ALCOAST 459/21 - DEC 2021 2021 HOLIDAY SEASONS GREETINGS

R 171745Z DEC 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 459/21
UNCLAS 5700
SUBJ: 2021 HOLIDAY SEASONS GREETINGS
1. During this holiday season, I am thankful for our ability to
gather in more familiar ways this year. Your high degree of
personal responsibility, and your commitment to our Service and
each other, allows us to safely celebrate this holiday season
together.
2. This year Coast Guard men and women demonstrated impressive
ingenuity and resourcefulness to continue our Service’s tradition
of excellence in the face of adversity. The Coast Guard Recruiting
Command implemented the Pandemic Displaced Recruit Program,
allowing recruits to work with recruiters in a virtual environment
during the critical onboarding period, and ensuring over 100 of our
newest shipmates received pay and benefits as they endured boot
camp delays. The Coast Guard Cyber Command battled threats against
the Maritime Transportation System (MTS) by establishing Cyber
Protection Teams and defending key networks from critical attacks.
The COVID Vaccination Team and our healthcare workers undertook the
daunting task of vaccinating our workforce. Their extraordinary
efforts have proven instrumental in safely bringing us back
together.
3. Our ability to work together safely was crucial to the success
of multiple large scale joint operations. When the 143-foot fishing
vessel Atlantic Destiny was disabled, adrift, on fire, and taking
on water 115 miles south of Nova Scotia, Canada, our Coast Guard
aviation crews teamed with Canadian aviation and surface crews to
save 31 mariners. Following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake on Haiti's
Southern Claw, we immediately deployed helicopters, fixed-wing
aircraft, and cutters to support USAID humanitarian relief efforts,
and integrated with U.S. Southern Command's Operation Enduring
Promise when DoD capabilities arrived on scene. Coast Guard crews
saved 228 lives and assisted another 153 while delivering more than
34,600 pounds of disaster and relief supplies. We acted as the
Federal On-Scene Coordinator, organizing more than 1,800 personnel
from around the country and utilizing numerous land, air, and sea
assets in response to California's Pipeline P00547 spill, which
released approximately 25,000 gallons of oil and impacted nearly
120 miles of shoreline from Newport Beach to the U.S./Mexico
border. To date, the ongoing response has seen the removal of
542,000 pounds of oily debris from shorelines. These are just a few
examples of what we accomplished together.
4. Continuing to actualize our tenet of "Stronger Together," we
continued to invest in an inclusive workforce, launching a new
mentoring program designed to increase leadership opportunities and
connection across the workforce; expanding support and benefits for
affinity groups; establishing a diversity & inclusion foundations
course for all personnel; and revamping grooming and uniform
policies. The commitment to formalize efforts made by individuals
into lasting institutional change ensures the continued success of
our Coast Guard and the strength of our connection across
generations.
5. We are further united by the collective memory and remembrance
of shipmates who crossed the bar this past year: those who served
in war and in peace; young and old; Officers and Enlisted; Active
Duty, Reservists, and Retired; Coast Guard Civilian employees and
Auxiliarists--all members of our Coast Guard family. This year we
experienced the loss of CDR Merle Smith, who overcame the
challenges of his time to be the first African-American graduate of
the Coast Guard Academy in 1966 and subsequently earned several
honors for his service in Vietnam, including the Bronze Star. Upon
returning stateside, he earned a degree in law and returned to New
London to teach at the Academy. We also lost CDR Janna Lambine, who
served in the Coast Guard for over 35 years, and in addition to
being our first female aviator, was also our first female
helicopter pilot and the first woman in the U.S. Armed Forces to
land an aircraft on a USN aircraft carrier.
6. When we lose a shipmate or a Coast Guard dependent, we are
reminded of the strength and scale of our Coast Guard family. In
these toughest of circumstances, we are reminded of the communities
of support that stand ready to aide those experiencing grief. For
those who may be feeling further isolated throughout this holiday
season, know that your shipmates stand ready to help. Chiefs,
chaplains, CGSUPRT and ombudsmen are trusted resources. No matter
the struggle, I encourage you to reach out early without
hesitation.
7. This is a time of year when we especially remember our shipmates
deployed and standing the watch. Their sacrifice allows our
families, friends, and fellow citizens to gather and celebrate.
Enjoy the holiday season and the opportunity to reunite with
friends and loved ones. On behalf of your senior leadership team, I
want to thank you and your families for your service and sacrifice.
Please celebrate responsibly as we bring the year 2021 to a close.
8. ADM Karl Schultz, Commandant (CCG), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.