Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC) David Michael Ramsey is a retired, highly decorated United States Coast Guard veteran who officially holds the rare and elite designation of Surfman #374. The Surfman qualification is the Coast Guard’s highest, most prestigious tier of coxswain training, certifying personnel to operate rescue watercraft in extreme weather and breaking heavy surf conditions. [1, 2]

Career & Elite Achievements

• Surfman Register Listing: He officially earned his Surfman qualification on March 10, 2006, while stationed at the famously treacherous Station Cape Disappointment at the mouth of the Columbia River. [1]
• AFRAS Gold Medal: In 2007, Ramsey was awarded the prestigious Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) Gold Medal for exceptional bravery. The award recognized his heroic actions in January 2006 when, as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class (BM1), he masterminded a highly dangerous “slip tow” operation to rescue a disabled 50-foot vessel (Cathrine M) amid violent waves. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• 20-Year Service Record: Over his two-decade military career, Ramsey served in multiple high-stakes roles, including Chief of Operations at Coast Guard Station Sabine Pass, Texas, Force Manager, Ready for Operations Inspector, and a Small Arms Instructor. He is also a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). [1, 2, 3]
• Disability Status: He is recognized as a 100% disabled veteran following his extensive service in high-risk maritime search and rescue operations and major natural disaster responses, including Hurricane Harvey. [1]

Post-Military & Community Presence

Today, Ramsey resides in Texas and remains an active figure online and within veteran advocacy circles. He maintains a notable digital presence where he shares insights into his rescue career, military life, and ocean hobbies: [1, 2]

• Social Media Platforms: He documents his history and veteran perspective through his public David Michael Ramsey Facebook Page and his dedicated @Surfman374 YouTube Channel.
• Community Initiatives: He has previously founded or been heavily associated with ocean conservation and military-outreach initiatives, including the Rigs & Reef Classic Spearfishing Tournament and Salty Soul Taxidermy. [1, 2]

If you are looking for specific details regarding his service history, are trying to get in touch with him, or want to learn more about the Coast Guard Surfman program, let me know how I can help narrow down your search!