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26 Aug 2021

US Coast Guard Commissions New Unit in Paducah, Ky.

The crew of Station Paducah stand in front of a 29-foot Response Boat-Small II boat at the station commissioning, Aug. 26, 2021 held in Paducah, Ky. Station Paducah is the third of five new Coast Guard stations to be commissioned in the Coast Guard 8th District Western Rivers Sectors. (Photo: Jonathan Lally / U.S. Coast Guard)

The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned a new station, Coast Guard Station Paducah, during a ceremony held Thursday at the Carson Center in Paducah, Ky.Presiding over the ceremony was Capt. Amy Beach, commander of Sector Ohio River Valley. Station Paducah’s officer in charge is Chief Petty Officer Michael Sheahan.The station is responsible for search and rescue, recreational boating safety, ports, waterways, flood response, and coastal security. The station's area of responsibility ranges from mile marker 867 to mile marker 981 on the Ohio River…

30 Jul 2021

PHOTO: U.S. Coast Guard Commissions Three New Cutters in Guam

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Magee/Released

The U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday commissioned three new Fast Response Cutters at a ceremony presided over by Adm. Karl Schultz, the Coast Guard’s commandant.The Coast Guard Cutters Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139), Oliver Henry (WPC 1140)  and Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) were commissioned during what the USCG said was a rare triple-commissioning ceremony at the new homeport at Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam. Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the North Pacific Ocean.Named after Coast Guard enlisted heroes…

05 Feb 2021

China's Latest Weapon Against Taiwan: The Sand Dredger

© Frank / Adobe Stock

Taiwanese coast guard commander Lin Chie-ming is on the frontline of a new type of warfare that China is waging against Taiwan. China’s weapon? Sand.On a chilly morning in late January, Lin, clad in an orange uniform, stood on the rolling deck of his boat as it patrolled in choppy waters off the Taiwan-run Matsu Islands. A few kilometers away, the Chinese coast was faintly visible from Lin’s boat. He was on the lookout for Chinese sand-dredging ships encroaching on waters controlled by Taiwan.The Chinese goal…

14 Dec 2020

Taiwan Commissions New Coast Guard Ships

© bilalulker / Adobe Stock

Taiwan commissioned the first of a new fleet of coastguard ships on Friday, an advanced catamaran that can be armed with missiles during war, as the island bolsters its defenses in the face of what it sees as a growing threat from Beijing.President Tsai Ing-wen has made military modernization a priority for the Chinese-claimed island. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.Attending the commissioning of the domestically made, T$1.05 billion ($37.30 million) Anping in the southern city of Kaohsiung…

21 Feb 2019

New Coast Guard Command Center in Maine

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Hupp

Coast Guard Sector Northern New England officially opened a new 24-hour command center Wednesday in South Portland, Maine.Sen. Susan Collins, Atlantic Area Commander Vice Adm. Scott Buschman, and First District Commander Rear Adm. Andrew Tiongson were all on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The command center is the hub for all Coast Guard operations across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of New York. Located at Coast Guard Base South Portland, the command center's exterior remained the same, but the interior is completely new.

27 Dec 2018

Third Party Oversight

File Image: the El Faro's VDR as it looked installed on the vessel.

... one year after the commandant’s Final Action Memo on the El Faro sinking.“… the Coast Guard is ultimately responsible to monitor the performance of third parties that perform delegated functions and also to guarantee the effectiveness of vessel inspections and surveys. Yet the Coast Guard failed to adequately oversee the third party in this case, and the investigation reveals that the Coast Guard has not sustained the proficiency and policy framework to do so in general. The…

21 Sep 2018

NOSAC Meeting Highlights

Representatives from the Coast Guard, offshore oil and gas industries, recognized organizations and numerous industry associations attended the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee semi-annual public meeting in Houston, Texas Sept 11, 2018.Rear Adm. John Nadeau, assistant commandant for prevention policy, attended the meeting and discussed with the Committee the new Coast Guard commandant’s strategic vision for the service as well as the reorganization within the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance to put an increased emphasis on Third Party Organization oversight.During the meeting, the Committee heard presentations and discussions on the progress of a variety of issues, including reports and recommendations stemming from the Subcommittees’ deliberations.

