United States Coast Guard

The 2025 Windjammer Days will shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who have served, are serving, or are preparing to serve in one of the most respected branches of the U.S. military: the Coast Guard. From active-duty members and retired veterans to the bright future leaders currently enrolled at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we’ll explore their personal stories, their contributions to the community, and the impact they've made on the nation's maritime security. 

If you would like to meet some of the Coast Guardsmen and Coast Guardswomen, make this date on your calendar, for an informal Meet & Greet on Monday, June 23th, 3:30-5:00 (location to be determined). 

Each of our schooner sponsors have chosen an inspirational Coast Guardsman or Guardswoman to celebrate during our Windjammer Days Festival. These Guardsmen and Guardswomen will be invited to a dinner to be held in their honor.

Chief Snyder was inspired to join the U.S. Coast Guard by his father who was also a member Coast Guard. As he moved throughout his childhood with new assignments for his dad, he met numerous “Coasties” who told adventurous stories of their travels and responsibilities. He particularly remembers a pivotal incident in Maryland in 1993. At that time, he was home with his father who was the ocer in charge at Coast Guard Station St. Ingos. His father received a call about a sinking shing boat called the El Toro II and took young Doug along with him to investigate. First they went to the station, where Doug quietly sat in the corner and listened to the chaos on the radio. Afterward he accompanied his father to the site where all the ambulances were staged and he watched his father provide medical attention to those in need. Chief Snyder recalls this as an amazing experience to see how the Coast Guard operated in such tragic circumstances.

After joining the Coast Guard following high school and completing boot camp, Chief Snyder’s primary goal was to to get on a ship and travel. His rst assignment was on a 270 foot Cutter, the Escanba which was based out of Boston. The ship would go on patrols for a month or two and then return to home port. There he worked in the deck department and became a Boatswain Mate, following in his father’s footsteps. As a Boatswain Mate he served as a boat driver, boarding ocer, and Ocer of the Day, among many other additional duties. After about two years on the boat, Chief Snyder realized that this lifestyle wasn’t for him and requested a transfer to a small boat station. He received orders to go to Boothbay Harbor and while there he became a Coxswain and a Law Enforcement ocer. Also around this time the Coast Guard was starting its Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT). Wanting to shift his focus from search and rescue to law enforcement duties, he left Boothbay Harbor and went to Chesapeake, VA to serve as a Canine Handler for the MSRT. Chief Snyder found being a canine handler to be incredibly fullling. Working with dogs taught him far more than he ever anticipated. Just the thought of watching a dog locate a bomb or track a person still gives him goosebumps!

One of Chief Snyder’s most memorable experiences was meeting President George H.W. Bush. While he was stationed in Boothbay Harbor he remembers the Chief calling him into his oce to inform him that President Bush was going to Friendship Harbor that weekend and needed an escort. It was also the same weekend as the Friendship Lobster Boat Races, so the races were paused to escort President Bush to the dock. President Bush graciously agreed to photos and gave the Coast Guard a tour of his boat. The President also posed for pictures with individuals and the whole crew. Before President Bush left, Chief Snyder asked if he would like to give the crowd a show by racing the Coast Guard ship against President Bush’s boat. The president agreed and they paused the Lobster Boat races one more time for their match. President Bush’s boat easily outran the Coast Guard boat and put on a fantastic display for the crowd. Another memorable experience was President Obama’s rst inauguration where a week prior to the inauguration the Coast Guard had the responsibility to search for bombs along the river and other assigned places. He was assisted by his Dutch Shepard, K9 Cuba. The day of the inauguration, they were tasked with crossing the river to search for a suspicious person at a marina. They relied on their GPS for directions, but due to many road closures, the GPS led them down a route lled with vendors, tents and pedestrians which turned out to be the parade route. They were just ve minutes ahead of the President’s arrival and could see the Marine Corps band playing in the rearview mirror. Other exciting times included being deployed to Jamestown, Virginia when the Queen of England was visiting and the prospect of going to Boston for the World Series, the latter of which unfortunately resulted in searching the airport rather than Fenway Park.

Chief Snyder credits the Coast Guard in giving him a huge amount of responsibility at a young age. Before he could legally have an alcoholic beverage, he was in charge of many signicant operations, such as refueling at sea. This maneuver involved bringing two large ships close enough to transfer fuel and goods between them. He learned essential lessons about leadership and ownership that stay with him until this day and he also learned to take ownership for his mistakes. He believes that the Coast Guard’s culture is unique, being one of the smaller branches of the military, but also having a broad range of jobs. He hopes that his legacy in Coast Guard will be that he left everything better than he found it. As to those considering a career in the Coast Guard, Chief Snyder says it was an honor to serve and that joining the military can be one of the most fulfilling jobs that you will ever have with the benefits of serving your country lasting a lifetime.

