V26 N2 The Adventures of the USCGC 'Steadfast'

the

Spring 2000 Vol. 26, No. 2

~-~CK A review and newsletterfrom the Columbia River Maritime Museum at 1792 Marine Drive in Astoria, Oregon

The Adventures of USCGC STEADFAST

by LT Charles Miller

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From the Wheelhouse Afterguard Robley Mangold, President Jim McClaskey, Vice Pres.

W. Louis Larson, Secretary Don Magnusen, Treasurer Ted Natt - in memoriam Jerry L. Ostenniller, Executive Director

Board of Trustees: Graham Barbey Dennis Bjork Peter Brix * Richard T. Carruthers * Ronald Collman Ward V. Cook Dan Dutton Jon Englund Fred Fields Cheri Folk J.W. 'Bud' Forrester, Jr.*in memoriam Walter Gadsby, Jr. Alan C. Goudy E.H. (Ted) Halton, Jr. Don M. Haskell Senator Mark Hatfield S. Kenneth Kim Captain Rod Leland Chris Maletis Thomas F. Martin Duane McDougall John McGowan * Ken M. Novack Larry Perkins Jack Schiffer Hugh Seppa Charles Shea Senator Sid Snyder June Spence Joseph Tennant Willis Van Dusen Bruce Ward Samuel C. Wheeler Harold Wilde Ted Zell

* Trustee Emeritus

On the Cover

USCGC STEADFAST at sea.

Sea Stories The History Channel film crew was in the Museum a few weeks ago shooting a new public television series about rescues on the Columbia River Bar. Between scenes, the producer and I were discussing what museums should collect in order to benefit future generations. The "neat old stuff' you can see and touch seemed a safe bet, but our research work for the films led us to focus on other frustrations.

As we talked it became clear that one of the greatest challenges for museums is "non-artifact" collections. Items such as oral histories, photographs, letters, and manuscripts help people decades from now understand what life was really about.

The four days we spent recreating the MERMAID sinking for the History Channel was a challenging assignment, although this sinking took place only 38 years ago. It showed us how tough it can be to produce a documentary that captures the essence of such an event.

Luckily, we were able to find and interview two survivors. However, it really would have helped if we could have referred to a written first-hand account recorded at the time. We both agreed that museums need to be more active in collecting information that will allow others to know how someone felt or what daily life was actually like.

Therefore, we were delighted when LT Miller of the Coast Guard Cutter STEADFAST agreed to share his personal insights and experiences aboard his ship. The STEADFAST is not only our neighbor (they are home-ported at our 17th Street dock), but her crew works regularly with our Education Department. The crew of the STEADFAST, when not at sea on patrol, offers school programs, shipboard tours, and special lectures to Museum members and visitors.

And this certainly has been an unusual year for the STEADFAST. Her crew was responsible for one of the largest high-seas drug busts in Coast Guard history. They also served as the on-scene command vessel during the search and recovery operation for the MD-80 passenger jet owned by Alaska Airlines. I am sure that you will find his observations on this subject not only interesting, but also very insightful.

That brings me back to what the History Channel producer and I were discussing.

History, at least good history, is not just dates, names, and places. It is storytelling with first-person accounts that are precise and emotional. It requires more than the display of objects. This is what we are pursuing in the QUARTERDECK, and it is the goal of our exhibit plans for the Museum expansion -- to capture accurate and personal storytelling allowing people of all ages to gain greater understanding and insight into the world of maritime history.

Jerry Ostermiller Executive Director The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

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Adventures of USCGC STEADFAST

by LT Charles Miller While one of the many school groups that visit STEADFAST downed hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream on the mess deck, I sat with a parent in the wardroom and we marveled at the clamor. The parent asked me what my job on the cutter was, and he was kind enough to declare the engine room a high point on the tour when I told him that I serve as Engineer Officer. After exchanging pleasantries, he gave me a piercing look and asked, "what do you like most about being in the Coast Guard?" As a Southerner trapped

in the rainy cold of the Pacific Northwest, serving 2-3 years (with good behavior) of bouncing about in 30-foot seas, my mind reeled with sarcastic replies. But some quick introspection led me to bluntly admit that I, in fact, enjoyed my job as Engineer Officer on a medium endurance Coast Guard cutter immensely. I continued by telling him that the Pacific area medium-sized fleet enjoys amazing mission diversity -- I've seen a little of everything while serving on this boat - and the operational tempo is always changing.

I previously served on MORGENTHAU, one of the largest ocean-going high endurance cutters in service. We cruised the Northern Pacific, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Bering Sea. Most of our time was devoted to patrolling fisheries. We were involved in the rescue and assistance of a sinking fishing boat, and served as a helicopter "pit-stop" during the medical evacuation of a merchant

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mariner, but that's about as exciting as it got. It seemed like our patrol dates rarely coincided with fishing seasons, so we were mostly just "pushing water". Bridge watch teams amused themselves on midwatches by designing creative shapes with the cutter's trackline on the radar screen, and helmsmen would try to make surreptitious 360-degree turns in tiny increments, to the chagrin of unwary Conning Officers. Mechanical breakdowns were rare, given the tremendous amount of shore-side support and funding available to the larger cutters. In short, not much happened.

