Finding a Home in
the Coast Guard By Mike Kent
I
n May 2007, meteorologists were keeping an eye on a cold front about to hit the east coast shoreline. Subtropical storm Andrea was bringing hurricane-force winds and producing 34-foot waves. One boat with three people onboard was facing the brunt of the storm off North Carolina. The boat was about to be destroyed. Fortunately for the panicked passengers, Commander Andy Clayton was piloting a Coast Guard chopper in the area. The
22 – GATHER Veterans
storm claimed several lives that day, but not the three rescued by Clayton and his crew. Once safely on land, a survivor gave Commander Clayton a soaking wet hug and heartfelt thank you for the massive lifesaving rescue. A week later, Clayton received a six-pack of ginger beer and four bottles of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum — the ingredients for a drink appropriately called The Dark And Stormy.
