A Week In The Life of the U.S. Coast Guard

[Elessar]

5 links here and some really good info for those that do not know us:

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-tuesday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-wednesday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-thursday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-friday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-saturday-and-sunday/

[Gunny]

5 links here and some really good info for those that do not know us:

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-tuesday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-wednesday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-thursday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-friday/

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/week-in-the-life-of-the-coast-guard-2017-saturday-and-sunday/

Do y'all have good chow? I never got good chow until I made Gunny and got to use the Chief's Mess. We were always bouncing all over the place when I was on frigates. Had to hold on to that coffee tight. Yiu might can dump my eggs but steer this thing with the damned wind while I drink my damned coffee.:coffee:

[Elessar]

Do y'all have good chow? I never got good chow until I made Gunny and got to use the Chief's Mess. We were always bouncing all over the place when I was on frigates. Had to hold on to that coffee tight. Yiu might can dump my eggs but steer this thing with the damned wind while I drink my damned coffee.:coffee:

Aye....very good chow.

But on the ship we head a sadistic head cook who, on the first day underway, featured greasy entree's.
Guaranteed to make folks seasick who were prone to that.

[Gunny]

Aye....very good chow.

But on the ship we head a sadistic head cook who, on the first day underway, featured greasy entree's.
Guaranteed to make folks seasick who were prone to that.

Sounds about right.:laugh: I was just curious because I've never been on a cutter. I have no idea what y'all's scheduling is like. We went out for weeks and months. I kinda figured y'all hit port a lot more than we did. I always loved the first 10 days on float. Talk about a ghost town.:laugh2: The galley and gym were MINE. Lots of green people laying around. The troops would try to make fun of me for taking dramamine and I was like .... who's as green as Gumby laying the rack and who's running around all over the boat? I've been deep sea fishing since I was a kid. I got seasick once, Might of had something to do with us cracking those Bush's open at 4 AM. But I said never again to this.

[Bilgerat]

Aye....very good chow.

But on the ship we head a sadistic head cook who, on the first day underway, featured greasy entree's.
Guaranteed to make folks seasick who were prone to that.


I remember the first breakfast on the Sherman. I watched the eggs (supposed to be over easy) slide from one side of the flat-top to the other during the rolls.

My guess, the cook was trying to make us feel bad, but I had more than a few years as stern-man on a lobster boat. There was no way the smell coming out of the galley was gonna be worse then the smell of the gurry we used as bait :laugh:

[Gunny]

I remember the first breakfast on the Sherman. I watched the eggs (supposed to be over easy) slide from one side of the flat-top to the other during the rolls.

My guess, the cook was trying to make us feel bad, but I had more than a few years as stern-man on a lobster boat. There was no way the smell coming out of the galley was gonna be worse then the smell of the gurry we used as bait :laugh:

How big are y'all"s boats?

[Elessar]

How big are y'all"s boats?

Sherman is 378 feet long, 36 feet abeam.

Mine, Venturous is 210 feet long, 34 abeam.

The new security cutters are 427 feet, not sure of the beam, but look to be 50.
Polar icebreakers are 399 feet, about 50 abeam.
Newer icebreaker Healey is 425 feet =+/- and a beam of about 50.

New buoy tenders are 225 feet, approx 50 abeam.

Great Lakes icebreaker Mackinaw is 255 feet and approx 45 abeam.

[Elessar]

I remember the first breakfast on the Sherman. I watched the eggs (supposed to be over easy) slide from one side of the flat-top to the other during the rolls.

My guess, the cook was trying to make us feel bad, but I had more than a few years as stern-man on a lobster boat. There was no way the smell coming out of the galley was gonna be worse then the smell of the gurry we used as bait :laugh:

I used to piss off the cooks with the 'eggs to order' in rough seas! I wanted over easy. They slid all
over the grill and came out fried!:laugh:

[Elessar]

Sounds about right.:laugh: I was just curious because I've never been on a cutter. I have no idea what y'all's scheduling is like. We went out for weeks and months. I kinda figured y'all hit port a lot more than we did. I always loved the first 10 days on float. Talk about a ghost town.:laugh2: The galley and gym were MINE. Lots of green people laying around. The troops would try to make fun of me for taking dramamine and I was like .... who's as green as Gumby laying the rack and who's running around all over the boat? I've been deep sea fishing since I was a kid. I got seasick once, Might of had something to do with us cracking those Bush's open at 4 AM. But I said never again to this.


After casting off and securing sea detail, too many guys would cuddle in their racks and cover up with a wool blanket.
Sure way to get seasick. As a BMOW (Boatswain's Mate of the Watch) and MAA, I stayed on the weather decks and bridge.

I'm sure Bilge had it worse being in the hole with the engine temps and humidity.

I used to get pissed if someone on the bridge barfed over the side and splattered on the small boats. Made them go clean it up,
even the Junior Officers.

[Gunny]

After casting off and securing sea detail, too many guys would cuddle in their racks and cover up with a wool blanket.
Sure way to get seasick. As a BMOW (Boatswain's Mate of the Watch) and MAA, I stayed on the weather decks and bridge.

