ALCOAST 097/23 - MAR 2023 CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO ARE THE COAST GUARD'S STORY

R 091824Z MAR 23 MID200080795934U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 097/23
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO ARE THE COAST GUARD'S STORY
1. Women's History Month is dedicated to affirming and amplifying
the contributions and achievements of women. This year's theme is
Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, spotlighting women who
produce art, pursue truth, and in so doing capture and reflect the
human condition.
2. Women in the Coast Guard changed the arc of the Service's story
in 1942 as they joined the Women's Reserve, or SPARs named after
the Coast Guard's motto "Semper Paratus-Always Ready." Some of
these groundbreaking women entered the Photographer's Mate rating.
As the public relations field evolved, women excelled in all forms
of media, serving as local correspondents promoting news and
events, strategic and crisis communicators, and liaisons
representing the Service throughout government. Since this early
era, women have connected the public to the Coast Guard's missions
and the workforce to its heritage. Today, Petty Officer First
Class Ali Blackburn is a Public Affairs Specialist continuing the
legacy of women storytellers. Through her award winning
photography and photojournalism, she tells the stories of Coast
Guard personnel saving lives in Alaska, partnering with local,
state, and tribal governments, protecting maritime prosperity, and
asserting maritime governance to defend national sovereignty.
3. Since 1942, women have served at every level and in every
operational community of the Service. Today, thanks to the
dedication and professionalism of those who served before us, the
opportunities for women in the Coast Guard are limitless. I am
excited about the future not just for women, but for our entire
Coast Guard workforce.
4. This month as we celebrate women's history, I encourage you to
participate in special observance events to learn more about women
who tell our stories and history. You can also learn more by
visiting the following web page:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/2023-theme/

5. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Mr. Edward A. Stoker, 202-372-4519,
Edward.A.Stoker@uscg.mil.
6. ADM Linda Fagan, Commandant (CCG), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.