Faces of Hamilton: Chief Petty Officer Stephanye Aldridge

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sydney Phoenix | Chief Petty Officer Stephanye Aldridge, originally from Jackson, Mississippi, is stationed aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) as seen here in the Atlantic Ocean, June 1, 2021. She is the information systems technician chief petty officer, helicopter communications officer, and a master at arms. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Phoenix)  

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES

06.04.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Phoenix 

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

Chief Petty Officer Stephanye Aldridge originally from Jackson, Mississippi, is stationed aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) and is the information systems technician, chief petty officer, helicopter communications officer, and a master at arms.

Aldridge joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2008 because she wanted to do more with her life. She has now been on Hamilton for two years and was on the most recent deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations -- Europe. 
 
“In the beginning, I did not have an expectation of what the deployment would be like as this is my first cutter, and my very first patrol in 2020 was cut short due to COVID,” Aldridge said. “I was very excited to visit some really neat places I probably wouldn’t have traveled to on my own. I think the U.S. Coast Guard operating in the Black Sea shows how diversified we are as a military service and law enforcement agency. Not many people know exactly what we do, and this patrol goes to show you we are doing big things all over the world.”
 
Aldridge said the biggest challenge with this deployment was providing enhanced satellite connectivity and maintaining communications on and off the boat. Her department worked hard to ensure everyone on the cutter could contact their loved ones and be able to continue the mission.

“My absolute favorite thing about going to the Black Sea was being able to experience another country’s culture and having a good time with everyone aboard,” she said. “This crew makes me smile and laugh every day.”

With this being her first assignment on a major cutter, she offered some advice for anyone thinking about cutter life; “Try it at least once, as we are a sea-going service. I was nervous at first, but as with any unit, the people make it the best place to be at times. Plus, you get to go on a paid trip to new places!"
 
Aldridge lives in Charleston, South Carolina, Hamilton’s homeport, with her munchkin cat named Atlas and sugar glider name Momo.

• Date Taken: 06.04.2021
• Date Posted: 06.04.2021 15:00
• Story ID: 398143
• Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, US
• Hometown: NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, US