Welcome to the Fleet: USCGC Robert Goldman
The Coast Guard Cutter Robert Goldman was commissioned as the 42nd Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutter at a ceremony on March 12 in Key West, Florida. The cutter will be the second of six FRCs to be stationed as part of the Coast Guard’s Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) in Bahrain.
Fast Response Cutters in Bahrain support the Coast Guard’s mission to stand ready to deploy combat-ready Coast Guard forces that support Central Command and the United States’ national security goals.
The Cutter Robert Goldman and Cutter Charles Moulthrope will deploy to Bahrain later this year.
“It’s a real honor to be here today to show our support for the cutter fleet,” shared Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation President. “Our investment in this new cutter and its crew is crucial to helping Coast Guard members remain ready for their deployment and maintain their own physical and mental well-being while stationed far from home.”
Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished themselves in the line of duty. This cutter is named for Robert Goldman, who enlisted in the Coast Guard in October 1942 as a pharmacist's mate. In 1944 he reported for duty aboard the Coast Guard-manned, 328-foot Landing Ship, Tank-66, to participate in a campaign to retake the Philippines from the Japanese.
On November 12, 1944, a Japanese plane flew straight for the men gathered on the starboard side of the LST's stern. Goldman witnessed the enemy fighter crash into the deck and exploded. Goldman's back was on fire from the aviation fuel, his right leg received shrapnel from the crashing fighter, and he suffered severe shock from the sudden crash and the resulting carnage. Disregarding his injuries, Goldman courageously treated the wounded and dying. For his heroic deeds, Goldman received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals.
In a profile published by the Coast Guard historian's office, William Thiesen shared:
“Goldman was an ordinary man who performed extraordinary feats despite his own wounds and suffering. For the rest of his life, he would carry with him the scars, both inside and out, from that fateful day in November 1944. He was one of countless Coast Guard men and women who have gone in harm’s way to serve others. His efforts testify to the service’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.”
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Commissioning photos: U.S. Coast Guard photos by Senior Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir
