-1975 

TAPS 12-25-2022 

RET. 06-01-2016 

TAPS 11-06-2022 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

DEPENDENT TAPS 

BRENDA WYATT 

OLYMPIA, WA 

WIFE OF TT1 MARK WYATT, USCG (RET) 

12-20-2022 

LUELLA FERGUSON MEAUX 

OAK HARBOR, WA 

WIFE OF THE LATE CAPT BERRY L. MEAUX, USCG (RET) 


RITA F. BOWSER 

CAMBRIDGE, OH 

WIFE OF MKC BLAINE M. BOWSER, USCG (RET) 


PATRICIA P. SOLLANEK 

BALTIMORE, MD 

WIFE OF THE LATE PS1 TERRY K. SOLLANEK, USCG (RET) 

12-18-2022 

JERRY E. KOK 

LYNDEN, WA 

HUSBAND OF ME1 TRACEY E. KOK, USCGR (RET) 

01-05-2022 

LAURA J. COLLUPY 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 

WIFE OF CWO4 ROBERT H. COLLUPY, USCG (RET) 

11-04-2022 

WILLIAM DEAN BROOK 

TUCKER, GA 

HUSBAND OF CAPT JOANNA BUFFINGTON, USPHS (RET) 


RITA L. CUNNINGHAM 

SARASOTA, FL 

WIFE OF CAPT DONALD C. CUNNINGHAM, USCG (RET) 

11-12-2022 

JEAN C. ARLANDER 

SALEM, MA 

WIFE OF THE LATE CDR RICHARD P. ARLANDER, USCG (RET) 01-23-2023 

MARILYNN A. PATERNA 

SEEKONK, MA 

WIFE OF THE LATE YNC WILLIAM JAMES PATERNA, USCG (RET) 12-18-2022 

SUN HEE (SUNNY) HAYES 

BELLINGHAM, WA 

WIFE OF PSC DENNIS HAYES, USCG (RET) 


THELMA SCHOBERT 

LANSING, MI 

WIFE OF CDR WILLIAM SCHOBERT, USCG (RET) 

12-22-2022 

DIANE G. LOCKETT 

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, CA 

WIFE OF HSCS ROBERT A. LOCKETT, USCG (RET) 

07-22-2022 

DEBORAH L. CONVERSE 

QUEENSBURY, NY 

WIFE OF CDR JAMES L. CONVERSE, USCG (RET) 

11-15-2022 

CYNTHIA MARILYN DREXLER 

PASADENA, MD 

WIFE OF DCCM ROBERT E. DREXLER, USCG (RET) 

11-23-2022 

DIANE S. JOHNSON 

HAMMOND, OR 

WIFE OF CWO3 DENNIS C. JOHNSON, USCG (RET) 

11-17-2022 

SANDY L. KLAUS 

ST. PETERSBURG, FL 

WIFE OF MCPO HARRY J. KLAUS, USCG (RET) 

08-08-2022 

ROSE M. KENNEDY 

PALM HARBOR, FL 

WIFE OF CDR JOSEPH J. KENNEDY, USCG (RET) 

12-26-2022 

BETTY “MARGIE” BLACKMAN 

MOBILE, AL 

WIFE OF DC2 ROBERT W. BLACKMAN, USCG (RET) 


SALLY ELLEN KNIGHT 

AUGUSTA, GA 

WIFE OF MK1 EDWIN KNIGHT, USCG (RET) 

12-23-2022 

CAROLYN “CAROL” E. HARRIS 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 

WIFE OF ADCM JAMES HARRIS, USCG (RET) 


LAUREN DANIELLE SEARLES 

NASHVILLE, TN 

DAUGHTER OF MCPO PAUL B. SEARLES, USCG (RET) 

05-27-2022 

VERDA OLSEN MCFARLANE 

PHILOMATH, OR 

WIFE OF CAPT JAMES MCFARLANE, USPHS (RET) 


MARIE W. GALASKE 

ENFIELD, CT 

WIFE OF LCDR THOMAS K. GALASKE, USCGR (RET) 

10-30-2022 

NINA MAY LAMB 

VANCOUVER, WA 

WIFE OF BMC DAVID WOMELSDORFF, USCG (RET) 


