First-Time Crewmembers Meet Regular Coast Guard Patrol
By Caryl and Gary Jones - U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Photos by Caryl Jones.
The day dawned with warm, clear sunshine, and the drive down to Red Wing was uneventful. We boarded Nomad at 0900, and coxswain Bob Heinz gave us the pre-departure briefing. Our first task was to cast off and stow the fenders and lines. Experienced crewmembers Paul Moen and Jan Heinz had this task down to a science.
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| Paul Moen stowes a fender as Nomad gets underway. |
We had graduated from the Boat Crew Academy on June 14th. Our first reaction was WHEW, we passed! But now the real fun was beginning—we were expected to take those new, hard won skills and actually crew on a working Auxiliary facility! That thought was scary and exciting at the same time. This is the account of our first mission as fully qualified boat crew on Bob and Janet Heinz’s boat, Nomad. Nomad’s homeport is Red Wing, MN, and she patrols the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin.
Gary’s first assignment was bow watch. I took the aft watch with Jan, and Paul took the Navigator’s chair next to Bob. Since this was our first real watch, Gary and I were especially attentive and alert. We didn’t want to miss a thing!
Gary had a very exciting ride when a large boat passed us and created an impressive wake. Despite the fact that the coxswain steered the boat strategically into the wake, the other boat created a deep hole at the bow on the port side, and Gary had to really hang on or he would have been part of an unplanned man overboard exercise.
We changed assignments after about an hour and a half with Gary taking the aft watch, Paul moving to port side. I assumed the navigator role. I was a little nervous when I had to make my first call to Coast Guard Sector Upper even though I had recorded the time, the nearest mile marker and the name of the contact in my notebook. At first, I struggled to remember the exact terms I should use, but it all came back to me when I made the call. Then I settled in and accomplished the rest of the half hour check-ins with ease.
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| The 25-foot safe boat from the U.S. Coast Guard St. Paul MSD approaches Nomad. |
During one call, the petty officer on duty informed us that a Coast Guard facility from the St. Paul Marine Safety Detachment (MSD) was on the river and we might see it at some point on our patrol. This was exciting news for the Nomad crew! Shortly after, we heard that a 25-foot Coast Guard safe boat was on the river. It approached from starboard and came alongside.
The fast boat was crewed by an active duty officer and three reservists. We met the officer, Lieutenant Brian Zecus, and one of the reservists, Steve Kramer. After a few minutes of pleasantries, they were on their way. Both were very generous in thanking the Auxiliary for its volunteer activities.
After a delicious lunch made by Jan, we rotated assignments again. I took the bow watch, Paul took the aft, and Gary became the navigator. We headed for Lock and Dam #3 and refueling at Treasure Island. As we approached the lock, we spotted the Coast Guard boat again, and they stopped long enough to tell us they were not locking through. My Bow watch was uneventful, but after about 45 minutes, the sun and wind began taking their toll. I had to hold onto my hat and the handrail and was very glad I had taken the time to reapply SPF 90 sunscreen to my face.
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| Gary Jones at the navigation station and Bob Heinz at the helm of Nomad. |
There was no commercial traffic waiting, so we sped right through the lock. Again Jan and Paul skillfully handled the lines while Gary and I assisted as needed. When we reached Treasure Island, we were all a little sun-weary and welcomed the docking and re-fueling help from the dock attendants. After leaving Treasure Island, we locked through again and headed for Red Wing.
As we approached the marina, Gary and I set the fenders Under Jan’s tutelage, and I realized how different it is to tie knots upside down while underway and with the dock looming in the distance! Thanks to Jan’s patience and her early start, we set the fenders in plenty of time. My last official duty was to cleat the dock line on the bow. This was a little tricky due to the wind and my limited upper body strength. I finally cleated the line, and I vowed to increase my bicep curls!
Coxswain Heinz ended the patrol with a mission debriefing, declaring it a successful and noteworthy patrol. Gary and I left Nomad with a true feeling of accomplishment.