Date: April 26, 2007

Contact: CWO Mark Razny
(630) 986-2131
Chief Michelle Birchfield
(301) 906-0100

MARINE SAFETY UNIT CHICAGO TO HOST A
NATIONAL OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAM IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO - U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit will host the Sea Partners and America's Waterway Watch national outreach training program at the Shedd Aquarium on April 28-30, 2007.

This year's session will be the first time the Sea Partners' training program will be held at an aquarium, allowing participants to explore the aquarium and interact with aquarium staff.

This is also the first time the program will feature two complete training programs, one designed for the outreach coordinators and supervisors and one for volunteer members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, at one location.

The Sea Partners campaign is the Coast Guard's marine environmental protection outreach and education program.  The primary objective of the campaign is to educate communities at large in developing awareness of marine pollution issues and improving compliance with marine environmental protection laws and regulations.

The America's Waterway Watch campaign is a national awareness program that asks those who work, live, or recreate on or near the water to be aware of suspicious activity that might indicate threats to our country's homeland security.

Historically, the U.S. Coast Guard has been a multi-mission service and the combined training will allow Coast Guard personnel to discuss with the public several different areas where they can get involved at an outreach event.

Media interviews, video and photo opportunities will be available throughout the conference.  To make media arrangements, contact Chief Warrant Officer Mark Razny, MSU Chicago, at (630) 986-2131; or Chief Michelle Birchfield, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, at (301) 906-0100.

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