Admiral Thad Allen Visits the Mackinaw

Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard, honored the Mackinaw with a visit Sunday...
Admiral visits cutter Mackinaw

Interesting article Judy...alot of "brass" on board. Thanks for sharing!

It was a busy week for the Mackinaw. One of those weeks with port and starboard party watches - lots of activities for the crew to be represented at and lots of tours of the ship for the public. Mackinaw by nature of being (a) the new guy on the block and (b) the CG's largest cutter on the GL is the 'star' of the show. It has a big legacy to carry forward, and the crew did a good job of that.

By the way, this was not ADM Allen's first visit to the WLBB30 in it's two months of commissioned service...


You may recall that he was at the Commissioning Ceremony as was RADM Crowley.

Visitation by the Coast Guard Commandant, the 9th District Commander, and the MCPO of the Coast Guard, would have to impress on the crew of the WLBB 30 MACKINAW, how important this new ship is and what is expected of a ship and crew that is replacing a legend.

Granted, pressure like that probably isn't fair, but life isn't fair. Then again, anyone who wanted to be a member of this crew, should have known what they would be up against.

From what I've read and heard about Commander Little, he is the right man to command this ship and lead her crew.

As a retired Chief, I can say that John Little is the kind of person I would have loved to work for. He has impressed me as not just a great officer, but also as a great person.

That's almost exactly what a Guardsman told me. He had served aboard the USCGC Mobile Bay (WTGB 103) when the then LCDR Little, was the Skipper of that ship.

Admiral Allen was also at the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven Last Sat. where the Mac was also present.

Was able to say hello to Commander Little as he walked by but never got a chance to talk with him (you're lucky Dave). That is the 1st time I have EVER seen a Mackinaw captain (or any captain actually) mixing in and exchanging greetings with the 100,000+ crowd awaiting the evening fireworks. Then he was off to the grandstand.