Coast Guard observes Black History Month

Part 3: Meet Petty Officer Jonathan Raimey

Story and photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Henry G. Dunphy

Petty Officer 2^nd Class Jonathan Raimey, a yeoman stationed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, enlisted in the Coast Guard six years ago because he wanted to serve in the branch of the armed forces whose primary mission is saving lives.

Raimey, a San Diego native whose father and grandfather served in the Navy, had firsthand experience of military life.

“I grew up around the military and knew that someday I would join as well,” Raimey said. “I chose to join the Coast Guard because, out of the five armed forces, the Coast Guard was the only one with the mission to save lives and give second chances.”

Since joining the Coast Guard, Raimey has done a variety of jobs, including being a boarding team member for law enforcement missions, navigated ships, stood watch as an engineer and assisted in relief efforts during the Hurricane Katrina response.

Of the 19 possible enlisted job specialties, Raimey decided to be a yeoman, which is similar to human resources and administration in the civilian world. Part of a three-person department, he is responsible for pay, leave, transfers and arrivals for the approximately 160 crewmembers aboard the Hamilton.

“The most influential factor in choosing my career path was that I wanted to help people on a daily basis,” Raimey said. “It feels good to know that I take care of my shipmates.”

This passion for helping people is also apparent in Raimey’s life outside of work. He has volunteered countless hours mentoring at schools and working with Habitat for Humanity. This dedication was commended when Raimey received the Volunteer Service Medal while stationed at Coast Guard Sector Seattle.

“I want people to know that they can have a brighter future,” Raimey said. “That is what motivates me to volunteer in the community.”

Through his varied experiences, Raimey views the connections with people he works with as the best part of the job.

“The most rewarding aspect of working for the Coast Guard is the relationships I have built with my shipmates,” Raimey said. “I know that, just as I look after them, they look after me.”

For Raimey, Black History Month is an important time to look back at the perseverance of the generations of black Americans that have come before him.

“This is a time to teach and learn about how black people have endured oppression and the struggle to gain equality in America,” Raimey said. “It is important to remember the past. I think it is important to not dwell on the negative, but focus on the positive achievements that have come out of the struggle.”

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