The 2025 Windjammer Days will shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who have served, are serving, or are preparing to serve in one of the most respected branches of the U.S. military: the Coast Guard. From active-duty members and retired veterans to the bright future leaders currently enrolled at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we’ll explore their personal stories, their contributions to the community, and the impact they've made on the nation's maritime security. The 63rd annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days will take place on Sunday, June 22 through Saturday, June 28. Please visit boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org for the full schedule of events.

The U.S. Coast Guard has been an integral part of my life from the very beginning. I was born and raised in Boothbay, a community deeply rooted in maritime tradition. My father, Brian Blethen, served as an MK1 in the Coast Guard reserves for over 20 years, while my mother dedicated more than 30 years to federal service, first as an Army drill sergeant and later as a postmaster. Service is in my blood. 

Growing up, I was surrounded by a legacy of hard work and dedication. My grandfather, Douglas Carter, and uncle, Andy Carter, are both lobstermen, who have worked hard in the maritime industry their whole lives. I have vivid memories of the haunted houses at Small Boat Station Boothbay Harbor where my dad worked—those were the best haunted houses I've ever been to! The lobster boat races and Fisherman’s Festival, where my grandfather, local lobstermen, and family friends competed, further underscored the deep connection between my family, the Coast Guard, and our community's safety. 

As a freshman in high school, I worked with the crew to create an apprenticeship opportunity at the Small Boat Station, allowing me to spend more time learning about the service and exploring whether this was the path I wanted to pursue. By my sophomore year, I reached out to the head coach of the Coast Guard Academy’s women’s basketball team, Alex Ivansheck, and invited her to watch my AAU basketball games. She came, and I think I may have been the youngest recruit they had ever seen, but I was certain that the Coast Guard was where I wanted to be. I wanted to embrace the "Service above Self" mentality and be a part of these life-saving missions. 

When I applied to the Coast Guard Academy, I was unsure if I would be accepted. So, receiving my appointment and being able to play for the women’s basketball team was a dream come true. My time at the Academy has been filled with incredible experiences, from Swab Summer and summer cruises to leadership roles and new responsibilities. While it may sound inevitable, graduating and commissioning is far from a given. The Academy is an incredibly demanding institution that challenges you every day—mentally, physically and ethically. 

The service and the Academy have had a profound impact on me in ways I can't fully express myself in just one article. This has been my goal for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve had valuable experiences, such as spending my sophomore summer aboard a 270-foot cutter patrolling the Caribbean Sea and visiting DHS Headquarters, where I gained insight into the inner workings of government and service finance. These experiences have shaped my leadership style and given me a clearer sense of purpose. I know I wouldn’t have had these opportunities and experiences if it weren’t for my family, mentors, friends, teachers, coaches, and most of all this community.  

This month, I received orders to Portsmouth, Virginia, where I’ll serve on a 270-foot cutter with primary missions in National Security, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, and Fisheries. I am beyond excited for this next chapter and to continue serving my country.