Vince Patton, Ed.D.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, USCG Retired
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s quote is appropriate as far as defining my own academic success. In February, 1973, having just graduated from Coast Guard Radioman ‘A’ School in Petaluma, CA, I reported to my first assignment, the 378 foot high endurance cutter, USCGC DALLAS, which was at the time homeported at Governors Island, NY, a small tiny paradise that sits just a ½ mile or so from the southern tip of Manhattan.
As I said, it was my first assignment after completing almost three months of ‘boot camp’ and six months of my initial specialized technical training in the Coast Guard. To say I was excited and enthusiastic when I reported aboard DALLAS would be an understatement. Just before graduation from Radioman School, we had a short less than five minute training session on how to properly report aboard your first unit, especially if it was a ship. First of all, dress like you’re ready for an inspection. Shoes signed – check. Haircut – check. Uniform neatly pressed and cleaned – double-check. And so on…
After I walk what seemed to be a mile from the Governors Island ferry terminal to my ship which was tied up on the eastern side of the island called “Yankee Pier” carrying my ‘seabag’ which was packed with my worldly belongings of uniforms and other Coast Guard stuff, and lugging a huge canvas ‘gym-type’ bag, I arrive at the quarterdeck (gangway) of the ship. Remembering my five minute ‘how to report aboard’ spiel, I drop my bags, snap to attention, salute the petty officer of the watch and sound off, “SEAMAN RADIOMAN PATTON REPORTING, REQUEST PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD!”
Well, first, the petty officer of the watch, who actually was the same rank and paygrade as I was (a Seaman), looked at me, and started laughing. There were actually tears rolling down his face (not exaggerating). He calls up to one of the guys that were onboard, “Hey Flanagan, check this guy out – he actually saluted me!” So – okay, my first impression on reporting aboard didn’t quite work out the way they told us it was supposed to have happened when I was in Radioman School.
So, after enduring a few moments of good-natured ribbing and ridicule from my new shipmates, Seaman Flanagan, hurried down the brow, shook my hand, and helped me with my bags as I walked up the steep drawbridge like brow setting my feet firmly on the ship at the top. This is it, I thought, I am now in the REAL COAST GUARD. I’m on a ship, my first duty station – this is awesome! For a kid who grew up in the inner-city of Detroit, I have indeed embarked on my first real adventure in life.
Still feeling pretty snappy and proud after walking around on the ship for a few minutes with Seaman Flanagan, he escorted me to the berthing area where I would be sleeping, introducing me to fellow shipmates along the short walk. The ship was only 378 feet long, but that first day felt like I had already put in a mile’s worth of walking from the time I stepped aboard, until I reached the aft part of the ship where my berthing area was. About all I was able to do at the time was just drop my stuff on my unmade rack (bunk), and then follow Flanagan forward to what was called “Chief’s Country” where the ships chief petty officers staterooms were.
Read Part II of Why Education matters by Vince Patton, Ed.D.
About the Author
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Patton retired from the U.S. Coast Guard 1 November 2002, after serving 30 years of active duty. He became the first African American selected as the service’s senior-most enlisted ranking position as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard in 1998. His career included staff and operational assignments both afloat and ashore throughout the United States, and a joint military service assignment in Cuba and Haiti.
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