MAIRGREG R. LEWIS 

OCALA, FL 

WIFE OF BMC SAMUEL LEWIS, USCG (RET) 


LINDA SUE ROBACKER 

THE VILLAGES, FL 

FORMER WIFE OF THE LATE CAPT ELMER SORENSON, USCG (RET) 10-03-2022 

BRENDA MOE TARPLEY 

FREDERICK, MD 

WIFE OF CAPT THOMAS M. TARPLEY JR., USPHS (RET) 


EILEEN LOUISE MCMANIS 

DUNEDIN, FL 

WIFE OF BMCM JONATHAN D. MCMANIS, USCG (RET) 


JUDITH K. HYNSON 

COLUMBIA, SC 

WIFE OF BOSN4 EDWIN W. HYNSON, USCGR (RET) 



TAPS 


65

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION CHAPLAIN'S CORNER 

WHAT IS 

SPIRITUAL 

READINESS 

Spiritual readiness is an essential 

part of readiness, and it is the least 

understood. Unlike other readiness 

criteria such as physical training, 

spiritual readiness cannot be 

measured or quantified. This is unfortunate 

because a person’s spirituality is an intangible 

source of strength during hardships and 

trauma. The US Navy Chaplain Corps’, The 

Spiritual Readiness in the Sea Services: A 

Primer, includes this understanding of spiritual 

readiness, “Spiritual Readiness is developed 

through the pursuit of meaning, purpose, 

values, and sacrificial service. For many, it 

is inspired by their connection to the sacred 

and to a community of faith.” This description 

is understood as describing all religious 

and non-religious people. Additionally, this 

understanding of a person’s beliefs and 

values can be developed and grown through 

command Spiritual Readiness discussions. 

Being spiritually ready refers to a person’s 

adherence to their core values/beliefs and 

religious practices during their day-today 

life. This adherence gives a person an 

understanding of right and wrong while 

providing a decision-making criterion. This 

understanding of one's core values, and 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

personal beliefs have been a blind spot for 

humans. Socrates reflected upon this during 

his trial in 399 BC by saying, “The unexamined 

life is not worth living.” Often as a Chaplain 

when I have taught a core values class, I 

have seen young Service Members become 

aware of their core values for the first time. 

This lack of knowing one's values can lead 

a person to not be resilient in the face of 

tragedy and hardship. Not that they haven’t 

faced hardships before, but because they 

lack a framework (values/beliefs) in which to 

contextualize the hardships of life. Spiritual 

frameworks provide personal structures for 

the meaning of one’s life. Frameworks help 

us understand the world, and our place in it, 

and gives discipline (spiritual practice) that 

can sustain meaning. The awareness of this 

framework is lacking in many people’s lives, 

and in turn, creates a less than resilient force. 

This area of readiness is important to the 

force since it builds a sense of purpose and 

resilience in the face of hardships for the 

members. A person’s spirituality helps them 

handle life’s stressors and challenges with 

a sense of purpose. Spirituality provides 

direction and meaning in life that goes beyond 

the tangible here and now. Connecting one's 

purpose to both life and mission gives hope 

during hardships and provides thriving during 

a tragedy. This type of resilience is a safety 

factor for suicide prevention. 

Promoting Spiritual Readiness by training the 

force to be aware of their values and beliefs is a 

cheap and effective way to grow mature adults 

that can flourish through hardships. Leaders 

are ultimately the ones that create the tone 

for their subordinates. This task for leaders is 

described on page 5 of COMDTINST 3501.80, 

Coast Guard Definitions of Readiness, as, “An 

important element in maintaining the resilience 

of personnel.” Leaders that encourage spiritual 

readiness in the lives of their subordinates 

can expect to have a crew with purpose 

both for the mission at hand and for life. This 

encouragement can be done through training 

plans emphasizing self-development, and core 

values. Furthermore, this can be achieved 

through honoring the religious practices of their 

members, helping their members to create a 

personal development plan, and scheduling 

talks from the Chaplain on moral leadership 

and spirituality. Providing for our people’s 

spirituality creates both better and more aware 

people and an environment that honors the 

whole person, body, mind, and spirit. 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION CHAPLAIN'S CORNER 


67


NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM 

THE COAST GUARD CITATION 

TELLS THE STORY 

The Commandant of the United States Coast 

Guard takes great pleasure in presenting the 

Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award 

to the National Museum of Naval Aviation and 

the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. Since it 

first opened in 1962, the National Naval Aviation 

Museum has grown to be one of the largest 

aviation museums and one of the most visited 

museums in Florida. 

