KODIAK, Alaska — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter SPAR returned to homeport in Kodiak on Sunday after nearly four months away. 

The SPAR crew’s patrol included stops in: Juneau, for the Coast Guard 17^th District Buoy Tender Roundup; Seattle, for emergency dry dock repair to the hull; and Los Angeles for a scheduled maintenance period.

In addition to travelling south for repairs, the SPAR’s crew also transported three decommissioned NOAA weather buoy hulls and 140,000 of used buoy chain for recycling.

At Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach in San Pedro, California, the cutter’s crew provided inspections as contractors completed more than 1.7 million dollars worth of necessary work. Other crewmembers took advantage of the maintenance period to attend training at Coast Guard training centers around the country.

“Overall during our deployment, the crew took full advantage of their time in the Lower 48 to maximize the value of their time away from homeport and Alaskan waters,” said Lt. Cmdr. Doug Jannusch, the SPAR’s commanding officer. “The crew is grateful to finally be home and rightfully proud of SPAR’s much-improved condition that will enhance her operational effectiveness for years to come.”

For more information please contact Ensign James Bushman at 907-487-5344.

A Coast Guard boat crew frees a shark from illegal gill net Tuesday near South Padre Island. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard freed 50 living sharks and two tripletail Tuesday, from illegal longline gear and gill net that was found about 400 yards offshore, near South Padre Island. Five dead sharks were also caught in the illegal fishing gear.

At 10:10 a.m., a Station South Padre Island patrol boat crew spotted four Mexican fishing boats 800 yards north of the U.S.-Mexico maritime boundary line. Upon the Coast Guard's approach, they fled south of the maritime boundary line and the crew located the fishing gear left behind.

“The Coast Guard is absolutely invested and engaged daily in combating the intense illegal fishing by Mexican fisherman in U.S. waters,” said Capt. Tony Hahn, the commander of Sector Corpus Christi. “This requires our personnel to spend countless hours at sea to stop this indiscriminate violation of fisheries law and U.S. sovereignty. We sincerely appreciate any reports or information that can lead to stopping this criminal activity.”

If you witness suspicious or illegal fishing in state waters (out to 9 miles offshore), please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s “Operation Game Thief” at 1-800-792-GAME (4263). For all suspicious or illegal fishing occurring in federal waters (out to 200 miles offshore), please contact the U.S. Coast Guard at 361-939-6393.

For video, please click here

Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Hartman, assigned to Coast Guard Maritime Safety and SecurityTeam San Francisco, delivers the agenda for the helicopter acclimation training at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, in preparation for Super Bowl 50. The training exposed the dogs to a running aircraft and familiarized the handlers and K-9s with three different helicopter cabin configurations and safety features. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)

A Coast Guard member explains the features of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter to federal, state and local K-9 teams at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, to prepare for Super Bowl 50. In the event of an incident during Super Bowl 50, there will be significant impact on ground transportation and boat/helicopter transportation may be the only means to deploy the teams across the San Francisco Bay. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)

Federal, state and local K-9 teams prepare to board a California Air National Guard helicopter at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 to prepare for Super Bowl 50. In an event of an incident during Super Bowl 50, there will be significant impact on ground transportation and boat/helicopter transportation may be the only means to deploy the teams across the San Francisco Bay. (Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Evan Wilcox)

An Air National Guard pilot explains the features of an Air National Guard HH-60 helicopter to federal, state and local K-9 teams at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, in preparation for providing security at Super Bowl 50. In the event of an incident during Super Bowl 50, there will be significant impact on ground transportation and boat/helicopter transportation may be the only means to deploy the teams across the San Francisco Bay. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Federal, state and local K-9 teams conducted helicopter training at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, Wednesday, in preparation for Super Bowl 50.

“In the event of an emergency during Super Bowl 50, there will be a significant impact on ground transportation,” said Lt. Neil Penso, pilot assigned to Air Station San Francisco. “Transporting K-9s and their handlers from site to site may require a helicopter.”

The training provided an opportunity for different agencies to familiarize the K-9s and handlers with the features aboard three different helicopters – Coast Guard MH-65, California Highway Patrol AStar, Air National Guard HH-60. The K-9 teams were able to familiarize themselves with the cabin configurations and safety features of each aircraft.  

“One of the first steps in providing security for the Super Bowl is getting the dogs familiarized with the helicopters noise vibrations and seeing how they behave around it,” said Neil Wu, U.S. Park Police. “It’s better to find out how the dogs handle it now than later.”

“The exercise is outside normal duties for partner agencies,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Hartman, assigned to Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco. “Our K-9s are accustomed to the noise of the engines and familiar with the cabin of the helicopters while other agencies may not be. In an event of an emergency, the other departments need to know what to expect in case they have to deploy aboard one to get to a location.”

