A "Few" Words from Master Chief Zahand...

As the Sector San Diego Command Master Chief I have the privilege of doing little reminders.

So, with that said:

Just a few reminders about base safety, customs, and courtesies:

A.) When passing officers; please salute every time you pass them. I know, "on a ship once you salute once that day in passing" you're fine. But last time this place was rockin' and a rolling was last year with the 3.2 earthquake a few miles up North. Remember the old sea going adage: "If it moves; salute it, if not paint it". When in doubt, please salute. When you see a Vet; give them a salute to. With out them, who knows what language you'd be talking...

B.) Eating, drinking, and walking...not to proper. No noshing your ice cream cone, sandwiches, and fruit between the galley and your work space. Eat it in the galley or take it to your lounges.

C.) Cell phones. No walking and talking. Though vaguely authorized, it's rude and more a safety hazard.

D.) Stop signs: Mean stop. Fully!

E.) Those arrows on the base streets and parking lot; denote direction of travel. That also means for the electric carts.

F.) Base speed limit is 10MPH.

G.) Stand up when a senior officer enters your space.

H.) Don't park your cars across a walk way or block a side walk.

I.) When in the galley or sick bay remove your hat (unless under arms [carrying a weapon]).

J.) Knock before entering an office with a closed door.

K.) Don't make pipes during colors or during prep (the five minutes before colors).

L.) Colors. Don't run away or make a fast duck into someone's office when you hear colors.

M.) When you hear colors while driving. Stop your vehicle. If safety and traffic permits, you should get out and render proper honors or sit at attention).

N.) When the folks are practicing their color guard drills, if the colors are uncased (out of the dust cover) you are to salute the flag as you walk by or it passes you.

O.) When you walk by the flag pole you are supposed to salute as well.

P.) When walking (on the right) with an officer, if someone salutes, return the salute at the same time the officer you are with does

Q.) Saluting distance is approximately six paces, with a proper greeting (Good morning Ma'am, good afternoon Sir, O-4 and below can be call Mr., Ms., Sir or Ma'am, O-5 and above should be called Commander, Captain, or Admiral).

R.) When we have a uniformed visitor, and if they ask you were a location is. Take a few seconds just to walk them to the space (the base isn't that big) Think OPSEC.

S.) Someone is walking around not in uniform and not escorted, challenge them and ask them what they are here for and get them where they need to be. (Think OPSEC again)

T.) Always have your Armed Forces Identification Card with you at all times. When the gate guard ask you for the card; don't give them a hard time, they are doing their jobs.

U.) Saluting under the breeze ways: If "covered": you salute, if "not covered" just a proper greeting. Hats are not required under the breeze ways but are required when going between buildings to building.

V.) Hats are not to worn while around the hangars (look at the markings around the hangars to ensure). While you're looking down and see trash, pick it up.

W.) Smoking is only in the designated areas around the base. Don't walk around with a cigarette in your mouth or walk from point A to point B with a cigarette either.

X.) What do jet engines, sea birds, sea turtles, and baby seals have in common? They all choke on garbage.
If you see trash on the streets or grounds...please just pick it up. We have hand wash all over the place around here.

Y.) If you think something is unsafe. Ask, or tell someone. The, "You know, I though that looked a little risky" won't cut it. Safety is everyone's business. If un-safe, stop it and make it safe. When in doubt, ask someone.

Z.) Wear your uniform with pride. Boots should be well blackened, uniforms should clean (belt right direction?) and have no tears or holes in them, hats should be on your head squarely all of the time, hats shouldn't be faded, no pins or writing allowed on your hat except "U.S. Coast Guard" or your unit on the front; nothing else. Your hands out of your pockets while walking. When you see someone out of uniform help them out before we go out in public. It is what good shipmates do; don't take offense to the reminder. Lead by example. Be the example.

1.) Work out and stay fit (wear sun screen) October is sneaking up on us.

2.) San Diego drivers are crazy! Be a defense driver and use the brakes. Slow for the cone zone (fines are doubled).

3.) Keep a sense of humor (you need it around here).

No number four. I said 1, 2, 3's

Welcome to Sector San Diego

v/r
MCPO Scott P. Zahand
U.S.C.G. Sector San Diego
Sector Command Master Chief
(619) 278-7015
Scott.P.Zahand@uscg.mil