Granting a Coast Guard wish

Contact: Petty Officer Pamela Manns, 510-772-8865

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The crew from Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay welcomed a 15-year-old boy with Muscular Dystrophy aboard their 47-foot Motor Lifeboat, Dec. 1, 2010.

Petaluma resident Frankie Rones is a long time admirer of the Coast Guard; he is also living with Muscular Dystrophy. His neighbor, Coast Guard Seaman Jacob Lowery, has been mentoring Frankie for the last six months and helped make his dream of visiting a Coast Guard base come true.

Frankie was granted a tour of Training Center Petaluma and Station Bodega Bay.

"The crew was so welcoming, and they even let me drive the boat," said Frankie.

Frankie, who often uses crutches and a wheelchair to get around, had a hard time moving up the boat's ladders and with the help of Lowery and other crewmembers Frankie was able to go and see places he wouldn't have otherwise been able to.

"It was really thrilling, and I had a blast," said Frankie.

Both tours lasted about three hours.

BODEGA BAY, Calif. - Frankie Rones, a Petaluma resident living with Muscular Dystrophy, drives a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat under the guidance of Petty Officer 1st Class Steve Kennedy, a boatswain's mate assigned to Station Bodega Bay, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010. Rones is a long time admirer of the Coast Guard and with the help of his neighbor, Coast Guard Seaman Jacob Lowery, his wish of visiting of a Coast Guard base came true. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Fireman Zach Wilson.

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