As the fourth of now five generations to serve the Coast Guard, I feel I am qualified to comment upon the Oct. 25 story, NY Coast Guard chief disciplined over storm outing. The Harris family has served dating back to my great grandfather when he joined the Life Saving Service in 1895. I, like my father before me and his father before him, were all boatswain's mates.

Yes, my family has taken boats out on those stormy seas so others may live. Now someone relieved a chief for taking his crew out in heavy seas?

What happened to the policy of ``you have to go out but don't have to come back,'' which dates back to a time when my great-grandfather rowed surf boats out from the North Carolina coast?

Chief Petty Officer James Weber's crews got training [in the disputed incident] that might save their lives. Or I can hear it now: ``The vessel in distress, this is Coast Guard Station Montauk. Be advised we can't come get you, the waves are too big.''

To the men and women running those boats over those breakers on those dark and stormy nights, Bravo Zulu [well done], and may God watch over you for what you do.

5 !!END TAG!! Key West

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