Boat docked at CG Station Tybee Island.

This is a family story.  A Coast Guard family story.  One that demonstrates that whether we wear gold braid or silver braid on our shoulder boards, we take care of each other when help is needed.

Auxiliarist Bob Kennedy of Freeport, New York was repositioning his 56' boat,“Got One”, from Freeport New York to Freeport, Bahamas this past October.  Among his other interests, Bob runs a marina in Freeport.  His boat is a Coast Guard Auxiliary Facility and Bob is an Auxiliary Coxswain with Flotilla 14 Lindenhurst.  He routinely volunteers his time and the use of his boat for off-shore safety and security patrols under the command of Coast Guard Station Fire Island, NY. 

His crew for the trip south consisted of Lou Fiorentino; Ken Pribil (also an Auxiliarist from Flotilla 14); Eric Cregeen; Mike Humenny; and Tom McLaughlin.  Bob and his crew departed Freeport on October 9th for an off-shore run to Norfolk. They overnighted at Norfolk and continued southbound the next morning.

Next stop Wilmington Beach, NC, and from there, out Cape Fear for an off-shore dash to Jacksonville, FL.  The plan was to arrive early the following morning; however the weather turned overcast, with light rain and wind.  The seas built to 12 feet with heavy rain.  Our boat was riding well but slower than planned. 

About midnight, at a position approx. 75 miles northeast of Jacksonville, and 30 miles east of the Savannah River, the engine rpms started dropping on the starboard engine.  A quick check indicated that the fuel filters needed replacement.  Crawling into the engine room in heavy weather, with rain, engine room heat, darkness, and diesel fuel from the filters sloshing over you was exhausting work, and it took Bob a couple of sessions to get it done. 

Uncomfortable about continuing on without a full supply of spare filters Bob prudently decided to head west to Savannah.  Passing through the rain squall, the starboard engine started acting up again.  A second change of filters had to be done in even more severe sea conditions.  Not much help.  The starboard engine kept dropping and now was turning about 500 rpms maximum.

Grateful crew with CG Station personnel

Checking the charts Bob noted that Savannah was about 30 miles upriver, which meant a night run up an unfamiliar river in lousy visibility with essentially one engine.  He also noted that just inside the river entrance was the U. S. Coast Guard Station at Tybee Island. 

He contacted the Watchstander at the Station by radio, and after identifying himself as a Coast Guard Auxiliarist with his vessel partially disabled, he requested permission to tie up for repairs at the Station saving him the 30 mile run up-river in the dark. 

The Officer of the Day (OOD) contacted the Officer-in-Charge at home who immediately granted permission.  While the boat was en-route, the OOD awakened station personnel to move some of their boats around so Bob would have dock space at the pier best able to accommodate his large boat

When they arrived in the very early morning the Station personnel were waiting on the pier, in the rain, to help secure the dock lines.  Bob and his crew were invited into the Station where hot coffee and snacks were put out for them.  They were given use of one of the crew berthing areas in the Station that had accommodations for four with a private bath area.  Hot breakfast was waiting the next morning as well as a car and driver to take Bob to Savannah for needed parts. 

After making the necessary repairs, the crew profusely thanked the Officer-in Charge, and the personnel at US Coast Guard Station Tybee for their kindness and the professional “assist” to a Coast Guard Auxiliarist in need.  It is a small but significant indication of the spirit of cooperation between all members of the Coast Guard family, including civilians and volunteers.  A well earned “Bravo Zulu” to all involved.

In late afternoon they left Tybee Island to complete their disrupted voyage.

Oh.  How was the rest of the trip to Florida and Old Bahamas Bay?  It was sunny, warm, and uneventful.  Just the way we like it.