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Volume 115, Issue 1
Standing Watch on the 87s
By Rick Kettinger
Standing Watch, the In-Port Officer of the Deck
(OOD) ensures the safety and security of the
Coast Guard Cutter, her crew and everyone
aboard.
The men and women that serve on Coast Guard
Cutters maintain a 24/7/365 vigil on-board to
ensure the readiness of the Cutter to serve those
in distress, and to enforce the maritime laws of
the United States. These men and women are
Coast Guardsmen, the Active Duty personnel
assigned to the Coast Guard Cutters in the
United States and throughout the world.
Stationed in Cape May, NJ at TRACEN, there
are a variety of Small Boats and Coast Guard
Cutters. Standing Watch on a Cape May based 87 Cutter, the Active Duty OOD is supported by a team of eight
qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary In-Port Watchstanders. These Auxiliarists are volunteers from surrounding
Flotillas, traveling as much as two hours to Cape May to relieve the Active Duty OOD. These Auxiliarists come
from all walks of life, but one thing that they have in common is the passion to actively support the Active Duty
Coast Guard.
Under the guidance of John Burns, the Auxiliary Unit Coordinator (AUC), Auxiliarists follow a rigorous
qualification program of the same requirements that are met by the Active Duty. Mr. Burns is a mentor to the
OOD trainees. He advises that qualification requires the In-Port OOD candidate to be knowledgeable of the
operation of all equipment and systems on-board. Every hydraulic, electrical, potable water, wastewater, fire
protection, fuel, HVAC system must be traced and diagramed. The OOD candidate must demonstrate not only
the knowledge, but also the ability to operate all systems. The qualification process also includes several on-line
training courses and examinations. After completing the training, the candidate then goes before a board review
usually conducted by the Officer-in-Charge of the Cutter and designates from his crew.
When an Auxiliarist is qualified to Stand Watch, taking responsibility for the Cutter is a rewarding experience, as it
keeps one sharp on various aspects of security and general operations of the Cutter. On occasion, the Auxiliary
personnel are invited to participate on the Cutter while underway. This provides a hands-on training opportunity
for navigation, radio communication and other essential activities on the Cutter. The excitement of working
alongside the crew is second to none. Of special note, Auxiliarist Bob Lamendola serves as the OMBUDSMAN
for the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter SHEARWATER. It is the gratitude of the Active Duty that makes it all
worthwhile and keeps the Auxiliary Watchstanders looking forward to the next time. Last year there were over
one hundred Auxiliary missions served on-board by the Auxiliary Watchstanders on the 87s stationed in Cape
May. This represents hundreds of hours of service rendered as a force multiplier to the Active Duty on the 87s in
Cape May.
Continued on the next page...