New CO of USCGC Mackinaw WLBB 30

The new Mackinaw has a new CO!

CDR John Little, USCG has a new assignment, as the new CO of the USCGC Mackinaw. John is leaving the 5th District where he has served as Chief, Aids to Navigation. This will be his second ship's command in the Great Lakes area.

The new Mackinaw is scheduled to be commissioned in June.

Congratulations, my coastie friend! Fair Winds & Following Seas!
[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc38b3127cce9713238ca42f00000015108AZtWzNu2ZOH[/img]
I took this photo at the National Aids to Navigation Museum in Yorktown, spring, 2005

[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc38b3127cce9713212a25b800000015108AZtWzNu2ZOH[/img]
This was taken Labor Day weekend,'05 by Shirin Pagels, also at the NATON museum in Yorktown

[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc38b3127cce97132783251200000015108AZtWzNu2ZOH[/img]
This photo was also taken by Shirin of John and me, Sept. '05

[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db24b3127cce912d4b9104d600000026108AZtWzNu2ZOH[/img]
I took this one at the BILH Lens Transfer Ceremony, spring, '05. CDR John Little on the right; Admiral O'Hara on the left.

I had the pleasure of meeting CDR Little in January, and he is a super guy. I believe he also has had other tours in the GL in addition to his command time. He even has some HLs displayed on his desk.

When I met with him he shared with me a newspaper article done by an Indiana newspaper about his ship, The story line was about how what the CG did at the north end of the Lakes affected commerce at the Indiana ports at the south end of the lake.

I think CDR Little will be a great addition to the Baby Mac and to the CG's presence in the GL. Congratulations on your new assignment!

So Dave, was one of those Harbour Lights, the HL673 Hereford Inlet lens?

Thanks for the update. It's been very enlightening to follow the saga of Baby Mac.

In today's Cheboygan Daily Tribune...
Little is named new skipper ( photo with text)

or, just the text...
Little is named new skipper of the New Mackinaw

Good story - this one has personal touches. Thanks, Judy!

CDR John Little takes command of the USCG Mackinaw, Thursday, April 13.
USCGC Mackinaw Change of Command


Photo fm the Cheboygan News

More on the Change of Command
Cmdr. Little has a long history of the Great Lakes region

and more
New Cutter Heads Out for More Training

More historical moments in the saga of Baby Mac - thanks, Judy!

Here's a little bit more on the new skipper...

Little\'s past makes him an ideal match for cutter

Sure does sound like he is a good match with Baby Mac. What a wonderful background; I imagine he has some great stories to tell.

Nice to hear that not only a good person, but someone in the "lighthouse community" in a way is getting the job. He deserves it.

Just don't crash the thing into the breakwater, and he'll do a great job.

Greg,
You'll be pleased to know, John Little is most definitely part of the lighthouse community. He is a Harbour Lights collector.

Also, during the years he's been in the Coast Guard, he has been to and climbed as many or more than many of us. He has also in his early CG days been part of the work team that painted Thomas Point and Newport News Middle Ground to name just a few.

During his tour of duty in Portsmouth, VA, he was Chief, Aids to Navigation for an area that covers most of the east coast including New Jersey.

He's definitely is one of us, and definitely a good person.

Since we are on the subject of the Mackinaw(s). The Mac 83 will be decommissioned and the Mac 30 will be commissioned on Fri. June 9. Is anyone planning on attending the ceremonies? I know we will be there.

Hey dave. Do they serve food at these things???

yep and presume they do

Dave's going to be wearing two hats. He's going as himself...and as me!

Well, I am expecting lots of pictures to be posted because I can't go. AND this is a big one which I'd love to see!

You and me both, Grace. It's killing me that I can't go, but I'm so happy some folks from here will be there.