NAV EX 2nd QTR 2018 NavEx 2nd Qtr 2018 - FINAL | Page 17

individual to assist with any unexpected medical
emergency. The ship carries 12,000 sq ft of sail,
draws 11 feet and weighs 311 tons fully loaded. The
Niagara has been pictured in several movies. One of
which was “Into the Deep” a documentary on the US
whaling industry that details a portrayal of the Essex
ship, the precursor for the novel Moby Dick.
As we left the dock, the weather conditions were less
than ideal. Some fog had settled in and the wind
was blowing a steady 10 knots. Nevertheless the
Coast Guard crew remained vigilant and quickly set
about their duties. They observed numerous drills,
sail evolutions and inspected much equipment. Chief
Warrant Officer Baisden was not adversarial, but
helpful and most thorough in his duties. He carefully
watched over all drills such as man overboard, fire
and abandon ship procedures. He went down into the
engine room checking the bilge pumps and insuring
that the high water alarms were fully operational.
Crew proficiency and ship procedures all came under
his and his team’s watchful eye. Nothing was given to
chance. Even the low air alarm on the breathing tank
for the fireman was tested.
USCG Aux Photo
As these drills were being conducted I notice how
efficiently the Niagara crew was performing. Both
the professional and the volunteer crew worked
in excellent unison as each safety operation was
performed. Should the crew have failed in any aspect
of safety, Chief Warrant Officer Baisden and his staff
were ready to issue a citation and even a “No Sail”
should the situation warrant it. However, this was
never an issue. The ship’s crew passed with flying
colors in every operation.
When the trip ended, a debriefing was held in the
wardroom with the ship’s officers to finalize the day’s
events. Congratulations were indeed in order. I must
say that when the Niagara sails this year, the public
can rest assured that this vessel has been carefully
scrutinized by the Coast Guard and is fully prepared
to sail safety.
USCG Aux Photo
STORY COVER: The Brig Niagara under full sail off of South Bass Island, Ohio on Lake Erie. PREVIOUS PAGE: The Niagara in port silently
awaiting her crew. ABOVE TOP: Auxiliarist Edward Morris, MK1 Rebecca Newell, and LTjg Amanda Garcia stand ready for duty as the ship
prepares to get underway. ABOVE: CWO David Baisden shares his inspection results with LTjg Amanda Garcia on engine room safety.
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