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U.S. Coast Guard cutter Narwhal to visit Ocean Institute today, May 13

May 13, 2023

The Narwhal, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter that patrols the Orange County coastline and works with first responders, is coming to a dock at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor.

It will be open today, May 13, to tours from the public.

“We love providing unique opportunities for people to learn and are so thankful for partnerships, like the one we have with the Narwhal crew, to offer amazing educational experiences to the community,” said Riley Russell, education director at the Ocean Institute.

The visit will include information on boater safety, use of safety equipment and a demonstration of “Coastie,” the Coast Guard’s robotic mascot boat, she said.

The 87-foot Narwhal – typically docked at the Coast Guard’s facility on Bayside Drive in the Newport Harbor – is the only active Coast Guard unit in Orange County. It is one of seven cutters that operate in the Coast Guard’s Southern California fleet.

The ship’s crew will be aboard, and will also talk about life in the Coast Guard and what that’s like.

The Narwhal’s mission is to secure the country’s maritime borders, but its crew also participates in search and rescues, enforcing immigration laws, overseeing local fisheries and responding to oil spills. The ship typically patrols coastal waters from the Mexican border to the Channel Islands, under the direction of the US Department of Homeland Security.

“Providing free tours to the public helps people gain an appreciation of how the Coast Guard works with Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to patrol and protect our coast,” said Garry Nelson, USCG AUX unit coordinator. “We are grateful to the Ocean Institute for partnering with us to make this day possible.”

The auxiliary, a volunteer group that supports the Coast Guard, is also a way for the public to interact with the Coast Guard and generally learn more about boating. There are three auxiliary groups in Newport Beach, one in Huntington Beach, one in Seal Beach and one in north Orange County.

Members include experienced boaters, former Coast Guard veterans and newbies. The Coast Guard Auxiliary, established in 1939, includes 26,000 men and women nationwide, serving in 825 local units.

If you go

What: Visit the Coast Guard cutter Narwhal

When: Tours go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13

Where: Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point Harbor

Orange County Register

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U.S. Coast Guard cutter Narwhal to visit Ocean Institute today, May 13

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