Topic: Coast Guard Heroes and Notables

[oldcoastie6468]

Glad that went well.

Imagine MY relief!   

[oldcoastie6468]

A ‘tower of strength’
Posted by LT Stephanie Young, Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Around 1 a.m. on Feb. 3, 1943, German submarine U-223 torpedoed the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester, which carried more than 900 troops, civilian contractors and crew, off the coast of Greenland. Coast Guard Cutter Comanche served as one of the escorts for Dorchester and the Coast Guard crew began to search for survivors in the water.



Stewards-Mate 1st Class Charles David Jr. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The temperature was below freezing, with sea spray icing Comanche’s decks and superstructure. Many of the survivors who were in the water were already lifeless, but lookouts spotted lifeboats full of survivors. Comanche crewmembers took action and one of the men who volunteered to dive into the treacherous, North Atlantic waters was Stewards-Mate 1st Class Charles David Jr.

David was hypothermic from his heroic efforts to save Dorchester’s survivors. Tragically, he contracted pneumonia and succumbed to his illness.

Storekeeper 1st Class Dick Swanson, a crewmember aboard the Comanche, later described David as a “tower of strength” for his actions that day. It was a natural way to describe David, who was well over six-feet tall and 220 pounds. But it wasn’t David’s height Swanson was alluding to; it was his strength of character.

This force of strength will live on in the Coast Guard’s newest ship, Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. The newly commissioned cutter is the service’s seventh fast response cutter and first to be homeported in Key West, Fla.

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Vincent Patton served as the eighth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard from May 1998 to October 2002. He attended the ceremony as the invocation chaplain for the commissioning.

Patton described the honor of meeting Sharon David, Charles David Jr.’s granddaughter and ship’s sponsor; former crewmember Swanson; and family members of those David rescued, including the executive officer of Comanche.

“It was spiritually emotional knowing that the descendants of the executive officer were present, as had it not been for David, they themselves would not have been born, not to mention countless others who were rescued by David,” said Patton.

As part of the ceremony, Swanson spoke to the attendees about David and how he seemed to be “something of a superman” as he dove into the Atlantic too many times to count, bringing in survivors.

“It was just emotionally stunning to hear about it, and to glance at the cutter numerous times with pride and honor to Charles David Jr.,” said Patton.

With 1.8 million square nautical miles of ocean in the 7th Coast Guard District, the crew of Cutter Charles David Jr. is ready to save lives and live up to the service’s core values, just as their cutter’s namesake did. They are ready to be that tower of strength.

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2013/11/a-tower-of-strength/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCoastGuardCompass+%28The+Coast+Guard+Compass%29

[KittenClaws]

Beautiful ship. Beautiful story.

[richb]

I sure wish they would name more Navy and Coast Guard ships after people like Charles David Jr.’s and less of them after politicians.   

[LadyVirginia]

I sure wish they would name more Navy and Coast Guard ships after people like Charles David Jr.’s and less of them after politicians.

 

[oldcoastie6468]

I sure wish they would name more Navy and Coast Guard ships after people like Charles David Jr.’s and less of them after politicians.

Like the USS CESAR CHAVEZ? Or the much desired by queers in San Fagcisco USS HARVEY MILK?

Are you a bigot or a racist?    

[Libertas]

I sure wish they would name more Navy and Coast Guard ships after people like Charles David Jr.’s and less of them after politicians.

Like the USS CESAR CHAVEZ? Or the much desired by queers in San Fagcisco USS HARVEY MILK?

Are you a bigot or a racist?    

Neither racist or bigot...well maybe the latter, I am extremely anti-asshole!  And Harvey Milk sure fits that description!  What a disgrace to name a ship after that crap!  All hands should refuse to board it and instead tow it out to sea and scuttle it!

[oldcoastie6468]

I sure wish they would name more Navy and Coast Guard ships after people like Charles David Jr.’s and less of them after politicians.

Like the USS CESAR CHAVEZ? Or the much desired by queers in San Fagcisco USS HARVEY MILK?

Are you a bigot or a racist?    

Neither racist or bigot...well maybe the latter, I am extremely anti-asshole!  And Harvey Milk sure fits that description!  What a disgrace to name a ship after that crap!  All hands should refuse to board it and instead tow it out to sea and scuttle it!

