Heaving a Line George Papabeis, Flotilla 74 Brandon

George Papabeis, Staff Offi cer-Public Aff airs Flotilla 74 Brandon

Division 7 crew training April 2019 by Valerie Fernandes, Flotilla 78 Pass-a-Grille

“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 left 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 direction. It is one in a series of questions and instructions 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, creating a physical connection between the

two vessels. 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, fi rst responders, medical personnel, and in this latest national emergency the “front line” of essential workers. All participate and expose themselves to harm in service of their families, community, and nation regardless of their sex, age, ethnic background, religion or political affi liation.

Even those who are not actively serving, just “plain” ordinary citizens, do their part by following quarantine and social distancing.

Humanity’s strength is in its cooperative endeavors, and in the recognition that we are all “in boats” and that our allegiance is to each other. All of the previously mentioned services sacrifi ce their time, 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 nation and most importantly, our peoples will weather this storm and reach a safe haven.

It will take courage, endurance and patience. We are up to this task. Ω