THE 31ST COAST GUARD COMMUNITY

by: LTJG Quinn Morley and LTJG Kristen Carson, United States Coast Guard

The Coast Guard’s multi-mission maritime nature inherently requires a strong connection between Coast Guard units and the local communities they serve. Coast Guard units aim to foster connections that empower unit commanders to serve public needs and address public concerns.

Thus, many areas support initiatives that benefit Coast Guard personnel and family members assigned to their region. This hospitality towards Coast Guard members and their support networks boosts morale and enhances mission excellence. The service takes great pleasure in recognizing these areas as Coast Guard Cities and Coast Guard Communities. Bay County has recently earned this exceptional recognition.

Of 33 regions recognized as areas supporting the Coast Guard nationwide, Bay County has been acknowledged to recognize the local government support to both service members and their families. Bay County has made many impactful contributions to the military community, specifically the Coast Guard, however their most notable contributions are through their support of children and families of Coast Guard members, their commitment to high-quality and accessible education, and their observance and celebration of Coast Guard Day and local units. The support of the local community has been noteworthy since the first Coast Guard Station was established in Bay County in 1933 servicing Saint Andrew’s Marina.

The county has even supported the launch of the Coast Guard’s highest investment priority, the Offshore Patrol Cutter. The first offshore patrol cutter of its class, CGC ARGUS, was built by Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City. The Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan, attended the commissioning of the vessel here in Bay County on 26 October 2023.

Bay County has committed to creating support services for Coast Guard families and spouses by ensuring military children have access to counselors who have been trained to assist with the many transitions and challenges that can arise as a result of being a child of a military member. These professionals are placed in 21 schools throughout the county, and provide an invaluable and unique support service that encourages success and resiliency.

In addition to incredibly valuable support services offered, Bay County is home to Gulf Coast State College, which has the prestigious distinction of being named a Gold Military Friendly®

School by Viqtory Media for “leading practices, outcomes and effective programs that dedicate resources to military students to ensure success in the classroom and after graduation. Along with their esteemed designation, Gulf Coast State College Foundation created a “Thanks A Million” fund which provides military affiliated people money for books and other related expenses involved with pursuing higher education. Along with Gulf Coast State College, the Bay Area Education Alliance promotes opportunities for military members and their families to be recognized by allowing children of military families from all services wear special cords at their high school graduation to symbolize their continuous support for their family member’s service.

Not only is Bay County a fervent supporter of Coast Guard families, but also partners with local commands strengthening the partnerships between the Coast Guard and the community it serves. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee (MAC) joined in the celebration of the Coast Guard’s birthday by touring the local small boat station in order to see firsthand the multifaceted missions the Coast Guard partakes in to help understand what Station Panama City does and what ways Bay County can better the lives of Coast Guard members. The

MAC warmly welcomes local Coast Guard units at every one of its meetings and eagerly participates in local Change of Command ceremonies exemplifying the tight knit connection between the Coast Guard and the Bay County Community.

Additionally, the MAC, with nearly 340 members, has been serving Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City and Coast Guard Units in Bay County as a liaison between the services and the business community since before the first Coast Guard Base’s development in 1946.

In the words of the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan, as stated at the official Coast Guard Community ceremony, Bay County is, “an incredible place for our sentinels to serve and live, an incredible place for them to call home… The community is part of the fabric of the Coast Guard Unit and they reflect some of the unique personalities of some of the communities…. Whether the station, the Sector, the Air Station, the Cutter or the Marine Safety Unit, we embrace and celebrate the culture and the nuance of anywhere we are stationed anywhere around the world. It is part of the joy of serving in the Coast Guard; experiencing life in so many different regions and corners of the world.”