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If I can fly, but it is loneliness and loneliness, this sense of calm,
makes me feel scared, believe me, this freedom, I d'not envy.
我常在夜晚聽到狗聲，那是渴望得到救贖的哀嚎。
會聽到的原因，也許我是另一個需要被救贖的動物吧…我常這麼想！
我的人生索然無味，不只是我自己這麼認為，
連朋友也覺得我是一個需要刺激的單細胞生物，
事實上，我常以水蛭引喻自己，低劣到只能在熟悉的環境吮血存活。
至於可以像飛鳥一樣自在、像游魚一樣怡然的生活，我倒是從不羨慕。
如果只能孤獨的飛翔和寂寞的游移，這種寧靜感只會令我感到害怕，
這種自由只能永遠茫然，然後等著被終結，相信我，我真的一點都不羨慕！
會覺得自己需要救贖，是在被自己情緒困住的第三個禮拜。
在我那不到10坪的房間，我準備把回憶撕成一片片的歷史丟出窗外，
這狹小的黑暗空間裡，心臟像是一枚定時炸彈，我感覺得到計時的聲音，
卻只有寂寞把我壓縮的更緊，逼迫的情緒要撐破胸口無法宣洩，
那種體會，就像迷路到無路可走，然後為剛才錯過的指引，懊惱又悔恨不已。
「你把自己的過去弄得太卑微，沒有人是這樣和自己的回憶在過日子的。」
坂口這麼說得時候，用叉子把最後一塊牛肉、抹上剩餘的醬汁，
然後才慢條斯裡送進嘴裡。
他的一派輕鬆實在令人難以想像，我們才剛結束在床上探索彼此的肉體。
其實他說得也沒錯，一個人的靈魂，是必須在理性和獸性中求得平衡的。
像我這樣老在自己的問題點鑽牛角尖，只會讓自己更累、結果我不再是我，
碩果僅存的理性和獸性都被自己的愚昧壓得粉碎。
再說這個年頭，唯一可以和現代人並駕齊驅的，可能就是愛情了。
不是因為它變得比較文明，而是它變得更方便取得、更光怪陸離。
坂口和我，就是在這樣的需求中徘徊，然後在某個黑暗的角落碰頭。
兩具長久被禁箍的肉體和慾望，從此學會在這樣的世界互相撫慰。
「可是我很貪心，我沒有辦法只迷戀一具肉體，這個道理...你是知道的。」
我沒有太仔細聽坂口跟我告別的理由，因為我們雖然作愛，但並不是所謂的戀人關係。
沒有誓言、沒有守候、沒有等待，我和坂口的相聚，只是宣洩藏在生殖器裡過多的愛。
不用太多的承諾而及時行樂，這是成人世界心照不宣的規則，
所以他的離開，就像吃膩了一道菜，求而其次尋找會讓他覺得美味的新鮮感。
如此而已。
陪伴、陪半，也許所謂的「陪伴」，是指有人陪你在荒誕中，尋求真理的另一半吧....。
坂口放下刀叉，用紙巾擦拭了一下嘴角，站起身前，他的手在我的手背輕拍了一下，
然後向我微笑，準備離開。
「那麼...謝謝你這幾天來的陪伴，祝你好運。」
祝我好運？
我不置可否的向他聳了一下肩，表示我不在乎這種冠冕堂皇的祝福。
「也祝你好運。」我對著坂口的背影小聲的說道。
他離開我的視線之後，我便決定追隨坂口的腳步，回到我那10坪的象牙塔。
不過這次象牙塔裡，只剩下我當著主人...。
那一晚我托著下巴，看著那隻流浪狗用著鼻子四處端弄垃圾。
有時我對牠的哀嚎聲感到煩躁時，我便會在房間裡頭靠著窗戶，
看著牠動也不動與我對望，或是看著牠舔舐骯髒不勘的下體。
牠的皮毛參差不齊，還有幾處像是被燒傷的痕跡。
牠走近一顆行道樹前，對著空空蕩蕩的馬路悲泣，聲音像是哽咽，像是發怒，
那是種不協調節奏傳達的情感，在夜空裡刮出一道沒有人聽得懂的抗議…。
原來牠每一晚的哀嚎，是這樣子的啊....
人就是這樣，常在無助的時候才發現那些不經意、但又存在已久的事實！
憐憫一隻在外面不知流浪多久的髒狗、每晚留意一隻狗與生俱來的天性，
說真的，似乎有點可笑！
但一想到，在我從前渡過最美的日子裡，這隻被遺棄的生命，卻早已經開始學會獨立。
而當我跟愛情分開，必須學會自己獨立的時候，
曾經讓我鄙視的流浪狗，卻每天晚上，開始在窗外吹亂我放不下的執著。
我並沒有眷戀坂口，因為我和坂口一樣，其實也是在肉體當中，
尋求讓蠢蠢欲動的寂寞弭平的方法。
但在和坂口告別後，已經過了20幾天，我懷念的不是坂口這個人，
而是懷念那次他留在我手背上的溫暖，這種詭異又突如其來的思緒，
讓我不禁有點挫折，原來我對遊戲人間的自信，正一點一點的崩解....。
我想我該學會習慣，以後每天晚上不請自來的流浪狗吧？
就像我習慣從前的坂口、和過去的自己。
因為習慣牠的存在，我就不用對著房間沒有意義的自言自語，
因為我知道從今以後，對這個城市心碎的除了我，還有另一個天涯淪落人。
但不知從什麼時候開始，我發現那隻狗已經不再哀嚎！
牠跟牠的聲音就這麼悄悄消失， 取而代之又是一片寂靜跟悶熱的夜晚，
我頓時失去了可以排解無聊的消遣。
在以往，我把外面的狗叫聲當成是安眠藥一樣，
只有牠時有時無、或遠或近的吠聲，我才能安然入睡。
但如今聽不到那比情歌動人的叫聲，我像是失去了一個知己，
以後又只能獨自承受朦朧的光影。
一想到這，我開始懼怕一個人會溺死在時間洪流的日子裡…。
突然消失的狗聲，牠的責任不再為我付出了，我開始積極尋找，
可以代替牠陪伴我的替代品。
寫下我的心情日記？ 那我該寫下什麼？
嘲笑自己放不下的活該？還是詛咒那些終成眷屬的有情人？
我還得需要一個化名，酸菜？吐司？香腸？火腿？
這可好，歇斯底里的城市又多了一個柏拉圖的邊緣人！
這世界可真夠精彩啊，不是嗎？
不過從剛剛開始，我對這房間流動的空氣開始神經質了起來，
因為「老朋友」不在我的身邊，還是房間的冷氣，敲擊只有一個人的冷清，
這房間讓我感覺比以往更悶熱！？
房間裡的窗簾一直是拉上的，照理說，我房間熟悉的溫暖只有月光，
但如今我卻熱得輾轉難安。
我側過身開窗，想讓自己更清涼一點，竟發現到右手的手背上，有個明顯的痕跡！！
那是個傷痕，跟那隻狗一樣，是個遍佈在牠身上、駭人又不知從何來的燒傷！！
我目瞪口呆的睜著雙眼，看著這莫名其妙出現的傷口，額頭上冷汗直流，
一顆汗珠不偏不倚的滴在傷口上，霎那之間，這個弔詭的燙痕放肆的蔓延了起來，
同時一種皮肉剝削的劇痛感開始強烈的吞噬著我每條神經！！
這是噩夢嗎？
還是坂口、以及我以往經歷過的那些人，他們正以一種特別的思念，
將我劃進他們的圖騰？
這該死的灼熱感，開始像火炬般烙在我的全身，
一種皮肉燒焦的味道彌漫在整個房間。
痛楚在我的腳、我的臉、我身體全部的全部，它們隨著越來越密集的痕跡而擴大，
讓我更痛不欲生！！
我跌跌撞撞的跑到浴室，在浴缸裡開著蓮蓬頭澆著這置人於死的折磨，
但是沒用！根本就沒用！！
我彷彿是餘燼尚存的火把被澆上汽油，每一次水柱的衝擊，都讓我更熱！！
對！
熱！
因為我的身體甚至有幾處已經開始冒出一團小小的火！
那些火像一隻冷酷的蟒蛇，在水中由下而上纏繞我的全身，開始聚集！
胸口那像定時炸彈的壓迫感又來了！
那種藏在心臟的熱情，衝擊得隨時可以脫軌！
為什麼？究竟為什麼！？
為什麼我滿腔的認真跟愛情無法宣洩！？
為什麼我炙熱的愛只能裝進這個落漠的軀殼裡！？
為什麼我對他的思念就是無法澆熄！？
「為什……..」
我的吶喊還沒結束，火蛇終於從我嘴裡爆發出來！！
在水裡的我沉浸在一片火海，鏡子承受不住高溫開始龜裂！
水開始沸騰，整個浴室像是巨大的火爐，我身體開始焦黑、潰散、破碎！
那些要命的灼痛，漸漸令我麻痺，取而代之的，是一種徹底覺悟的昇華感！
我想只要無懼這世界的熱情和溫柔，那麼之後，我就可以不用再害怕寂寞。
我想我終於可以安息，我知道我將蛻變，就算我屍骨無存.....。
我又聽到遠處傳來流浪狗的哀嚎，
聽起來像是孤狼流浪到天涯海角，終於找到族群的一種依靠。
原來我誤會牠的情感了！
牠不是因為孤獨而發出怒吼，牠只是為我等待，等待一個和牠一樣的生命，
只要通過被愛篩選和淘汰的考驗，進化之後便更懂得適者生存。
就像我現在一樣，屬於一個人的愛情，它繼續將我燃燒著、燃燒著、燃燒著、
無情又持續的燃燒著....