Maybe it'd be a ship manned/womaned/who knows what by only such people. I cannot fathom any true sailor wanting to serve on a ship with that name.

As for the CHAVEZ, I'd be insulted to be assigned to that ship, would not report aboard, and would be court martialed. But I would not serve on that vessel. Period.

[Libertas]

I sure wish they would name more Navy and Coast Guard ships after people like Charles David Jr.’s and less of them after politicians.

Like the USS CESAR CHAVEZ? Or the much desired by queers in San Fagcisco USS HARVEY MILK?

Are you a bigot or a racist?    

Neither racist or bigot...well maybe the latter, I am extremely anti-asshole!  And Harvey Milk sure fits that description!  What a disgrace to name a ship after that crap!  All hands should refuse to board it and instead tow it out to sea and scuttle it!

Maybe it'd be a ship manned/womaned/who knows what by only such people. I cannot fathom any true sailor wanting to serve on a ship with that name.

As for the CHAVEZ, I'd be insulted to be assigned to that ship, would not report aboard, and would be court martialed. But I would not serve on that vessel. Period.

We're too old school I guess...and if you told me that 30-40 years ago I would have laughed in your face...

[oldcoastie6468]

Shipmate of the Week – BMC Jay McChesney
Posted by LT Stephanie Young, Friday, November 29, 2013

Written by Petty Officer 1st Class Nick Ameen and Petty Officer 3rd Class Cynthia Oldham.

Coast Guard reservists are required to serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year. One New Jersey-based reservist is devoted to saving lives, in and out of military uniform.

Chief Petty Officer Jay McChesney, a reservist from Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet, N.J., is a qualified coxswain and a registered nurse.

Aside from being a coxswain, McChesney is a boarding team member, boarding officer, station emergency medical technician and the unit’s senior enlisted reserve adviser.

“I have about 16 people in my charge and I handle all aspects of their care – family issues, medical, dental – and ensure they are up to speed with insurance,” said McChesney. “ I still manage to get underway and be a coxswain so I am still fully certified. Not bad for an old man!”

As a reservist, McChesney’s many duties at the station are a part-time job. McChesney works full time at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. He started his career at the hospital working as an emergency room nurse. Now, a member of the hospital’s special procedures unit, McChesney manages critical situations and specializes in patient care.

“Jay’s military and emergency room background make him a tremendous asset to our department,” said Amy Jablonski, Special Procedures operations manager. “He manages critical situations with ease and is a resource of knowledge for other staff members.”

Jablonski says McChesney puts everyone around him at ease with his ability to relate to patients and use humor in difficult situations.

“He is dedicated, compassionate and highly skilled. I feel privileged to work with him,” she added.

In addition to his commitment to the Coast Guard station and the hospital, McChesney also works part time as a flight nurse for Atlantic Health at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, N.J.

“I work in the northern part of the state and fly up there basically every Friday,” said McChesney. “That is a completely separate job.”

McChesney is no stranger to in-flight patient care. He started his Coast Guard service as an active duty member who eventually became a helicopter rescue swimmer. McChesney said serving as a rescue swimmer provided great experience for a flight nurse because of his familiarity of working in an aircraft.

When McChesney left active duty in 1998 he became a reservist boatswain’s mate assigned to Station Manasquan Inlet where he moved up through the ranks and became a chief petty officer.

“I most definitely use the lessons that were taught to me by the chiefs who have come before me: take care of your people — happy workers are better producers,” said McChesney. “I learned everything in regard to leadership from the Coast Guard.”

Chief Warrant Officer Michael Mahoney, commanding officer of Station Manasquan Inlet, said McChesney is a highly respected chief petty officer and an invaluable asset.

“Chief McChesney’s attitude and outstanding work ethic is the driving force behind so many of Station Manasquan Inlet’s reserve members certifying in their respective boat crew and law enforcement positions,” said Mahoney. “As the unit’s [senior enlisted reserve adviser], he is an important link between the station command, reserve members and Sector Delaware Bay.”

Mahoney also praised McChesney for how well he mentors junior Coast Guard men and women.

