Starting with meals at the dining hall and followed by boarding a 45-foot boat, students from the Destin High School fishing course enjoyed an early-morning visit to the US Coast Guard Station Destin on May 1st.
Captain Brandy Miles, who teaches fishing classes at Destin High School, accompanied 27 students plus several adults on a visit to the facility located beneath the Marler Bridge.
The 35 individuals were split into three teams to ensure they received a more personalized tour of the premises along with a trip aboard the 45-foot vessel.
The Coast Guard staff provided tours of the living spaces, cafeteria, leisure areas, fitness center, and personal cinema room.
They outlined the work schedule for the staff, mentioning that at the Destin station, 30 individuals operate on 48-hour shifts.
BM3 Kyle Terashima informed the students about the safety equipment required when out on the water, whereas MK2 Braden Rozecki discussed the firearms present on their boats.
As students explored the dining hall, head cook Bobby DePaula shared with them, “Our aim is to ensure everyone enjoys good meals here. I’m the one who uplifts their moods.”
On May 1, he served the students homemade pizza and chicken wings, accompanied by a dessert featuring cherries and apples.
DV1 Tucker Day, a diving instructor hailing from Panama City, was present to discuss various diving equipment with the students.
He possessed a large KM-97 diving helmet for the students to experiment with. This particular helmet was around 30 pounds in weight.
Destin High School’s Katelyn Miller, intending to join the Coast Guard, decided to give the helmet a test.
The students in the fishing class had the opportunity to board a 45-foot Coast Guard boat. They embarked on a brief journey departing from the station, passing beneath the bridge, and exiting via the channel.
Fishing student Khloe Sanders had the opportunity to take control from behind the wheel.
When questioned about her feelings regarding being in charge of the ship, she responded, “Somewhat frightening.”
Once everybody had received an orientation, they enjoyed lunch together prior to returning to the classroom at Destin High School.
Many of the students showed enthusiasm about enlisting in the Coast Guard following the tour.
Miles mentioned their intention to incorporate this field trip into the curriculum for many future years.
The article initially appeared in The Destin Log.
The Destin High School fishing class gains hands-on experience at the US Coast Guard Station in Destin.
