Coast Guard Supplements Budget with Party Boats

Like many government organizations, the U.S. Coast Guard often finds it challenging to work within the limits of its budget. It can be a struggle for the Coast Guard to effectively defend our shores when they have to worry about how much things may cost. In an effort to deal with this problem, Captain Merrill Stoobing  came up with the idea of repurposing unused Coast Guard cutters as party boats.

"The idea actually came to me when we were rescuing some people who had fallen off a party boat," Captain Stoobing said. "We pulled three young, intoxicated women from the Manasquan River. They fell from the boat when they were taking a selfie. Once on our boat they were mostly upset that they were missing the party. The one who had been taking selfies still had her phone and it was in a waterproof case. She turned on some music and the three of them started dancing. Most of the crew thought it was pretty funny, but I saw it as an opportunity."

"Captain Stoobing realized that at any given time there are vessels in the Coast Guard fleet that are sitting idle. He requisitioned a cutter that was not being used and had it docked at the Coast Guard Station Manasquan. "A cutter is a perfect size for a party boat. There is a lot of deck space and the vessel is very stable in the water. I recruited some volunteers to man the boat on weekends, arranged for food service, and started advertising a BYOB party boat."

The Coast Guard party boat can now be seen on weekends cruising the Manasquan River and the Point Pleasant Canal. Based on the crowds of revelers, the cruises are becoming quite popular. Partyers agree that the music selection is one of the best thing about the cruises. 

Ensign Julie McCoy volunteered her services as cruise director and DJ. "Ensign McCoy has been an integral part of our success," said Captain Stoobing. "She has a superior ability to read the crowd and determine the best types of music to play. Her collection includes everything from Cool and the Gang to Metallica, along with almost every contemporary dance song anyone would want to hear. I have already put her in for a promotion."

The Coast Guard party boat will be operating from Friday evenings at 7:00 pm thru Sundays at 6:00 pm out of Manasquan Station. Open cruises will last approximately 2 hours. Private charters are also available. Those interested should contact the Coast Guard Manasquan Station.

"So far the party boats have been a great success," said Captain Stoobing. "The profits we have made will allow us to better serve the community. That's the best aspect of this venture. So come aboard. We're expecting you."



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