燃燒著。
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 9, 2022) Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy take part in the second formal parade of the season. Parades are a visual presentation of the military discipline, professionalism and teamwork necessary to succeed as a member of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and have been a part of Naval Academy training since its establishment in 1845. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)
Astronomy, a natural science, is the study of celestial objects (such as stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets and nebulae) and processes (such as supernovae explosions, gamma ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background radiation), the physics, chemistry, and evolution of such objects and processes, and more generally all phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth. A related but distinct subject, physical cosmology, is concerned with studying the Universe as a whole.[1]
Astronomy is the oldest of the natural sciences. The early civilizations in recorded history, such as the Babylonians, Greeks, Indians, Egyptians, Nubians, Iranians, Chinese, and Maya performed methodical observations of the night sky. Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as astrometry, celestial navigation, observational astronomy and the making of calendars, but professional astronomy is nowadays often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics.[2]
During the 20th century, the field of professional astronomy split into observational and theoretical branches. Observational astronomy is focused on acquiring data from observations of astronomical objects, which is then analyzed using basic principles of physics. Theoretical astronomy is oriented toward the development of computer or analytical models to describe astronomical objects and phenomena. The two fields complement each other, with theoretical astronomy seeking to explain the observational results and observations being used to confirm theoretical results.
Descriptions
A martial arts education of intelligent curriculum curated by Sensei Dan Rominski at his martial art school located in Rutherford NJ. Visit our website www.thedojo.org Self-Defense for children at (201) 933-3050 or email SenseiDan@TheDOJO.org
Visit our website www.thedojo.org
Children Learn Focus, Discipline, Self-Control, Concentration, Fitness, Confidence, Respect, Have Better Self-Esteem, Healthy Eating and Self-Defense.
Adults Learn How to get and stay in shape, Stress Release, Fitness, Healthy Eating, Slow start program (come as you are), a coach in every class, Confidence, Focus, Self-Discipline, Positive Peer Group and it’s Fun!
Parents, Download your FREE Report The 7 Steps for Parents: Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse Click HERE to visit our website
danrominski.squarespace.com/c...|/sexual-abuse-prevention
Sensei Dan is available for Scheduled TALKS & PRESENTATIONS.
Get more information about our Martial Arts Education of Intelligent Curriculum involving Everything Self-Defense at TheDOJO located in Rutherford NJ.
Contact Chief Instructor: Owner Sensei Dan Rominski at (201) 933-3050 or email SenseiDan@TheDOJO.org
Visit our website www.TheDOJO.org
TheDOJO - 52 Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070 - Phone: (201) 933-3050 - Text us for info here: (201) 838-4177
Our e-mail address: SenseiDan@TheDOJO.org - Our Facebook page: Like us at TheDOJO or Friend us DanRominski
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/DanRominski - Our Twitter www.twitter.com/danrominski
Instagram: www.instagram.com/danrominski
A link to where our school is on Google Maps: www.google.com/maps/place/TheD......
If you live in the Rutherford, NJ area and would like to inquire about our programs, reach out to us at the phone and/or e-mail or text addresses above. -Sensei Dan
Read our Blog at senseidanromisnki.blogspot.com...
Read our blog at www.DanRominski.Tumblr.com
We Teach Children, Teens and Adults from Rutherford, NJ; East Rutherford, NJ; Carlstadt, NJ; Kearny, NJ; Lyndhurst, NJ; Woodridge, NJ; Hackensack, NJ; Belleville, NJ; Bloomfield, NJ; Nutley, NJ; Clifton, NJ; Montclair, NJ; and surrounding areas.
No Matter The Martial Art we’ll help you accomplish your goals through our expertise or help you find a school that will best suit you.
Karate, Judo, Jujutsu, Juijitsu, Jiu-jitsu, Goju Ryu, Shorin Ryu, Kendo, Iaido, Aikido, Mixed Martial Arts, Grappling, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, Ryukyu Okinawa Kobudo, Shorin Ryu, TKD, Tae Kwon Do
"Brothers and sisters,
You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:
“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
or lose heart when reproved by him;
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
he scourges every son he acknowledges.”
Endure your trials as “discipline”;
God treats you as sons."
– Heb 12:5-7, which is part of today's 2nd reading at Mass.
Dominican friars, seen here in St Albert's Priory church, perform a profound bow as part of their discipline of prayer in church.
~*Photography Originally Taken By: www.CrossTrips.Com Under God*~
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States armed forces and one of seven uniformed services. It is unique among other armed forces in that it combines aspects of a maritime law enforcement agency (with jurisdiction both domestically and in international waters), naval military support, and a federal regulatory agency. It is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, with its military operations working under the US Navy during times of war.
The Coast Guard has eleven statutory missions: Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations (AMIO) , Defense Readiness, Drug Interdiction, Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security, Other Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Aids to Navigation, Marine Safety, Living Marine Resources, Marine Environmental Protection, and Ice Operations. As one of the five armed forces and the smallest armed service of the United States, its stated mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Overview
o 1.1 Description
o 1.2 Role
+ 1.2.1 Search and Rescue
+ 1.2.2 National Response Center
o 1.3 Authority as an armed service
o 1.4 Authority as a law enforcement agency
* 2 History
* 3 Organization
* 4 Personnel
o 4.1 Commissioned Officer Corps
+ 4.1.1 United States Coast Guard Academy
+ 4.1.2 Officer Candidate School
+ 4.1.3 Direct Commission Officer Program
+ 4.1.4 College Student Pre-Comissioning Initiative (CSPI)
+ 4.1.5 ROTC
o 4.2 Chief Warrant Officers
o 4.3 Enlisted
* 5 Ranks
* 6 Equipment
* 7 Symbols
o 7.1 Core values
o 7.2 Coast Guard Ensign
o 7.3 Coast Guard Standard
o 7.4 Racing Stripe
o 7.5 Semper Paratus
* 8 Missions
* 9 Uniforms
* 10 Issues
* 11 Notable Coast Guardsmen and others associated with the USCG
* 12 Deployable Operations Group (DOG)
* 13 Coast Guard Auxiliary
* 14 Coast Guard Reserve
* 15 Medals and honors
* 16 Organizations
o 16.1 Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl
o 16.2 USCGA Alumni Association
o 16.3 Coast Guard CW Operators Association
* 17 Popular culture
* 18 See also
o 18.1 Coast Guard
o 18.2 Related agencies
* 19 References
* 20 External links
[edit] Overview
[edit] Description
The Coast Guard, in its literature, describes itself as "a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America." The other armed services of the US military are components of the Department of Defense, under which the Coast Guard can also operate during times of war and under declaration by the President.
