Class of 2012 is commissioned

Luigi59

Luigi59

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Napolitano to Coast Guard grads: There always will be lives to be saved

Coast Guard Ensigns Prepare To Face "Stormy Seas"

When he gave his most recent “State of the Coast Guard” address earlier this year, Admiral Robert J. Papp said the branch is facing “uncertain and stormy seas.” Yet the commandant of the Coast Guard also told the Coast Guard Academy’s Class of 2012 that the Coast Guard is at its best in such situations, describing service in the Coast Guard as a calling of great honor.

“Always remember your oath,” said Papp. “It’s a sacred bond and it will serve as a constant beacon to guide you.”

Papp noted that the class includes cadet Joseph W. Durfey, whose graduation continues a longstanding Coast Guard tradition in his family. In fact, Papp said, Durfey will be serving on the same cutter that his grandfather commanded from 1970 to 1972.

“Forty-two years. Only in the Coast Guard could that happen,” said Papp. “But there is a ray of hope. Secretary Napolitano is working very hard to get us those new cutters.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said the federal government is investing in new cutters and helicopters for the Coast Guard to meet its needs. She said the service is part of a more unified Department of Homeland Security, and that it has assumed a number of roles in the changing world. Napolitano said that in addition to rescuing 3,804 mariners in distress last year, the Coast Guard’s activities also include migrant interdiction and rescue, port security, interrupting pirate attacks, and stopping drug trafficking. She said the cadets have grown up in an uncertain time.

“You are the first class to be born after the end of the Cold War and to grow up in the Internet age,” she said.

A total of 165 men and 68 women went from cadet to ensign at the academy’s 131st commencement on Wednesday. Most of the class—197 graduates—will be assigned to Coast Guard cutters, while 24 will go to flight school and nine to sectors. Three graduates from Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tunisia will return to their countries.
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Congratulations and best wishes to the class of 2012 - which I believe includes Luigi's son.:thumb:
As they say: here's wishing them all "Fair winds and following seas".
 
Stormy seas is right. I appreciate the "only in the Coast Guard comment", though I'm not sure how "hard" Napolitano is working for the Coast Guard. Her days at DHS are numbered anyway.


Papp's been in some rough seas as well, as he's being treated for prostate cancer. From what I know they caught it early, which is a good thing.


Good luck to the Class of 2012!!! and CONGRATS!
 
Replay of 2012 commencement?

I wasn't able to watch the live feed of the commencement. Will there be a replay available?
 
Luigi: "Fair Winds And Follwing Seas" Best of luck to you and yours.
 
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