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We’ve had two very eventful weeks up here, which saw us sail south to Barrow to offload our second science party and journalists, then transit down to Dutch Harbor (and complete a week of training on the way), then spend 5 busy days in Dutch Harbor working (first) and relaxing (second.) Now we’re headed back north with our third and final science party onboard. The offload in Barrow two weeks ago was a complicated affair, involving the transport of over 30 persons, their personal gear and tons of scientific equipment, and the onload of several new shipmates and our training team. The crew accomplished this safely with dozens of helicopter flights and several beach landings of our landing craft (LCVP.) I took the opportunity to go ashore in Barrow to meet the local officials and science support personnel who are important to our success. Barrow is cold and windy even in summer, as one would expect, but the people compensate for this with their open and engaging manner and enthusiasm for the Arctic. I was also lucky enough to tour the cultural center and museum, a world-class facility exhibiting artifacts from the indigenous people who have made the northern coast of Alaska their home for thousands of years. Our trip south to Dutch Harbor was uneventful, and the Bering Sea was uncharacteristically calm. Flat as a lake, actually. We made great time, and with the help of our trainers from the Afloat Training Group in Everett, Washington, we refreshed our emergency response skills by conducting a series of drills and training sessions. Dutch Harbor has changed a great deal since I was last here in 1992. The port has expanded, there are more entertainment options, and the new Coast Guard pier provided nice shoreside facilities including a room of telephones for the crew and a small library. Our first 2 days were busy, though: we offloaded 61 days worth of trash, moved tons of science gear ashore (and took on tons more) and filled our tanks with 600,000 gallons of fuel (our capacity is 1.3 million gallons, if you’re curious). After that the crew hit the town for a few days. Most people went hiking in the nearby mountains or along the coast (there are no trees on Unalaska Island, but the scenery is dramatic.) We also had a Coast Guard Day picnic and softball game. On the 5th of August we sailed for the North Pole and Europe with our new crew of scientists. We also welcomed several new shipmates, including Chief Warrant Officer Timothy Tully, Senior Chief Joseph Bisson, Electronics Technician Third Class Steven Daem, Damage Controlman Third Class Courtney Wilson, Fireman (EM) Nathan Finley, Seaman (BM) Aimee Buford, and Seaman Robert Melvin. Our first Big Saturday Night Bingo Tournament was dominated by SK2 Rebecca Arakaki, who won a 256MB jump drive, a jar of gold flecks from Nome, a Dutch Harbor mug, and candy. Germain Tremblay won a poster and an LED keychain light, and AMT1 Johnny Charles won the consolation prize, a $10 Blockbuster movie card, which hopefully does not expire too soon. For Captain Dan Oliver, Command Master Chief Pete Perron and myself, thanks for all your support. You’ll hear from us again next week.
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The Coast Guard Cutter Healy, homeported in Seattle, Washington.
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