Always Ready

POWAY, CA: 

Anyone visiting the San Diego Bay or waterways throughout America can see the U.S. Coast Guard cutters and/or aircraft patrolling the area. Each Coastie carries in their heart the motto, Semper Paratus, which means Always Ready. 

All the armed services of the United States have Core Values. Each Coast Guard personnel is taught “Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty,” the Coast Guard’s Core Values. It is the basic ethical guideline for all Active Duty, Reservists, Auxiliarists, and Civilians.  

On August 4, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard celebrates 234th Birthday. Retirees and Active-duty Coast Guard personnel commemorate the military organization for its valor and discipline.  Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has kept the nation’s waterways safe, playing a critical role in national security.  

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security site, “The U.S. Coast Guard patrols our coasts for drug smugglers, human trafficking, and both domestic and international terrorism. As the bad guys (and girls) have gotten more savvy with technology, the Coast Guard has developed sophisticated, effective technology to combat crimes on the water and at our ports. It’s a 24/7 job. Today, let’s give the U.S. Coast Guard the love it deserves.” 

The U.S. Coast Guard celebrated its 200^th birthday when I joined the U.S. Navy in 1990. Ten years later, I had the profound honor of serving among the servants of the seas from November 2000 through May 2003 on board the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN), Petaluma, CA. It was an honor to serve with Vincent W. Patton III, the eighth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, from May 1998 to October 2002. As a retiree, it is my privilege to serve with Chuck Cross, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, as a member of the Poway Veterans Park Committee. 

The U.S. Coast Guard does not have a chaplain. It employs U.S. Navy Chaplains to serve as military staff chaplains. I was serving as Command Chaplain of TRACEN Petaluma during the 911 terrorist attacks. I was one of the thirty-two U.S. Navy chaplains who served in New York in the aftermath of 911.  

I learned many valuable lessons while serving in the smallest U.S. armed service. The Coast Guard motto, “Always Ready,” reminds me to be ALWAYS READY! The Hebrew Scripture says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NLT). 

Always Ready…

1. When the Storm Comes

2. When the Devil Attacks

3. When Jesus Christ Comes 

As we continue to face life's struggles today and in the future, remember that God is ALWAYS READY TO HELP. May God Bless all our Coast Guard personnel and the United States of America!