Sunday, October 23, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Long Island Head Light Transferred From Coast Guard to National Park Service
DATE: June 29, 2011 8:48:02 AM EDT
U.S. Coast Guard transfers management of Long Island Head Light to National Park Service
BOSTON -- U.S. Coast Guard officials handed over the management of Long Island Head Light to the National Park Service in a ceremony on Saturday, June 25, 2011.
Lighthouses have become vestiges of maritime culture. GPS devices and other navigational equipment have become stand-ins for the towering beacons and the position of lighthouses has ultimately transitioned to being historical landmarks.
Transferring lighthouses from the Coast Guard to others is part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. This act allows for lighthouse ownership transfer to other federal agencies or local government agencies as well as non-profit corporations or educational institutions, all of which must be committed to cultural or historic preservation.
Long Island Head Light became one of the first cast iron lighthouses in the US in 1844 and has been in and out of service since the early 19th century. It is currently operational after a renovation in 1985.
“The National Park Service was glad to receive the historic, centuries-old lighthouse,” said Abbey Steffens, a Boston based National Park Service spokesperson. “It seemed only natural that the light’s ownership should be passed to the park service since Long Island is already one of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area’s thirty-four islands.”
The National Park Service was offered the lighthouse in 2010 and preparations for the transfer culminated in the ceremony when Rear Adm. Daniel Neptun, the 1st Coast Guard District Commander, handed the Long Island Head Light key to Bruce Jacobson, the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area’s park superintendent.
“The park service is excited to receive the lighthouse in hopes to get the public out to the light on an occasional basis,” said Steffens.
Long Island is city-owned and a restricted area. Now, with the park’s new addition, Long Island Head Light will be open to the public for special trips and programs organized by the park. The park service is currently making moves to assess the lighthouse’s overall safety before organizing excursions for the public.
“Our (The National Park Service’s) primary function is preservation, making sure that natural and cultural resources are protected so that the next generation and the next generation can also come and enjoy these resources,” explained Jacobson who feels that ownership of the lighthouse fits perfectly under the park service’s goals and mission.
“This is a way for America to preserve its maritime history and when it ends up in the National Park Service we can be guaranteed it’s going to be not only a preservation of the history, but an asset the public can come see, enjoy, and learn about,” said, Bob Zarnetske, the U.S. General Services Administration’s Regional Administrator of New England.
The ceremony itself took place on city soil thanks to the help of Antonia Pollak, Commissioner of Boston Parks and Recreation, who also attended. The land transfer was a mere 0.06 acres of land between the two government agencies and is the only piece of land currently owned by the National Park Service within the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
The Coast Guard has been maintaining Long Island Head Light with the assistance of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary currently assists with maintenance on Boston Light located on Little Brewster Island, another island part of the Boston Harbor Islands. The Long Island Head Light’s grounds are being maintained with great efforts by the Auxiliary Flotilla 53-Constitution and hopefully Flotilla volunteers will continue their work after this transfer. The beacon itself will still continue to be run by the Coast Guard.
“I think it builds confidence when people get a chance to see that light out at sea,” said Neptun. “It lets them know exactly where they are.”
For more information about this release contact Abbey Steffens at (617) 223-8040.
U.S. Coast Guard transfers management of Long Island Head Light to National Park Service
BOSTON -- U.S. Coast Guard officials handed over the management of Long Island Head Light to the National Park Service in a ceremony on Saturday, June 25, 2011.
Lighthouses have become vestiges of maritime culture. GPS devices and other navigational equipment have become stand-ins for the towering beacons and the position of lighthouses has ultimately transitioned to being historical landmarks.
Transferring lighthouses from the Coast Guard to others is part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. This act allows for lighthouse ownership transfer to other federal agencies or local government agencies as well as non-profit corporations or educational institutions, all of which must be committed to cultural or historic preservation.
Long Island Head Light became one of the first cast iron lighthouses in the US in 1844 and has been in and out of service since the early 19th century. It is currently operational after a renovation in 1985.
“The National Park Service was glad to receive the historic, centuries-old lighthouse,” said Abbey Steffens, a Boston based National Park Service spokesperson. “It seemed only natural that the light’s ownership should be passed to the park service since Long Island is already one of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area’s thirty-four islands.”
The National Park Service was offered the lighthouse in 2010 and preparations for the transfer culminated in the ceremony when Rear Adm. Daniel Neptun, the 1st Coast Guard District Commander, handed the Long Island Head Light key to Bruce Jacobson, the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area’s park superintendent.
