B-O Mission 19 Nov 2013    

B-0 Mission  ( Search & Rescue) Vessel Sentinel, coxswain Tom Loughlin, crew Howard Lewis, Walter Murray. Underway 0745hrs Anclote Harbor Marina. The weather was overcast with winds predicted to be 15-20 knots N/N/E later in day. Arrived Coast Guard Station Sand Key 0845hrs reported to OD who mentioned the weather forecast and if it deteriorated we would be released early. Advised the OD we were going to patrol the local AOR & were underway 0930hrs. Arrived back at station for lunch 1130hrs and since the weather had not deteriorated plans were made to work with the 45 boat for training evolutions. We would still be the primary SAR (Search & Rescue) vessel if the alarmed sounded. Underway 1230hrs rendezvous with 45 boat behind the station. We were slated to be the dead boat, the 45 boat crew proceeded to go through procedures to take us into a stern tow. Actually there were 2 stern tow evolutions and 2 side tow evolutions. During the second side tow, an engine fire drill commenced, black smoke coming out of the engine room & crew responded. Afterwards we continued with the side tow shortly afterwards an anchor drill was called & again 2 evolutions of anchor drill. The 45 crew responded to both drills in a timely manner and afterwards were critiqued by the chief. The original weather forecast never materialized and turned out to a very nice day on the water. We were underway from Station Sand Key 1500hrs to RTB.