The Marine Log is reporting the House of Representatives has passed a compromise CG Authorization and sent it back to the Senate. It looks encouraging, but this is not a budget and if sequestration goes into effect, all bets are off.
It is now 71 years since the attack. Taney, the last remaining warship that survived the attack, is a museum, and most of the men and women who experienced the attack are gone. But if you would like to learn more about what the Coast Guard was doing, I suggest a visit to the Coast Guard historian’s Pearl Harbor index.
The Acquisition Directorate (CG-9) Master Chief Ayers answered a question regarding what the CG plans to do after the MEP project is over. The longer answer is here, but this is the meat:
“With the current budgetary challenges our government is facing, I really can’t provide specific timelines other than to say that the 140-foot icebreaking tugs will be the first vessels to receive an ISVS-funded service life extension program in FY 2014-2015, at the Coast Guard Yard. The vessels that will follow the 140-footers include the 225-foot seagoing buoy tenders, Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle, the 47-foot motor lifeboats, and the 175-foot coastal buoy tenders. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to know that the purse strings will be getting tighter in the future, but we also know that the most cost-effective way to maintain a fleet of vessels is through proactive and well-planned maintenance, so our druthers is to make it happen sooner rather than later.”
Fiercehomelandsecurity, quoting a speech the Commandant made at a Navy League event, reports that despite the efforts of three Senators to delay disposal of the ship, the CG will proceed with its decision to begin scrapping the Polar Sea by the end of the year.
Update–Quoting from a lead in to a revision to the original fiercehomelandsecurity post.
“Updated Dec. 7 to reflect that the status of the Polar Sea’s hull hasn’t been determined; as a result, the Coast Guard says the word “dismantling,” rather than “scrapping” is more accurate. Also revised to include a later statement from Adm. Papp that disposition of the heavy icebreaker is under review following House passage of a bill that would place conditions on the dismantling of the ship.”
The following came to me from the Cutterman’s association via facebook:
“In lieu of flowers, the Horne family has asked money to be donated for their children’s college funds. The CG Foundation has set up a web site to accept donations for Chief Horne’s family through the Fallen Heroes Scholarship. If you would like to donate, please see the information below.
“Donate on-line:
“Under “Donation Amount”, there is a drop down box stating “where it is needed most”. Please select Fallen Heroes Scholarship.
“In memory of” box, type in Chief Terrell Horne III.
“Note: The donation web link does not work on the Coast Guard network.
“Checks:
“Checks can be sent to:
Coast Guard Foundation
394 Taugwonk Road
Stonington, CT 06378
“Checks made to the order of Coast Guard Foundation. In the remarks section on the check write “in memory of Chief Terrell Horne III”
“Phone donation:
“The Coast Guard Foundation can be contacted at 860-535-0786.
“Cards to the Horne family and the CGC HALIBUT crew can be sent to:
Commanding Officer
USCGC HALIBUT
13871 Fiji Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292-6910
Photo: Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III climbs onto the ship after conducting water survival training in this undated photograph. Horne, a boatswain’s mate, was killed Dec. 2, 2012, from injuries sustained during law enforcement operations near Santa Cruz Island, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Lt. Stewart Sibert. – See more at: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2012/12/honoring-bmcs-terrell-horne-iii/#sthash.XSMyikVM.dpuf
Coast Guard Compass is reporting the death of BMC Terrell Horne III, 34, while engaged in a law enforcement operations near Santa Cruz Island in Southern California.
BMC Horne was in USCGC Halibut’s small boat when it was rammed by a panga.
The seizure of the panga was part of a larger operation also targeting a second boat and up to six individuals. There is more info on the operation here.
This is another unfortunate reminder of how vulnerable our small boats become when they are away from the protective presence of the larger cutter.
Makes me wonder. When the panga failed to slow and turned toward the RHIB, were warning shots fired? Were they authorized? Was deadly force authorized?
Update, the boat crew did open fire on the panga and maneuvered in an attempt to avoid the collision.
Update: The LA Times is reporting the two men on the panga were captured and charged under 18USC 1114 sections 2 and 3. My interpretation is, at this point, they have been charged with manslaughter and attempted manslaughter. http://documents.latimes.com/two-men-charged-killing-coast-guard-officer/
“The Old Salt Blog” has an interesting little tidbit about regulations as applied to shipping and the way special interests still have a voice in DC. It is all about a ferry still burning coal on Lake Michigan, and its part of the CG budget process.
“Coal-ash, Earmarks and the SS Badger, National Treasure or Environmental Menace?”
Thanks to Phil for bringing this to my attention.
Report on the status of a maritime dispute after a ruling by the International Court of Justice, regarding waters where the CG might be patrolling. Colombia plans to to appeal the decision. Curious how they drew the boundaries.
Some nice graphics showing the decline of piracy in the Indian Ocean and nearby waters, showing a dramatic decline.
(You might click on the charts and enlarge in order to read them clearly.)
KTOO public radio, Gavel, Alaska has published a two part interview with Lt. Leone, done by Ed Ronco, KCAW Texas Public Radio in San Antonio. You can read them or hear them at the links below.
http://www.ktoo.org/2012/11/20/leone-cg-6017-hit-something-we-never-saw/
http://www.ktoo.org/2012/11/21/leone-a-rapid-liquid-stop/
Thanks to Ryan Erickson for bringing this to my attention.