STEADFAST as the Peacekeeper Though I expected more of the same when I reported aboard STEADFAST in 1998, I soon learned that the medium-sized cutters are the workhorses of the law enforcement "white fleet" (as opposed to the black hulled buoy and river tenders, and red hulled icebreakers). Enroute home after my first patrol, we were diverted to serve as On-Scene Commander for Operation Olympic Peace, the Coast Guard's title for its dubious role as peacekeeper during the Makah Tribe's first attempts to take a grey whale. I fretted over the mission's impact on the Coast Guard's public image. The forces on either side of the argument were strong and dedicated, not to mention well funded and possibly well armed. We watched TV reports, intermittent due to our distance from land, denouncing the Coast Guard for "protecting murderers". It was demoralizing, especially since we often see whales while underway. We take care to stay out of their way and pipe photo opportunities to all hands. We like whales as much as the next guy. In our information-poor environment rumors sprouted like scotch broom in spring: "The Sea Shepherd protestors have a submarine! ... They carry 'slime guns' and spray you if you're out on deck! ... They put a hit out on all Coasties and their families! ... The Makah will shoot protestors

Themediumsized cutters are the workhorses of the law enforcement "white fleet".

Left: USCGCs STEADFAST AND ALERT homeported next to the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria.

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with their 50 caliber whale gun!" etc., etc.

By the time we arrived, staff opinions were divided between those who hoped the Makah would fail so that they would completely give up their efforts, those who felt the tribe was entitled to their quarry, and those who were ready to just shoot one and bring it up to them so that we could return home.

Our mission was to keep people from getting hurt. Since STEADFAST is not the most suitable platform for enforcing a safety zone around a canoe, we planned to use our two small boats: a rigid hull inflat-

Top: A peek at the SEA

SHEPHERD. Above: A view of the rigid hull inflatable and motor surf boat.

ft

able and a motor surf boat. In addition, we pulled our two tactical port security boats from storage for their high-speed maneuverability. To these we made necessary repairs, and shipped to Port Angeles, Washington. The security boats were remnants from STEADFAST's two-year stint as a ready port security unit. This meant that in the event of international conflict, the team was trained and available for worldwide deployment to protect strategic ports. With the title came Marine Corps training, a lot of camouflage gear, and these two tactical port security boats.

Given the nature of port security missions,

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these boats featured huge engines and empty machine gun mounts. We were concerned with having enough assets to control the situation, so I don't think anyone thought twice about sending the security boats with no guns mounted to a peace keeping mission in Port Angeles. However, their arrival by trailer had an unexpected impact. News traveled back to us as we steamed northward that the entire town was discussing the menacing craft that rolled by that afternoon.

Fortunately, STEADFAST was not witness to any violence during the event.

Protestors gave us a close inspection once or twice, and an inflatable boat made threats to members of the tribe ashore, but the Makah maintained such strict security on the location of their hunts that no "fleet actions" transpired. But it would not be the last time that STEADFAST made CNN.

The War on Drugs The Coast Guard has long been associated with the war on drugs. My drug war experience on MORGENTHAU was limited to one hot Southern Patrol with a port call in Guatemala that involved a large thatched bar and an incongruous disco ball I can only dimly recall.

The Pacific Area Medium Endurance Cutters spend a large amount of time in southern waters working to stop drugs near their source. STEADFAST recently added to her international reputation as the "white shark" (so dubbed by Caribbean drug smugglers) during one memorable weekend "somewhere" off the coast of Mexico.

After a hot day of fire drills and subsequent training, we received information that a panga, a term describing any of a number of small, undecked, v-hulled boats equipped with an outboard motor, was sighted carrying suspicious bales a day's steam north of our position. It is generally a simple thing to determine if a panga is carrying contraband, since no one in his or her right mind would take one out on the open ocean for any length of time. This particular panga appeared to be The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

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broken down and adrift. We made all speed north in the hopes of arriving before nightfall when locating the vessel would become extraordinarily difficult. Furthermore, a large Coast Guard cutter was only slightly behind us ... we had to get there first! After a few hours spent deliberating what would be on the mind of a person stuck in the open ocean in a broken boat filled to the gunnels with drugs (Who do you call? Coast Guard!), I felt our cutter slow considerably and tum to starboard. I made my way to the bridge and asked CDR Custard, our C.O., what was going on. He pointed to a rusty fishing boat off the starboard bow and said, "well, you know we'll kick ourselves later if we don't check it out." The day turned to late afternoon, and then to early evening as the Operations Department gathered intelligence and questioned the master on the radio; our visions of a quickpanga bust slowly dissolved.

On the other hand, this fishing boat started to look promising. International law is a tricky thing in those waters. Contrary to popular belief, we cannot simply leap aboard any suspect vessel (except US-flagged vessels) and commence a search of the compartments. Various limitations are imposed, depending on the vessel's position and country of origin. As an engineer I am not an expert on the legalities. I simply know that we often spend a lot of time idling precious diesel engines that were designed to run at full bore, while asking a lot of questions and sending off requests for a Statement of No Objection from the vessel's flag state. A couple of hours to a week can elapse before we finally get permission to board. In this case, the Mexican Government decided to make use of their unique partnership with the US Coast Guard and perform a joint boarding. Their team would conduct the search (and seizure, if necessary) with our technical experts to give guidance. That meant we had to wait for the Mexicans to arrive while our suspects steamed closer and closer toward port (and The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

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further away from that promisingpanga).

As dusk fell, we decided to deploy our small boat to keep an eye on the vessel's starboard side. Immediately the fishing boat came to a halt and began to "fish" with the little equipment visible.