In 1983 the Museum opened a Coast Guard 

exhibit displaying pictures of the history of Coast 

Guard aviation and highlighting two aircraft. 

The museum staff and dedicated restoration 

personnel have since located, repaired, 

repainted, and displayed seven more Coast 

Guard aircraft. 

This group of planes is the largest museum 

display of Coast Guard equipment in the world. 

The new 10,000 square feet (about twice the 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

area of a basketball court) exhibit will have two 

Ancient Albatross trophies, hundreds of artifacts 

and models and locally developed videos 

depicting the entire 100 years of Coast Guard 

aviation history. In addition, The Naval Aviation 

Hall of Honor has inducted four Coast Guard 

aviators into its hallowed display. These exhibits 

are normally visited by over 800,000 people 

each year. The Coast Guard was privileged to 

recognize the leadership, vision, professionalism, 

and devotion to duty in preserving the history of 

Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps aviation 

personnel and equipment. The Museum and 

Foundation along with their 400 volunteers and 

other supporters are most heartily commended. 

Your efforts are in keeping with the highest 

traditions of the United States Coast Guard. 

This citation, presented on January 16, 2015, 

marked the 100th anniversary of the modern 

By Captain George E. Krietemeyer, USCG (RET.) 

U.S. COAST GUARD EXHIBIT AT NATIONAL 

NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM, PENSACOLA, FL. 

Coast Guard and the 40-year relationship 

between the US Coast Guard and the US Navy 

in developing “the largest exhibit of legacy Coast 

Guard aircraft in the world”. 

The Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl, now known 

as the Coast Guard Aviation Association, has 

supplied financial support of more than $250,000 

to start and grow this exhibit. Technical advice 

was provided by CAPT George E. Krietemeyer 

USCG (Ret.). Admission to the museum is free. 

If you would like to see a video of the Museum’s 

collection, go to YouTube and search for 

“National Naval Aviation Museums Coast Guard 

Exhibit." 

PS-Membership in the CG Aviation Association 

is open to EVERYONE. If you would like to join 

and be a PTERODACTYL supporter, go to www. 

aoptero.org/ 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM 


69

PATOS LIGHT 

UNTOLD STORY OF THE 

COAST GUARD AND 

PATOS LIGHT 

1 

In 1985, MKC Richard Staats, USCGR (Ret.), then MK1, and shipmates 

were sent to Patos Island. The small island is located less than two 

miles from Canadian waters in the far northwest Puget Sound. Patos 

was abandoned in 1974 when its lighthouse was automated. A dozen 

Reservists from the region spent two weeks ACDUTRA (full-time duty 

in the Armed Forces performed by Reserves for training purposes) 

repairing the lighthouse and demolishing structures. 

2 

CG Buoy Tender Fir (WLM-212) from Seattle transported Coasties, 

equipment, and other work party crew members assigned to Fir. 


3 

The keepers’ house was uninhabitable, so reservists pitched tents to 

live in, and active-duty troops berthed on Fir. 

4 

MK1 Staats disconnected the lighthouse’s generators, repaired the 

inside wiring, fixed its porch light, and reroofed it. 

5 

Others labored assisted to tear down surrounding structures. Their 

equipment could not demolish the sturdy foundation of the keeper’s 

house. A small bulldozer was procured and flown in by a National 

Guard Chinook helicopter. The bulldozer could not complete the 

necessary demolition; the chopper blew down the tents. 

An amusing story about a building fixture. One toilet was a fancy, low, 

one-piece. A Coastie wanted it, so it was detached and hauled toward 

the beach to await removal. It was quite heavy and took several men to 

maneuver the difficult terrain. Near the beach on a cliff, the thing took 

on a life of its own and pitched forward, breaking into several pieces, 

and then gave itself a burial at sea. Ten years later, a scuba-diving 

friend of Staats explored underwater at Patos. He was astounded to 

discover pieces of a toilet in the bay and sent a photo of it to Staats— 

who told him the story of its demise. Perhaps the toilet is still there, 

unmoved since 1985. 

