It’s time for Blog 15, and I realized it’s been a while since I’ve shared a personal story from my eight-year Air Force career. I believe there’s real value in sharing these experiences with you—because it gives you a clear, honest look at what some of the jobs in the Air Force are really like, and how things work on the inside.
A couple of people recently asked me about one of the highlights of my career, and without hesitation, I always mention boat patrol at MacDill AFB. Why? Because being on boat patrol in the Air Force is extremely rare. Out of all the bases we have, there’s only a couple that are actually located by the water. So, when I got the chance, I knew I had to take it—it was an opportunity I’d likely never get again.
Now, don’t get me wrong, being a Raven and traveling the world is incredible. But there’s something special—something unforgettable—about speeding across the Florida waters in a $500,000 boat during sunrise or sunset. That’s a different kind of awesome.
Keep reading as I dive into what the job was like, what made it so unique, and how we made the most of every moment out there on the water.
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MacDill Air Force Base is located in Tampa, Florida—and in my opinion, it’s one of the best bases in the entire Air Force. Being so close to downtown Tampa, you’re just minutes away from amazing food, lively bars, beaches, and every major sports team you could ask for. It’s a city full of energy, and when you’re stationed there, especially as a young Airman, it can be easy to get caught up in it all. That’s why it’s so important to stay grounded and make smart decisions. Tampa is fun, no doubt—but it can also test your discipline.
From a career standpoint, MacDill offers a lot of unique opportunities, especially for those in the Security Forces field. The base sits on a peninsula, with nearly 75% of its perimeter surrounded by water. That geography plays a huge role in what makes boat patrol at MacDill so special—and so important.
Our mission was simple but critical: patrol the 7.2-mile water perimeter surrounding the base. We ensured no unauthorized personnel could access it from the water. With high-value assets and mission partners stationed at MacDill, our job had real weight. It wasn’t just about riding around on a boat—it was about protecting one of the most strategically important bases in the country.
Boat patrol operated as a completely separate section from the rest of Security Forces flights. We had our own building, our own gear, and a very different day-to-day compared to the rest of the squadron. Our workspace was equipped with dedicated computers, operational equipment, and everything we needed to run our missions efficiently. The “boathouse,” as we called it, was located right by the water at the base marina. That’s where the boats were stored and maintained to be in the best shape.
Even our uniforms set us apart. While most of the flight wore standard uniform at the gates or on patrols, we wore polos and tactical pants—or shorts when the Florida heat hit hard. That small change alone made a huge difference.
It was definitely one of the perks of the assignment. While the rest of the unit handled gate duty and base patrols, we were focused on securing the waters. We still followed the same schedule as flight—same shifts, same rotations—but our priorities were different. When water conditions were too rough or unsafe, we held off on launching—unless there was an urgent mission that required immediate action.. Safety was always a top priority.
Being part of boat patrol gave us a sense of ownership and responsibility. It wasn’t just a job—it felt like a privilege. And compared to the routine grind of flight duty, it was an experience that stood out in the best way.
Day-to-day life on boat patrol was something I’ll always appreciate. If the weather was good, we’d head out onto the water and start our patrols—cruising through the bay, keeping eyes on the perimeter, and making sure everything was secure. It was a mix of calm and purpose, with every patrol serving a mission-critical role in base defense.
Our primary job was to monitor the restricted areas surrounding the installation. If any unauthorized vessel entered those zones, we had to respond immediately. Whether it was a civilian boater who drifted too close or a potential threat, we handled it quickly, professionally, and by the book. Every response required clear communication with base command and coordination with Coast Guard or Tampa Police Department when needed.
Getting into the boat section wasn’t difficult in terms of tryouts. The physical requirements were simple: swim 100 meters in the pool and float for five minutes. That was it. Nothing too intense—it was more about showing basic confidence and ability in the water. For me, it was just something I figured I’d try out, and I’m glad I did. It never disappointed.
After the swim, there was an interview with the boat section lead. If you passed that, you were good to go. Simple process—but the opportunity itself was rare, which made it special.
Now, my situation was a little different. At the time, it was standard that you had to give the section a two-year commitment. But I was only six months out from leaving MacDill for my next assignment at McChord. Still, I wanted to give it a shot. I had a connection—I knew the boat section lead—and he helped make it happen. He got me into the section for the final six months, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
I wasn’t expecting it, but I was fortunate enough to experience one of the coolest assignments of my career, even if only for a short time. It was a good reminder of how important networking can be. Sometimes, who you know makes all the difference—and you never know when those connections might open a door.
Looking back, my time on boat patrol at MacDill AFB was one of the most unique and rewarding parts of my Air Force career. It wasn’t something I ever expected to do, but it became one of those rare experiences that sticks with you long after it’s over. It gave me a different perspective on the Security Forces mission, taught me the value of being adaptable, and reminded me just how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way—even the ones that seem temporary.
Not many people in the Air Force get to say they were part of a boat patrol team. I’m proud to be one of them.
If you’re thinking about joining the Air Force or already in and looking for something different, keep your eyes open. You never know where you might end up or who might help you get there. And when that rare opportunity shows up—don’t hesitate. Go for it.
Thanks for reading. See you next week.
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Next Thursday, I’ll be diving into “Tips to Succeed in the Military – Part 2 of 3.” If you found today’s post helpful, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit. Your support—whether it’s reading, commenting, or sharing—means the world to me. Every bit of it helps keep this blog going and growing, and I’m truly grateful to have you here.
Thanks for being part of this journey.
Very Respectfully,
Vlad Kalinin