Greetings Cuttermen Association Members,

I am pleased to announce the results of the 2013 Executive Board Elections. The following members were elected at our National Meeting on 24 April:

President - CAPT Tom Crabbs
Vice President - CDR Tony Russell
Secretary - BOSN John David Rice
Treasurer - CAPT Brian Perkins (ret.)

I would like to thank the outgoing Executive Board for their diligent service and leadership over the past two years. CDR Kevin Wirth, CDR Russell and BMCS Roger Fuller (ret.) did an outstanding job as we moved our association forward. I would also like to thank those who were nominated for a position on the Executive Board, we had a distinguished group of nominees and voting was close.

v/r
CAPT Chris Sinnett
President, CGCA

USRC BEAR Helping Today's Scientists, read more here.  Joint Service Heritage Seminar, BEAR Hunt! More Information.

Fall 2012

IN MEMORY OF SENIOR CHIEF HORNE AND IN SUPPORT OF HIS FAMILY, THE CUTTERMAN'S ASSOCIATION WILL MAKE A DONATION OF $1,200 TO THE FALLEN HEROES SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED BY THE COAST GUARD FOUNDATION.

Shipmates,

The CG Foundation has set up a web site to accept donations for Senior Chief Horne's family through the Fallen Heroes Scholarship.  If you would like to donate, please see the information below.

Donate on-line: http://www.coastguardfoundation.org/connect/blog/238-coast-guard-terrell-horne-killed-in-line-of-duty

Under "Donation Amount", there is a drop down box stating "where it is needed most".  Please select Fallen Heroes Scholarship.

"In memory of" box, type in Chief Terrell Horne III.

BORN ON THE CREST OF A WAVE

Please join me and the rest of the crew of MUNRO in congratulating CWO3 Jay Bride on reaching the impressive and rare milestone of 20-years sea time, thus earning the title of "Master Cutterman". CWO3 Bride enters the logs as the 34th Master Cutterman in CG History. MUNRO held a ceremony on the messdeck, south of the Shumagin Islands, enroute the Bering Sea in stormy seas and low visibility. We are thankful that the Sea Gods provided an appropriate environment for this august event.

The following members were nominated and approved as candidates for election.  Bios are posted on the web pages for each board position.

President

CAPT Tom Crabbs

Vice President

CDR Tony Russell

Secretary

CDR Rusty Dash

LT Grant Thomas

LT Justin Vanden Heuvel

BOSN John David Rice

Treasurer

CAPT Brian Perkins

LT Nolan Cain

LT Ryan Heneberry

Click on each name to see their custom certificate.

1. CWO4 Paul Dilger
2. BMCM Mark Romesburg
3. CWO4 Garrett VanHoesen
4. CWO4 Keith Raisch
5. CWO4 Randy Salenski
6. CWO4Thomas Svejcar
7. FSCS Anthony Williams
8. FSCS Jeffrey Brophy
9. CWO4 James Robson
10. BMC Stephen Ross
11. CWO4 Todd Murphy
12. CWO2 James Bigbie
13. CWO4 Bradley Stevens
14. CWO3 Michael Moretti
15. EMCM Christopher Janssen
16. LT Richard Blaszak
17. BMCM Henry Strehle
18. CWO4 Douglas Tribou
19. MKC Paul Hicks
20. CWO3 Charles Reynolds
21. LT David Unger
22. LT Robert Lewald
23. BMCM Stephen Hearn
24. BMCM Jeffrey Sherman
25. BMC Gregory Papineau
26. LCDR Stephen Matadobra
27. CWO2 Mark P Gilmore
28. FSCM Kenneth D Sylvester
29. CWO3 David Slobojan
30. CDR Steve Tucker
31. BMCM James Schmader
32. BMCM Bryon Rahilly
33. F&S4 Robert J Janney
34. BOSN4 Thomas J Jones
35. CWO Jay Bride

History of the Master Cutterman Certificate Program

During the years since the Ancient Mariner program began in 1978, there has been confusion in some areas as to the program’s criteria. Ancient Mariners have been thought to be cutterman with the most creditable sea duty, as opposed to the actual criteria of cutterman with the earliest receipt of the permanent cutterman insignia.

After the selection of the Gold (Officer) Ancient Mariner in 2006, a discussion began about the possibility of recognizing the Coast Guard member with the most sea time. Discussions continued through the fall of 2006 relating to the title and design of this certificate. Based on raw data provided by the Personnel Support Command (PSC), Topeka, KS, CWO Paul E Dilger, CO of USCGC ABBIE BURGESS had the most sea duty of any current Active Duty member. He was enthusiastically chosen as the first Master Cutterman. After lively discussions within the Office of Cutter Forces, the following decisions were made:

• The title of the certificate would be “Master Cutterman”.

• The design would be loosely based on certificates provided by the U.S. Naval Institute.

