Gear and Grit Blog View

Among the attendees at the Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Honorary Acquisition Program Management Awards are, from left: Debra Cox, executive director of the DHS Office of Program Accountability and Risk Management; Rear Adm. Chad Jacoby, Coast Guard assistant commandant for acquisition and chief acquisition officer; and Joseph Wawro, executive director of the DHS Joint Requirements Council. DHS photo.

July 5, 2024

Coast Guard acquisition excellence honored at DHS awards ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC — Six members of the Coast Guard workforce were honored for superior performance during fiscal year 2023 with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Honorary Acquisition Program Management Awards. The annual awards recognize individuals and teams who have demonstrated the highest level of professional excellence in attaining acquisition program success.

Two hands covered in world map on sky background

July 5, 2024

Deckplate Diplomats Part I: Training Center Yorktown’s International Mobile Training Branch

TRACEN Yorktown, Yorktown, Va. — So, your Coast Guard needs detailed, quality training. Who you gonna call? For the U.S. Coast Guard’s partner nations, that’s when you call Training Center Yorktown’s Mobile Training Branch (MTB). The MTB dispatches Mobile Training Teams (MTT) packed with Coast Guard subject matter experts internationally to export the U.S. Coast Guard’s training curriculum.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton’s (WMSL 753) qualified Officer of the Deck boatswain’s mates pose for a photo with Hamilton’s commanding officer, Capt. Justin Carter, middle, while at sea in Eastern Pacific, March 13, 2024. Hamilton recently had 13 crewmembers qualified as underway OODs, four of whom were boatswain's mates (BM). Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Voutour, Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Anderson, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Kass, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Figueroa earned their qualification letters, completing an advancement requirement for Chief Petty Officer. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by LTJG Ray Corniel)

June 25, 2024

The Training Path from Coxswain to Conn

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton (WMSL 753) — Ryan Kass began his Coast Guard career as a seaman assigned to CGC Hamilton in 2019. He had his sights set high and swiftly began working on his various qualifications. But a big cutter means big responsibility – and plenty of critical training.

A trophy in the center of a star and ribbon graphic.

June 25, 2024

Bravo Zulu: 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Security Enterprise Professional Awards

WASHINGTON, DC — Congratulation to the U.S. Coast Guard winners of the 2023 DHS Security Enterprise Professional Awards!

View of CGC DEPENDABLE on arrival to Curtis Bay.

May 29, 2024

Gearing Up and Winding Down: FAI at the Cutter Transition Division

BALTIMORE, MD — By now, we’ve all heard about the Commandant’s Force Alignment Initiative (FAI). The long and the short of it is that as a Service, we’ve got a lot to do – and not enough people to do it. Coast Guard leadership has made careful decisions about how to adapt our operations and strategically reallocate personnel to mitigate risk - including laying up and decommissioning some cutters.

May 22, 2024

DCMS Kicks Off Next Phase of the Buy Better Revolution

CGHQ, Washington, D.C. — Vice Admiral Paul Thomas, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, has signed the Contracting & Procurement (C&P) Modernization Blueprint. VADM Thomas also signed the C&P Modernization Program Integration Office (PIO) Charter to create an office responsible for planning and executing the Blueprint’s recommendations.

May 3, 2024

FORCECOM Bright Spot: Updating Training and Saving Money at TRACEN Yorktown

YORKTOWN, Va. — The Coast Guard Machinery Technician (MK) Schoolhouse’s Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Group recently received eight replacement engines. With assistance from the Damage Controlman (DC) Schoolhouse, the old engine mount was modified. Completing this project in-house resulted in significant cost savings while ensuring the highest quality standards.

Shield graphic with trophy and the words Bravo Zulu

April 22, 2024

Bravo Zulu: 2023 Coast Guard Human Resource Management (HRM) Achievement Awards

WASHINGTON, DC — Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 USCG Human Resource Management (HRM) Achievement Awards!

A blue, red, and gold seal for the Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Mission Support.

April 10, 2024

Welcome to Gear & Grit!

WASHINGTON, DC — Welcome to the Gear & Grit blog - the people and stories behind Coast Guard Mission Support.

Do Good Save Lives organ donor.gov graphic

April 10, 2024

The Gift of Life: An Organ Transplant Recipient's Story

SECCEN, Chesapeake, Va. — April is “National Donate Life Month,” an observance focusing national attention on the need and importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Hear from one Coast Guard civilian employee who received "the gift of life" in 2023.