[edit] Role
The United States Coast Guard has a broad and important role in homeland security, law enforcement, search and rescue, marine environmental pollution response, and the maintenance of river, intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation (ATON). Founded by Alexander Hamilton as the Revenue Cutter Service on August 4, 1790, it lays claim to being the United States' oldest continuous seagoing service. As of October 2006, the Coast Guard has approximately 46,000 men and women on active duty, 8,100 reservists, 7,000 full time civilian employees and 30,000 active auxiliarists.[1]
While most military services are either at war or training for war, the Coast Guard is deployed every day. When not in war, the Coast Guard has duties that include maritime law enforcement, maintaining aids to navigation, marine safety, and both military and civilian search and rescue—all in addition to its typical homeland security and military duties, such as port security. While working as the only Military Branch allowed to make arrest, inquiries, and carry firearms inside of the USA, they are also the only Military Branch that are allowed to carry their firearms on and off base, thus giving them greater flexibility when being called to service. The service's decentralized organization and readiness for missions that can occur at any time on any day, is often lauded for making it highly effective, extremely agile and very adaptable in a broad range of emergencies. In a 2005 article in TIME Magazine following Hurricane Katrina, the author wrote, "the Coast Guard's most valuable contribution to [a military effort when catastrophe hits] may be as a model of flexibility, and most of all, spirit." Wil Milam, a rescue swimmer from Alaska told the magazine, "In the Navy, it was all about the mission. Practicing for war, training for war. In the Coast Guard, it was, take care of our people and the mission will take care of itself."[2]
The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready". The service has participated in every U.S. conflict from 1790 through to today, including landing US troops on D-Day and on the Pacific Islands in World War II, in extensive patrols and shore bombardment during the Vietnam War, and multiple roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maritime interception operations, coastal security,transportation security, transportation security, and law enforcement detachments are its major roles in Iraq.
[edit] Search and Rescue
See National Search and Rescue Committee
Search and Rescue (SAR) is one of the Coast Guard's oldest missions. The National Search and Rescue Plan[3] designates the United States Coast Guard as the federal agency responsible for maritime SAR operations, and the United States Air Force as the federal agency responsible for inland SAR. Both agencies maintain Rescue Coordination Centers to coordinate this effort, and have responsibility for both military and civilian search and rescue.
* USCG Rescue Coordination Centers
[edit] National Response Center
Operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Response Center (NRC) is the sole U.S. Government point of contact for reporting environmental spills, contamination, and pollution
The primary function of the National Response Center (NRC) is to serve as the sole national point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological discharges into the environment anywhere in the United States and its territories. In addition to gathering and distributing spill data for Federal On-Scene Coordinators and serving as the communications and operations center for the National Response Team, the NRC maintains agreements with a variety of federal entities to make additional notifications regarding incidents meeting established trigger criteria. The NRC also takes Terrorist/Suspicious Activity Reports and Maritime Security Breach Reports. Details on the NRC organization and specific responsibilities can be found in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.[4]
* U.S. National Response Team
[edit] Authority as an armed service
The five uniformed services that make up the Armed Forces are defined in 10 U.S.C. § 101(a)(4):
“ The term “armed forces” means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. ”
The Coast Guard is further defined by 14 U.S.C. § 1:
“ The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times. The Coast Guard shall be a service in the Department of Homeland Security, except when operating as a service in the Navy. ”
Coast Guard organization and operation is as set forth in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
On February 25, 2003, the Coast Guard was placed under the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security. However, under 14 U.S.C. § 3 as amended by section 211 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, upon the declaration of war and when Congress so directs in the declaration, or when the President directs, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Defense as a service in the Department of the Navy. 14 U.S.C. § 2 authorizes the Coast Guard to enforce federal law. Further, the Coast Guard is exempt from and not subject to the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act which restrict the law enforcement activities of the other four military services within United States territory.
[edit] Authority as a law enforcement agency
14 U.S.C. § 89 is the principal source of Coast Guard enforcement authority.
14 U.S.C. § 143 and 19 U.S.C. § 1401 empower US Coast Guard Active and Reserves members as customs officers. This places them under 19 U.S.C. § 1589a, which grants customs officers general law enforcement authority, including the authority to:
(1) carry a firearm;
(2) execute and serve any order, warrant, subpoena, summons, or other process issued under the authority of the United States;
(3) make an arrest without a warrant for any offense against the United States committed in the officer's presence or for a felony, cognizable under the laws of the United States committed outside the officer's presence if the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing a felony; and
(4) perform any other law enforcement duty that the Secretary of the Treasury may designate.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office Report to the House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary on its 2006 Survey of Federal Civilian Law Enforcement Functions and Authorities identified the U.S. Coast Guard as one of 104 federal components employed which employed law enforcement officers.[5] The Report also included a summary table of the authorities of the U.S. Coast Guard's 192 special agents and 3,780 maritime law enforcement boarding officers.[6] Some contend that these law enforcement personnel are "qualified law enforcement officers" within the meaning of the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. 926B (LEOSA). The U.S. Coast Guard does not, however, have a LEOSA policy one way or the other.
As members of a military service, Coast Guardsmen (also known informally as Coasties) on active and reserve service are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and receive the same pay and allowances as members of the same pay grades in the other four armed services.
[edit] History
Main article: History of the United States Coast Guard
Marines holding a sign thanking the US Coast Guard after the battle of Guam.
Marines holding a sign thanking the US Coast Guard after the battle of Guam.
The roots of the Coast Guard lie in the United States Revenue Cutter Service established by Alexander Hamilton under the Department of the Treasury on August 4, 1790. Until the re-establishment of the United States Navy in 1798, the Revenue Cutter Service was the only naval force of the early U.S. It was established to collect taxes from a brand new nation of patriot smugglers. When the officers were out at sea, they were told to crack down on piracy; while they were at it, they might as well rescue anyone in distress.[7]
"First Fleet" is a term occasionally used as an informal reference to the US Coast Guard, although as far as one can detect the United States has never in fact officially used this designation with reference either to the Coast Guard or any element of the US Navy. The informal appellation honors the fact that between 1790 and 1798, there was no United States Navy and the cutters which were the predecessor of the US Coast Guard were the only warships protecting the coast, trade, and maritime interests of the new republic.[8]
The modern Coast Guard can be said to date to 1915, when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service and Congress formalized the existence of the new organization. In 1939, the U.S. Lighthouse Service was brought under its purview. In 1942, the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation was transferred to the Coast Guard. In 1967, the Coast Guard moved from the Department of the Treasury to the newly formed Department of Transportation, an arrangement that lasted until it was placed under the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 as part of legislation designed to more efficiently protect American interests following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
In times of war, the Coast Guard or individual components of it can operate as a service of the Department of the Navy. This arrangement has a broad historical basis, as the Guard has been involved in wars as diverse as the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the American Civil War, in which the cutter Harriet Lane fired the first naval shots attempting to relieve besieged Fort Sumter. The last time the Coast Guard operated as a whole under the Navy was in World War II. More often, military and combat units within the Coast Guard will operate under the Navy while other Coast Guard units will remain under the Department of Homeland Security.
