U.S. Coast Guard cutters Calhoun (WMSL 759), Hawser (WYTL 65610), Bonito (WPB 87341), and Sturgeon Bay (WTGB 109), along with Station New York response boats, transit New York Harbor during the Parade of Ships for Fleet Week New York, May 21, 2025. The vessels moored at various locations across the city to provide public tours and educate visitors about the Coast Guard’s missions and the history of the participating cutters. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sydney Phoenix)
Rear Adm. Francis “Stash” Pelkowski is a veteran, merchant mariner, maritime industry business leader, licensed attorney and a professor at SUNY Maritime College. To say the 58-year-old father has accomplished a lot in life is a gross understatement. However, to hear him describe his early adult years leading to his enlistment in 1980, his present-day success and many achievements were far from predictable.
Thirty-eight years later,...
The Coast Guard prides itself on honor, respect and devotion to duty for the men and women in its ranks. Once a year, a member of the Coast Guard is selected as the top performer in the service for the active duty and the reserve component through the enlisted person of the year program.