Recently, a junior member from the station, Fireman Christopher Demaree, was diagnosed with leukemia and was admitted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Although Demaree was not under McChesney’s direct care, McChesney made a point to visit him when he could and reiterate he was there for him, for anything, anytime.

Mahoney said it was invaluable knowing one of his own was watching over Demaree.

Demaree has since received a bone marrow transplant and is recovering at home.

Whether he is responding to a Coast Guard search and rescue case, or helping a patient in the hospital or during a flight, McChesney is devoted to helping others.

“I just want to make sure the patient gets taken care of,” said McChesney. “I want to make sure today is OK. That is my whole goal as a nurse. I can’t control what happens tomorrow, I can’t control what happens the next day, but when you’re with me I am going to take care of you.”

  

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2013/11/shipmate-of-the-week-bmc-jay-mcchesney/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCoastGuardCompass+%28The+Coast+Guard+Compass%29#sthash.YlsJ8ANA.dpuf

[Libertas]

Chiefs, like their NCO brothers-in-arms in others services, are the backbone of any properly maintained and functioning unit! 

[oldcoastie6468]

Chiefs, like their NCO brothers-in-arms in others services, are the backbone of any properly maintained and functioning unit! 

Without the E-6 and above noncoms, all the services would collapse.

[AlanS]

 

[oldcoastie6468]

Coast Guard Heroes: Winslow W. Griesser
Posted by LT Stephanie Young, Tuesday, January 14, 2014

The Coast Guard Compass was proud to unveil the first 14 heroes the service’s new fast response cutters would be named for and we are even prouder to share the next 10 names with you in a continuation of our Coast Guard Heroes series. Over the next two weeks we’ll be sharing profiles of the namesakes of the Coast Guard’s fast response cutters, from legends of the U.S. Life-Saving Service to courageous men who served during the Vietnam War. Today, we share with you the story of Keeper Winslow W. Griesser.




Buffalo Life-Saving Station in 1918. U.S. Coast Guard photo.


Written by Christopher Havern.

On Nov. 21, 1900, two large scows broke from their moorings some 3 miles southwest of the Buffalo Life-Saving Station in New York; the scows, a type of flat-bottomed boat, drifted toward the breakers. The station’s surfmen saw this from the lookout tower and promptly launched the lifeboat, with Winslow W. Griesser, keeper of the station, aboard.



Winslow W. Griesser with his Gold Lifesaving Medal. U.S. Coast Guard photo..

A breaker caught the bow of the surfboat and threw it high into the air, pitching the boat end over end. Griesser and all but one of the crew were thrown out and had to swim to shore. Once on the beach Griesser saw that a man from one of the scows was hanging onto a pile. As use of a boat was impracticable, Griesser decided to swim out with a line accompanied by a surfman. Taking the line, the two dashed into the lake, but were thrown back onto the beach. A second attempt saw Griesser’s fellow lifesaver get injured and pushed back landward. Griesser, however, continued.

Nearing the man on the pile, Griesser threw the line to him. He told him to fasten the line around his body and to let go of the piling. The man could only secure the line to his wrist before the waves caught him and fouled the line on the piling.

After 15 minutes Griesser cleared the snarl and the man was pulled to the beach by those ashore. Griesser then swam to the beach. When he finally came ashore, he was so exhausted, he could not stand. For his heroic actions, Griesser was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal on Feb. 23, 1901.

 

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/01/coast-guard-heroes-winslow-w-griesser/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCoastGuardCompass+%28The+Coast+Guard+Compass%29

[AlanS]

A man's man.

[oldcoastie6468]

Coast Guard Heroes: Richard H. Patterson
Posted by LT Stephanie Young, Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Coast Guard Compass was proud to unveil the first 14 heroes the service’s new fast response cutters would be named for and we are even prouder to share the next 10 names with you in a continuation of our Coast Guard Heroes series. Over the next two weeks we’ll be sharing profiles of the namesakes of the Coast Guard’s fast response cutters, from legends of the U.S. Life-Saving Service to courageous men who served during the Vietnam War. Today, we share with you the story of Chief Petty Officer Richard Patterson.

Written by Christopher Havern.

On Aug. 11, 1966, Coast Guard Cutter Point Welcome was assigned to Coast Guard Squadron One, Division 12 as part of Operation Market Time, the U.S. naval campaign along the coast to interdict the maritime logistical support of communist forces in South Vietnam from North Vietnam.

