Completes Coast Guard training

Coast Guard Fireman Apprentice Ricky J. Ahner, Jr., son of Lisa G. Ahner of Lehighton, and Rick J. Ahner of Lehighton, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J.

During the eight-week training program, Ahner completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.

Ahner and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard's core values honor, respect and devotion to duty and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct. Ahner will join 36, 000 other men and women who comprise Coast Guard's force.

Men and women train together from the first day in the Coast Guard just as they do aboard ships and shore units throughout the world. To reinforce the team concept, Ahner, and other recruits were trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil rights training, and the basics of the work-life balance, as well as total quality management.

Ahner is a 2006 graduate of Carbon Career And Technical Institute of Jim Thorpe.