Russel Nieters

USCGC SUMAC (WLR 311) is a United States Coast Guard inland river buoy tender, originally commissioned in 1944. Built during World War II, SUMAC has served primarily in maintaining navigational aids along major inland waterways, ensuring safe passage for commercial and military vessels. Over its decades of service, the cutter has supported a range of Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, environmental protection, and law enforcement. The vessel exemplifies the crucial role of river tenders in sustaining America's maritime infrastructure and operational readiness.

COMMSTA Kodiak, officially known as Coast Guard Communications Station Kodiak, is a United States Coast Guard communications facility located in Kodiak, Alaska. Established during World War II, its original mission was to provide critical long-range radio communications for U.S. military operations in the North Pacific and the Aleutian Islands. Over the decades, COMMSTA Kodiak has evolved into a vital component of the Coast Guard's communication network, supporting search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime safety operations throughout Alaska and the Bering Sea. Today, it remains a cornerstone for reliable military and maritime communications in one of the most challenging and remote regions of the world.