The Coast Guard launched the K-9 program approximately one year after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The program’s goal is to enhance detection and deterrence capabilities in the maritime environment, adjacent lands and waterside installations. The Coast Guard K-9 teams are used in maritime ports, waterways and shoreline facilities.

Crews continue operations for the Lake Erie sunken tanker barge Argo as Unified Command responders took advantage of a favorable weather window, Nov. 29, 2015. As weather allows, responders continued salvage operations hot-tapping and pumping the barges tanks. U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Kurt Kollar, Ohio EPA	Crews continue operations for the Lake Erie sunken tanker barge Argo as Unified Command responders took advantage of a favorable weather window, Nov. 29, 2015. As weather allows, responders continued salvage operations hot-tapping and pumping the barge's tanks. U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Kurt Kollar, Ohio EPA
A responder conducts air monitoring throughout lightering operations aboard a work barge at the sunken barge Argo site, Nov. 24, 2015. Precautions are taken to ensure crews are conducting operations in a safe working environment. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Kurt Kollar, Ohio EPA	A T&T Salvage Inc. diver, wearing a positive pressure dive suit, is inspected by his coworkers prior to conducting dive operations for the Argo response in Lake Erie, Nov. 24, 2015. Divers conducting operations during the Argo response are required to wear specialized dive suits designed for the utmost safety to the diver while ensuring flexibility, ease of decontamination and chemical resistance. U.S. Coast Guard photo Edward Primeau

EDITORS NOTE: The Joint Information Center for this response has been disestablished. Questions should be directed to the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 216-902-6020.

CLEVELAND – Response crews completed salvage operations to remove a water product mixture from the Lake Erie sunken tanker barge Wednesday.

As weather allowed, salvage crews worked methodically, removing the hazardous substance from the sunken barge. The hazardous substance was then pumped into receiving tanks aboard a work barge at the site, mitigating potential impact to the marine environment. 

“The Unified Command, consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Ohio EPA, worked in partnership with other federal, state and local agencies ensuring that safety of the responders and the public of Lake Erie’s surrounding shores remained their highest priority throughout response operations,” said Lt. Cmdr. Shaun Edwards, federal on scene coordinator. “Due to the diligence and collaborative efforts of all those involved in the response, the Unified Command was satisfied that the barge does not continue to pose a safety or environmental hazard.”

At the time of the barge Argo sinking in 1937, a news report estimated 100,000 gallons of crude oil and 100,000 gallons of benzol were onboard, but this information could not be verified.

The sunken barge is located away from commercial ship traffic, and the vessel is in 44-foot deep water.

The Coast Guard has utilized the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to conduct pollution mitigation operations. No injuries, impacted wildlife or pollution have been reported.

The Coast Guard’s established safety zone, located 8 nautical miles east of Kelleys Island and extending 1,000 feet around the position of the Argo, remains in effect and is closed to all traffic until further notice. No vessel may enter, transit through or anchor within the regulated area without permission from the Coast Guard patrol commander, Station Marblehead, which may be contacted via VHF-FM channel 16.

CAPE MAY, N.J. – Coast Guard Capt. Todd Prestidge, commanding officer Coast Guard Training Center Cape May and a Killeen, Texas native, wins the Coast Guard’s 2015 Civil Rights Senior Leadership Award.

Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., announced Wednesday, via ALCOAST 455/15, the winners of the award that included Prestidge and Megan Allison, Director of Judicial Administration for the Coast Guard’s law judge program.

Prestidge was recognized for having an extensive record of championing equal employment opportunities and human-rights principles as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s only recruit basic-training facility. His mission statement for the training center specifically encourages an environment that is free of discrimination, retaliation, harassment or intimidation based upon race, color, national origin, religion, disability, orientation, age or political affiliation.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from our Coast Guard,” said Prestidge. “But I am truly humbled that the nomination package came from within my own staff. Their loyalty and support are the best validation of all.”

Responsible for overseeing the accession training for more than 3,000 new Coast Guard members annually, Prestidge instills the principles of equality throughout basic training and provides opportunities for all employees and recruit to report any instances of treatment that does not align with the Service’s core values. Additionally, he champions recruit gender equality initiatives and diversity among the instructor staff in order to ensure the unit’s positive command climate.

Prestidge will be recognized during an award ceremony held at Coast Guard Headquarters scheduled for January 2016.

Courtesy Photo: Official photograph of Coast Guard Captain Todd Prestidge.

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard continues investigating an ocean-going freighter, currently at anchor in Duluth, Minnesota, for alleged violations of U.S. law.

