Neither Rain nor Snow nor Sleet Can Stop These Seaman from their Appointed Patrols

By Brian McArdle, Public Affairs Staff Officer, Division 3, D5-SR, Kilmarnock, VA

Ice on Flotilla 33 vessel

On a cold February morning with the temperature around 26 degrees, members of Flotilla 33, Kimarnock, VA, found their patrol boat covered in snow and ice from precipitation the previous night.  Scheduled to meet up with a Coast Guard boat from Station Milford Haven, the Auxiliary crew learned a lot about getting underway when your facility is covered in ice.

Coxswain Jim Thomas, and crew members Don Gallagher and Brian McArdle are part of Flotilla 33’s “Cold Weather Crew.”  By mid-February, the crew had been out on nine patrols since December 1st.   They are trained and ready for cold weather missions.

Just getting on the boat was an adventure since all were wearing a dry suit and oversized boots.  Lines were frozen and unyielding, zippers were frozen solid, access to valves and pumps had to be chipped around and the ice on the windshield had to be removed.  Ice scrapers and a sharp tool will now be part of the checklist for future winter patrols!  This is all part of the learning process and being prepared.

Brian McArdle and Don Gallagher clearing a hatch

Oh yes, the Auxiliary Patrol did get on station on time to meet the Coast Guard boat from Station Milford Haven.  Coxswain PO Toner and his boat’s crew out of Coast Guard Station Milford Haven conducted some stern towing exercises.  The crew also conducted a side tow maneuver with the Auxiliary vessel as practice for two Coast Guard trainees.

“Working under these conditions and in cold weather gear gives us the knowledge and confidence to respond to emergencies in severe weather,” said Jim Thomas, Coxswain. 

Alongside Tow

“We have learned a lot by actually conducting cold weather patrols which have resulted in a much faster response time.  In cold water, every minute counts.”

One of the areas the patrol team covers is the Rappahannock River. 
So if you in that area of Virginia one day and are crossing a bridge over a river on a cold winter day and see a boat flying our colors, it will probably be the Coast Guard Auxiliary being prepared.

~DW