I'm sure Bilge had it worse being in the hole with the engine temps and humidity.

I used to get pissed if someone on the bridge barfed over the side and splattered on the small boats. Made them go clean it up,
even the Junior Officers.
I made my little jarheads carry trash bags. I was like if you got to puke? Puke like a Marine and not on the squids' boat. They'll be pissed at us for the rest of the float.

I know what a BM is. I hated being on the bridge. Disneyland ain't got crap on being on the bridge in seas. I avoided bridge duty like it was the plague. I hated being up there.

What I DID like is I have seen the Southern Cross. I would go out at night and look at the stars. They were beautiful. I was away from home, alone, and it was the only nice. quiet moment. I appreciated those moments.

[Elessar]

What I DID like is I have seen the Southern Cross. I would go out at night and look at the stars. They were beautiful. I was away from home, alone, and it was the only nice. quiet moment. I appreciated those moments.

You just painted a gorgeous picture. I Loved night watches. Stand on the bridge wing watching meteors and satellites in the sky.

[Balu]

It happened so, that for some time I was attached to the Navy and 'enjoyed a sea journey' in South Atlantic somewhere in 1982. So I know a bit of this subject and this thread is of a special pleasure for me as it brings me back to the years of my relative youth. Thank you Elessar for starting it. :slap:

A personal question to you - how do you guess why Russian Mariners never spit and throw the cigarettes' butts into the Ocean?

[Elessar]

It happened so, that for some time I was attached to the Navy and 'enjoyed a sea journey' in South Atlantic somewhere in 1982. So I know a bit of this subject and this thread is of a special pleasure for me as it brings me back to the years of my relative youth. Thank you Elessar for starting it. :slap:

A personal question to you - how do you guess why Russian Mariners never spit and throw the cigarettes' butts into the Ocean?

My guess is stewardship of the seas. Fish swallow those things and literally choke.

(Thanks for Your Kind Words, Balu)

[Balu]

My guess is stewardship of the seas. Fish swallow those things and literally choke.

(Thanks for Your Kind Words, @Balu (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=3557))
I always appreciate a good sense of humor. :clap::slap:

[Elessar]

I am just hoping that posting this thread some people actually see what the USCG does 24/7/365.

Not many really do.

[Balu]

But your guess is wrong, Elessar.
The Ocean is a Grave for the perish seamen. And gulls are their Souls.

[Elessar]

But your guess is wrong, Elessar.
The Ocean is a Grave for the perish seamen. And gulls are their Souls.

Yeah.....my jobs were to try to reach them before Neptune, Osse`, or Ulmo claimed them.

[Bilgerat]

After casting off and securing sea detail, too many guys would cuddle in their racks and cover up with a wool blanket.
Sure way to get seasick. As a BMOW (Boatswain's Mate of the Watch) and MAA, I stayed on the weather decks and bridge.

I'm sure Bilge had it worse being in the hole with the engine temps and humidity.

I used to get pissed if someone on the bridge barfed over the side and splattered on the small boats. Made them go clean it up,
even the Junior Officers.


The air supply blowers gave a good account for themselves, Heat wasn't too bad unless the Cap'n wanted to go at "ludicris speed".

And if the birds (gas turbine engines) were lit off, well it stayed even better :laugh:

Of course, latitude made a difference. Ocean Station Bravo was a living bitch in the winter, while a Haitian Migration Interdiction in the dead of summer made things a living hell too.

As for sea state, working below near the keel-son made for less roll, but hearing the mains scream when the stern lifted out of the drink would put the fear of God into anyone.

As for the JO's puking, I heard that the Ensigns on the Bittersweet had a contest one day. It was called "who can cover the running light on their side of the bridge first! :laugh2:

[Gunny]

The air supply blowers gave a good account for themselves, Heat wasn't too bad unless the Cap'n wanted to go at "ludicris speed".

And if the birds (gas turbine engines) were lit off, well it stayed even better :laugh:

Of course, latitude made a difference. Ocean Station Bravo was a living bitch in the winter, while a Haitian Migration Interdiction in the dead of summer made things a living hell too.

As for sea state, working below near the keel-son made for less roll, but hearing the mains scream when the stern lifted out of the drink would put the fear of God into anyone.

As for the JO's puking, I heard that the Ensigns on the Bittersweet had a contest one day. It was called "who can cover the running light on their side of the bridge first! :laugh2:

I always "loved" it when we would be on our way home and drop a boiler. You just went from 30 knots to 10, and no AC. And there's no Autozone around the corner for replacement parts. I lived on the fantail of the Peleilu with the MMs. I couldn't stand being around the Marine SNCOs/Chiefs. Arrogant bastards always trying to devise new ways to screw over the troops.

