The Ancient Mariner title established in 1978 recognizes the officer and enlisted person with the earliest designation as a permanent cutterman and requires a minimum of ten years of sea time. A change-of-watch ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Gold and Silver Ancient Mariners is scheduled to take place aboard Barque'Eagle at 10 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2014.
The Gold (Officer) Ancient Mariner designation will pass from Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp to Rear Adm. Fred Midgette, and the Silver (Enlisted) Ancient Mariner designation held by Master Chief Petty Officer Lloyd Pierce will pass to Master Chief Petty Officer Steven Cantrell. Adm. Papp became the Gold Ancient Mariner April 27, 2007, and Master Chief Petty Officer Pierce received his designation on August 19, 2011.
As the 14th Gold Ancient Mariner, Rear Adm. Midgette will be issued ceremonial items consisting of a fore and aft style hat, gold braided shoulder epaulets, a Revenue Cutter log book and a nautical long glass. Similarly, a station keeper’s hat and long glass will be passed down to Master Chief Petty Officer Cantrell as the 12th Silver Ancient Mariner. The selectees are charged with keeping a close watch to ensure that sea-service traditions are continued and that the time-honored reputation of the Coast Guard is maintained.
The US Coast Guard adds that the award recipients are given the responsibility to personify and uphold the services’ core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty, along with the professionalism and leadership associated with long service at sea.