WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 30, 2004)--U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Gopala Schindler communicates on a two-way to Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel 24999, patrolling the Potomac River on May 30, 2004, while serving as a radio watchstander at Coast Guard Station Washington, D.C. Petty Officer Schindler joined the Coast Guard in October 2001 to be near the water and have some fun. She arrived at Station Washington in December 2003 after a qualifying as Boatswain Mate of the Watch and advanced to her current rank while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Eagle in New London, CT. USCG photo by Joseph P. Cirone USCGAUX