“US Supplying Ukraine with 23 Metal Shark Military Vessels” –Seapower

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Chuck Hill

Metal Shark “36 Fearless”

The Navy League’s on-line magazine, Seapower, reports that a plan to equip the Ukraine military with boats from Louisiana boat builder Metal Shark has been accelerated. The Program for 23 boats includes six “40 Defiant” force protection patrol boats that are included in the latest aid package. These are to followed by ten 38-foot Defiant pilothouse patrol vessels, four 38-foot Defiant center console patrol vessels, and three 36-foot Fearless high-performance military interceptor vessels.

Part of a 38 Defiant patrol boat fleet deployed in Asia. Metal Shark photo.

Metal Shark 40 Defiant

Metal Shark’s press release is quoted below.

Josh Stickles

JUNE 28TH, 2022: UNITED STATES SUPPLYING UKRAINE WITH OVER 20 METAL SHARK MILITARY VESSELS

Jeanerette, LA – June 28^th, 2022: In an effort to help Ukraine to better protect its coastline, waterways, and ports, the United States is providing the country with a range of defense articles, including 23 welded-aluminum military vessels built by Louisiana-based Metal Shark.

Last week it was announced that six US Navy Metal Shark maritime combat vessels would be sent to Ukraine as part of a $450 million security assistance package. Meanwhile, at Metal Shark’s Franklin and Jeanerette, Louisiana production facilities, production is well underway on 17 additional vessels for Ukraine, including ten 38-foot Defiant pilothouse patrol vessels, four 38-foot Defiant center console patrol vessels, and three 36-foot Fearless high-performance military interceptor vessels. Each of these vessels are proven military platforms optimized for the Ukraine mission.

The boats are being built and delivered as part of a long range foreign policy strategy years in the making, but recent events in Ukraine have caused an acceleration of the timelines. As a result, vessels will begin shipping immediately.

“Metal Shark has been working closely with the US Embassy in Kiev since 2019 to develop the strategy now being implemented to support Ukraine’s maritime capabilities, so it is fulfilling to see that the vessels will arrive when they are most needed,” said Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark’s Vice President of International Business Development. “Metal Shark provides next-generation, proven platforms to partner nations, but most importantly, we create long term partnerships with end users to train boat crews and provide seamless technical support to assure 24/7 operational readiness.”

“We have built an efficient production machine capable of delivering high quality, next-generation military vessels, faster, and at higher volume, than anyone else in the business,” said Metal Shark’s CEO Chris Allard. “Metal Shark stands ready and able to support our warfighters with game-changing lethality, delivered via conventional or unmanned platforms, anywhere in the world, whenever needed.”

Metal Shark is a diversified shipbuilder specializing in the design and construction of welded aluminum and steel vessels from 16’ to over 300’ for defense, law enforcement, and commercial operators. Key customers include the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, foreign militaries, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, passenger vessel operators, pilot associations, towboat operators, and other clients worldwide. With three fully self-contained shipbuilding facilities in Alabama and Louisiana USA plus a dedicated engineering facility in Croatia, Metal Shark’s 500+ employees produce over 200 vessels per year with a proud and proven track record of high quality, on-time deliveries. www.metalsharkboats.com

NAVCEN website upgrade streamlines access to navigation information

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Chuck Hill

The announcement below showed up on the MyCG website. I’m passing it along because hopefully some of my readers are active mariners and might find it useful.

NAVCEN products are now optimized for all of your devices including laptops, phones, and tablets. There is also no login or CAC authentication needed to access the contents. This means that whether you are on-duty underway or enjoying liberty out on the water, NAVCEN can help you stay safe and stay informed.

You can find an easily accessible “one-stop-shop” for many of the products a mariner would need on the website. These include marine safety information, such as the weekly local notice to mariners for each Coast Guard district, as well as a real-time database of broadcast notice to mariners for participating sectors. Here you can also find the annual and weekly Light Lists. This is an easy way to make sure you and your unit you are up to date on hazards to navigation in your area before you get underway.

When navigating into a waterway with a vessel traffic service (VTS), you can check our website for information about the VTS you will be entering. Using the interactive map, you can click on a VTS location to find a description of its operating area and links to its user manual and homepage (if available). We also feature a VTS quick reference guide for many of these areas.

If you need a refresher on the Navigation Rules, the NAVCEN website hosts a digital copy of the rules that includes contextual links and imagery. When studying for a new or renewal exam you can use the available digital flashcards tool to quiz yourself and enhance your learning.

The NAVCEN website offers many more features than those listed here, including information about GPS, Automatic Identification System (AIS), waterways safety analyses, and maritime telecommunications. You can also use the contact us links in the site to reach out with questions concerning many of these topics.

We encourage you to visit us at navcen.uscg.gov to get more information and see how we can assist you.

Whiskey Wars End

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Chuck Hill

MSN reports,

“Denmark and Canada have decided to formally end their “light-hearted” dispute that spanned over 50 years over an uninhabited Arctic island.”

