Families Always On The Move In The Coast Guard

Alabama Mobile Coast Guard families have to cope with the stress and challenges of moving every few years if they have a loved on in the service.

by Chad Petri

Published: Wed, November 04, 2009 - 4:52 pm CST

MOBILE, Alabama - For a family like the Ricketsons, moving becomes a way of life when you're in the Coast Guard.

“The transition from pulling the kids out of school and the drive over here was a little difficult but the coast guard was very helpful and everyone on base has been very nice to us,” says Petty Officer First Class Paul Ricketson. Paul, his wife Tasha and their children moved to Mobile three months ago. They started in California, and then moved to Florida and now they’re here.

“When I first learned that we were moving to Florida that was probably the most difficult because I'd never been away from home before,” says Paul’s wife, Tasha Ricketson. Despite the challenges of moving around on a frequent basis some family members say it's also made them better.

“We're able to open ourselves up go different places where we might not ever have been before if not for the Coast Guard,” says Tasha. She says the support from the Coast Guard has been great for transitioning families. She says it's hard to be away from her roots but supports Paul all the way.

“My job is to just try to stay calm and be supportive because no matter what it's going to happen so you might as well make the most of it,” says Tasha. Paul says they'll enjoy their time here while it lasts.

“Kind of helped us to kind of grow and get away from home and kind of grow up overall it's been really nice,” says Paul Ricketson. This is just one of the stops we’ll make along tonight’s Hometown Tour. Tune in tonight at 6pm for our live broadcast from Sector Mobile.

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