The Ceremony began with some brief introductions, unfortunately, i forget the name and rank of the Coast Guardsman who was the Master of Ceremonies. He gave a short order of events, that were to come. First the National Anthem of course! [attachment 126291 DSC07987.jpg]We all stood proudly, civilians with your right arm crossing your chest, hand over heart, and Servicemen Saluting. Next came the Color Guard from the back of the tent towards the front.Next in line, the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard , Admiral Thad Allen.(in the Center of picture) This honor and duty, was bestowed him, May 2006[attachment 126292 DSC08007.jpg] As Commandant he leads the largest component of Department of Homeland Security! According to my Ceremony brochure, Some 42000 men and women on Active Duty, 8000 reservists, 7000 civilians and 34000 volunteer Auxiliarists! That is some responsibility! Imagine how many vessels and bases involved with that many people.. This Gentleman has quite a resume, with 38 years of service , under his belt. Coast Guard is in his blood , like a lot of others, his father is a retired Coast Guard Chief. The Admiral served on Cutters, and commanded the Citrus. I could fill a page of his different Commands and roles. He holds a Master of Science , a Master of Public Administration ,having graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy prior to his advanced education, in 1971. I must mention he has a great sense of humor, which i saw and heard during the Ceremony! Next came Congressman William Delahunt of Massachusetts.(center of picture also) [attachment 126297 DSC08008.jpg]He represents the Tenth Congressional District of Massachusetts, which of course includes, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and the South Shore region. His professional responsibilities, include a lot of Environmental situations, and serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Coast Guard Caucus. Congressman Delahunt served in the Coast Guard Reserves for 17 years. So he should know something of what its all about to be "Semper Paratus" (Always Ready). Of course there were many Coast Guard dignitaries from Station Chatham. They all spoke of the Coast Guard, and its duties, but also spoke of down to earth stories. A retired Chief was a guest speaker, and as you know, Everyone looks up to their Chief !! (even the Rank, above them, or if they are smart they would.) The Chief, told a couple of doozies and everyone was laughing, including the Commandant. The Chief was speaking how the 44301 could save YOUR life as a crew member, as well of those whom you are rescuing. During one of his stories, (note: the road was 50 feet behind the podium) traffic would crawl by, trying to catch a view of the Atlantic. A fella pulled up on a Harley, with open pipes, stopped to gaze at the ocean, exhaust rumbling away. The Chief was trying to speak, and even with the Microphone and speakers, could not be heard. He was Bull$@#t!
He stepped from the mike, and GAVE ORDERS....looking at the front row of Chiefs,
he BARKED, "Someone tell that guy to shut that thing off!!" More than one gentlemen jumped immediately, and the Biker left! I can tell you this, its a good thing the speaker was a RETIRED CHIEF, and even better for the Biker,that they were both civilians!....... Next was The Commandant! The first thing he did was to wave his hands and arms up and down together, as if to say "Yes your highness" to the Chief. Even the Commandant knew no matter who you were, you ALWAYS look up to your Chief.
The crowd was thrilled. One of the last to speak, was Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate David Jonason, Station Chatham's Officer in Charge. He was awarded a nice Memorial of the 44301. The time came for him to give the order, looking towards another Chief, he stated " Chief, give the order to the crew of the 44, Lower the Ensign, and hand it to the crew of the 42". The Chief spoke into his belt mounted radio, and gave the order. As this was happening, attendees were leaving the tent, to watch as the Ensign was lowered. All during the ceremony, across the road, you could view the 44 and the 42 offshore, holding position in the whitecaps and current all the while. I tried to take a decent photo of this, but too distant....If you can make it out, the Ensign has been passed, and the 44301 is heading out of the Bar, presuming her last exit from Chatham. No longer a Commissioned vessel of The U.S.C.G.! Next I heard the thundering sound of a Chopper approaching the area..from the other side of the tent? Next thing i saw was amazing..a Fly-by, not just a Chopper, but one of the C.G. Jets...I had to act quickly, and got a couple of quick shots...If that Jet were flying any slower, it appeared it would have fallen out of the sky![attachment 126314 DSC08041.jpg][attachment 126316 DSC08042.jpg] From here, it appeared both units were following the 44, down the coast........ We were all told she was going to Connecticutt to be on exhibit at a museum, so assumed thats where next stop would be, never to see Chatham or the Cape again...... More to come!
I wouldn't want that to happen for sure. Maybe look it up on the internet.