In a recent ceremony at Pier 36, West Seattle resident Chief Quartermaster Stuart Dederick retired after 30 years in the United States Coast Guard.

Dederick served on five ships (Yocona, Midgett, Blackhawk, Morganthau, and Munro) and saw action in the Persian Gulf following the first Gulf War. He was aboard the Yocona off the coast of Washington when it captured the "Helena Star," a ship loaded with 14 tons of marijuana, and during his stint on the Blackhaw, the ship was featured in the film, "The Hunt for Red October." He also served in Vessel Traffic Services along the West Coast.

During his youth in West Seattle, Dederick was an Eagle Scout and was in Sea Scouts. He now volunteers at Lifecare West Seattle, leading the singing in church on Sundays and acting as the facility's Santa for the last two years.

Dederick graduated from West Seattle High School in 1976, and is the son of Carol Longfellow and the late Captain D.A. Dederick.