Cell phones and water don't mix. In case of emergency, you want to have a EPIRB or PLB on board your boat. They take the "search" out of search and rescue. U.S. Coast Guard photo illustration by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Laughlin

CLEVELAND — As National Safe Boating Week continues, the Great Lakes Coast Guard is reminding boaters of the importance of carrying life-saving emergency distress equipment. 

While many boaters rely on cell phones for emergency communications on the water, personal locator beacons are much more reliable in the marine environment.

The Coast Guard highly recommends all mariners equip their boats with Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and/or their life jackets with Personal Locator Beacons.

“EPIRBs and PLBs are absolutely invaluable during emergencies because they instantly alert responders to your distress, provide a precise GPS location and give a description of your vessel when they’re properly registered,” said Mike Baron, the recreational boating safety specialist for the Coast Guard 9th District. “If your boat capsizes or you fall overboard and can’t get to your radio, these small, relatively inexpensive pieces of equipment, along with your life jacket, really could be the difference between living and dying.”

EPIRBs and PLBs may be activated manually by the push of a button or automatically when they enter the water, depending on the model.

A PLB is a small battery-powered device that transmits a digital burst to a satellite once every 50 seconds, which the Coast Guard monitors. These devices have a shelf life of 6 to 8 years.

PLBs send out a continuous signal for 48 hours unless turned off. New search-and rescue technology aboard Coast Guard Dolphin helicopters and 45-foot response boats can now hone in on the signal of a transmitting PLB. 

The 406Mhz PLB signals are coded, allowing non-PLB signals to be filtered out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operated search and rescue satellite aided tracking.

Additionally, in accordance with federal law, recreational boats 16 feet and longer are required to carry visual distress signals such as flares, smoke signals or non-pyrotechnic devices, and vessels 12 meters or longer are required to carry sound-producing devices such as whistles, bells and gongs. State and local laws may require further safety equipment.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration search and rescue satellite aided tracking system counts that in 2015, 138 people were rescued at sea in 46 different incidents by using an EPIRB or PLB. In the U.S., more than 7,800 people have been rescued by EPIRB or PLB since 1982. 

The Coast Guard released a new smartphone app for boaters, called United States Coast Guard, last year.

As the nation's recreational boating safety coordinator, the Coast Guard works to minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environmental harm. The Coast Guard's boating safety program involves public education programs, regulation of boat design and construction, approval of boating safety equipment, and vessel safety checks for compliance with federal and state safety requirements. The Coast Guard mobile app supports these missions by providing the essential services and information most commonly requested by boaters.

OXNARD, Calif., — The 11th Annual Channel Islands Harbor Safe Boating Expo was held Saturday, May 14th at Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor. The event kicked off National Safe Boating Week which began May 21, 2016.

More than 900 spectators watched as rescue a Ventura County Air Rescue helicopter crew, a Coast Guard Station Channel Islands 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew, a Oxnard Rescue Water Craft, crews from Channel Islands Harbor Patrol and Ventura County, and also a Gold Coast Ambulance crew demonstrated boaters being rescued from a smoking sailing vessel.

“The search and rescue demonstration that occurred during the expo was nearly an exact replica of a case that ironically occurred this past Tuesday when the interagency search and rescue team responded to a boat on fire near Malibu,” said Lt. Thomas Wieland, commanding officer, Station Channel Islands Harbor. “That case was a perfect example of how the Safe Boating Expo showed the outstanding partnerships local agencies have but also how proper knowledge of ocean safety can save lives. The two people and their dog evacuated the vessel into the ocean just before it was fully engulfed in flames but did so after sending out a distress message and putting on lifejackets and anti-exposure coveralls. Even the dog, Rocket, had his own lifejacket. All these skills were taught at the expo."

Organizations at the expo helped improve the safety and readiness of the local community by assisting with safety gear and providing safety training. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad successfully disposed of more than 300 expired flares and the California Department of Waterways donated more than 200 lifejackets.

The hands-on training for the proper use of a fire extinguisher, flares, diving safety, kayaking, paddle boarding, and CPR was organized by members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and led by a wide range of subject matter experts.

“We are proud to work alongside the outstanding state and local agency partners to promote safety on the water, said Wieland. “The best way to stay safe at sea is preparing for it before you ever head out there. The Safe Boating Expo was an excellent way for anyone, regardless of experience, skill or knowledge, to improve their ability to stay safe while enjoying what the ocean has to offer.