6 

MKC Staats and PSCM Malland at Fir’s decommissioning in 1991. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

2 

4 

1 

3 

5 

6 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION PATOS LIGHT 


71

AUXILIARY UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS 


COAST GUARD AUXILIARY & 

AUXILIARY UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS 

You served in the United States Coast Guard. You 

are now retired and most likely involved in your 

community. The connections you have made in 

your community may be able to support Team 

Coast Guard in a time of need. The Coast Guard is 

looking for outstanding candidates to fill the ranks. 

Through your community connections, you can 

play an important role in this effort. 

• Recruiting high school or college graduates 

is critical. Recruiters are turning to their 

shipmates to assist in this endeavor, including 

retirees. You were part of a special team that 

saved lives, protected the environment, and 

made our nation safe. You have your personal 

experiences and conveying them may play 

a role in recruiting others to serve. You can 

make a difference by reaching out to schools, 

boy/girl scout units, places of worship and 

community centers. 

One unique opportunity for youth is the Coast 

Guard Auxiliary. Joining the Auxiliary can provide 

students with the opportunity to prepare for a 

Coast Guard career, either while attending high 

school or college. You must be a U.S citizen and 

at least 17 years old, to join. 

Auxiliarists earn qualifications across Coast Guard 

missions except direct law enforcement and 

military roles. Auxiliarists train and work alongside 

active duty and reserve shipmates as “force 

multipliers”. 

• High School students joining the Auxiliary may 

ignite the desire to enlist upon graduation, or 

apply to the Coast Guard Academy. 

• College students can participate through 

the Auxiliary University Program (AUP), a 

program geared to provide a pathway to 

commissioning. 

A website is in place to allow students to determine 

the closest Auxiliary Flotilla and obtain contact 

information. Here are access points. 

Auxiliary national website: http://www.cgaux.org 

Click on the "Join Us Now" and complete an online 

information form. 

"Flotilla Finder" located at: https://www.cgaux. 

org/units.php Students can enter their zip code 

and have local Flotillas listed. 

Students interested in college (not the Academy) 

can access the Auxiliary University Programs 

(AUP) and prospective students page: http:// 

www.cgauxedu.us/prospective 

We hardly need incentives to do what is right 

and proper for our Service. However, there is an 

incentive program for retirees who successfully 

provide recruits to the Coast Guard. Once a 

recruited member successfully matriculates 

to active-duty status, the person responsible 

recruitment will receive a monetary incentive. 

Information on this can be found at http://www. 

gocoastguard.com/MAX 

Auxiliary University Program students assisting with annual 

maintenance on the 36500 motor lifeboat in Chatham, MA. 

Photo: L. Goodwin 

By Commander Kevin M. Brown, USCGR (Ret.) 

Northeast Regional Council Co-Chair, Coast 

Guard National Retiree Council 

and 

Mr. Russell Gasdia 

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Branch 

Chief, Development & Outreach Auxiliary 

University Programs, Student Programs 

Directorate 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

WHAT IS YOGA? 

Yoga literally means “to yoke.” We connect the mind with the body, breath with movement, awareness 

within ourselves. Yoga may mean, look, and feel different from one person to the next. For me, it is a 

way of life that I incorporate breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement with everything I do. When 

we practice yoga, we bring awareness to the actions of our body, our speech, and our mind. 

BREATH AND MEDITATION 

In our military careers we go through a lot of 

physical training and physical stress, and 

we may hurt our bodies. How do we heal 

our bodies? (No, not with 800 mg of your 

favorite anti-inflammatory medicine.) We rest 

the part that is hurt allowing it time to heal. 

This is the same idea with our brains. When 

we experience trauma, we may replay the 

incident (or multiple incidents) over and over 

like a movie reel. How can we get that to slow 

or stop? How do we calm our minds? One way 

is through meditation. 