Now, I would like to say that my Coast Guard hitch of five years was nothing but day after day of exciting heroics. Wow, what a story. Jumping out of helicopters in the dark, driving surfboats through hurricanes, patrolling the North Atlantic for icebergs.

Well, no. That was what my still-adolescent mind envisioned in 1970 when I enlisted, having spent boyhood summers on the New Jersey barrier islands. Local Coast Guardsmen there were regarded as demigods, super heroes. Indeed, my big brother became one of those guys, coxswain of a surfboat out of Atlantic City.

My own experience was different. It is said that no Coast Guard career is the same as any other. It’s true. After doing the pushups and drills at Cape May, it was off to diesel mechanic school at Yorktown, where I was about to graduate at the top of my class, when I was summoned from class and told that I was late in reporting to Officer Candidate School, also at Yorktown. So, said I, maybe I’ll be going to sea after all, with better pay and creature comforts! Cool!

Well, no again. After six months of studying navigation, seamanship, vessel handling, gunnery, and more drilling, I was ordered to a base on the Delaware River. There I was on the staff of the Captain of the Port, primarily a law-enforcement job supervising the stowage of dangerous cargoes on merchant ships. This included ammunition headed for Vietnam. Initially I was disappointed in this assignment, but came to realize, that as seemingly invisible as the task was, it probably saved numerous lives of merchant seamen.

In addition, as Officer-of-the-day, a periodic duty shared with four other junior officers, I controlled search and rescue efforts on the river. For me, the capstone of my brief career was directing a multi-unit effort following the explosion of the tankship “Elias”, with multiple fatalities and crewmen overboard at night. There were several medals, well-deserved, awarded to the young Coast Guardsmen who fought that fire and spent many hours searching.

So, I will summarize by saying that my Coast Guard experience was a good one. I’m proud of it. I encourage any young person who wants to engage in service to the country to consider the Coast Guard. There will be long periods of perhaps dull watch-standing, and training, but it’s all part of the “Semper Paratus” (always ready) mission.

I currently live in Alna with my wife, Mary. My local maritime experience includes serving as Captain of a University of Maine research vessel, Captain of a "Boat US" towboat for many summers, and work in the mechanic departments of several local marinas. I briefly had a brush with the corporate banking world here in Boothbay Harbor years ago. For many years now my "day job" has been as a self-employed farrier. I am the owner of the small steel schooner Sycamore built in my Alna backyard. I feel privileged to be invited again to participate in Windjammer Days.

Growing up in Boothbay Harbor, surrounded by boats, I felt a deep desire to help save people in trouble. Also, my uncle Bill Parmenter USCG (ret) took me to his units when I was a kid. This passion led me to a 22-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, during which I was transferred to various units and stations.

I was stationed in Boothbay Harbor for about five years and even served as Officer in Charge on a few occasions while waiting for a Chief to assume the role. When I first arrived, the Coast Guard Station was located across the street from where the station is now.

My initial assignment was aboard the CGC Acushnet, a 213-foot ocean-going tugboat. After that, I was stationed at Boothbay Harbor Station before transferring to other units, including Kennebec River Station, CGC Shackle, and then back to Boothbay Harbor. I made Chief at Boothbay Harbor Station and was transferred to the CGC Yankton, Portland Lightship, and French Frigate Shoals, where George Crocker from Boothbay told me he built that island while he was in the Navy Seabees. Then to Base Charleston in South Carolina where I made Senior Chief and transferred to District One Search and Rescue in Boston. In my role at District One, I was responsible for all boats 65 feet and under, from Eastport to Newport, RI. It was during this time that the 41-foot boats were being assigned and I was asked where the next one was going. I said, Boothbay Harbor Station. I made Master Chief in the District and transferred to the CGC Point Batan in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

My final assignment was on the CGC Point Batan, an 82-foot cutter, where I served as Officer in Charge. While doing patrol in Key West, I had the honor of taking out the Coast Guard Commandant Hayes. When he came aboard, I handed him a copy of the Boothbay Register. Surprised, he asked how I knew. I told him I lived right near him in Boothbay Harbor. I had six family members in the Coast Guard and three retired including my daughter Sharon Machon Ames. My journey through the Coast Guard was filled with varied assignments, each contributing to my growth and dedication to saving lives at sea.

D.J. Holcomb's path to the U.S. Coast Guard was one that evolved with time, shaped by family influence and personal reflection. Born into a family with a rich Coast Guard legacy, Holcomb had always admired the work his father did in the service. His father served for 22 years, and young DJ often found himself visiting Coast Guard stations and experiencing the excitement of life on the water. But it wasn’t until after high school, when his plans to play football at college fell through, that Holcomb decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. He figured the Coast Guard could be a solid stepping stone while he figured out his next move. What started as a temporary decision has turned into a remarkable 20-year career, with no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

When Holcomb first joined the Coast Guard, his initial goals were clear: earn the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and become certified as Officer in Charge (OIC). His father, who had served as both a Chief and OIC at CG STA Boothbay Harbor, served as a role model for Holcomb. He admired his father's leadership and aspired to follow a similar path. Over time, Holcomb’s goals evolved as he became more invested in his career. Today, he holds the prestigious position of Commanding Officer at USCGC Warren Deyampert, stationed in Boston, MA.

