Caldwell, Jim - SURFMAN #105 Ret., BMCM

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE COAST GUARD.

E-2, Base Honloulu, TAD out of basic training

Graduating in 1969 from High School, Vietnam was going strong. Going to college and working in a gas station was not cutting it. I decided it was time to go into the service.

First stop was the Navy recruiter in downtown Portland, Oregon. After a conversation, I learned it was possible to enlist and be in basic training in a matter of months. Hmm. Going down the hall, there was a Coast Guard recruiter. A Chief, whatever that was. After a short conversation, I learned that they were accepting enlistments right away. Down to do some testing, etc. and I was on a plane to Alameda; that was 1970.

One question I remember asking was - do you have boats? He said yes, lots of them. It was the best decision I ever made in my young life at 17 years old. 22 years later, I retired after attaining Officer in Charge Ashore and Afloat positions in one of the finest services in the world. What an honor.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING.

My Military Service Path

Boatswains Mate. Starting on a Loran Station, Johnston Atoll, I made it all the way to Seaman! One year later, I arrived at my first MLB Station in the Coast Guard's 13th District, Station Coos Bay, Oregon. I knew immediately that I would be one of those Surfmen taking those motor lifeboats out on rescues. Another excellent decision.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
No, got in a few scuffles down on Hotel Street in Honolulu. Does that count?

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.

CGC Point Roberts out of Jacksonville Fl.

Tough question, there are so many. I still see the faces of those survivors that capsized and tired, hopeful looking up about to be pulled to safety. I think of the hundreds of vessels that needed assistance, taking on water, had fires on board, disabled &and towed to safety. They were escorted across dangerous bars, had medical emergencies/evacuations. They were lost and located at sea to just being reassured by that white boat with the red and blue stripe, knowing it was in the area.

I remember the great feeling of taking down boats loaded with drugs off the Florida coast. The seizures of vessels in violation of fishery laws in the Gulf of Mexico. Actually seeing turtles live, not drowned after being released from a shrimp draggers net during TEDS (turtle excluder device) boardings.

Most of all I especially remember the "high" of departing a command that had excelled in all operations and the feeling of sadness leaving the devoted crew that was well trained and did all to make the unit what it was.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
The only reference to this question might be the Coast Guard's Commendation Medal. I was awarded 4 Commendation Medals during my career.

The first was for a rescue in 1981 off Cape Disappointment, Washington. A vessel was reported overdue and we went out for a night search with gale force

My Military Achievements

winds in excess of 60 knots and 8 to 10 foot breaking seas. During a spotlight search, we located the vessel aground on an island near Baker Bay. No sign of survivors so I swam to the shore and inspected the vessel and searched the local area with no sign of survivors. No survivor found so I swam back out to the 44- Motor Life Boat and we continued to search the waters and beach by the spotlight. North of the original search area we spotted a single survivor in a large pile of driftwood. Back into the water again.

The survivor was in a hypothermic state but in good condition other than that. He was awfully happy to see those spotlights getting closer and finally lighting him up! I got him stuffed into a lifejacket and swam him a short distance to the 44- MLB holding position just offshore. The very grateful and hypothermic fisherman was returned to Station Cape Disappointment. The Silver Operational Devices was authorized.

The second award came at the end of my first command as Officer in Charge of station Winchester Bay, Oregon. Within minutes of assuming command, a vessel was reported capsized south of the Umpqua River. I was able to assist in the rescue of three survivors in a 30' Surf Rescue boat along with the two 44' MLB's who pulled the survivors off the floating hull. What a way to start the new position!

The third was for outstanding achievement as Course Coordinator and Instructor at the Coast Guard's "first" Officer in Charge, and Executive Petty Officer course in Petaluma California. This course was designed to assist in the development and success of those going to OIC/XPO positions. I also served as an instructor with the Chief Petty Officer Academy during off times from OIC/XPO courses.