While on a patrol in the waters near the mouth of the Cua Viet River, about three-quarters of a mile south of the demilitarized zone, the cutter was attacked by U.S. Air Force aircraft and repeatedly strafed. As a result, the cutter’s commanding officer, Lt. j.g. David Brostrom, along with one crewmen, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jerry Phillips, were killed. Also wounded in this friendly fire were Point Welcome’s executive officer, Lt. j.g. Ross Bell; two other crewmen, Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark D. McKenney and Fireman Houston J. Davidson; a Vietnamese liaison officer, Lt. j.g. Do Viet Vien; and a freelance journalist, Timothy J. Page.

In response, Chief Petty Officer Richard Patterson took charge of the situation. Using a fire hose he quickly extinguished a blaze that had started as a result of the strafing. Then, climbing to the bridge, he took command of the cutter. Patterson ordered crewmembers who were still capable to carry the wounded to safety below decks. Unable to evade the attacking aircraft, he ran the cutter close ashore and directed the crew to abandon ship.

Under his composed leadership, the wounded were wrapped in lifejackets and paired with the able-bodied. Patterson kept his crew calm and organized while they were in the water awaiting rescue. Along with other units, Point Caution came to the assistance of Point Welcome rescuing those in the water.

Soon thereafter Patterson and those of his crew that were not seriously wounded returned to their cutter. They then sailed Point Welcome back to Danang under her own power. The cutter was subsequently repaired and returned to service where she again served with distinction until being de-commissioned and turned over to the South Vietnamese navy.

By his calm assessment of the situation and bold action at great risk to himself, Patterson saved the cutter and the surviving crew. For this he was awarded the Bronze Star with the combat “V” device. Chief Patterson succumbed to cancer on April 12, 2010, surrounded by family and friends. His remains were scattered at sea from Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark following a memorial service at Coast Guard Station Chatham, Mass.

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/01/coast-guard-heroes-richard-h-patterson/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCoastGuardCompass+%28The+Coast+Guard+Compass%29

[Libertas]

Saving lives.   

Next round is on me!   

[Libertas]

Friendly fire, ugh!  That war was a fustercluck on so many levels.

Ashes scattered at sea...nice touch!

 

[rustybayonet]

Friendly fire, ugh!  That war was a fustercluck on so many levels.

Ashes scattered at sea...nice touch!

 

Boy are you right Libertas.  Both LBJ and McNamara sitting in DC running the war.  With McNamara having experience as a 'bean' counter with Ford Motors and a LCDR. Navy (commission gift IMO) going on one B26 mission in WWII as an observer, they thought they were pro's at running a war.  Before anything could be done, it had to be approved by them.  As far as pro's, shoot, LBJ couldn't even run to the toilet without help IMO.  Oh well I'll get of the soap box. 

[Libertas]

Friendly fire, ugh!  That war was a fustercluck on so many levels.

Ashes scattered at sea...nice touch!

 

Boy are you right Libertas.  Both LBJ and McNamara sitting in DC running the war.  With McNamara having experience as a 'bean' counter with Ford Motors and a LCDR. Navy (commission gift IMO) going on one B26 mission in WWII as an observer, they thought they were pro's at running a war.  Before anything could be done, it had to be approved by them.  As far as pro's, shoot, LBJ couldn't even run to the toilet without help IMO.  Oh well I'll get of the soap box. 

Yeah.  And poor Melvin Laird, a bright guy and product of small colleges (WI Stevens Point & Carlton) who served as an Ensign on a destroyer late in WWII and collected a Purple Heart should have known better, but by then Nixon's promise of "peace with honor" and Kissinger's legendary ego boxed in our options between bad and much much worse...and his Vietnamization plan was the best of what was left to choose from, and it may have worked had not the South been so corrupted and rife with Commie agents.  IMO Nixon should have told Kissinger to go on a world tour and stay the fukc away from me while I turn Laird and the Joint Chiefs loose to come up with  a plan to crush these bastards wherever they may be even if it means setting the whole nation on fire...but that would have been a real man's response.

At least he was successful in ending the draft, the volunteer force is always superior to a coerced force.