Fortunately it was not a long wait for the Mexican Navy. A cheerful and intelligent liaison officer came aboard shortly after their arrival to bring salutations from his captain and to help finalize the plan. Although tense at first, the boarding parties quickly integrated. Before long, the teams reported finding numerous bales of what appeared to be cocaine bricks hidden within an empty water tank. By early afternoon, eight metric tons of cocaine were discovered ... and the search was not even complete. Our diversion had proven worthwhile after all.

Leaving the drugs, the vessel, and the unfortunate crew to the Mexican Navy (and Mexican prison), we headed north to continue our panga hunt. More information

told us that bales of contraband were being dropped over the side. We arrived in the vicinity after nightfall and began searching the area for signs of floating bales or a lonely boat. I sat on the fantail with others looking out into the night and watching our powerful searchlights scan the water. The small boat was deployed with a boarding team, just in case. It travelled in our wake about a hundred yards behind us. Suddenly our searchlight illuminated a patch of white in the distance and our small boat careened off into the darkness to investigate. There, stranded by engine failure, five Colombians Continued page 10

By early afternoon, eight metric tons of cocaine were discovered ... and the search was not even complete. Our diversion had proven worthwhile after all.

Above: Bales of cocaine that were discovered aboard a Mexican fishing vessel.

COLUMBIA Meeting the Challenge The Columbia River Maritime Museum thanks the following donors whose gifts were doubled thanks to the Meyer Memorial Trust Challenge.

Mrs. Viola Abrahamson John & Helen Acton Mike & Tami Aho Timothy & Anna Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Anderson Wesley Anderson Kathleen Bay David & Chita Becker Mrs. Beatrice Bergey Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Black Wayne & Margaret Blake Ronald Bline Ronald Bolin Fred Borg & Susan Horst Mr. & Mrs. Roy Boyle Jim Branson Mr. & Mrs. Byron H. Broms Capt. & Mrs. Nicholas Brower Ernest & Ebba Brown Daniel & Jim Brown Muriel Bruning Cebert & Hopi Bryan Eugene Buell L.W. & Betty Buell Darryl Bullington Worth Caldwell Jim & Judy Capellen Richard & Nancy Carruthers Rick & Joan Charlton C.S. & June Christensen Frank Clarke Mr. & Mrs. John Clemson, Jr. Capt. & Mrs. James Clune Raymond & Gail Collins Ron & Lila Collman Dorothy & Jirn Comstock William & Laura Comrie Ward & Lois Cook Patrick & Ilona Craig Mrs. Mary Dant Donald & Carol DeFranco Capt. Deborah Dempsey Robert Drucker

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Thomas & Cynthia Dulcich Donald & Marilyn Kessler A.O. & Nancy Dunkin Ken & Dean Kirn Richard & Jean Eckert Mr. & Mrs. Knutsen J.R. & Jane Emrick Mr. & Mrs. Richard Barbara Engbretson Kohnstamm Jon & Mary Jean Englund Robert & Donna Kuske Ed & Anne Fearey Vern & Gloria Larson Mrs. John B. Fewel Rod & Lynne Leland Mr. & Mrs. Roger Fisher Capt. Mike & Marjorie Leback Russell Fluhrer Doris Lofgren & Sandra Jack & Barbara Foster Bossom Mr. & Mrs. Walter Fransen Roy & Bonnie Little Keith & Joy Franson Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lovell Victor & Kathryn Fox Lee Lowenson Mrs. B. Funel Mr. & Mrs. Dave Lum Chris & Jackie Gilde Irene & Kent Martin R. Stevens Gilley Eugene Mathews Trudy Glein Ernest McCall Rev. & Mrs. John Goodenberger Leys McCarter Evelyn & Maurice Georges Marshall McCollum Mr. & Mrs. Alan C. Goudy John & Ginny McCormac Donald & Beverly Goudy Paul & Sally McCracken Leonora Dart Graham Donald & Edith McDaniel Rod Gramson Anne McDonald Mr. & Mrs. Alan Green, Jr. Duane & Barbara McDougall Nancy Grimberg Mr. & Mrs. George McKelvey Donna Gustafson Mr. & Mrs. John McGowan Mrs. Jane Harris Dr. Bud & Jean McKinney C.A. & Mary Alice Harrison Robert McNannay Horace & Kalliopi Harrison Ken McRae Mr. & Mrs. John Hart Raymond & Kathleen Merritt Kittredge & Judith Hawkins Don & Barbara Miller Mrs. Doris Hay James Miller Mrs. Patricia Hemingway Dr. Rodney Miller Mrs. Elnora F. Hertig Mr. & Mrs. Bill Milwee Ella Hill John & Lucile Mitchem Thome & Claudia Hilts Dr. R.P. & Carol Moore Charles Hindman Don & Anne Morden Elizabeth S. Holden Ellison C. Morgan Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hudson Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Murray Capt. Donald Hughes Libby Myers Eva Marie & Robert Jacobs . Mrs. Diane Natt Ralph & Adolph Jacobs Mrs. Hester Nau Albert & Carmen Jensen Harold & Virginia Nelson James Jensen John & Susan Nelson Mrs. Ruth Truman Jensen Phil Nock Dave & Karen Johnson Ronald Nordstrom Capt. Robert & Lilian Johnson Ken & Deborah Novack Loren & Julia Johnson Walter B. Novak Mr. & Mrs. Roger Jolma Ed & Evie O'Brian Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred E. lossy Charles & Susan O'Neal Mr. & Mrs. Erling Orwick Drs. Warren & M. Kalbach Jerry Ostermiller & Lynne Jack & Jane Keeler Mr. & Mrs. R.B. Keller Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Patrick Norman & Alice Kelley Dean & Aase Kendall Bob & Sandy Patterson

