USCGC Narwhal open house a success; Auxiliarists guide visitors and offer boating safety tips
Narwhal’s crew and Division 6 Auxiliarists bring first-hand Coast Guard experience to Orange County residents
↑ Afternoon Watch: Coast Guard Auxiliarists volunteered at an open house event at USCGC Narwhal’s home port in Orange County, Calif., on 10 August 2024. Among the afternoon watch were (from left) Auxiliarists Sandra Lindsey, Anne Evans, Ray Evans, Eric Gritzmacher, Rick Weiss, Division 6 DCDR Garry Nelson, Brian Tankersley and Rich Matteo.↑ Ready to board: Auxiliary Division 6 commander Garry Nelson leads the first group of public visitors to USCGC Narwhal during the open house event. The photographer at right is PA3 Richard Uranga, USCG, assigned from Sector Los Angeles / Long Beach.↑ Serious gear: Seaman Kyle Franco of Narwhal’s crew, explains some of the equipment typically worn by Coast Guard members during law enforcement missions. In the background is Newport Harbor’s main channel.↑ Visiting the front office: The bridge of the 87-foot cutter Narwhal filled with visitors during the open house. Explaining the advanced technologies were Narwhal’s captain, Lt. j.g. Annabella Farrabaugh, and her executive petty officer, Chief Roberto Llamas.↑ Welcome aboard: Auxiliary Division 6 commander Garry Nelson invites public visitors to watch their step as they board the 87-foot cutter Narwhal.↑ Photo Op: There’s nothing like having a pro take your souvenir photo aboard a Coast Guard cutter on a postcard-perfect day in Newport Harbor. Holding a visitor’s camera is PA3 Richard Uranga, a public affairs specialist on assignment from the 11th Coast Guard District regional sector in Los Angeles/Long Beach. Narwhal is based in the Corona del Mar neighborhood of Newport Beach, and is also part of the 11th District’s Los Angeles/Long Beach sector.↑ Topside and below: There’s a lot of gear stowed above and below decks aboard the 87-foot cutter Narwhal. (Top) The complicated-looking boat launching system on Narwhal’s fantail attracted many questions, all answered by Seaman Kyle Franco. (Below) A visitor emerged from the galley below decks while another pondered the meaning of a colorful but seemingly inscrutable control panel.
Meanwhile, on shore…
↑ Ahoy: Two young guests visit with Coastie, the Auxiliary’s radio-controlled robotic Coast Guard cutter. Also shown are Orange County-based Auxiliarists Brian Tankersley and Anne Evans, both of Flotilla 66.↑ Sage Advice: Auxiliary member Eric Gritzmacher explained the importance of recreational boating safety to adults and youngsters during USCGC Norwhal’s open house.
Wrapping up a successful open house…
↑ All smiles: Narwhal’s command team posed with youngsters and staff from LeXT Robo Academy in Irvine. The group showed a strong interest in science and technology. Ashore, the students learned about boating safety from Auxiliarists.↑ A long day at the office: Auxiliarists, such as Brian Tankersley of Flotilla 66, volunteer long hours to support Coast Guard missions. Assisting at Coast Guard open houses is just one of many ways the Auxiliary lends a hand daily.↑ Uninvited guest: Despite keen interest, one visitor was unable to board Narwhal and voiced displeasure. (Narwhals are whales, so no relation.)
