Fred's Place - The Place To Meet Old Coast Guard Shipmates

Welcome Aboard The CGC Escanaba

On Patrol Week 2

We join the crew of the Cutter Escanaba underway in the Caribbean Sea on a Counter-Narcotics Patrol!

This week we hear from the Captain, a cook and two seaman from the Deck Department on life aboard a cutter on Counter-Narcotics Patrol plus over 60 photos.

All photos are official Coast Guard photos by PA2 Lisa M. Hennings.

Who is PA2 Lisa Hennings? Click here.

The Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba, homeported in Boston, Ma.

Now hear this ... this is the Cap'n speaking ...

Cmdr. Michael S. Sabellico, Commanding Officer, congratulates Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael L. Partridge (BM2) on his advancement from BM3 to BM2.

I'm Commander Mike Sabellico and I have the distinct pleasure of being assigned aboard Coast Guard Cutter ESCANABA (WMEC -907) as the Commanding Officer. I've been in the Coast Guard 18 years. For 11 of those years, I have been assigned at sea aboard various cutters on both coasts and in Hawaii.

I grew up on the coast of Connecticut and worked as a mate on my uncle's fishing boat plying the waters of Long Island Sound for lobster and conch. At a very young age I felt a calling from the sea and also learned to respect her awesome power. On several occasions, the Coast Guard assisted us and I knew I wanted to be part of that organization. So when the time for college rolled around, I applied to the Coast Guard Academy and was luckily accepted.

Our current tasking has us on a Counter Narcotics Patrol in the Caribbean Sea, which we are very happy about considering the current temperature in Boston (our cutter's homeport) is only 15 degrees! Today it's about 80 degrees, but the seas are a bit rough, which makes helicopter and small boat evolutions difficult at best. I have twin 8-year-old boys and take this mission very seriously, hoping that the scourge of drugs won't be something they will deal with in their high school years.

I'm lucky to have one of the best crews in the Coast Guard. I know that sounds like I'm exaggerating a bit, but after five ships and 11 years at sea, I don't make that comment lightly and I really believe this is the best crew I've had the pleasure of serving with. They never complain, despite being away from home about 185 days per year, and then when we're back in port they stand duty every fourth day and can't go home on those duty nights. Living conditions aboard the cutter are great for me as I have my own cabin (room) and a private head (bathroom), but the rest of the crew isn't as lucky. I don't care how clean you keep those berthing quarters. When you put 12 or 18 guys in such a small compartment it smells and gets messy very quickly, especially when it's really hot. Our guys do a tremendous job maintaining cleanliness and those berthing areas are actually pleasant to live in.

We departed Boston about a few weeks ago and stopped in Mayport, Florida at the naval base to complete some required training in preparation for our current mission. We are well trained and are excited about our jobs. We hope to make seizures soon and take drugs off the streets.

Until next week fair winds and following seas…

/s/ Cmdr. Michael S. Sabellico, Commanding Officer

Blogs

Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew J. Hudgins

The second I see us pulling out of Boston, I think, "here we go again." I know it is going to be long, hard, and tedious but I push on through. My day as an food specialist starts at 5:00 a.m., while most of the crew is still asleep. I work until 7:30 p.m, shower and hit the rack.

A regular day for me, for example, is to wake up at 5 a.m. I'm still tired from the day before and because I live in the forward part of the ship, which has the roughest ride. I go up to the galley, turn on the lights, and get to work. The boat rocks and rolls non-stop, which makes cooking all the more difficult. After breakfast is done, I begin preparing lunch, while the rest of the crew is just rolling out of bed. After each meal, I start my clean ups.

Making three meals a day makes me love my job that much more because I have wanted to be a cook for almost 10 years. The downside is that cleaning up after the crew makes me feel like their mother at times. But even if I am having a bad day, I put on a smile for everyone who comes through my line. Why? Good moods and bad moods can change someone's outlook on you.

One particular day, it was the FS1's birthday, which seems to happen a lot (having your birthday underway). I made a cake for him, and after half of the crew took a piece of cake, the ship rolled pretty hard and the cake ended up on the deck. I smiled about it and kept on working.

Like I said, I love my job.

