https://rescueatsea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2007Fall.pdf

David Michael Ramsey is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer (Chief Boatswain’s Mate – BMC)and a decorated Federal Law Enforcement Officer. He is best known for his elite qualification as a Coast Guard Surfman and his heroic actions during maritime rescue operations. [1, 2, 3]

https://youtu.be/DFiTRweve0c?is=qGyBhsp4T_OgvvT8

Key Credentials & Career Highlights

• Rank & Title: Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC), United States Coast Guard (Retired). [1, 2]
• Surfman Qualification: He earned the highly prestigious Surfman #374 designation, a title reserved for an elite group of Coast Guard personnel qualified to operate rescue watercraft in the most extreme, high-surf conditions. [1, 2]
• Heroism & Awards: As a Boatswain’s Mate First Class, Ramsey was awarded the prestigious AFRAS Gold Medal (Association for Rescue at Sea) for extreme bravery after executing a perilous 50-foot vessel tow under unimaginable maritime conditions on January 15, 2006. [1, 2]
• Law Enforcement & Leadership: Over a 20-year career, he served in vital leadership roles, including the Chief of Operations at Coast Guard Station Sabine Pass, Texas (2017–2018). In this role, he managed small arms programs, vessel operations, and crew readiness. He frequently coordinated with local Sheriffs, Game Wardens, and fellow federal agencies (like U.S. Border Patrol and CBP) to ensure regional security, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue (SAR) capabilities. [1, 2, 3]
• Post-Military Status: He is a 100% disabled veteran and has since been involved in veteran advocacy, maritime safety, and small business initiatives, including Salty Soul Taxidermy and organizing events like the Rigs & Reef Classic Spearfishing Tournament. [1, 2, 3]

BMC David Michael Ramsey is a retired United States Coast Guard (USCG) Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC), recognized as an advanced small arms instructor, federal law enforcement officer, and highly decorated rescue coxswain. [1, 2, 3]

Career Overview

• Military Service: He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1997, graduating with company Hotel 153, and served for over 20 years until his retirement around 2018. [1, 2]
• Surfman #374: He holds the elite designation of Surfman #374, meaning he qualified to operate rescue watercraft in the most extreme, hazardous surf and breaking weather conditions. [1, 2]
• Operations & Leadership: From 2017 to 2018, he served as the Chief of Operations at Coast Guard Station Sabine Pass in Texas. In this role, he managed crew readiness, international scheduling, tactical vessel operations, and regional maritime security in District 8. [1]
• Awards: He is a recipient of the prestigious AFRAS Gold Medal (Association for Rescue at Sea) for an extraordinary lifesaving towing operation he performed on January 15, 2006. [1]

Small Arms & Law Enforcement Credentials

• Instructor Role: As an advanced small arms instructor, Chief Ramsey managed the comprehensive firearms programs for his units, overseeing training, qualification, and weapon readiness. [1, 2]
• Federal Law Enforcement: He is a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer who conducted joint river and coastal patrols alongside local sheriff departments, police forces, and game wardens to protect shipping lanes and fisheries. [1, 2]

100% Disabled Period of service 1998-2018