Welcome Aboard
Welcome aboard and congratulations on your assignment to the nation's premier high latitude research vessel. As a member of the HEALY team, you will be an integral part of a highly experienced and committed crew helping provide presence and access throughout the Arctic for all of the Coast Guard’s missions and particularly for ground breaking research. We look forward to welcoming you onboard!
Your primary point of contact will be your sponsor, who was assigned in your welcome aboard message. They will provide you with most of the information you require and will assist you in your PCS transition. In the column to the left, you can read about our previous missions, find contact information for USCGC HEALY, and learn the ship’s command, characteristics, and history!
Mission Capability
HEALY is designed to conduct a wide range of research activities, providing more than 4,200 square feet of scientific laboratory space, numerous electronic sensor systems, oceanographic winches, and accommodations for up to 35 scientists. HEALY is designed to break 4 ½ feet of ice continuously at three knots and can operate in temperatures as low as -50 degrees F. The science community provided invaluable input on lab lay-outs and science capabilities during design and construction of the ship. At a time when scientific interest in the Arctic Ocean basin is intensifying, HEALY substantially enhances the United States Arctic research capability.
Common Destinations on Deployment
Each summer from June to October, HEALY travels north to the Arctic to support the National Science Foundation in conducting scientific research. USCGC HEALY has frequented international ports throughout the pacific but mostly visits ports throughout the pacific northwest, including:
Alaska: Dutch Harbor, Juneau, Kodiak, Ketchikan, Nome, and Juneau.
British Columbia: Victoria, Esquimalt, and Prince Rupert.
Command Philosophy
The eyes of the world are on the Arctic, on the United States, and on Healy. We were chosen for this highly coveted assignment because we embody the Coast Guard core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
My command philosophy is simple, I want each and every shipmate to look back upon our time aboard HEALY as the greatest adventure of our lives. We have the privilege of representing the United States Coast Guard by traveling to places and doing things most people only ever dream of.
I expect us to work hard and do our duty every day to achieve our mission, treat others with the respect that all shipmates deserve and demonstrate virtue and honor in everything we do.
Kenneth J. Boda
Commanding Officer
Cell Phones in Alaska
GSM (Global System for Mobiles) phones tend to work better than CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) phones in Alaska. Common GSM providers are T-Mobile and AT&T. Common CDMA providers are Sprint, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular. For those who desire more reliable cell phone access during Alaskan port calls, it is recommended to consider changing cell phone providers to those listed above.
Ratings Present at Unit
MK, EM, DC, ET, IT, HS, OS, YN, BM, MST, SK, CS.
Typical SN/SA Job Assignment
Primary responsibilities of deck non-rates will be standing watch as Lookout and Helmsman, Winch Operator, A-Frame Operator, Rigger, and may include Helicopter tie-down, Cutter Rescue Swimmer, Ice Rescue, and Quartermaster of the Watch. You will also participate in science operations and with over the side deployment of water sampling equipment.
Typical FN/FA Job Assignment
Primary responsibilities of engineering non rates will be standing watch as Technician of the Watch, performing maintenance and repair of mechanical systems. Upon reporting, FN/FA will be assigned to work for either the Main Propulsion (Main Prop) or Auxiliary Systems (A-Gang) divisions.
Helpful Links
Questions
For any questions regarding the reporting in process, please contact YNC Mandy Bowen (Mandy.L.Bowen@uscg.mil) or (206) 217-6300.