Larry Cornett

Was stationed with Larry in the early 80´s at Panama City Beach. He was a really good guy. RIP buddy.

I first met Larry in June of 1978 as I was entering Coast Guard bootcamp in Alameda, California, literally, walking through the front gate as he and some others were leaving the base for the last time. Larry was wearing a Fort Walton Beach, Florida t-shirt and it had immediately gotten my attention because that is where I was from, although we did not know each other. We said a quick "hello" to each other and that was that. I never expected to run into Larry again after that, it's a big world.

A few years later, while standing radio watch at Coast Guard Station Panama City, Florida, I received a telephone call and the fellow on the other end was asking me what it was like being stationed in Panama City and somehow, I started to recognize the man's voice. It was none other than Larry's and then the other surprise came, he was about to move to Panama City and to serve as a radioman at the station. In fact, he was my replacement and up until his phone call, I didn't even know I was leaving! My orders came in the next day , some kind of delay.

Larry and I stood watch together for a few shifts just to prepare him for his new duty station and we became quick friends. He had a great sense of humor and was a practical joker just as I was, we were dangerous together for that short period of time!

We never did cross paths again after that time in Panama City but I've always remembered the quick comradery that we had as shipmates. Rest in piece, Larry. Semper Paratus.

Larry as a young Coastie. Before he became a Radioman. He helped save alot of lives and was good at remaining calm in the storm. He served at sea and at Search and Rescue in Florida, Alabama, and Alaska. Fair winds and following seas, brother

Larry photo bombing my panoramic at Nassau Sound