The Coast Guard is investigating the crew, equipment and records of the Liberian-flagged motor vessel Cornelia for allegations involving violations related to the discharge of oily water. 

Based upon current information in the investigation, it does not appear that the discharge occurred within the port of Duluth - Superior.

Although the Cornelia and crew are typically equipped to remain at sea for several months, Coast Guard personnel continue to check in with the master of the Cornelia regularly, who confirms the crew has adequate food, water and other necessities.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota accepted the case for criminal investigation November 9. The Coast Guard and the vessel’s owner and operator are negotiating a security agreement that would permit the vessel to depart the port while simultaneously protecting the integrity of the investigation and the interests of the vessel’s crew members.

The Coast Guard and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota take any allegations involving environmental pollution very seriously. At the same time, both agencies recognize the importance of the flow of commerce through the port of Duluth - Superior and are making every effort to complete our investigation as soon as possible.

BOSTON — The Coast Guard rescued two fishermen and recovered a third deceased Thursday after their fishing boat sank 12 miles off Thatcher Island, Gloucester.

A good Samaritan aboard the Foxy Lady notified watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Boston command center at about 3 p.m. that the
fishing boat Orin C was disabled and needed a tow.

The Foxy Lady began towing Orin C toward shore, but high wind and waves impeded their effort. A large wave reportedly crashed over Orin C’s bow, causing the boat to flood.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Boston, who had been monitoring the tow on VHF radio, launched a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Gloucester.

The crew arrived on scene, passed a pump to the Orin C crew, hooked up tow, and made way toward Gloucester against 30 knot winds and 8-foot seas.

While initially effective, the pump was eventually unable to keep up with flooding coming over the boat’s bow and it began sinking
quickly.

Per protocol, the Coast Guard crew broke tow and maneuvered swiftly back toward Orin C for the three fishermen.

The plan for safest rescue from the boat was to have each crewmember enter the water and be recovered one at a time. The first rescue went
as planned, but the boat began sinking too quickly so the remaining two crewmembers abandoned the boat together.

When the boat crew recovered the two men, one of them was unresponsive. They began CPR immediately, and continued for more than
an hour, while they pushed toward shore.

They arrived at Gloucester at about 10:30 p.m., where local EMS and a medical examiner were awaiting their arrival, and pronounced the man dead.

The other two men were reported uninjured.

“We’re reminded tonight how dangerous and unforgiving the sea can be,” said Chief Petty Officer Stephen Veda, the command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Boston. “This is a tragic end to a very harrowing case - the effects of which will be felt throughout the entire maritime community for some time,” he said.

The Coast Guard is broadcasting a safety notice to mariners navigating in the vicinity of where Orin C is thought to have sunk.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.

(Photos by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Mendenhall of Lessons and Carols 2014)

NEW LONDON, Conn - The U.S. Coast Guard Academy will hold its annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols Wednesday Dec. 9, at the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial Chapel.

The service, set to start at 6:45 p.m., is the Academy’s kickoff for the holiday season and is free and open to the public.

Chief Petty Officer Megan Sesma, U. S. Coast Guard Band harpist, Petty Officer 1st Class Laurie Baynard, U.S. Coast Guard Band flautist, and the Cadet Handbell Choir will be performing prelude music at 6:45pm.  The actual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols will begin at 7 p.m. and feature the Cadet Glee Club and Cadet Handbell Choir. 

Immediately following the service will be the lighting of the Academy Christmas Tree.

For questions, please contact Judy Zakutansky at 860-444-8480.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Coast Guard Legal Service Command is scheduled to convene a general court-martial for a Coast Guard member accused of sexual assault and domestic violence Monday in Norfolk, Va at U.S. Coast Guard Legal Service Command.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Hopp is charged with violating five articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Article 107 for three specifications of making false official statements; Article 120 for six specifications of forcible rape and seven specifications of sexual assault; Article 121 for two specifications of larceny; Article 128 for six specifications of assault consummated by battery; and Article 132 for two specifications of fraud against the United States. 

Charges are accusations against the individual and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the military justice system. The Coast Guard remains resolute in our commitment to ensuring military justice proceedings are conducted in a timely, objective, and fair manner in accordance with the UCMJ.

It is Coast Guard policy to withhold the identity of the reporting victims.

CAPE MAY, N.J. – Coast Guardsmen received a delivery of donated Christmas trees from the Trees for Troops program, Friday, at Training Center Cape May.

The Christmas Spirit Foundation, in partnership with FedEx, donated 50 trees for Coast Guard members who wanted them.

