U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego

Last Wednesday, some of the crew here at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego took some time from their normal work schedule to work with the H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego to help restore one of the vessels the museum plans on having to display to the public here in Oswego. Petty Officers Mantlo, Anstine, and Garrett as well as Seamen Collins, Weyand and Hoffman spent the morning helping to put a fresh coat of paint on the classic vessel that was once used in the great lake's waterways many years ago. Despite our busy mission here in Oswego, the crew always looks forward to working with our partners in the public, as a way to give back to the community that has supported us in the port of Oswego for decades.

Earlier this month, another member of the unit departed for new and exciting roles in the U.S. Coast Guard. Store Keeper 2nd Class Capps said goodbye to the unit early this june, leaving behind his position as the only Store Keeper at the unit. During his 4 years at the unit, Petty Officer Capps handled the units budget which included requisitions for both the engineering and deck department as well as the rest of the miscellaneous items around the unit. Petty Officer Capps ...also kept a precise count of all items currently stored by the units, accurately reporting the stock and budget to keep the unit running smoothly and efficiently. Petty Officer Capps also served as the units Morale Officer, setting up events and days for the crew to relax and enjoy themselves to both balance the emotional and physical stress involved with the duties of the crew serving here at the station. SK2 Capps will be greatly missed and we all wish him luck at his new unit in Virginia!

Last Monday, the crew here at the station recieved a call for a houseboat that was taking on water in the vicinity of the 9-mile nuclear facility. The crew sped out the door as quickly as possible to render assistance to the distressed boater. Once on scene, Petty Officers 3rd Class' Carreon and Savage quickly lept onboard the vessel to assess damage and the source of the flooding. The vessel lacked the installed water pumping systems needed, so the two petty officers quickl...y began to work as a team to bail the water out of the boat by hand using buckets. At the time dewatering of the vessel began, the Station's 45' Response Boat-Medium experienced a steering casualty losing propulsion control in the left jet of the vessel. The rest of the members back on shore to the unit quickly moblized to boat assist the Coast Guard boat as well as the vessel taking on water. Working as a team and understanding how to handle problems efficiently and effectively proved to be the theme of the day as members shifted around to handle both issues quickly and safely. The Chief engineer managed to give a quick repair to get the RBM back to port safely while the Officer in charge assisted in escorting the distressed vessel taking on water into the harbor using the 29' Response Boat-Small, all while the two petty officers bailed water out of the distressed vessel! See more

This morning, 18th of June 2021, the crew here at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego welcomed 2 new Chief Petty Officers into the Chief's Mess. Boatswain's Mates First Class' Bergeron and Miron were advanced to Chief Boatswain's Mates with their families, crew and peers in audience. Chief Bergeron has served as the training petty officer and deck department head here at the unit for 3 years now. Chief Miron has server as the operations officer and Auxilary liason for the past 4... years. Both Chiefs are preparing to transfer to their new units to fill vital and adverse positions requiring a chief. Both Chiefs have worked hard for their new rankings and all of us here in Oswego are proud to have them. A full broadcast of the event will be uploaded to the page soon, please tune in then to see the entire ceremony of these two skilled members of the best maritime service in the world put their anchors on!

As the transfer season continues, the crew at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego said goodbye to another member, this time from the unit's command cadre and a key player in the everyday functions of the station. Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate Zorichak served as Executive Petty Officer at the unit, a position that is second in command structure after the Officer in charge, for a year here in Oswego. Arriving as a Chief Petty Officer, BMCS Zorichak advanced to Senior Chief and was... chosen to be the new Officer in Charge at U.S. Coast Guard Station Fairport in Ohio. During his time here in Oswego, Senior Chief Zorichak oversaw the units budget- managing nearly $100,000, which includes budgeting for operations, engineering as well as the particular challenge of ensuring the unit was equipped to safely operate while the threat of Covid-19 looms over the units operations. Senior Chief Zorichak placed a particular focus on the unit's morale and well being, ensuring crews mental and physical needs were met as well and fielding ideas from junior members, to assist in seeking new approaches to a ever-changing young enlisteds need and interests in the service. Also during his time here in Oswego, he mentored the Boatswain's Mate force, helping multiple petty officers advance their careers; including teaching and training 2 BM1s who will now soon be advancing to Chief Petty Officer. Senior Chief Zorichak's efforts did not stop at the station gates though, as his also lead as a youth league football coach, bringing the leadership from his job at the unit and mixing it with his passion for sports- proudly displaying the core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty in all aspects of both his professional and home life. BMCS Zorichak will be greatly missed at the unit- but his replacement at the unit as Executive Petty Officer, Chief Boatswain's Mate Gutierrez, is excited and ready to take over the watch. We all wish BMCS Zorichak good luck in his new assignment as the Officer in Charge at his new home in Ohio and his efforts are appreciated from every member of the crew here in Oswego!

