Lucky Sweetbrier
Tanney Oberg

In 1942, as a 19 year-old apprentice seaman, Tanney Oberg was fascinated with the radio gear in the radio station at his first duty assignment: Coast Guard base Chelsea, Massachusetts, where he did “armed guard” dock patrol with an empty rifle.

This fascination was just the beginning. He went on to Radio School, then served as Supervisor of the watch at Radio Greenland, and Radioman-in-charge on the Coast Guard Cutter Sweetbrier. He later attended Engineering College, and worked for different employers as a Radar Instructor and Radar Field Engineer in both the U S. and in England. Along the way he was admitted as a member of the prestigious Institute of Radio Engineers. Subsequently, he was granted admission to the grade of Senior Member in the Institute, professional recognition for his passion and growth in the field of electronics.

Sweetbrier Radio Room
1943

In the early 60’s Tanney joined the corporate world as a Vice President and Director of a mini-conglomerate in Baltimore, Maryland. He made numerous trips to Japan to interact with the company’s Japanese employees in its Tokyo instrument-calibration laboratory. Tanney was impressed with the “can do” attitude and industry of the non-judgmental, dedicated employees.

For a number of years, Tanney was an independent business consultant and business writer. Today he resides with his wife in Parkville, Maryland.

In "Lucky Sweetbrier - Coast Guard Cutter Survives WWII, Okinawa Kamikazes, Typhoons and More...", Tanney not only gives readers an interesting view of the men who served on this buoy tender but also insight into the Coast Guard and society itself in the 40s.

Honolulu, HI
1943

Sweetbrier, peacetime

Sweetbrier, wartime

Sweetbrier's 22mm AAG

Main battery 3" 50mm AAG

Tanney with Commandant Thad Allen

Tanney signing a copy of his book for the Commandant’s Father, Chief Petty Officer Allen (Ret.), a WWII Coast Guard Veteran.

Tanney shaking hands with Michael Chertoff

In 1945 Tanney passed the test for chief, but the war ended before his promotion came through. After a book signing at headquarters Tanney was presented with this proclimation appointing him to Honorary Chief. (Click to Enlarge)

We're fortunate to make available a chapter
from Tanney's book “Lucky Sweetbrier”.