[edit] Organization
Main article: Organization of the United States Coast Guard
The headquarters of the Coast Guard is at 2100 Second Street, SW, in Washington, D.C. In 2005, the Coast Guard announced tentative plans to relocate to the grounds of the former St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington. That project is currently on hold because of environmental, historical, and congressional concerns. As of July 2006, there are several possible locations being considered, including the current headquarters location.
[edit] Personnel
[edit] Commissioned Officer Corps
There are many routes by which individuals can become commissioned officers in the US Coast Guard. The most common are:
[edit] United States Coast Guard Academy
Main article: United States Coast Guard Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy is located on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut. It is the only military academy to which no Congressional or presidential appointments are made. All cadets enter by open competition utilizing SAT scores, high school grades, extracurricular activities, and other criteria. About 225 cadets are commissioned ensigns each year. Graduates of the Academy are obligated to serve five years on active duty. Most graduates (about 70%) are assigned to duty aboard a Coast Guard cutter after graduation, either as Deck Watch Officers (DWO) or as Student Engineers. Smaller numbers are assigned to flight training (about 10% of the class) or to shore duty at Coast Guard Sectors, Districts, or Area headquarters unit.
[edit] Officer Candidate School
In addition to the Academy, prospective officers may enter the Coast Guard through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. OCS is a rigorous 17-week course of instruction which prepares candidates to serve effectively as officers in the United States Coast Guard. In addition to indoctrinating students into a military life-style, OCS also provides a wide range of highly technical information necessary for performing the duties of a Coast Guard officer.
Graduates of the program typically receive a commission in the Coast Guard at the rank of Ensign, but some with advanced graduate degrees can enter as Lieutenant (junior grade) or Lieutenant. Graduating OCS officers entering Active Duty are required to serve a minimum of three years, while graduating Reserve officers are required to serve four years. Graduates may be assigned to a ship, flight training, to a staff job, or to an operations ashore billet. However, first assignments are based on the needs of the Coast Guard. Personal desires and performance at OCS are considered. All graduates must be available for worldwide assignment.
In addition to United States citizens, foreign cadets and candidates also attend Coast Guard officer training. OCS represents the source of the majority of commissions in the Coast Guard, and is the primary channel through which enlisted ranks can ascend to the officer corps.
[edit] Direct Commission Officer Program
The Coast Guard's Direct Commission Officer course is administered by Officer Candidate School. Depending on the specific program and background of the individual, the course is three, four or five weeks long. The first week of the five-week course is an indoctrination week. The DCO program is designed to commission officers with highly specialized professional training or certain kinds of previous military experience. For example, lawyers entering as JAGs, doctors, intelligence officers, and others can earn commissions through the DCO program. (Chaplains are provided to the Coast Guard by the US Navy.)
[edit] College Student Pre-Comissioning Initiative (CSPI)
The College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) is a scholarship program for college sophomores. This program provides students with valuable leadership, management, law enforcement, navigation and marine science skills and training. It also provides full payment of school tuition, fees, textbooks, a salary, medical insurance and other benefits during a student's junior and senior year of college. The CSPI program guarantees training at Officer Candidate School (OCS) upon successful completion of all program requirements. Each student is expected to complete his/her degree and all Coast Guard training requirements. Following the completion of OCS and commission as a Coast Guard officer, each student will be required to serve on active duty (full time) as an officer for 3 years.
Benefits: Full tuition, books and fees paid for two years, monthly salary of approximately $2,000, medical and life insurance, 30 days paid vacation per year, leadership training.
[edit] ROTC
Unlike the other armed services, the Coast Guard does not sponsor a ROTC program. It does, however, sponsor one Junior ROTC ("JROTC") program at the MAST Academy.
[edit] Chief Warrant Officers
Highly qualified enlisted personnel from E-6 through E-9, and with a minimum of eight years of experience, can compete each year for appointment as a Chief Warrant Officer (or CWO). Successful candidates are chosen by a board and then commissioned as Chief Warrant Officers (CWO-2) in one of sixteen specialties. Over time Chief Warrant Officers may be promoted to CWO-3 and CWO-4. The ranks of Warrant Officer (WO-1) and CWO-5 are not currently used in the Coast Guard. Chief Warrant Officers may also compete for the Chief Warrant Officer to Lieutenant program. If selected, the officer will be promoted to Lieutenant (O-3E). The "E" designates over four years active duty service as a Warrant Officer or Enlisted member and entitles the member to a higher rate of pay than other lieutenants.
[edit] Enlisted
Newly enlisted personnel are sent to 8 weeks of Basic Training at the Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey.
The current nine Recruit Training Objectives are:
* Self-discipline
* Military skills
* Marksmanship
* Vocational skills and academics
* Military bearing
* Physical fitness and wellness
* Water survival and swim qualifications
* Esprit de corps
* Core values (Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty)
Following graduation, most members are sent to their first unit while they await orders to attend advanced training, in Class "A" Schools, in their chosen rating, the naval term for Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Members who earned high ASVAB scores or who were otherwise guaranteed an "A" School of choice while enlisting can go directly to their "A" School upon graduation from Boot Camp.
Petty officers follow career development paths very similar to those of US Navy petty officers.
Enlisted Coast Guard members who have reached the pay grade of E-7, or Chief Petty Officer, must attend the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy at Training Center Petaluma in Petaluma, California, or an equivalent Department of Defense school, to be advanced to pay grade E-8. United States Air Force master sergeants, as well as international students representing their respective maritime services, are also eligible to attend the Academy. The basic themes of this school are:
* Professionalism
* Leadership
* Communications
* Systems thinking and lifelong learning
[edit] Ranks
Officer Grade Structure of the United States Coast Guard
Admiral
(ADM)
Vice Admiral
(VADM)
Rear Admiral
(upper half)
(RADM)
Rear Admiral
(lower half)
(RDML)
Captain
(CAPT)
Commander
(CDR)
Lieutenant
Commander
(LCDR)
Lieutenant
(LT)
Lieutenant,
Junior Grade
(LTJG)
Ensign
(ENS)
O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1
Warrant Officer Grade Structure of the United States Coast Guard
CWO4 CWO3 CWO2
Non Commissioned Officer Grade Structure of the United States Coast Guard[1]
Crossed anchors in the graphics indicate a rating of Boatswain's Mate
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
(MCPOCG)
Command Master Chief Petty Officer
(CMC)
Master Chief Petty Officer
(MCPO)
Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (BMCM) insignia shown
Senior Chief Petty Officer
(SCPO)
Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (BMCS) insignia shown
Chief Petty Officer
(CPO)
Chief Boatswain's Mate (BMC) insignia shown
Petty Officer First Class
(PO1)
First Class Boatswain's Mate (BM1) insignia shown
Petty Officer Second Class
(PO2)
Second Class Boatswain's Mate (BM2) insignia shown
Petty Officer Third Class
(PO3)
Third Class Boatswain's Mate (BM3) insignia shown
E-9S E-9 E-9 E-8 E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4
Enlisted Grade Structure of the United States Coast Guard
Seaman
(SN)
Seaman Apprentice
(SA)
Seaman Recruit
(SR)
E-3 E-2 E-1
[edit] Equipment
The equipment of the USCG consists of thousands of vehicles (boats, ships, helicopters, fixed-winged aircraft, automobiles), communication systems (radio equipment, radio networks, radar, data networks), weapons, infrastructure such as United States Coast Guard Air Stations and local Small Boat Stations, each in a large variety.
Main article: Equipment of the United States Coast Guard
[edit] Symbols
[edit] Core values
The Coast Guard, like the other armed services of the United States, has a set of core values which serve as basic ethical guidelines to Coast Guard members. As listed in the recruit pamphlet, The Helmsman,[9] they are:
* Honor: Absolute integrity is our standard. A Coast Guardsman demonstrates honor in all things: never lying, cheating, or stealing. We do the right thing because it is the right thing to do—all the time.