HONOLULU – Two hikers are safe, Tuesday, after being stranded overnight on the Na Pali Coast Trail and writing "SOS” in the sand of Kalalau Beach, Kauai.

The hikers were hoisted to safety by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point and transported to awaiting EMS at Lihue Airport. They are reported to be in stable condition.

The Dolphin crew was conducting training in the area when they overheard a radio conversation mention “SOS” written in the sand.

The crew diverted from their training mission and arrived on scene at 9:25 a.m. to see two people stranded on the beach waving their arms. 

The rescue swimmer was lowered and discovered one of the hikers had an ankle injury preventing him from walking. Both hikers were then hoisted aboard the helicopter and transported to Lihue Airport.

The Coast Guard encourages the public to be prepared with essentials such as water, food, sunscreen and communication devices before embarking on any trip whether on land or water. In the event of an emergency, communication devices and emergency provisions can mean the difference between life and death.

No imagery is available for this case.

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard advises boaters to get a free Vessel Safety Check before embarking on a trip during National Safe Boating Week and boating season.

A courtesy VSC is performed at the location of your boat, whether in a slip, at the launch ramp or in your driveway – by a certified Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron Vessel Examiner, at a mutually-convenient time. The exam usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending upon the size of the boat. 

Boats that pass the examination are awarded a distinctive VSC decal that alerts the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol and other law-enforcement agencies that your boat was found to be in full compliance with all federal and state boating laws.

If a boater's vessel does not pass, no report is filed. Instead, owners are provided a written report that aids in correcting any discrepancies noted or specific information on required additional equipment.  

For more information on VSC and how to schedule an examination, click here.

CLEVELAND — As National Safe Boating Week continues, the Coast Guard 9th District is reminding boaters Wednesday to get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary before going out onto the Great Lakes this Memorial Day weekend.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an all-volunteer force that augments the U.S. Coast Guard by promoting recreational boating safety through vessel safety checks and boating education courses.

"Being a safe boater goes beyond simply having the required safety equipment onboard your vessel to show federal, state, and local law enforcement that you are in compliance with boating safety laws," said Mike Baron, the recreational boating safety specialist for the Coast Guard 9th District in Cleveland. “By passing a vessel safety check and getting your annual decal, you provide your passengers and law enforcement with a visual cue that you are a safe boater.”  

A Vessel Safety Check is a free safety inspection of a recreational boat conducted by a trained and certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron Vessel Examiner.  

The Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft users and paddlers, take advantage of these free offers. Boaters who have undergone a vessel safety check recently and earned a decal, will often find boardings of their vessels to be much faster.  

No citations are issued for safety violations discovered during a vessel safety check.

“A boating safety course will teach you not only how to properly navigate on the lakes, but what to do in emergencies,” Baron said. “Whether engaged in fishing, water skiing, paddling a canoe or kayak, or simply just cruising the waterways, this fantastic freedom to escape the bounds of land and escape to the water comes with a responsibility to do so safely."

According to the 2015 Recreational Boating Statistics, where instruction was known in the 626 deaths across the nation, 220 boat operators had not taken a safety class.

Boaters can go to http://cgaux.org/vsc/ to schedule vessel safety checks or http://cgaux.org/boatinged/ to find available boating courses nearby.The Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, other qualified volunteer organizations and state agencies sponsor a variety of boating safety courses.

Vessel safety checks can also be requested through the new U.S. Coast Guard smartphone App, available to download on the Apple App and Google Play stores. Additionally, the Appincludes state boating information and a safety equipment checklist as part of the 10 most often requested tools and services requested by boaters.

Editor's note: for high-resolution photos click the thumbnails above.

TAMPA, Fla. — Members of Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg participated in the International Special Forces Week 2016 capabilities demonstration, Wednesday, in downtown Tampa.

This marks the first time Coast Guardsmen have played an active role in the demonstration of this bi-annual event. 

The Station St. Petersburg crew, aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, served as the “enemy vessel” for the demonstration. As the “enemy vessel”, the crew performed a threatening maneuver against a “victim vessel” while the responders suppressed them with defensive maneuvers and by firing simulated rounds. Additional Coast Guardsmen piloted small combat rubber raiding craft, used to retrieve paratroopers toward the end of the event.

During the demonstration, special operations forces from various U.S. military branches joined with special operations forces from 15 different partner nations to conduct various rescue and assault scenarios on land and in the bay. The event highlighted unique skills, equipment, training, and personnel involved in special forces operations.

