Geoff was a legend in the international SAR community. He served the U.S. Coast Guard in various functions for 39 years. After retiering from active service he became the USCG's first Civilian SAR Specialist, serving the Fifth District, and the International Oceanic SAR system. He has been a senior Civilian Subject Matter Expert in District Command Center's to ensure continuity, provide expert policy guidance, ensure oversight of all SAR cases, and ensure new, and seasoned, watchstanders benefitted from their knowledge and experience.

Geoff was not only a reliable and highly valued colleague in his Center but also in the International SAR community. He advised many of us and hosted the North Atlantic MRCC Conference calls for some years. He helped growing a community on an operational level that he himself claimed "is second to none"!

Geoff was involved in saving countless lives - during his watch, through people he taught and by igniting the passion for SAR in many professionals. He was a mentor and for some of us even a friend. It will take many of us to fill his shoes.

Please keep is family in your thoughts and prayers.

BRAVO ZULU Geoffrey!

Rest easy shipmate, we have the watch.