U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command

Atlantic Area Command and Command Master Chief Holiday Message 2020

Vice Adm. Steven Poulin, commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and Master Chief Petty Officer Devin Spencer, command master chief Atlantic Area, share their thoughts on regional efforts and celebrating this holiday season. Despite the pandemic, It's been a tough year. Most of us have gone through periods of isolation or lockdown as well as a consistent demand for Coast Guard operations. COVID has changed the way many of us recharge and socialize. Winter and the holidays are historically a time to recharge and renew. While some celebrations may be modified, we encourage crews to take this time with their loved ones to do just that. Please continue to make smart choices that reduce risk as you celebrate, whether next week or after; as we know, some must stand the watch. If you are considering travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, consider the CDC guidelines: https://bit.ly/CDCThx Our heartfelt gratitude to all our personnel, their families, and our communities for their ongoing effort and support. #ThinkForward #Thanksgiving

HITRON History Series: Rear Adm. Donna Cottrell

Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron operations started as an experiment in 1998 to halt the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. Drug trafficking organizations primarily used “go-fast” boats, high-speed smuggling vessels capable of traveling over twice the speed of Coast Guard cutters. The Coast Guard needed a way to counter the threat. In late 1998, six Coast Guard pilots and four enlisted aircrew developed tactics and procedures to utilize armed helicopters operating aboard Coast Guard cutters to answer the call. HITRON helicopters operate in known smuggling vectors and rely on expertly trained aircrews and precision marksmen to disable go-fast drug smuggling vessels in the event suspects refuse to comply with verbal and visual warnings for law enforcement boardings in accordance with international maritime law. In this documentary series, we track down the founding members, pioneers, and stakeholders who have played an important part in HITRON’s history. In this video, we sat down with Rear Adm. Donna L. Cottrell, Ninth District Commander, and asked her to talk about her experience as the 6th Commanding Officer of #HITRON. #HITRON10

Drones for Sally recovery

#Innovation is applying new ideas to specific processes in an effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The U.S. Coast Guard Gulf Strike Team is using it for improved hurricane response! In this video, Petty Officer 1st Class Phillip McLeod, deployed to the post Hurricane Sally marine environmental response in Mobile, Alabama, explains his role as an unmanned aerial system pilot and the advantages a UAS can bring to response efforts. McLeod is assigned to the Gulf Strike Team and has a collateral duty of UAS pilot. As we wrap Sally, Storm Zeta is brewing. All Gulf Coast residents are advised to watch the weather and heed direction from local officials. We know it's been a trying season. We appreciate all the support from our federal, state, and local partners as well as the incredible resilience and proactive nature of our Gulf Coast residents. It's a privilege to live in and serve these communities. #HurricaneStrong #ForwardTogether 🎥 PA2 Ed Wargo - U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic #USCGSally #USCGZeta

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane holds a ceremony in honor of the women and men who served aboard cutters throughout the U.S. Coast Guard's 230 years of sea-going service. Harriet Lane invited local Tidewater cuttermen to participate in the ceremony representing a total of 87 years combined sea time. "The Cutterman’s Insignia was instituted in 1974 to provide recognition for Coast Guard personnel who, in the tradition of professional mariners, have performed duties afloat in keeping with their grade and rate and who have endured the rigors and dangers of sea duty for a substantial period. It signifies that they have exhibited the requisite professionalism and dedication to duty expected of seagoing Coast Guard personnel. The insignia is a visible means of recognizing their qualities and identifies the wearer as a professional mariner. The design can be divided into three basic areas. Each is representative of a cutterman’s special qualities. The wheel and the waves represent the heritage of the sea. The five point star represents five years of sea duty and the center, the shield, represents the Coast Guard and its seagoing tradition." (From plaque at Command and Operations School, USCG Academy)

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The U.S. Coast Guard federal on scene coordinator and the state on scene coordinator from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with Federal Trustees: Department of Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and the National Park Service, coordinated efforts to remove weathered oil, discovered after Hurricane Sally, from a half-mile area of Johnson Beach, Florida, Oct. 15, 2020.The impacted area is located on federally designated, critical habitat and marine protected areas. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ed Wargo.

Coast Guard marine environmental response teams conduct post Hurricane Sally assessment

Hurricane response is more than just dramatic rescues. Following Hurricane Sally, the Coast Guard is leading efforts to protect the environment. In this video, Petty Officer 1st Class Adrien Lively explains how advanced technology is used to identify pollution threats and prioritize the removal of oil or hazardous substances. Video by Chief Petty Officer Melissa Leake and Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Cox.