25 Jun 2018

Vard to Build Three Coast Guard Vessels for NDMA

Coast Guard Vessels (Photo: Vard)

Vard Holdings Limited  won a contract to build three coast guard vessels for the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA) in Norway. The value of the contract exceeds $616.5m.The Norwegian Government had originally announced plans for the construction of three new coast guard vessels in September 2016. Following review of offers from three competing yards, Vard Langsten was selected to continue negotiations in October 2017. The investments were approved by the Norwegian Parliament in the beginning of June 2018…

23 Jan 2018

State of the US Passenger Vessel Industry

Rip Van Winkle, Hudson River Cruises, Kingston, N.Y.

PVA president Jeff Whitaker in December weighed in on his year as head of the nation’s passenger vessel advocacy group, where we are headed next, and what it will take to get there. The U.S. passenger vessel industry is looking forward to continued growth in the coming months. The past year was witness to solid economic conditions in the U.S., which added fuel to an already strong travel and tourism market, underpinning much of the U.S. passenger vessel industry. Ferry ridership continued to be strong with ferry systems in the Northeast…

13 Oct 2017

Vard to Negotiate for Three Coast Guard Vessels for Norway

Ship designer and builder Vard Holdings Limited announced that it has been invited to continue negotiations for the construction of three new vessels for the Norwegian Coast Guard. The Norwegian Government had originally announced plans for the construction of three new Coast Guard vessels in September 2016. Following review of offers from three competing yards, Vard Langsten has now been selected to continue negotiations. If the negotiations are successful, according to the Government’s timetable, the project shall be tabled for approval by the Norwegian Parliament in 2018. Delivery of the first vessel would be in 2022.

27 Jan 2017

Insights: Margo Marks -President, Beaver Island Boat Company

Margo S. Marks

Margo S. Marks is President/General Manager of Beaver Island Boat Company, Beaver Island, Mich. The company has provided passenger, vehicle and freight services, between Beaver Island and Charlevoix, Mich. since 1984. The first ferry service to the island began in 1890. B.I. Boat Company operates two subchapter K vessels with a capacity of up to 294 passengers and 16 vehicles on the larger vessel, and 172 passengers and 9 vehicles on the smaller vessel. Notably, Margo has deep roots in the Gresat Lakes community and graduated from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in 1983…

20 Aug 2015

Cutter Eagle Sails Into Portsmouth, VA

The U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle sailed into Portsmouth Wednesday on its yearly tour of ports. The Eagle will be available for free public tours Thursday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m, moored across from Portsmouth City Hall. Representatives from the U.S. Postal Service will have the new Coast Guard Forever Stamp available and offer a special cancellation on the pier from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. At 295 feet in length, the Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the stars and stripes and the only active square-rigger in U.S. government service.

17 Mar 2015

Bow Thrusters Ordered for New NYC Ferries

Photo courtesy of WESMAR

WESMAR (Western Marine Electronics) announced that its heavy duty Bow Thrusters have been selected for three new 165-foot, 600-passenger excursion and sightseeing ferries operated by Circle Line Cruises, the New York City sightseeing company. Circle Line Cruises made the announcement in January as part of its 70th Anniversary celebration. They currently operate a dozen boats in New York Harbor and move more people in the city than anyone else, including thousands of school children and visitors from all around the world.

24 Sep 2014

Is the US Prepared to Protect Its Arctic Interests?

The answer to this question is a resounding “no.” The U.S. is not prepared to protect its interests in the Arctic over the next decade. The primary legal regime that is being relied upon by all members of the Arctic fraternity, the Law of the Sea Convention, has not been adopted by the U.S. The operational resources needed to pursue our interests have not been funded and there is currently little prospect that they will be funded in the near future. U.S. interests in the Arctic are vast.

18 Aug 2014

New Fairport Coast Guard Facility Opened

The Coast Guard says it has held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a new building at Station Fairport located in Grand River, Ohio. The new 18,000 square foot station building meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards and includes a modern command center, administrative offices, and training, dining and berthing spaces. Attending the ceremony were: Rear Adm. Fred Midgette, commander of the Coast Guard 9th District, Congressman Dave Joyce and many other state and local partners in the area. An attached boat maintenance facility and travel lift can fit the station’s largest boat. Newly-dredged boat moorings feature updated refueling facilities. The project includes upgraded security fencing, lighting, paving and landscaping.

