United States Coast Guard MSU Lake Charles

10/01/2025

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01/22/2025

⭐️⚓️ Attention to Advancement! ⭐️⚓️

Please join us in congratulating Chief Jay Buehner, who was recently advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer!

Senior Chief Buehner, who currently serves as the Chief of Facilities at MSU Lake Charles, is a true leader who consistently goes above and beyond for his shipmates. He is dedicated to helping, motivating, and guiding his team to become the best versions of themselves.

Since joining our Chiefs' Mess, Senior Chief Buehner has been an invaluable asset to the unit. His hard work, dedication, and leadership have earned him this well-deserved advancement!

Congratulations, Senior Chief Buehner! Your commitment to excellence is an inspiration to us all. 👏

01/09/2025

It is with great respect and profound sadness that we honor the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a man whose dedication to public service extended far beyond the White House. As a former Navy officer and lifelong advocate for veterans, his commitment to our country and its people was unwavering.

Throughout his life, President Carter supported the U.S. Coast Guard and our mission, understanding the vital role we play in safeguarding the nation’s waters and protecting our communities. His leadership inspired generations of service members, and his legacy will continue to influence those who serve.

Rest in peace, Mr. President. Your contributions to our country, and to the men and women of the Coast Guard, will never be forgotten.

11/19/2024

Attention to Award!

Today MSU Lake Charles was joined by CAPT Trey Wirth, CG-MER, to present us the 2023 RADM
Sidney A. Wallace Award for Excellence in Marine Environmental Response and Preparedness - Unit Award.

The Wallace Award recognizes units and individual members who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and initiative embodied by RADM Wallace throughout his career.

In 2023 MSU Lake Charles mobilized quickly upon
notification of a lightning strike that caused a catastrophic fire at a cargo storage tank containing over 1.9 million gallons of Naphtha, resulting in an 18-hour fire, damage to two tanks, and a $10 million loss in product. MSU Lake Charles established an emergency safety zone, implemented booming strategies, and facilitated the disposal of 9.5 million gallons of contaminated firewater through deep well injection in Texas. MSU Lake Charles collaborated with the Research and Development Center to create a handheld device application for pre and post-storm damage assessments, later adapted for pollution scenarios. MSU Lake Charles' innovative approach facilitated over 100 preliminary assessments and set a new standard for using technology in pollution response efforts.

MSU Lake Charles is ecstatic to be selected as the 2023 winner of this prestigious award within the Coast Guard. As a fun side note, MSU Lake Charles does not have a Response Department unlike some larger MSUs. This just further highlights the amazing teamwork, innovation, and problem solving we are doing down here in the Bayou!

11/12/2024

Let us introduce our coastie of the month!

❗️Lieutenant Commander Glenn Hargrave❗️

Mr. Hargrave is serving as the Chief of Prevention here at MSU Lake Charles. He joined the Coast Guard through the Direct Commission Maritime Graduate Program after he graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy. He is also an alumni of Texas A&M.

Glenn joined the Coast Guard because he wanted to have a positive impact on his community and actively contribute to the safety and well-being of others. He also knew that this career would offer upward mobility and would bring excitement to his everyday life.

His favorite place he's been stationed was college Station, Texas while he was completing the Coast Guard sponsored marine safety engineering postgraduate program at Texas A&M. It allowed him to step away from normal Coast Guard duties and be in a college life while also being immersed in Texas A&M's traditions.

One of his best memories is being sent to France to inspect a cruise ship after construction. He was able to fly out a week before the inspection with his wife and they were able to sightsee some popular tourist areas in Paris, including Disneyland, Paris! 🇫🇷

The biggest lesson Mr.Hargrave has learned from  his time in the Coast Guard is to take care of your people .

✨"When a team feels valued and supported they will succeed in achieving the mission" - LCDR Glenn Hargrave✨

11/02/2024

This Halloween some amazing members from MSU Lake Charles attending a trunk or treat at Brentwood Elementary School, where over 200 families got to take part in this spectacular event.

Thank you to Brentwood Elementary for letting us continue this tradition with you all!

10/28/2024

Attention to Advancement!✨

Please join us in wishing a happy advancement to MST1 John Decanini and MST2 Za'Ria Chapman.

We are so excited to witness the beginning of this new journey for our shipmates. We know that with power comes responsibility, and we are fully confident that they will be able to navigate their way effortlessly and responsibly!

BRAVO ZULU SHIPMATES! ⚓️

10/24/2024

📰SOWELA & LCTCS in the news - Natchitoches Times📰

State’s community & technical colleges to launch U.S. Coast Guard direct enlistment program!

The Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS) & the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) Wednesday to establish a Direct Enlistment Lateral Entry Program during a special signing ceremony at SOWELA Technical Community College.

https://loom.ly/lfGDnEA

08/31/2024

To protect personnel and vessels from potential hazards created by the implosion of the Capital One building, there will be a safety zone enforced on the western shore of Lake Charles in accordance with the below graphic. The zone will be enforced September 7, 2024 from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. During this time frame, no persons or vessels may enter without permission from the Captain of the Port.

KPLC 7 News Lake Charles City Hall

08/04/2024

Happy 234th birthday! We hope to celebrate another 234 years serving the Lake Charles community!

08/04/2024

Thank you Lake Charles City Hall and Nic Hunter Lake Charles Mayor for helping us celebrate our birthday! United States Coast Guard MSU Lake Charles was treated to an early birthday party on Friday as members celebrated the 234th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. Today, August 4th, marks our official birthday. Here’s to 234 more!

Lake Charles Coast Guard members gathered at Millenium Park to celebrate the branch’s 234th birthday.