Egan Maritime Institute’s Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum will open Saturday May 23rd with a new exhibit “Heroes of the Sea”, which celebrates the 225th Anniversary of the United States Coast Guard.
The exhibit honors the 225 years of U.S. Coast Guard heritage and service with a display of photographs, information, and unique artifacts. Included in this exhibit is a hat box crafted by Matthew Welsh, Senior Chief at Coast Guard Station Brant Point, the original Loran sign that once hung at the Coast Guard Station in ‘Sconset, Coast Guard flags, as well as additional articles and memorabilia related to the Coast Guard on Nantucket.
On August 4, 1790, 225 years ago, the Federal Government established the United States Revenue Cutter Service at the recommendation of America’s first Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton. This organization, acting as an armed customs enforcement agency, was responsible for policing American waters and enforcing maritime laws, while also assisting mariners in distress.
In 1871, the United States Life-saving service was born and was led by General Superintendent Sumner Increase Kimball. This service also provided assistance to mariners and souls at sea in peril.
When the two services merged by an act of Congress in January, 1915, they became known, from that day forward, as the United States Coast Guard.
For more than two centuries, the United States Coast Guard has safeguarded our nation’s maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, and around the globe. From its start, with the inception of the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790 to its merger with the United States Lifesaving Service in 1915, to what we now know as the United States Coast Guard, they protect the maritime economy, defend our maritime borders and save those in peril at sea.
Embracing their motto, “Semper Paratus”, Always Ready, today’s United States Coast Guard, with nearly 42,000 men and women on active duty, continues to be a unique force that carries out an array of civil and military responsibilities touching almost every facet of the United States’ maritime environment.
Their core values, “Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty”, give definition to the courageous and awe-inspiring men and women who have, and continue to keep us safe, both at home and at sea.
The Senior Chiefs at USCG Station Brant Point
The Last Twenty Years
BMCS John W. “Jack” Downey
Downey was promoted to District ONE Command Master Chief and is now retired.
BMCS Robert Tallman
Tallman retired at the conclusion of his tour and is now Nantucket’s Airport Security Officer.
BMCS Sheila Lucey
Under Lucey’s command, USCG Station Brant Point was commended for being the best in the nation. Lucey is now Nantucket’s Harbormaster.
BMCS Terrill J. “TJ” Malvesti
Malvesti was promoted to Warrant Officer and transferred to Texas with his family.
BMCS Matthew James
James was promoted to Warrant Officer and transferred to California with his family.
BMCS Matthew T. Welsh
Welsh is Nantucket’s present, and highly regarded, Senior Chief at USCG Station Brant Point.
With much appreciation and gratitude, we give thanks to the following who made this exhibit possible:
- Jeff Allen
- Rob Benchley
- LeeAnn Buse
- EganSign
- Eric Finger
- CWO-3 David Fronzuto USCG Ret.
- Jivko Kalpazanov
- David Lazarus
- Leslie Linsley
- Chris Mason/Novation Media
- David McCandless
- Ben Moore/Moore Woodworking, Inc.
- Mark Norris
- Al & Mary Novissimo/Novation Media
- Charles Ryan
- Glenn Speer
- BMCS Matthew T. Welsh