ALCOAST 254/24 - JUN 2024 2024 WORLD MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION DAY

R 241317Z JUN 24   MID120001232416U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 254/24
SSIC 16500
SUBJ: 2024 WORLD MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION DAY
1. The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and
Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is celebrating the sixth annual
World Marine Aids to Navigation Day on July 1, 2024. This event was
created to promote greater awareness of the vital role of marine
Aids to Navigation (ATON) and to celebrate the professionals who
design, implement, and maintain ATON. This year, Italy is hosting
the main event in Genoa from 2-3 July. More information about the
event is located here:
(Copy And Paste URL Below Into Browser)

https://www.iala-aism.org/world-marine-aids-to-navigation-day-2024/

2. Each day, Coast Guard crews demonstrate unwavering dedication by
maintaining over 45,000 buoys, beacons, ranges, and electronic aids,
which delineate 25,000 miles of waterways serving 361 ports within
the Nation's Marine Transportation System (MTS). Whether conducting
routine maintenance, addressing discrepancies, restoring navigation
after severe storms, or building an alternate navigation channel
after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, this committed
workforce ensures the smooth operation of vital marine commerce,
valued at over $5.4 trillion annually.
3. This year's World ATON Day message is dedicated to Dr. Sally
Snowman, who volunteered as a Coast Guard Auxiliarist for 30 years
and also served as the Coast Guard's last Lighthouse Keeper.
Dr. Snowman's lifelong aspiration to steward Boston Light, kindled
during her childhood visit to Little Brewster Island, culminated in
her appointment as the 70th Keeper of Coast Guard Light Station
Boston in 2003 at the age of 52. Retiring in December 2023 after
two decades of exceptional service, she left an indelible mark as
the sole female Keeper in the station's 300-year legacy. Beyond her
dutiful maintenance of the light, Dr. Snowman safeguarded its
historical narratives, embodying a dedication that extended far
beyond routine duties. With a palpable passion for maritime history,
she greeted visitors in period uniform attire. Amidst living in the
Keeper's Quarters, weathering storms, and encountering unexpected
challenges, Dr. Snowman's commitment remained resolute. Despite
advancements that have rendered many lighthouses obsolete for
navigation, Boston Light continues to hold significance under the
National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act, ensuring that its
legacy endures.
4. In the past year, the CG Research and Development Center
concluded a multi-year study in collaboration with units in
Districts 1, 8, and 13 to assess new ATON buoy and mooring
technologies, as well as develop an associated cost comparison
model. This study exemplifies the Coast Guard's commitment to
modernizing the ATON system by integrating new, cost-effective
technologies, that enhance the resilience and safety of our dynamic
waterways.
5. Dedicated to fostering innovation for a sustainable future, the
Coast Guard is working to minimize the environmental impact of the
ATON program while simultaneously elevating navigational safety and
optimizing the efficiency of our Nation's Maritime Transportation
System (MTS). We are transitioning ionomer foam buoys, integral to
the ATON constellation, from consumable to repairable assets
alongside traditional steel hulls, thereby curbing costs and
minimizing waste. Furthermore, the Coast Guard has embarked on a
study to explore biodegradable or recyclable materials for buoys,
aiming to minimize environmental impacts. The Coast Guard has also
conducted comprehensive ATON programmatic consultations with the
National Marine Fisheries Service and Fish and Wildlife Service to
mitigate any impacts associated with ATON maintenance to Endangered
Species and Essential Fish Habitats.
6. I encourage all ATON professionals, past and present, to
celebrate your contributions to World Marine Aids to Navigation Day.
7. POC: LT Kyle Giddings, COMDT (CG-NAV-1), Kyle.P.Giddings@uscg.mil
8. Mr. Michael D. Emerson, Director of Marine Transportation Systems
(CG-5PW), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.