CAL-MOAA PLANNING COAST GUARD SHIP COMMISSIONING ROLE

“As you may know, the new 418 foot Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf will be commissioned at Coast Guard Island sometime in summer 2008, probably in August,” reports CAPT Warren McDonald, USCG (RET) and Member, MOAA Board of Directors. “The commissioning committee, traditionally a Navy League function, is now in the planning stages.”

CAPT McDonald was contacted by the Navy League and given some of the early planning details.

“It occured to me that this may be something CAL-MOAA could get involved with,” he said. “I also think it would be good if MOAA could arrange some kind of presence at the event, for new member solicitation.”

According to CAPT McDonald the most recent ship commissioning in the area took place about five years ago when the USS McCampbell, a guided missile ship, was brought to life in San Francisco. Over 6,000 people were present. “I was there,” said McDonald. “It was an emotional event, not to be missed by anyone with an interest in naval tradition.”

CDR John Sammons, USPHS (RET), Council Secretary, has been designated point of contact (POC) for this upcoming event.

“For those of you who are unfamiliar with “bringing a ship to life” I will give you a brief description,” he said. “The ship’s company is in formation on the pier and when the command is given “bring the ship to life” they sprint to the ship and take up stations. It is truly an emotional experience–not one normally seen or understood by services of a lesser stature than the sea services.”

John Sammons said, “What Warren McDonald did not say is that the Navy recently cancelled a commissioning ceremony in San Francisco because of the anti-military sentiment. This is indeed an opportunity to show our flag.”

Since Sammons has been a member of the Navy League for years, he has a good chance of obtaining opportunities for MOAA to participate in the planning and coordination of this event.

Comments RSS