MUSEUM Richard & Myrtle Paulsen Ms. Ruth Peets Mr. & Mrs. Larry Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Bob Peterson Capt. John C. Porter John Power Mr. & Mrs. Peter Quinn Mark & Sheila Radich Paul & Patricia Reiser Clarence & Jean Richrod DonRiswick Anthony & Helen Robnett Roger Rocka & Jan Mitchell Bob & Grace Rudd Rob Rudd Mr. & Mrs. Roderick Sarpola Doug & Fran Schlieski Arline Schmidt & Cliff LaMear Jordan & Mina Schnitzer Hampton Scudder & Pam Trenary COL Arnold Seeborg Jim & Carol Servino Mr. & Mrs. Waldemar Seton ill Ruth Shaner James & Barbara Shaw Ronald & Mary Sherriffs Alan & Margaret Skille Jack & Gladys Smethurst Dorothy May Smith James Spencer Henry Steinbrugge John & Jan Swanson Lloyd & Patricia Swearingen Mr. & Mrs. George Swindells Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tevis Captain & Mrs. J.R. Thompkins Scott Throm Marie Vandewater Susanna Von Reibold John Vitas Margo Grant Walsh Mr. & Mrs. Frank Warren Carol Welch Jerry & Alice Whalen Mrs. Colman Wheeler, Jr. Samuel C. Wheeler Harold Wilde Dr. & Mrs. David I. Williams Anne Witty & Jonathan Taggart Frank Wolfe James & Karen Young

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Charting a New Course

$1,200,000

From the Museum President $1,000,000

Dear Friends and Members: Someone recently told me that with the Meyer Challenge deadline looming, there has never been a more important time to give to our Museum.

This is clearly the case. To date, we have raised over $900,000 toward our $1,200,000 goal. But we have a long way to go. Every gift made between now and July 31 st qualifies for the matching program. And, we need to reach our goal to qualify for the $1.2 million Meyer Memorial Trust Match.

Your gift today, in any amount, will be of great help in reaching our goal. Please take a moment and join with me in supporting our Museum.

Cordially,

$800,000

Kim Bjork of Wells Fargo Bank presents Executive Director Jerry Ostermiller with a Campaign donation.

Every Dollar Counts!

Robley Mangold President, Board of Trustees

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The Meyer Memorial Trust's $1.2 million grant is contingent on our Museum raising $1 .2 million in matching funds from our members and donors.

Your gift could be the one that puts us "over the top". Your donation ensures that our Museum receives $1,200,000 in urgently-needed funds. The minimum donation to qualify for matching is $5.00.

Meyer Memorial Trust matching funds raised by May 1, 2000

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Membership Member Profile This month we would like to spotlight one of our most ardent supporters. Robley Mangold is the Columbia River Maritime Museum's current President. As President, he gives extensive amounts of his time and support to help the Museum. He became involved with the Museum at the urging of a friend and fellow Trustee. Rob says that he was intrigued with the thought of being involved with the Museum and is impressed with the quality of the Museum and the commitment of its staff, volunteers, and supporters.

A native of Portland, Oregon, Mr. Mangold went to work for United Airlines while completing his graduate work at Stanford and Harvard.

During his career, he ended upin The Quarterdeck Volume 26, No. 2 Chicago and The Quarterdeck is helped create published four times a year United by the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Airline's air 1792 Marine Drive, cargo departAstoria, Oregon 97103.

Telephone: (503)325-2323 ment. He was Fax: (503)325-2331 based in New E-mail us at: information@crmm.org York, Chiwebsite: www.crmm.org cago, and Seattle. At age 35 Rob moved into the Editor: Mary Davis "passenger marketing" department as Vice Editorial Staff: Nikki Bryan, Patricia Turner President of Sales. During his tenure at Custard, Jerry Ostermiller, David Pearson, Gail United Airlines he was Vice President of six Rogers, Rob Rudd. departments before retiring.

When asked what the most memorable Printed at: Printing Arts Center, time was during his career with United Longview, Washington Airlines, Rob responded that it had to be the time that the family of Colonel Charles Lindberg asked him to make arrangements to fly the ailing colonel to Hawaii. Mr. Mangold said that upon meeting Colonel

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Lindberg he was overwhelmed by the fact that even though this great man was nearing the end of his life, "he had a wonderful, warm smile," says Rob. He spent about 15 minutes talking to Colonel Lindberg before boarding the plane and was impressed that the Colonel was so down-to-earth and friendly.

Rob Mangold and his wife Ann have three grown sons, and live in Gearhart, Oregon. He is an avid golfer and is very involved in this community.

We are proud that Rob Mangold has chosen to be so involved at our Museum, and wish to thank him for his tireless support and wisdom.

Membership 2000 Events Throughout the year, the Membership 2000 programs offer a range of exclusive and interesting events for you to enjoy. Exhibition previews, lectures, harbor excursions, tours, and parties all provide our members with exciting things to do. Members can meet famous maritime enthusiasts, make new friends, and share unique experiences. Watch for new events, and join us for these exiting upcoming programs!

June Sat., June 3, drop in from 9:30 AM-Noon for Scuttlebutt Saturday. This month's lesson and craft for children is ropemaking, combining art with social studies and history.

