Ron J
Active member
Back in the early 90's i interviewed a gentleman,who was looking to advance his career as a technician.I hired Bob,as he was not just a rookie.he had some experience at an independent garage.Never employed at a dealership.He was mature,which isn't easy to find.In a short time,i realized his potential,and within a two year period,i was able to send him to enough factory training,he became a Nissan Master Tech.We became good friends.It happened he was also in the Coast Guard reserves.One or two weekends a month,he would be active at Coast Guard Station,Gloucester.I believe back then,he may have been in 15 yrs or more,and held the rank of CBM.He knew my attachment to the C.G.,because of my father's career,(30 years,active).Well one day,he asked if i would like to go on a patrol with him? What are you kidding? His Commander had approved,and the following Saturday,Myself,and my friend Tom,arrived early at the Station.CBM Bob,immediately treated us to a tour.In the Boathouse,was a "41" footer,in the sling,getting the hull scraped.Next to the Galley,for coffee.Now came the time,we entered the crews locker room,and got into "Mustangs" Bright orange insulated coveralls,like the rest of the crew.We were introduced to the rest of the crew,and felt at home.Didn't realized this was a real patrol,until one of the crew,asked "Chief,shall we wear are weapons?" Next Tom and i,followed the Chief to the dock.There he brought us on board the "47" (the 47 footer)and gave us a complete tour.He knew every inch of her,and she was spotless.Time to leave the dock,Tom and i were on the bridge,with the Helmsman,and a second Chief.Man this was GRRREATT! We left Gloucester Harbor,and Tom and i felt like Kings!!We headed for Salem Harbor,past Magnolia,Manchester,past Bakers Island into Beverly Harbor.Along the way,Chief Bob,was showing us various equipment,and how its related to rescue,and various duties.I gotta tell ya,entering Beverly Harbor on that vessel felt totally different than being on your on boat.This baby means "Authority" all the way!You could feel it! After leaving Beverly,we headed into Salem Harbor,towards Marblehead,around the islands,just cruising.Don't remember how many knots she could do,but it felt great.Tom and i now these waters well,and been out here thousands of times,but not like this!With the Mustangs on,we felt like part of the crew.Finally we returned to port,and back to being a civilian.We couldn't of thanked the crew,and Chief Bob,enough! We shall never forget that ride.Heres the patrol boat we were on.[attachment 41036 ScannedImage-69.jpg] CBM Bob,did me another Huge favor another time.When my father passed two years later,Bob,got me a direct connection,to have 3 Coasties,attend my Dads funeral,and presented me with the flag! Bob isn't employed at the dealer any longer,moved on with life,I think he went active for 2 years,that time may be up soon,but he was still out of Gloucester. This may have come about because of 9/11! We are still good friends,and always will be.