This demonstration was part of the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa.

For breaking news follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast. 

CLEVELAND — Coast Guard Air Stations Traverse City, Michigan, and Detroit, located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mt. Clemons, Michigan, are scheduled to open their seasonal air facilities in Waukegan, Illinois, and Muskegon, Michigan, Friday, May 27, in order to provide increased search and rescue capabilities and faster response times throughout the Lake Michigan area during the summer months.

Both Coast Guard air facilities operate between Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Detroit crews operate Air Facility Muskegon and Traverse City crews operate Air Facility Waukegan – located at the Waukegan Regional Airport. Both air facilities will be staffed by two four-person aircrews and an MH-65D Dolphin helicopter.

"We look forward to positioning our search and rescue aircraft and aircrews at our seasonal air facility in Muskegon. From this location, we can best respond to the needs of citizens who enjoy summer boating on the Lakes," said Lt. j.g. Robby Chavez, the public affairs officer at Air Station Detroit.

The air facilities opening coincides with the end of National Boating Safety Week, which the theme for 2016 is “Ready, Set, Wear it!” referring to the use of life jackets. All boaters and weak swimmers are urged to be vigilant in always wearing their life jackets in and around water.

Boaters are also encouraged to take a boating safety course and leave a float plan ashore with a friend or family member. Swimmers should always swim near a lifeguard and never swim alone. A great resource to learn how to practice safe water activities is the boating safety resource center at http://www.uscgboating.org.

Air Station Traverse City is a year-round Coast Guard facility established in 1946 and located on the southern end of Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan. It is staffed with 135 personnel and four MH-65D Dolphin rescue helicopters.

Air Station Detroit is a year-round Coast Guard Facility established in 1966 and located approximately 13 miles northeast of the Detroit city limits, on the shores of Lake St. Clair. It is staffed with 115 personnel and five MH-65D Dolphin helicopters.

Both air facilities are maintained operated under the direction of the 9th Coast Guard District headquartered in Cleveland to provide multi-mission capabilities in the Great Lakes region.

CAPE MAY, N.J. – The Coast Guard is scheduled to host its first Sunset Parade of 2016 in honor of the Coast Guard's Enlisted Memorial Foundation during Memorial Day weekend at Training Center Cape May, Sunday, at 7:50 p.m.

Sunset Parades are military displays of marching troops and the Coast Guard Recruit Precision Drill Team. More than 250 recruits will march in the parade and strike the National Ensign from the Parade Field at sunset.

The gates of Training Center Cape May will open at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to use this time for security screening, parking and seating. Guests should plan on being seated by 7:30 p.m. Sunset Parades are exciting and fun for the entire family; however, children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ceremony. Security will close gate access at 7:40 p.m., so all visitors wishing to attend must be in before that time.

The Coast Guard Recruit Precision Drill Team will perform complex facing and drill movements, and dangerous rifle tossing routines. The group performs their complicated and precarious routines without verbal commands or cues.

Visitors should expect increased security screening for the event, and guests are not permitted to bring bags of any kind to the seating area including purses, camera bags, and backpacks. Photography is permitted and encouraged, but cameras must be removed from their bag prior to arriving at the seating area. Guests are encouraged to leave bags in their vehicles during the Parade. Also, visitors attending the event must have a valid, state-issued identification card in order to access the base.

In the event of inclement weather, visitors may call Training Center Cape May’s base information line at (609) 898-6700 for cancellation information.

Editor’s Note: Media are invited to attend this parade. Please RSVP with John Edwards at O: 609-898-6362, or E: john.d.edwards@uscg.mil

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard recommends boaters take a boating safety course to increase their knowledge and skills during National Safe Boating Week.

Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather, and from a "Water 'N Kids" class to courses for boaters who want to learn electronic navigation skills. The most popular basic courses generally have from six to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction.

Local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas offer a variety of safety classes, including basic/introductory boating courses and safety courses, navigation, sailing and personal watercraft safety, among others. Many states offer boating safety courses as well. 

The National Association of State Boating Boating Law Administrators' online directory provides contact information for state boating agencies.

Research shows that boaters believe they are boating safely if they have proper equipment and training, though statistics show that safe boating is really a matter of their own behavior.

The Coast Guard challenges boaters to reach a new level of safety by taking responsibility for their own safety.

