Len Butler and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Linda Fagan visit the Gay Head Lighthouse
By Len Butler
April 9, 2015 – In Menemsha for the dedication of the newly completed US Coast Guard boathouse, Rear Admiral Linda Fagan, Commander of the First District of the USCG, paid a visit to the Gay Head Light Station, along with members of her staff and other Coast Guard personnel who have been helping the Town in the transfer of the property. Members of the Save the Gay Head Lighthouse Committee and Town Administrator Adam Wilson, Town Selectmen and Light Keeper Richard Skidmore had the honor of giving everyone a tour of the Lighthouse. This was the Admiral’s first visit to the light, and she was quite taken with the beauty of the sweeping beacon and the historic building. We also gave her some historical background and an outline of the process involved in relocating the structure.
Admiral Fagan visits the Gay Head Light before its beacon is temporarily extinguished
A temporary replacement signal beacon had just been placed atop the Cliffs but the Aids to Navigation Team from Wood’s Hole opted to delay the extinguishing of the light until after the visit. The admiral was quite impressed by the collective efforts to date and said that the Town should be commended on the endeavor to save such an important piece of maritime history and a structure that is vital to their mission. This is a real “feel good story” and an example of the kind of partnership the Coast Guard hopes for when they transfers properties. Admiral Fagan said she would like to return when the newly relocated light is recommissioned and illuminated once again.