U.S. Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay

11/29/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from our crew to yours!

11/20/2024

For those looking to go out this week make sure to check the forecast and ensure you and your boat are properly equipped for the coming conditions.

Dangerous wave action associated with the onset of the strong Atmospheric River will result in hazardous swimming and surf conditions the next few days. Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the water from rocks, jetties and beaches. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.

11/05/2024

With the start of the recreational crab season we wanted to remind all boaters to always check the weather conditions before heading out on the water, file a float plan and carry a working VHF radio to call for assistance. You can use NOAA to check the weather, more specifically buoy 46013 for the Bodega Bay area linked below.

National Data Buoy Center - Recent observations from buoy 46013 (38.235N 123.317W) - BODEGA BAY - 48NM NW of San Francisco, CA.

07/03/2024

Recently we had to say goodbye to a longtime shipmate at Station Bodega Bay. BM1 Aaron Schuster was here from October 2020 to June 2024. BM1 Schuster arrived here as a seaman and advanced three times before departing, he acquired his Boarding Officer qualification and completed 75 boardings as such, and both hisBasic Coxswain and Heavy Weather Coxswain certifications with 900 hours, 470 missions, 90 lives saved, and over 1.5 million dollars in property saved. To say that BM1 Schuster did a lot would be an understatement.

BM1 served as the Rescue and Survival Systems Petty Officer and Assistant First Lieutenant while here and led the station through multiple flawless inspections. His mentorship was infallible during times of heavy transfer and personnel shortages.

BM1 Schuster was a shipmate you could always count on and it is bittersweet to see you go, but we are proud to say Station Cape Disappointment will easily be able to say the same. We wish you fair winds and following seas as you move north into more tumultuous seas!

06/17/2024

This week MK2 Giano recieved the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. MK2 has served at station Bodega Bay since July 2020. In that time he has certified as 47 MLB Crewmember, Engineer, and Boarding Officer. He has amassed over 700 hours underway on 400+ missions. 60 of which were search and rescue cases and over 100 law enforcement boardings. MK2’s leadership as the AEPO has played a key role in providing continuity through 4 different commands here in Bodega Bay. He has led 4 MLB engine replacements, saved the Coast Guard $55,000 in labor costs and $200,000 by improving the station grounds and infrastructure. The list of MK2’s achievements goes on but, in all honesty, they aren’t why MK2 is one of a kind.

For those of us that have been fortunate enough to work with MK2, his contributions go far beyond statistics and dollars saved. He is truly the hardest working person I’ve ever known and the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. There’s no maintenance in which he won’t lend a hand and no SAR case that he’s not ready for. Then, when the work day was over, he’d find a little more work to do. You’d find him tinkering in the shop, digging up a sprinkler head, or teaching the next Engineer in line how to take over one day. If he wasn’t doing any of that, he was helping cook a meal for the crew or helping somebody fix their car. There’s no shortage of good things to say about MK2. This Medal was well deserved my friend. Bravo Zulu!

06/15/2024

Please help us congratulate SN Depratti on earning his 47’ MLB Crew Member certification. SN Depratti plans to continue his Coast Guard career as a Boatswain Mate and, with this qualification, should be headed off to BM A-School in the near future. Bravo Zulu!

06/08/2024

It’s been a big week here in Bodega Bay!

Officer in Charge, BMCS Robert Norris was promoted to CWO2 and will be continuing to serve D11 at Sector San Francisco.

Executive Petty Officer, BMC Scott Hunter was also promoted to CWO2 and will be taking over as the First Lieutenant of CGC Munro, home port in Alameda, CA.

BM2 Aaron Schuster advanced to BM1 and will be reporting to USCG Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, WA next month.

Thanks to the families, friends, surrounding units, and Sector SF for attending and making this such a special week! Bravo Zulu!

06/07/2024

Please help us congratulate MK3 Salvador, Station Bodega Bay’s newest certified Boarding Officer. Bravo Zulu!

05/31/2024

Please help us congratulate FN Hixson on his Communications Watch certification and SN Goudy on 47’ MLB Crew Member! Bravo Zulu!

05/20/2024

Please help us congratulate our newly certified Boat Crew Members FN Jenks and SN Ritter. Bravo Zulu!

05/13/2024

Congratulations BM3 Smith on becoming the newest 47’ Motor Life Boat “Coxswain” at station Bodega Bay!

As many know, becoming a coxswain is one of the biggest steps in continuing a successful career as a Boatswain’s mate. Only those who show trustworthiness, ability to lead and relentless drive will achieve this. Over many months, countless hours of training and a steadfast determination to his craft, BM3 Smith passed his “Check Ride” and oral boards, obtaining his qualification.

Congrats BM3, you’ve earned it.

Pictures attached- his qualification has already been in use this weekend, towing a 21’ disabled vessel back into the harbor on Mother’s Day!

04/23/2024