USCGC Monomoy

In the spring of 2003, my best friend and best man at my wedding was deployed to the Persian Gulf with the National Guard.  In 1978 I served with the Coast Guard at a LORAN Station in Adak, Alaska.  Back then any contact from home was a greatly welcomed.  Today, mail and packages from home are still great, but the availability of email and video phone calls are even better.  Many personnel, whether it is a solider, airman, sailor or marine stationed overseas, can now see their loved ones and that newborn baby born days before.

Today, my best friend is now serving is 3rd tour with the Army Reserve in Iraq.  My family and friends starting sending care packages to him on a regular basis.  We even asked his buddies what they needed the most.  It then dawned on me, that there is Coast Guard personnel stationed overseas as well.

I contacted the then the Commanding Officer for a “wish list.”  Following two command changes the current Commanding Officer is LT Kerry McKeever.   Most personnel onboard are there for 12-month deployments.  To ease the loneliness and routine duties Flotilla 82 has sent TV series DVDs, phone cards, and our newsletter “The Buoy.”  The DVD sets are the most asked for item next to the phone cards.  The crew’s monthly reports and photos have been published in our newsletter.  We always look forward to their emails and reports from overseas.

The cutters of the Island Class, as is the “Monomoy,” are capable of enduring unsupported operations for many days.  There are accommodations onboard for both the officers and enlisted personnel.  She has a multi-gender crew aboard.  The cutter is fitted with the latest in navigation and communication systems including satellite navigation, Loran C and surface search radar with collision avoidance capabilities.

When on patrol, the crew of the CGC “Monomoy” conducts maritime security and maritime interdiction missions, search and rescue and local training.  One of their primary missions is to serve as part of a layered defense of foreign oil terminals which are critical to the local economy.  They also perform many other missions to ensure the security and stability of their area of responsibility (AOR).

LT McKeever