"Always Ready:" The U.S. Coast Guard

A group of Newcomers were lucky enough to tour the U.S. Coast Guard facility in San Diego.  Thank you Tema for arranging such an informative tour.  About 20 Newcomers met at the Coast Guard Headquarters in San Diego, right near the airport.  We began our tour in the Ward Room with a power point presentation.

The Coast Guard is the world's most respected and reliable search and rescue organization.  Their duties are multifaceted.  They protect Americans on the sea,  protect us against threats delivered by sea, and they protect the sea itself.  Some of the activities they are engaged in include protecting American ships from pirates, stop ships delivering illegal drugs or immigrants, rescue recreational boaters as well as cruise ships and airplane crashes, and work to protect the sea and its inhabitants.  The Posse Comitatus Act was passed years ago which allows the Coast Guard to be the cops on the high seas.

During war, the Coast Guard changes uniforms and becomes part of the Navy.  They are managed by Homeland Security.  The Coast Guard is the smallest of all armed forces.  There are only 49,300 members, about the number of members of the New York City Police Department.  There is also an Axuillary Coast Guard, which consists of volunteer who work aside the Coast Guard.

We saw a Coast Guard helicopter up close.  They are huge, although they only seat about four people, with room for at least one stretcher.  They're used to rescue people from accidents in the water.  They are in the air 20-30 minutes after their call to action.  They have a 250 mile range, and can fly for six hours.

Because of money, it is difficult to recruit good men and women to the Coast Guard.  They have their own academy just as the other branches of service do, but they are not given as much in government funds as the other branches of services.  In fact, they receive 60% less money per person than the Navy.  It's a shame, because after our tour today, I realize how important they are to protecting our coast line and protecting the environment.

Our tour ended, and we all headed to Point Ballast Brewery on India Street in San Diego.  Not being a beer drinker, I cannot vouch for the fabulous beer they produce, but those who did drink a pint, were all raves.  The food was good, fish tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, kale and brussel sprout salad, and vegetarian burger made from chick peas and butternut squash, just to name a few of the menu items.  It's always a great day when you combine good friends, good food, and an informative tour.  This was definitely a great day.