Story and Photos by Richard Lewin
Richard Lewin Professional Photography (soniboy@aol.com)
Not only was it an important moment in United States history on Wednesday, July 26th at Coast Guard Station Montauk, but it was also a dream come true for Montauk’s own hero John L. Behan. John beamed with pride as he broke the bottle of champagne on the side of the new Port Security Vessel in Montauk Harbor, officially commissioning the “John L. Behan”. According to the Town, “its purpose will be to assist the U.S. Coast Guard with its Homeland Security mission, thereby making Montauk a more resilient port, and to provide fire protection in Montauk Harbor”. Speeches by local dignitaries, including East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell, EH Town Chief of Police Michael Sarlo, Captain Andrew Tucci of the
U.S. Coast Guard Port Long Island Sound, Montauk Fire Department Chief Vincent Franzone, and New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele praised John for his passion for Montauk, his service in Vietnam, his work as Director of NYS’s Division of Veterans Affairs and NYS Assemblyman, and as EH Town Assessor. EH Town Harbormaster Chief Ed Michels, who helped to spearhead the project, hosted. The celebration ended as John’s Family joined him on the vessel’s maiden voyage around Montauk Harbor.
