U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf

10/27/2023

DCC Chad Klingler Retirement Ceremony

10/23/2023

Hello BERTHOLF friends and families!

With Halloween just around the corner, It’s time for our annual Harvest Festival again! MWR has planned a Trunk or Treat Event with cash prizes for the top 3 trunks, ghoulish decorations, a FREE pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay maze, music, food, drinks and various treats for kids and adults and MORE!

The Harvest Festival will be held on Friday 27 Oct 2023 on Campbell Rd in front of Gresham Hall and Pt. Welcome from 1700 – 2000 hours. There is NO CHARGE for this event and is open to all who have access to CG Island. Costumes are strongly encouraged!!

MWR is looking for volunteers to help with set-up, break-down, assistance with running some of the attractions and truck or treat vehicles! ALL CANDY FOR TRUNK OR TREAT CAR VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PROVIDED BY MWR!!!
Volunteer sign-up for set up/event assistance/break down: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DH8J72K
Trunk or Treat Vehicle Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DH8J72K

You don’t want to miss this spooktacular event! We look forward to seeing you at the Harvest Festival!

10/04/2023

This September, CGC BERTHOLF was put on the blocks for our long awaited drydock, in Vallejo, CA. Dry dock allows a boat to “dock” out of the water on top of wooden blocks to create an opportunity for the ships hull to be inspected, blasted, repainted, and repaired. This is also a rare opportunity for crew members to take a personal look at the hull of a ship they call home and gain a greater understanding of how bigger projects to repair the boat operate with contractors.

The following photos depict some incredible features of our boat that cannot be seen from above water such as the controllable pitch propellers and rudders.

09/17/2023

A huge congratulations to ET2 West and ET2 Edwards for their advancements earlier this week. Thank you for everything you do for our unit. We also want to congratulate our most recent Sailor of the Quarter winners, ET3 Nannery and MK1 Helterholff! Thank you to our Navy League partners, Al and Leah Saroni for donating your time and resources to giving special recognition to our highest performing sailors.

08/04/2023

BERTHOLF gathered together on August 2 nd to celebrate OS1 Joseph Berrien’s induction into the Order of the Sparrow, a very rare and prestigious order of seagoing servicemen who have sailed all of the Seven Seas, including the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. This accomplishment is so rare that there is no official certificate commercially available. With special care and dedication, BERTHOLF’s resident artist, ET3 Liam Nannery, created a custom original certificate for this special occasion.

07/24/2023

During a recent visit to Kotzebue, Alaska, USCGC BERTHOLF had a rousing game of softball against the local community. Thank you to the City of Kotzebue for planning and showing up for this great event. We’ll be sure to come back for a rematch! City of Kotzebue

07/16/2023

We hope all of our families at home are doing well. We miss you, and while at sea we have been keeping busy and working hard earning our at sea qualifications! Here are some pictures of the crew getting recognized at our most recent Quarters. A special shoutout to: GMCS Pinto for receiving a Coast Guard Commendation Medal, SN Hall for his swift actions in response to a medical emergency onboard, ENS Wassei, LTJG Mahr and DC2 Pike qualifying Underway Engineer of the Watch-the highest Engineering Qual attainable! And, to ENS Cho for his qualification as an Underway Officer of the Deck, and CWO Sobczak for his Inport Officer of the Deck qualification!

07/09/2023

The crew of the CGC BERTHOLF (WMSL 750) is deeply passionate about humanitarianism and working with external community partners, especially to support a great cause – preventing sexual assault and domestic violence. The Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence (USAFV) non-profit group was the proud recipient of our Alameda Elk’s Lodge community relations package, consisting of children’s blankets, books, and gloves. USAFV’s mission statement is: “Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence provides safety, education, and advocacy services to empower people and create a culture of nonviolence and respect. USAFV is located on the traditional land of the Unangan people, and we strive to honor our elders, both past and present.” Special thanks to Jolene Longo at the City of Unalaska Department of Parks, Culture, and Recreation and Ken Langford at the Alameda Elk’s Lodge for helping to make this donation possible!

Alameda Elks Lodge #1015 Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence USAFV

07/06/2023

Happy July 4th from Kodiak, Alaska! Our crew gathered for some burgers and hot dogs to celebrate ‘Merica during our recent port visit. Thanks for everyone who came out, and a special thanks to our amazing Morale Officer ENS Richters and Morale Committee President CS1 Wright for organizing this event.

07/02/2023

As a National Security Cutter, BERTHOLF stays ready to defend the United States! Here are some photos of BERTHOLF conducting a live fire gunnery exercise with our Mk. 110 57mm defense turrets in the Bering Sea. The Mk 110 is capable of delivering a high rate of fire with extreme accuracy against surface and airborne threats. Photo credits: SN Alfonzo Bordas.

06/28/2023

Quarters!

