Marine Exchange of Alaska & U.S. Coast Guard Academy Internship Program

This summer, the Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK) hosted two U.S Coast Guard Academy first-class cadets for a 6-week internship. During their internship, 1/c Jane Alandydy and 1/c Taylor Winters visited the Alaska Chadux̂ Network to learn about oil spill response and the challenges in responding to incidents in the U.S. Arctic marine environment. 

Through the USCG Center for Arctic Study & Policy (CASP), the focus of their internship was to gain Arctic exposure and to see firsthand the relationships that keep the region running. From the moment they arrived in mid-June, the cadets hit the ground running; they traveled over 7,000 miles across Alaska, visited three arctic communities, trained at our 24/7 Vessel Monitoring Center operated by MXAK, and met with maritime industry experts throughout the state.

Buddy Custard

Buddy Custard is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska Chadux Network (ACN). He possess extensive knowledge and expertise working maritime operations from both the public and private sectors, including serving with the U.S. Coast Guard for over 30 years attaining the rank of Captain and as a senior manager for an oil exploration and production company operating in the U.S. Arctic Outer Continental Shelf for over 3 years.

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