July Sat., July 1, drop in from 9:30 AM-Noon for Scuttlebutt Saturday. July's lesson and craft for children is the nautical instrument the sextant, combining art with science and history.

August Sat., August 5, from 9:30 AM-Noon for Scuttlebutt Saturday. This month's lesson and craft for children is Pirate School. This adventurous program combines art with history. Pre-registration is required and a fee will be charged.

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Volunteers When the going gets busy, the busy get. .. well, even busier! Such is the case for our crew of valued volunteers. 1999 proved to be a dynamic year for the Museum with visits from Eagle and Endeavour, planning and preparation for expansion, and increased activity in all the Museum's departments. To see us through each of these events we called on our volunteers for help. Add on to this the day-to-day work they are also involved i~, such as leading tours, helping customers m the Museum Store, and answering research requests, and it is no surprise that in 1999 volunteers gave an astounding 8,779 hours to the Museum. On the evening of April I 8th we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of this talented group.

In the spirit of the Gay 90's (bustles, parasols, and mustaches were optional!) 100 volunteers, families, guests, and staff gathered for an evening of light fare, good spirits, camaraderie, and recognition.

Awards for donating more than 100 hours in 1999 were presented to: Dave Bennett, Kathryn Bourn, Ben Cadman, Kristy Ann Chamberlain, Bob Chamberlin, Jeanne Clifford, Kenny Ginn, Thome Hilts, Rich Hoffman, Dr. Bud McKinney, Jean McKinney, Gurie O'Connor, Dick Olsen, Carol Ray, Charles Ray, Peggy Roeser, Byron Ruppel, Fred Schott, and Bill Williams.

Special recognition was given to volunteers for accumulated hours assisting in all departments of the Museum. Director Jerry The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

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Ostermiller presented an award for 300 hours to Bill King and an award to Dave Bennett for 500 hours. Bill Williams' name was added to the permanent plaque of honor for 1,000 hours of service.

Jeanne Clifford, Carol Moore, Walt McManis, Annabell Miller, and Gurie O'Connor were honored for an amazing 2,000 hours.

"Dynamic Duo" awards were presented to Bill and Helen King, and Carol and Charles Ray for service above and beyond the call of duty. Whether it was for a special project, or for the routine daily operations of the Museum, these couples were ready at a moment's notice to serve the Museum.

The "Why Did I Think This Was A Good Idea?" Award was given to Dan Townsend and to Scott Holmstedt for work on projects that have taken a little longer than they anticipated or that led to other projects they never anticipated. Dan has put in uncounted hours over the last 18 months developing a CD-ROM tour of the Lightship. Two years ago, Scott innocently offered to facilitate the Museum working with the high school on student-based projects and has not been able to shake the grasp of the Education Department since.

The evening ended on a high note when it was announced that $250,000 had been anonymously donated to construct the Discovery Theater (part of the Museum's expansion plans) in honor of the Museum's volunteers.

Many well-deserved thanks and boundless appreciation to all our volunteers for doing a great job!

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In 1999 volunteers gave an astounding 8,779 hours to the Museum.

Top right: In her best bathing suit, Volunteer Coordinator Chris Bennett honors Jeanne Clifford for an amazing 2000 hours of time. Center: Staff and volunteers decked out in Gay 90's attire enjoy the evening. Below right: Dave Bennett entertains the group by plucking on his banjo!

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Continued from page 5

sat on the empty deck not of a panga, but of a super long-range go-fast. This flatdecked hot rod propelled by three Volvo Penta high-power engines was only built

Despite our best efforts, the vessel had to be towed into port. Waiting on the pier were TV cameras, microphones, and a large rental truck for carrying the drugs. The busts, two within 24 hours, combined to be one of the largest in Coast Guard history. The seizure of a super long-range go-fast was unprecedented on the West Coast. It was a proud moment, but sadly would not be the last time STEADFAST made the news.

Search and Rescue

Above: A view of the usually elusive super long-range go-fast boat.

for one thing ... running drugs.

Again the questions and the waiting.

This time the skids were greased and the situation was somewhat different from that morning. While we dealt with the vessel and crew, CGC HAMILTON picked up over three tons of cocaine found floating in the vicinity. By morning the suspects were aboard STEADFAST and the contraband stored under a tarp on the flight deck.

HAMILTON headed off to continue her patrol. Apparently the Mexican Navy picked up a panga and some contraband not far from our position in a simultaneous but unrelated operation! Our destination would be San Diego, but not before a week of discussions between various governments. In the interim, STEADFAST's engineers delighted themselves by repairing two of the go-fast's engines, the operations department gathered volumes of intelligence material, and a case began to be built against our passengers.

We left home again in early January on another South Patrol, headed for a fuel stop in San Diego and what promised to be a night of revelry followed by a day to sleep in. That turned into a couple of nights of head scratching and hard work for the engineers after a bolt in the starboard stem tube coupling sheared and the engine room began flooding at a rate of five or ten gallons per minute.

Although the flooding was quickly stopped, finding a monel or stainless steel 3/4-inch bolt on Superbowl Weekend in San Diego was impossible. At any rate, we got to watch the Superbowl. The wrenches were hardly back in the toolbox before we received special tasking to head north to the site of a plane crash of unknown magnitude. I worried about the integrity of $2 stainless steel replacements for $60 bronze bolts while we sped northward on a mission that promised to change us all to some degree. Within 24 hours, worrying about bolts would seem ludicrous.

