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DETROIT — Petty Officer 1st Class Bethannie Kittrell is presented a Coast Guard Commendation Medal from Rear Adm. Michael Parks, 9th Coast Guard District commander, May 18, 2012, after she was selected earlier this year as the 9th District’s 2011 Enlisted Person of the Year. Kittrell, a native of Columbus, Ohio, is cited for outstanding achievement while assigned to Coast Guard Station Belle Isle, in Detroit. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Scott McGrew

CLEVELAND — Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Bethannie Kittrell, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was recognized during a formal ceremony Friday for being named the 2011 9th Coast Guard District Enlisted Person of the Year, announced earlier this year.

Kittrell was recognized at her unit, Coast Guard Station Belle Isle, in Detroit, by Rear Adm. Mike Parks, 9th Coast Guard District commander.

“Petty Officer Kittrell is very deserving of this award,” said Capt. John Bingaman, the 9th District’s chief of staff. “She signifies everything that is good about the Coast Guard and is a great example for her shipmates”

Kittrell, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was named 9th District EPOY in part for demonstrating superb leadership and adaptability while acting as Station Belle Isle’s executive petty officer, a position normally reserved for a chief petty officer.

The crew of Station Belle Isle conducts search and rescue, ice rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions throughout the Detroit River and around metropolitan Detroit. Built in 1942, Station Belle Isle has been in operation as a light station since 1881 and falls under the operational control of Coast Guard Sector Detroit.

Acting as operations petty officer, Kittrell worked proactively with Canadian, federal, state and local agencies to strengthen partnerships and enhance the law enforcement presence along our shared border with Canada and throughout the critical infrastructure around Detroit. Outside of her duties as a Coast Guardsman, Kittrell actively volunteers in the community as a children’s t-ball coach.

“Receiving this award is a big honor for me, and I really appreciate just being nominated for something like this,” said Kittrell. “Even though I may be the one receiving the award, it wouldn’t be possible without my shipmates at Station Belle Isle — we are all part of the same team.”

Stretching from northern New York state to northern Minnesota, the 9th Coast Guard District encompasses the five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and parts of the surrounding states, including 6,700 miles of shoreline and 1,500 miles of shared international border with Canada. Out of about 1,700 members in the district who are in the eligible enlisted rates — petty officer third class, petty officer second class, and petty officer first class — 17 were selected as candidates for these awards.

Media interested in speaking to the 9th District EPOY should contact the 9th District External Affairs Office at 216-902-6020.

Click the below image for a high-resolution version.

DETROIT — Petty Officer 1st Class Bethannie Kittrell is presented a Coast Guard Commendation Medal from Rear Adm. Michael Parks, 9th Coast Guard District commander, May 18, 2012, after she was selected earlier this year as the 9th District’s 2011 Enlisted Person of the Year. Kittrell, a native of Columbus, Ohio, is cited for outstanding achievement while assigned to Coast Guard Station Belle Isle, in Detroit. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Scott McGrew

CLEVELAND — Petty Officer 1st Class Bethannie Kittrell, a boatswain’s mate stationed at Coast Guard Station Belle Isle, in Detroit, was recognized during a formal ceremony Friday for being named the 2011 9th Coast Guard District Enlisted Person of the Year, announced earlier this year.

Kittrell was recognized at her unit by Rear Adm. Mike Parks, 9th Coast Guard District commander.

“Petty Officer Kittrell is very deserving of this award,” said Capt. John Bingaman, the 9th District’s chief of staff. “She signifies everything that is good about the Coast Guard and is a great example for her shipmates”

Kittrell, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was named 9th District EPOY in part for demonstrating superb leadership and adaptability while acting as Station Belle Isle’s executive petty officer, a position normally reserved for a chief petty officer.

The crew of Station Belle Isle conducts search and rescue, ice rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions throughout the Detroit River and around metropolitan Detroit. Built in 1942, Station Belle Isle has been in operation as a light station since 1881 and falls under the operational control of Coast Guard Sector Detroit.

Acting as operations petty officer, Kittrell worked proactively with Canadian, federal, state and local agencies to strengthen partnerships and enhance the law enforcement presence along our shared border with Canada and throughout the critical infrastructure around Detroit. Outside of her duties as a Coast Guardsman, Kittrell actively volunteers in the community as a children’s t-ball coach.

“Receiving this award is a big honor for me, and I really appreciate just being nominated for something like this,” said Kittrell. “Even though I may be the one receiving the award, it wouldn’t be possible without my shipmates at Station Belle Isle — we are all part of the same team.”

Stretching from northern New York state to northern Minnesota, the 9th Coast Guard District encompasses the five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and parts of the surrounding states, including 6,700 miles of shoreline and 1,500 miles of shared international border with Canada. Out of about 1,700 members in the district who are in the eligible enlisted rates — petty officer third class, petty officer second class, and petty officer first class — 17 were selected as candidates for these awards.

Media interested in speaking to the 9th District EPOY should contact the 9th District External Affairs Office at 216-902-6020.

CHICAGO — Coast Guard boat crews aboard 25-foot Response Boats-Small from units throughout the Great Lakes transit through the Chicago River Controlling Lock toward the Maritime Security Incident Command Post during the 2012 NATO summit, May 17, 2012. The Coast Guard is conducting security patrols around the city of Chicago and surrounding waterways during the event. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Al Haraf.

