Tuesdays at TPS: An Introduction to the U.S. Coast Guard and Its Missions

USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30)

Join Senior Chief Dale on July 8, 2025, at 6 PM at Tryon Painters and Sculptors in Tryon, North Carolina, for an engaging and informative introduction to the U.S. Coast Guard and its missions. There will be refreshments available, and fascinating stories to be shared. 

Having personally witnessed the coup in the Republic of Georgia, 60’ waves in the Gulf of Alaska, the boarding and inspections of many fishing vessels, hands on search and rescue operations, and many more military adventures, Senior Chief Dale will be sharing stories from 30+ years of military service at Tryon Painters and Sculptors.

From South Dakota to Norway and from Micronesia to the Republic of Georgia, Senior Chief Jeff Dale has traversed the globe throughout his over 30-year career in the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. Jeff's extensive range of life experiences has formed the basis for the development of his vision and understanding of the world.

Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, Jeff was raised in a solid Midwestern family. He embarked on his Naval career in his early 20s, commencing his military journey onboard the USS Cleveland (LPD-7), subsequently cross-decking to the U.S. Coast Guard after 6 years in the Navy. His service to the nation has afforded him a lifetime of travel and experiences across 36 countries. Throughout his career, Jeff fulfilled 14 assignments, serving on three ships and undertaking 11 shore assignments, which ranged from LORAN Station Gillette, Wyoming, to Command Center assignments in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, the U.S. Territory of Guam, Humboldt Bay in Northern California, and two tours in Detroit, Michigan. Additionally, Jeff held the position of Command Senior Chief in Charleston, South Carolina, and Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.

During his time at sea, his area of specialization was maritime navigation. Jeff acquired knowledge of not only modern navigation methods but also ancient techniques that utilized celestial references, pilotage, and the visual interpretation of the seas. His shore assignments predominantly revolved around Coast Guard Command Centers, overseeing all facets of the Coast Guard mission set. He mastered the discipline of Search and Rescue by attending the Coast Guard Maritime Search and Rescue Course (twice, due to technological advancements in search planning), the Coast Guard Search and Rescue Supervisors Course, and the Air Force Inland Search and Rescue Course. Senior Chief Dale’s advanced leadership training encompassed the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and the Air Force First Sergeant’s School. Throughout his career, Senior Chief Dale received an impressive total of 52 personal and unit awards and citations, and he also holds the qualifications for the Naval Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin and the Coast Guard Cutterman’s Pin.

Jeff has published two photography books, featuring many of the locations he has visited. They will be offered for sale on Tuesdays at the TPS event.