MarEx Mailbag: Reader Response to Last Weeks MarEx E-newsletter
Reader’s weigh in on last week’s lead editorial
Last week’s lead editorial, entitled “Reality Check: Still doing More With Less,” brought attention to the U.S. Coast Guard in a roundabout way. A somewhat “exciting” event in Managing Editor Joseph Keefe’s hometown that almost involved the Coast Guard also served to remind all of us that the Coast Guard’s many missions are widely scattered, ever-growing and sometimes involve tasks that might seem outside their purview. We had some fun with the piece and two readers also weighed in on the overall message. Their thoughts would appear to be at odds with one another. You can read the piece by clicking HERE. You can also see what our readers thought about the article below:
Actually, I think ADM Loy said "Doing more with less AND doing it better."
V/R
Donald J. Kerlin, P.E.
Chief, Program Management Branch
Boating Safety Division / Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety / CG-54221
MarEx Editor’s Remarks: Fair enough. Actually, I should know that since I interviewed ADM Loy in his Washington offices during his tenure as Commandant. I also think that it is fair to say that people, both inside and outside the Coast Guard, look back on his service with a measure of pride and admiration.
Here’s one more from a different slant on life:
Mr. J. Keefe:
Sir: Your article on USCG rescue/participation was well written, but I think you have been "hood winked" re the USCG. In particular, the Licensing & Inspection sections. Homeland Security: How in the world did we ever pickup on that stupid phrase? Well, the people that coined it are gone, hopefully forever.
The USCG used to handle all of their construction and design, but to support the public, most of that has been given to private contractors who only see $$$$$$. Most of them have no idea as to real marine engineering, but they know somebody, so they get the job.
It would be great if they cleaned up the Inspection section; we used to have to actually write our questions and answers, draw the subject, and be totally familiar with Rules & Regs instead of "multiple guess".
Even today - dare to question an inspector, especially some USCG desk pusher rating, and you incur wrath of OIC. I let my License expire totally and I have no intention of renewing for some jerk that has never even started a main engine!
John Mournian
San Diego, California
MarEx Editor’s Remarks: Clearly, some of the frustration already voiced by those in the U.S. mariner community is coming out here. Hoodwinked? I don’t know. But, I find myself more and more mindful of the Coast Guard attempts to accomplish a myriad of tasks on a daily basis. The transition from the starting point of 9/11 to where we are now has been a painful one for the Coast Guard. Charged with so much to do with funding and manpower that has only recently begun to match the missions, I’m not surprised when they come up short from time to time. Still, I think you have to keep your eye on the big picture, too.