Forty Years of Selfless Service

Story and photos by PA1 Dana Warr, D7 Public Affairs 

MIAMI -- No one else in the Coast Guard has an earlier enlistment date or served more time on active-duty than Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Roger "Buck" Ward.  At least until Friday, June 16th.

A retirement ceremony held at Coast Guard Sector Miami with family, friends and past shipmates to recognize Ward's prestigious accomplishments over the past 40 years.  Ward enlisted Jan. 31, 1966.

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A young Master Chief Petty Officer Roger "Buck" Ward stands for a picture taken of him during boot camp in 1966. After completing basic training at Coast Guard Training Center Alameda, Calif., Buck departed for Vietnam while serving on the Coast Guard Cutter Mennetonaka. Coast Guard photograph.

During his 40 years of service, he served all around the country and was involved in a variety of Coast Guard missions.

While stationed at Marine Corps Camp LeJeune, N.C., he was instrumental in the "start-up" or commissioning of the Coast Guard's Special Missions Training Center where Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps boat crews train on coastal warfare tactics.  During his tenure the training center staff grew from six to 100.

The former Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James L. Jones and former Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Thomas Collins named the Coast Guard barracks at Camp LeJeune after Ward, honoring him during a ceremony there in 2002.

As the last-active duty member to have sailed on the 255-foot Owasco class cutters, Ward is a service icon and was the keynote speaker at the Owasco class reunion during the summer of 2005.

"I know from first-hand experience he has motivated thousands of young and old people to be patriotic and productive Americans over his many years of dedicated and faithful service," said retired Marine Corps Col. Michael E. Williams, and friend at Camp LeJeune.

"Buck" Ward was raised in Portland, Ore., and after completing basic training at Coast Guard Training Center Alameda, Calif., he departed for Vietnam while serving on the Coast Guard Cutter Minnetonaka.   He also served on the Coast Guard Cutters Winona, Sweetbriar, Fir and Active.

When asked what some of his highlights were during his 40 years of service, Ward said his career was long and while difficult to say, he felt his time in Vietnam was the most memorable. 

"A lot of the basics started there with crews and great camaraderie," said Ward.

"I think it's service, whether it be the military or your community, service to our country is the most honorable thing you can do, and however you can do it, whether it be volunteer or full-time, it's the most rewarding thing," said Ward about his advise to young people.

MIAMI -- Master Chief Petty Officer Roger "Buck" Ward displays his certificate of retirement with Capt. James Maes, commander of Sector Miami June 16th during Master Chief Ward's retirement ceremony. Ward served 40 years in the Coast Guard and was assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Minnetonaka, Winona, Wachusett, Fir, Sweetbriar and Active. Coast Guard photograph by PA1 Dana Warr.

"Master Chief Ward is a remarkable Coast Guardsman and human being who has served his country selflessly for more than 40 years," said Capt. Liam Slein, deputy commander for Coast Guard Sector Miami.  "Along the way he has touched the hearts and minds of thousands of men and women in our service.  He is a mentor to our most inexperienced people as well as a trusted advisor to our most senior leaders," continued Slein.

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