Todd Hurley interns with U.S. Coast Guard

While some teens were enjoying the Delaware beaches this summer, Delmarva Christian High School senior Todd Hurley was engaged in an exciting internship with the United States Coast Guard. Two days a week, Hurley worked out of the USCG Station Indian River Inlet to gain vital experience to help him determine if the Coast Guard would be a viable career choice.

Hurley had been interested in an internship with the Coast Guard since January, but it wasn’t until this summer that he got the necessary clearance. Although he is intrigued by the guard’s missions of search and rescue, marine environment protection, and law enforcement, Hurley feels his gift is in boat maintenance; therefore, his ultimate goal is to become an engineer. “As an engineer, I’ll be able to ensure that the men will be able to perform their missions safely and effectively,” he said.

While interning at the USCG Station Indian River Inlet, Hurley spent many hours preparing the 25-foot U.S. Coast Guard Defender and the 47-foot U.S. Coast Guard motor lifeboats for inspection.

Since Hurley served a standard 36-hour duty shift, he was able to witness firsthand the teamwork and dedication required to provide 24-hour response to the maritime community. “I was really impressed by how the guardsmen worked together to live up to their motto of 'Semper Paratus…Always Prepared.'”

Hurley plans to join the Coast Guard after his May 2012 graduation from DCHS and enter college a few years later.

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded the country's maritime interests and environment around the world.

Delmarva Christian High School is a nondenominational Christian high school serving the Mid-Delmarva Region. Questions about admissions may be directed to John Sadler at 302-856-4040.