[Old Sailor]

Wishing Fair Winds and Following Seas to Boatswain Dave Smith



Boatswain Dave Smith and his wife Gail received best wishes and heartfelt
congratulations from colleagues, in honour of Dave’s upcoming retirement.
By Captain Darryl Clow
On February 20th, the crew of CCGS Griffon assembled in the Crews Mess to wish their Boatswain David
Smith “fair winds and following seas” for his retirement. Dave will retire at the end of March.
Dave’s career spans nearly thirty‐two years, beginning in May 1980. Throughout his time with the Coast
Guard, Dave has worked primarily on the buoy tenders Kenoki and Griffon, with stints in Search and
Rescue in Amherstburg. His steady manner saw him rise to the position of Boatswain, responsible for
the safe conduct of all deck operations on board and ashore.
“Working for the Coast Guard for 32 years allowed me the opportunity to enjoy working outdoors all
year round, traveling all the Great Lakes. It has also allowed me to work and form a lasting friendship
with my crewmates, which I will always cherish. They have become a second family to me, and I will
miss them.”
Dave was presented with several gifts from his shipmates; a brass lighthouse, navigation light and a box
of Monti Cristo cigars. His shipmates wish Dave and Gail all the best for a long and happy retirement.