CHICAGO — 25-foot Response Boats-Small from Coast Guard units throughout the Great Lake sit moored near the Navy Pier before the 2012 NATO summit, May 17, 2012. Coast Guard boat crews will be performing ports, waterways and coastal security missions during the event. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class George Degener.

CHICAGO — Coast Guard Response Boats-Small from units throughout the Great Lakes and the Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock, homeported in Port Huron, Mich., sit moored near Navy Pier before the 2012 NATO summit, May 17, 2012. The Coast Guard is the lead maritime security agency providing support for the event. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class George Degener.

CHICAGO — The U.S. Coast Guard, acting as lead federal agency for maritime security during the 2012 NATO summit, will be conducting security patrols in the waterways surrounding the city of Chicago form May 18 to 22 to protect summit participants and the residents of Chicago.

Security plans for the summit have been developed by a partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Other involved partner agencies include: Bureau of Diplomatic Security; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Northern Command; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Attorney’s Office-Northern District of Illinois; Federal Aviation Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Federal Emergency Management Agency; Illinois National Guard; Illinois State Police; Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication; Chicago Police Department; Chicago Fire Department.

For more information, contact the NATO Summit Joint Information Center at 312-469-1440.

MIAMI — Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Abeyta, Station Miami Beach, Fla., Commanding Officer speaks about boating safety at the annual National Safe Boating Week event news conference at Base Miami Beach, Fla., Friday. The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and partner agencies are encouraging boaters to use life jackets and proper safety equipment aboard their recreational vessels. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Patrick Montgomery.

MIAMI — Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Abeyta, Station Miami Beach, Fla., Commanding Officer speaks about boating safety at the annual National Safe Boating Week event news conference at Base Miami Beach, Fla., Friday. The “Ready, Set, Wear It” media event kicked-off National Safe Boating Week as Memorial Day weekend approaches. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Patrick Montgomery.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other local partner agencies held a news conference Friday at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach to officially launch National Safe Boating Week.

This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Wear It.” The campaign is designed to encourage boaters to use life jackets and proper safety equipment aboard their recreational vessels. 

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout Florida will be on patrol, paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

In 2010, the Coast Guard counted 4,604 accidents that involved 672 deaths, 3,153 injuries and approximately $35.5 million damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Approximately 75 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 88 percent were not reported as wearing a life jacket.

Overall, according to recreational boating statistics for 2010, operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

• Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/
• Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/
• National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard in North Carolina is scheduled to participate in National Safe Boating Week May 19 to 25.

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout the North Carolina region will be on patrol paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

“We want people to be safe while enjoying their time on the water,” said Capt. Anthony Popiel, the commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington. “Some simple things they can do to stay safe and be prepared should a problem arise, are to wear their life jackets, let someone on shore know exactly where they are going and when they expect to return, and carry a VHF-FM marine band radio. Cell phones are not a reliable form of communication on the water, whereas a marine radio will be heard by any boat or land station within range of the distress call.”

In this area, the 2011 statistics show 144 boating accidents resulting in a total of 28 fatalities.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Media wanting more information are requested to contact the 5th District Public Affairs office at 757-398-6272.

For audio public service announcements please click the following links:

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – Closer than you think

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – Speechless

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – First Impulse

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard in North Carolina is scheduled to participate in National Safe Boating Week May 19 to 25.

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout the North Carolina region will be on patrol paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

“We want people to be safe while enjoying their time on the water,” said Capt. Anthony Popiel, the commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington. “Some simple things they can do to stay safe and be prepared should a problem arise, are to wear their life jackets, let someone on shore know exactly where they are going and when they expect to return, and carry a VHF-FM marine band radio. Cell phones are not a reliable form of communication on the water, whereas a marine radio will be heard by any boat or land station within range of the distress call.”

In this area, the 2011 statistics show 144 boating accidents resulting in a total of 28 fatalities.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Media wanting more information are requested to contact the 5th District Public Affairs office at 757-398-6272.

For audio public service announcements please click the following links:

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – Closer than you think

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – Speechless

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – First Impulse

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard in North Carolina is scheduled to participate in National Safe Boating Week May 19 to 25.

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout the North Carolina region will be on patrol paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

“We want people to be safe while enjoying their time on the water,” said Capt. Anthony Popiel, the commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington. “Some simple things they can do to stay safe and be prepared should a problem arise, are to wear their life jackets, let someone on shore know exactly where they are going and when they expect to return, and carry a VHF-FM marine band radio. Cell phones are not a reliable form of communication on the water, whereas a marine radio will be heard by any boat or land station within range of the distress call.”

In this area, the 2011 statistics show 144 boating accidents resulting in a total of 28 fatalities.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Media wanting more information are requested to contact the 5th District Public Affairs office at 757-398-6272.

For audio public service announcements please click the following links:

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – Closer than you think

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – Speechless

Lifejackets – U.S. Coast Guard – First Impulse

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard suspended its search at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday for a 32-year-old man who went missing at Brier Hall Point in the Alligator River near the entrance to the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina.

The responders searched eight and a half hours for the missing man covering approximately 80 square miles.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received notification at noon via the Dare County 911 Dispatch Center from Manns Harbor Fire Department that a vessel was sinking and two people were in the water.

Dare County also reported that one man swam to shore, but the other was still missing.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a helicopter crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, in Elizabeth City, N.C., and a crew aboard a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft – Shallow Water from Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City, to search with Manns Harbor Fire Department.