U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Smilax

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Smilax USCGC Smilax (WLIC-315)
"Queen of the Fleet" The Coast Guard retains the discretion to determine which comments are acceptable and which are prohibited. The U.S.

USCGC SMILAX (WLIC-315) is an Inland Construction Tender keeled by the Dubuque Boat & Boiler Works company in Dubuque, lowa in 1944. SMILAX currently holds the esteemed title of "Queen of the Fleet" as it is the oldest commissioned Coast Guard Cutter, at 80 years of service. Propelled by twin engine Caterpiller 3412 marine diesel engines, stretching a length of 100', and drafting only 5', the 178

ton displacement hull can easily navigate the Intercoastal Waterways of the notoriously dynamic and ever changing rivers of Easter North Carolina. The primary mission includes Aids to Navigation (ATON), providing buoys and markers necessary to maintain the "Maritime Transportation Highway" for all recreational, commercial, and commerce traffic that pass through on a daily basis. Accompanied by a 70' barge, equipped with a 60' lattice boom crane, and a single cylinder diesel hammer, the crew can establish markers throught the ICW using 50' wooden piles that are driven into the ground. A designated marker is attached to the wooden pile displaying information to mariners regarding safe navigation and best marked water. The content provided on this page is for public information only and is not intended as a distress communication channel. All emergency communication for Coast Guard assistance should go through VHF-FM Channel 16 (156.8Mhz) or through local authorities by dialing 911. Although we welcome and encourage comments on postings, comments are moderated by the Coast Guard social media team. Examples of prohibited posts include:

· Personal attacks towards people and organizations including posts targeting sexual orientation, ethnic, racial, or political groups.
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· Posts that are defamatory or libel. Prohibited posts will be hidden and repeated offenses risk the possibility of the author of repeated offenses from being blocked without prior notice. Coast Guard disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from any comments posted on this page. This forum may not be used for the submission of any claim, demand, informal or formal complaint, or any other form of legal and/or administrative notice or process, or for the exhaustion of any legal and/or administrative remedy.

Set the ATON Detail! SMILAX headed south this past week to take care of some discrepent aids. Along the way engineers to...
01/23/2025

Set the ATON Detail!

SMILAX headed south this past week to take care of some discrepent aids. Along the way engineers took care of business and battled over 9 casualties to keep the cutter FMC.

Crews knocked out over 12 piles including small boat operations to set a severely off station marker.

Crews kept enthusiasm at an all time high for an epic trip!

Crews also got some fresh swag from BMC. (Much appreciated!)

Shoutout to MK3 Shaughnessy who finished up his oral board for EOW and knocked it out of the park! shipmate.

Crews have been busy the last few weeks knocking out recertification of boat crew members, tackling maintenance projects...
12/07/2024

Crews have been busy the last few weeks knocking out recertification of boat crew members, tackling maintenance projects, and accompanying some traditions along the way.

FN DeLeon recently was promoted to E3. shipmate! Keep up the good work!

Crews splashed the 16-AB-SKF for a few laps around to get SK2 Theut up to speed on our small boat and to knocked out some training.

Engineers finished up some worklist items including flushing all J/W systems throughout the SMILAX, replacement of ruptured hoses, and some CG-300 maintenance for upcoming trips.

Lastly, CS2 Savarino was recognized after he completed his 5 years of selfless sea duty. He was accompanied by the crew and other cutterman at SFO FT Macon during his ceremony. Congratulations on a job well done!

How many animals can you list onboard?

This past week, the SMILAX Crew attended Buoy Tender Round-up at Base Portsmouth Virginia. It was a week filled with lot...
10/28/2024

This past week, the SMILAX Crew attended Buoy Tender Round-up at Base Portsmouth Virginia. It was a week filled with lots of learning, laughter, and camaraderie.

Crews from all the District Five black hulls participated in a softball tournament, heat & beats, chain pull, spin & hook, biscuits & gravy , best burger contest, and an old fashioned gumby swim.

EM2 Decker swam the team to victory as SMILAX took the #1 spot in the swim.

CS2 Savarino turned up the taste buds and made mouths water as he crushed the competition with his Biscuits & Gravy.

Green thumb crews clutched the #3 spot over the CGC Maple after doing their first ever heat and beat.

All-in-all the CGC William Tate clinched the #1 spot for BTR. on a job well done by all!

We have attached some videos of some of the events in the comments. Check them out!

MULTIMEDIA RELEASE: Fifth Coast Guard District hosts annual Buoy Tender Round-Up in Portsmouth. https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3944193/multimedia-release-fifth-coast-guard-district-hosts-annual-buoy-tender-round-up/



U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic

Crews were busy this past week dealing with some minor preparations to get underway. Despite some casualties we managed ...
09/16/2024

Crews were busy this past week dealing with some minor preparations to get underway. Despite some casualties we managed to knock out 8 piles and get some training in. SN DeLeon took a moment to read our ATON Safety brief. Morale was high as everyone worked the deck and enjoyed a trip out on the ICW.

We also celebrated our Commanding Officer, CWO4 Porters' 10th year out at sea. He was gifted a pretty sweet mug depicting all of his favorite bands. CO! Thanks from the crew for always showing us your unwavering support and leadership.

We also managed to squeeze in a morale event with our neighbors over at Aids to Navigation
Team Fort Macon. Special thanks for Battle Works Tactical Laser tag for opening the doors to us a little bit earlier to get in some smiles and fun!

