Stribling, Grady, CWO3

Best Friends
MKC Hawley USCG

Chain of Command
Group Commander: LCDR Dickey USCG Change of Command Group Commander: LCDR Kyle USCG Deputy Group Commander: LCDR Tim Hilton Group Engineering Officer: CWO3 Grady Stribling

Other Memories
It was rather nostalgic returning to Mayport in 1982 from my assignment here in 1969; not much had changed. It wasn't long after we settled- in that Jacksonville Beach and Mayport's growth exploded. Within USCG Group Mayport, the CG Stations from Cape Canaveral, FL. to St. Simon's Is., GA. were still the same. The responsibilities and duties were also the same with the exception of providing off shore security for NASA during shuttle launches. The Group Commander and his Staff Officers wore "two hats", He was Base Mayport's Commanding Officer which made me Base Mayport's Engineering Officer. I was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the Base Mayport facility, all boats, vehicles, and the supervision of Engineering Department Personnel. As the Group Engineering Officer, I performed inspections of CG Stations and assigned boats within our Group to ensure the conditions found met operational readiness standards which included a routine personnel training program.. When necessary, Base Mayport Engineering Personnel would be assigned to assist in correcting discrepancies. The Group Commander approved my proposal for developing a maintenance and repair schedule where by CG Stations in our Group would bring their boat to Base Mayport. With the use of our "high lift", the boat would be taken out of the water and put on blocks near the Engineering Building. The Officer-In- Charge of the CG Station and myself would conduct an inspection of the hull and bottom to determine needed repairs. The OinC would also provide a crew to work on the boat and stay in our barracks during the maintenance / repair period. Base Mayport would provide a boat for the CG Station to use until their boat returned. In addition, Base Mayport Engineering Department personnel, i.e., welders, electricians, etc. would be assigned to complete jobs beyond the Station Crew's ability. The boats were 41 ft UTB's except one 44 ft MLB from Ponce DE Leon Inlet Life Boat Station. Prior to this, the boats were being hauled out locally by a commercial boat yard. Two additional Projects my Department completed were barracks renovation and establishing a program for hazardous waste control. Base Mayport was also a Buoy Maintenance Depot. CG Buoy Tenders would pick up a reconditioned or new buoy with new battery packs, chain, and anchor to replace a buoy on station due to be relieved according to schedule. The relieved buoy, chain and anchor would in turn be taken to CG Base Mayport for sandblasting and painting. The battery packs would be removed and disposed of in accordance with EPA laws and regulations for facilities identified as hazardous waste generators. About half way through my tour at Group Mayport, I applied for the LDO Lieutenant Program. When I learned I wasn't selected, I had to make a decision about continuing my career or retire. If I stayed, I would go for 30 years but continue to drag my family from one duty station to another. More sea duty and a tour at Headquarters would be a definite. I decided to go ahead and retire with 21 1/2 years service. I submitted my letter of intent with a retirement date of August 01, 1985. It wasn't long after my request was approved, I had a phone call from CDR Al Rodriguez, my boss at the 1st District Office in Boston. He and Captain Donald Hoffer were now at CG Headquarters and told me I should reconsider retiring because I was on the alternates list to make LT. If I didn't make it this year, I definitely would make it next year. Al also told me, "remember that little pizza restaurant we would have our going away socials; it was busted for being a front for the Mob." Now that was hilarious and ironic to say the least. No, I had made my decision. The CG was changing and I was of the "Old Guard" trying to adjust. Sometimes I think I made a mistake in retiring. It was difficult adjusting to civilian life which I still struggle with today. So I will end by repeating what my friend, Master Chief Roger Russell USCG RET. said to me; "If I could , I would go back in a heartbeat."