Advanced Battle Management System

The Advanced Battle Management System is an interconnected battle network that collects, processes, and shares relevant data to warfighters in order to make better decisions - faster. In order to achieve all-domain superiority, activities in one domain must enhance the effectiveness of those in other domains. This involves coordination between the United States Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Army. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Nancy Kasberg)

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Florida Officials Discuss Coastal Overflight

Vice Adm. Poulin, commander Atlantic Area, Representative Matt Gaetz, Governor Ron DeSantis and the First Lady of Florida, and Mayor Grover C. Robinson, IV of Pensacola give remarks on their overflight of areas affected by Hurricane Sally. #USCGSally #ForwardTogether

Vice Adm. Steven Poulin and Rear Adm. John Nadeau are taking off for an overflight of #HurricaneSally damage in a Coast Guard MH-60. #Sally #USCGSally

Coast Guard rescues 2 from sailboat off Key West during Tropical Storm Sally

From our U.S. Coast Guard Southeast team! US Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans rescue crews save 2 people from the sailboat Preston Point after it became disabled off #KeyWest during Tropical Storm #Sally. Follow the link to hear first hand accounts from our rescuers and the #MAYDAY call from the sailboat. Please remember to check the weather before heading out, South Florida during #HurricaneSeason is unpredictable. Don't forget to #BoatSafely. #SAR #ActForward #USCGSally

Join us for the live press conference with Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. John Cornyn, and U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Steven Poulin and other federal, state and local officials. The team is discussing the #HurricaneLaura damage assessment overflight they flew on earlier today on a Coast Guard C-144 Ocean Sentry. #Laura #Partnerships #Response #AlwaysReady

D5 EPIRB Rescue

The #CoastGuard rescued six mariners last week after their boat capsized in adverse weather 16 miles east of Cape Henry, VA. Coast Guard watchstanders received an alert that an #emergency locating beacon was activated. Aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City were dispatched and, once on-scene, they found four mariners on the overturned hull and two more who had climbed the Chesapeake Light Tower nearby. "The owner of the [emergency beacon] had just purchased his device in June and was the only one on board who had one," said James Cifers, civilian watchstander at the Fifth District Command Center. "This case could have turned out quite different if the owner had not bought and registered his device. We recommend all mariners maintain updated registration and keep these devices on them while underway so we are able to find them quickly and accurately when they need us the most." Read more: http://ow.ly/1J6550B1lgF #USCG #Rescue #PLB #EPIRB #semperparatus

A message from the Vice Commandant about childcare concerns

The #COVID-19 pandemic has left many military parents feeling stressed. I am charging everyone to continue to work with your supervisor and find flexible and creative solutions that allow you to take care of your home responsibilities and the mission. For resources and information related to #Coronavirus, please visit https://www.uscg.mil/coronavirus/ #StrongerTogether #USCG

HITRON: Force From Above

Be our Service's single provider of qualified, proficient, and well-trained shipboard and shore-side Airborne Use of Force. -HITRON Mission Statement The mission statement above spells out the goal of the Coast Guard's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON). HITRON is a deployable helicopter squadron based in Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in Airborne Use of Force (AUF) for #counter-narcotic operations. HITRON is the Nation's first, and most successful airborne law enforcement unit trained and authorized to employ AUF. They train to stay the best. #SemperParatus #ForcefromAbove

D5 Turtle Post

Video from #CGCShearwater freeing the sea turtle from the fishing trap line yesterday near #CapeMay, New Jersey. "This was the proudest day I've had on this cutter," said Master Chief Petty Officer Anthony Martinez, Officer in Charge of the Shearwater. "Everybody on the crew rallied around and worked together, and we were able to save that turtle." #USCG http://ow.ly/fHW150AZPBz

Coast Guard reminds mariners that hoax calls are no joke

“Hoax calls and laser strikes put the public at risk,” said Cmdr. Kara Lavin, response chief, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile. “Mariners on the water rely and count on Coast Guard assets and personnel to be ready and able to respond when they are in distress. These false alerts can have the potential to directly put lives at risk in the maritime domain, one of the most dynamic and dangerous environments for people on earth.” Sector Mobile watchstanders have handled a number of suspected or confirmed hoax radio calls. In July alone there were two confirmed hoax calls and three confirmed laser strikes to boat crews training or actively involved in a search. “A laser strike has many of the same effects as a hoax, but also includes the additional risk of permanent injury to Coast Guard personnel, namely to their eyesight,” said Lavin. “Personnel struck by lasers may be blinded, temporarily or permanently, and while it's bad enough that this can cause not only personal injury it may also put the entire crew at risk.” Hoax calls and laser strikes not only put Coast Guard lives in jeopardy, but yours, your friends, or families. Penalties for initiating a hoax may include a $250,000 criminal fine, reimbursement to the Coast Guard of the cost of all search efforts expended, and up to six years in prison. Parents will be held responsible for minor’s actions. To read the full release click here: https://bit.ly/2DCHw6k

Coast Guard Cutter Legare offloads nearly 5,000 lbs. of cocaine, marijuana in Miami

Even though it was a rainy South Florida day, the Coast Guard Cutter Legare crew offloaded nearly 5,000 lbs. of interdicted contraband in Miami. These interdictions were the coordinated efforts with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and Joint Interagency Task Force South Great work to the Winslow Griesser crew and the USS Shamal and embarked #USCG Law Enforcement Detachment crews for stopping these suspected drug smuggling vessels while on patrol in the Caribbean Sea. Read more by clicking the link below in the comments! #Ready #Responsive

Coast Guard medevacs man approximately 207 miles from Turks and Caicos

#ICYMI The Coast Guard medevaced a 59-year-old man from the tug ship, Patriarch, Tuesday, approximately 207 miles from east Turks and Caicos. A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward deployed in Great Inagua, Bahamas, hoisted the man and safely took him to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. An Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew was also on scene during the medevac as a self-recovery asset and a communications platform for the Jayhawk helicopter crew. We appreciate the partnership and coordination with the Turks and Caicos Governor as we were able to get this man to higher level medical care in a timely manner. Due to our vast area of responsibility, having partner nations assist mariners during times of distress is beneficial for all parties.

