U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City

Posted by Art Hoffman 
 
  1. Attending Rotarians were treated to a very memorable meeting at the Home of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City.
  1. This magnificent facility houses a staff of 28 officers, 2 warrant officers, a Public Service Office, and 101 enlisted personnel.  The Commanding Officer of Air Station Traverse City is CDR Greg Matyas.   This multi-use facility is self-contained to serve its purpose, primarily Great Lakes “Search & Rescue” and protection of our country’s borders.  The Coast Guard is a vital part of “Homeland Security”.
  2. Our meeting was held in the main hangar building now has a brand new roof.  Under this roof are 4 immaculate, shiny red helicopters.  All, sporting the latest avionic technology.  These machines are continually maintained by the trained and skilled enlisted men and women.  You must believe that these young people, and their job skills represent the best of our nation.
 
  1. Our program began with the Call to Order by President Dale:
  1. Formal Presentation of Colors by the Coast Guard Air Station in full dress;
  2.   God Bless America – Byron Hanson / Pledge of Allegiance to our country/ Invocation – Lee Olewinski;
  3. Color Guard Posts and exit.
 
  1. Song Tribute – Leader- Dr. Marlene Bevan:
  1. Hymn for each service (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy), Recognition of Rotarians present , who served in the armed services; followed by entire audience singing “ Our Country ‘Tis of Thee”.
 
  1. A Special Story (called 2 Vets) – and Tribute – by  Dale Chilocote:
A letter of Commendation to Rotarian Howard King – U.S Marine Corps- for his service and devotion to his country, written by Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, this occurring on the very day of the 240th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and 1 day before our Veterans Day Tribute. Click here to view letter.
Very Emotional Response to a veteran now suffering from illness;
Please refer to the enclosed handshake photo of Rotarians, Howard King & Jim Beckett.
A genuine Rotarian Salute.
  1. Guest Speaker – CDR Greg Matyas:
It was an honor to hear Commander Matyas brief us about the history and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.  Even more profound was Greg’s review of his U.S. Coast Guard service over 20 years.  He has served our country in virtually every geographic location from hot-to-cold.   From Hawaii to Antarctica and everywhere in between.
He caught our attention when he talked about the “drug-running” when he was stationed in Florida & Gulf Coast as well as the mission & climate at the South Pole.  Other comments:
  1. He was very fortunate to be reassigned to Traverse City.  It was like winning the Lottery, and best of all he’ll be here for at least 5 years;
  2. He loves Traverse City, and our whole community loves being the Home of the U.S. Coast Guard Air station;
  3. Each search & rescue helicopter requires a crew of 10 mechanics for maintenance. 
  4. In 2014 all four of our aircraft were replaced with the Coast Guard’s newest MH-65D helicopter model;
  5. Every year our Traverse City Station trains and exchanges S & R methodology with the Canadian counter partners.  The Canadians utilize “swimmer techs” that jump out of planes into the frigid water to rescue those-in-need and cable the survivors back to the plane.
During the Q.A. session a Rotarian asked how the C.G. apprehended “drug runners”. Greg’s answer: Typically we guide the suspects to our following ship for pick-up.  In some situations the drug runner in their high speed boat attempts to escape.  Sharp-shooters on-board then activate “The End Game”.
  1. Following Adjournment the enormous hangar doors slid open and we were able to observe a Coast Guard Hoisting Demonstration.  This was a very interesting Tuesday meeting.
  2. For your information the U.S. Post Office recently issued a new commemorative Coast Guard Forever Stamp.  It would be appropriate for use on Holiday mailings from the home of the Traverse City Coast Guard Air Station.