I stood on the bridge at two in the morning as STEADFAST crept into the chaotic nighttime horizon. Boats of every description were scattered in the distance or in small groups in the apparent vicinity of the debris fields. Squid boats illuminated patches in the inky dark water with their high-power halogen lights. Trawlers and local law enforcement boats circled or made passes through the area, the police boats only visible by their incongruent blue mast lights. HAMILTON arrived shortly after we did and coined a description The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

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of the situation: organized mayhem.

By running back and forth between the bridge and the TV, I was able to get a general idea of what was happening. Mixed reports came in about the number of passengers and the type and size of plane, until the media got it figured out. When they did, we all knew it would be a long week. Eighty-eight souls went down with Alaska Flight 261 in what was apparently a very violent headlong crash.

No survivors were found.

Although initially a search and rescue mission, I doubt any of us held much hope.

After the obvious was formally disclosed to the victims' relatives, the news announced that the objective was now "search and recovery". Regardless of nomenclature, STEADFAST spent the first few days collecting anything and everything that could be found, and documenting the positions of

debris or remains recovered.

The Coast Guard does not train disaster experts. Our backgrounds are as eclectic as the Coast Guard itself. Nevertheless, I was impressed with the crew's professionalism throughout the difficult first stages. We learned quickly. Boat crews collecting debris and human remains tracked the former with accuracy and treated the latter with the dignity normally reserved for deceased family members. We became subconsciously attached to the items we collected and the people they represented - there are names we will not forget, and items that touched us beyond what my sad poetic limitations enable The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

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me to convey -- half-filled baby bottles, a box of diaper wipes, a passport. One thought sustained me throughout the ordeal, however: who better than STEADFAST to perform this mission?

My adventures are only a small chapter in the challenges STEADFAST continues to face. Those detailed above are only the most conspicuous. STEADFAST has been On Scene Commander for an oil spill off California's pristine coast, rounded up a wayward buoy, refueled a distressed fishing vessel in severe weather, and rescued a desperate family of four left adrift after their boat's engines died. We've med-evaced a number of injured mariners, including one who inadvertently swallowed a chicken bone, and a seriously ill Japanese merchant master (Who knew that our Executive Officer's ability to speak Japanese would come in so handy?).

Despite the Northern Pacific's tantrums, the uncertain and demanding schedule, 185 days a year away from my wife and two daughters, I have to say that being the Engineer Officer aboard CGC STEADFAST is my favorite thing about being in the Coast Guard. At least it gives me something to write about.

About the Author

LT Charles Miller is an Engineer Officer aboard the CGC STEADFAST. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently resides in Seaside, Oregon with his wife Julianne and their two daughters.

Above left: The author, LT Miller and Petty Officer Clark search through debris from the Alaska Airlines flight 261 disaster.

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From the Museum Store

Visit the Museum Store to receive your 10% Membership discount on these titles.

The Museum Store carries a wide variety of books about Coast Guard history. Here are a few: Alaska and the US Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1917

by Truman R. Strobridge & Dennis Noble In 1867, the US Revenue Cutter Service made its first appearance in the Bering Sea. Over the next 48 years the ships and men of the USRCS firmly established US sovereignty in the area and performed amazing acts of rescue and aid - contributions that have received little attention until the publication of this book.

That Others Might Live, The US Life-Saving Service, 1878-1915

by Dennis Noble From 1878 to 1915 the US LifeSaving Service was a small federal maritime organization that carried out amazing rescues of those in distress close to shore.

Working from small stations scattered along the US coastline, crew members came to be known as "storm warriors".

Considered one of the most valorous government organizations ever run, the service carried out thousands of rescues, and many of its men lost their lives in the effort to save others.

Lifeboat Sailors, Disasters, Rescues, and the Perilous Future of the Coast Guard's Small Boat Stations

by Dennis Noble Each year, the Coast Guard's powerful motorized lifeboats and other small vessels respond to 37,000 calls for assistance, and help in saving more than 4,000 people in danger. Despite the fact that small boat stations are the very symbol of rescue upon the water, the public knows little about what takes place and even less about the dedicated professionals who serve at the stations.

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News and Notes • Congratulations to Jenny Stanton for being named Prudential Youth Volunteer of the Year for Oregon. Jenny won a $1,000 scholarship for her part in creating the In Their Footsteps program and for designing its companion web-site. Jenny headed to Washington, DC to compete for the national title and a college scholarship. Congrats, Jenny!

• The Education Department has been awarded a $6,000 Challenge Cost Share (CCS) grant to produce a student book. On the Trail of Discovery will follow the adventures of a boy visiting sites along the Lewis and Clark Trail in Oregon and Washington.

This will be the third in a series created by the Museum, starting with the Wells Fargofunded Journal of Samuel Mills, and the Rose Tucker Trust-funded Molly Watkins and the Secret of the South Jetty. CCS grants are awarded through the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail/National Park Service to non-federal agencies and institutions. On the Trail of Discovery will be available to schools throughout the Northwest in September.

• Over 220 folks joined us for a sunny Astoria harbor cruise on the Stemwheeler Columbia Gorge . This exciting event was narrated by maritime writer Dennis Noble.

Highlighting the day was a demonstration of The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

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US Coast Guard search and rescue teams, including a close-up view of motor lifeboats and helicopters . What a show! This program was part of Membership 2000.

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owns his own boat. .. need we say more!

• We also welcome Claudine Rehn as the new Fiscal Officer. We are excited to have Claudine come aboard. She hails from Eastern Oregon. Claudine brings years of accounting experience and prior work with non-profits and grant administration.

