My Coast Guard News

Our Deckplate Leader of the Week is Chief Petty Officer Felix Castillo Jr., a boatswain’s mate stationed at U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan!

Castillo personifies what it means to be a chief and a leader in today's workforce. He is a mentor, role model and leader – not just at the sector, but as an honorable member of the Chief's Mess, across Sector San Juan, and in the Hispanic community at large.

He has not only succeeded at being a respected mentor to Puerto Rico's junior enlisted personnel, but also having a boxing coach mentality in raising his younger brother Senior Chief Petty Officer Afip "Tito" Castillo, a machinery technician, as another respected Coast Guard leader!

When asked what make a good chief? - he responded:

“A good chief is humble and accountable in all his actions; setting the example for others to follow, knowing a positive outcome will be produced by being the chief who executes those actions consistently with pride.”

Advice to Junior Members:

“To always be ready to know the job below and above you, because you never know when someone will need your help or to fill in a new position. Also, learn the importance of diversity and inclusion throughout our service today, and finding a way to involve it in your local community outreach.”

Feb. 3, 2021

Deckplate Leader of the Week: Chief Petty Officer Felix Castillo, Jr.

Our Deckplate Leader of the Week is Chief Petty Officer Felix Castillo Jr., a boatswain’s mate stationed at U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan!

Dana Moehling, the ombudsman for Coast Guard Station Cape May, N.J., poses in front of a response boat at the station Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015. The Coast Guard Ombudsman Program aims to enhance communication between the command and Coast Guard family members. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Nick Ameen)

Feb. 2, 2021

Expanding victim support: Ombudsman policy update removes mandatory reporting of sexual assault

The Coast Guard is continuing to develop new strategies to support members who have been sexually assaulted. One of the major initiatives underway now is to eliminate the barriers victims face when they simply want to talk things through with someone, without limiting their options to report the assault in the future. A recent example is the new

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelly Badal, a crew member of Coast Guard Communication Command, works on a computer inside a Coast Guard enhanced mobile incident command post (EMICP) in Bayonne, N.J., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. The EMICP provided a spacious and climate-controlled environment, voice and data connectivity as well as acted as the security command post during the papal visit and United Nations General Assembly in New York. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Frank Iannazzo-Simmons)

Feb. 2, 2021

You’re on Mute: Telework for thousands made possible by a small C5I team

Over many months the C5ISC and CGCyber increased remote access tenfold.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Kirby, an avionics electrical technician at Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, sits in the boat he refurbished in the summer of 2020. Kirby developed his hobby of boat refurbishing due to his love of being underway and being surrounded by nature. - Courtesy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Kirby.

Feb. 2, 2021

Aviator takes his passion to the water

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Kirby taught himself to refurbish boats through trial and error.

Petty Officer 1st Class Shelby Zaborowski from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater receives the Clinic Health Services Technician of the Year Award for 2020. Zaborowski was recognized for her outstanding direct patient care and mission readiness during Hurricane Dorian response operations in September 2019. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ayla Hudson.

Jan. 29, 2021

Coming soon: Virtual medical appointments

All active duty members and reservists will get access by April

Twelve new housing units have been added to Culp Court within the Coast Guard Triumph Housing Complex in Astoria, Ore., and families can begin moving in June 27, 2019.

The 12 new units plus a maintenance and operations building complete phase II of a housing project that has cost a total of $19.3 million to complete.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor Lilburn.

Jan. 29, 2021

New Shipmate Form will help you welcome incoming members

Form is optional, but highly encouraged

Jan. 29, 2021

Good to go: USCG authorizes PCS and HHG shipments for 2021

PCS Assist Team, Float Plans and new tools will help ensure families' safety

Rare photograph of Northland under sail. Her sails were rarely used so the sail rig was taken down and the masts used for antenna and electronic gear. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Jan. 29, 2021

The Long Blue Line: The storied career of ice cutter Northland and the Greenland Patrol 75 years ago!

Northland’s was the only ship known to carry Nazi POWs to prison and, later, carry Jewish refugees to Palestine.

Rear Admiral Anthony "Jack' Vogt, commander of District 13, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Base Seattle on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Hundreds of Coast Guardsmen throughout the Pacific Northwest elected to receive the vaccine as of Jan. 15. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Strohmaier)

Jan. 28, 2021

COVID vaccine questions? Ask your chief medical officer

Rear Admiral Dana Thomas, the Coast Guard's chief medical officer, speaks with Lieutenant Kiley Relf regarding the COVID-19 vaccination. They discuss vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as questions related to pregnancy and fertility.

Jan. 27, 2021

Coast Guard honored with DHS's first Outstanding Unit Award

Eligibility, manner of wear, and other guidance will be forthcoming