Like King Solomon, they are going to split the baby.

“It was dubbed as “Whisky War” due to military ships visiting the island and planting flags and bottles of Canadian whiskey or Danish schnapps to mark their territory.”

Commandant’s Intent

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Chuck Hill

Cover of 2022 Commandant's Intent

The “Commandant’s Intent” has been published. It is a quick read. Don’t expect specifics, but maybe a little insight into the direction the Coast Guard will be going.

Click to access 2022-Commandant-Intent-Hi%20Res.pdf

“Atlantic Area visits Coast Guard World War II heroes in Belgium” –LANTAREA News Release

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Chuck Hill

Coast Guard manned Destroyer Escort USS Menges, victim of a German Acoustic Homing Torpedo, May, 1944

Just passing this along.

Atlantic Area visits Coast Guard World War II heroes in Belgium

Editors’ Note: To view more or download high-resolution imagery, click on the photos above.

NEUPRé, Belgium — Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and Command Master Chief Jeremy DeMello, also of Atlantic Area, with Capt. Gretchen Bailey, the new commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Activities Europe, visited the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium on Monday.

Lunday and DeMello were in Europe to oversee the transfer of command of Activities Europe from Capt. Ryan Manning to Bailey.

“Command Master Chief DeMello and I were joined by Capt. Gretchen Bailey, the new commanding officer of Activities Europe, as we rendered honors at the gravesite of Seaman Apprentice Woodrow Elaman, U.S. Coast Guard at Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium,” said Lunday. “Our Coast Guard men and women have proudly served our Nation in every war and conflict since the creation of these United States. Woodrow Elaman was from Tennessee and joined the Service in Kentucky. Even far from home all these years later, the history of his heroic sacrifice inspires us. As we visited his final resting place, we will always remember his sacrifice as part of our history and ethos.”

On May 3, 1944, the USS Menges (DE-320), an Edsall-class destroyer, was just over 15 miles astern of a convoy chasing a radar contact when it was hit at 0118 hours by a G7es acoustic torpedo from U-371. The explosion was so violent it destroyed the aft third of the ship, killing 31 men and wounding 25.

Elaman was the most junior casualty of the torpedo attack. He arrived at the Ardennes Cemetery after his death for identification. Due to the efforts of the cemetery’s identification team, his family and friends back home were given the gift of knowing where their loved one rested–a small but meaningful solace that so many others in the war never had. We thank the American Battle Monuments Commission for hosting us and their work in looking after our heroes and returning them home when appropriate.

Although nearly eight decades have passed since Woodrow Elaman lost his life in service in the Mediterranean, his shipmates have not forgotten him. U.S. Coast Guard Activities Europe members, based in the Netherlands, frequently visit. Created to help re-establish merchant shipping in Europe at the end of the Second World War, Activities Europe conducts vessel inspections, incident investigations, and international port security engagements in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

On the heels of the 78th anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy landings, June 6, it is humbling to pay our respects to the legacy of our members and their sacrifices. These actions are a legacy that lives on in our adaptability and resilience. We delivered mission excellence on D-Day as Coast Guardsmen alongside our sister services, planning the invasion, crewing the assault transport ships, and driving the LSTs seen famously in photos from Omaha Beach.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is an independent agency of the United States government that administers, operates, and maintains permanent U.S. military cemeteries, memorials, and monuments primarily outside the United States.

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and its units conduct operations around the globe, emphasizing the region from the Rocky Mountains to the Middle East. The Area is responsible for deploying U.S. Coast Guard forces to protect the homeland and mariners, supporting surge operations in crisis, building enduring relationships with regional partners, synchronizing efforts, and augmenting combatant commanders.

“Entangled 900-Pound Sea Turtle Rescued In Nantucket Harbor” –Nantucket Current

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Chuck Hill

OK, this is just a little feel good story, but a little good news may be what we need.

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention.

“Coast Guard holds change of command for husband and wife” –D13

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Chuck Hill

Capt. Breanna Knutson (left), commander, Coast Guard Sector North Bend, claps as Master Chief Scott Slade (middle) embraces his wife Chief Warrant Officer Beth Slade (right) during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Station Coos Bay in Coos Bay, Oregon, June 10, 2022. The Coast Guard spouses are both surfmen. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diolanda Caballero)

Just passing this along because it is so remarkable. Only in the Coast Guard.

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District PA Detachment Astoria

Coast Guard holds change of command for husband and wife

Editors’ Note: Click on images to download high resolution version

NORTH BEND, Ore. — Coast Guard Station Coos Bay held a change of command ceremony Friday morning at the rescue station in Charleston, Ore.

It was a unique ceremony where Master Chief Scott Slade assumed command of Station Coos Bay from his wife, Chief Warrant Officer Beth Slade.

Capt. Breanna Knutson, commander, Coast Guard Sector North Bend, presided over the event.

