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First Class Underway Experience

(The Cadet Experience, Class of 2012) Permanent link All Posts

Most prospective cadets, as I did, have one thing on their minds: is the Academy for me? As the years pass by and time is spent underway during the summers, this question evolves into one of a grander scheme: is the Coast Guard for me? My summer experience this year is answering the question for me.

As an aviation enthusiast, I was not fond of the idea of spending five weeks on a cutter this summer despite it being in the tropical utopia of Key West, Florida. I, however, went with an open mind and ended up having an amazing time onboard. Not only was my experience fun, but I learned more that I could have imagined I would. One week was dedicated solely to training on shipboard emergencies, knowledge which will be extremely useful after I graduate.

My favorite part of the experience was a law enforcement case in which we were in a high-speed chase to intercept drug runners from Cuba. Adrenaline was high and greatly boosted the crew's morale. We also conducted several migrant operations and I had the opportunity of being on the cutter when it pulled into Cuba. Not many Americans can say they have been to Cuba!

Now I am at Sector Long Island Sound, which I am very happy about because this summer I am getting both the underway and land experience in the Coast Guard. This will help me decide what I want to do upon graduation if I do not get accepted to flight school right away. My June blog will be about the sector so watch for that, and, as always, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

More about George.

Posted by Leann Strickland at 2/10/2012 3:56 PM