CaptainJack
New Member
A bit ago my wife and I went on an Alaskan cruise. Part of my bucket list. In 1976 I was aboard the USCG Ice Breaker Polar Star for her maiden voyage and
ice breaking test and on our return to Seattle after the test, we were supposed to stop in two ports in Alaska. Well, the ship broke down and we had to limp home, no Alaska.
Given the day/night temperatures even in the summer, a medium weight coat was recommended. I thought taking my old G1 for the trip would do the trick since she made the trip in 76.
Well, the old coat still fit, but zipping it up was a bit too snug, so the search began for a replacement(which lead me to this forum)and I found one on ebay that was period correct, but needed new cuffs and waistband. Through a recommendation from this forum, I contacted Steve and he did the cuffs and waistband, added a mouton collar, an extra inside right pocket for a cell phone and transferred all my unit patches and badges from the old coat. I can't say enough about how pleased I am with his work, sent me pictures during the process to make sure the patches were all lined up and the way I wanted. He removed the lining so the patches weren't sewn through the liner(which was in pretty much mint condition)like my original one was.
I know many of you are purists about unadorned jackets, but as an former helicopter Air Crewman, I know all of us in aviation added patches on our air base, it was the only part of the uniform that we were allowed to personalize and we all did it.
Anyway, here's my coat.
ice breaking test and on our return to Seattle after the test, we were supposed to stop in two ports in Alaska. Well, the ship broke down and we had to limp home, no Alaska.
Given the day/night temperatures even in the summer, a medium weight coat was recommended. I thought taking my old G1 for the trip would do the trick since she made the trip in 76.
Well, the old coat still fit, but zipping it up was a bit too snug, so the search began for a replacement(which lead me to this forum)and I found one on ebay that was period correct, but needed new cuffs and waistband. Through a recommendation from this forum, I contacted Steve and he did the cuffs and waistband, added a mouton collar, an extra inside right pocket for a cell phone and transferred all my unit patches and badges from the old coat. I can't say enough about how pleased I am with his work, sent me pictures during the process to make sure the patches were all lined up and the way I wanted. He removed the lining so the patches weren't sewn through the liner(which was in pretty much mint condition)like my original one was.
I know many of you are purists about unadorned jackets, but as an former helicopter Air Crewman, I know all of us in aviation added patches on our air base, it was the only part of the uniform that we were allowed to personalize and we all did it.
Anyway, here's my coat.
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