Reservist

ISS1 2016

Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security

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With this issue, we launch a year-long focus on the 75th anniversary of the creation of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. On February 19, 1941, Congress enacted the Auxiliary and Reserve Act of 1941, which formally established both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Coast Guard Reserve. We begin by looking at the Reserve's origins, which are deeply rooted in national defense both at home and abroad. While specific missions have evolved over time, the Reserve continues to play an integral role in the defense of the Nation as highlighted in the story about Port Security Unit 309's training deployment to the Republic of Korea. We are very pleased to have an in-depth interview with our Commandant, Adm. Paul Zukunft, to lead off our 75th Anniversary editorial coverage. Adm. Z offers a frank assessment of the Coast Guard Reserve's role in the Service's ability to surge during contingency operations both at home and overseas. Drawing on his early career experience as a port planner and the more recent experience during DEEPWATER HORIZON, he challenges program managers across the Coast Guard to take a hard look at what capabilities will be required in the maritime domain and the force structure necessary to meet them. Looking back at the birth of the Reserve, we are pleased to highlight two stories about two ordinary men who were there when our Service and our Nation called: Signalman 1st Class Eugene Edwin Oxley and Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class Lou Carnesecca. Oxley was involved with the landings at Normandy in June of 1944. Carnesecca, who would go on to a storied career as St. Johns University men's basketball coach, served in the Pacific Theater. Finally, I'd like to take a bit of editorial license and talk about another significant event which occurred during the month of February a long, long time ago. The day was February 18, 1952, and involved the rescue of 32 sailors from the stern section of the ill-fated tanker SS PENDELTON off the coast of Chatham, Massachusetts. The rescue, now immortalized in the film "The Finest Hours," is viewed by many as the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. When this then young Coast Guardsman first reported to duty at Station Chatham in 1976, the rusting stern section was still visible from the watch room. Around the station were photos of the wreck, its survivors and the heroic crew: BM1 Bernie Webber, ENG3 Andy Fitzgerald, SN Ervin Maske and SN Richard Livsey. Those four men would find a way to do the improbable despite facing what appeared to be insurmountable odds. And, in doing so, they set a standard of dedication and humility for countless Coast Guardsmen who have followed. That may very well be their "finest" accomplishment of all. As always, thanks for reading. Anima est Bonus! Jeff Smith To the Editor: In reading the "Camouflage to CG Blue" from Volume LXII Issue 4 2015, I couldn't help but notice that Port Security Unit 308 was left out. Located in Gulfport, MS, during the storm (this was before the unit relocated from the ANG Base in Gulfport, MS to Kiln, MS), PSU 308 assisted in recovery operations even though unit facilities and staff were directly impacted by the storm. The active duty cadre and around 15 unit members on Title 14 assisted both in Gulfport and in communities all the way to New Orleans. Semper Paratus, Lt. Cmdr. John D. Hughes, DXR Branch Chief 14th Coast Guard District Editor's Note: Sir, Thank you for your letter and pointing out the contributions made by members of PSU 308 during a most difficult time. To the Editor: I received my latest Reservist the other day, and as usual it was fantastic! I am quite proud of the magazine as it is an exceptional publication! I usually read it front to back as soon as I receive it. Then I usually bring it to the office and place it in the "coffee room" for all to read, hoping it might inform and inspire others. After a week or two I take it to my barber shop as well. No telling how many folks eventually get to read it. However, this issue (Volume LXII, Issue 4, 2015) I noticed that my address contained incorrect data. The address imprinted is not mine and it is not a "real" address in my town. Sincerely, Jim Powers Editor's Note: Sir, thank for your letter. As you note, we did experience a problem with our mailing list for Issue 4, 2015. In ReseRvist Magazine FRoM ouR ReadeRs ReseRvist Magazine FRoM the editoR 2 RESERVIST � Issue 1 • 2016

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