/s/ FS3 Andrew J. Hudgins, 25, Hometown: Ogden Utah

Seaman Edward L. Powell

I grew up in Flushing, Queens; in an apartment where only my memories and experiences filled those walls. But as I lay in my rack aboard my new home, I look up and see names of those who served before me scratched into the metal overhead. This rack and these walls are filled with thousands of other people's memories. I wonder if Joe and Luis are still in the Guard, or if they left after their obligatory four years of active duty. I could probably find out if they are still in the Guard, but as a non-rate on the "Nab," I hardly have the time.

Morning Reveille here always comes at the most inopportune time. "Mornings" being whatever time you have to wake up, are one of the worst parts of the job, especially when morning comes at 3 a.m. and you have to stand watch.

"Watch." So much meaning wrapped up into that little word for a sailor. I used to love that word when I first got here. Just being able to tell my folks back home about it made it sound so important. I have a purpose, I have watch.

But the thrill probably wore off at precisely the first time I was woken up at 0300 for "watch." I stumble into the head and silently brush my teeth while my shipmates who have the same "watch" (4 to 8's, the early morning shift) do the same. We are silent in our misery, shaving, washing, and doing these actions out of routine rather than thought.

The "4 to 8s" are the worst and best watches to have. Worst, in that the morning starts for you at 3 a.m. Best, in that you get to see the days begin and feel the boat awake and start its day.

Outside of the head, the "blues" are on. They are our night lights, used to preserve night vision. When you're half asleep they give a disorientating feeling, but not at all unpleasant. It's a peaceful blue. By the time I make my way to the bridge I can feel alertness taking hold. I've come to grips that I won't see the inside of my rack till at least lunch break.

Although the thrill of watch has lost some of it luster, I more often than not, truly enjoy being about the bridge. There is a cadence to the command, and the repeating back of phrases and orders that sometimes sound like Sunday worship. The bridge is the most intense watch on the boat. Things can go wrong quickly and everyone is there to witness it. If you want to feel the morale of my ship, know our personalities and how we work as a crew and as individuals, stand a watch with me on the bridge.

Morning watch ends and the day continues. Boat checks and clean ups are to be done and crossed off the work list. The old adage about sailors marrying the sea to me seems false. Sailors don't marry the sea, they marry their boats. The cutter always needs your attention. Right now, even as I type this sentence, something, somewhere is rusting and in need of sanding, painting or some kind of lubing. The cutter is my high maintenance girlfriend and demands full attention. Ignore her whims at your own peril. Trust me, you'll pay for it later.

The work day is divided by the noon meal. There might be time for a nap or for studying. In reality there is always something to study for, whether it be for a promotion, a skill, a required knowledge. After lunch, we have quarters and sweepers. Soon after that, it will be time to go back to watch.

Towards the end of my day I head to the smoking deck, not because I smoke but because it's a chance to catch up with shipmates and hear the latest scuttlebutt. The sun sets in a pink sky. I feel the dried salt on the handrails. I feel ocean spray wash over the exposed portions of my face and I take a final look at the sun. It feels good to be here, now, in this moment. And with that, I turn and head up the bridge to watch.

/s/ SN Edward L. Powell, 28, Deck Department

MK3 Jesse Fuerte

I'm on the Escanaba on TAD orders, but I've been welcomed as a shipmate and a new addition to this crew. I didn't know what to expect so I was a little nervous. I pretty much observed the interactions of my new shipmates. I have to say, with the exception of the new people, it's hard to think they were ever strangers to each other. It's a real tight crew.

My work day underway is pretty much trying to get qualified as a security watch stander. The real fun is when we pull into port and we have to fix something. I get to put my pencil down and pick up a wrench. Our first day in port, we pulled an a/c unit apart to clear up the passage of chill water into the unit. What a mess! Water and clams everywhere!

The combined smell of seawater, zebra muscles and bacteria is repellant and it really absorbs into your uniform. After about an hour you get used to the smell.

We knock off work for the day and we all retire to recharge our batteries. More work waits for us tomorrow, but for now liberty has been granted. My name is Jesse and I'm an MK3.

