USCG Alum

[Gotofish]

So who of us has been in the Coast Guard? I have an appointment on Wed to get OCS info and was looking for some opinions from people who have been there. How was your experience? What did you do? Unfortunately I don't know anyone first hand who has been enlisted so I'm just looking for thoughts. Thanks guys...

[Crow]

I was in from 1977-81. I did all my time 3 miles from my house at Rockaway Station. I never took the test for Petty Officer as the Station was full of them and they would have sent me to Governors Island and a Great White(378ft'er). I enjoyed what I did on the small boats, but dealing with the powers that be in the military can be a challenge. Especially if you have half a brain and like to think with it. But alas the USCG no longer seems to exist anyway, now the Station is closed (we did about 1500 cases a year). Now its mostly guns and pontoon boats around NY harbor and can't see how the buoys get tended to when the Tenders are watching the ships in the Harbor.
If you can get a real education in OCS take it. Why not the Acadamy? Officers ALWAYS have it easier ya know

[HighTide]

'85-'89. Started off on a 378 in Boston, 180' bouy tender in Woods Hole, Then finished off at Castle Hill in Newport. I was an mk3(boat engineer) and at sm boat stations that means I was a boarding officer too. Mostly good experiences, the best part was that I worked with some great people, but Crow's right about the powers that be.- You can find all that out for yourself.
But overall, the good outweighed the bad, and I look back on it as a good experience- a good place to grow up.
Good Luck, Let us know how you make out

[MakoMike]

IIRC Dave Walrip from the charter boat Relentless hangs around here and he was recently retired from the C.G.

[HighTide]

Damn, if I stayed in and did my 20, I'd be retiring next Friday

[PNG]

'85-'89. Started off on a 378 in Boston

Which one? Hambone or Lady of Love Chahzaaaa