Chapter Happenings

Joint celebration of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Eight Bells and the U.S. Navy’s 249th Birthday.

Charleston Celebration for USCG and USN Birthdays

Charleston

Feb 6, 2025

On October 18th, members of the chapter convened for a joint celebration of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Eight Bells and the U.S. Navy’s 249th Birthday. Eight Bells is an annual Coast Guard tradition honoring sea service. This year’s event was particularly significant, marking the 50th Anniversary of the Cutterman Insignia. Established in 1974, the insignia recognizes the professional competence and accomplishments of career seagoing Coast Guardsmen. It signifies a minimum of five years of satisfactory sea service. To commemorate these important milestones, a ceremonial cake-cutting was conducted by two members representing the spectrum of sea time. Master Cutterman CWO4 Robert Kobser, with over 20 years of distinguished sea service, shared the honor with DC3 Thomas Bagley, who has just over 30 days of sea time.