And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
I have a buddy who used to be an instructor for the Coast Guard school out of Astoria, Oregon - training folks on the 44' Motor Life Boats (now 47' I believe) in the waters of the Columbia River Bar. He had some hair-raising stories. Incredible boats and awesome boat pilots (sometimes in the airborne sense of the word too!). Big Water!
If you ever get a chance visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. The rescue stories about these Motor Lifeboats are incredible. That picture does not shows a common experience!
We would go out in the worst weather (Hurricanes) to rescue or attempt to rescue those who were way over the heads due to weather, trying to make a living on the ocean, looking for adventure, running drugs, trying to escape poverty, or just plain stupid! The young folks who join the USCG whether on cutters or CG Stations, for most part have a chance to do something positive! In my 26 years (18 years at sea) I was extremely proud to be a small part of the USCG! Semper Paratus! Retired Chief USCG
I have a buddy who used to be an instructor for the Coast Guard school out of Astoria, Oregon - training folks on the 44' Motor Life Boats (now 47' I believe) in the waters of the Columbia River Bar. He had some hair-raising stories. Incredible boats and awesome boat pilots (sometimes in the airborne sense of the word too!). Big Water!
ReplyDeleteindeed
DeleteCatching Air? More like breathtaking not to mention that earlier meal.
ReplyDeleteHats-off to Coasties; they're actively in the game 24/7/365.
Kinda what I was thinking, I’d be lucky not to throw up my socks as well…
DeleteLooks like the Columbia bar, near the aptly named Point Disappointment.
ReplyDeleteEveryone makes fun of the coasties until they need the coasties, source: a coastie
ReplyDeleteIf you ever get a chance visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. The rescue stories about these Motor Lifeboats are incredible. That picture does not shows a common experience!
ReplyDeleteWe would go out in the worst weather (Hurricanes) to rescue or attempt to rescue those who were way over the heads due to weather, trying to make a living on the ocean, looking for adventure, running drugs, trying to escape poverty, or just plain stupid! The young folks who join the USCG whether on cutters or CG Stations, for most part have a chance to do something positive! In my 26 years
ReplyDelete(18 years at sea) I was extremely proud to be a small part of the USCG!
Semper Paratus!
Retired Chief USCG
Hey Chief, what was your rate? Retired GM1 here. 9 years sea duty, and 4 at a PSU.
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