To see the previous release regarding this event, click here.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Raqueel Archibald carries the Christmas tree he selected during the Trees for Troops delivery, Friday, Dec. 4, 2015. The Christmas Spirit Foundation and FedEx have been delivering Trees for Troops for the last 11 years. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards)

Tony Buero, director of Coast Guard Training Center Cape May's Morale, Wellness and Recreation department, helps off load Christmas trees from a FedEx truck, Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at the training center. The trees were donated by Christmas tree farms and provided to the Trees for Troops program ran by the Christmas Spirit Foundation and FedEx. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Marshall Hadley, a member of Coast Guard Training Center Cape May's Morale, Wellness and Recreation department and Summerdale, Ala., native, helps off load Christmas trees for the Trees for Troops program, Friday, Dec. 4, 2015. FedEx and the Christmas Spirit Foundation delivered 50 trees to the training center for any members of the Coast Guard that wanted one. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards)

The crew of Coast Guard Station St. Ignace, Mich., and the Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., chapter of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association partnered with the St. Ignace Kiwanis Club to make a donation Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, to provide meals to local families in need during the holiday season. Pictured are Seaman Aja White, Seaman Apprentice Cameron Porter, Kiwanis President Phil Ruegg, Chief Petty Officer Brandon Holt, representing the CPOA, Seaman Apprentice Nicholas Zanfardino, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Fruncillo. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike Beatty)

ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The crew of Coast Guard Station St. Ignace and the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, chapter of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association partnered with the St. Ignace Kiwanis Club to make a donation Friday to support local families during the holiday season.

“This act speaks volumes about the character of these young men and women, and I am very proud of their actions,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike Beatty, officer in charge of Station St. Ignace.

Each year at Thanksgiving, the Sault Ste. Marie CPOA supports every Coast Guard unit in the Sector Sault Ste. Marie area of responsibility by providing holiday meals for those standing watch and unable to be home with their families. This area spans the Upper Peninsula from Duluth, Minnesota, to St Ignace, Michigan, and includes Stations Alpena and Charlevoix in the Lower Peninsula.  

This year, the crew of Station St. Ignace decided to pass this charity on to their community.

“We are already very fortunate, so why not help someone who really needs it,” said Petty Officer 3^rd Class Charles Smith, who initiated the idea.

The crew presented the idea to the CPOA and it was immediately backed. Through the efforts of Petty Officer 1^st Class Edward “Mike” Keuten, the Kiwanis Club was identified as the recipient, and Phil Ruegg, Kiwanis President, accepted the donation.

The donation will allow the Kiwanis Club to provide food baskets to local families in need during the upcoming holiday season.

LOS ANGELES – The Coast Guard is warning the public that pointing handheld lasers at Coast Guard vessels and aircrews is dangerous and illegal.

At 8:59 p.m., Thursday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach operations center, received a report from the 45-foot motor lifeboat crew at Coast Guard Station Channel Islands that four of the members were struck twice with a laser while transiting near the Channel Islands Harbor entrance. Crewmembers reported that the laser came from shore and once they energized their blue law-enforcement light, the laser desisted.

After a medical evaluation, there were no reported injuries associated with the incident.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime and a felony offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 39A. If found guilty, offenders could be fined up to $250,000 and sentenced to five years in prison.

"Lasers are extremely dangerous and not only jeopardize our crewmembers physically, but their ability to conduct search and rescue and law-enforcement missions,” said Capt. Jennifer F. Williams, commander, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach.

Crewmembers affected by laser strikes can have temporary effects in vision, including: afterimage, flash blindness and temporary loss of night vision.  In some cases, a laser strike can result in permanent damage to a person’s eye sight. If a crew member is lased it severely compromises his ability to effectively respond and safely operate the vessel or aircraft, ultimately endangering the safety and lives of crewmembers aboard and the general public.

Anyone witnessing this crime is strongly encouraged to report it to local law enforcement.

LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard advises the public to exercise caution while enjoying the upcoming holiday boat parades in the Central and Southern California harbors.

The Coast Guard encourages all boaters and beach goers to be aware of boat traffic, prepare for potential hazards and keep advised of weather changes through the National Weather Service and to monitor VHF-FM channel 16 for the most current safety advisories.

"Beginning December 5 through the end of the month there will be several holiday boat parades in the Southern California harbors," said Capt. Jennifer F. Williams, commander, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach. "We would like everyone to stay safe, do not boat under the influence, file a float plan and remember to where your lifejackets. Happy Holidays!”

Coast Guard law enforcement crews will be patrolling, conducting safety checks, and watching for people boating while intoxicated or operating in an unsafe manner.

