San Diego MSST renovates Guantanamo Bay lighthouse

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Louis Batchelor | At over 60-feet-tall and 108 years old, Naval Station Guantanamo's Winward Lighthouse is one of Guantanamo's major tourist attractions.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

01.27.2012

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Louis Batchelor 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba- U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo’s Windward Point Lighthouse is a historical pillar of the community.

Deactivated in 1964, the lighthouse has served the Guantanamo community as one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions since.

At 108 years old, the 60-foot-tall lighthouse and its keeper’s quarters understandably need some work. Several groups in the past have searched for a way to improve the lighthouse’s condition.
Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Maritime Safety and Security Team – San Diego has established the means to refurbish this Guantanamo landmark. They have already eagerly begun their undertaking of service to the community.

“The lighthouse is a piece of history here at Guantanamo,” said Lt. J.g. Aaron Dorrian, MSST shoreside officer-in-charge. “I feel we have an obligation to do our best to preserve it for future service members to enjoy.”

Chief Damage Controlman Matthew Caswell concurs. Caswell is the MSST’s Maintenance Department’s Leading Chief Petty Officer. He said at the time the MSST took helm of the project, participation was low. However, people quickly saw the historical importance of the landmark and volunteers increased in number.

“When Lt. Dorrian first brought this idea to us, I thought it was great,” Caswell said. “Something of such great significance is sitting there. The lighthouse has been closed for a while. It would be a great accomplishment for all of us if our efforts lead us to opening the doors to see people walking through it again before we leave.”
Dorrian said the lighthouse renovation project will be an ongoing, two-part project, lasting the duration of San Diego’s tenure at the Joint Task Force. He said the MSST plans to renovate both the yard area and interior of the lighthouse as a nod to their service branch’s overall mission. The Coast Guard has been responsible for the operation of U.S. lighthouses since 1939.

“There is a lot of history contained within the lighthouse itself,” Dorrian said. “All the historical documents housed inside recognize the past accomplishments of service members during the Spanish-American War. Those service members fought to pave the way for us. It is an honor to be a part of something extremely important: making sure the accomplishments of those before us are not forgotten.”

Petty Officer First Class Keyara Thompson of the MSST’s admin section is one of Windward Point Lighthouse’s volunteers. She said she enjoyed helping because this is a cause that needs to be done and she enjoys helping out.

“Whenever I see a lighthouse, it reminds me of the Coast Guard,” Thompson said. “As long as I have been in the Coast Guard, lighthouses have always reminded me of my service and give me a sense of pride in what I do. I chose to help out with this project because it is fun and also something that is important to me.”

Dorrian is proud of the progress this project has already seen and looks forward to seeing this project go further. He wants all Troopers and civilians to understand this project is open for everyone and extends an open invitation to join the MSST’s endeavor.

“I want to thank all who have volunteered their time and efforts assisting us,” Dorrian said.” I especially would like to thank the BEEF, Self Help, Paperclips and the Seabees for providing us supplies and logistical support. Without you, none of what we have accomplished and intend to keep doing would be possible.”

• Date Taken: 01.27.2012
• Date Posted: 01.31.2012 16:58
• Story ID: 83077
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU