Semper Paratus

[USMCRET6391]

Christopher Michel | June 01, 2006

“Hold on!” yelled the third-class just as our Zodiak OTH (Over the Horizon) boat crossed the ship’s wake at 43 knots, sending us airborne for a brief, but terrifying, second. This was my first day on board the USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722) and the captain suggested that I join one of his boat crews for a quick orientation. This was no ordinary Zodiak—it was an extremely fast and maneuverable weapons platform with five crewmembers designed to intercept and engage targets at long range. Sitting in specially designed shock-absorbing saddle seats with electronics consoles in front of each of us, we are turning into the Morgenthau for a high-speed run.

Even at 400 yards, it is clear that she is no brownwater vessel. The Morgenthau is one of the Coast Guard’s dozen 378-foot high-endurance cutters. After the icebreakers, these ships are the largest cutters ever built by the Coast Guard. First introduced in the 1960s, the 378-class cutter has two diesel engines, two gas turbines, controllable pitch propellers, and an organic helicopter capability. She is also armed with the 76mm Oto Melara, Phalanx CIWS, and all manner of smaller guns. She is a drug lord’s worst nightmare and a floundering ship’s best friend. What struck me most about the Morgenthau, however, were her exceptional crew and superb culture — and all the subtle nuances that made it so different from a U.S. Navy ship. After three days on board, I was sure that our Navy had some valuable lessons to learn from our friends in blue.

• There are many successful career paths. While underway, I was impressed most by the rich diversity and depth of experience common among the crew. Their Coast Guard assignments were as varied and interesting as one can imagine —rescue operations in the Aleutians, fisheries patrols in Alaska, aids to navigation work on the Great Lakes, icebreaking operations in Antarctica, station work in St. Thomas, and, of course, counternarcotics missions throughout the world. The Coast Guard operates more than 250 vessels in a truly global operation. Unlike the well-articulated career paths required for command-screen in the Navy, the Coast Guard promotion system values and embraces diversity in assignments. The intended byproduct of this system is that there are few assignments considered harmful to a career, which allows an even quality of talent spread throughout the Coast Guard and maintains the incentive structure for these professionals to continue to drive hard, regardless of their assignment.

• Authority and responsibility get pushed down to the lowest level. When I heard that one of the lieutenant (jg)’s was leaving Morgenthau to take command of a ship, I almost fell out of my chair. In my Navy-centric world, command-at-sea is the exclusive domain of commanders and above—not so in the Coast Guard. In fact, 185 of 250 vessels are commanded by lieutenants and below—and fully 65 are commanded by E-7 thru E-9. Yes, you heard me right, in the Coast Guard, senior enlisted can command ships and stations. By the staff of Poseidon, only those with gold braid should rule on the seas! Well, my fellow Navy brethren, these junior officers and enlisteds are doing a great job. In fact, I would place a not-so-small wager that most of them are better shiphandlers than their blue-and-gold counterparts. In addition to creating truly aspirational assignments at multiple career points, the Coast Guard is also creating exceptionally qualified leaders. Captain Mike Sullivan, Morgenthau’s CO, has had three previous at-sea commands. It makes a big difference.

• Fun is part of the culture. Everywhere I went on the Morgenthau, the crew was smiling and joking (I grant you it was the end of deployment). Even meals in the wardroom were great fun with good-natured ribbing accepted and encouraged by the CO/XO. I watched more than one ensign break into laughter while delivering reports to the CO. It was OK—there was no hint of unprofessionalism, nor was there that biting edge that is sometimes seen in our surface Navy. The crew was having the time of their lives, and the command leadership did everything they could to fuel that feeling. Yes, it was less formal than I have seen in our Navy, but there did not seem to be any tradeoff between fun and performance. Frankly, it reminded me of my squadron wardroom. I have heard some of my SWO friends relate similar experiences aboard certain commands in the Navy, but it appears to be the exception rather than the rule. The inverse appears true with the Coast Guard.

As we pulled into Coast Guard Island in Alameda, I stood on the bridge-wing watching Commander Mark Dietrich, the ship’s XO, take her in for the last time. He would be retiring shortly after an accomplished career that also included three commands at sea. As the ship approached the pier side bull’s-eye with precision, he ordered “All Stop” and I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of admiration for him, the crew of the Morgenthau, and our United States Coast Guard. Semper Paratus, Coast Guard!

[dscyoung]

great post! I served on the Morge from 96-99. I miss it at times

[oldCoastieSnipe]

A hearty 'Thank You' for your post on the USCG. I think the CG's small size more or less fosters the more "relaxed" enviroment. Most of the units i was involved with were somewhat a cross between, 'Mr. Roberts' and 'MASH'. Growing up an AF brat, it came as a bit of a shock to me also. Other than Units being smaller, i honestly can't say why the CG can pull that off but it does.

Again, thanks for the post, means a lot to us Coasties to get a thumbs up from our brethern from the other branches.