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A great resource updated: The Coasties’ Guide to the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Process 2018

“In order to better assist members with navigating the process to apply for a merchant mariner credential, the Office of Cutter Forces (COMDT CG-751) partnered with National Mariner Center (NMC) to update The Coasties’ Guide to the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Process that was initially promulgated by the Cutterman’s Association in 2013. The fleet has expressed great interest in pursuing merchant mariner credentials, and the updated Guide is intended to reduce confusion that is often associated with Coast Guard sea service and qualifications and how they translate to the requirements for merchant mariner licensing. This guide is applicable to all members with creditable sea service, which is 90 days of sea service in the previous seven years for military applicants.”

See original post: Coast Guard All Hands Blog Post

By: CDR (Ret) John D. Hooper, USCG

In the spring of 1940, when asked by the United States Navy to identify a distinguished Coast Guard officer who could provide the namesake for a new warship, Coast Guard commandant, Vice-Admiral Russell Waesche, unequivocally nominated Commodore Frank Hamilton Newcomb for the honor. The only American warship named for a member of the United States Revenue Cutter Service, USS Newcomb (DD-586) proved a hard fighter during World War II. The feisty Fletcher-class destroyer sank a Japanese submarine at Saipan; provided fire support at Saipan, Tinian, the Palaus and Iwo Jima. Newcomb is also credited with torpedoing the Japanese battleship Yamashiro in the momentous Battle of Surigao Strait, and sustained five kamikaze hits at Okinawa, killing or wounding dozens of her crew. Continue Reading