Seaman Food Service Specialist Noel Acker fires a Mark-127 Parachute Flare under the direction of Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Foster, a gunner's mate, during pyrotechnics training aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alert, Sept. 25, 2012. Acker is the first female food service specialist to serve aboard a 210-foot Coast Guard Cutter. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class George Degener.