U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Joseph Rutledge, a boatswain’s mate attached to Port Security Unit 309, makes the bit Oct. 23, 2021, on Lake Erie. Rutledge secures the line to the towing bit to ensure the towed vessel doesn’t disconnect from the towing vessel. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Fontenette)