06/28/2023

To remain highly capable and fully functional while on deployment, Bertholf creatively pulled together an AIR SEARCH AND RADAR REPAIR TEAM, who skillfully developed and executed a never-before-attempted plan to position and install a replacement motor and pedestal for BERTHOLF’s Air Search and S-Band RADAR on the mast of the cutter without the use of crane services. The Team first overcame complex logistical and transportation challenges to airlift the critical electronic components from the continental United States to Alaska and then out the Aleutian chain to the cutter using AIRSTA Kodiak C-130 and MH-60 support. Without availability of crane service in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, the Team demonstrated keen ingenuity and resourcefulness by deploying a five-to-one hoist and capture system, assembled with limited resources available on Unalaska Island. Safely and with precision, the Team raised and lowered into position 885 pounds of critical navigation and surveillance equipment, worth $91,000, over 140ft from the waterline to the top of the ship’s mast.

A special shout-out to Bertholf Personnel: LT John O’Brien, LTJG Michael Odell, ENS Jacob Mckean, CWO Matthew Wernicke, ETC Mark Terrill, ITC Oliver Fernander, ET1 Scott McElhinney, ET1 William Ackerman, ET1 Timothy Toft, ET2 Derral Osborne, ET2 David Yeazell, ET3 Liam Nannery, ET3 Jack West, ET3 Brian Walsh & ET3 Devin Greaney!

And a Huge Thank you to Base Kodiak Port Services that received, packaged, and transported ASR and parts to C-130 crew and onto Cold Bay (who without them this would not have been possible): BM2 Tracey Sherman, BMC Tiffany Stratford, SKC Jonathan Thomas!

U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak

Photo Credits: ITC Oliver Fernander

06/28/2023

On a beautiful June day in Kodiak, Alaska, BERTHOLF held a Change of Command Ceremony in which CAPT Billy Mees relieved CAPT Tim Brown as BERTHOLF’s Commanding Officer. VADM Andrew Tiongson, Commander Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony. Our very own DC3 Corven sang the National Anthem and Air Station Kodiak performed a fly over! Following the change of command, Bertholf then commemorated CAPT Brown’s retirement after 27 years of distinguished service. CAPT Brown was awarded a Legion of Merit for his incredible accomplishments, and his family was formally recognized with certificates of appreciation. Following his retirement, Bertholf held a reception at the Golden Anchor at Base Kodiak where our incredible galley team served a surf & turf themed celebratory lunch. Fair winds Capt Brown and welcome aboard CAPT Mees!

Photo Credits: ITC Oliver Fernander

06/10/2023

06/09/2023

USCGC BERTHOLF is honored to represent the United States and our Service by conducting a bi-lateral exercise with Japan this week! Bertholf had multiple engagements with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) including formation exercises at sea, tours of HATAKAZE, KASHIMA JMSDF ships and BERTHOLF, as well as Distinguished Visitor visits and official luncheon. The City of Unalaska also held a historic memorial ceremony on the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Dutch Harbor where Mayor Tutiakoff, RADM Moore the Commander of USCG District 17, and RADM Konno, JMSDF Training Squadron Commander, had a formal gift exchange and gave speeches emphasizing the importance of the partnership between the United States and Japan. While unmooring from Dutch Harbor, BERTHOLF was bid farewell by a large crowd of Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force members, and we exchanged friendly waves and cheers.

12/29/2022

You are cordially invited to our holiday party on January 12th, 2023 at Elk's Lodge!

Please contact LTJG Kyle Fager (509) 828-8247 with any questions.

All BERTHOLF attendees get to take January 13th off work!

12/25/2022

Merry Christmas from Coast Guard Cutter BERTHOLF. We were honored to receive a Christmas call from President Biden this morning, acknowledging our recent patrols, accomplishments, and dedication to service.

12/07/2022

https://seapowermagazine.org/uscgc-bertholf-returns-home-following-77-day-counter-narcotic-patrol-14m-worth-of-cocaine-seized/

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) and crew returned to Alameda, Dec. 3, after traveling over 18,000 nautical miles during a 77-day counter-narcotic patrol throughout the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Coast Guard Pacific Area said...

11/17/2022

BERTHOLF was honored to host a group of esteemed Ecuadorian dignitaries including the U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador, the Zone 4 Commander of the Ecuadorian National Police, the Operations and Air Defense Commander of the Ecuadorian Air Force, and members of the Civil Society Delegation during our port call in Manta, Ecuador. We hope that it was a pleasant visit. Until next time!

11/02/2022

Round of applause for the crew of the mighty BERTHOLF! Make sure to congratulate your loved ones on helping us win the CG Intel Unit Award for 2022! Every person on the ship plays an important role in our success. It's been a great patrol so far, see you soon with some more pictures!

10/20/2022

Suns out guns out! Here are some pictures of BERTHOLF maintaining our marksmanship proficiency. Make sure to stay tuned for more updates!

