Media Advisory

Date: December 2, 2009

Contact: Capt. Dave Truitt
(312)-222-0500, phone

Ens. Shane Alexander
(813)-789-6228, phone

Lt. j.g. Jerry Federer
(630)-986-2145, phone

Delores Robinson
(312)-617-2680, phone

Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw to deliver Christmas Trees to Navy Pier for more than 1,000 needy families

CHICAGO - Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw will be arriving at Chicago's Navy Pier on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at 8 a.m. with a delivery of Christmas Trees that will be distributed to more than 1,000 needy families.

A ceremony welcoming the Mackinaw will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 near the "Captain at the Helm" statue south of the pier entrance.

Media is invited to attend.

The ceremony includes presentation of colors by a Sea Cadet Color Guard and a memorial wreath laying ceremony commemorating the merchant marine officers lost on the Great Lakes. The high point of the ceremony is a scheduled fly-over by a Coast Guard helicopter (HH-65 Dolphin) carrying a memorial wreath to be placed on the waves near the Chicago lighthouse.

Three families, representing the more than 1,000 deserving families who will be given trees this year, will be present to receive the first Christmas trees.

Guest speakers include: Capt. George Lisner, member of the Christmas Ship Executive Committee, Cmdr. Scott Smith, Commanding Officer of U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and Capt. Luann Barndt, Sector Lake Michigan Commander and Chicago's Captain of the Port.

Honored Guests include: Col. Vincent Quarles, Chicago District Army Corps of Engineers, and Lt. Peter J. Piaza, Commanding Officer, Marine and Helicopter Unit, Chicago Police Department.

Public Tours of the Mackinaw will be provided on Friday Dec. 4 – Saturday Dec. 5, 2009 from 1:30 - 5 p.m.  The Mackinaw expects to depart Chicago on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009.

WHO: Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee, International Shipmasters’ Association, Chicago Marine Heritage Society, Friends of the Marine Community, Chicago Yachting Association, Navy League of the United States, U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Navy Pier.

WHAT: The arrival ceremony for the new state-of-the-art Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw will take place at Chicago’s Navy Pier Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at 8 a.m., welcomed in grand fashion by Fire and Police boats, a live military band and hundreds of students throughout the morning.

WHEN: The major event occurs on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2008 at 10 a.m. near the “Captain at the Helm” statue south of the pier entrance.  The Mackinaw will be welcomed in honor of the Chicago Christmas Ship tradition bringing Christmas trees to over 1,000 deserving families in the Chicago area.

WHERE: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, Ill.

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