U.S. Coast Guard Station Golden Gate

Our crew decided that the best way to spend the holidays was training in the surf! BM2 Ibarra brought his camera along and caught some highlights. Check it out!

US Coast Guard Station Golden Gate Surf training 29Dec24

Season's greetings and best wishes to everyone!

Station Golden Gate had the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding career of Auxiliarist James Eaton.

Mr. Eaton joined Flotilla 12 in 2004 and served at Station Golden Gate for 20 years. He has attained qualifications as communications watchstander, Motor Lifeboat Crewman, Motor Lifeboat Engineer and Officer of the Day. During his time, he volunteered over 50,000 hours to the Coast Guard and was instrumental in SAR coordination for more than 5,500 search and rescue cases and mentored more Coast Guard men and women that can be quantified.

Mr. Eaton’s strong advocacy for mental health was pivotal to the success of Station Golden Gate. His background and experience allowed him to connect with members during critical incident, stress management sessions, validating their experiences and feelings, which was invaluable for morale and recovery.

His impact on the Coast Guard and Station Golden Gate will be felt for generations and cannot be emphasized enough. Bravo Zulu, Mr. Eaton. Enjoy your retirement!

After a tragic start to the recreational Dungeness crab season, the
U.S. Coast Guard urges boaters and fishermen to take precautions and be aware of the unique risks that cold water and rough seas present. The Coast Guard offers the following tips to help you enjoy a safe time on the water:

-Wear Your Life Jacket. A life jacket only works if you’re wearing it. Accidents happen quickly, and in cold water, every second counts. Ensure your life jacket fits properly, regardless of your age or swimming ability.

-Dress for the Water, Not the Weather. Water temperatures can be dangerously low, even on sunny days. Dress in layers, wear a properly fitted life jacket over your coat, and bring extra clothing in case you get wet.

-Maintain Awareness. Recognize sea conditions can change rapidly throughout the Day, especially when winds pick up and tides change

-Plan Ahead for Shorter Days. Darkness falls earlier in colder months. Plan your trip to make the most of available daylight and ensure a safe return.

-Double Up on Communication. Cell phones alone may not provide sufficient communication on the water. Bring at least two reliable forms of communication, such as a VHF radio and a personal locator beacon and inform someone of your float plan. Having the right safety gear can make the difference between being lost and being found.

-Have a Working GPS or Nautical Charts That Mark Hazards. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and have knowledge of the local boating area and conditions.

-Check the Forecast. Visit weather.gov or www.ndbc.noaa.gov for up-to-date weather and marine forecasts before heading out.

For more information on cold-water safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.

60 Minutes aired a special on Surfmen and the training we undergo in the Columbia River. It gives great insight into how the Surfmen and crew of Station Golden Gate are prepared to help the public and commercial fishing fleet just outside the Golden Gate Bridge.

Check it out! And if you have any questions let us know!

U.S. Coast Guard trains elite rescuers in dangerous area called "Graveyard of the Pacific" The U.S. Coast Guard's elite surfmen are trusted to drive lifeboats on the most challenging rescue missions. They train in some of the worst weather and on the highest seas in America.

Yesterday, we hosted a field trip for the students of Pathways Charter School from Novato, ca. Children and parents learned all about the 47’ Motor Life boat, how to throw a heaving line, and even got a quick boat ride.

There were lots of great questions from children and parents alike. We may even have some future Boatswain Mates 👀.

This week we congratulate Petty Officer Rosa on his promotion to Boastswains Mate second class, and welcome SN Mozzoni to the unit coming from boot camp.

Last week, USCG Station Golden Gate hosted the annual bridge walk to promote Su***de Awareness. We had an amazing turnout from units all across the Sector!

Today we welcomed SN Emerson and also recognized SN Myers as well as SN Shirrell for completing their Communication Watch Stander Qualification. Our XPO, BMC Killough, stood in for BOSN Smith and ran an excellent/ efficient quarters.

Say hello to the newest 47’ MLB Coxswain at Station Golden Gate.

BM3 Rosa conducted several rescue drills with another station MLB to include: portable pump pass, stern to along side tow and some casualty control drills.

This marks the end of a 6 month journey of breaking in for BM3 Rosa and we are excited to see where he goes from here.

We’d like to congratulate Petty Officer Walker on his advancement to BM2. BM2 Walker is one of the units’ only heavy weather coxswains and is currently pursuing a Surfman certification. We are excited to watch him grow as leader and operator.

Also… an Oscar photo bomb

Trying out a new tradition here at Station Golden Gate - unit fun run! We are working to keep the crew mentally and physically in shape so we can continue to assist our community. Happy Friday, everyone.