change of command

There’s been a lot of Coast Guard posts lately. The access to this group has been so easy over the past 21 months (although I’m still scheming to get on a helicopter somehow). Last Friday I had the privilege of witnessing a time-honored tradition in the U.S. Coast Guard — a change of command. But this ceremony was a bit special because Capt. Scott Kitchen (above) wasn’t just relieved of command, he retired after 25 years in the USCG. He’s had an impressive career. Under his watch at Air Station North Bend alone, he’s been responsible for more than 1,500 search and rescue deployments and more than 2,400 lives saved. In 2005 he was the commander in New Orleans organizing USGC efforts. He was personally responsible for air-lifting 40 people from roof tops, while the USGC as a whole saved 33,544 people.

coast guard open house

The Coast Guard Air Station North Bend held their annal open house. The base is literally two blocks from my house, so I strolled down on my day off to check out the scene. I’ve done a bit of work with this air station and ran into many familiar faces. It was nice to roam around without any deadline pressure and wait for moments. Having a beer in the Wardroom with a few helicopter pilots didn’t hurt, either.