Semper Paratus

We're always ready for the call, We place our trust in Thee. Through surf and storm and howling gale, High shall our purpose be. Semper Paratus is our guide, Our fame, our glory too. To fight to save or fight and die, Aye, Coast Guard we are for you. #SemperParatus #USCG #StrongerTogether

A Prayer for Coast Guard Day

Today is Coast Guard Day. CDR Cynthia Kane,U.S. Navy, Deputy Chaplain of the Coast Guard, offers this moving prayer that invites us to reflect on the history and heart of Coast Guard service. #USCG #SemperParatus #Prayer #NavyChaplains #Hamilton #CGDay

GoCoastGuard.com

No one else does what we do. Happy 230th birthday, #USCG!

Atlantic Area Command Coast Guard Day Video 2020

"As Alexander Hamilton advised in his first letter to the new Revenue Marine, 'It is our charter to treat each other and the public with dignity, courtesy, and to uphold the freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.' Happy Birthday, U.S. Coast Guard, and Semper Paratus!" --Vice Adm. Steven Poulin and Master Chief Petty Officer Devin Spencer

USCGC TAHOMA performs crash on deck drill with 65 Hitron Helicopter

Night Helo Ops Aboard the USCGC TAHOMA

USCGC 65 Dolphin Helicopter performing touch and go night ops training on the USCGC TAHOMA. The Aviation team along with the TAHOMA crew will deploy for #OpNANOOK , a joint exercise in Canada’s northern and Arctic regions. Participating in Nanook provides the platform to train with our Arctic partners and improve the readiness of our #searchandrescue

USCGC Tahoma prepares to get underway for #OpNANOOK, a northern operation comprised of a series of comprehensive, joint, interagency, and multinational activities designed to exercise regional defense and to secure our northern regions. This includes capability building operations conducted over the course of a year in Arctic regions through training, strengthening partnerships, and improving the readiness of all participants. #SemperParatus #searchandrescue #arcticpartnership #maritimesafety #CAF #MaritimeForcesAtlantic

Hurricane Preparedness

STUDY. PLAN. EXECUTE. Hurricane season is in full swing! Please remember NOT to panic or speculate, but DO monitor official forecasts from the National Hurricane Center. STUDY: Identify Hazards, Determine Vulnerability, Evacuation Timing PLAN: Inform Hazards and Risk, Develop Timelines, Identify Triggers EXECUTE: Monitor Threat, Assess Risk, Take Action. #BoatSafe365

Coast Guard medevaced man off bulk carrier in Gulf of Mexico

The Coast Guard medevaced a man aboard a bulk carrier vessel, 230 nautical miles south of New Orleans, this morning. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew arrived on scene, hoisted the man, and transported him to New Orleans University Medical Center in stable condition. U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile C-144 (Casa) helicopter aircrew also provided critical communications and coverage; ultimately allowing the safe completion of the mission. Bravo Zulu to the aircrew for another successful and safe hoist. To read the full release click here: https://bit.ly/3eMUyLh

#D8HurricanePrep - Hurricane Ike 2008

#D8HurricanePrep Being proactive and being prepared before a storm hits is extremely important. Here are some things to keep in mind that can help you stay safe and protect your property: 1. Stay informed and up-to-date on weather reports. 2. Check your insurance and marina policy's. 3. Shut off all fuel lines and remove any potential pollution hazards. 4. Trailer your boat, and head inland to a safer region that is out of reach from the storm, if you can. 5. Remove anything that's not permanently part of the boat to avoid potential adrift objects. 6. If you can't trailer your boat, apply extra fenders and double up on your normal dock line usage, check that all hatches and portholes are secure, and drop an anchor fore and aft. 9. Follow all evacuation protocols and listen to local and government officials on guidance.

Coast Guard medevaced man off bulk carrier in Gulf of Mexico

The Coast Guard medevaced a man aboard a bulk carrier vessel, 230 nautical miles south of New Orleans, this morning. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew arrived on scene, hoisted the man, and transported him to New Orleans University Medical Center in stable condition. U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile C-144 (Casa) helicopter aircrew also provided critical communications and coverage; ultimately allowing the safe completion of the mission. Bravo Zulu to the aircrew for another successful and safe hoist. To read the full release click here: https://bit.ly/3eMUyLh

Air Station Washington

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to preside over the Air Station Washington Change of Command. Located at Reagan International Airport, Air Station Washington employs two C-37 Gulfstream aircraft for long-range command and control and secure transportation for high-level Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security officials. Take a look inside this unique unit.