On Oct. 18, 2024, cutters and cuttermen across the fleet paused operations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cutterman Insignia in a powerful tribute to the Coast Guard’s seagoing heritage. The celebration, held in conjunction with the annual "Eight Bells - Sea Service Celebration," was spearheaded by the Coast Guard Office of Cutter Forces, known as the "Heart of the Service." This event honored the dedication and contributions of all who serve the cutter community, including career cuttermen, aspiring cuttermen, and the thousands of shoreside personnel who support the fleet.
The commemoration served as a time for reflection on the traditions and shared experiences uniting the afloat community for over 234 years. These seagoing traditions are the foundation of Coast Guard culture and continue to bind the cutter community together.
Headquarters Celebration Honors Legacy and Future
Oct. 17, 2024, Office of Cutter Forces hosted a headquarters event “Navigating 50 Years Together.” Distinguished speakers from across the fleet shared personal stories and insights about the Cutterman tradition, highlighting the historical significance of the insignia and its relevance to today’s Coast Guard.
Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Michael Burch, the 15th Silver Ancient Mariner, reflected on the legacy of cuttermen dating back to the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. Commander Scott Stiker, the 17th Golden Ancient Mariner, delved into the symbolism of the Cutterman Insignia, emphasizing its five points: camaraderie, versatility, purpose, tradition, and humility. Chief Warrant Officer Jane Sandy, Commanding Officer of CGC Barbara Mabrity, offered a forward-looking perspective, discussing how modern technologies like Star Shield and Starlink are revolutionizing connectivity at sea while also highlighting efforts to expand opportunities for women across new platforms.
The spirit of the celebration extended beyond headquarters, with units worldwide organizing local events that brought together cuttermen past and present.
In the Northeast, approximately 150 personnel celebrated the anniversary. Recognitions included Sea Service Ribbons presented to SN Jackson Boggs and CS1 Caleb Shores (3rd) of CGC William Sparling; ENS Roberto Herrera, MK3 Nikolas Scozzaro, and ET2 Diego Maldonado of CGC Maurice Jester; and ENS Conor Healy of CGC William Chadwick. Permanent Cutterman Insignias were awarded to MKC Ryan Fahey and CS2 Colin Oden of CGC Sturgeon. MKCS John Kovacevich of CGC Maurice Jester was presented with a Master Cutterman certificate, signifying 20 years of sea time. The event brought together members of Base Boston, Sector Boston, District 1, and several cutter crews, along with retired CAPT Kevin King of the Surface Navy Association.
In Portsmouth, Virginia, nearly 200 attendees gathered to celebrate at Base Portsmouth, boasting an impressive 365 years of combined sea service. Vice Admiral Nathan Moore, Commander, Atlantic Area, joined Rear Admirals Mark Fedor and John Vann at an event that drew crew members from CGCs Spencer, Escanaba, Bear, and Northland, along with personnel from Sector Virginia, Base Portsmouth, and LANT-37.
On the West Coast, units in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area demonstrated the camaraderie of the cutter community with a joint celebration involving approximately 40 personnel from CGCs Argus, Terrell Horne, Benjamin Bottoms, and George Cobb, alongside Base and Sector LA-LB. As part of the festivities, participants contributed to preserving the Battleship USS Iowa museum. During the event, DC2 Jaclynne Taylor of CGC Terrell Horne received her permanent Cutterman’s Pin in a ceremony led by the Gold Ancient Mariner.
Contest Winners Capture Spirit of Sea Service
As part of the anniversary celebration, CG-751 hosted a multi-category creative contest that drew entries from across the service. The winners represent the diverse talents and perspectives within the Coast Guard's cutter community:
All contest entries can be viewed here.
Essay Contest Winners
- First Place: BMC Stuart Bangs, CGC Wire
- Second Place: OSCS Michael Weelmaa, CGC Stratton
- Third Place: LT Victor Alma, Gulf Regional Fisheries Training Center
Poetry Contest Winners
- First Place: GMC Brian Glynn, CGIS
- Second Place: LCDR Rachel Quatroche, CG-771
- Third Place: ENS Sofia Scott, CGC Polar Star
Story Contest Winners
- First Place: MK1 Brian Giunta, Sector Columbia River
- Second Place: CDR Ian Starr, CGC Resolute
- Third Place: DC1 John Westbrook, CGC Healy
Video Contest Winners
- First Place: CGC Mohawk
- Second Place: CGC Hamilton
- Third Place: CGC William Hart
The Cutterman Insignia, established in 1974 and enhanced with the Master Cutterman Program in 2000, symbolizes the dedication, sacrifice, and pride of those who serve at sea. Requiring five years of sea time and completion of all qualifications, the insignia remains a testament to the Coast Guard’s enduring seagoing spirit. As the service celebrates this milestone, it not only honors the cuttermen who embody its traditions but also recognizes the families who support them in their vital mission.
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