The fourth award was for completion of the tour as Office in Charge of CGC Point Nowell out of Port Isabel Texas. Two long years of fisheries enforcement in the Gulf of Mexico with the best crew an 82' Patrol Boat ever had. We received the National Marine Fisheries Service, South East Area Cooperative Unit of the Year Award for our work in TEDS (turtle excluder device enforcement)

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?

My Most Meaningful Awards

Commendation Medal #1. I have to say was the most meaningful award for saving lives. I was involved in many rescues throughout my career, this is one that the crew and I were recognized for. That terrible night spotlighting, swimming and recovering the survivor. That is what the Coast Guard is all about. It's what we did; it's still what they do. Being recognized and awarded for doing an outstanding job is a great honor, in no way can you match it to underway operations and saving a life.The strange thing is this was one the few times I was actually not on the helm having another coxswain aboard and was able to perform as the swimmer.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?

My Most Influential Person

There were two in my life. Two that brought me through the hands-on training, shared their experience, knowledge, and advice with me, and most of all - trust. CPO Dan Sutherland, Officer in Charge of Station, Coos Bay and BM1 Steve Krohn, XPO. Both excellent boat operators, boatswain mates and great leaders/mentors. Sadly, both Dan and Steve have passed. At the end of 4 years under their guidance, I did attain the Surfman rating operating 36', 44' and 52' Motor Life Boats. It was time to re-up.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Do you have a particularly funny story from your service that you would like to share?

For me, it was the first time I was on a Motor Lifeboat that rolled 360 degrees over Guano Rock at Station Coos Bay, Oregon. The actual roll-over was not funny, it was

My Funniest Military Memory

actually a weird feeling I will never forget.

The funny part to me was the Surfman on the helm, BM1 Ed Spate. (Sorry if you read this Ed). Ed had either a half shell helmet or lost his helmet during the roll-over. Back in 1970, we did not have the standard survival equipment you see today. In fact, all we had at that time was an orange wetsuit and a hodge-podge of helmets - I have no idea where they came from. One thing about Ed was his ears stuck out. Here I was upside down and looking at Ed with all the red lights of the gauges, bubbles everywhere, the surprised expression on his face and those ears. I could not stop laughing underwater. I thought I was going to run out of air before she came upright. Guess you had to be there!

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?

My Post-Military Career

I took a position in building maintenance with the local county government. When I left the Coast Guard, I thought, I am done with the management stuff. Wrong. With all the experience in the Coast Guard, I found it easy to work my way to the top of the Facility Management and now am the Operations Manager of the Portland Exposition Center in Portland. A premier Trade Show Venue, this is a 330,000 sq. ft. facility that sits on 53 acres of ground. Guess what, I am still looking forward to that retirement day - again!

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?

Personal Influence Of Military Service

The Coast Guard instilled pride, dedication, and professionalism in the ranks. A chosen few are selected for command positions. That selected position can be a rough road with many ways to fail.

Not in my book, my experience and training said: "pick me". That same attitude is what drives me in the management of this facility and the training of the personnel I now have working for me. My Assistant Operations Manager is treated much like the XPO of old. He is trained to do it all. Much like the Coast Guard, I am a believer in training those under you to take your position and not fail.

Occasionally I still receive those phone calls that when the wife answers the phone she hears the voice say "Is Master Chief there". She just smiles and says, it's one of your boys!

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE COAST GUARD?
I try to keep up on current events through Internet media such as MILITARY.com, The Coast Guard Channel, TWS and good old scuttlebutt. It seems the Coast Guard just continues to grow in missions and commitment. I would say to all of them to strive to do the best they possibly can. Be a role model for those under you. Teach them to take your place. Continue to raise the standard! SEMPER PARATUS.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the USCG

WOW! lots of folks I have served with keep showing up. A quick note now and then with old friends is an honor. DARN - a couple of them found me, I swear I paid you all back!

TWS is a way to let the friendships of the past continue to reunite and grow. It is an excellent tool I visit several times a week. Thank you for inviting me to be featured in the TWS Voices section. To all of you that I served with, thank you. To all of you active duty folks - you make me proud, carry on! Published in TWS "Voices" Dec 6, 2010.

KC 11/29/18