Today marks a solemn reminder of the dangers of Lake Ontario and the brutal weather that beats on its shores. On December 4th, 1942, the crew that was stationed here at USCG Station Oswego took a 30-foot picket boat out to the Oswego Lighthouse to conduct a crew swapout with those currently manning the light. With the winds at around 35 knots, and the seas crashing over the break wall, the picket boat was swept along the corner of the light house causing the boat to begin fl...ooding and the engine to fail. It helpless drifted across the entrance to the harbor, getting tossed around in the gale, and was smashed upon the eastern breakwall heaving the crew into the frigid waters. Two of the men were able to swim to the breakwall to relative safety to be rescued sometime later. The other 6 Coast Guardsmen in the boat unfortunately did not survive. The names of those men who lost their lives to the violent and cold waters of Lake Ontario are as follows: Luitenant Junior Grade Altson J. Wilson Boatswain's Mate second class Eugene J. Sisson Seaman First Class Leslie J. Holdsworth Seaman Second Class Irving Ginsburg Machinist's Mate Second Class Ralph J. Sprau Boatswain's Mate First Class Karl H. Jackson The crew here at USCG Station Oswego are reminded of these brave men's sacrafice by the original helm of the picket boat lost that day that is mounted on the wall in the main passageway of the building.

Yesterday the crew at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego received a Visit from the United States Coast Guard Sector Buffalo commander, Captain Littlejohn. During her time onboard for her visit, Captain Littlejohn took some time to speak with crew members about their futures in the U.S.C.G. and to see how everyone has been faring in during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as speak with the Station's command about the plans and future of U.S.C.G. Station Oswego. During quarters wi...th the crew, the Captain also presented a Commandant's Letter of Commendation to Boatswain's Mate Second Class Justin Fields for his actions at U.S.C.G. Station Small Sodus Point during a brutal storm that occurring late August. During the storm, a crew from U.S.C.G. Station Rochester staged their boat at Station Small Sodus Point to assist Station Oswego cover their off-shore area of responsibility while their 45' Response Boat-medium was disabled due to an engineering casualty. In the pounding seas and cutting winds, the 45' RBM from Station Rochseter had ripped up the decking on the pier it was moored to and nearly broke totally free. BM2 Fields quick actions, decision making and ability to use resources managed to direct the 45 RBM crew from Station Rochester into safe water while also scouting the shore for safe mooring. Once a safe haven was found, BM2 Fields had to request the assistance of a bystander to use their marine radio to walk the Station Rochester crew into a safe approch to the mooring that was found. See more

The crew here at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego took advantage of the warmer fall weather to conduct some training with the station's reserve enlisted personnel over the weekend. The calm seas, shining sun and clear skies made this an exceptionally nice weekend here on Lake Ontario! The reservists here at the station work diligently to certify in all station operations to help augment the everyday operations at the station, proving to be a vital component in the Coast Guard ...machine. Are you interested in a good paying part-time job with the military while still potentially being able to be stationed close to home? The U.S.C.G. reserves serve at their duty station 2 days per month plus a yearly 2 week long "Active Duty Training" period- operating as an enlisted or officer in the U.S.C.G. working alongside active duty members who serve full-time. There are plenty of benefits to joining the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, if interested reach out to your local recruiting office or check out https://www.gocoastguard.com/reserve-careers for more information!

