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Standing the Watch on 87 ’ Coast Guard Cutters at Training Center Cape May
Continued
Currently I am working on very detailed drawings that once finalized will be signed off so that I can be qualified as an OOD ( Officer of the Deck ). These drawings detail very specific systems of the cutter that an Auxiliarist must understand while standing watch ( Fire and CO2 suppression systems , electrical , hydraulic , sewage , bilge pumps , fuel oil , compressed air , and raw water generators ). Rounds are completed every few hours and morning and evening colors are done at sunrise and sunset onboard the cutter . This entails raising and lowering of the Union Jack , pennants , and the national ensign . The qualification system is very rigorous , and the same requirements that are met by active-duty personnel are required of the Auxiliarist .
There are currently thirteen qualified in-port watch standers on the 87-foot cutters at Cape May and there were many Auxiliary missions completed during the past year . Active-duty personnel are very thankful that the Auxiliary contributes their time as this gives them a much-needed break . Being onboard the cutter is a very rewarding experience in my opinion . This experience has been extremely educational in that I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge regarding security and general operations of the cutters . This has been a great way for me to give back directly to active-duty personnel while standing the watch .
USCGC Mako in-port at Station Cape May .