While dreary and windy weather keeps most people indoors, it is exactly the kind of environment the crew at U.S. Coast Guard Station Portsmouth prepares for every day. The station houses about 50 men and women who protect a massive maritime highway of rivers and bays, stretching across the James and Elizabeth rivers. Their primary mission is responding when conditions are at their worst.
“I honestly love it. I love the crazy weather. I love the waves,” said Machinery Technician 3rd Class Tracy Fauteux, who helps keep the station’s vessels running. “Trouble doesn’t always happen on a sunny day. No, it usually always happens on the dreary ones.”
Fauteux said the challenging conditions are exactly why the crew is there…