COAST GUARD DECK WATCH OFFICER // Erin’s First Patrol Recap - Lessons learned, Reporting in, Duty

[@davidweyant9356]

Congratulations, shipmate. I served on USCGC Gallatin (WHEC 721) ETN/ET, USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905) ET, USCGC Hamilton (WHEC 715) EMO/HCO. I wish you and your husband a rewarding career.

[@ronbeery6762]

Thank You So Much for sharing this video Erin. I was in the USCG from 1990-1993 at National Motor Lifeboat School in Ilwaco, WA. I really appreciated your commentary at the end about your faith, and balancing life in the military with your Christian faith and the times in your life when you cannot be as committed to your faith as you want to be. Thanks for the reminder that God is always there for us, even when our duties interfere, and he still loves us the same. I have struggled with this same issue, and have also come to realize that God also calls us to serve, and we can by paid to serve, as much as we can volunteer to serve. I believe we can honor God in Military, or Police, or EMS service, just as much as serving God through a church. Thanks again for your video! God Bless you and your husband!

[@Sharpbevel]

I was a plank owner on Legare ‘89-92. Congratulation on your quals Erin! So proud of you.

[@cgeorgudis]

I’m going enlisted as a BM. My boot camp is this April 4th and I’m Catholic and I thank God for all the help and guidance Christ will always give us the necessary help thank you 🙏🏼 great video.

[@ErinEdwards]

So awesome! Best of luck and God bless!

[@goldiefish72]

Irish Naval service were involved in a similar migrant patrol in the Mediterranean some years back, rescuing people escaping the conflict in Libya and the Sahel. Very difficult duty. 200 people squashed into one 40 foot fishing boat. Keep up the good work. Also, I found nights on watch at sea bring you far closer to the creator. Big skies, no land in sight. Embrace his creation.

[@petercaires9276]

Congratulations Shipmate! Underway OOD is one of the Hardest jobs and most rewarding. Never stop learning on the bridge, getting qualified is just the beginning.

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you so much!

[@steve1751]

Thank you Erin. Now my cadet won’t have to answer a ton of questions that I always seem to bombard him with 😊

[@ErinEdwards]

Haha my parents can relate!

[@Coastie1790Patriot]

BZ, shipmate. Spent 21 yrs active duty, retired in 97. 2 icebreakers back2back, etc. Stay strong. It will fly by... SemperParatus. PTL.

[@Katie-lq1wb]

I ship off to Tracen Cape May for boot camp this month (28th)! Excited to get through these rough two months, graduate, and be in the actual Coast Guard! (God brought me into the Coast Guard so I’m trusting His plan)!

[@ErinEdwards]

That’s so awesome. Best of luck to you! Praying!

[@LumeiryRodriguezGonzalez]

Wish you the best of luck! Don't take anything personal from the CC's , they are there to help you and graduate. If you get injured, no worries, you will still graduate. Best advice I can give you that helped me is to be on top of things, if one fails you all fail and remeber always walk on the right side. 😅

[@danhentosh2675]

Great video, brings me back to my days on the CGC Campbell 909 and the CGC Seneca 906 as a part of the Engineering Department. Loved being underway and miss those days. Enjoy!

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you!

[@skittlesandfriends5710]

Greetings Erin, Listening to you describe your training and qualifications for your ship after you reported onboard reminds me of my Time in Security Forces in the Air Force back in the early 2000’s Having to be “signed off” to stand the various posts and undergoing additional training and qualifications to drive on the flight line and other requirements, And when I was at MacDill AFB there is additional qualifications to stand posts at both Central Command & Special Operations Command. And being forward deployed you literally had to hit the ground running and had a short time to get acclimated. You have such a wealth of information and knowledge to share to those who are starting their military career’s or considering a military career. Thank You for being willing to share your ups & downs, success & challenges. I wish you and Nolan lots of Success, Peace, Safety, and Happiness in the coming months.

[@ErinEdwards]

Wow thank you for sharing! And for the encouragement!

[@KyleSylvester-s3z]

Can you add more on qualifications and getting qualified quickly?

[@edmoft1]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to make and edit. Would appreciate the "tips for qualification" video too!

[@Borzoi86]

Being a JO with a bunch of collateral duties makes one very efficient (but hopefully clear and succinct) in logging all required details, yes?

[@tomrummel6550]

BZ on your quals! You'll see Key West again. It was a second homeport during my tour on Harriet Lane. Check out USCGC Ingham in KW.

[@rogergibson9748]

Great Stuff Erin!! Congrats on earning Your U/W and In Port OOD quals! Great to get it done so soon. You have great collateral duties that will help you if you continue to your previously stated goal of being a CO of a Patrol Boat. I went to an 82' WPB for my 2nd tour and loved it. Tons of responsibility, but lots of growth opportunities. Keep working hard, Keep working hard! You are off to a great start as a CG Officer.

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you so much!

[@rogergibson9748]

I had written another reply that disappeared, so I guess I screwed up somehow. Keep learning ... every day. Watch how your CO, XO and OPS handle the ship in tight situations, such as mooring. Their experience is there for you to learn from. Rehearse every big evolution in your mind, or with your mentor before you do it... Where is the danger (other ships, rocks, shoals, etc), where is the wind and current. All key elements. IF you ever go into Nassau Bahamas, just expect the current to be wicked! It always is. Be ready for it! I would like to meet you and Nolan some day...I feel like I know you from all your videos, but I think it would be nice. You are off to a great start! Take nothing for granted.