08/13/2024

Good morning everyone,

***We're reaching out to gauge interest in hosting a reunion.***

We're tentatively planning a USCGC SMILAX reunion on November 1st, 2024, coinciding with the Queen of the Fleet's 80th anniversary.

The event is set to take place at 2301 E. Ft Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28516.

If you're interested in attending, please RSVP by commenting on this post with your name and if you plan on bringing a guest.

This will help with a head count so we can finalize our plans. There will be more to follow.

U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic

Team work makes the dream work!Engineers have been busy the last few weeks getting the generators groomed within paramet...
08/03/2024

Team work makes the dream work!

Engineers have been busy the last few weeks getting the generators groomed within parameters to provide the necessary power to get underway.

In the mean time, crews got the oppurtunity to do some climbing alongside the Atlantic Beach Fire Department to train and maintain climbing qualifications.

CS2 got a hand from some of the non-rates in putting together the ships new smoker! The Brisket dinner and pulled pork sammiches were amazing!

Drove a few piles and conducted some rigger training.

To finish, we got together to do some Walk-throughs for a mainspace fire/flooding including stations for P-100, FFE/SCBA training, and more for newly reported members. Not to mention celebrating SN Killins birthday and qualification as a blue hat! shipmate on a job well done!

📸 cred:

BMC Bickford
MK1 Oliver

07/28/2024

CGC Smilax followers! I wanted to post an operation that was completed by the Aids to Navigation (Aton) professionals here at Atlantic Beach, NC a while back. The goal of this op was to remove various buoy hulls from the shoreline of Core Banks. These hulls usually wash up following storms or hurricanes. Beyond being an eye sore; the buoys start sanding in place causing an issue with folks using the beach, as well as a possible impact on sea creatures that use the area for spawning.

This project was spearheaded by ANT Fort Macon and involved support from USCG Air Station Elizabeth City, the crew of the CGC Smilax, and various individuals from the National Park Service.

Great job by all involved!

We've sure had a busy last few weeks. Crews finished up with CART/TSTA designed to ensure onboard training teams are up ...
07/03/2024

We've sure had a busy last few weeks. Crews finished up with CART/TSTA designed to ensure onboard training teams are up to date and meeting the mark with training members for emergencies including firefighting, dewatering, plugging & patching.

Additionally we had a chance to welcome SN Calamerio from Massachusetts. He enjoys soccer, golf, fishing, and wants to pursue a CG career as an MST.

We also took a moment to congratulate MKC Lewis on his certification as crane operator for both APPLETON Marine Crane and CG-300 Lattice Boom Crane.

Pointing crane operators in the right direction, BM1 Morales and BM2 Strahlman certified as Construction Deck Supervisors, leading Riggers to conduct evolutions safely and to complete our mission in the world of ATON.

DC1 Tipton was welcomed by the crew and also awarded the Commandants Commendation Medal for his efforts onboard his previous unit USCGC HARRY CLAIBORNE. DC1 is an avid soccer fan coming from Texas.

MK3 Critchfield said his good-byes as he is off to STA Saginaw River. He was awarded the Commandants Letter of Commendation for his efforts while onboard. Fairwinds and following seas shipmate on a job well done .

After assisting recruiters back in his hometown in Texas, FN DeLeon made his debut on board the SMILAX. He is eager to see what the CG can afford him but is currently looking towards PA. He enjoys videography, sports, and music.

Lastly, crews shared a moment with BMC Eckhoff as he departed. BMC Eckhoff was monumental in providing crews with personnel assistance, administrative guidance, and overall wellbeing as the units Executive Petty Officer. BMC Eckhoff was awarded the Commandants Commendation Medal for his exceptional efforts while onboard. Fairwinds and following seas Chief! You will be greatly missed!!!

📸 cred: MK1 Oliver

As we bid farewell to DCC Childress, we celebrate his outstanding service and the beginning of a new chapter.DCC was awa...
06/13/2024

As we bid farewell to DCC Childress, we celebrate his outstanding service and the beginning of a new chapter.

DCC was awarded the Commandant's Commendation Medal which is a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise that left a lasting impact on the SMILAX crew and mission.

We wish the Childress family fair winds and following seas as they continue to excel in their next journey at Sector Upper Mississippi in St. Louis!

shipmate on a job well done!

Attention to advancement! This past week we celebrated DCC Childress on his advancement to Chief Petty Officer of the C...
05/22/2024

Attention to advancement! This past week we celebrated DCC Childress on his advancement to Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. This is a monumental achievement for enlisted members. It was great to see supporting members from neighboring units attend as well as the loving support of the family.

to DCC Childress and his family.

Fair winds and following seas on the next chapter in life Chief!

🇺🇸

This week we would like to give a shout out to CS2 Savarino.Since reporting, CS2 has been showcasing everyone a taste of...
03/28/2024

This week we would like to give a shout out to CS2 Savarino.

Since reporting, CS2 has been showcasing everyone a taste of the fine arts of the culinary world. Serving the crew with exceptional, out of this world meals! From Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, Pork Belly Tacos, Made-from-scratch Biscuits 'n Gravy, Bacon Jelly Jalapeño Smash Burgers, all the way up to some amazing Pho/Ramen bowls just for starters. Aside from his work in the galley, CS2 can also be found out on deck, assisting other members of the crew with daily tasks and maintenance.

The crew would like to say thanks for keeping our bellies full and charging yourself with making these exceptional meals!

shipmate!



U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic U.S. Coast Guard

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Atlantic Beach, NC

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