“The park service is excited to receive the lighthouse in hopes to get the public out to the light on an occasional basis,” said Steffens.
Long Island is city-owned and a restricted area. Now, with the park’s new addition, Long Island Head Light will be open to the public for special trips and programs organized by the park. The park service is currently making moves to assess the lighthouse’s overall safety before organizing excursions for the public.
“Our (The National Park Service’s) primary function is preservation, making sure that natural and cultural resources are protected so that the next generation and the next generation can also come and enjoy these resources,” explained Jacobson who feels that ownership of the lighthouse fits perfectly under the park service’s goals and mission.
“This is a way for America to preserve its maritime history and when it ends up in the National Park Service we can be guaranteed it’s going to be not only a preservation of the history, but an asset the public can come see, enjoy, and learn about,” said, Bob Zarnetske, the U.S. General Services Administration’s Regional Administrator of New England.
The ceremony itself took place on city soil thanks to the help of Antonia Pollak, Commissioner of Boston Parks and Recreation, who also attended. The land transfer was a mere 0.06 acres of land between the two government agencies and is the only piece of land currently owned by the National Park Service within the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
The Coast Guard has been maintaining Long Island Head Light with the assistance of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary currently assists with maintenance on Boston Light located on Little Brewster Island, another island part of the Boston Harbor Islands. The Long Island Head Light’s grounds are being maintained with great efforts by the Auxiliary Flotilla 53-Constitution and hopefully Flotilla volunteers will continue their work after this transfer. The beacon itself will still continue to be run by the Coast Guard.
“I think it builds confidence when people get a chance to see that light out at sea,” said Neptun. “It lets them know exactly where they are.”
For more information about this release contact Abbey Steffens at (617) 223-8040.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Schooner Grounding Near Fort Gorges, Portland Maine
From the Coast Guard
"DATE: June 4, 2011 9:10:22 PM EDT
Coast Guard responds to schooner grounding near Portland
PORTLAND, Maine – U.S. Coast Guard crews responded to a grounded commercial schooner near Fort Gorges in Casco Bay, Maine, June 4, 2011.
Coast Guard Sector Northern New England watchstanders received a report that the 59-foot inspected passenger schooner “Wendameen” ran aground at approximately 5:40 p.m.
The vessel was carrying 23 passengers and four crew members when it ran aground. A 47-foot motor lifeboat, from Coast Guard Station Portland, responded to the scene.
All passengers were taken from the schooner and loaded onto the Portland fire boat, due to its passenger capabilities, and taken to State Pier. The schooners crew remained on board to aid the vessel. There are no reported injuries.
The schooner is stable and crews will try to refloat the vessel at high tide.
Other agencies involved were Portland Pilots, good samaritans, Portland Harbor Master and Sea Tow.
"The coordinated nature of this multi-agency rescue operation really reinforced the strong partnerships the Coast Guard has with local first responders," said Capt. James McPherson, the commander of Sector Northern New England. "We are grateful all passengers were able to be safely transferred to shore and that the situation was stabilized very quickly due to rescuers arriving on scene within minutes. Our focus now shifts to monitoring the vessel to ensure the crew remains safe as they attempt to refloat it with the tide, to continue to monitor any pollution threats to the environment and to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the grounding."
For more information on this release contact 1st District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515."
"DATE: June 4, 2011 9:10:22 PM EDT
Coast Guard responds to schooner grounding near Portland
PORTLAND, Maine – U.S. Coast Guard crews responded to a grounded commercial schooner near Fort Gorges in Casco Bay, Maine, June 4, 2011.
Coast Guard Sector Northern New England watchstanders received a report that the 59-foot inspected passenger schooner “Wendameen” ran aground at approximately 5:40 p.m.
The vessel was carrying 23 passengers and four crew members when it ran aground. A 47-foot motor lifeboat, from Coast Guard Station Portland, responded to the scene.
All passengers were taken from the schooner and loaded onto the Portland fire boat, due to its passenger capabilities, and taken to State Pier. The schooners crew remained on board to aid the vessel. There are no reported injuries.
The schooner is stable and crews will try to refloat the vessel at high tide.
Other agencies involved were Portland Pilots, good samaritans, Portland Harbor Master and Sea Tow.
