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AMANDA MONROE, chief of Station Wachapreague, took the time recently to answer questions about changes to the station.
Q: So, from what I read, Station Wachapreague is going down to one person on duty? This is pretty muchclose to exactly opposite what the powers that be told you a few months ago?
A: As a Scheduled Mission Station the assigned crew will operate during designated shifts to conduct scheduled boat operations and missions, training, maintenance, and unit administration, but will not stand a 24-hour response schedule.We will not have someone at the Station 24-hours a day or overnight in a “duty” status. We may operate overnight and have personnel at the Station, but for scheduled operations. We will have an officer of the day check on the Station daily, but the hours of operations and staffing will remain flexible to maximize support to the region withlimited resources. The Coast Guard will leverage redundant unit capabilities to meet our Search and Rescue mission including Coast Guard stations located at Chincoteague, Cape Charles, and Little Creek, and air assets from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C.
For the past year, Station Wachapreague has operated in a reduced readiness status due to personnel shortages. The current national effort to address our workforce shortage standardizes operations while continuing to prioritize our lifesaving missions and statutory obligations. Transitioning to a Scheduled Mission Station is not a drastic change in how we were conducting operations.
Q: How is the person going to be chosen, and will the duty rotate?
A: No single member will be responsible for responding to distress calls or operations. As a Scheduled Mission Station, Station Wachapreague will schedule personnel to conduct operations and missions while meeting Coast Guard standards and requirements.
Q: What will happen in the event of a wreck or someone needing help?
A: The Coast Guard will leverage redundant capabilities to meet our Search and Rescue mission. The Station Wachapreague response area, which includes parts of the Eastern Shore, will be covered by Coast Guard stations located at Chincoteague, Cape Charles, and Little Creek, and air assets from Air Station Elizabeth City, NorthCarolina.
Q: What will happen in the event of a larger incident - a bigger boat, more people, etc?
A: Under the direction of the Command Cadre at Coast Guard Sector Virginia and the Fifth Coast Guard District, command center personnel will coordinate additional asset needs to support large scale response efforts.
Additionally, the Coast Guard may activate or leverage our Reserve and Auxiliary members.
Q: What is going to happen to you?
A: Currently, I am honored and scheduled to continue serving as the Station Wachapreague Officer in Charge. During my career, I have always appreciated the support the country and communities like Wachapreague and the Eastern Shore have shown those who serve in their Coast Guard.