Petty Officer 3rd Class Abel Marquez, a crewmember at Coast Guard Sector Anchorage, Alaska, participates in firearms training on an Army simulator at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson. The laser-based simulator provides the marksman with an approximation of the weapon’s sound, weight and recoil. U.S. Coast Guard photo illustration by Petty Officer 3rd Class Meredith Manning

Coast Guard sights in on Army’s firearms simulator

Crewmembers from Coast Guard Sector Anchorage, Alaska, had the opportunity to conduct training at the Army’s firearms simulator at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Although Coast Guard members participate in similar training upon joining the Coast Guard, most units solely use live-fire ranges to practice and qualify as marksmen.


Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Warner, a rescue swimmer at Air Station Kodiak, performs an ice rescue during training at Upper 6 Mile Lake on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 17, 2016. During the training, members from Air Station Kodiak, Sector Anchorage and the National Ice Rescue School in Essexville, Michigan, worked together to perform ice rescues from an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Meredith Manning

Coast Guard rescuers train on thin ice

While ice rescue training is not unfamiliar to Coast Guard members in cold climates like Alaska, incorporating air rescue added a new element for these crews. Members from Air Station Kodiak, Sector Anchorage and the National Ice Rescue School in Essexville, Michigan, teamed up to perform ice rescues from an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter at Upper 6 Mile Lake on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. For the participating members it was an experience that brought new elements into their normal training evolutions.


Rebecca Brinkley stands with her husband Lt. Matthew Brinkley, commanding officer aboard the CGC Mustang. Rebecca was announced as Coast Guard District 17 Military Spouse of the year. U.S. Coast Guard photo

Mustang commanding officer’s wife named District 17 spouse of the year

Rebecca Brinkley married Coast Guard Lt. Matthew Brinkley in 2010. As soon as she said said ‘I do’ Rebecca dove head first into her role as a Coast Guard spouse. Her support for her husband and his unit lead to Rebecca being named the 2016 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year for Coast Guard District 17.


The Coast Guard Cutter Naushon floats just off the bottom at low tide in Ketchikan, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2012. Tidal fluctuations can exceed 22 feet in south eastern Alaksa. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Get to know your District: Coast Guard Cutter Naushon crew

The Coast Guard Cutter Naushon is a 110-foot Island-class patrol boat homeported in Ketchikan, Alaska. The Naushon has a crew of 17 members that conduct missions such as law enforcement, search and rescue, fisheries and pollution response. Meet a few of the crewmembers who serve and protect aboard the ship.


Veterans Day 2015: CWO (Ret.) Darrel Howells II

Every year on November 11, Americans honor and thank their military veterans. Veterans Day celebrates those who committed to protecting and serving their country.

Darrel Howells II made that commitment when he joined the Coast Guard in March of 1983 in Boise, Idaho.


Students warm up to cold water safety

SITKA, Alaska – Since 2007, an average of 50 drownings has occurred every year in Alaska. This is the highest rate of drownings in the country. To make a change, Sitka School District partners annually with Alaska Marine Safety Education […]