Today, I visited a joint command center operated by the Coast Guard. You can find out more about what the Coast Guard does here.
I cannot blog on all the operations due to security reasons, but I do have permission to share a few things.
One of the more interesting moments was when we had to "check" our cell phones and enter the secure area. From when I entered the secure area to when I left, several prominent strobe lights flashed throughout the room to alert people to the presence of a guest. There were some obvious reasons why-- this is serious and sobering work.
Several in the command center visited with us and shared their responsibilities and assignments. Their professionalism and efficiency was impressive.
After the operation center and we toured a cutter. Chief Warrant Officer Sawyer was gracious enough to give a tour of the USCG Kennebec to Chaplain Marshall and me.
C.W.O. Sawyer and Captain Marshall standing in front of the Kennebec:
Up until now, I have never been asked to visit facilities before a speaking event, but I have found it helpful. In order to encourage these Coast Guard chaplains, it helps to know the people they serve. (Technically, these are Navy chaplains assigned to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard and the Marines are served by Navy chaplains.)
My host, Captain Robert Marshall, in an endorsed Wesleyan chaplain. He used to work in Marion where I recently taught a class. Great guy.
When I was at NAMB, I worked right next door to the chaplaincy department but we did not interact much. They do some sobering work at a crucial time. Our recent dropout study illustrated how many drop out about the time that most join the military, and it is essential that we have chaplains serving them during this key transition.
I asked Captain Marshall how we might pray for him and his work and he indicated three needs:
1. for protection of Coast Guard personnel in their work
2. for the families of these Coast Guard men and women
3. for more chaplains to serve them
Finally I was stuck by the life-and-death responsibilities that these young leaders take on when they join the Coast Guard. Most churches won't let you teach a Sunday School class at 18, but you can join the Coast Guard and risk your life to save others. They stretch these young men and women in challenging ways... and the chaplains serve them at great points of need. But, maybe, it should remind us to challenge the young men and women in our churches more. They can take it.
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