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Standing the Watch on 87 ’ Coast Guard Cutters at Training Center Cape May
By Auxiliarist Leon C . DeFulgentis
I became interested in watch standing after hearing about this opportunity from Auxiliarist Michael Slepian who is my mentor for public affairs , a certification that I am currently pursuing . I searched online and read an article published in “ The Responder ” by Auxiliarist Rick Kettinger that provided a detailed description of watch standing duties at Cape May . I contacted Mr . Kettinger via email , and he suggested that I contact Auxiliarist John Burns who serves as the Auxiliary Unit Coordinator ( AUC ). Mr . Burns is the point of contact for Auxiliarists interested in qualifying as an Officer of the Deck on the 87s . Mr . Burns met me the first night I arrived at TRACEN and spent the evening with me onboard describing all the duties / responsibilities associated with watch standing . Mr . Burns was extremely knowledgeable in describing the operating systems and mechanical diagrams of the cutter .
I currently travel to Cape May once per month to serve as a trainee onboard one of the 87-foot cutters that are in port . The 87-foot marine protector class is a multi-mission class of vessel capable of performing search and rescue , law enforcement , fishery patrols , drug interdiction , illegal immigrant interdiction and homeland security duties up to 200 miles offshore . The marine protector class employs a stern launch and recovery system using aluminum-hulled cutter boats propelled by diesel-powered waterjets .
Auxiliarist Leon DeFulgentis on the bridge of the USCGC Mako .
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USCGC Bonito docking at Station Cape May .