The beginning of each patrol always marks the start of a new chapter in RUSH's acclaimed history. After a long and productive in-port period, lines were cast, fenders were raised and RUSH was back underway, this time enroute our first stop in Yokohama, Japan as a part of foreign relations operations in the Northeast Asia region.

The first few days of transit have proven to be very busy and very constructive. We topped off our fuel tanks in Pearl Harbor for the long journey to Asia and picked up newly-reporting personnel including our new Operations Officer and our Coast Guard Academy Cadets, who are joining us for their summer cruise as a part of their curriculum. With the personnel transfer season well underway and many new faces about the decks, we are finding time to ensure the new members of Team RUSH are receiving the proper training to enhance their qualification process on board. It is very important that we are able to use these weeks out at sea to train effectively.

The On-Board Training Teams have each taken advantage of the afternoons with drills focusing on emergency procedures and tactical operations. Our Damage Control Training Team is holding a DC Rodeo to accelerate training on shipboard procedures while divisions are working hard to train members on their rate specialties. The training on board has gotten off to a good start with all hands focusing on personal and professional development.

RUSH is on its way to represent the U.S. Coast Guard in support of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum. The North Pacific Coast Guard Forum brings together Coast Guard agencies from Japan, Russia, China, Canada, South Korea and the United States.

Along with planned stops in Japan and South Korea, RUSH will make history by becoming the first major Cutter to enter China since World War II.

Our first stop in Yokohama is expected to be very busy. The planning committees both on board and at our Pacific Area offices are all working diligently to ensure we are ready to represent our service and our country in an organized and dignified manner. Our Command representatives are preparing for numerous receptions and meetings to take place with foreign officials while our Public Affairs team is organizing final measures to guarantee optimal media coverage.

As we sail closer and closer to Yokohama, each new day welcomes more development and challenges for Team RUSH to take on. This patrol promises to be a very busy but exciting endeavor, one that everyone is looking forward to experience.

Photos

FN Barrick touches up the bulkhead, preserving RUSH's interior.

Members of Team RUSH serve up some pizza during Morale Night and Crazy Hat Day.

RUSH sails through a rainbow on its way to Yokohama, Japan.

LTJG Murray directs the helicopter during a landing evolution on the Flight Deck

Members of Team RUSH render honors in Pearl Habor to the Arizona Memorial

FN Robinson shows Third Class Cadet Beazley and Third Class Cadet Haas howmto conduct soundings

CWO Gephardt takes time to fellowship with the Deck Division

SN Francis and fellow shipmates say goodbye to family and friends on them pier at ISC Honolulu

SN Rincon adds last minute touches to the jackstaff.

MK3 Perez works on the Cutter Boat Over-The-Horizon

ENS Sumner shows SN Barnes how to operate the P-100 Pump during the DC Rodeo

RUSH chases the sun on its way to Yokohama, Japan

BM3 Chasteen brings RUSH 2 alongside

EMC Scarborough conducts checks in the Engine Room

FS1 Lewanski shows how to plug and patch a leak during the DC Rodeo

RUSH's MK75 76mm Gun takes it's inaugural shot of the patrol during a gunnery exercise