"The coordinated nature of this multi-agency rescue operation really reinforced the strong partnerships the Coast Guard has with local first responders," said Capt. James McPherson, the commander of Sector Northern New England. "We are grateful all passengers were able to be safely transferred to shore and that the situation was stabilized very quickly due to rescuers arriving on scene within minutes. Our focus now shifts to monitoring the vessel to ensure the crew remains safe as they attempt to refloat it with the tide, to continue to monitor any pollution threats to the environment and to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the grounding."
For more information on this release contact 1st District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515."
Friday, June 03, 2011
Ceremony Marks Arrival of New 45 foot Response Boat at USCG Station Eastport
EASTPORT, Maine -- Congressman Mike Michaud will be joined by Captain Jim McPherson, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, to mark the arrival of a new 45-foot Response Boat – Medium (RB-M), during an event at U.S. Coast Guard Station Eastport Monday, June, 6th, at 11:00 a.m.
The RB-M is the first of its kind to arrive in Maine and will replace the 41-foot Utility Boat previously in use.
Station Eastport’s RB-M, built by Kvichak Marine Industries in Kent, WA, is the 56th RB-M to be delivered throughout the Coast Guard’s fleet.
The RB-M is a multi-mission boat that will operate in coastal zones out to 50-nautical miles. The self-righting all-aluminum boat has twin diesel engines with water jet propulsion and has a top speed of 42.5 knots. It also includes numerous crew and passenger comfort details, including a full cabin, heating and air conditioning, and shock-mitigating seats. Primary missions for the RB-M include Search and Rescue; Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security; Defense Readiness; and Marine Environmental Protection.
"The crew of Station Eastport couldn't be more excited to receive the RB-M," said Chief Austin Olmstead, the officer in charge of Station Eastport. "The new boat will significantly enhance our response capabilities and the crew's comfort while performing missions in a very demanding and challenging environment. This is the first boat of its kind for the state of Maine, and will certainly benefit the people and communities of Eastport, Lubec, and the surrounding areas."
Station Eastport is located at 1 Admiral Hamlet Place, Eastport, ME, 04631. Media are asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m.
For more information about this release contact 1st Coast Guard District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515.
The RB-M is the first of its kind to arrive in Maine and will replace the 41-foot Utility Boat previously in use.
Station Eastport’s RB-M, built by Kvichak Marine Industries in Kent, WA, is the 56th RB-M to be delivered throughout the Coast Guard’s fleet.
The RB-M is a multi-mission boat that will operate in coastal zones out to 50-nautical miles. The self-righting all-aluminum boat has twin diesel engines with water jet propulsion and has a top speed of 42.5 knots. It also includes numerous crew and passenger comfort details, including a full cabin, heating and air conditioning, and shock-mitigating seats. Primary missions for the RB-M include Search and Rescue; Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security; Defense Readiness; and Marine Environmental Protection.
"The crew of Station Eastport couldn't be more excited to receive the RB-M," said Chief Austin Olmstead, the officer in charge of Station Eastport. "The new boat will significantly enhance our response capabilities and the crew's comfort while performing missions in a very demanding and challenging environment. This is the first boat of its kind for the state of Maine, and will certainly benefit the people and communities of Eastport, Lubec, and the surrounding areas."
Station Eastport is located at 1 Admiral Hamlet Place, Eastport, ME, 04631. Media are asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m.
For more information about this release contact 1st Coast Guard District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515.
Follow Up to "U.S. Coast Guard crews scrambling to save tangled whale"
We received this report from the Coast Guard at 4:19 pm on June 3, 2011:
"NEWBURYPORT, Mass. -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Merrimack River watchstanders received report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about an entangled whale off the coast by Newburyport, Mass., June 3, 2011.
Responders have launched a Coast Guard vessel carrying NOAA crews to help relocate and detangle the whale.
Crews will attempt to provide updates via Twitter. Follow @USCGNortheast.
For more information about this release contact 1st District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515."
DATE: June 3, 2011 8:01:52 PM EDT
U.S. Coast Guard/NOAA crews stands down search for entangled whale
Follow up to previous story:
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Merrimack River and NOAA crews stood down from searching for an entangled whale 20 miles east of Newburyport, Mass. June 3, 2011.
The search crews scoured waters for the whale for over three hours spotting several whales, but none were entangled or in distress.
As boating season ramps up, the Coast Guard encourages boaters to contact authorities if they spot distressed marine life. The Coast Guard also advises,for safety reasons, not to intervene with the animal.
