USCGC Halibut (WPB 87340)

We had the honor of recognizing MK2 Emily Helterhoff as USCGC HALIBUT's Sailor of the Half Year. She spent countless hours managing engineering preparations for HALIBUT's Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) inspections, lead numerous drills as the On Scene Leader, trained and qualified numerous new crew members, and played a significant role in purchasing mission critical items to keep HALIBUT #semperparatus. Her leadership and dedication to the HALIBUT crew are highly commended and she has exemplified USCGC HALIBUT's watch words of "Attitude and Teamwork." Bravo Zulu!

HALIBUT started the week off strong! The crew participated in towing training with the Marina Del Rey Lifeguards. This allowed newly reported members to practice their line throwing, and line handling while placing a vessel in tow. Pictured also: Cadet Jonathan Cox from the USCG Academy getting some time on the bridge to practice his driving skills for the towing operations as well! #USCG #training #semperparatus

Today, HALIBUT participated in a time-honored Cutterman’s Ceremony. Two members from HALIBUT, MK1 Justin Jenkins and CS2 Samuel Hawksley were awarded their permanent Cutterman’s pin. The Cutterman’s Insignia was instituted in 1974 to provide recognition for Coast Guard personnel who, in the tradition of professional mariners, have performed duties afloat in keeping with their grade and rate and who have endured the rigors and dangers of sea duty for a substantial period. I...t signifies that they have exhibited the requisite professionalism and dedication to duty expected of seagoing Coast Guard personnel. The insignia is a visible means of recognizing their qualities and identifies the wearer as a professional mariner. The design can be divided into three basic areas. Each is representative of a cutterman’s special qualities. The wheel and the waves represent the heritage of the sea. The five point star represents five years of sea duty and the center, the shield, represents the Coast Guard and its seagoing tradition. Bravo Zulu shipmates! Four other members were also awarded their Sea Service Ribbon for completing 12 months of cumulative sea duty aboard HALIBUT. Congratulations to MK2 Helterhoff, FN Miller, SN Magaña (not pictured), and SN Uriarte (not pictured). HALIBUT also bid farewell to MK1 Jenkins as he departed after serving on board for 3 years. MK1 was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for his superior knowledge and meritorious achievement. MK1 will continue on with his Coast Guard career as the Engineering Petty Officer of Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Oregon. Congratulations and you will me missed!

Tune in with us to watch the Retirement Ceremony for MKC Lee S. McLaughlin! *We do not own the rights to any of the music heard in the video*

Pictured is HALIBUT’s crew participating in a GUNNEX exercise. Twice a year, members train on how to properly set up, load, fire, and clean the .50 Caliber Machine Gun to maintain proficiency. Check out the comments section for some awesome videos, courtesy of FN Daniel Miller.