To begin a meditation practice, start with a 

minute or two a day. Find a space where 

you feel safe and are comfortable and take 

a moment to connect with your breath. Once 

you’ve found your spot, find stillness, close 

your eyes or gaze down softly. Then bring 

your awareness to your breath. Notice how it 

sounds in your ears as you breathe in and breathe out. Notice the physical movements of your breath. 

Where does your breath move through your torso? Do your shoulders rise and fall? Does your belly 

expand and soften? 

MOVEMENT 

YOGA AS A PATH TO WELLNESS, 

MOVEMENT, AND PEACE 

BY ALLYSON E.T. CONROY 

Allyson.E.Conroy@uscg.mil 

For a few easy movements, including those you can do from your chair, see the Coast Guard Wellness 

Wednesday Video and Allyson’s Power Point (PPT) from that video at the website links below. 

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/cg111/docs/HPM/Wellness%20 

Wednesday/Wellness%20Wednesday%202-20230125_145926-Meeting%20Recording. 

mp4?ver=1osfRhKIOXg8nQNqSWeK3A%3d%3d 

PPT: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/cg111/docs/HPM/Wellness%20Wednesday%20 

Yoga.pdf?ver=AR43C5O8rDnIShGvjzV--g%3d%3d 

After an easy flow, take an easy seat, come back to your breath for one more moment of stillness to fully 

take in the benefits of your movement. 

About the author: Allyson has been practicing yoga for nearly 25 years and teaching yoga for the past 

three years both virtually and in person. She has more than 1,000 hours of training to include children’s 

yoga, yin yoga, power vinyasa, and trauma informed yoga. 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION YOGA 


73

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION HEALTH RECORDS 

HEALTH RECORDS DIGITIZATION 

UPDATES 

Exciting changes have occurred within the 

Coast Guard medical community in the past 

couple of years. The Coast Guard successfully 

implemented an electronic health record, MHS 

Genesis, in 2021. In January 2022, in response 

to NARA ceasing to process health records, 

the Coast Guard implemented a contract to 

digitize paper health records to ensure prompt 

availability of the record to the Department of 

Veterans Affairs (VA) once a member retires. 

Please note that a member's health record 

is the property of the U.S. Government. The 

Coast Guard is congressionally mandated to 

provide a copy of the health records of retired 

members to the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

To comply with this congressional mandate, 

we request that any member possessing their 

original health record return it as soon as 

possible. Even if you are currently receiving 

benefits, the Coast Guard is still required to 

provide a copy of your original health record 

to the VA, and the VA will continue to request 

it until it has been received. 

We have clarified the steps to take below. 

Please continue reading. If you retired from the 

Coast Guard, one of three scenarios pertains 

to you. 

a. You retired and left the Coast Guard 

without a copy of the health record. To 

obtain a copy of your record and form DD- 

2963, request one from your last servicing 

clinic or HSWL SC. 

b. You retired and took the original health 

record. Unfortunately, some members 

departed the Service and took the original 

health records with them. To assist you 

in correcting this discrepancy, and be 

ready for your VA claim, you must return 

the original health record to your nearest 

Coast Guard clinic or mail it to the HSWL 

SC (address provided below). Once the 

record is received, it will be digitized and 

uploaded to the electronic system for 

access by the Department of Veterans 

Affairs. 

c. You retired and took a paper or digital copy 

of the health record and the original health 

record stayed with the Coast Guard. If you 

took a paper or digital copy of your health 

record, you did the right thing. Please verify 

that your record contains form DD-2963 

which certifies your record is accurate or 

request one from HSWL SC if required. 

No further action is required if you already 

have a copy of your records and DD-2963. 

HSWL Service Center Central Records 

Processing Center contact information: 

Address: 

Commanding Officer HSWL SC 

Attn: HSWL SC CRPC 

300 E. Main Street STE 1000 

Norfolk, VA 23510-9109 

E-mail: 

D05-SMB-HWSLCentralCell@uscg.mil 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

FAQs: 

I’m retired and possess my original health record; what do I do with it? 

A: The Coast Guard (CG) is requesting retirees to return their original 

health records to the nearest CG Clinic. If you are in an area with no 

CG clinic, please mail your original record to the CG Central Records 

Processing Center via traceable means to the address below. 

Why do I need to return my original health record when the VA has already 

processed my disability claim, and I’m receiving disability payments from 

the VA? 

