MCPO John Mospens


Twice retired, first while the CEA/D14, later reactivated and last retired aboard USCGC HEALY in 2005. Crewman aboard USCGC's MORGANTHAU and POLAR SEA. Coast Guard blue, through and through, after the last retirement, John was hired by a civilian consultant company to serve the Coast Guard. He was a familiar face often seen aboard the HEALY conducting engineering diagnostics and telling sea stories around the support facility. The mostly younger crew looked up to John, a natural leader, teacher, and as a beloved life coach. He and his wife of 34 years, Tori, ran a secluded, seaside B&B near Hilo, Hawaii - Kia'i Kai - Hawaiian for 'Guardian of the Sea', which his daughter Carrie will continue to run in her father's honor. Son Paul, a merchant marine officer sails between his home in Honolulu and mainland U.S. gave his father two beautiful grand daughter's, Ali and Ashley, in whom was John's great delight. A staunch supporter of comraderie throughout the corps to teach and mentor those who will follow us, John remained active in the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association, CPOA, along with the Navy League in Hawaii. John lost a short, but valiant fight against a silent killer, prostate cancer, Sunday, December 14th, 2008. He will be interred with full military honors at the Veteran's Cemetary in Hilo, Hawaii. John was my dearest friend and sole fishing buddy. Smooth sailing, good friend.



12/15/08 Submitted by: Terry Sherwood

I had the privilege of working for John on the Healy. He was my mentor, a father figure and most of all a friend. He lived and breathed the Coast Guard. He taught me so many Coast Guard and life lessons I could never have thanked him enough. Even in retirement I could always call him for advice on Coast Guard and life issues. He was always there for his fellow Coasties even in retirement. He was such a good friend that even while going through treatment he flew across country to attend my wedding. I will miss him dearly.

Fair winds and following seas John you will be missed by a lot of people.

EMCS Frank Donze

To Terry Sherwood and EMCS Frank Donze, I am John Mospens's sister Terry Hill. I had the pleasure of meeting you once Terry at my brothers retirerment party. I want to thank both of you for the nice things you said about John. He was a great man and a wonderful little brother. I will miss him greatly. He did the one thing in his life that he loved most, after his family. That was the Coast Guard and being there to help all those in need. He loved serving his country,loved and enjoyed his many many friends the guard rewarded him with. Thank You again for being John friends. John's sister Terry

My condolences go to John's Family. Fair winds and following seas Master Chief.

-Scott Turner

I only just found out about John's passing. John and I served together on the Morgenthau. We worked together under EMCS Shorter who molded both of our leadership abilities. John is one of the finest persons I have ever known. Distance kept us apart after the Morgenthau and we never seem to be on the same coast at the same time. John was a wonderful friend and he was my Best Man at my first marriage. The mariage didn't last but I feel that our friendship lasts forever. When I remember John, I remember his smile, no one who has met John can ever forget his smile. I will miss him:

Al Campolongo