Faces of Hamilton: Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcus J. Roberts

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sydney Phoenix | Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcus J. Roberts is a combat information center watchstander aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) as seen here in the Atlantic Ocean, May 27, 2021. He is also a victim’s advocate and a boarding team member. Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, Roberts joined the Coast Guard in 2018 to have structure and better himself. (U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Phoenix/Released)  

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES

06.04.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Phoenix 

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcus J. Roberts is a combat information center watchstander aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753).

He is also a victim’s advocate and a boarding team member. Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, Roberts joined the Coast Guard in 2018 to have structure and better himself.

After Hamilton’s most recent deployment to the Mediterranean and Balck Seas, Roberts is dedicated to showing just how many mission sets the Coast Guard has and carries out.

“I know a lot of people, both civilian and military, who think that the Coast Guard only stays in the U.S.,” Roberts said. “I’m glad we had this opportunity to show the world the U.S. Coast Guard does more than cite people for boating violations and conduct rescues. This deployment also shows that we can do more, even when we have less as an organization.”

Like any deployment, the crew faces and overcomes challenges together. For Roberts, the biggest challenge was making recommendations in the combat information center for ship movements and radio communications. He also had the opportunity to make memories at each port visit.
 
“As someone who didn’t care about traveling when I was young, my favorite part of this deployment was having the experience going to the other side of the world, engaging with diverse countries, and seeing the world from a different point of view,” Roberts said. “My absolute favorite places to visit were Italy and Turkey.”

For anyone thinking about getting underway, Roberts offered some advice.

“Cutter life is going to require some sacrifice, whether you’re single or have a family, but it is definitely rewarding in the long run,” he said. “Even if you think you won’t get seasick or if you know you do, bring medication or talk to doc. Take advantage of the morale events on the boat. Bring healthy snacks because you will snack when you’re bored. Bring entertainment, whether it’s movies, video games, or books. When it comes to bringing stuff aboard, like toiletries and snacks, never be afraid to bring double or triple the items you need, especially if it’s your first time on a cutter.”

• Date Taken: 06.04.2021
• Date Posted: 06.04.2021 15:00
• Story ID: 398142
• Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, US
• Hometown: NASSAU, BS