Master cutterman retires after 30-year career

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Manda Emery | Capt. Hal R. Pitts, deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston, presents Chief Warrant Officer Charles A. Reynolds an award at his retirement ceremony Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at Coast Guard Station Houston. Reynolds was recognized as the Coast Guard's 20th master cutterman in August 2009, having more than 20 years of sea time. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Manda M. Emery)  

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES

07.03.2013

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Manda Emery 

U.S. Coast Guard District 8 PADET Houston

HOUSTON - A Coast Guard master cutterman and Mobile, Ala., native retired Wednesday at Coast Guard Station Houston after 30 years of service.

Chief Warrant Officer Charles A. Reynolds was the Boat Forces manager for Sector Houston-Galveston. He became the Coast Guard’s 20th master cutterman in August 2009.

The title of master cutterman is awarded to cuttermen with 20 years of sea duty or more. With the retirement of Reynolds, there are only seven remaining master cuttermen actively in the Coast Guard.

Reynolds served aboard nine Coast Guard cutters during his career. His career started as a deck seaman in 1983 aboard the Coast Guard Cutter White Pine. Reynolds last underway tour was in 2005 when he served as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Harry Claiborne. Reynolds plans to stay in Houston after retirement with his wife of 30 years, Wanda.

• Date Taken: 07.03.2013
• Date Posted: 07.03.2013 16:05
• Story ID: 109732
• Location: HOUSTON, TX, US
• Hometown: MOBILE, AL, US