Mr. David Chen This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. Helo

   www.teamcoastguard.org/2003/Oc - [Cached]

   Published on: 10/23/2003   Last Visited: 12/6/2006

   David Chen, a Chinese born in Vietnam, also speaks Vietnamese, French, and English along with Chinese, and a little Japanese. He came to Hawaii in 1984 from Oklahoma where he had lived since 1981 when he emigrated from France.
   
   David Chen inside helo on mission. Self photo by David Chen.
   
   Self-employed Chen was attending classes at Chaminade University of Honolulu when he met Lucius Spence an Auxiliarist who is an instructor at the college. Encouraged by Spence, Chen joined the Auxiliary in September 2002.
   ...
   About this same time Chen was surfing the Auxiliary Website and found the Interpreter Corps. He read about what Auxiliarists were doing and was inspired to join the Interpreter Corps.
   
   His first assignment was earlier this summer aboard the KITTIWAKE an 87-foot coastal patrol boat based in Kauai. ENS Mark Lucas, Tactical Operations Officer from Group Honolulu called Chen and another interpreter, Eva Lo, to help the Coast Guard determine why a Chinese fishing boat with no fishing equipment was near Hawaiian waters.
   ...
   "Fortunately I had my passport on hand when LT Phillips called," said Chen who was immediately called by the DIRAUX office where SK1 Ali Hope had started processing his orders. A one-way flight to Norita International Airport near Tokyo was booked. Chen had less than 48 hours to get his personal life in order, pack and get to the Honolulu Airport for his flight that left at 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning August 22.
   
   A divorced father of two Chen had to make arrangements for his 16-year-old son while he was gone. (His daughter lives in France with her mother.)
   
   Dinner with the CO. Chen in foreground, then left to right around table, CDR Peter Brown, JARVIS Executive Officer, CAPT Mike Jett, LT Andrew Pecora, Engineer Officer. Photo by FS3 Margaret Anderson.
   
   An MBA candidate he also had to make arrangements with his project team members to send them his input on their MBA project. For another course he had to work out how to get the weekly quizzes and submit his responses to his professor. While Chen was on patrol he was able to complete his MBA requirements.
   
   Arriving in Japan around noon on Friday, Chen was met by a travel agent who helped him with the Customs paperwork and then took him to Yokosuka Naval Station. CWO Stephen Brown and another ship's officer from the JARVIS met him and took him to the cutter where he joined the 170 members of the crew, 20 officers and 150 enlisted, including four others who came aboard that same weekend. One was a Naval weather specialist petty officer who was assigned to Operations. One was the engineering officer who became Chen's roommate.
   
   Early Monday morning as the JARVIS was escorted from the harbor by a couple of Navy ships, the commanding officer, CAPT Michael A. Jett, welcomed each of the new crew and Chen and presented them each with a ship's cap.
   
   Headed for the North Pacific the JARVIS took nearly a week to arrive at the fishing grounds. Along the way, if a vessel was encountered and thought to be Chinese, Chen was called to the bridge to speak to and help identify the other vessel. It was a 24-7 type of job with Chen on call at all hours of day or night. After a few days Chen got his sea legs and enjoyed the ride.
   
   The missions of a 378' cutter involve Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Maritime Environmental Protection. Cutters do not normally take interpreters with them. It depends on the particular mission.
   
   Golden Dragon Initiation begins. HS3 Kurt Mickelson guides Chen as FT3 Micah Phillips waits his turn. Photo by ENS Beau Power.
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   That's when LT Phillips checked with the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps and found Chen.
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   Even though Chen was busy with interpreter responsibilities there was also time for other activities. He was able to maintain limited communication with his family and classmates through the Internet. He shared quarters with an engineering officer and even had a formal dinner with the Captain at which he and other guests had to evaluate the meal to help determine if the cook should attend Culinary School in Hawaii.
   
   "I learned so much about the Coast Guard from the Captain and fellow crewmembers," said Chen.
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   Chen is one of only a few Auxiliarists to become a member of this Order.
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   Without Mr. Chen's assistance as interpreter, the JARVIS would not have been able to complete its mission in the North Pacific."
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   Before Chen left the ship, Captain Jett presented him with a commendation for his " ... outstanding service to the JARVIS in assisting the international community in enforcing the moratorium against the use of high seas driftnets, thus preserving natural resources for future generations ... " Chen was also commended for mentoring a junior officer in his language skills.
   ...
   Before Chen left the ship, Captain Jett presented him with a commendation for his " ... outstanding service to the JARVIS in assisting the international community in enforcing the moratorium against the use of high seas driftnets, thus preserving natural resources for future generations ... " Chen was also commended for mentoring a junior officer in his language skills.
   ...
   Ever the humble Auxiliarist, Chen modestly stated, "Being an interpreter is just one of many, many activities in the Auxiliary. There are so many ways to help and share your skills with the public and other Auxiliarists. I was honored to be able to help out in this situation. It was an exciting and unforgettable experience."
   
   Not one to slow down Chen is already looking forward to passing his boat crew qualifications as well as becoming a vessel examiner.