* Respect: We value the dignity and worth of people: whether a stranded boater, an immigrant, or a fellow Coast Guard member; we honor, protect, and assist.
* Devotion to Duty: A Coast Guard member is dedicated to five maritime security roles: Maritime Safety, Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Environmental Protection, Maritime Mobility and National Defense. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust. We welcome responsibility.[10]
[edit] Coast Guard Ensign
Coast Guard Ensign
Coast Guard Ensign
The Coast Guard Ensign (flag) was first flown by the Revenue Cutter Service in 1799 to distinguish revenue cutters from merchant ships. The order stated the Ensign would be "16 perpendicular stripes, alternate red and white, the union of the ensign to be the arms of the United States in a dark blue on a white field." (There were 16 states in the United States at the time).
The purpose of the flag is to allow ship captains to easily recognize those vessels having legal authority to stop and board them. This flag is flown only as a symbol of law enforcement authority and is never carried as a parade standard. See [2]
[edit] Coast Guard Standard
Parade Standard of the U.S. Coast Guard
Parade Standard of the U.S. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard Standard is used in parades and carries the battle honors of the U.S. Coast Guard. It was derived from the jack of the Coast Guard ensign which used to fly from the stern of revenue cutters. The emblem is a blue eagle from the coat of arms of the United States on a white field. Above the eagle are the words "UNITED STATES COAST GUARD;" below the eagle is the motto, "SEMPER PARATUS" and the inscription "1790."
[edit] Racing Stripe
Racing Stripe
Racing Stripe
The Racing Stripe was designed in 1964 to give the Coast Guard a distinctive, modern image and was first used in 1967. The symbol is a narrow blue bar, a narrow white stripe between, and a broad red[11] bar with the Coast Guard shield centered. The stripes are canted at a 64 degree angle, coincidentally the year the Racing Stripe was designed. The Stripe has been adopted for the use of other coast guards, such as the Canadian Coast Guard, the Italian Guardia Costiera, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Australian Customs Service. Auxiliary vessels maintained by the Coast Guard also carry the Stripe in inverted colors.
[edit] Semper Paratus
The official march of the Coast Guard is "Semper Paratus" (Latin for "Always Ready"). An audio clip can be found at [3].
[edit] Missions
Main article: Missions of the United States Coast Guard
Coast Guard Ensign (Photo U.S. Coast Guard)
USCGC Steadfast
USCG HH-65 Dolphin
USCG HH-60J JayHawk
USCG HC-130H departs Mojave
USCG HC-130H on International Ice Patrol duties
Coast Guard motor lifeboat maritime safety operation
A Coast Guard helicopter crew member looks out over post-Katrina New Orleans
The Coast Guard carries out five basic roles, which are further subdivided into eleven statutory missions. The five roles are:
* Maritime safety (including search and rescue)
* Maritime mobility
* maritime security
* National defense
* Protection of natural resources
The eleven statutory missions, found in section 888 of the Homeland Security Act are:
* Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS)
* Counter Drug Law Enforcement
* Migrant Interdiction
* Other Law Enforcement (foreign fisheries)
* Living Marine Resources (domestic fisheries)
* Marine (maritime) Safety
* Marine (maritime) Environmental Protection
* Ice Operations
* Aids to Navigation (ATON)
* Defense Readiness
* Marine (maritime) Environmental Response
The OMEGA navigation system and the LORAN-C transmitters outside the USA were also run by the United States Coast Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard Omega Stations at Lamoure, North Dakota and Kāne'ohe, Hawai'i (Oahu) were both formally decommissioned and shut down on September 30, 1997.
[edit] Uniforms
In 1972, the current Coast Guard dress blue uniform was introduced for wear by both officers and enlisted personnel (Prior to 1972, they wore U.S. Navy-style uniforms with Coast Guard insignia). Relatively similar in appearance to the old-style U.S. Air Force uniforms, the uniform consists of a blue four-pocket single breasted jacket and trousers in a slightly darker shade. A light-blue button-up shirt with a pointed collar, two front button-flap pockets, "enhanced" shoulder boards for officers, and pin-on collar insignia for Chief Petty Officers and enlisted personnel is worn when in shirt-sleeve order (known as "Tropical Blue Long"). It is similar to the World War II-era uniforms worn by Coast Guard Surfmen. Officer rank insignia parallels that of the U.S. Navy but with the gold Navy "line" star being replaced with the gold Coast Guard Shield and with the Navy blue background color replaced by Coast Guard blue. Enlisted rank insignia is also similar to the Navy with the Coast Guard shield replacing the eagle on collar and cap devices. Group Rate marks (stripes) for junior enlisted members (E-3 and below) also follow U. S. Navy convention with white for seaman, red for fireman, and green for airman. In a departure from the U. S. Navy conventions, all petty Officers E-6 and below wear red chevrons and all Chief Petty Officers wear gold. Unlike the US Navy, officers and CPO's do not wear khaki; all personnel wear the same color uniform. See USCG Uniform Regulations [4] for current regulations.
Coast Guard officers also have a white dress uniform, typically used for formal parade and change-of-command ceremonies. Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers, and enlisted rates wear the standard Service Dress Blue uniform for all such ceremonies, except with a white shirt (replacing the standard light-blue). A white belt may be worn for honor guards. A mess dress uniform is worn by members for formal (black tie) evening ceremonies.
The current working uniform of a majority of Coast Guard members is the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU). The ODU is similar to the Battle Dress Uniform of other armed services, both in function and style. However, the ODU is in a solid dark blue with no camouflage patterns and does not have lower pockets on the blouse. The ODU is worn with steel-toed boots in most circumstances, but low-cut black or brown boat shoes may be prescribed for certain situations. The former dark blue working uniform has been withdrawn from use by the Coast Guard but may be worn by Auxiliarists until no longer serviceable. There is a second phase of Operational Dress Uniforms currently in the trial phases. This prototype resembles the current Battle Dress blouse, which is worn on the outside, rather than tucked in.
Coast Guard members serving in expeditionary combat units such as Port Security Units, Law Enforcement Detachments, and others, wear working operational uniforms that resemble Battle Dress uniforms, complete with "woodland" or "desert" camouflage colors. These units typically serve under, or with, the other armed services in combat theaters, necessitating similar uniforms.
Enlisted Coast Guardsmen wear the combination covers for full dress, a garrison cover for Class "B," wear, and a baseball-style cover either embroidered with "U.S. Coast Guard" in gold block lettering or the name of their ship, unit or station in gold, for the ODU uniform. Male and female company commanders (the Coast Guard equivalent of Marine Corps drill instructors) at Training Center Cape May wear the traditional "Smokey the Bear" campaign hat.
A recent issue of the Reservist magazine was devoted to a detailed and easy to understand graphical description of all the authorized uniforms.
[edit] Issues
The Coast Guard faces several issues in the near future.
Lack of coverage affects many areas with high maritime traffic. For example, local officials in Scituate, Massachusetts, have complained that there is no permanent Coast Guard station, and the presence of the Coast Guard in winter is vital. One reason for this lack of coverage is the relatively high cost of building storm-proof buildings on coastal property; the Cape Hatteras station was abandoned in 2005 after winter storms wiped out the 12-foot (3.7 m) sand dune serving as its protection from the ocean.
Lack of strength to meet its assigned missions is being met by a legislated increase in authorized strength from 39,000 to 45,000. In addition, the volunteer Auxiliary is being called to take up more non-combatant missions. However, volunteer coverage does have limits.
