Nov. 6, 2001 – U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Marvin Wells, a 1978 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, has transferred with promotion to the Coast Guard Air Station at Clearwater, Fla.
Ranked No. 1 on the promotion list, he was promoted to Aviation Technician Master Chief on September 1, 2001, making him the first Virgin Islander to achieve this rank within the aviation field in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Wells enlisted in the Coast Guard in September 1978. After completing basic training at Cape May, N.J., Wells served as Seaman onboard the cutter Cape Gull in Miami, Fla. He has since been in the aviation field, serving at Coast Guard stations in Kodiak, Alaska and Sacramento, Calif. before this new assignment.
Wells "has seen the world, and then some," said the Good News release. "I have traveled as a C-130 Hercules Navigator throughout the United States, Central and South America, South East Asia, including Hong Kong, China and other Pacific rim nations," Wells was quoted as saying.
On reporting to Clearwater, Wells assumed the position of Command Master Chief. His responsibilities include monitoring the health and well-being of all 650 enlisted personnel assigned to the air station. The Clearwater station is one of the largest and busiest in the Coast Guard with 13 HH-60J Jayhawk helicopters and seven HC-130H Hercules planes, said the release.
The air station’s operational area stretches from the Southeastern United States to the southern end of South America. It includes the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean basin, and the Bahamas, where it conducts anti-drug and migrant smuggling patrols, search and rescue operations, and logistics support for Coast Guard units in the region.
"In my current position," said Wells, "I am able to accomplish a lot of good for my people and their families. This is what it is all about."
Earlier this year, Wells, son of Marcia Wheatley and stepson of Calvin Wheatley of St. Thomas, visited several high schools in the Virgin Islands, including his alma mater, to raise the visibility of the Coast Guard and promote recruiting.
He has been awarded Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations and three Special Operations ribbons.
He holds a bachelor's degree in science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is currently completing a master's degree in aeronautical science.