A: The original health record is the property of the Coast Guard, and 

the Coast Guard is congressionally mandated to provide the VA with a 

copy. The VA office uses the health records provided by the Coast Guard 

to establish service connection for any disabilities claimed. If you have 

your original health record, we request that you return it so that the Coast 

Guard can close the loop with the VA and avoid any issues establishing 

a service connection for claims. 

I have been waiting for the Coast Guard to provide my health records to 

the VA for some time. Can I check on the status? 

A: Yes, you can e-mail the Central Records Processing Center. To 

manage expectations, the likely response will be simple confirmation 

that your health record is at the contractor and in queue to be digitized 

and uploaded. 

What can I do as a member who has recently retired to properly prepare 

for filing a disability claim with the VA? 

A: Work with your servicing clinic to obtain a certified paper or digital copy 

of your health record, to include a DD-2963. 

Contact the VA for assistance with determining if you are eligible for the 

Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program or if you should submit a 

claim online or through a VA Regional Office. VA phone number is 1-800- 

827-1000, and you can complete online claims at www.va.gov 

By CWO Kelly Longstreet 

HSWL Service Center 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION HEALTH RECORDS 


75

PPC-RAS 

YOU: YOUR BEST PARTNER IN 

MANAGING YOUR ACCOUNT 

Your monthly electronic pay slip is now available in Direct Access Self-Service at: 

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

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/gp/ 

While you are logged into your account, please take a few moments to verify that all of your contact 

information is correct. The key to receiving your military retired pay and other important information 

in a timely manner is to make sure that both your mailing address and e-mail address are up to date. 


CRITICAL: The timeliness of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity starts can be delayed 

due to outdated information in Direct Access. This could —and often will—result in a delay 

in the annuity starting for your beneficiaries. 

Example: A Retiree passes away without having updated the beneficiary/ies for final pay 

or an SBP annuity. A life event may have occurred (a divorce, the death of a spouse, a 

remarriage, etc.) and the appropriate documents were not provided to PPC/RAS reflecting 

the change. The result? Potential delays in getting annuities started. 

KEY: Any time you update DEERS, please ALWAYS update your USCG Direct Access 

Self-Service account as well. It is a simple but vital step to ensure that your final wishes 

will be followed in a timely manner. 

If you have questions or need any assistance, please contact 

us at PPC’s Customer Care phone line at (866) 772-8724. 


THE LONG BLUE LINE

NDAA 2023 SURVIVOR BENEFIT 

PLAN (SBP) OPEN SEASON 

Congress recently provided for a SBP Open Season as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization 

Act (NDAA). The SBP Open Season began on December 23, 2022 and ends on January 1, 2024. 

The SBP Open Season allows for retirees receiving retired pay, eligible members, or former members 

awaiting retired pay who are currently NOT enrolled in SBP or RCSBP (Reserve Component Survivor 

Benefit Plan) to enroll. For a member who enrolls during the SBP Open Season, the law generally requires 

that the member will be responsible to pay retroactive SBP premium costs that would have been paid if 

the member had enrolled at retirement (or enrolled at another earlier date, depending on the member’s 

family circumstances). 

The SBP Open Season also allows eligible members and former members who are currently enrolled 

in either SBP or RCSBP to permanently discontinue their SBP coverage. The law generally requires the 

covered beneficiaries to concur in writing with the election to discontinue. Previously paid premiums 

will not be refunded. 

You may have many additional questions about the SBP Open Season. Please visit the PPC/RAS website: 

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/ 

This contains questions and answers as well as the forms necessary to begin or discontinue coverage. 

U.S. COAST GUARD RETIREE INFORMATION PPC-RAS 


77

OTHER IMPORTANT RESOURCES 


1 

2 

3 

4 

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 

SELF- 

SERVE 

EMAIL 

POSTAL 

MAIL 

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; and 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): 

• NEW – View/Download Verification of Military Pay Award Letter 

• View/Change EFT/Direct Deposit 

• View/Download Payslips. 