MK3 Jesse Fuerte Hometown: Chicago

Photos

The OTH go-fast response team performs tactical maneuvers at blistering speeds to chase go-fast vessels.

The "Stingray" peeks out of the port side of the Escanaba as it takes off from flight deck for a drill.

The tie-down crew huddles on the flight deck after completing successful flight operations. Crew from bottom left and clockwise: Seaman Sean M. Crocker, Petty Officer 2nd Class Wesley D. Fisher (IT2), Seaman Kyle J. Decker, Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff W. Lacombe (FS1).

The tie-down crew shows off their red carpet attire. Crew from left to right: FS1 Jeff W. Lacombe, Seaman Kyle J. Decker, IT2 Wesley D. Fisher, Seaman Sean M. Crocker.

The tie-down crew straps the MH-68A down to the flight deck of the Escanaba upon completion of a drill evolution.

Fish-eyed view of the "Stingray" on the flight deck from the third deck.

After quarters, department heads speak to their respective crew about tasking, itinerary, and other mission-related issues.

Seaman Food Specialist Paul A. Tornabene, 29, serves lunch to the Escanaba crew.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul J. Milliken (BM3) prepares charts for the watch.

Lt. Cmdr. Douglas M. Schofield, executive officer, checks the ship's position and course.

Chief Petty Officer Gerald E. Bowen (MKC) relays reports and updates of a simulated casualty to the bridge during a Basic Engineering Casualty Control Exercise (BECCE) held in the engine room. Bowen, who is breaking in for Engineer of the Watch, is tested on his initial assessment, communication, reactions and steps taken to combat the casualty.

Cmdr. Michael S. Sabellico, Commanding Officer, congratulates Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael L. Partridge (BM2) on his advancement from BM3 to BM2.

Seaman Apprentice Brian J. Heaton, 19, keeps lookout on the bridge wing for other vessels.

Refueling team members (wearing purple) prepare the fuel hose for a hot refuel of the MH-68A. The fourth member, wearing a proximity suit and a potassium bicarbonate (PKP) fire extinguisher, stands by in case a fire erupts during the refueling evolution.

The HITRON aircrew stands by while the refueling team (wearing purple) conducts a hot refuel of the MH-68A. The fourth member, wearing a proximity suit and a potassium bicarbonate (PKP) fire extinguisher, stands by in case a fire erupts during the refueling evolution.

The tie-down crew straps down the MH-68A to the flight deck of the Escanaba upon completion of a drill.

The MH-68A takes off from the flight deck of the Escanaba.

Chief Petty Officer Julio C. Suazo (EMC) and Petty Officer 1st Class Brian P. Smith (MK1).

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael L. Partridge (BM2) lowers the flight nets for MH-68A operations.

Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Brian J. Heaton looks down the aft steering hatch for his shipmates to muster on the flight deck.

Petty Officer 1st Class Chad E. Johnson (BM1) evaluates the fire team's performance after a fire was simulated in the aft steering space of the cutter. Crewmembers left to right: BM3 Paul J. Milliken, BM1 Chad Johnson, Fireman Daniel P. Smith, GM2 Thomas P. Mullen.

Petty Officer 1st Class Mitchell T. Pulatie (DC1) evaluates Seaman Loiselle's performance on the fire team after a fire was simulated in the aft steering space of the cutter.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Wesley D. Fisher (IT2) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Noah M. Rowland (BM3) wait for a signal from the pilots and landing signal officer to take the tie-down straps off of the MH-68A.

Crewmembers attempt to qualify on the .50 caliber machine gun.

The thermostat reads a toasty 101 degrees Fahrenheit in the engine room. Often times, the engine room can reach temperatures up to 115 degrees.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian L. McDowell (DC3), 21, and Fireman Jonathan J. Simon, 22, try to determine the source of a simulated casualty in the engine room during a BECCE drill. The BECCE drill is designed to test the knowledge of potential propulsion, security, and engineer of the watch watchstanders.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Derrick R. Hedberg (EM3) provides direction and guidance to the engineer training team during a drill held in the engine room.

Seaman Kyle J. Decker, 20, finishes his last day of mess cook duty by scrubbing the corners of the mess deck.

