"Now...MK3 Spangler lay to the Engine Room, MK3...Engine Room."

Two months is a long time to spend on a 210' boat, though I'm certain anyone who is or was in the Navy would say otherwise, but with that being my first time out at sea, two months is long enough. The experience was incredible, unreal even! It was great to get involved with the "real" Coast Guard. While we were out in the open Atlantic the boat was called to several cases and a few emergencies.

This picture here is the first boat of two that the CGC Dependable towed from open water to port. The boat also towed a buoy that had come loose from its securing line, responded to a few Search and Rescues, "nursed" a freighter taking on water and commenced what is known as Helo Ops. (See photo below.) Along with a dozen shipboard emergency drills which I got to take part in. Now, because I wasn't assigned to the boat, I didn't actually have a designated position or duty on the boat. The drills I could take part in, but when it came to Helo Ops or what you see in this picture here, I had to stand-by. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take part in small boat ops or boardings, not having the proper training and all, but that's alright, I got some good pictures.

During my time on-board I was able to get Qualified in a few areas that will go on my record for the remainder of my time in service. I got along with just about everyone on the boat. The Engineering Department was awesome! Those guys really know their stuff. They welcomed me aboard and saw to it that I got right in the action. The port calls were a nice break. I enjoyed a few beers with the guys and was able to get some Christmas shopping done as well. We spent time up the East coast and stopped at few "well known" sites on the map. The boat has computer and satellite so I was able to email Dianna every day and call her each time we hit land.

NOTE: The photo to the right is not cut out in any way. The stack space was right down the middle of the ship, so I could only get shots from either the right or the left.

I look forward to getting back underway, but I know that won't happen for a while. So in the meantime I plan on taking every advantage of being home, spending time with my wife and son, being home each night and on the weekends, as well as having a second job, doing foster care and getting involved with church. All of the pictures that I took were on a film camera that I put onto disc, and as soon as I download those to the computer, I will display some of them on my blog. So stay tuned.