For information on boating safety courses in your area, click here.

Update: It was originally reported two planes collided. The below was corrected to state the incident was an in-air mishap and updated to reflect the two planes involved were Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets. The name of the fishing vessel was also corrected.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan fishing vessel crew rescued four survivors following an in-air mishap involving two Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets 25 miles east of Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. 

Coast Guard Fifth District Command Center watchstanders were notified at approximately 10:30 a.m. that two Navy jets suffered an in-air mishap and four people were in the water. The crew of the commercial fishing vessel Tammy rescued two of the survivors, and an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, hoisted the other two survivors from the water.

A second helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City hoisted the two survivors from the fishing vessel.  All four survivors were taken to Norfolk Sentara General hospital.

The jets were from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)211 at Naval Air Station Oceana. 

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

For more information, please contact Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs at 757-836-4398, 757-836-4375 or 757-288-9674.

Editor’s Note:  Media are asked to be at the Watson Island boat ramp no later than 9:45 a.m. For more information and/or to RSVP, please contact Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Woodall at 786-367-7649.

MIAMI, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard along with partner agencies are scheduled to hold a press briefing to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend and cap off National Safe Boating Week (May 21 - 27) in Miami Beach, Friday.

WHO:             Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Michael Cortese, Station Miami Beach, Florida, and representatives from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,   
                      Village of Key Biscayne, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

WHAT:           Press briefing about safe boating for Memorial Day Weekend and National Safe Boating Week.

WHEN:           Friday, May 27, 2016 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:         Watson Island Boat Ramp, 1050 McArthur Causeway, Miami, Fla., 33132 .  

During the holiday, increased traffic on the water is expected. Coast Guard stations throughout the Coast Guard 7th District, along with state and local law enforcement and safety agencies, will be on patrol to ensure safety and security on the water, although the Coast Guard reminds boaters that safety starts at the dock before you board your boat.

Before heading out make sure that every passenger, including the captain, is wearing a life jacket. Over 80 percent of all drownings can be attributed to not wearing a life jacket; nobody knows when an accident will occur so wearing it will decrease your risk of drowning.

Additionally, taking a boating education course can help reduce the risk of accidents as well as registering your Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Marine Radio can help speed up post-accident recovery.

As always, alcohol and boating don’t mix.  Only a third of the alcohol needed to make a person impaired on the road can make a person equally impaired on the water, so use extreme caution when drinking this weekend.

For breaking news, please follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast.

Media Note: Coast Guard spokespersons in your area may be available to discuss the importance of safe boating for the duration of National Safe Boating Week. Please contact us at 216-902-6020 to check on availability. If there is no answer, wait for a voicemail with instruction to be forwarded to a 24/7 on-call duty public affairs specialist.

CLEVELAND — During National Safe Boating Week 2016, the Coast Guard is reminding all Great Lakes boaters they are subject to Coast Guard boardings and should understand the process so they will be prepared if they are boarded while underway.

The Coast Guard may board any vessel, including kayaks, canoes, and personal watercraft, at any time to ensure the safety of those aboard and others nearby.

“One of the biggest misconceptions boaters have about Coast Guard boarding teams is that we need probable cause to conduct an inspection,” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class John Sifford, a boarding team member at Station Fairport, in Grand River, Ohio.  “We are not out there looking to give boaters a hard time, we are conducting safety checks and we usually complete boarding of a recreational vessel in less than 30 minutes.”

Boaters who have been boarded by the Coast Guard within the year and can produce their Boarding Report, or who have received a free Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety check and earned a decal, will often find boardings of their vessels to be much faster. 

If you're uncertain about the safety requirements for your particular vessel, you are encouraged to schedule a vessel safety check, offered free through a program co-sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons.

“When we encounter boaters who have previously had a Vessel Safety Check conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the time of the boarding is cut down significantly,” Sifford said. “This makes it a smoother process for everyone.” 

Log onto www.safetyseal.net or contact a Coast Guard Auxiliary member at your local marina. For more details on vessel safety checks, see our previous article, at the Coast Guard digital newsroom, http://www.uscgnews.com/ or the U.S. Coast Guard "Compass" blog at http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/.  

Just like in a motor vehicle, operators should also be prepared to present the vessel’s original registration paperwork and government-issued identification. 