The Coast Guard urges mariners to always:

• Stay Informed - The public should be aware of weather conditions and monitor the progress and strength of currents through local television, radio and internet. Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.
• Wear life jackets while on the water.
• File a float plan with friends, family members and local marinas before heading out. The list should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, vessel's destination and expected time of return.
• Always have a working marine-band radio on board.
• Carry marine flares on board the vessel.
• Ensure bilge pumps are operational and vessels are secure for heavy winds and rain.

For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.

Please visit the NOAA Website at www.noaa.gov for the most up to date information on weather broadcasts and current storm advisories.

Editor's note: Click on images below for high resolution

 A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater, Fla., rescues four Haitian men 50 nautical miles southeast of Great Inagua, Bahamas, Dec. 4, 2015. The men were found floating in a life raft after their vessel sank. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater, Fla., rescues four Haitian men 50 nautical miles southeast of Great Inagua, Bahamas, Dec. 4, 2015. The men were found floating in a life raft after their vessel sank. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

MIAMI — A Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued four men southeast of Great Inagua, Bahamas, from their life raft after their vessel sank Friday.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 7th District command center received a distress signal from an emergency positioning indicating radio beacon originating 50 nautical miles southeast of Bahamas. The watchstanders launched a deployed MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to respond. Upon arriving on scene, the aircrew located a debris field and a life raft with four Haitians aboard. All of the survivors from the life raft were safely hoisted and transported to the Royal Bahamian Defense Force with no reported injuries.

For breaking news, please follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard assisted three people aboard a disabled fishing vessel after it began taking on water 67 miles south of Cape San Blas, Fla., Thursday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile were notified that the 50-foot fishing vessel Solo was taking on water at 5:39 a.m. The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla. MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and an Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144 Hercules fixed wing aircraft crew to assist.

A Navy MH-60 Helicopter crew also deployed from Panama City, Fla., to assist.

The Coast Guard helicopter crew dropped a dewatering pump and lowered a rescue swimmer to assist the crew with dewatering.

The Coast Guard Cutter Seahawk arrived on scene and sent over a crewmember to relieve the rescue swimmer with dewatering. The Seahawk placed the Solo in tow and transported them to St. Andrews Marina in Panama City.

"This was superb inter-agency coordination," said Capt. Richard Lorenzen, commanding officer of Air Station Clearwater. "Our helicopter aircrews live for such cases, and I am glad team Coast Guard was able to save these three men and their vessel."

There were no reported injuries.

For video of the dewatering operation, click here.

HOUSTON — Federal, state, local and contract emergency responders have contained a small spill and are working to stop the leak from a listing tug near San Leon Saturday.

Responder's preliminary estimations are that about 200 gallons of red diesel fuel has leaked from the listing tug. Garner Environmental Services responders surrounded the leaked fuel and tug with boom and are recovering the fuel at a pace that keeps up with it until it can be secured. Divers are en route to the scene to plug the leak, which should contain what remains of the estimated 7,000 gallons of fuel that is aboard until T&T Salvage responders can right the tug Sunday morning.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City was notified of the possible situation Friday afternoon and worked with the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, the Texas General Land Office and Texas City Police Department to begin investigating the report and to coordinate appropriate response measures.

Gulfport, Miss. — Cmdr. Ronzelle Green transferred command of Port Security Unit 308 to Cmdr. Nan Silverman-Wise during a change-of-command ceremony at the Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport, Miss., Saturday.

Cmdr. Silverman-Wise assumed command of PSU 308 and the responsibility of leading a 160 member expeditionary unit supporting national security, defense, and disaster relief operations for the Coast Guard and Naval Expeditionary Combat Command during forward deployments. Prior to this assignment, Cmdr. Silverman-Wise served as Executive Officer of Port Security Unit 313 in Everett, Wa.

The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and Naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command.

LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard rescued a 19-year-old man from a kelp bed 30 yards from White Point, Saturday.

At about 6:30 p.m., Saturday, crewmembers aboard a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles were on a routine patrol when they flew over an individual attempting to flash them down using a flashlight. The rescue crew then hovered and lowered the rescue basket down to hoist the scuba diver out of the water. 

The man was reported to be scuba diving alone when he got trapped in a kelp bed and could not get himself out. He was trapped for more than two hours before signaling the helicopter.

The aircrew safely transferred the man to Air Station Los Angeles where he was reported to be in good condition.

A Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued a 19-year-old man near White Point December 5, 2015. The man was trapped in a kelp bed for more than two hours and signaled the helicopter crew with a flashlight. Left to right: Lt. Greg Waugh, survivor, Petty Officer 2^nd Class Chase Blackman, and Lt. Tim Olah. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Michael Freeman.