U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Skipjack

08/04/2026

Happy Coast Guard Day! Celebrating 236 years 🇺🇸⚓️

07/16/2026

This week, the crew of USCGC SKIPJACK partnered with Station Port Canaveral for some underway training designed to strengthen coordination, communication, and operational readiness.

SKIPJACK conducted a towing evolution, towing a Station Port Canaveral RBM while crews practiced proper towing procedures and coordination between units. Once the tow was complete, Station Port Canaveral transitioned into practicing alongside maneuvers, safely bringing the RBM alongside SKIPJACK while both vessels were underway. These evolutions sharpen the boat handling and teamwork necessary to safely execute missions at sea.

The crew also conducted navigation drills, including a Man Overboard (MOB) exercise that culminated in the deployment and recovery of SKIPJACK’s Surface Swimmer. Regular training like this ensures our crews remain proficient and ready to respond when every second counts.

Training together strengthens our partnerships, hones critical skills, and ensures we’re always prepared to answer the call.

06/29/2026

Earlier today, the crew of USCGC SKIPJACK had the distinct privilege of meeting with Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Launch Director for the Artemis II mission.

During the visit, Ms. Blackwell-Thompson personally thanked the crews of USCGC SKIPJACK, Station Port Canaveral, and Marine Safety Unit Port Canaveral for our collective efforts in enforcing the security zone during the Artemis II launch. The success and safety of a mission of this magnitude depend on the dedication and coordination of countless professionals working together, and we are proud to have played a role in supporting America’s return to crewed deep space exploration.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this historic mission and appreciate the strong partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and our NASA partners. Thank you to Station Port Canaveral and MSU Port Canaveral for your outstanding teamwork and professionalism throughout the operation.

06/17/2026

The crew of USCGC SKIPJACK gathered on 12JUN2026 to celebrate a Change of Command ceremony, a time-honored naval tradition marking the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from LT Jessup Pawelczyk to LTJG Lillia Farlow.

Over the past two years, LT Pawelczyk led SKIPJACK through numerous operational successes while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and mission excellence. Under his leadership, the crew proudly served the maritime community and remained steadfast in executing the Coast Guard’s missions. In recognition of his service and dedication to the cutter, LT Pawelczyk was presented with the commissioning pennant that proudly flew aboard SKIPJACK throughout his command, a lasting symbol of his leadership and the legacy he leaves behind.

Following his tour aboard SKIPJACK, LT Pawelczyk will report to Guam to assume command of Coast Guard Cutter FREDERICK HATCH. The crew thanks LT Pawelczyk and his family for their unwavering support and wishes them fair winds and following seas as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

The crew also welcomed LTJG Lillia Farlow as SKIPJACK’s new Commanding Officer. LTJG Farlow joins SKIPJACK from Coast Guard Cutter VENTUROUS in St. Petersburg, Florida, bringing a strong commitment to leadership and mission success. The crew looks forward to serving under her command as SKIPJACK continues to uphold the Coast Guard’s Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.

Please join us in thanking LT Pawelczyk for his dedicated service and welcoming LTJG Farlow to the SKIPJACK family.

Semper Paratus!

06/10/2026

Congratulations to MK2 Nicholas Wagner on being selected as the Sector Jacksonville Consolidated Sailor of the Quarter.

MK2 Wagner’s outstanding performance, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to mission excellence set him apart among his peers throughout the Sector Jacksonville area of responsibility. As a member of USCGC SKIPJACK, he consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both his shipmates and the Coast Guard mission.

In recognition of his accomplishments, MK2 Wagner was presented the Sector Jacksonville Consolidated Sailor of the Quarter award by Captain Aleksak. This prestigious honor reflects his hard work, initiative, and continued commitment to the Coast Guard’s Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.

The crew of SKIPJACK is proud to serve alongside MK2 Wagner and congratulates him on this well deserved achievement. His success is a testament to the caliber of personnel serving aboard SKIPJACK and throughout the Coast Guard.

Bravo Zulu, MK2 Wagner!

06/08/2026

⚓️Attention to Advancement⚓️

Congratulations to BM1 Mason Ormsby on his advancement to Chief Petty Officer and transfer from USCGC SKIPJACK.

During his year aboard SKIPJACK, BM1 Ormsby served as the cutter’s Operations Petty Officer, where his leadership, professionalism, and dedication were instrumental to the unit’s operational success. His commitment to mission ex*****on, operational readiness, and the development of his shipmates left a lasting impact on the crew.

Surrounded by family, friends, and shipmates, BM1 Ormsby was advanced to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, marking a significant milestone in his Coast Guard career. During the ceremony, he was also recognized with the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for his outstanding service and contributions to the unit.

As Chief Ormsby and his family prepare for their next adventure, he will report to Coast Guard Cutter JOSEPH DOYLE. The crew of SKIPJACK thanks Chief Ormsby and his family for their service, sacrifice, and support throughout their time aboard. We are confident he will continue to lead with excellence and make a positive impact on his new crew.

Fair winds and following seas, Chief Ormsby, and congratulations on this well earned achievement.

Bravo Zulu!

10/06/2025

NOTICE: DUE TO THE LAPSE IN FEDERAL FUNDING, INFORMATION ON THIS SOCIAL MEDIA SITE WILL NOT BE ACTIVELY MANAGED.

10/30/2024

USCGC Skipjack spent the last week working for the Naval Air Station Airshow featuring the Blue Angels!

During this time the crew came together to celebrate one of our Non-rates Birthdays. Happy Birthday FN Walden!

We also celebrated our newest Cuttermen, MKC Helterhoff! In the Coast Guard once a member has hit 5 years of sea time they go through a board process to be inducted into a very selective group and by the end of it are able to wear the much revered Cuttermen's Insignia! Congratulations MKC!

10/24/2024

Fair winds and following seas to FN Esquivel and SN Oyola Rivera.

FN Esquivel departed for the Airman Program and will be attending AET A-School in the near future.

SN Oyola departed for TRACEN Yorktown to attend MST A-School.

Best of luck in your future endeavors! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!

10/09/2024