Heaving a Line By George Papabeis, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs 74 Brandon
“We need someone capable to go to the front of the boat and prepare to receive a line. Please put the loop on your front le cleat and have the operator of the vessel steer to track with us.” All boat crew members in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are familiar with this direc on. It is one in a series of ques ons and instruc ons we are trained to calmly and methodically deliver to a vessel in distress. At this point, an Auxiliarist heaves a line to the disabled boat and crea ng a physical connec on between the two boats. The exchange ends with: “We will tow you to the nearest safe haven....” It is a pact between those in need and those who can offer assistance. The heaving of the line is in its own way metaphor for all those who serve in the Coast Guard, Armed Forces, first responders, medical personnel, and in this latest na onal emergency the “front line” of essen al workers. All par cipate and expose themselves to harm in service of their families, community, and na on regardless of their sex, age, ethnic background, religion or poli cal affilia on. Even those who are not ac vely serving, just “plain” ordinary ci zens, do their part by following quaranne and social distancing. Humanity’s strength is in its coopera ve endeavors, and in the recogni on that we are all “in boats” and that our allegiance is to each other. All of the previously men oned services sacrifice their me, personal comfort and economic resources. Our challenge will be to maintain that which is required over an uncomfortable period. Our resources, physical, mental and spiritual, will be tested. I have faith that our service, our na on and most importantly, our peoples will weather this storm and reach a safe haven. It will take courage, endurance and pa ence. We are up to this task.Ω Background photo by Valerie Fernandes, Flo lla 78 St. Pete Beach
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Issue 1 2020
Newsletter for District 7 USCG Auxiliary
