This is a great video on many levels. It introduces you to the typical Maritime Protection-Class U.S. Coast Guard Cutter: in this case, the USCG Cutter Haddock out of San Diego, CA. You get to meet the young, clearly capable ship’s Captain, as she leads you on the tour of the boat, and you get to see how diverse the missions are for these very important USCG ships.
I think you will be impressed by Lt. Commander Pourmonier, the commander of the USCG Haddock. She will lead you through the various compartments and areas of the boat, above and below decks, and she will explain each of them in detail. She is clearly very knowledgeable, but, even more clearly, she is absolutely enthusiastic about her ship and her crew. By the end of the tour, you will have a very clear sense of the capabilities of these modern Coast Guard Cutters and their missions.
The Haddock was built in Louisiana and was commissioned for duty in 2002. Capt. Pourmonier has been in command of her for a couple of years, and, at the end of the video, you will hear just a brief accounting of what her crew did within her first two days in command of the Haddock and what they continue to do on a daily basis. She is very proud of her 10-man crew. The Haddock, like all other cutters, is capable of carrying a max crew of 12.
Lt. Cmdr Pourmonier will also reveal that the kind of boat she commands has a very diverse mission set. Its first mission, as its class identification indicates, is to protect our maritime borders. It is also designed to interdict smugglers out at sea and does so with speed; she can do up to 25 knots with her twin diesel engines. But these cutters are also equipped with small, inflated swift boats that can get up to speeds of 30 knots in pursuit of smugglers on the open seas.
Another mission that the Haddock undertakes is search-and-rescue operations in support of mariners in trouble at sea. She also has the mission of enforcing safety and security maritime laws with recreational boaters and fishermen and commercial shipping.
Enjoy this brief but engaging tour of the USCG Cutter Haddock. You’re going to be impressed with the enthusiasm of its commander as well.
The Veterans Site honors and thanks the many Coast Guardsmen and women who serve in that great and important service. What you do for the nation often is done out of the sight and mind of most of us, but, when you are needed, we know that you are there. This video is a great example of what kind of people and equipment make the Coast Guard the best there is. Semper Paratus, Coasties! Thank you for your service.