ON PATROL  -  August, September 2009
Start of a training evolution, making up the lines
Sending over a line to take a vessl in tow
Making fast the tow line
Making way with the training vessel in stern tow
Another patrol day; this time joint training with an active duty Coast Guard crew from Station Merrimack River
The crew from CG Station Merrimack River practice a stern tow
Another training evolution, going to a side tow
Now a reversal of training roles, sending over a line to take the vessel from CG Station Merrimack River in tow
Making way with the station vessel in stern tow
Training interrupted by the real thing; arriving on scene to assist a stranded vessel
Quickly and easily taking the stranded vessel into a side tow; all that training pays off

(By the way, don't blame the photographer, we had to blur out the faces of the civilians to post these photos on the internet)
Standard operating procedure, everyone dons their PFDs
Perfect end to a busy patrol, a peaceful sunset cruise back to the dock
Beach-goers out on the sandbar; dramatic picture viewed from this angle, kind of looks like they are right in the path of all that boat traffic!
Its views like this that make all the effort worthwhile.
Auxiliary vessel on approach, a welcome sight to any mariner in distress
One last training evolution before the sun goes down.
Speedboat races in the Merrimack off Haverhill.

One of the more active patrol missions assigned to the Auxiliary by the Coast Guard station.  Establishing picket lines to insure the safety of the racers and the spectator fleet.