Rough going
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Rough going |
Despite months of planning and countless of hours invested in preparing for a successful event, the annual “Blessing of the Fleet” in May at “The Pier” in St. Petersburg, FL was a prime example of the old saying, “What can go wrong, will go wrong”.
The weather was the first element that refused to cooperate. The participating vessels faced high winds and three to four foot swells. Despite this, Auxiliary vessels set out from both sides of the Bay to assemble in front of “The Pier.”
Mechanical failure caused one of the eight boats to withdraw from the event, however, its coxswain and crew eagerly boarded several of the remaining vessels, determined to participate in the event. Most of the boats carried Division Seven crew training participants, who took on wind and weather as one said, “It’s just another training experience.” The Auxiliary boats were met in front of “The Pier” by four Coast Guard boats from Sector St. Pete (St. Petersburg). The Coast Guard boats carried Auxiliarists as part of their crew.
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Passing in review |
To set the scenario, the vessels were present; Captain Servidio, Commander, Sector St. Pete was there; Chief Harris and members of the Coast Guard’s Public Affairs team were there; LTJG LeNell Carson, Auxiliary Liaison Officer; and Conrad Palermo, Division Seven Commander were there; all waited, and then the final element went wrong. The Padre who was to perform the blessing got lost in St. Petersburg traffic and failed to arrive.
Captain Servidio’s return salute and his pride in their seamanship was all the reward they needed.
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Returning the salute |
~HRW