A Day in the Life of a PATCOM

 The job of keeping the boating public safe for the annual Labor Day fireworks display in Cincinnati is no small task as hundreds of boats converge in the downtown area.  Many boaters line up several days in advance, but most arrive en mass just a few hours before the show begins.  The nightime trip home for the boats also creates hazardous conditions, but the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment in Cincinnati is up to the task.  Under the leadership of Supervisor Lt. J. Robert Reinhart and MSTC Willis Coomer, a joint team of active duty, reserve, and auxiliary personnel patrolled and provided crucial support for the festival. 

Patrol Command (Patcom) guided commercial traffic, provided important information to the boating public, and coordinated the patrol activies of four 25 foot defender class response boats, eight auxiliary patrols, and countless law enforcement, fire, and rescue department boats.  From his vantage point on an office tower above the scene, Aux Ted Parr oversaw Patcom during the day shift with the assistance of a Reserve CG Officer, a Navy Reserve volunteer and an Auxiliarist. In addition to manning Patcom for this event in prior years, Mr. Parr also brings more than thirty years of Coast Guard active duty and reserve experience.  During the evening shift, MSD Petty Officers Hilliard, King and Gregg performed the Patcom duties.

(Photo captions, both photos:  Auxiliarist Ted Parr, seated, works the radios as Patcom while Ensign McGarath keeps a watchful eye on activities below.)  

The Coast Guard boats assisted as rafted boats broke loose from anchorages and performed boardings as part of their law enforcement duties.  Keeping boaters safe while escorting commercial barge tows through the area kept the crews busy.  

Posted by Dennis Mullins, SO-MS 9 Sept. 2009