Since you are seeking deck logs for such a recent timeframe, you may want to contact the cutter in question. They may retain these logs for several years, but eventually they are transferred to CGHQ and ultimately to either the Historian of the Coast Guard or the National Archives.
I called the Coast Guard Historian's Office right after I posted this. Still waiting on a call back.
As far as calling the cutter in question, I wish I could. Problem is they took the best 110' in the fleet turned it into a 123' piece of scrap metal.
The Cutter Matagorda was officially decommissioned for the last time this year. I hope the logs are still intact.
The only web site I could find in the National Archives for deck logs was for Navy ships. Do you know the link or how to find Coast Guard Cutters in the archive?
Thanks for the info. No luck so far searching NARA. I will try calling the Records Officer if the Historians office does not turn up anything or I do not find anything in NARA before then. I have a feeling nothing has gone to archive yet from 2002. The newest Coast Guard records I found were from 88'. Maybe because they have not been declassified yet?
Deck logs do not go to the historian's office. They should go to the regional Federal Records Center (FRC). Google in Federal Records Center and find out which FRC handles the records for the cutter's home port. USCG records are in Record Group 26. I would call the FRC, but do not expect fast service.
I believe every district and certainly HQ has a records management officer. Contact the district and HQ also.
Thanks DLNoble. I called submitted a electronic FOIA request to D7 Public Affairs yesterday after reading the COMDINST on FOIA. They replied "Received" I hope that means something. I am in no hurry to get the records. The VA claim I am filing for can take a while to establish any ways. Thanks for the reply though.
I did talk to the Historians office yesterday and he gave me the same info. So I am glad you were able to confirm it. At least I know I am on the right course and heading with your post shipmate.
Attention active and former Coasties: We are looking for volunteers in the restoration and operation of the former Coast Guard Cutter WMEC 202 COMANCHE (a 143 foot former USN ATA sea going tug and a WW-II vet and with one Battle Star for action in the invasion of Okinawa.) She was built in 1944 and served the Coast Guard from 1959 to 1980. She and her sister WMEC 194 MODOC, were the smallest of their class. Modoc is also here in the South Puget Sound, “pimped” into a luxury yacht. We go aboard her for parties, etc., too.
Comanche is about 70-80% as the Coast Guard left her in 1980 and is operational - complete with records, CG papers and 'barf buckets'. We, the COMANCHE 202 FOUNDATION just acquired her this month as a gift, after a years worth of hard work and due diligence. We are a Federal 501(c)3 non-profit. She is berthed down town Olympia, Washington. We have a great crew of leaders and advisors, including retired coasties up to the rank of Rear Admiral - but can use a lot more… even other services and civilians. It’s the people cutter now. It’s going to be a blast. Think of it as your very own cutter! Giver yourself a promotion! You can even sleep aboard. See http://www.cg-tugs.org/comanchee.htm Contact me for more information. Now set the special sea detail!