In Memoriam

• The marketing department has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Oregon Tourism Commission to fortify the Museum's regional marketing efforts. Additionally, department manager Mary Davis received a scholarship to attend the Governor's Conference on Tourism.

Hail and Farewell • We bid farewell to Bonnie Bergstrom, Museum Education Assistant. Bonnie has returned to Idaho to resume her job as Director of Special Education for the Hagermen School District. During her time at the Museum, Bonnie took the US Bank-funded Museum in the Schools program to an unprecedented level of popularity and success.

• Also leaving is Museum Fiscal Officer Nikki Bryan. Nikki was responsible for modernizing our accounting and office procedures during her stay at the Museum. We will miss her and wish her the best of luck!

• We welcome aboard three additions to our crew. Betsey Ellerbroek has joined the staff as Museum Education Assistant. She has taken over the responsibility for the Museum in the Schools program. Betsey comes to the Museum with many years of teaching experience, most recently in Nehalem where she served as a CRMM Ambassador.

• The new face in the maintenance department is Patric Valade, Museum Custodian. Patric is a maritime enthusiast who The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

• It is with sadness that we note the passing of Senior Statesman and Trustee J.W. "Bud" Forrester. Bud was a steady hand at the Museum throughout its 38-year history. He served as President of the Board overseeing the construction of the current building, and was the first person to receive a "lifetime appointment" as a Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his outstanding public service. Bud worked diligently to ensure the Columbia River Maritime Museum's success during its formative years, and was consulted regularly for advice and guidance and for his expertise in management and politics. He was instrumental in establishing our reputation for excellence by winning Oregon's first national museum accreditation by the American Association of Museums, and securing federal funding for a $250,000 exhibit celebrating the bicentennial of Robert Gray's entrance into and naming of the Columbia River.

Perhaps Bud should best be remembered for his high personal standards and his respect for, and understanding of Oregon's history. Bud Forrester was not an armchair historian, he was an activist, dedicated to making the history of his community relevant to young and old.

Opposite page above: Jenny Stanton at work.

Opposite page below: Folks enjoy the Astoria harbor cruise aboard the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge. This page above: A view of USCG assets.

Left: J.W. "Bud" Forrester standing in front of the Goss Community press at The Daily Astorian offices.

The photo is by Bill Wagner and courtesy of the Daily Asto,ian. ~~

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Curatorial The Wreck of the Glenesslin The story of Glenesslin is as strange and unexplained as any shipwreck on the Oregon Coast. October 1, 1913 was a perfect fall day on the coast -- calm seas, a slight breeze, and a clear blue sky. The sleek sailing ship, famous for setting speed records across the

Museum Staff: Russ Bean Celerino Bebeloni Chris Bennett Nikki Bryan Frances Burham Patricia Turner Custard Mary Davis Betsey Ellerbroek Jackie Gilde Charlotte Jackson Jim Nyberg Jerry Ostermiller David Pearson Sheila Radich Claudine Rehn Gail Rogers Rob Rudd Arline Schmidt Hampton Scudder Jeff Smith Zoe Ulshen Patric Valade Rachel ¾ynne Christina Young

world's oceans, had just sighted the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, with a course set to enter the Columbia River later that day. County workers onNeahkahnieMountain watched the ship, then under full sail, sail right into the rocks on the beach. All of the crew were rescued by simply tossing the ship a line, and walking safely onto the beach. According to witnesses, the captain was in an unusually good mood for having just wrecked his ship, and some even claimed to smell liquor on his breath. It was later reported by the first mate during an investigation that "the captain was known to drink in the morning but was competent to take observations, and was below taking a nap at the time of the grounding."

The Glenesslin was built in Glasgow,

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Scotland in 1885 and owned by C.E. DeWolf & Co. of Liverpool, England. The beautiful 260-foot sailing ship was the pride of the fleet, one of the last of the great squareriggers built. In 1902 Glenesslin set a record by sailing just over 1,000 miles in four days.

On that same voyage Glenesslin traveled from Port Elizabeth, South Africa to Portland, Oregon in 74 days.

But by 1910 the age of the great sailing ships was drawing to a close. The age of steam had arrived, and sailing ships such as the Glenesslin had been losing money for years trying to compete with the new steam ships. It was not an unusual practice for sailing ships to be scuttled to claim insurance money, and the safest way to do this was to sail onto a beach and walk away. Glenesslin was insured for $30,000. But her salvage rights were only $100. Within days the ship was smashed to pieces on the rocks. Even today, observant beachcombers can still find evidence of the Glenesslin.

The Museum has many photos of the wreck and has the ship's clock on display.

There was even a popular postcard printed with the image of the sailing ship foundering on the rocks. Recently a wooden fire bucket that was claimed at the wreck was given to the Museum by a long-time supporter. Saved for generations as a memento of this strange Oregon shipwreck, the bucket is in excellent condition, and has the ship's name painted colorfully along the side. Items such as these are always exciting to see, and this simple bucket is one of the few tangible connections left to this incredible story.

