Shipmates,
Master Chief Bowen and I (and our spouses) spent today at Training Center Cape May. It was a full and very productive day.
Prior to the graduation of Company Xray 181 we met with their families and friends along with the strong support team of Guardian Spouses, work life staff, and TRICARE representatives.
The graduation was carried out flawlessly and included a great performance by the TRACEN Band, the Recruit Silent Drill Team, and the companies passing in review.
We did some "shout outs" with the graduates and their families and we will post them over the next week.
We had lunch with the Guardian Spouses who have started a unique program to provide information to the spouses and families of members graduating from boot camp. You will hear more in future posts on this valuable program.
Following lunch we toured TRACEN and received briefs on firefighting training, weapons qualifications, and seamanship.
I held an All Hands and answered questions on Polar Icebreakers, ATON unit staffing, the status/future of the Maritime Enforcement rating, and our current and future funding levels,
In a very inspirational ceremony the incoming company met their Company Commanders following a strong leadership presentation by Captain Cari Thomas and her staff.
The day ended with a short but moving ceremony that marked the graduation of three new Company Commanders. We will have some more on this process in future posts.
Kudos to TRACEN Cape May for bringing in our well intentioned volunteers and making them Guardians.
For anyone who hasn't sponsored a recruit company, get on the list and walk the talk with our junior people. It will change your view of who is coming into the Coast Guard and what we owe them as leaders.
ADM A
