U.S. Coast Guard Cutter KUKUI

Happy Coast Guard Day!⚓️🛟🎉 Yesterday the KUKUI team enjoyed a fantastic BBQ to celebrate our great service! Aside from delicious food and many competitive corn hole matches, we enjoyed this time to celebrate the hard work and sacrifices of our fellow Coasties near and far. Thank you to everyone and their loved ones who came out and made this event possible.

Did you know⁉️
On August 4th, 1790, the Revenue Cutter Service was established through the Treasury Department. Through the years, and a few name and department changes, it evolved into what the Coast Guard is today. Since the Navy was disbanded for a time following the Revolutionary War, that makes the Coast Guard the oldest continuous sea-going service!


U.S. Coast Guard Alaska
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska
5th photo from Don Kluting

Thank you to everyone who attended the CGC KUKUI Change of Command ceremony yesterday, both in person and via livestream. CAPT John Cole, D17 Chief of Staff, presided over the ceremony in which LCDR Michael Overstreet relieved LCDR Joshua Branthoover as the Commanding Officer of the KUKUI.

We wish LCDR Branthoover fair winds and following seas in his retirement and extend our thanks for his dedication, support, and leadership during his command of KUKUI. BZ!

Congratulations and welcome aboard LCDR Overstreet!

Earlier this week, Coast Guard Cutter KUKUI crew members participated in Sitka's Fourth of July parade, marching proudly alongside our community to celebrate the holiday. We hope everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Recently, the KUKUI crew completed Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) with an impressive 97 point average in drills and exercises. The crew of KUKUI showcased exceptional proficiency in responding to a wide range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, engineering casualties, damage control, seamanship, and navigational exercises. One highlight of TSTA was the opportunity to conduct a towing evolution with ANT Sitka.

A huge Bravo Zulu to each member of the KUKUI crew for their hard work and dedication!

Greetings from CGC KUKUI!

We are thrilled to share an update. Over the past few weeks, CGC KUKUI has been busy conducting local Aids to Navigation operations in the breathtaking waters of Southeast Alaska. In carrying out this mission, our goal is to contribute to the safe navigation of mariners by maintaining buoys and shore aids throughout these waters.

With warmer weather on the horizon, the crew of CGC KUKUI is reminded of the great privilege to serve in Alaska, surrounded by the stunning scenery.

U.S. Coast Guard Alaska U.S. Coast Guard
Photo Creds: LTJG White

Happy Women’s History Month!

Meet LTJG Noelle Greenwood, CGC KUKUI’s Operations Officer. LTJG Greenwood graduated from the Coast Guard Acdemy in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Originally from Virginia, LTJG Greenwood served on CGC JAMES in Charleston, South Carolina prior to transferring to CGC KUKUI. As the Operations Officer, LTJG Greenwood is responsible for planning and scheduling CGC KUKUI’s missions and operations.

Q: Why did you join the Coast Guard?
“I was drawn to the CG more than any other service because the entire mission set is based around saving, protecting, and defending. The CG also does not have any rank/job limitations for women, whereas many of the other services did back in 2015/2016 when I was thinking about joining and applying to the Coast Guard Academy.”

Congratulations to SN Gottshall, FN Ludwig, and SN Heyer on their advancement to E3!

Thank you for all that you do for KUKUI and we look forward to celebrating your future accomplishments.



📸ENS Winters

On Thursday, the Coast Guard Academy celebrated Billet Night, an event where cadets find out their first duty assignment.

CGC KUKUI is proud to welcome Hope Drake Duval and David Loomis! They will report to the KUKUI this summer as Ensigns and serve as Deck Watch Officers. Congratulations!

📸 Pduddy Pictures

This week the crew of the KUKUI said goodbye to FN Tuulaupua-Jex. We wished him fair winds and following seas on his next Coast Guard adventure! FN Tuulaupua-Jex will be attending Electrician’s Mate training school in Yorktown, Virginia.

FN Tuulaupua-Jex’s work ethic will be greatly missed on board and especially in the Engineering Department!