Holcomb’s first assignment came after basic training when he was assigned to CGC Thunder Bay, homeported in Rockland, ME. As is common with most first assignments, this was a time of adjustment, where the DJ had to adapt to the military lifestyle, learn new skills, and earn qualifications. Despite the initial challenges, Holcomb felt at home in the service. The tight-knit crew and the work they did together helped him realize that he had made the right decision. He began honing his skills as a Boatswain’s Mate, eventually earning certifications as a coxswain and Deck Watch Officer on various boats and ships.

Throughout his career, Holcomb has had the opportunity to serve in multiple operational roles, including Search & Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, and Ports, Waterways & Coastal Security. One of the most memorable assignments in his career came when he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and sent to CGC Stratton in Alameda, CA. This was his first experience aboard a ship that would take him across the globe, visiting countries like Fiji, Australia, India, and Singapore. It was an eye-opening experience, as it reinforced the idea that, like the Navy, the Coast Guard operates globally, conducting vital missions including drug interdiction and freedom of navigation.

The Coast Guard has shaped Holcomb both professionally and personally. Professionally, it has given him leadership roles early in his career and allowed him to develop skills in accountability and discipline. Personally, the experience has helped him become more compassionate, understanding, and task-oriented. The leadership opportunities in the Coast Guard are unique, often empowering junior members with responsibilities that other branches might reserve for higher ranks. These early leadership experiences have translated into Holcomb’s personal life, helping him navigate the responsibilities of being a father.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Holcomb's career is the opportunity to lead. He finds great satisfaction in watching his crew members evolve both personally and professionally. The opportunity to mold future leaders and mariners is something Holcomb takes great pride in.

While he doesn’t focus on leaving a personal legacy, he hopes to leave the Coast Guard in a better place by training the next generation of leaders and ensuring they care about the job as much as he does.

As for advice to those considering joining the Coast Guard, Holcomb encourages exploration of the many different paths that you can take in the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard offers a variety of specializations, and finding one that aligns with personal interests is key, whether you're in for a few years or a career spanning decades. He encourages talking to a recruiter and also reaching out to the local stations and asking for a tour.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Holcomb credits the Coast Guard for more than just his career. It was through his service that he met his wife, Janelle. The connection formed with her brother, a fellow Coast Guard member, eventually led to Holcomb meeting Janelle. The two have now been happily married for 12 years and have two beautiful daughters.

How I got started: It was the third or fourth weekend in August 1957 when our family wandered down route 27, turned left on route 96 (Eastern Ave.), and found the Ocean Point Inn. We spent the weekend there, liked it so much that a reservation was made for the next summer. I haven’t missed a summer here since. My parents dream house was built here, and they enjoyed the home for nearly 30 years. Now, it’s the next generation’s turn.

Boating for me was entirely recreational during high school and college summers, learning by experience as well as noticing the routes taken by tour boats such as the Linekin I & II, Novelty, and Argo. Much of it was trial and error as only teenagers can enjoy. With retirement, kids and grandkids, there was need to become a more responsible boater. So, I took a boating safety course offered by the Auxiliary, liked the instructors, and ended up joining. It was great to go out with and learn from very experienced boaters.

What is the Auxiliary? Federal military units have active duty and reserve personnel. Two units also have volunteer components. The Air Force has the Civil Air Patrol, and the Coast Guard has the Auxiliary. An easy way to describe the Auxiliary is we do most everything the Coast Guard does except law enforcement. The Auxiliary even has the AUXAIR which is similar to the CAP with the focus on our coastline. Auxiliarists do not hold ranks. Rather we hold offices. Neither a military background nor boat ownership are required. Because the Auxiliary is a volunteer organization, a member can follow personal interests and be as busy as that individual wants.

My interest was on improving boating skills and I got involved with the Boat Crew program. The area we cover is from Small Point at the Eastern end of Casco Bay to just East of Monhegan. Typical activities during patrols are area familiarization, safety, regattas, search and rescue, verifying aids to navigation, and assisting boaters. Training is an important component with an emphasis on towing, boat handling, and navigation. We also provide the opportunity for the active duty to practice towing recreational boats. These activities have been a great way to learn how to operate a boat in a variety of situations.

The best way to learn something is to teach it, so I became an instructor for our public education courses. We offer several courses throughout the year. They are Suddenly in Command, Boat America, Navigating Mid Coast Maine either in-person or via distance learning. Other Auxiliary programs include Food Service, Environmental Safety, Courtesy Vessel Inspections, Commercial Vessel Inspections, Environmental Safety and Watchstanding.