Columbus Day Weekend News!

Good evening everyone! Even though we had some members deployed, some conducting training, and yet others helping the Hollywood-industry, I still hope you were able to enjoy some additional time with your loved ones during this Columbus Day weekend. As you will see there are many great things to report and it is my hope to do a better job updating the blog more frequently!

Vertical Insertion Training

Bravo Zulu to the MLE/FP team for their efforts in continuing to seek out additional training resources. Recently our FP team linked up with the HSC-23 WildCards (a helicopter squadron based out of North Island, San Diego) in order to conduct vertical insertion training. True professionals, these aviators supported our folks and assisted us in receiving initial VI qualifications for PO Merseal and PO Hutchens and also Fast Rope Master break-in experience for PO Knee and PO McLaughlin. Please see pics above.

Hollywood/CSI Miami:

Thanks to PO Alexander and PO Walker for participating in the filming of CSI Miami (please see above pics). Their specific episode should be airing Oct 24th - thanks for your professionalism and representing the unit in such a positive fashion! We also provided numerous boats and crewmembers for an additional CSI Miami episode that was shot this weekend in Long Beach, CA. While specifics are not known, we do know that this most recent episode will air in mid-November! Thanks to the many MSST folks who volunteered for this arduous duty!

Ready For Operations (RFO):

I would like to make it a point to acknowledge the entire unit's performance during our Ready For Operations Inspection last month. The entire unit put forth maximum effort and truly shined as all aspects of the unit were inspected. From our MLE/FP's performance during their Tactical Sustainment Training (TST) where all members "passed", to Waterside getting a 100% score on all of their drills, to the Engineering folks spending hundreds of man-hours removing and replacing collars on our RBS', you have all impressed me with your "Get It Done" attitude and your ability to work as a team...Truly Inspirational!

Top Shot - PO Johnson was selected as the MLE/FP's "Top Shot" by the lead instructor for his performance during the Team's Tactical Sustainment Training (TST). TST tests our MLE/FP's readiness through multiple drills and challenging training evolutions over the course of multiple days. PO Johnson, your hard work and leadership has not gone unnoticed - Great Work!

Guardian of the Quarter: Congratulations to PO Renuk on being MSST 91103's Guardian of the Quarter. PO Renuk contributed significantly to MSST 91103's Ready For Operations preparations specifically with his Rescue and Survival Systems knowledge. His positive attitude was infectious as he was always willing to share his knowledge with others to improve the unit. Bravo Zulu and thanks for all of your hard work!

Congratulation to the following members for the below Qualifications/Certifications:

PO Hayward - Radiation Detection Operator

PO Schott - Radiation Detection Operator

PO Hart - Radiation Detection Operator

PO Knee - Radiation Detection Operator

PO Calderon - Boarding Officer

PO Seastrand - Boarding Team Member

PO Gross - Boarding Team Member

PO Aceituno - Boarding Team Member

PO Haldeman - Boarding Officer

PO Graziano - Boarding Team Member

PO Jahn - Boarding Officer

RBS Coxswain/Crewman Re-certification

LTJG Boyle - Command Duty Officer Qualification

Boarding Team Member/Boarding Officer

LTJG McShane - Command Duty Officer Qualification

Boarding Team Member

PO Renuk - Tactical Coxswain

PO Murillo - Tactical Coxswain

PO Arnold - RBS Crewman

PO Snyder - RBS Coxswain Certification

PO Schott - Boarding Officer

PO Yahudah - Command Duty Officer Qualification

Congratulations to all and thanks for your contributions to the unit and our readiness!

CG's Guardian of the Week: I'd like to say Bravo Zulu to PO Antis (and his canine partner Ryder) for his recent selection as the Coast Guard's Guardian of the Week. PO Antis was recognized for his performance while at the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) Explosive Canine Detection Program. PO Antis not only met all requirements but excelled and was selected as the Honor Graduate of the entire class! This was the first TSA class with Coast Guard participation and even more amazing was the fact that much of the curriculum was TSA-centric. To see more details please see the below link:

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/09/guardian-of-the-week-me2-nick-antis/

I would also like to say a quick thank you to our Ombudsman PO Stepheni Norton. While deployed Stepheni has taken time to help post beneficial information for all of us in addition to her myriad of other duties and responsibilities. I had the opportunity to attend the Ombudsmen Appreciation Luncheon in San Diego with Stepheni, who fortunately was able to depart from the DeepWater Horizon deployment to attend. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Lastly, I'd like to make it a point to recognize our Executive Officer, LT Bryan Burkhalter for being selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander! Congrats and job well done!

Even though it has been little more than two months, it really has been an honor and pleasure serving with all of you thus far! I can honestly say that I am impressed daily at the quality of people we have at our unit and I continually find myself communicating that to everyone I come across. Keep up the great work and to the families at home, we appreciate the love and support you give to us all! Have a good night!