The official blog of the U.S. Coast Guard
Those familiar with Coast Guard history know that the service’s development has been shaped in response to the nation’s natural and man-made disasters. Nowhere is that clearer than the Coast Guard’s search and rescue mission. Major response efforts and evolving technology continue to influence the U.S. Coast Guard’s development as the world’s premier search and rescue organization.
Joshua James was not just a man of the sea; he was also a man of the surf. He was born in 1826 in Hull, located on the beaches south of Boston; and he would grow, reach adulthood and live out his days in Hull. And he would dedicate the majority of his long life to rescuing those imperiled by stormy weather and heavy seas in the waters surrounding that seaside town.
“Joshua James began his life-saving career at 15 and saved more than 600 lives,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft. “What better namesake for a ship and crew that will serve our Nation with pride for the next half century saving lives, stopping smugglers, maintaining safety and security in the Arctic and wherever national objectives may require.”
A cutter straight out of the shipyard always has kinks to work out, but each challenge is embraced by the crew as a new opportunity to build unit cohesion and bring the cutter closer to efficient operational service. It’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about doing the job well. Shared motivation, enthusiasm, and attention to detail, ensure the cutter will be ready for operational service for the crew of Coast Guard Cutter James.
With the introduction of the newest Coast Guard National Security Cutter, the Joshua James, we set out to find out what impact Capt. Joshua James has had on the modern-day Coast Guard. Here are a few Coast Guardsmen who serve today and bear his name, whether intentionally or by coincidence.
Legendary lifesaver Capt. Joshua James has come to represent the very embodiment of courage. And yet, it was a quality that James rarely spoke of. Today, the Point Allerton Lifesaving Station, the Hull Lifesaving Museum, and now Coast Guard Cutter James will stand as monument to the man whose quiet courage saved so many lives.
Those familiar with Coast Guard history know that the Service’s development has been shaped in part by the nation’s response to natural and man-made disasters. Nowhere is that lesson clearer than the history of the Service’s search and rescue, or SAR, mission.
Ancient Keeper. It may sound like an insult, but for Master Chief Petty Officer Terry Lathrop, it’s his new well-deserved title. In a ceremony held last week, Master Chief Petty Officer James Clemens, who retired from the Coast Guard with 30 years of service, relinquished his title of the Coast Guard’s Ancient Keeper to Lathrop during a special ceremony, which followed the station’s change of watch.
“Joshua James exhibited a commitment to excellence that permeates the Coast Guard to this day,” said Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger. “He embodied the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty and the guiding principles articulated in our new Commandant’s Direction long before we ever wrote them down.”
Co-written by Jennifer Gaudio, Lt. Michael Bell and Eric Alan. Officer candidates participate in a Coast Guard history course July 15, 2013, at the Coast Guard Museum located at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. The course allows officer candidates to examine artifacts relevant to the historical periods they are currently studying. U.S.