Commander Janna "Sparky" Lambine, the first of many things for the Coast Guard

Janna's simple life philosophy: "Say what you mean and mean what you say, better yet, don't say much to begin with.

March 4, 2024

Born in 1951 to Alberta and Oscar Lambine in Norwood, MA, Janna grew up in neighboring East Walpole, MA. At Walpole High School, ahead of Title IX, Janna excelled in basketball, softball, and field hockey within the progressive girls' sports program. After graduating from Bates College, she entered the Coast Guard's Officer Candidate Program.

Although Janna aspired to be assigned to a Coast Guard cutter, restricted to men at the time, she seized the opportunity in CG aviation when it opened to women. Becoming the first woman in the Coast Guard to be a pilot, specifically a helicopter pilot, she served at Air Station Astoria, Oregon. Notably, Janna likely became the first woman to land a helicopter on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier during a training approach to the USS Lexington. Despite regulations against Navy women on carriers, Coast Guard women faced no such prohibition. Janna completed her active-duty service and transitioned to the Coast Guard Reserves, retiring as a Commander after fulfilling various roles.

Jana flew the HH-3F Pelican from Sikorsky Aircraft. This helicopter boasted a single main rotor, powered by twin engines each rated at 1500 SHP (shaft horsepower). Its design included a fully retractable tricycle landing gear, amphibious capabilities, and a hydraulically operated aft ramp that could be opened while

in flight, on the ground, or on water. The HH-3F was not only equipped for versatile deployment but also well-suited for various tasks such as marine environmental protection, logistic and reconnaissance support, enforcement of laws and treaties, defense readiness, and drug interdiction. Its multifunctional features made it an effective and adaptable asset for a range of missions, showcasing its significance in military and law enforcement applications.

Earning her MBA at Portland State University, Janna applied her skills in project work during extended active-duty reserve assignments. She served in diverse roles, including Commanding Officer of Reserve Unit Newport, OR, reserve intelligence officer during Operation Desert Storm, Executive Officer of Reserve Unit Atlantic Area, and Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

Janna's notable rescue involved saving a six-year-old girl adrift on a donut inflatable in Cape Cod Bay. She and Lisa, her wife, launched their kayak, paddling furiously to bring Allison safely back to shore, earning them matching Coast Guard Achievement medals.

Returning to her love of fitness after accompanying Lisa on her last Coast Guard assignment, Janna became a certified fitness instructor and rehabilitation exercise instructor. Settling on Cape Cod, she worked at Mid-Cape Athletic Club for over 16 years, specializing in personal training with seniors. Janna's life philosophy embraced honesty, resilience in any weather, and an enduring fascination with Mother Nature.

Fighting cancer with determination, Janna retained her passion for sailing and kayaking, even through challenging treatments. She leaves behind a large, loving circle of family and friends. Rest easy, Janna; we have the watch.