For better boating safety, the Coast Guard recommends boaters have reliable communications (VHF radio) and an emergency position indicating radio beacon or personal locating beacon.  Additionally, the Coast Guard also reminds boaters to never mix alcohol or drugs with boating. Operating a vessel under the influence is just as illegal as operating a vehicle under the influence, and is just as dangerous.

U.S. Coast Guard boarding team members from Coast Guard Station Fairport conduct a vessel safety boarding on Saturday, December 12, 2015. The Coast Guard conducts recreational vessel boardings to keep boaters safe on the water.

Boarding myths vs. facts: 

Myth: Coast Guard boarding teams exist only to write boaters citations.

Fact: The Coast Guard boards recreational vessels to ensure the safety of boat operators and passengers.  Most often the decision to board a vessel is based on activity, location, and in some circumstances, obvious violations such as operating at night without navigation lights.

Coast Guard boarding teams are highly trained in maritime law enforcement and are looking for boaters who have the proper safety equipment.  Coast Guard boarding teams physically inspect the following required safety equipment: 

• Life jackets, ensuring there is an appropriate-sized one in working condition for each person aboard
• Visual distress signals, such as flares, and their expiration dates
• Sound-producing devices, such as whistles or air horns
• Fire extinguishers, when required
• Any other safety equipment required by law

It is crucial that this life-saving equipment is serviceable, easily accessible and ready for inspection. 

Myth: Coast Guard boarding teams have “quotas to meet”.

Fact: While underway, Coast Guard boarding teams base their contact with the boating public on a variety of factors including activity, location and if an obvious violation is observed.  Boardings are not necessarily based on suspicion that a violation already exists aboard the vessel.  Their purpose is to prevent violations and keep our waterways safe. 

Myth: The Coast Guard needs probable cause to stop boaters; they can’t just stop a boat for no reason whatsoever.

Fact: The Coast Guard has the authority under Title 14 USC 89 to make inquires, examinations, inspections, searches, seizures, and arrests upon the high seas and waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, in order to enforce federal laws.  The Coast Guard can inspect any craft at any time in their jurisdiction. Coast Guard boarding officers enforce federal laws and regulations.  Avoiding a citation is relatively easy: obey the rules of navigation, ensure your boat is properly registered and marked, and keep and maintain all required safety equipment.

The Coast Guard Rogue River Search and Rescue Detachment, in Gold Beach, Ore., opens annually on Memorial Day weekend as a forward operating location for personnel from Station Chetco River, located in Brookings. The SARDET normally remains open through Labor Day and is often open for known busy fishery openings. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read.

The Coast Guard Coquille River Search and Rescue Detachment, in Bandon, Ore., opens annually on Memorial Day weekend as a forward operating location for personnel from Station Coos Bay, located in Charleston. Personnel from Station Coos Bay will operate a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat and will stand the watch for the southern portion of Station Coos Bay's area of responsibility. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read.

WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to open its two southern Oregon seasonal search and rescue detachments, in Bandon along the Coquille River and Gold Beach along the Rogue River, May 27.

The Coquille River Detachment is operated by personnel and assets from Coast Guard Station Coos Bay in Charleston, and the Rogue River detachment is operated by personnel from Station Chetco River in Brookings.

“The summer is always a busy season for us due to the influx of vessels within our area of responsibility,” said Petty Officer 1^st Class Brian Cawvey, operations officer at Station Chetco River. “It makes strategic sense to forward locate assets and personnel in another section of the area to put us in the best situation to save lives and property.”

The detachments normally operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but may vary depending on river bar conditions, weather and fishery openings.

The Rogue River SAR Detachment will operate a 47-foot Motor Life Boat and a 25- foot Response Boat – Small. The Coquille River Detachment will operate a 47-foot MLB.

“We have already temporarily opened the Coquille River detachment a few times this year for the halibut openings and look forward to continuing our mission for the summer months along the river,” said Petty Officer 1^st Class Ryan Clendenen, operations officer at Station Coos Bay.

The Coast Guard would also like to remind all boaters to pay close attention to bar conditions at the Rogue River and Coquille River bars as the weather can change rapidly causing conditions to deteriorate. A rough bar warning sign is posted at the Rogue River detachment and on the south side of the Coquille River attached to the old Coast Guard station to notify boaters of any rough bar conditions. 

Boaters are reminded to wear lifejackets while operating their boats and to ensure all distress signaling equipment is current and working properly. It is also recommended to file a float plan with a third party. All vessels should also carry an anchor with enough line attached to anchor their boat.

