Updated 11-15-08 by BSB

Hello, this is "Chard", I'm sponsoring and will be adding images to the page www.USCGFirebush.com . I do not want to have the old girl memories die because she was a floating museum on the seas. So many stories on the "Bush"

I spent four years in the old guard and met so many friends and hope to meet new ones that served on the old girl. I also served on the USCGC Hedge, USCGC Wash, USCGC Heyer and USCGC Winslow. All 95 and 82 foot Patrol Boats and never could get back to the old black girl to live the life of a black boat sailor. I also worked as a Police Sgt. for 12 years and retired from a foot pursuit accident involving a felony suspect. I worked as a patrolman, Corporal, Dare Officer, Harbor Patrol Officer, Detective Sergeant and a motorcycle. It was a great ride while it lasted. I have a bunch of images shot on 110 and new digital images when the Bush turned into the"The Cat" over 40 years later ..Read decommissioning details below.

"MY First Work Boat"

The journey is over for the USCGC Firebush 393 and its new life begins with Nigeria as the NSS NWAMBA A 503. A Nigerian shipmate said the meaning of the word NWAMBA means "CAT". The NWAMBA left San Pedro on July 25, 2003 at 1010 hours and the trip apparently was going to take forty-two days. Straight steaming without working a buoy or chasing a NOAA Weather buoy seemed a little strange. Images below show the old girl leaving San Pedro California with her new grey paint job displaying her new number A-503 and a wood plaque name of "NWAMBA" I can still tell it is the Bush with the mooring dents from Dutch Harbor and her Kodiak Berth.

Prior to the Firebush leaving Kodiak, I have been collecting photographs old and new and working on the webpage. I will be updating the webpage from month to month with information that I have collected. If you have more images please use the upload center below to send your images. Please e-mail all text stories to info@uscgfirebush.com

 

 

Please use the upload center for sending digital images.

Or snail mail images to

www.carorama.com

1301 Kronas Circle Waxhaw, North Carolina 28173

Thanks to everyone who has participated with giving information.

Thanks "Chard" 06-17-03 Page Start Date.