TQC Podcast #34: US Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay Surfmen

Chief Warrant Officer Beth Slade previously served as the Commanding Officer at the premiere U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboat Station Yaquina Bay. With 28 years of service, she is distinguished as one of the Coast Guard’s few Master Surfmen, holding the Surfman qualification for over 20 years. On July 9, 2025, Chief Warrant Officer Slade assumed command of the National Motor Lifeboat School from Chief Warrant Officer William Armstrong, who temporarily relieved Chief Warrant Officer Timothy Crochet. She now leads a team of 60 Coast Guard men and women at the service’s center of excellence for the Motor Lifeboat platform. The National Motor Lifeboat School provides “C” school resident training, as well as Motor Lifeboat Readiness and Standardization assessments. Chief Petty Officer Chris Brantley serves as the Executive Petty Officer at USCG Station Yaquina Bay. Throughout his career, he has earned the prestigious distinction of Surfman, demonstrating the ability to safely operate Coast Guard boats in breaking surf and extreme conditions. In his current role, Chief Brantley oversees the station’s operations and personnel while assisting the Commanding Officer in managing daily missions and administrative responsibilities. Chief Petty Officer Kenny Compton has dedicated two decades of service to the U.S. Coast Guard, during which he has traveled extensively and served in multiple operational environments, and has earned his title as a USCG Surfman. His experience has matured into a leadership role at Station Yaquina Bay, where he is entrusted with shaping the next generation of surfmen. Interested in joining the Coast Guard? Check out https://www.gocoastguard.com/