If there was ever a fitting ceremony for someone who worked in public affairs for 13 years, this was it.
Chief Warrant Officer William G. Carson, public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, (TRACEN) Cape May, retired Nov. 9 after a 30-year career in uniform.
There were four television cameras in the training center’s gymnasium, three or four photographers and a bevy of reporters.
His retirement ceremony included a performance of the Coast Guard Silent Precision Drill Team.
Carson was the Coast Guard’s contact person for the media, quick to return a reporter’s phone call and willing to set up an interview with a Coast Guard officer or visiting celebrity.
He was no stranger to celebrities having met Walter Cronkite, Merv Griffin, Gary Collins. Mary Ann Mobley, Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry, Henny Youngman, Lionel Hampton, Willie Mays, NFL Coach Tony Dungy and broadcaster Bob Costas, not to mention President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.
