The Coast Guard - Law Enforcement, Drug Interdiction & ...Search & Rescue?

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 10:13:46 -0500

The Coast Guard pulled an icy pup from frozen waters in Michigan. You never know what you might be asked to do today. You guys rock!

http://xfinity.comcast.net/video/coast-guard-saves-drowning-dog-from-frozen-river/ [login to see] 31/Comcast/XFNpidOnly?byCustomValue=%7Bbrand%7D%7BFoxNews%7D&cid=hero_media_Carroll

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 5 at 2015 2:26 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:26:05 -0500

They DO rock!!! The Coast Guard is the brunt of so many jokes, but when you are in need of a rescue...........

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 5 at 2015 9:45 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 21:45:35 -0500

Honestly, I wish the USCG got more respect from the military community. They do really solid work, seriously.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 11:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 23:19:45 -0500

I spent two years in the Coast Guard... What a lot of people don't realize, is just how much danger they put themselves in - not just to get bad guys, but to SAVE people.

Boat crews put themselves in danger in 42' craft that can completely invert, and will then right themselves, often in waves that are taller than a three story building...

Aircrews fly in just about everything - including some of the worst rain and wind, while lowering someone to SWIM to you in those 40' seas, put you in the basket, and pull you up to a warm aircraft cabin.

During my time, I can think of times when my AirSta conducted SAR for over 72-hours - changing crews every 8-hours, flying C-130's and G-25's and HH-60Js to try to find someone who's boat disappeared or went down.

If you're sinking or have sunk, there is a good chance that an aircrew or boat crew is looking for you.

One other thing: I ALWAYS loved the mission of saving people more than the mission fighting them. There is no bigger reward than knowing that you saved someone so they can go back to loved ones another day.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 12:44 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:44:13 -0500

I have been a Coastie for 24 years 18 have been in SAR