The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No. 2

COLUMBIA New Members January 31, 2000 March 31,2000 Ensign/Individual Ms. Karen Dambachen Ms. Doris Hay Crew/Family Mr. & Mrs. Norman Dean Mr. Stanley Eastern Mr. & Mrs. Al Jensen ADM David Jeremiah Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kaegi Mr. Richard Kirkland Mr. & Mrs. Alan Kelso Mr. James Lanier Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Newell Ms. Sharon Peterson Mr. Earl P. Philpott Mr. & Mrs. Jim Servino Mr. David Vik Helmsman Mr. & Mrs. Jim Nash Boatswain Mr. E. H. Halton

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Increased Memberships January 31, 2000March 31, 2000 Crew/Family Mr. & Mrs. Richard Walker Helmsman Mr. Frank A. Bauman, II Mr. & Mrs. Roger Berg Mr. & Mrs. Henry W. Brands Mr. & Mrs. Wade Carter Mr. Daniel N. David Mr. John G. Davis Mr. & Mrs. Clarence 0.

Dreyer Mrs.Fewel Mr. & Mrs. Peter Gimre & Family Mr. & Mrs. Morris Lillich Mr. & Mrs. Warren Mattson Mr. Jeffrey Newenhof Mr. & Mrs. Scotty O'Neal Mr. Larry Popkin Mr. & Mrs. Laurence E. Roberson Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Schauer Mr. Arnold C. Swanson Mr. & Mrs. John J. Tachouet The QuarterDeck, Vol. 26 No.2

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Mr. Daniel Van Dusen Mr. & Mrs. John R. Warila Boatswain Robert Bacon & Sue Daniel Bay's Upholstery Mr. Frank L. Clarke Mr. & Mrs. Walter Daggatt Mr. Thomas Duncan Mr. & Mrs. David Hallin Mr. & Mrs. Eric Hauke Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Loren K. Johnson Judy & Mike Keane Mr. & Mrs. William McGregor Mr. Phil Nock Dr. & Mrs. Richard Pedersen Mr. & Mrs. Roderick Sarpola Mr. & Mrs. Hugh A. Seppa Pilot Mr. & Mrs. Michael Malone

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Vieno Canessa (Osterlund) Astoria Class of 1935 Mrs. Jeanne KnutsenMcGilvray Edna Clement Mr. Harry Phillips Chink Curtis Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rosenfeld Thomas E. Edison Cambell, Moberg, Canessa, Faber & Hooley Attorneys At Law J.W. 'Bud' Forrester, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Alan C. Goudy Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Bue Mr. & Mrs. John S. McGowan Jerry Ostermiller/Lynne Johnson Jeanne Garn Memorial Donations Mr. & Mrs. James O'Connor January 31, 2000 Mr.John Gaw March 31, 2000 Mr. & Mrs. Max Green J. Ross Adams Thomas Graves Mr. & Mrs. William Mr. & Mrs. David Hallin Echelmeyer Kenny Hansen Mr. & Mrs. Jack Russell Mr. & Mrs. George Marie Banholzer Moskovita Dr. & Mrs. Richard William Haynes Kettelkamp Astoria Class of 1935 Mr. & Mrs. Hugh A. Seppa Jackie Jackson CDR William M. Barney Mr. & Mrs. David Hallin Capt. & Mrs. Gary T. Blore, Thelma Johnson USCG Mrs. Anna Basel Mr. & Mrs. John M. Brown Ms. Marva Jean Frisbie Mr. & Mrs. Robert Chopping Mr. & Mrs. Palmer Mr. & Mrs. William Harvey Henningsen Mr. & Mrs. Larry E. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Kairala Dr. & Mrs. Richard Mrs. Florence Kelly Kettelkamp Mrs. Jean Kraft Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Knutsen Shirley Landwehr-Wiley Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mestrich Mrs. Florence Lindgren Dr. & Mrs. R. P. Moore Mrs. Dorothy R. Mickelson Mr. & Mrs. Donald Morden George Kauppi Ms. Frances Straumfjord Mr. & Mrs. Kaarlo J. Kama Mrs. Ivern Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Eldon E. Korpela DaleBrown Mrs. Naimi Koskela Mrs. Paula T. Morrow Mr. Kenneth Lampi Nicholas Calcagno Mr. Ed Lundholm Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Garbarino Mrs. Dorothy R. Mickelson Mr. & Mrs. Dennis O'Connor

MUSEUM Mr. & Mrs. Osmo Perkiomaki Mr. & Mrs. Roderick Sarpola Mrs. Carol Welch Marie Krager Mr. & Mrs. James O'Connor Frances P. Larson Andy & Doris Callahan Mr. & Mrs. Charles Haglund Mrs. Lucille Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Bill Perkins & Family Bill Loomis Ms. Mildred Alto Mr. & Mrs. Bob Canessa Mr. & Mrs. Roy Kinnunen Mr. Allan Maki Mr. James Ochal Capt. & Mrs. Joseph Bruneau Mr. & Mrs. Gary Manners Ms. Doris Nygaard Mr. Curtis Olson Mr. & Mrs. George E. Siverson Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Thompson Mr. Al Mather Mr. & Mrs. George Moskovita Lucy Curtis Matteson Mr. Donald V. Riswick Ted Natt Mr. Robert E. McNannay Elmer Raitanen Mr. & Mrs. G. G. Bryant Ervin Rinell Mr. Donald V. Riswick Louis Shaman Astoria Class of 1935 Mill)'. Suimle Mr. & Mrs. Hugh A. Seppa Ronald Trout Mr. & Mrs. Ward Paldanius Gladys Utzinger Mr. & Mrs. James O'Connor George Webber Mr. & Mrs. G. G. Bryant David L. Welch Mr. & Mrs. Alan J. Skille

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Museum.All proceeds benefit the Museum's Capital Campaign.

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