US Coast Guard Welcomes Public Tours of Cutter “Narwhal” in Corona Del Mar

On Saturday August 10th the 87-foot Coast Guard cutter Narwhal will take a break from its duties safeguarding the Southern California coast. The United States Coast Guard and USCG Auxiliary Division 6 will welcome public tours from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. The event will be held in Corona Del Mar at the Coast Guard station at 1911 Bayside Drive in Newport Harbor. Early arrival is recommended as street parking is expected to be limited.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to tour the warship, meet the crew and learn about life aboard a Coast Guard vessel. The public will have a chance to meet the Narwhal’s Commanding Officer, LTJG Annabella Farabaugh, one of the outstanding female officers who serve as Coast Guard vessel captains. Those interested in a career in the U. S. Coast Guard will have an opportunity to meet Captain Farabaugh and her crew to learn more about service in this branch of the military.

This is an excellent chance for the public to learn about the importance of boating safety, the rewarding service opportunities available in the uniformed volunteer branch of the United States Coast Guard and the many voluntary services provided by the Auxiliary. CGAUX Division 6, with a total of 216 members, comprises six Flotillas in Dana Point, Newport Beach, Orange Coast, Huntington Harbor, Seal Beach and North Orange County.

Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers receive extensive training, both dockside and on the water, so they can function as an effective force multiplier for the Coast Guard, handling boat inspections, conducting patrols, offering assistance and handling safety issues in local waters. The Auxiliary will be coordinating tours, engaging kids with “Coastie”, their moving, “talking” ship, and educating the public on marine safety, clean boating habits, fuel-oil spill prevention, paddle craft requirements, safe fire extinguisher use, marine radios, and distress flare simulations. The public will have an opportunity to sign up for boater education classes and free vessel exams at the event or can learn more at the CGAUX website.