• The design would incorporate images of cutters associated with the designated Master Cutterman.

• The Master Cutterman certificate would be signed by the Commandant.

• This would initially be a “one-time” award based on the initial candidate’s lengthy sea duty record of 26 years and counting.

• The future and criteria of this program would continue to be discussed.

The Cutter Training Division (CG-37RCU-3), working with the Customer Service Branch of the Headquarters Support Command (HSC t-2), designed a certificate following the decisions discussed above. With the help of the Coast Guard Historian, images were found of all the cutters that CWO Dilger served aboard.

The draft certificate, with an appropriate “Digest”, was routed to the Commandant’s office via the chain-of-command on 16 April 2007. The Chief of Staff, VADM Papp, concurred with the one-time recognition and was interested in the proposed long-term program. The Commandant, ADM Allen, approved the concept of the certificate; however, he returned it because the text was not “salty enough”. A second attempt at “salty language" also failed. Finding that our “saltiness” was lacking, the Commandant wrote the text himself. After HSC corrections, the Commandant signed the final certificate on 16 May 2007.

The first Master Cutterman certificate for the officer with the most sea time was presented to CWO Paul Dilger at his retirement ceremony on 27 July 2007 by BMCM David Pierce, Office of Cutter Forces, Cutter Training Division (CG-7513).

The second certificate for the enlisted member with the most sea time was presented to BMCM Mark Romesburg on 07 March 2008.

Cuttermen with 20 years of sea duty now earn the award of Master Cutterman.

Life Membership

            Click here for a list of current Life Members.

Regular Membership

All former & present members of the USCG having earned a permanent or temporary Cutterman Insignia.

Designated persons of other military services and foreign governments who have sailed on USCG cutters while involved in exchange programs between the USCG & their respective service or government.

Associate Membership

Any person not eligible for Regular Membership who, in the opinion of the Executive Board are supportive of the interest and goals of Coast Guard Cuttermen.

Honorary Membership

May be conferred upon any person designated by the Executive Board that demonstrates the exceptional qualities of a Coast Guard Cuttermen and deemed suitable to carry the title.

Membership Benefits

The benefits you get for joining the Cuttermen Association are:

• Participation in professional organization

• Subscription to a Quarterly newsletter

• Participation in Annual Meeting

• Information on National and Chapter* events

• Participation in Local Chapter* events

• Camaraderie within the community

• Volunteer opportunities

• Liaison with other professional associations

• Networking opportunities

* Once Chapters are established

The second edition has been emailed to all members!  This edition features Information about new Local Chapters, SMILAX becoming the Queen of the Fleet, revisions to our By-Laws, a ship-handling competition, SPENCER honoring a WWII veteran, and a note from our Association President.

Emailed on 13 Dec 2011.

RADM Sullivan, Forcecom Commander, hosted the San Francisco Bay Area’s second Cuttermen Call on Friday 10 Dec.  Approximately 40 cuttermen, from SN to VADM, attended the call held at Quarters C on Yerba Buena Island.  The food, view, and company were all outstanding.  VADM Manson Brown, Pacific Area Commander, was present and shared his satisfaction that the Coast Guard and the Bay Area have begun a cuttermen association.  He offered his lasting support for the long overdue and worthy cause to honor our sea going service and its cuttermen.

Following several hours of shared camaraderie, the participants got down to business and nominated the following Pro Tem Officers to lead the group in establishment of an official local chapter:

President
CAPT Kelly Hatfield, CGC WAESCHE

Vice President
LCDR Steve Adler,  CGC BERTHOLF

Treasurer
MCPO Lisa Starliper, PAC-6

Secretary
GMC Michael Phillips, CGC WAESCHE

The new officers have wasted no time in moving ahead with the creation and National Association approval of an official local chapter.  The necessary paperwork has been drafted and official signatures required are being obtained.  The official request will be sent to the National Association just after the new-year.

Congratulations to the Pro Tem Officers and we look forward to your future endeavors in moving both the local and national organizations forward.

The numbers below are taken from our membership database and updated every month.

The numbers below are provided for those interested in various ways to measure activity on this site.

1.  To actively contribute to the continuation and preservation of the history of Coast Guard Cuttermen and the recognition thereof.

2.  To support the goals and advancement of Coast Guard Cuttermen and to promote interest in the Coast Guard cutter community both internally and external to the service.

3.  To maintain an informational liaison between present and past Coast Guard Cuttermen and the operational fleet.

4.  To promote Interaction and camaraderie between all Coast Guard Cuttermen and supporters of the Coast Guard’s cutter fleet through periodic gatherings, fraternal in nature, both national and regional in scope.

5.  To provide an organizational common link for all past and present Cuttermen to strengthen the afloat community for present and future Cuttermen.

Association By-Laws

Signed on 14 April 2010.