For questions or concerns along the Rogue River contact Coast Guard Rogue River SARDET on VHF channel 16 or by telephone at 541-247-7219 or 541- 469-3885.

For questions or concerns along the Coquille River contact Coast Guard Coquille River SARDET on VHF channel 16 or by telephone at 541-347-2038.

BOSTON — A change of command ceremony for the First Coast Guard District was held Thursday at Boston's historic Faneuil Hall.

During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Steven D. Poulin, who is a native of Kittery, Maine, assumed responsibilities of commander of the First Coast Guard District, which covers eight states, including more than 2,000 miles of coastline from the U.S., Canadian border to northern New Jersey, and 1,300 miles offshore.

"Words are inadequate to express how absolutely thrilled I am to have the opportunity to assume command of the First Coast Guard District," said Poulin. "This is where the Coast Guard started so I know I have a special responsibility to uphold the traditions and service of excellence of the long blue lines that came before me."

Rear Adm. Linda L. Fagan, who served as First District Commander for the past two years, will continue her Coast Guard career as the Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C.

Fagan said she is eternally grateful for the time she had with her First District staff, and she is humbled by their service and sense of duty.

Poulin's previous assignments include the Judge Advocate General and Chief General Counsel of the Coast Guard, and Director of Governmental and Public Affairs.

Vice Adm. William "Dean" Lee, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony.

The First Coast Guard District includes more than 11,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary personnel, and employs 30 cutters, 200 boats and eight aircraft. In an average year, the First Coast Guard District saves 486 lives, conducts 1,762 search and rescue cases, assists 2,223 people, and safeguards $943,986,077 in property at sea.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. The ceremony is conducted before the assembled crew, as well as honored guests and dignitaries, in order to formally demonstrate the continuity of authority within a command.

WARRENTON, Ore. — Members of the media are invited to attend the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River change-of-command ceremony, Friday.

Capt. William Timmons will relieve Capt. Daniel Travers as commander and captain of the port, and Travers will retire after 26 years of Coast Guard service.

Rear Adm. Richard Gromlich, commander Coast Guard 13th District, will preside over the change-of-command ceremony.

WHO: Coast Guard 13th District and Sector Columbia River personnel

WHAT: Sector Columbia River change-of-command ceremony 

WHEN: Friday at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Sector Columbia River 2185 SE 12th Place Warrenton, Oregon 97146

Media interested in attending should contact Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read, supervisor Public Affairs Detachment Astoria at 206-819-9154 prior to 10 a.m., Friday, to ensure access to Sector Columbia River.

Update: It was originally reported two planes collided. The below was corrected to state the incident was an in-air mishap and updated to reflect the two planes involved were Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets. The name and type of vessel manned by good Samaritans who rescued two survivors has also been corrected.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan yacht crew rescued four survivors Thursday following an in-air mishap involving two Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets 25 miles east of Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. 

Coast Guard 5th District Command Center watchstanders were notified at approximately 10:30 a.m. that two Navy jets suffered an in-air mishap and four people were in the water. The crew of the 48-foot yacht Pammy rescued two of the survivors, and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, hoisted the other two survivors from the water.

A 47-foot Motor Life Boat (MLB) crew from Station Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, took aboard the two survivors rescued by the Pammy crew. A second helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City then hoisted the two survivors from the MLB. All four survivors were taken to Norfolk Sentara General hospital.

The jets were from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)211 at Naval Air Station Oceana. 

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

For more information, please contact Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs at 757-836-4398, 757-836-4375 or 757-288-9674.

For breaking news, follow the 5th District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic.

BOSTON — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Marcus Hanna towed the 55-foot fishing boat Miss Emily, with four people aboard, after it became disabled Thursday about five miles off Kennebunkport, Maine.

The Marcus Hanna, a 175-foot buoy tender homeported in South Portland was nearby working on aids to navigation when the Miss Emily's rudder post was damaged and started taking on water.

Miss Emily’s pumps kept up with the flooding and at approximately 2 p.m. the Marcus Hanna took Miss Emily in tow with a course for Portland.

The Marcus Hanna passed the tow to a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station South Portland at approximately 5:30 p.m.

They brought Miss Emily and crew safely to the Portland Yacht Club at 8 p.m.

“The type of damage and the potential for it to quickly get much worse was our biggest concern” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class Jessie Johnson, a watchstander at Sector Northern New England’s command center. She said the boat crews monitored the flooding closely until the boat was safely at the pier.