Expanding horizons for Alaska’s youth
Depending on the location and type of unit, a Coast Guardsman could be described in a variety of terms: lifesaver, law enforcer, pollution responder, aviator, teacher and so much more. Last week, as part of the Coast Guard Partnership in [...]
Coast Guard holds first Alaskan Military Women’s Symposium in Juneau
Women have been serving as part of the Coast Guard since its early days as the Lighthouse Service in the 1830s. Women now comprise 14.3 percent of the Coast Guard’s 38,000 members and women make up about 30 percent of [...]
Cutter crew completes patrol, training in Alaska winter conditions
The Coast Guard Cutter Long Island, homeported in Valdez, is one of seven 110-foot Island Class patrol boats stationed throughout Alaska. The crews’ are typically underway for a total of 185 days a year and their primary missions include search [...]
Cruise ship safety: Behind the scenes
Anyone who has sailed on a cruise ship from a U.S. port has probably noticed, aside from the luxurious exterior and dedicated service, that preparation for at-sea emergencies is taken very seriously. Lifeboats and life rafts line the sides [...]
Forward operating locations save lives
On Sept. 12, a Kodiak–based Coast Guard helicopter crew helped save the life of a fisherman suffering from heart attack symptoms in a remote area of the Bering Sea. A crucial factor in this successful operation was the availability of [...]
CGC Bertholf crosses Arctic Circle
JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf crossed into the Arctic Ocean in support of Arctic Shield approximately three weeks ago, Aug. 23, making it the first time a national security cutter has patrolled this remote region.“We are excited [...]
Deck Watch discusses new commercial fishing safety regulations
This week Deck Watch’s Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst spoke with Ken Lawrenson, 17th District commercial fishing vessel safety coordinator, about upcoming changes to the regulations for commercial the commercial fishing vessel fleet that begin to take effect Oct. [...]
Ostebo, Murkowski tour western Aleutian Islands
JUNEAU, Alaska – Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski accompanied Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, 17th Coast Guard District commander, on a tour of the western Aleutian Islands Monday and Tuesday. The visit to the remote archipelago included stops on Adak, Shemya and [...]
Deck Watch learns about gold dredge safety in Nome
Early this month examiners from Coast Guard Sector Anchorage inspected the Nome-based gold dredge fleet in an effort to increase safety aboard these small vessels. This week Deck Watch talks with Lt. William Albright, who conducted many of the exams. [...]
Coast Guard Forces Valdez hosts AVV Chugach Challenge Day Camp
by Lt. Allison Ferko In July, Coast Guard Forces Valdez hosted the AVV Chugach Challenge Day Camp during a fun filled afternoon in the sun. Campers learned about the Coast Guard’s role in keeping our community and the boating public [...]