[@lindsayhabben5651]

This is great - my oldest got his Billet for Pensacola FL and will be a Student Engineer - it is fun to see what will be in his future based on your videos - thanks! (1/c Jerad Habben)

[@ErinEdwards]

So cool! Congrats to him!

[@lindsayhabben5651]

He is Naval Arch like Nolan so this is great!

[@kragfearghal]

Wonderful video, been a subscriber since your 2nd year I believe, thanks again for your chose to serve our Country. Awesome update on your current situation, congrats on your marriage, & you are such a credit to yourself. You explain how your education at the Academy has proven your worth as an Officer in USCG. Thank you again for sharing this part of your life and world with us here in KZbin. And God Bless you all that work hard for us at Sea.

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you! I appreciate your faithfulness to our channel and support of our careers and faith. We are very thankful!

[@dwhip49]

Very interesting. Have you considered contacting the CG history office about keeping copies of these "experience" logs? I think they are great mentoring vids for those coming up behind you. Not to mention interesting to see your thought process as you develop your career. Fair Winds... Edit: As far as things to cover...Operations would be interesting, but mostly I think what you are doing is good, covering how you are managing your career and contribution to the boat. I admire your faith. My version of something you said is a tennis analogy: "Playing doubles with God" Something gets to the overwhelming side of the meter and I say..."that one's yours!"

[@ErinEdwards]

Interesting idea! Thank you. That is a very tangible quote and exactly what I meant!

[@hadouslimani5348]

Good Afternoon, I just got assigned to a 270' MEC in Portsmouth as a DWO. I am coming in as a civilian (through DCO) and PCS this summer. This was a great video for someone who has 0 USCG experience, I would love to learn more!

[@ErinEdwards]

Wow! That's so awesome! What cutter will you be going to? Reach out if you have questions!

[@hadouslimani5348]

Please make a video on tips to get qualified quickly!

[@hadouslimani5348]

@@ErinEdwards Tampa! Do you have a preferred form of contact? I definitely have a ton of questions. Thanks!

[@patchristopher6100]

Congrats,thank you for sharing,it is a blessing, what to look for , expect, in those choices of career,may GOD continue to use you at HIS Light in this beautiful world 🌎. Thank you for your service

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you! God bless

[@afcgeo882]

Thank you for doing this video! Underway is the ONLY way!

[@ErinEdwards]

Woop woop!

[@scottcoard1486]

Very interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@RavenL57]

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Erin. I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to see young people who actively seek out our Creator. I love the cross you have on your wall. If you know where I might find one, I would appreciate any info. I'm looking forward to more great videos. May the Lord continue to bless you both.

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you so much for your comment. Hobby Lobby is always great for faith decor! That’s where I got the one on the wall

[@sirjasonakana]

This was great, very informative

[@gaylinlack726]

Erin, Very informative video. Have seen all the videos you have posted regarding life at USCGA. Your testimony is exemplary and your achievements are to be celebrated and commended. I hope you will continue posting as it is hard to edit and post on a regular basis. God’s blessings on you and Nolan are my prayer for you.

[@ErinEdwards]

Thank you so much!

[@LumeiryRodriguezGonzalez]

Hello, I have been watching your channel since you went to the CG Academy. Its been a long journey. I would love to Meet up with you and share stories. I just got sent to Portsmouth CG Base.

[@ErinEdwards]

Reach out on Instagram!

[@rogermalmberg4039]

Bravo Zulu 👍

[@stevenjennings197]

Driving in Hampton Roads is a qualification its self.

[@travelwithtrey8561]

Hey Erin, I have a quick question. Im currently working with a recruiter, and im about to go to MEPS. I want to be on a cutter, so I can visit different states/countries. I also want to be somewhere north when im at homeport. I really like the sound of Kodiak Alaska. Should I say I want to be stationed in Alaska or on a cutter? Thank you

[@danielcurbelo7526]

Hello Erin and Nolan! I have a question about life on a cutter: How does one stay in shape on a ship? I can imagine one doesn’t have a lot of time to themselves underway, so when can one work out?

[@ErinEdwards]

Not a ton of time but my command makes it clear that health is a priority. We have a gym setup in our hangar! Maybe I’ll share more about this sometime!

[@danielcurbelo7526]

Yes please!! Thank you very much!

[@garyparker1937]

Why so many collateral jobs? How can one person be the best in all these jobs. Are there safety and operations concerns here?

[@rick72035]

Did you have to go through additional training to become the cutter's law enforcement officer?

[@ErinEdwards]

Yes, I will have to go to Boarding Officer School!

[@garyparker1937]

Are there chaplains on cutters and bases

[@ErinEdwards]

Major bases yes, cutters not so much. They will come for short periods of time and special events

[@sal1543]

What is your rating?

[@WRPUS471]

Are they "boats" or are they "ships"?

[@ErinEdwards]

Technically cutters. CG doesn’t have this big debate like Navy does lol. We use the terms interchangeably

[@rattlesnakeneckties3718]

Don't get married. Never have kids. The secret to living life on the ocean

[@ErinEdwards]

Definitely harder to be out at sea when you have awesome people to miss! But I wouldn’t change it for the world!