STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of BM2 Bruce Hawkins, U.S. Coast Guard (1968-1972)

My path to the Coast Guard arose from my inaction while attending the University of Alabama. Basically, I “drifted” into college as that was the expectation, pledged to a fraternity upfront, skipped most classes, partied hearty, and “exited” due to poor grades at a time when the US Military Draft was still in effect. The University of Alabama and my Father became great “influencers.” Simply put, they advised, “lay out a semester and be drafted or join the military service of my choosing.” I chose the latter! It was the best thing I ever did to set a course correction in my life!

1968: Boot Camp – Alameda, California

1969-1970: Aids to Navigation – Assigned to USCG Cutter “Hatchet” Base Galveston 75′ WLIC (Inland Construction Tender) pushing 68′ Barge with Link-Belt Crane

1970-1972: Search and Rescue – BM2 assigned to Base Galveston piloting 30′,40′, and 44′ MLB’s

Reason for Leaving? Married while in USCG/Returned to complete college.

As a Petty Officer in charge of on-scene Search and Rescue Operations in the Gulf of Mexico, I was responsible for the safety of the crew and the safe operation of 30, 40, and 44-foot rescue craft operating out of USCG Base Galveston. Patrolled waterways from Matagorda, TX, to Sabine Pass, including Galveston/Houston Ship Channels. Performed drug interdictions, on-water rescues, and towing assistance for distressed vessels. Our command and crew received several USCG Letters of Appreciation from the recovery of deceased personnel (resulting from an offshore tanker explosion) to an oil drilling rig blowout, a downed plane, drug intervention, and numerous other personnel rescue and towing operations. The teamwork exhibited by all members and the purpose for which we served during each sortie left a lifelong impression.

Search and Rescue. As a Certified Operator of small rescue craft, my responsibilities included Piloting, Navigation, and Ship-to-Shore Radio Communications. While every rescue operation was different from the last, the most rewarding was the successful extraction and saving of lives and/or property.

My least favorite task was polishing my shoes for “Inspections,” although I did receive the “Honor Man” Award for my Company in Boot Camp. It must have been the shoes!

From your entire military service, describe any memories you still reflect on to this day.

On a positive note, surprisingly, some of the insane boot camp rigors in the middle of the night. For example, being awakened from sleep, instructed to move all bunks, rifle casements, etc., outside to the parking lot and reset the barracks as it previously appeared inside. All bunks were to be re-made to “military “specs,” and we were to be back in uniform in front of our respective bunk for full inspection. Once the “barracks” were outside, we were required to reset the barracks as they previously existed….inside! It seems like we were also timed, as I recall! Discipline, fortitude, and teamwork in the dark of night at its finest!

Negative memories I reflect on from time to time include – our crew’s retrieval of a young woman whose feet and hands were bound and her body tossed in the Galveston waterway near the town shrimp docks/seafood processing plants. I never learned who she was or the full details of her demise. One other reflection was the sinking of the SS VA FOGG, a 523′ tanker, in 1972 off the coast of Galveston, Texas, where 39 crew members lost their lives while cleaning Benzine residue from the tanks. The FOGG sank in 100 feet of water in a matter of minutes. CG Base Galveston responded to the sinking. We assisted in ship location and the recovery of bodies.

Incorporating teamwork among co-workers in Management/Supervisory positions I have held – the knowledge that every person plays a significant role in an organization and as a cohesive team, one never has to “second guess” commitment, dedication, professional approach, or aversion to risk. While I left the Coast Guard to finish my college education, I never left the water. I have had a great 40+ years in the Marine Industry sales and marketing/management.

It was becoming a highly qualified boat Coxswain with navigational and boat handling skills, which has served me well over a lifetime as a Sales and Marketing professional and Yacht Broker in the Marine Industry. Experiences that continue to this day, specifically, knowledge in boats and engine propulsion systems, functions, and handling characteristics of same.

A First Class Petty Officer onboard the “Hatchet.” His name was Joe, but unfortunately, I cannot recall his last name: a great mentor and a highly skilled BM. I was among those selected to operate the Link-Belt crane used in buoy setting/retrieval and repairs, as well as the construction of aids to navigation such as Day Markers, Range Markers, etc. I quickly realized the favor Joe extended to me by reusing me to scrape/paint buoys and work on the deck with Creasote pilings! From my “perch”, I “drove” pilings, moved on-deck materials and retrieved buoys! Not a bad gig!

My best friend on the “Hatchet” introduced me to my wife of 53 years at the young age of 17 (a Preacher’s daughter). We married when she turned 18 with two years remaining of my CG “stint,” after which I returned to college in Texas to attend and graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University, this time under the GI Bill!

Another mentor was William (Mac) McClure, Engineman aboard the Hatchet. His wife (Janice) loaned my bride her wedding dress for our ceremony!

Most memorable – the first day of boot camp when we all stripped down and mailed our belongings back to our parents. Upon receipt of my “box,” my mother proclaimed, “I had died” in boot camp!

I followed the Coast Guard with a lifetime career in the Marine Industry, working in engine sales with both Mercury Marine and OMC (Johnson and Evinrude). I moved into management positions, attaining positions of National Sales Manager/Director of Sales/Vice-President under several prominent Engine/Boat Manufacturers in the US, culminating in the position of Yacht Broker in my later years.

I have always felt that my time in the Coast Guard laid the groundwork for completing college, identifying a profession I embraced with a passion, and ascending into management positions to retirement. It started with the simple task of making my bed every morning, and it became my first accomplishment of the day – something I began long before the book “Make Your Bed” was written by Admiral William McRaven, excerpts of which were delivered in his commencement speech at the University of Texas. By the way, it’s an excellent read!

What do I miss most? Search and Rescue operations, whether saving lives, towing disabled boats, or participating in recovery operations.

While I only spent 4-years in the Coast Guard, if you are looking for direction, purpose, and meaning in your life, it’s a great teacher! Enjoy the ride!

I would not have cataloged my experience without TWS!