Petty Officer First Class Alvin O’Brien served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1996 to 2012. His assignments included three years aboard the USCG Dallas (WHEC-716) before being transferred to Oregon Inlet, NC. Throughout his career, he was also stationed in California, Indiana, and Hawaii.
Reflecting on his decision to join the Coast Guard after high school, O’Brien shared, “I considered the Armed Services, particularly the Air Force. My dad suggested the Coast Guard, and I asked, ‘Who?’ He said, ‘USCG.’ We met with a recruiter, and after watching a video of a 44 MLB cutting through the surf, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. The recruiter said, ‘Sign here,’ and the rest is history.”
During his tenure, O’Brien achieved several qualifications, including the 47 Coxswain Qual, Coxswain 41’ UTB, Coxswain 47’ MLB, and Coxswain 25’ RBS.
“Of all my accomplishments, earning my Coxswain qualification meant the most,” O’Brien explained. “It took immense effort and dedication. I attended Coxswain ‘C’ school in Yorktown, VA, for 30 days, where I had the privilege of learning from an exceptional mentor and instructor, Mary. Her guidance inspired me to strive for excellence. After completing the school, I returned to my unit at Oregon Inlet to finish additional requirements before taking my Oral and Practical boards for Coxswain. Eventually, I became certified on the 41’ UTB.”
O’Brien retired in 2012 and now works for the Department of the Interior under the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