Photo Credits: Oliver Fernander

10/08/2022

BERTHOLF is ready for anything! Here are some pictures of the team conducting some Damage Control training. Firefighting, plugging patching, first aid, and more! Legends begin here.

Photo Credits: Oliver Fernander

09/26/2022

BERTHOLF doing great things! Check out these pictures of our shipmates conducting a fueling at sea. Big thanks to USNS Washington Chambers and her crew for helping us refuel while underway. See you soon for another update.

Photo Credit: Oliver Fernander

06/03/2022

Not all work! Last weekend, Bertholf's crew put their engineering skills to the test during bridge building and paper airplane competitions. Congrats to the DC shop on building the strongest bridge and SN Rogacki for building the best paper airplane. The DC's bridge held 97lbs before it broke and SN Rogacki's paper airplane flew more than 40ft. For dinner, the wardroom took over the galley, serving up a delicious meal that included homemade focaccia and Oreo truffles.

05/12/2022

During their most recent port call Bertholf's crew took time to give back to the community of Unalaska by participating in Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling's clean up. Over the course of the morning the crew cleaned Spithead, collecting hundreds of pounds of trash and even a few treasures. U.S. Coast Guard Alaska

04/20/2022

Recently, Bertholf was up by the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea and found the ice edge. We launched our helo and they took some great photos of us by the ice.

04/04/2022

Bertholf made it safely to Kodiak, AK last week. During our transit we encountered 15ft seas, 50kt winds and 35 degree rolls. While in Kodiak some of our crew braved the cold wind and snow to hike Old Woman and climb Barometer, others of us enjoyed time in downtown Kodiak going to Walmart and getting sushi.

01/17/2022

Bertholf crew members participated in a community cleanup of the Fruitville neighborhood of Oakland to celebrate MLK Day with service.

01/10/2022

While conducting on-water small boat training, Bertholf’s over the horizon small boat was diverted by Sector to respond to a boat fire. Arriving on scene the boat crew assisted Oakland Fire Department in containing the scene, assisting in pollution management, and security of the area. The vessel was a 45 foot concrete hulled sail boat named Rock Bottom- the owner was ashore. The boat crew was relieved by station San Francisco. Bravo Zulu to LTJG LoVullo, BM1 Bourgeois, BM2 Hayes, MK2 Mullen, MK3 Pratt, BM3 Abalos, BM3 Strickland and the Oakland Fire Department.

09/15/2021

Bravo Zulu to the crew of the the Bertholf and Kimball!

09/09/2021

BERTHOLF would like to congratulate OS3 Mwangi, HS2 Green, OS2 Vargas Torres, BM2 Huhn, and BM2 Braswell on their advancements. Bravo Zulu Shipmates!

09/09/2021

BERTHOLF conducted pyrotechnics training so that all new crew members could familiarize themselves with how to properly fire the different flares we have on board during an emergency.

09/09/2021

CGC BERTHOLF has been busy conducting multiple boardings on fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. BERTHOLF worked with boarding team members from KIMBALL to ensure that all regulations were being met. BERTHOLF utilized this time, while the small boat was out of the notch, to fit test dry suits for new boat crew members. The engineers also did some maintenance where they might have wished they were wearing dry suits.

09/09/2021

Late on the evening of August 25 CGC BERTHOLF was notified of a vessel in distress taking on water ~30nm away. BERTHOLF immediately jumped into action deploying our small boat and embarked helicopter. All four crew members were rescued and delivered to EMS at Dutch Harbor. "This case showcased the tremendous teamwork of Bertholf's entire crew to include our embarked helicopter detachment from Air Station Kodiak," said Capt. Timothy Brown, Bertholf's commanding officer. "Thankfully, these mariners were well-prepared for emergency, and took the proper actions in time to notify the Coast Guard and get off the vessel. We were very fortunate to be close by and able to arrive on scene quickly. USCG Airstation Kodiak

09/09/2021

USCGC BERTHOLF and Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG conducted formation steaming north of the Aleutian Islands. The operation helped strengthen the bilateral partnership between Canada and the U.S. in the Bering Sea. BERTHOLF used this operation to practice visual and voice communications as well as helicopter and small boat operations.

09/06/2021

BERTHOLF held a gunnery exercise to remain Semper Paratus. BERTHOLF practiced with the .50 CAL and M240 machine guns and the Close-In Weapons System (CIWS). The bridge voted EMC Hardison (former .50 CAL gunner for the Marines) the best shot of the day. A few crew members with birthdays took the opportunity to celebrate by shooting with a lot of enthusiasm.

07/07/2021

We apologize for the delay, but here are the slides from the pre deployment brief!

07/02/2021

Good evening, we are having some technical difficulties uploading the videos of the pre deployment brief from today. We will have either the powerpoint of the presentations or the videos uploaded shortly. We apologize for the inconvenience.