Trips with the Commandant

​By Carl Seale, CWO4, USCG (Ret.)
President, CWOA – 1979

My name is Carl Seale, CWO4, retired. I was President of the Chief Warrant Officers Association (CWOA) in 1979.

I had the pleasure of traveling from Washington to Yorktown—when OCS was located there—to present the CWO award to the selected OCS graduate. For each graduating OCS class, I would check with the Commandant’s aide to see whether someone on the Commandant’s staff would be the guest speaker. If so, I would ask whether the Commandant’s plane was going to Yorktown and, if there was an open seat, if I could hitch a ride.

A Rough Landing at Yorktown

On one occasion, we were flying in a twin-engine prop aircraft. The Commandant’s wife was also onboard. As we approached Yorktown, the pilot announced that there was a strong crosswind. The aircraft crabbed toward the runway, and when the wheels touched down, the plane snapped sharply into alignment with the runway.
The Commandant’s wife screamed and grabbed her husband. The pilot received a few pointed comments from her as we deplaned.
After the graduation ceremony, the captain—CO of Yorktown—invited the Commandant, his wife, and aide to lunch in his quarters. Since I had traveled with the Commandant, I was also invited as the CO’s guest.
During lunch, I was asked about the Association, which gave me the opportunity to address some of our concerns and talk about our activities. All in all, it was a good day for the CWOA.

The Jet Trip

On another occasion, I was privileged to accompany the Commandant to Yorktown aboard his twin-engine jet. The Commandant worked with his staff on both the trip down and the return flight, so our only interaction was while we waited to be seated on the platform for the graduation ceremony.

Grand Haven – July 1979

In July 1979, the aide called and asked whether my wife and I would like to join the Commandant’s plane to Grand Haven, Michigan. I had received an invitation from the Coast Guard Birthday Planning Committee and accepted the offer. It was tradition for the CWOA President and spouse to be offered seats on the plane.
As in previous years, the aircraft stopped in Cleveland to pick up the Ninth Coast Guard District Commander (CGD9), his wife, and aide. The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard and his wife were also onboard. The four of us spent much of the week together at receptions and special events.
While in Grand Haven, we were provided a convertible and a non-rated Coast Guard driver from the USCGC Mackinaw. We were invited to all special events, and my wife and I rode in the convertible in the parade—from the start all the way to the reviewing stand, where the officers changed uniforms and took the stage to review the remainder of the parade.
The week was both fun and entertaining, and we met many great people. The night of professional entertainment was outstanding.

The Takeoff That Wasn’t

On our final day, we were packed and ready to go but delayed due to a storm moving through. We eventually arrived at the airport and flew to Cleveland, where CGD9 departed.
We taxied to the end of the runway. Of course, the Commandant’s wife was onboard—brace yourself.
The engines revved, and we sped down the runway, nearing go/no-go speed when suddenly the engines went into reverse and the brakes were applied firmly. All passengers lurched forward. The Commandant’s wife screamed as she pitched ahead.
We taxied back to the terminal while the crew began troubleshooting. A warning light had illuminated, forcing the aborted takeoff.
After some time, the crew could not identify the cause. The pilot announced we would try again. The Commandant’s wife stated firmly that we should not have to endure another rapid stop.
Nevertheless, we taxied out, revved the engines, and started our takeoff. Nearly reaching the same point, the engines again reversed and the brakes slammed on. Back to the terminal we went.
The pilot suggested we deplane while they investigated further. We were told it could take two hours—or two days.
While waiting in the lakeside terminal, the same storm we had experienced in Grand Haven passed through. We watched several sailboats blown over on their sides.
A C-141 had been readied in Traverse City as a backup. When the pilot informed the Commandant that repairs would take two days, the C-141 was launched.
What a difference—flying in the Commandant’s jet versus a C-141 with pallet seating and no noise insulation.
We flew back to Washington through yet another storm, said our goodbyes, and drove home—once again through our “special” storm. I did not fly with the Commandant’s wife a third time.

One More Commandant’s Plane Story

While serving as Vice President of the CWOA, I was also a CWO assignment officer. Each assignment officer traveled to the field during November and/or December to meet with their constituents.
I planned a trip to the Gulf Coast to visit as many large units as possible. I had written a Christmas message from the Commandant to the CWOA and needed a one-on-one meeting for his review.
I called the aide and asked whether the Commandant would be traveling to the Gulf Coast soon. He replied that they would be going to Miami in a couple of weeks. I explained my purpose and asked if there was room on the plane. He later called back and confirmed everything was set—and that I would have time with the Commandant.
During the flight, the aide came to my seat and asked for the letter. One of the staff officers reviewed it and made a few changes while I spoke with the Commandant. He then read the revised letter and approved it.
Upon arrival in Miami, I was met by several warrant officers and began my official detailer visits. That evening, the Miami CWO chapter met, and I addressed the group.
From there, I traveled to Clearwater/St. Petersburg, meeting with CWOs from the Group and the air station, followed by another chapter meeting with spouses. I then continued on to Mobile, and later New Orleans, repeating the same routine.
I returned to Washington and back to work.
I was able to meet with individual CWOs and entire chapters at no cost to the Association—and saved Coast Guard travel funds by flying Coast Guard aircraft.