Aging vessels are another problem, with the Coast Guard still operating some of the oldest naval vessels in the world. In 2005, the Coast Guard terminated contracts to upgrade the 110-foot (33.5 m) Island Class Cutters to 123-foot (37.5 m) cutters because of warping and distortion of the hulls. In late 2006, Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard, decommissioned all eight 123-foot (37 m) cutters due to dangerous conditions created by the lengthening of the hull- to include compromised watertight integrity. The Coast Guard has, as a result of the failed 110 ft (34 m) conversion, revised production schedules for the Fast Response Cutter (FRC). Of the navies and coast guards of the world's 40 largest navies, the U.S. Coast Guard's is the 38th oldest.[12]
Live fire exercises by Coast Guard boat and cutter crews in the U.S. waters of the Great Lakes attracted attention in the U.S. and Canada. The Coast Guard had proposed the establishment of 34 locations around the Great Lakes where live fire training using vessel-mounted machine guns were to be conducted periodically throughout the year. The Coast Guard said that these exercises are a critical part of proper crew training in support of the service's multiple missions on the Great Lakes, including law enforcement and anti-terrorism. Those that raised concerns about the firing exercises commented about safety concerns and that the impact on commercial shipping, tourism, recreational boating and the environment may be greater than what the Coast Guard had stated. The Coast Guard took public comment and conducted a series of nine public meetings on this issue. After receiving more than 1,000 comments, mostly opposing the Coast Guard's plan, the Coast Guard announced that they were withdrawing their proposal for target practice on the Great Lakes, although a revised proposal may be made in the future.[13][14][15][16][17]
[edit] Notable Coast Guardsmen and others associated with the USCG
Source: U.S. Coast Guard
* Derroll Adams, folk musician
* Nick Adams, actor
* Beau Bridges, actor
* Lloyd Bridges, actor
* Sid Caesar, comedian
* Lou Carnesecca, basketball coach, St. John's University
* Howard Coble, U.S. Congressman, North Carolina
* Chris Cooper, actor
* Richard Cromwell, actor
* Walter Cronkite, newscaster
* William D. Delahunt, U.S. Congressman, Massachusetts
* Jack Dempsey, professional boxer
* Buddy Ebsen (1908–2003), actor, comedian, dancer
* Blake Edwards, writer, director, producer
* Edwin D. Eshleman (1920-1985), former U.S. Congressman, Pennsylvania
* Arthur Fiedler, conductor
* Arthur A. Fontaine, captain, college sailing national champion, ISCA Hall of Fame
* Charles Gibson, newscaster
* Arthur Godfrey, entertainer
* Otto Graham, professional football player and coach
* Alex Haley, author of Roots and Coast Guard chief journalist (first African-American man to reach the Coast Guard's rank of Chief Petty Officer)
* Weldon Hill, pseudonym of William R. Scott, author of novel Onionhead, based on his World War II Coast Guard service
* William Hopper, actor
* Tab Hunter, actor
* Harvey E. Johnson, Jr., Vice Admiral, Deputy Director FEMA
* Steve Knight, Vocalist for Flipsyde
* Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, athlete, actor
* Jack Kramer, tennis professional
* Jacob Lawrence, artist
* Victor Mature, actor
* Douglas Munro, the only Coast Guardsman to be awarded the Medal of Honor
* Frank Murkowski, former governor and former U.S. Senator, Alaska
* Sam Nunn, former U.S. Senator, Georgia
* Arnold Palmer, professional golfer
* Ed Parker, martial artist
* Claiborne Pell, former U.S. Senator, Rhode Island
* Cesar Romero, actor
* Sloan Wilson, writer
* Dorothy C. Stratton first director of the SPARS
* Gene Taylor, U.S. Congressman, Mississippi
* Ted Turner, businessman
* Rudy Vallee, entertainer
* Thornton Wilder, writer
* Gig Young, actor
* Elian Gonzales, Refugee
* Popeye, Cartoon character, had tattoos and uniforms signifying he was in the USCG. "Popeye the Sailor Meets Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" shows him under a USCG sign.
[edit] Deployable Operations Group (DOG)
The Deployable Operations Group is a recently formed Coast Guard command. The DOG brings numerous existing deployable law enforcement, tactical and response units under a single command headed by a rear admiral. The planning for such a unit began after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and culminated with its formation on July 20th, 2007. The unit will contain several hundred highly trained Coast Guardsmen. Its missions will include maritime law enforcement, anti-terrorism, port security, and pollution response. Full operational capability is planned by summer 2008.[18]
[edit] Coast Guard Auxiliary
Main article: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, established on June 23, 1939. It works within the Coast Guard in carrying out its noncombatant and non-law enforcement missions. As of November 18, 2007 there were 30,074 active Auxiliarists. The Coast Guard has assigned primary responsibility for most recreational boating safety tasks to the Auxiliary, including public boating safety education and voluntary vessel safety checks. In recent history prior to 1997, Auxiliarists were limited to those tasks and on-water patrols supporting recreational boating safety.
In 1997, however, new legislation authorized the Auxiliary to participate in any and all Coast Guard missions except military combat and law enforcement. 33 CFR 5.31 states that: Members of the Auxiliary, when assigned to specific duties shall, unless otherwise limited by the Commandant, be vested with the same power and authority, in execution of such duties, as members of the regular Coast Guard assigned to similar duties.
Auxiliarists may support the law enforcement mission of the Coast Guard but do not directly participate in it. Auxiliarists and their vessels are not allowed to carry any weapons while serving in any Auxiliary capacity; however, they may serve as scouts, alerting regular Coast Guard units. Auxiliarists use their own vessels (i.e. boats) and aircraft, in carrying out Coast Guard missions, or apply specialized skills such as Web page design or radio watchstanding to assist the Coast Guard. When appropriately trained and qualified, they may serve upon Coast Guard vessels.
Auxiliarists undergo one of several levels of background check. For most duties, including those related to recreational boating safety, a simple identity check is sufficient. For some duties in which an Auxiliarist provides direct augmentation of Coast Guard forces, such as tasks related to port security, a more in-depth background check is required. Occasionally an Auxiliarist will need to obtain a security clearance through the Coast Guard in order to have access to classified information in the course of assigned tasking.
The basic unit of the Auxiliary is the Flotilla, which has at least 10 members and may have as many as 100. Five Flotillas in a geographical area form a Division. There are several divisions in each Coast Guard District. The Auxiliary has a leadership and management structure of elected officers, including Flotilla Commanders, Division Captains, and District Commodores, Atlantic and Pacific Area Commodores, and a national Commodore. However, legally, each Auxiliarist has the same 'rank', Auxiliarist.
In 2005, the Coast Guard transitioned to a geographical Sector organization. Correspondingly, a position of 'Sector Auxiliary Coordinator' was established. The Sector Auxiliary Coordinator is responsible for service by Auxiliarists directly to a Sector, including augmentation of Coast Guard Active Duty and Reserve forces when requested. Such augmentation is also referred to as force multiplication.
Auxiliarists wear the similar uniforms as Coast Guard officers with modified officers' insignia based on their office: the stripes on uniforms are silver, and metal insignia bear a red or blue "A" in the center. Unlike their counterparts in the Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliarists come under direct orders of the Coast Guard.
[edit] Coast Guard Reserve
Main article: United States Coast Guard Reserve
The United States Coast Guard Reserve is the military reserve force of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Reserve was founded on February 19, 1941. Like most military reserve units, Coast Guard reservists normally train on a schedule of one weekend a month and an additional 15 days each summer, although many work other days of the week, and often more frequently than just two days a month. Unlike the other armed services, many Coast Guard reservists possess the same training and qualifications as their active duty counterparts, and as such, can be found augmenting active duty Coast Guard units every day, rather than just serving in a unit made up exclusively of reservists.
During the Vietnam War and shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard considered abandoning the Reserve program, but the force was instead reoriented into force augmentation, where its principal focus was not just reserve operations, but to add to the readiness and mission execution of every day active duty personnel.
Since September 11, 2001, over 8,500 Reservists have been activated and served on tours of active duty. Coast Guard Port Security Units are entirely staffed with Reservists, except for five to seven active duty personnel. Additionally, most of the staffing the Coast Guard provides to Naval Coastal Warfare units are reservists.
