I joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1978 just out of high school at the ripe old age of 18. My first assignment was with the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington D.C. under Jimmy Carter. During the end of my tour, I struck Boatswain's Mate on the CGC Capstan under Chief Wray Gillette (BMCM retired). In 1980, I attended BMA school in Yorktown VA and returned to the Honor Guard to Inaugurate Ronald Regan. In 1981, I transferred to Cape Cod Canal Station where I qualified on the 41' UTB and the 44' MLB as coxswain. I learned a great deal about operating in current, in heavy weather and how to tow.
In 1985, I received orders to the Cutter Cape Henlopen (95 ft Patrol Boat) out of Woods Hole Ma. I qualified as underway OOD {officer of the Deck) I broadened my experience with operating a larger twin screwed vessel, more heavy weather and towing larger vessels offshore on George's Banks.
From there, I transferred to Station Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Again, I re-qualified on the 41' and the 44'. After advancing to first class, I fleeted up to the number 2 position in command.
I left Menemsha and was assigned as number 2 on the Cutter Towline (65' Tug) out of Bristol RI. This was my first experience operating a single screw vessel which had some weight to her. It was the same class of vessel that I struck on with Master Chief Gillette but now I had to pay attention. It was a fantastic experience in boat handling. We towed, broke ice and it was my first opportunity to work in the world of Aid to Navigation. I advanced to Chief while aboard and took over as Officer-in-Charge.
I received orders to the Cutter Bittersweet (180' Large Buoy Tender) out of Woods Hole Ma. I qualified as underway OOD and got some great experience in operating a single screwed ship. She was big, wide and a blast to tie-up.
I retired out of Group Long Island Sound in New Haven Connecticut in 1998 where I conducted boat inspections and crew readiness on our outlying units.
I grabbed my 100 ton Master Ocean Operator's License on my way out and have remained current for the past 23 years.
Currently, I am a Deputy for our local Sheriff's Office, and my post assignment is as a boat Captain in our Marine Unit. I operate a 31' Safe Boat which is a fast response unit to an active shooter aboard one of the multiple ferries that operate in Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound. The boat was purchased through Homeland Security, and we are manned with Cape Cod SWAT operators. We work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, other State agencies and local Harbormasters. We assist with search and rescue and other public safety efforts in waters of Cape Cod.

So, as you can see - I've spent some time operating boats. I've spent my life helping people and at age 62, I want to close the last chapter of my life helping you make great memories on the water.