The U.S. Coast Guard

A USCG 25-foot Defender class RB-S (Response Boat, Small) escorted us from Ketchikan. Two cutters were moored nearby. As you can see, the weapon is manned. A USN friend suggested that “You don’t want to argue with the USCG’s 7.62-mm machine gun because it can totally ruin your day.” Regardless, it was impressive. If you are able to view Flash movies on your computer, you can see this boat in action on a separate page. Regrettably there is some pixellation in the movie.

U.S. Coast Guard ships at their moorings in Ketchikan.

A response boat comes alongside the Veendam.

For a while it matches our speed.

Ketchikan fades into the distance as the response boat continues its escort.