Machine guns on the Great Lakes

[mnj1233]

And who wants to get smoked with an 18-pounder? Not me.

Who wants an ill prepared Coast Guard???? Not me.......Train Away.

 

[wb416]

There's been a live fire area for MANY years in Lake Erie at Camp Perry, near Port Clinton. Whenever we were doing weapons qualification there or the National Rifle Matches were being held, a flag went up and fisherman had to stay out of the area.... no big deal.

 

[SwimJim]

Uhh, its the Coast Guard. There supposed to have guns. I wouldn't worry about it anyway. Remember the Coast Guards motto; "It's not our job!"

Jim

 

[Tiny Bubbles]

Do you think they'll sink anything?

 

[Lordof7]

But let me ask one question- How often will these live fire tests happen.

According to the article:

Despite complaints from some charter boat captains, environmental groups and city leaders around the Great Lakes, the Coast Guard defended the need to mount M-240B machine guns on its boats and to test fire them two or three times a year in “safety zones,” about 70 square miles each.

On the second link, the CG says the safety zones are

"established pursuant to the Port and Waterway Safety Act for the protection of vessels, structures waterways and shore areas within the navigable waters of the United States.

The Coast Guard's authority to establish safety zones can be found in 33 USC 1225; 33 CFR 160.5; and 33 CFR 165 Subpart C.

Anyone violating a safety zone may be subject to civil or criminal penalties. "

I don't know if this means they are closed always, or only during excersizes. And, as others have pointed out, according to the CG site, these tests have been occuring in temporary safety zones since the beginning of the year. Also of interest are lists of public meeting on the subject. The schedule and cities are listed on that second website. If you care one way or the other, attending one of those meetings may be useful.

 

[Lordof7]

Do you think they'll sink anything?

Apparently the targets are foam buoys, so probably not. Oh well! It would probably be fun to observe anyways.

 

[cerich]

I trust the CG with guns more than some southern sheriffs offices....

 

[diverbrian]

I'll say this. When no else will do a rescue, the Coast Guard does them. You have to be crazy to go out in some of the stuff that they go out in.

Even those of us who were in the Navy and made lighthearted fun of the Coast Guard did it in fun, not seriously. Those people are doing some dirty work that they weren't even orginally designed to do and still get it done (Like rescuing flood victims in New Orleans).

I trust them with guns more than many agencies and people that have them. I guess looking down the barrel of large caliber revolver when signing the summons for a speeding ticket will foster that belief... LOL.

 

[bladephotog]

Well I know the last thing we need is a bunch of Canadians invading so I say arm the CG to the teeth. Ha ha. Speaking of which, if you haven't seen the movie Canadian Bacon you should. John Candy's performance of a small town sheriff is brilliant.

 

[Notso_Ken]

Well I know the last thing we need is a bunch of Canadians invading so I say arm the CG to the teeth. Ha ha. Speaking of which, if you haven't seen the movie Canadian Bacon you should. John Candy's performance of a small town sheriff is brilliant.

ALL of John Candy's performances are brilliant!