• View/Change Federal & State Tax Withholding (W-4) 

• View/Change Voluntary Deductions 

• View/Change Beneficiaries for Unpaid Retired Pay (Form CG- 

3600) 

• View/Download Year End Forms (1099R, ACA) – And choose 

to receive only electronic tax forms or also via U.S. Postal Service 

mail. 

• View/Change Mailing Address – PPC uses your mailing address 

to mail payroll and tax documents and other communications. 

• View/Change Email Address – Your email address is used to 

email regular information of importance/interest. 

• View/Change Phone Numbers – Your phone number may be 

used to contact you regarding important, time-sensitive matters. 

Address: ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil 

Email us: Send us questions or requests (they all get tracked), submit 

forms, avoid having to call, avoid having to wait for your mailed 

documents to be delivered to us, and submit W4s for Federal tax 

updates not made in DA. 

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 5th District Legal: 757-295-2308 

7th District Legal: 305-415-6949 8th District Legal: 504-671-2038 



17th District Legal: 907-463-2050 

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 

79


CG NATIONAL RETIREE COUNCIL / 

REGIONAL RETIREE COUNCILS & CO-CHAIRS 

CGNRC CO-CHAIRS 

CAPITAL AREA 

CENTRAL GULF COAST 

(MOBILE) 

CHARLESTON 

RADM Jeff Hathaway 

Hathaway.CGNRC@aol.com 

MCPO LLOYD PIERCE 

cgsilverancientmariner11@outlook.com 

David Bernstein 

dberns01@gmail.com 

PSC John Milkiewisz 

locke45@hotmail.com 

Terry Gilbreath 

tgilbreath@asdd.com 

Charlie Womack 

chwomack@gmail.com 

Ray Bryant 

basecharlestonrrc@gmail.com 

Timothy Schneider 

basecharlestonrrc@gmail.com 

NEW ORLEANS 

NORTH EAST 

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

NORTHWEST 

Jim Montgomery 

jamesmontgomery@usa.net 

Paul Sibenkittel 

psiebenkittel@netzero.com 

Kevin Brown 

CGRetireeNorthEast@gmail.com 

Thomas Hall 

tadahall@msn.com 

David Swanson 

ddswanson@msn.com 

RADM Bert Kinghorn 

CoChairs@cgretirenw.org 

LCDR Phil Johnson 

CoChairs@cgretirenw.org 

CLEVELAND 

Bill Schmidt 

William.A.Schmidt@uscg.mil 

PENSACOLA, FL & 

BALDWIN COUNTY, AL 

Cody Brazier 

brazier6@gmail.com 

Jeff Rosenberg 

cg.rrc.pns@gmail.com 

EAST CENTRAL FL 

Jim Reynolds 

james.reynolds.cg@gmail.com 

Ted Stacy 

cystacy@gmail.com 

SAN JUAN, PR 

Arturo Aviles 

araviles@aol.com 

James Davidson 

jimdavidson11@hotmail.com 


FIRST CG RETIREES 

JACKSONVILLE 

HAWAII 

KODIAK 

MIAMI 

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 

SECTOR OHIO VALLEY 

ST. LOUIS 

TAMPA BAY AREA 

YORKTOWN 

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 785-339-2200, or by sending an e-mail to PPC-DG- 

CustomerCare@uscg.mil. 

James Armstrong 

James.S.Armstrong@uscg.mil 

Gerald Nauert 

gnauert@oldhamcountyky.gov 

Keith Livingstone 

bassbolt@yahoo.com 

Becky Livingstone 

rebalivingstone@att.net 

Don Goldstein 

DGoldstein1@tampabay.rr.com 

LeRoy Dennison 

LeRoy@dennison.com 

Al Buechler 

abuechler1@cox.net 

David Bunch 

dcbunch52@verizon.net 

Recouncil@TCYYorktown.ucg.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 

Commercial: (785) 339-2200 

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 

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

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

Income Tax Withholding Changes 

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 

Commercial: (785) 339-2200 

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 



81



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 

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 

(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 

Additional Important Number and Websites 

Final Active Duty Pay 

1-866-772-8724 

Overseas 

(785) 339-2200 

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 

Overseas 

(785) 339-2200 

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-service-records 

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/marinermedals 

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 

(202) 475-5381 

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/ 



83

The Long Blue Line (Spring 2023)

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?