ALCOAST 060/21 - FEB 2021 JOSHUA JAMES ANCIENT KEEPER AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

united states coast guard

R 191643Z FEB 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST

UNCLAS
ALCOAST 060/21
SSIC 1650
SUBJ:  JOSHUA JAMES ANCIENT KEEPER AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT
1. On behalf of the Commandant, I am pleased to
announce that BMCM Christopher Hinote of Coast Guard
Station Humboldt Bay will relieve BMCM Kirk McKay as
the Joshua James Ancient Keeper. This prestigious award
is presented to a Coast Guard member on Active Duty in
recognition of their longevity and outstanding performance
in Coast Guard boat operations.
2. The Joshua James Ancient Keeper Award's namesake,
CAPT Joshua James, is the most celebrated lifesaver
in Coast Guard history with 626 lives saved. The Ancient
Keeper represents all keepers who continue to live by
the creed of those that have served before them. They
continue to go to the seas rocky realm at extreme peril
to their own lives, in pursuit of the safety and security
of others, in performance of our Coast Guard missions.
Today, the Ancient Keeper is charged with keeping the
oversight of Coast Guard boat operations to ensure the
services tradition of professionalism remains intact.
3. BMCM McKay will be retiring after a distinguished
career that included more than 28 years of service at
Boat Forces units. He has held the title of Ancient
Keeper since June 2016.
4. BMCM Hinote has distinguished himself over the last 26
years in the Coast Guard, serving at Boat Forces units for
over 24 cumulative years.
5. BMCM Hinote will assume his duties as the Ancient Keeper
during a change of watch ceremony immediately precede by
BMCM McKay’s retirement on 17 June 2021 at Station Grand
Haven, Michigan.
6. The Office of Boat Forces and I extend BMCM McKay a
heartfelt thank you for superbly upholding the Joshua
James legacy. His passionate efforts have increased the
safety and effectiveness of the Boat Forces community
and we bid a fond farewell. We congratulate and welcome
BMCM Hinote and look forward to his tenure as the Ancient
Keeper.
7. RDML John W. Mauger, Assistant Commandant for Capability
(CG-7), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.