Faces of Hamilton: Petty Officer 2nd Class Tate LaPorte

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sydney Phoenix | Petty Officer 2nd Class Tate LaPorte from Syracuse, New York, is a gunner’s mate and armory training petty officer aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753), as seen here in the Atlantic on May 22, 2021. LaPorte joined the Coast Guard in 2015 because it seemed like a good career path, and he didn't have funding for college. He has now been on Hamilton for one year and most recently participated in the deployment in the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Phoenix)  

NORTH CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES

06.04.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sydney Phoenix 

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tate LaPorte from Syracuse, New York, is a gunner’s mate and armory training petty officer aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753).

LaPorte joined the Coast Guard in 2015 because it seemed like a good career path, and he didn't have funding for college. He has now been on Hamilton for one year and most recently participated in the deployment in the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet area of responsibility.

“When I heard about this deployment and the places we were going, I was so excited,” said LaPorte. “These missions strengthen our international relations and truly showcase the Coast Guard’s different mission sets.”

LaPorte also prepped all of the .50 caliber gun crews for their mission, ensuring readiness in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

During the deployment, some crew participated in the traditional “Tin Can Challenge,” where they volunteer in groups of four to try to eat a one-gallon tin of whatever the cooks provide, picking at random. For this specific challenge, everyone who volunteered received a one-gallon can of cherry pie filling. LaPorte and his team ultimately won the challenge, and he said this was a fulfilling moment of the deployment… pun intended.

“I highly recommend getting underway on a big cutter, at least once in your career,” LaPorte said. “The experiences you receive are unlike any other in the Coast Guard, and the opportunities are endless.”

The gunner’s mate rating is the oldest rating in the Coast Guard, established in 1797. They are responsible for the management of all ordnance. GMs work with everything from handheld firearms to machine guns to the onboard MK110 gun mount.

• Date Taken: 06.04.2021
• Date Posted: 06.04.2021 15:00
• Story ID: 398175
• Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, US
• Hometown: SYRACUSE, NY, US