The landing signal officer and tie-down crew conduct a routine pre-flight foreign object damage (FOD) walk around the MH-68A for debris on the flight deck.

Seaman Keith D. Loiselle keeps lookout watch off the starboard side of Escanaba.

The tie-down crew awaits a "thumbs up" signal from the MH-68A ("Stringray") crew and Escanaba landing signal officer (Ens. Christine M. Kurczewski) to run out to the flight deck and attach the tie-down straps to the helicopter.

After completing a drill, Coast Guard Seaman Dayron Lopez, go-fast response team crewmember, reaches for the crane hoist to secure to the front of the small boat. Two cranes hoists are attached to the small boat, lifting the it in and out of a cradle that sits on the starboard side of the CGC Escanaba.

The Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Jacksonville helicopter (MH-68A) on board the CGC Escanaba. The HITRON crew of four includes two aviation gunners, a pilot, and co-pilot. The HITRON is America's first and only airborne law enforcement unit trained and authorized to employ Airborne Use of Force tactics in support of counter drug operations and Homeland Security to protect the United States against possible terrorist attacks.

Crewmembers attempt to qualify on the .50 caliber machine gun during a gun exercise.

A fish-eyed view of the .50 caliber machine gun shoot off of the port side of the cutter.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael S. Gozska stands boatswains mate of the watch (BMOW) duty on the bridge.

A fire investigator enters the aft steering space to determine the source of the fire and assess the severity of the situation.

A simulated smoke-filled aft steering space tests the fire team's capabilities to assess and remedy a fire scenario.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas A. Boldt, 22, and Seaman Apprentice Sean M. Crocker listen to feedback and direction during a simulated fire drill in the aft steering space.

Seaman Apprentice Henry T. Cylkowski listens to feedback and direction during a simulated fire drill in the aft steering space.

The Fire investigators respond to a simulated fire in the aft steering space of the cutter.

Chief Petty Officer Julio C. Suazo (EMC) communicates the progression of the drill with the bridge.

Lt. Terence J. Williams, engineering officer, checks on the fire team's progression during a fire drill in aft steering.

Chief Petty Officer Theodore J. Tarini (MKC) and Petty Officer 1st Class Chad E. Johnson (BM1) control the smoke machine to simulate a fire in the aft steering space of the cutter.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian L. McDowell, 21, searches for the proper tool to fix a "casualty" during a drill held in the engine room.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas P. Mullen (GM2), a 23-year-old gunner's mate from Brooklyn, N.Y., dresses into his tie-down gear for flight operations.

Lt.j.g. David C. Shuck, 23, overlooks the flight deck during flight operations.

The MH-68A flies in front of the Escanaba shortly after take-off.

Seaman Keith D. Loiselle, donned in firefighting gear, enters into the smoke-filled aft steering space prepared to fight the "fire" during a fire drill.

Chief Petty Officer Theodore J. Tarini (MKC) secures a PKP extinguisher in the aft steering space.

Seaman Keith D. Loiselle, 22, returns the hose to storage after completing a fire drill.

A fire team member crouches down to the ground upon entering the aft steering space that was filled with smoke during a fire drill.

.50 cal machine gun

The "sights" of the .50 caliber machine gun

Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon P. Perry (BM3) performs a head space and timing check on the .50 caliber machine gun as a pre-fire requirement.

Smoke appears as a bullet erupts from a .50 caliber machine gun during Seaman Dayron Lopez's attempt to qualify during a gun exercise.

Fish-eyed view of personnel shooting the .50 caliber machine gun during a gun exercise.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael S. Gozska stands in as the qualified ammunition loader for new personnel attempting to qualify on the .50 caliber machine gun.

During a gun exercise, a crewmember loads rounds into the chamber of the .50 caliber machine gun.

A "loader" stands by to reload ammunition between attempts to qualify on the .50 caliber machine gun.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael S. Gozska instructs new personnel on the ammunition loading procedures of the .50 caliber machine gun during a gun exercise.

Close-up view of BM3 Brandon Perry's hand on the machine gun.

Shell casings drop to the deck and bullets hit the target during BM3 Brandon P. Perry's attempt to qualify on the .50 caliber machine gun.