Coast Guard Capt. Roger Laferriere is now in charge of a vast 320-mile expanse of coastline stretching from from the San Diego County line to Morro Bay and including the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Laferriere takes over for Capt. Paul Wiedenhoeft, who has been in charge of Coast Guard duties during several years of the post 9/11-era protecting the ports and patrolling the busy Santa Barbara Channel.
Laferriere will be headquartered out of the Coasties' Terminal Island base overseeing more than 100 personnel responsible for federal security and environmental protection of waterways. Established in 1790, the Coast Guard is the nation's oldest national naval force and America's smallest armed service.
While most members patrol U.S. waters and seas off Southern America, units have served in most major foreign conflicts. A recent unit served in Kuwait in support of the Iraq War.
To keep up with the latest Coast Guard happenings in LA-LB, visit the Coastie blog.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
Leave a comment