Coast Guard holds renewable energy microgrid groundbreaking ceremony in Petaluma, Calif. Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) Petaluma held a groundbreaking ceremony for a renewable energy microgrid, Jan. 28. The primary purpose of the microgrid is to enhance TRACEN Petaluma’s resiliency, which stems from the Kincade Fire in 2019 that resulted in the facility being without power for five days. “This project strengthens our resilience to better endure significant weather events that threaten lives and livelihoods, as well as displace individuals, families and entire communities," said Adm. Karl L. Schultz, the Coast Guard commandant. "It is an important step in ensuring the Coast Guard remains ready, anytime and anywhere." The goal of the project is to allow TRACEN Petaluma to be able to produce their own power for up to 10 days of independent and full operations through the installation of five megawatts of solar photovoltaic panels and 11.6 megawatt hours of battery storage. Read more.
Coast Guard, local responders recover deceased man, rescue woman in distress in ocean waters off ‘El Morro’ castle in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station San Juan and local responders recovered a deceased man after a Coast Guard off-duty petty officer rescued a woman, Jan. 27. The man and woman reportedly went into the water and were overtaken by the strong currents and breaking surf. “Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Warrant Officer Eric A. Lyle, Coast Guard Station San Juan commanding officer. “We wish they find strength during this most difficult time. I’d like to thank our local partners for their assistance and efforts in the recover. While it’s not the outcome we strive for, working together on the recovery will hopefully allow the family to have some closure.” Read more.
Coast Guard rescues 2 off Cape Canaveral, Fla. Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and Coast Guard Air Station Miami rescued two people from their disabled sailboat due to the weather, Jan 29. An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew arrived in the area and the operator shot off a distress flare directing the aircrew to their exact location. There were no reported medical concerns. "The operator used the vessel's registered EPIRB and conserved the flares until help was near," said Chief Petty Officer John Andzelik, operations unit watchstander, District Seven. "This due diligence allowed Coast Guard crews to rescue them as fast as possible." Read more.