Hometown Tour: Sector Mobile

When the call comes in on the radio or other listening device they're the first to hear it, at the Sector Mobile Command Center.

“We're essentially an information hub, information comes in through the phones through the radios, various electronic databases,” says Lt. Matthew Mitchell. He’s the Command Center Chief. Mitchell says, based on the information they get at the Command Center, they devise a plan of action--whether it involves airpower--or reinforcements on the water.

“With a multi mission we have a lot to do in port and underway, we're always busy,” says Lt. Benjamin Krebs. He is the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter “Stingray.” It’s one of five throughout the area of responsibility for Sector Mobile. Sometimes they work search and rescue--other days they do standard patrols.

“We'll patrol downtown mobile check the critical infrastructure down there for security ports and waterways mission,” says Krebs. With the myriad of missions at Sector Mobile, their primary concern is the safety of people that are on the water

“Search and rescue is what consumes most of our time and energy it is our number one mission it's a mission we have to be absolutely diligent with,” says Lt. Mitchell. Sometimes cutter crews board other vessels to make sure they meet certain safety regulations.

“Flares, life rafts, personal floatation devices all of that goes into preventing a search and rescue case,” says Lt. Krebs. Sector Mobile set a new record for search and rescue missions this year with 705 cases. You can see, hear and learn more about the US Coast Guard tonight at 6 pm. Our next Hometown Tour is a live broadcast from Sector Mobile.