Master Chief Slade will now oversee the operations of the 45 crew members stationed at the rescue boat unit in Charleston. He will also oversee Station Coquille River, a seasonal station located in Bandon.

CWO Slade is slated to assume command of Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay during a ceremony scheduled later this month in Newport. Master Chief Slade was previously the Officer in Charge at Station Umpqua River in Winchester Bay.

“They are an amazing crew,” said CWO Slade. “And this was probably the easiest change of command since we are both so familiar with everyone and they already know their new commanding officer. I’m glad to be handing off such a top-notch crew because I fully believe they are at their best right now.”

Both Beth and Scott Slade enlisted in the Coast Guard nearly 25 years ago. Almost all of their time in the Coast Guard so far has been spent at units on either the Oregon or Washington Coast.

The Slade’s honed their boat-handling skills here in the Pacific Northwest and trained at the National Motor Lifeboat School at Cape Disappointment. Beth and Scott both received the distinguished title of Surfman, #321 and #324 respectively. CWO Slade received her commission as an officer in 2013.

“It’s so special to be taking over the crew from my wife,” said Master Chief Slade. “The expectation is high and the crew is ready. It’s amazing what Beth has done and built here. Sort of intimidating taking over after someone who is so squared away but I am so excited to see what the future has to offer.”

A Coast Guard rescue unit has been present in the Coos Bay area since 1878 when the first life-saving station was located at Cape Arago.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. The ceremony is conducted to formally demonstrate the continuity of authority within a U.S. military command.

RIMPAC 2022

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Chuck Hill

From RIMPAC 2018: USS Sterett (DDG-104), front, participates in a photo exercise with Chilean Frigate Almirante Lynch (FF-07), second, Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH-341), third, French Navy Floreal-class frigate FS Prairial (F-731), fourth, United States Coast Guard Cutter USCHC Bertholf (WMSL-750), fifth, the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10), sixth, and Royal Canadian Navy commercial container ship Asterix. US Navy Photo

Below is the Navy’s News Release outlining the RIMPAC 2022 exercise. The Coast Guard normally participates in this exercise. Hopefully we will hear more about the Coast Guard participation.

U.S. Navy Announces 28th RIMPAC Exercise

31 May 2022

From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO – Twenty-six nations, 38 surface ships, four submarines, nine national land forces, more than 170 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 29 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s interconnected oceans.

The theme of RIMPAC 2022 is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.” Participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as counter-piracy operations, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

This year’s exercise includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2022 will be led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, who will serve as Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Robinson will serve as deputy commander of the CTF, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Toshiyuki Hirata as the vice commander, and Fleet Marine Force will be led by U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield. Other key leaders of the multinational force will include Commodore Paul O’Grady of the Royal Australian Navy, who will command the maritime component, and Brig. Gen. Mark Goulden of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who will command the air component.

During RIMPAC, a network of capable, adaptive partners train and operate together in order to strengthen their collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. RIMPAC 2022 contributes to the increased interoperability, resiliency and agility needed by the Joint and Combined Force to deter and defeat aggression by major powers across all domains and levels of conflict.

Media interested in covering the exercise should contact the C3F Public Affairs Office at (619) 524-9868 or C3F.PAO@navy.mil. Contact information for the RIMPAC Combined Information Bureau will be made available prior to the beginning of the exercise.

D-Day, Normandy, 6 June 1944

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Chuck Hill

A convoy of Landing Craft Infantry (Large) sails across the English Channel toward the Normandy Invasion beaches on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Each of these landing craft is towing a barrage balloon for protection against low-flying German aircraft. Among the LCI(L)s present are: LCI(L)-56, at far left; LCI(L)-325; and LCI(L)-4. Photograph from the U.S. Coast Guard Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

Allied troops storm Utah Beach under heavy German artillery and machine gun fire in Normandy, France, June 6, 1944. More than 23,000 men of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division landed on Utah Beach, the westernmost of the assault beaches. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

The Normandy invasion maked an important day in the history of the World, but also in the history of the Coast Guard. If you would like to look back on this event, here are some Coast Guard stories pulled from my Heritage Page.

D-Day, 6 June 1944

U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Flotilla One at Normandy

D-Day, Normandy Remembered

The Long Blue line: “Lucky Ox”—surviving the killing fields of D-Day

LCI(L) 85: The Four- Leaf Clover

“Coast Guard veteran turns 100, reflects on ‘scary days’ and ‘unbelievable sights’ of D-Day invasion” –D8 Press Release

The Long Blue Line: Seaman First Class Fletch Burton—he went in harm’s way so others might live free

A LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) from the U.S. Coast Guard-manned USS Samuel Chase disembarks troops of Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One) wading onto the Fox Green section of Omaha Beach (Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France) on the morning of June 6, 1944. American soldiers encountered the newly formed German 352nd Division when landing. During the initial landing two-thirds of Company E became casualties.