11 Aug 2014

Cutter Vigorous Arrives at New Home Port

(U.S. Coast Guard photo by 2nd Class Walter Shinn)

Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous marked its official arrival at its new homeport at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Friday. Vigorous is the first of two Medium Endurance Cutters from Cape May, New Jersey to be relocated to Little Creek. The Coast Guard Cutter Dependable is scheduled to arrive in 2015. “Cape May was a wonderful home for Vigorous over the past 21 years and we thank the community for its steadfast support,” said Cmdr. Terry Johns, Vigorous commanding officer.

30 May 2014

Zukunft Relieves Papp As New Coast Guard Commandant

Adm. Paul Zukunft speaks during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington May 30, 2014. Zukunft relieved Adm. Bob Papp to become the 25th commandant of the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick

Adm. Paul F. Zukunft assumed command as the 25th commandant of the Coast Guard today, relieving Adm. Bob Papp during a military ceremony at the Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building. “Adm. Papp’s leadership and resolve have left an indelible mark on the service,” said Zukunft. “To the men and women of the Coast Guard, I'm humbled to stand before you as your 25th Commandant," said Zukunft. Adm. Zukunft reports to Coast Guard Headquarters from Alameda, Calif., where he served as the Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander since 2012.

24 Apr 2014

Coast Guard groundbreaking ceremony recogizes new support facility

Representatives from the 14th Coast Guard District, Coast Guard Base Honolulu and Mortenson Federal Contracting Group participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new building at Coast Guard Base Honolulu to support the 2017 arrival of the Coast Guard's new Fast Response Cutters, Wednesday. Remarks were presented by Capt. Patrick McElligatt, Coast Guard Base Honolulu commanding officer, Shawn Hamamoto, representing Mayor Caldwell’s office, and Kahu Bill Kaina. The site was then blessed by a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony. The building will provide maintenance and logistics support for the cutters, which are scheduled to replace the aging fleet of 110-foot patrol boats currently serving the Pacific region.

09 Jan 2014

Dublin Coast Guard to Launch New Helicopter

The Irish Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar, will officially launch the new Coast Guard helicopter for the East Coast region next Monday, January 13 at Dublin Weston Airport. This will complete the upgrading of the Coast Guard’s search & rescue helicopter fleet from Sikorsky S61 to S92 craft.

13 Jan 2014

Irish Coast Guard Upgrades Entire Helicopter Fleet

Photo: Irish COast Guard

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar officially launched the Coast Guard’s new state-of-the-art S92 search and rescue helicopter for the Dublin region in Weston Airport. This is the fourth Sikorsky S92 helicopter base to come into operation for the Coast Guard and means all four Coast Guard bases now have upgraded helicopters. The new S92 helicopters replace the Sikorsky S61 which was in use until recently at the Coast Guard bases in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford.

18 Mar 2014

The Thad Allen No-Frills Leadership Primer

FEMA Urban Search and Rescue task forces continue search operations Sept. 6, 2005, into New Orleans neighborhoods flooded by Hurricane Katrina. The US Coast Guard helped the operations by providing boats. Credit: Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

Every year there are countless books written about leadership and management, supplemented by a mountain of similarly themed magazine articles and scholarly treatises, eagerly snapped up by legions of wanna-be bosses and officers. As a culture, we are obsessed with leadership, especially leaders as heroic figures, and we are constantly seeking the right formula to make us so. But all those would-be captains of industry – and the oceans – might find it a lot easier to step away from the stacks and take a page from a leader extraordinaire…

21 Mar 2014

Seychelles CG Cadets Enter Seamanship Training

Photo: Seychelles Coast Guard

On Friday, March 21, 17 trainees who are part of the Basic Training Program for the Seychelles Coast Guard received training in seamanship skills on board the Dutch warship, HNLMS Evertsen, operating under NATO Ocean Shield Task Force 508. The Basic Training Program for the Seychelles Coast Guard is a 27 week program for new trainees that have been developed by the Coast Guard and EUCAP Nestor. The program is also supported by other international partners such as Operation Ocean Shield.

28 Mar 2014

Varadkar Opens Killybegs Coast Guard Station

Irish Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has today opened the newly-built Coast Guard Station in Killybegs which provides the voluntary crew with top-class accommodation and training facilities. It’s the third new Coast Guard building opened by Minister Varadkar since the election, and a fourth new premises will open at Doolin in the next few months. Minister Varadkar is hoping to open at least one new Coast Guard facility every year for the life-saving Coast Guard volunteers. Minister Varadkar also confirmed that the Coast Guard has commenced a new round of recruitment for radio officers for its three monitoring stations in Dublin, Valentia and Malin.