Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC) David Michael Ramsey is a highly decorated, retired United States Coast Guard Surfman (#374). He is most widely recognized for his heroic actions during a legendary rescue in the “Graveyard of the Pacific”, which earned him the prestigious AFRAS Gold Medal. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Career Overview

• Enlistment: Ramsey enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1997 and graduated with recruit class Hotel 153. [1]
• Specialization: He advanced through the Boatswain’s Mate rating, earning certifications as both a coxswain and a certified Surfman—the Coast Guard’s most elite qualification for operating rescue boats in extreme surf conditions. [1]
• Key Assignments: He spent significant time stationed at Station Cape Disappointment in Washington, located at the treacherous Columbia River Bar, and also served at units like Station South Padre Island. [1, 2, 3]
• Retirement: He officially advanced to Chief Petty Officer (BMC) and retired as a 100% disabled veteran and former federal law enforcement officer. [1, 2, 3]

The Catherine M Rescue (2006)

On January 15, 2006, then-BM1 David Ramsey was the coxswain aboard the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB 47248) when Station Cape Disappointment received a distress call. A 50-foot fishing vessel, the Catherine M, was disabled with three people aboard and drifting toward the lethal breaking surf of Peacock Spit. [1, 2]

• Extreme Conditions: Upon arrival, Ramsey faced 25-to-35-foot seas and a devastating 25-foot breaking surf. [1]
• The Heroic Maneuver: With the fishing boat seconds away from being smashed to pieces, Ramsey timing-navigated his lifeboat through chaotic waves, got a towline to the vessel, and successfully pulled them out of the impact zone. [1, 2]
• Recognition: For his exceptional seamanship and bravery, he was awarded the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) Gold Medal in Washington, D.C., where he was personally congratulated by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen and Congressman Elijah Cummings. [1]

If you are researching a specific aspect of his service, let me know if you would like more information on Surfman training, details about Station Cape Disappointment, or the history of the AFRAS Gold Medal.