The Gunners Mate stands at the ready mid-ship, port side at the twin 50 caliber machine guns. A product of World War II, these trusted machine guns are as reliable today as they were some 65 years ago. The brutal conditions of the Arabian Gulf with its high saline content and omnipresent talc-like sand floating in from the surrounding deserts, wreak havoc on the exposed guns. Weekly maintenance when the patrol boats are in port for refueling and restocking of supplies is a must. US Coast Guard Art Program 2007 Collection, Ob ID # 200706, "Gunners Mate," Chris Demarest, watercolor, 18.25 x 14
