Master cutterman retires after 30-year career

U.S. Coast Guard PADET Texas
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Manda Emery

Date: 07.03.2013
Posted: 07.03.2013 15:41
News ID: 109732
Master cutterman retires after 30-year career

HOUSTON - A Coast Guard master cutterman and Mobile, Ala., native retired Wednesday at Coast Guard Station Houston after 30 years of service.

Chief Warrant Officer Charles A. Reynolds was the Boat Forces manager for Sector Houston-Galveston. He became the Coast Guard’s 20th master cutterman in August 2009.

The title of master cutterman is awarded to cuttermen with 20 years of sea duty or more. With the retirement of Reynolds, there are only seven remaining master cuttermen actively in the Coast Guard.

Reynolds served aboard nine Coast Guard cutters during his career. His career started as a deck seaman in 1983 aboard the Coast Guard Cutter White Pine. Reynolds last underway tour was in 2005 when he served as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Harry Claiborne. Reynolds plans to stay in Houston after retirement with his wife of 30 years, Wanda.