Today the crew here at U.S.C.G. Station Oswego took a moment to thank one of their most dedicated and valued Auxilary members. Mr. Middleton has served in the Oswego Auxiliary Flotilla #02-04 for over 10 years, tirelessly assisting the Rescue & Survival Petty officer conduct vital maintenance on the units Search & Rescue vests. This maintenance is important due to the critical life-saving equipment attached to the vests, keeping the crew members safe underway in case of an a...ccident. Mr. Middleton has shown up to the station nearly every Wednesday since he came aboard the Auxilary. The U.S.C.G. Auxilary is the volunteer uniformed auxiliary service of the United States Coast Guard, established in the June of 1939 and formally named as the Auxilary in 1941. The Auxiliary exists to support all USCG missions on the water or in the air, except for roles that require "direct" law enforcement or military engagement. As of 2018, there were approximately 24,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. If the idea of serving the Coast Guard as a volunteer, assisting crews around the nation complete missions, reach out to your local station and inquire about the flotillas serving all over the U.S. To check for eligibility requirements please visit the link at https://join.cgaux.org/eligibility 10 years oswego flotilla 24

Last Friday, after what felt like a very short 3 weeks, our guest from United States Coast Guard Sector Buffalo completed her training and departed back to her home unit. Luitenant Junior Grade West joined us here for the month of October at U.S.C.G. Station Oswego to break-in and certify as a Boat Crew Member onboard the Coast Guard's 29 foot Response Boat-Small. During her time here she dedicated herself to learning about station operations, search and rescue at the unit l...evel, and how to be a proficient crew member here at the station. Her knowledge, skills and dedication to duty are a strong display of the Coast Guard Officer Corps values and we all hope to see her and work with her in the future. Good luck in all your future challenges LTJG West, we miss you already!

Every day in the U.S. Coast Guard members all over the the world see new, and amazing things and face challenges they never imagined existed. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego had a moment to be in total awe at the sheer size of lock #4 in the Welland Canal. With roughly 41,000 people in the U.S. Coast Guard, sights like these are seen by U.S.C.G. members every single day and they never cease to be amazing. ... If the idea of seeing sights like this one here, protecting and serving the public, and challenging yourself daily are appealing to you- reach out to your local U.S.C.G. recruiting office and apply today to become a member of the world's finest and oldest ongoing maritime lifesaving service.

Yesterday, the crew at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego said goodbye to a crew member. Seaman Preyer is taking the first big step in his career and headed to Petaluma, California, to attend Information Systems Technician A-school. Upon successful completion, SN Preyer will return to the fleet as a Petty Officer 3rd Class. An information systems technician (IT) is responsible for establishing and maintaining Coast Guard computer systems, analog and digital voice systems (tele...phones and voicemail), and installing and maintaining the physical network infrastructure that ties the systems together. ITs at sea support tactical command, control, communications, and computer systems. This job plays an incredibly vital role in Coast Guard operations, and is something SN Preyer has had his heart set on from the start. Good luck, SN Preyer on all your future endevours and your time and service here is greatly appreciated!

The crew here at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego can tell you first-hand about how chilly the water is getting! Every year before winter hits the southern shore of Lake Ontario, the crew must hop in the water to ensure their rescue gear is warm and dry. It's also a time to practice emergency situations to help survivability in the brutal icy winter waters here in the great lakes. Remember, as the ice-fishing season comes near, check all your cold-weather gear and emergency equipment for when you're on the ice. This season be safe by dressing warm, having a plan and letting others know your plan!

Recently the crew at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego took some time to train gor the upcoming cold-weather months. Part of the training conducted was with the emergency signaling equipment all members at the station must wear while onboard a smallboat or on ice. The picture below is a very special guest of ours, Luitenant Junior Grade West, lighting off one of the flares carried by our crew. Its important to regularly check your flares for any water damage and to ensure they're not out of date. These are crucial details to keep an eye on during the winter months when vessels arent being operated. The difference between a waterlogged flare and a dry one may save your life!