For more information on this release contact 1st District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515.
"NEWBURYPORT, Mass. -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Merrimack River watchstanders received report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about an entangled whale off the coast by Newburyport, Mass., June 3, 2011.
Responders have launched a Coast Guard vessel carrying NOAA crews to help relocate and detangle the whale.
Crews will attempt to provide updates via Twitter. Follow @USCGNortheast.
For more information about this release contact 1st District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515."
DATE: June 3, 2011 8:01:52 PM EDT
U.S. Coast Guard/NOAA crews stands down search for entangled whale
Follow up to previous story:
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Merrimack River and NOAA crews stood down from searching for an entangled whale 20 miles east of Newburyport, Mass. June 3, 2011.
The search crews scoured waters for the whale for over three hours spotting several whales, but none were entangled or in distress.
As boating season ramps up, the Coast Guard encourages boaters to contact authorities if they spot distressed marine life. The Coast Guard also advises,for safety reasons, not to intervene with the animal.
For more information on this release contact 1st District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
District One LNM Available on NAVCEN Website (04/20/11)
The USCG District One Local Notice to Mariners (16-2011) is now available for download.
In addition, the 2011 USCG Light List Volume One is available and is updated to Local Notice (01-2011), as is the summary of corrections.
The Local Notice to Mariners, Light List, and Summary of Corrections are posted weekly and require Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) or another PDF Viewer.
If the link does not work directly from your email editor you should either copy and paste the entire link into your web browser or follow the LNM links from the Navigation Center home page.
In order to download the latest information more rapidly:
Place your mouse over the “PDF” symbol next to the corresponding week.
Right click for PC / Control click for Mac.
Choose “Save Target As”.
Save the PDF to your computer and open using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If you have questions regarding this message, you may contact the Navigation Center (use “LNMs, Charts, Chart Corrections, or Light Lists” as the subject from the pull down menu).
In addition, the 2011 USCG Light List Volume One is available and is updated to Local Notice (01-2011), as is the summary of corrections.
The Local Notice to Mariners, Light List, and Summary of Corrections are posted weekly and require Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) or another PDF Viewer.
If the link does not work directly from your email editor you should either copy and paste the entire link into your web browser or follow the LNM links from the Navigation Center home page.
In order to download the latest information more rapidly:
Place your mouse over the “PDF” symbol next to the corresponding week.
Right click for PC / Control click for Mac.
Choose “Save Target As”.
Save the PDF to your computer and open using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If you have questions regarding this message, you may contact the Navigation Center (use “LNMs, Charts, Chart Corrections, or Light Lists” as the subject from the pull down menu).
Thursday, March 17, 2011
U.S. Coast Guard Crew Medically Evacuates Injured Lobsterman
From the Coast Guard:
JONESPORT, Maine — A U.S. Coast Guard rescue crew medically evacuated an injured crewman from a Maine fishing vessel, four miles south of Moose Peak Light, March 17, 2011.
Coast Guard watchstanders received a report from the captain of vessel that a 62-year old male on board suffered a head injury at approximately 10:40 p.m.
A Coast Guard rescue boat crew from Station Jonesport launched immediately to aid the injured man.
The man was given first aid assistance and was transported to Station Jonesport where emergency medical services were waiting.
"This case highlights the importance of having a working VHF marine radio on board for emergency situations," said Lt. Nick Barrow, command center supervisor at Sector Northern New England. "The Master of the fishing vessel was able to quickly communicate distress directly to the Coast Guard, which enabled rescue boats and personnel to be dispatched and on scene as soon as possible."
JONESPORT, Maine — A U.S. Coast Guard rescue crew medically evacuated an injured crewman from a Maine fishing vessel, four miles south of Moose Peak Light, March 17, 2011.
Coast Guard watchstanders received a report from the captain of vessel that a 62-year old male on board suffered a head injury at approximately 10:40 p.m.
A Coast Guard rescue boat crew from Station Jonesport launched immediately to aid the injured man.
The man was given first aid assistance and was transported to Station Jonesport where emergency medical services were waiting.
"This case highlights the importance of having a working VHF marine radio on board for emergency situations," said Lt. Nick Barrow, command center supervisor at Sector Northern New England. "The Master of the fishing vessel was able to quickly communicate distress directly to the Coast Guard, which enabled rescue boats and personnel to be dispatched and on scene as soon as possible."
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