Our Coast Guard in action

[BigLew]

Well, today was a day that I have not witnessed but once or twice before!

I had a chance to go out to Plum Island at the mouth for the Merrimack River this morning. It is an 11 mile barrier island facing the Atlantic Ocean about 35 are 40 miles north of Boston. I was greeted with the sight of waves running from 10 to 12 feet plus. Needless to say there was not much boating activity. The seas were the result of a Northeaster we had had over the weekend which was kind enough to leave us with 8 to 10 inches of rain generally in the area.

What to are wondering how eyes should appear, but two boats way out seeming to be lining up to make a run for the mouth for the river. At that distance we thought they would be likely commercial fishing boats; we were wrong. After watching them for 10 to 20 minutes, we realized that they were our Coast Guard at work; or should I say training. These were the newer 47 foot lifeboats commonly sent to disaster areas. They're the ones that are self-righting and are prepared to go out in pretty much the worst of all conditions.

The first one made it in, or should I say past the breakwater. We headed back toward Newburyport. As we looked over to our right we saw both boats making their way to the Coast Guard Station. Since it was on our way, we stopped and asked if we might speak for a few minutes with the crewmen. After waiting for five or 10 minutes we were approached by the mission commander. He might've been all of 26 to 27 years of age, and a hell of a nice guy. We explained we simply wanted to know, or get a sense of, how rough it was out there. He explained that it was a training mission. And that in fact each of the boats had rolled them selves intentionally as part of the training. The seas were running 10-12', but had been 20 - 24' the night before. During those rolls all but the helmsman, who was in a protective suit of neoprene rubber and strapped into the helmsman seat, was sealed up inside the boat itself. He said the mission had gone well the he felt it was great training for when they need to go out there on a real mission. I noted that a real mission is in circumstances they don't get to choose. He says, it doesn't matter we believe we're ready.

I thought to myself he is probably right! And given their history, aren't we glad that they are.

When I started this note, I didn't have in mind that I would try to provide a link to Coast Guard Station: Merrimack River. But now that I think about it, I think I will. So I will be calling the station tomorrow or the next day and tell them that I will forward to them a link to our website. I would hope that all of you who care a little bit, or maybe a lot might make your comments known and possibly even thank them for the job that they do.