Members of the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, homeported in San Diego, Calif., are trained to respond to a variety of incidents--from intercepts of drugs and weapons to acting on suspected security threats. The training can be grueling and last for several days. The exercise shown here, part of the final 12 hour-long session, requires members to be submerged in water as they move from one end of an inflatable vessel to the other without knocking off paddles that are placed on top. If a paddle is knocked off, the service member must repeat the exercise from the beginning. The title, "Helping hands," refers to those who, while, awaiting their turn, encourage their shipmates by helping them out of the boat and applauding the shipmate's effort. US Coast Guard Art Program 2009 Collection, Ob ID # 200901, "Helping hands," Del-Bourree Bach, acrylic, 16 x 20