The Reserve is managed by the Director of Reserve and Training, RDML Cynthia A. Coogan.
[edit] Medals and honors
See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military
One Coast Guardsman, Douglas Albert Munro, has earned the Medal of Honor, the highest military award of the United States.[19]
Six Coast Guardsmen have earned the Navy Cross and numerous men and women have earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The highest peacetime decoration awarded within the Coast Guard is the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal; prior to the transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, the highest peacetime decoration was the Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal. The highest unit award available is the Presidential Unit Citation.
In wartime, members of the Coast Guard are eligible to receive the U.S. Navy version of the Medal of Honor. A Coast Guard Medal of Honor is authorized but has not yet been developed or issued.
In May 2006, at the Change of Command ceremony when Admiral Thad Allen took over as Commandant, President George W. Bush awarded the entire Coast Guard, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation with hurricane device, for its efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
[edit] Organizations
[edit] Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl
Those who have piloted or flown in U.S. Coast Guard aircraft under official flight orders may join the Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl ("Flying Since the World was Flat").
[edit] USCGA Alumni Association
The United States Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association is devoted to providing service to and promoting fellowship among all U.S. Coast Guard Academy alumni and members of the Association.
Membership Types: Academy graduates and those who have attended the Academy are eligible for Regular membership; all others interested in the Academy and its Corps of Cadets are eligible for Associate membership. (Website)
[edit] Coast Guard CW Operators Association
The Coast Guard CW Operators Association (CGCWOA) is a membership organization comprised primarily of former members of the United States Coast Guard who held the enlisted rating of Radioman (RM) or Telecommunications Specialist (TC), and who employed International Morse Code (CW) in their routine communications duties on Coast Guard cutters and at shore stations. (Website)
[edit] Popular culture
The Coast Guard has been featured in several television series, such as Baywatch, CSI: Miami, and Deadliest Catch; and in film. A comedy, Onionhead, portrayed Andy Griffith as a Coast Guard recruit. The 2000 film The Perfect Storm depicted the rescue operations of the USCGC Tamaroa (WMEC-166) as one of its subplots. Special Counter-Drugs helicopters known as HITRONs are seen in action on Bad Boys II. In the 2005 family comedy Yours, Mine, and Ours, Dennis Quaid plays a fictional U.S. Coast Guard Academy superintendent who marries a character played by Rene Russo and together have 18 children. The 2006 film The Guardian, starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, was based on the training and operation of Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Additionally, a Coast Guard cutter and its commander and crew figured prominently in Tom Clancy's book Clear and Present Danger.
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Well, here we are. The end of another year, another decade. Out with the old, in with the new, eh?
The past year has been none too shabby; the past decade was a mixed bag. The next year and decade are bound to be full of ups and downs, but if I have anything to say about it, they'll be full of adventures, creativity, travel, new experiences, and more photography than you can poke a stick at.
Some "fast" facts about the last decade for me:
I opened this decade (and the new millenium) in "style" (okay, Liverpool, rain, port-a-loos with busted doors and illicit drugs might not equate to everyone's idea of "style"!) at Cream 2000 at Pier Head in Leeds, after a wonderful few weeks exploring the UK and catching up with friends and family, local and imported. Orbital brought us into the new millennium with the theme from Doctor Who at midnight, and a mash-up of popular music from the past decade and beyond.
I spent the first 2 years and 4 months of the noughties living in the UK. I lived in 4 different homes during my time there: Bracknell, Reading, Clapham and Croydon.
In that time I traversed much of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Spent parts of two summers at the Edinburgh festivals: film, book, fringe, T at the Fringe, Edinburgh Festival proper; never made it to the military tattoo. Visited Copenhagen, Carcassonne and Toulouse (where I saw The Cure live), Frankfurt and Berlin (where I saw Radiohead play two nights in a row), Barcelona, and Paris (totally kicked arse over paint-balling as a team-building exercise!)
I seem to have left an important part of my brain somewhere, somewhere in a field in Hampshire, alright...
I took not nearly enough photographs, but did work experience at Hot Dog Magazine and was told I should show my portfolio to Dazed & Confused Magazine, though I never did.
I worked with some awesome folk at a photo library in Farringdon, then Camden, for most of my time in the UK. In fact, I spent far too much time in all working whilst living over there, but I did squeeze in time to scan photos and set up the early incarnations of my website.
My last new year's eve in the UK we became yet another statistic: "victims of crime"; with one of our crew being held up at gunpoint a mere 5 minute walk from our home. Thankfully the friend in question was treated, scalp glued, and back at ours in time for the countdown to 2002; though neither myself nor my housemate ever walked along that street at night again.
I met some absolutely wonderful people, artists and otherwise, developing strong and inspiring friendships, locally and virtually. Some friendships became even stronger. Other "friendships" I severed, or "friends" I distanced myself from.
I visited New Zealand's North Island to visit friends and family and take many photographs.
I said farewell to both of my mother's parents; that was hard.
I spent the first half of the decade in relationships. The second half of the decade I spent happily single. I proved I can be more than a little romantic and spontaneous when I traveled to Hong Kong on a whim to meet someone. The romance only blossomed to friendship, but I did take many photographs in Hong Kong City, on Lamma Island, and in Macau.
At the current moment I'm on the verge of paying off my credit card debt for the third time within the decade. Though I was fastidious in paying the full balance off each month until April 2002, past years have not been so disciplined.
I started my own business, which I still run, but which consists more of being an artist than a photographer-for-hire these days.
I sold numerous prints and books to some wonderful people, and completed commissioned portrait shoots with some other wonderful folk. I thank you profusely for your continuing support, it means more to me than you will ever know.
I had eleven different residential addresses and one postal address in the past decade. This year I moved from Melbourne to Brisbane, which has turned out to be a refreshingly positive decision.
I had fifteen different employers, and in 2008 finally streamlined my superannuation down to one account from about six.
I staged my debut solo exhibition, Alternate Worlds, in August 2007 at Brunswick Street Gallery; and had my work included in numerous exhibitions in Melbourne and surrounds, and in LA.
I was shortlisted for the Toyota Community Spirit Artist Travel Award in 2009; and the Corangamarah Art Prize in both 2008 and 2009.
I saw my photography in print for the first time (and more), including two book covers and 10 short story covers, and collaborated with publishers, writers, other photographers, and even made my first doll. I self-published three books of my photography, and wrote about 700 words of prose in NaNoWriMo 2009. I also performed on stage in a public venue outside of a school recital or inter-school competition, playing glockenspiel, egg-shaker and singing (not all at the same time) in a then-boyfriend's band, The Toys.
This year closes on some wonderful and not-so-wonderful moments and experiences, and the decade ahead holds many surprises and dreams to be fulfilled.
Although I'd intended to travel overseas in 2010, and initially had hoped to relocate permanently to the UK, I've made a tough decision in the past few weeks that I need to postpone those travels until 2011 and close off some personal stuff in Australia during 2010 (nothing bad, just closing some chapters in my life).
I'll still be taking a ten-day road trip from Melbourne to Brisbane with Phil Ivens in March and April 2010. I'll still be upgrading my D50 to a D700 or similar during the course of the year.
I'll also be meeting with a Melbourne gallery in March to discuss a potential exhibition of my interior / exterior work in November 2010.
However, for now I will remain in Brisbane, and part-way through next year I'll no doubt end up looking for a place of my own here.
I have a list as long as your arm (my arms are short, so your arms are likely to be of a length more fitting to the extent of my list!) of projects, goals, dreams, intentions and resolutions that I hope to see to fruition and bring to reality in 2010.
I hope you'll stick around and see how it all turns out, and perhaps some of you will play a part in those projects and dreams.
Words can't even begin to describe how appreciative I've been of all the support I've received in the past decade. Whether personal, emotional, creative, inspirational or financial, or a mixture of the above. I have astoundingly generous, inspiring, encouraging and loving friends and family, and for that I am ever thankful.
I'd love to hear about your past decade, and your plans for the coming year and decade; and see and be a part of your futures.
I hope you have a wonderful closing of the old year, and welcoming of the new year, and I raise my glass to every one of you.
I painted this today because I haven't painted in a while! That's basically all I can say, except that I used a watercolor pencil to draw the subject and was reminded of this when my first wash erased much of the sketch.
For some reason, the discipline of drawing-less painting causes me to create spectacularly loose paintings, which I actually like more than ones where I've followed the drawing religiously.
Arches cold press 140lb paper, about 8x10 inches, deckle edge.
54.Birkhäuser + GBC Susanne Meier Memorial 2017
Pfingstmontag, 5. Juni 2017 auf der Sportanlage Schützenmatte in Basel / Schweiz
The scent of fresh bread and ripe fruit greets them as they step into the supermarket, the cool air a sharp contrast to the heavy August heat outside. The momentary relief is almost enough to make Clara sigh aloud—but she doesn’t dare. She knows Sophie would only seize upon it, teasing her for needing such trivial comforts.
And, indeed, Sophie is already glancing at her with a knowing smirk, watching as Clara adjusts her gloves, smoothing the supple fabric over her fingers. They had barely stepped out of Greema’s Beauty and Hair Salon before Sophie had insisted—no, required—that the gloves be slipped back on. The fresh manicure, a striking shade of red, now gleams beneath the fitted black leather, hidden from sight, existing only for Sophie’s satisfaction.
"Such a shame to cover them up," Sophie had mused earlier, feigning regret as she watched Clara tug the gloves back into place. "But we can’t have you looking unfinished, now can we?"
Now, standing in the cool supermarket, Clara flexes her gloved fingers and lets out a small, put-upon sigh. Sophie merely hums in delight, linking her arm through Clara’s and steering her toward the carts.
"Be a dear and push," Sophie instructs lightly, releasing Clara so she can leisurely peruse the aisles at her own pace.
Clara hesitates, casting a wary glance at the cart before reaching for it. The gloves make her grip just slightly awkward, the smooth leather slipping against the metal handle. And then there’s the rest of her—her pencil skirt, unforgiving as ever, keeping her steps measured and small; the high heels forcing her into slow, deliberate movements; the snug collar ever reminding her of her exquisite confinement. Even this seemingly simple task—a mundane thing other women do without thought—becomes a delicate, almost ceremonial effort for her.
Sophie watches with the utmost satisfaction.
"Honestly," Clara mutters as she pushes the cart forward, feeling the resistance in her steps. "This is absurd."
"Not at all," Sophie counters breezily, trailing her fingers along a display of fresh flowers. "It’s good for you. Builds character."
"Struggling to maneuver a shopping cart in a ridiculous outfit builds character?" Clara deadpans, pausing to adjust her grip.
Sophie turns to her with a mock-thoughtful expression. "Mmm, well, it builds something. Grace, patience, discipline…" She gestures vaguely, then smirks. "Besides, I think you rather enjoy proving you can do it."
Clara glares but says nothing, pushing forward. The restrictive nature of her skirt means she can’t take wide strides, so she must navigate carefully, maneuvering the cart with slow precision. Each turn is a carefully measured act, each slight bend to retrieve an item from a shelf a reminder of just how much control her clothing has over her.
Sophie, of course, is reveling in every second.
At one point, she plucks a bottle of wine from a shelf and hands it to Clara. "Put this in."
Clara reaches out to take it, but the gloves make it slightly more difficult to get a firm grip. She fumbles for half a second before securing it, carefully placing it into the cart. Sophie watches, amused.
"See?" she coos. "You’re doing so well."
Clara groans. "I swear, you get some kind of sick enjoyment out of this."
Sophie only smiles. "Of course I do."
They continue through the aisles, Sophie taking her time, deliberately choosing items that force Clara to stretch just enough to feel the pull of her skirt, to bend just enough to remind her of her lack of freedom.
And through it all, Clara complains—about the heat, about the gloves, about the utter indignity of struggling with groceries in heels. But no matter how much she protests, Sophie remains firm, never allowing her even the smallest reprieve.
In fact, she takes every opportunity to check on Clara’s perfection. A subtle tug at her collar to ensure it remains properly fastened. A quick glance at the seams of her gloves, smoothing out any wrinkle. A gentle press to the small of Clara’s back whenever she dares slouch.
By the time they reach checkout, Clara is seething in the most deliciously restrained way, her frustration bubbling under the surface, not quite enough to break composure—but there, simmering in her posture, in the slight clench of her jaw.
Sophie leans in, voice a teasing whisper. "Admit it, darling. You love this."
Clara exhales slowly, staring straight ahead. "I hate you."
Sophie grins. "No, you don’t."
And as Clara stands there, corseted by her own clothing, gloved hands resting neatly on the handle of the cart, the ghost of a smile tugs at her lips.
No. No, she doesn’t.
A fellow disciplinarian gave me this big 2" wide brown leather belt. He wore this belt in his motorbike leathers for many years and it was his 'go to' belt for discipline - he assures me that it has been used to tan many arses over the years and his desire is that I continue to use it for the same purpose - I'm only too happy to oblige! I might need to add a few extra holes as it is a bit big on me, but I look forward to wearing it in my jeans and putting it to use!
For your listening/viewing pleasure: "Discipline," King Crimson
Yes, it's in full color... I thought about doing it as all red or all black, but it wouldn't be the same and didn't look as good. I figure that if you're going to commit to something permanently and show your loyalty to something that means a lot to you, don't half-ass it :)
A little bit about the design and my choice of it:
I've been a fan of the band King Crimson and its primary member Robert Fripp since I was about 13 -- almost 25 years. Of the few constants in my life, they've been one of them.
The band has gone through essentially 3 eras: the 1970s prog-rock era, the early 1980s dancey interwoven ostinato era, and the current 1990s-2000s double-trio post-metalish era.
The tattoo design is from the cover art of the 1st album of the 2nd era, 1981's Discipline. My understanding of that time is that Fripp was applying some of the tenets of John Bennett to the band and to the music business in general, in an attempt to broaden and empower musicians and artists. His focus also shifted to using intricate interwoven arpeggios to form syncopated melodies and pure guitar craft -- essentially finding equilibrium between sublime expression and master technique.
For me, King Crimson have always been about the music, but they've also paired that music nicely with beautiful, occasionally iconographic album art which conveys the spirit of the music and the focus of that particular album well. Discipline for me symbolizes a sense of reconstruction rather than resurrection, of rebuilding and reformulating, focus, determination, and, yes, dogged discipline to achieve the end goal. The knot design as its cover art seems very much a mandala -- a design for meditation, reflection, and projection. The act of crafting the masterful design becomes a sublime expression of the creator and his skills and philosophies. The design seems antique yet timeless, Celtic yet Buddhist, spiritual yet humanist.
There's also a bit of a back story on the knot design itself and its redesign for subsequent releases of the Discipline album. I ended up using the "original" design for this tattoo half-intentionally and half-accidentally -- it's the design I'm more familiar and connected with of the two, and at wasn't until we were about to start that I remembered that we were using this design instead of the newer one. Oh well... by no means is this meant as a slight to Fripp, Steve Ball, or anyone associated with the behind-the-curtain battles over the cover art.
Photo by Gudrun.
It was our first day in Uganda, a big African sun, between 30 degrees I think and our minds full of thoughts. We we're heading for a school for street children in the Jinja District. Just outside the school was this boy standing, looking full of interest in everybody. What's wrong with his arm? Why doesn't he have school clothes on? I don't know. But I think he want to tell a lot.
February, 2008.
Jinja, Uganda.