Christmas Eve this one Gunny was tearing up berthing. I get a call. "He's making us field day on Christmas Eve". Wanna see how fast a Gunny can slide rails 3 decks down and across the ship? F*ck with my Marines. I told my little jarheads "Get your shit. We're going topside for PME". The other Gunny tried to start in on me and I reamed him a new one. In front of the troops. Improper protocol my ass. You started this shit. I'm finishing it. I told him exactly what I thought about his leadership ability. I was going to kick his a$$ and the SgtMaj got between us.

So me and my little contingent went and hung out on the fantail with the MMs. Next day COl H -- with a total smirk on his face (he could be my twin) "admonished" me. I was like what the f-ever.

BTW ... Abs loves these sea stories. I don't know why. Was life to me. But if it makes her happy ... at least I know for the moment I ain't in trouble.:laugh2:

[Balu]

The air supply blowers gave a good account for themselves, Heat wasn't too bad unless the Cap'n wanted to go at "ludicris speed".

And if the birds (gas turbine engines) were lit off, well it stayed even better :laugh:

Of course, latitude made a difference. Ocean Station Bravo was a living bitch in the winter, while a Haitian Migration Interdiction in the dead of summer made things a living hell too.

As for sea state, working below near the keel-son made for less roll, but hearing the mains scream when the stern lifted out of the drink would put the fear of God into anyone.

As for the JO's puking, I heard that the Ensigns on the Bittersweet had a contest one day. It was called "who can cover the running light on their side of the bridge first! :laugh2:
A small illustration... May be interesting for those who are far from the subject. For the rest it is a nightmare. But men are still in service. http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/personal/hi.gif


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxU2PLrc7R4

P.S.
A question to 'women rights supporters' - Does anybody of you wish your beloved to find herself in their shoes? http://s19.rimg.info/aee19e2775457d135efdf745e7d94e15.gif (http://smayliki.ru/smilie-1224821991.html)

[Gunny]

A small illustration... May be interesting for those who are far from the subject. For the rest it is a nightmare. But men are still in service. http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/personal/hi.gif


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxU2PLrc7R4

P.S.
A question to 'women rights supporters' - Does anybody of you wish your beloved to find herself in their shoes? http://s19.rimg.info/aee19e2775457d135efdf745e7d94e15.gif (http://smayliki.ru/smilie-1224821991.html)

Do you just have to turn everything weird? My ex wife is a Marine. I'd put her on your pansy chair polishing ass any damned day. All 5'2" 125 pounds. She'd beat your ass.

[Bilgerat]

https://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/oceanstations.jpg

[Elessar]

I never did an Ocean Station. 210 was too small for that!
My friend Glenn did on the Duane. He said it was boring and miserable.

https://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/rpdinsmore_oceanstations.asp

[Bilgerat]

I never did an Ocean Station. 210 was too small for that!
My friend Glenn did on the Duane. He said it was boring and miserable.

https://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/rpdinsmore_oceanstations.asp


We had ONE "Bravo" that was so calm & peaceful that the Main Propulsion Asst and the E.O. gave permission to preform maintenance on the generators.

Which allowed Main Prop to have extra libo upon return to Boston :salute:

[Elessar]

We had ONE "Bravo" that was so calm & peaceful that the Main Propulsion Asst and the E.O. gave permission to preform maintenance on the generators.

Which allowed Main Prop to have extra libo upon return to Boston :salute:

Those Ocean Stations were before the days of GPS and Satellite Coverage. Loran 'A'
was the thing then. Loran "C" was still Top Secret....Trying to remember the other one used....
Ahhh...Sat Hi Com! "1, 2, 3, 3, 2,1...calling cutter or Nato Vessel xxxxxx".:laugh:

[Gunny]

I never did an Ocean Station. 210 was too small for that!
My friend Glenn did on the Duane. He said it was boring and miserable.

https://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/rpdinsmore_oceanstations.asp

That sounds a lot like being out at sea. :)

[Elessar]

That sounds a lot like being out at sea. :)

Bilge has to confirm this, but I think it was 60-90 days.

Sounds like being on one of the old lightships!

[Bilgerat]

Bilge has to confirm this, but I think it was 60-90 days.

Sounds like being on one of the old lightships!


Depending on the class of the WHEC, you had between 30 to 50 days on station. Basically, you stayed out long enough to strain your fuel capacity, then hauled for St John's. Provided your relief was able to get underway. :rolleyes:

We got stuck on an extended patrol once, the relief wasn't able to make it out. So we made a quick to St. John's to refuel and re-provision with a few days for I & I :beer:

Then back out to rocking & rolling

Here's a link to see

http://www.jacksjoint.com/ocean_stations-forum.htm

[Elessar]

Depending on the class of the WHEC, you had between 30 to 50 days on station. Basically, you stayed out long enough to strain your fuel capacity, then hauled for St John's. Provided your relief was able to get underway. :rolleyes:

We got stuck on an extended patrol once, the relief wasn't able to make it out. So we made a quick to St. John's to refuel and re-provision with a few days for I & I :beer:

Then back out to rocking & rolling

Here's a link to see

http://www.jacksjoint.com/ocean_stations-forum.htm

Thanks for that link! I forgot about Jack's Joint. Very informative,
and amusing the way this link is written.