Having grown up on the coast of Maine, Joe has always been interested in the United States Coast Guard. One of the five US Armed Forces, the Coast Guard is a maritime, military and multi-missioned service. It just so happens that this Friday, August 4th, is National Coast Guard Day, a day set aside to celebrate and honor the courageous work of the Coast Guard.
Also, this weekend, the USCG Eagle will be coming to Portland harbor. Eagle, also known as “America’s Tall Ship” is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes and the only square-rigger in U.S. government service. The ship was built in 1936 in Germany, and commissioned as Horst Wessel, one of three sail training ships operated by the pre-World War II German navy. At the close of World War II, Horst Wessel was taken as a war reparation by the United States, recommissioned as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle and sailed to New London, Connecticut. Eagle provides an unparalleled at-sea leadership and professional development experience for future officers of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Joe is honored that the Eagle will be coming to his hometown, and hopes many Portlanders get a chance to enjoy it.
Learn more about Coast Guard Day here, and more about the Eagle here.