Things got a little bit spooky here at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego! A new tradition the crew started last year is to carve pumpkins for morale and bake the seeds afterwards. Despite the cold and rainy fall months, the crew stays in bright spirits by taking some time to enjoy themselves and work together as a crew on projects like this.

Have you ever been somewhere and felt like an ant in comparison to your surroundings? Thats how the crew of the 45' Response Boat-Medium felt inside lock #4 in the Welland Canal. Locks #4, 5 and 6 are a triple-connected set of locks, so they're made EXTRA large. You can see the walls from the bottom of lock absolutely dwarfing the 45 RBM in this not-so-normal transit.

On Tuesday, October 20th, 3 members of the crew embarked on a journey to take U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego's 45 foot rescue boat-medium to the station in Erie, Pennsylvania. The trip was to exchange the Station's 45RBM for another one while it is updated and outfitted with a new navigation system, helping modernize the Great Lakes search and rescue fleet and improving mission capabilities. This picture was only the beginning of what would be a very long, but very memorable transit through tbe welland canal. The canal is part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and sees alot of commercial traffic. With our small boats though we looks like a bath toy in a tub inside the locks!

Here's a quick peak at the latest mission the crew from Coast Guard Station Oswego accomplished. More photos to come!

On this day, here at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego, we welcomed two of the newest Second Class Boatswain's Mates to the fleet. Petty Officers Anstine & Driscoll have advanced to the rank of BM2, a rank that carries alot of responsibility and trust. These two have proven they're ready to take on whatever the lake has to throw at them, and wear their new ranks proudly. We're all very happy and honored to see them pass this crucial growth point in their careers. If you see them out on the water or around the station, be sure to tell them congratulations and wish them luck on the new challenges they're sure to face!

The weather here in Oswego is rapidly changing, with the gray, wet, and chilly fall rolling in quickly. Luckily the crew here at U.S.C.G. Station Oswego got a break in the weather for the gun range today. Here we have Seaman Prout on her assessment on the Basic Rifle Course that is held by the U.S. Coast Guard for first-time rifle shooters. Upon successful completion of the course, she will move onto a more intense combat-rifle course. These assessments are in place to ensure all members of the U.S.C.G. are knowledgeable, skilled and safe with all firearms used by the service in the line of law enforcement.

Finally, the last update to happenings around the station, a good bye to a crewman who has been at the unit for nearly 3 years now. Seaman Chupp has departed the unit to attend Marine Science Technician in Yorktown, Virginia. The MST rate is a unique mixture of ecological response, law enforcement and environmental safety guidance and a very important job to the U.S. Coast Guard's role of maritime stewardship. ... While in Virginia, SN Chupp will be faced with intense, high-paced learning and testing to ensure his is more than capable of doing the job well. In his time here at U.S.C.G. Station Oswego, SN Chupp attained the certifications of Watchstander, Boarding Team Member and Crewman on the unit's small boats. His positive attitude, confidence and skills will be greatly missed but we are proud to send him off to his next big step in the Coast Guard. Fair winds, and Following seas, SN Chupp, it was a pleasure working with you!

A familiar face from one of our recent posts, Seaman Weyand recieved an award for her absolutely outstanding abilities, effort and positivity in her role here at the station. On a busy weekend in July, SN Weyand was the main certified person on duty while the rest of the crew was out conducting operations. During this time multiple rapid-fire situations arose on the water. SN Weyand quickly and skillfully prioritized the calls, utilizing multiple phones at a time alone, while keeping the crew up to date on developing cases, and also handling the case packages as a whole. The watchroom at the station can become hectic very quickly, but her skills as a watch stander and ability to remain focused rose to the task. A massive thank you and congratulations is in order!

Advancements aren't the only thing happening around the unit, we've also have some new certified personnel! Seaman Gould recently finished his qualifications and attained his Initial Crewman Certification for the unit's small boats. This is a major certification for our junior enlisted here at U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego, a large step forward in the process of becoming a Petty Officer. SN Gould worked extremely hard at a fast pace to finish this process and his skills a...re very much appreciated around the unit. Congratulations SN Gould!