Goals

1.Increase awareness of the Cuttermen Association

2. Membership drive (both corporate and individual).

3. Support Local Chapter Initiatives

4. Prepare for 2nd Annual Convention

These positions are appointed by the President, when deemed necessary, to implement the objectives and purposes of the Association.  The appointees serve at the discretion of the President, their terms normally coincide with the elected officers on the Executive Board.

History Committee -

Exercise supervision of historical research and archival procedures. He/she shall be pro-active in developing programs and procedures that effectively contribute to the enlargement and perpetuation of the history of Coast Guard Cuttermen and the recognition thereof, both internally and in areas external to the service.

Communications Committee - LCDR Steve Matadobra

Responsible for the formulation and implementation of the organization internal communications, external communications and the distribution of all pertinent information.

Museums, Restorations, and Artifacts Committee -

Maintain and develop relationships with such institutions and facilities capable of preserving and exhibiting Cutters and artifacts that will contribute to the preservation of the history of Coast Guard Cutters and Cuttermen. He/she will actively seek out Cutters, artifacts and material of historical significance. He/she will be proactive in the restoration and display of acquired Cutters and artifacts.

Sponsors, Donors, and Benefactors Committee - Mr. Brian Perkins

Formulate and sustain individual and corporate contributions and support for worthwhile projects and programs that further the objectives and purposes of the organization.

Annual Convention Committee - LT Eric Cooper and CDR John Wallington

Responsible for and supervise the site selection, agenda, planning activities, and lodging and food selection. He/she will maintain liaison with the sponsoring Afloat units or other agency to ensure adequate staffing and administration is available from the sponsoring agency. Liaison with Coast Guard Headquarters and other appropriate Coast Guard entities will also be initiated and maintained.

Member at Large -

A person well versed in current Coast Guard Cuttermen activities that shall carry out such duties as may be assigned by the President.

Newsletter Editor - CDR Kevin Wirth

Responsible for the editing and publication of the association’s periodic news letter. He/she shall also make extensive use of other publications to promote the Coast Guard and the Cuttermen Association.

Association Historian - Seeking assistance

Responsible for obtaining and the recording of historical data applicable to Coast Guard Cutters and Cuttermen. He/she shall maintain an active liaison and working relationship with Coast Guard Headquarters and Area Historians. He/she shall maintain an active working relationship with the Vice President of History. The Association Historian is responsible for maintaining a historical record of the association.

Temporary Special Committees

These positions were created by the Executive Board and will be included the upcoming By-Laws amendment proposal.

Election Committee - CDR Mike Cribbs

Responsible for organizing the nominations and overseeing the Board Member elections.

Membership Committee - Mr. Sean Mitchell

Responsible for organizing the recruitment of new members and working with the Communications Committee to promotion the Association.

Vice President - Kevin Wirth, CDR, USCG

Treasurer -  Roger Fuller, BMCS, USCG (retired)

Secretary - Tony Russel, CDR, USCG

Immediate Past President - Brian Perkins, CAPT, USCG (retired)

Master Chief Boatswains Mate Lloyd Pierce is a native of Toms River, N.J. He entered the United States Coast Guard and attended Basic Training at Cape May, N.J. in January of 1982. He assumed the duties of Command Master Chief of the United States Coast Guard Academy in June of 2011.

MCPO Pierce, has served nearly 15 years at sea and earned his Officer in Charge Certification as a Quartermaster in 1997. His sea duty includes tours aboard USCGC RED OAK Gloucester City, N.J., USCGC LIPAN Key West, Fla., USCGC STEADFAST, St Petersburg, Fla., USCGC SHERMAN, Alameda, Ca., Executive Petty Officer USCGC MATINICUS, Cape May, N.J., Officer in Charge USCGC POINT FRANKLIN Cape May, N.J., Plankowner Officer in Charge USCGC MAKO Cape May, N.J., and Officer in Charge USCGC SEAHAWK, Carrabelle, Fla. Shore tours have included PACAREA Training Team One, Alameda Ca., separate tours as Company Commander and Battalion Commander at USCG Recruit TRACEN Cape May, N.J., Command Master Chief Joint Interagency Task Force South, Key West, Fla., and Command Master Chief Coast Guard District Eight New Orleans, La.

MCPO Pierce is a graduate of Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy Class XXXIV (1995), United States Army Sergeant’s Major Academy Class 54 (2004), and National Defense University Keystone course for Senior NCO’s (2006). He holds an Associates in Applied Science degree in Administrative/Management studies from Excelsior College. MCPO Pierce’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Coast Guard Commendation Medals, 7 Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon, 9 Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, and numerous service and unit awards. MCPO Pierce holds a permanent Cutterman’s pin, Officer in Charge Afloat pin, Company Commander Insignia and Gold (Command) and Silver Badge insignias.