📸 SK1 Caraballo

So we’ve been in a 7-month dry dock… now what??

This past week the KUKUI crew has been hard at work making preparations to be “splashed” and complete final projects prior to getting underway to head back home!

How does this happen?

First, KUKUI went through a 12-hour fueling evolution (photos 2-3). Then, we were towed on a rail cart from our position the last 6 months to the boat lift. After waiting for high tide, we were lowered into the water, where tugs helped moor us alongside the pier!

That is where we sit today, as the dry dock contractors and our crew get the last details planned for our return to sea 🌊

*Of course all of this was accomplished with a healthy dose of coffee! (Photo 6)

📸: ENS Berry

Welcome to the KUKUI! Even though we’re still in dry dock we had the chance to host students today for a tour and panel discussion with members of our crew.

These high school students are interested in pursuing a maritime career and came to learn about the Coast Guard and what brought our crew members into the service.

Thanks for coming and we look forward to seeing you in the fleet!

**Stay tuned for photos of KUKUI after contractors finish her new paint job**

Last Thursday the Coast Guard Academy held their annual Billet Night, which is the event where senior cadets learn what their first assignment will be after graduation in May.

We’re happy to announce that 1/c Taylor Winters will be reporting to KUKUI this summer as an Ensign on board! We look forward to welcoming her to the crew and Sitka in a few months!

Congratulations!

On this week’s episode of Chopped 🍽

Last week the crew said goodbye to SN Le as her time on KUKUI came to an end. SN Le left to attend Culinary Specialist training school in Petaluma, CA. At school she’ll learn how to be a cook in the Coast Guard while giving her the skills she needs to succeed in her new rating.

Her presence will be missed on the crew, in Deck Department, and on the buoy deck!

📸: SK1 Caraballo

The mission of the United States Coast Guard is to ensure our Nation’s maritime safety, security, and stewardship… this means taking care to clean pollution on the water AND land!

This weekend members of the crew volunteered for a harbor cleanup- They helped keep local waters trash-free while giving back to the community!

📸: ENS Wild and ENS Barnes

February is Black History Month, honoring the achievements and contributions that African Americans have made and continue to make to our Service and country. ⚓ 🇺🇸

“Black Resilience” emphasizes the will and endurance shown by Black Americans throughout their battle for racial equality.

Highlighting “Black Resilience” can help us to raise awareness of the struggle for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity for Black Americans.

Black Americans’ history, achievements, and struggles are integral to American and Coast Guard histories!

This week Rear Adm. Nathan Moore, 17th District Commander, visited the KUKUI crew in dry dock, during a trip that encompassed units throughout the Kenai Peninsula. While he was here he presented his challenge coin to Seaman Thomas Engle. Engle was nominated for this special recognition due to his positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to always lend a helping hand!

Congratulations Seaman Engle!

The KUKUI crew has been busy the past couple weeks since entering dry dock!

Dry dock is an extended maintenance period that cutters undergo to provide necessary repairs to shipboard systems, such as watertight doors, propulsion machinery and equipment, and electronics onboard. During the next three months our crew will oversee and inspect the completion of 98 work items throughout the boat that will ensure KUKUI’s continued operational readiness and success in the future!

Stay tuned for more as the work continues!

📸: ENS Barnes, ENS Wild, and EM3 Kyles

Good morning from Seward, AK! ❄️❄️

This past weekend 10 crewmembers had the opportunity to participate in the 38th annual Seward Polar Bear Jump. Some braved the 36 degree water and took the plunge while others on the crew, termed “Battle Buddies”, provided warm towels and much needed support from the sidelines!

The event successfully raised over $236,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society!

📸: EM3 Kyles

Greetings! Welcome to Coast Guard Cutter KUKUI’s new page, live from Sitka, Alaska!

We are very excited to have an official platform to interact with everyone who is interested in learning more about what it is we do, in addition to sharing some awesome photos of our crew and Alaska!

Stay tuned for more!

📸: ENS Lauren Wild