s a teenager, Ron Marlett's sense of humor was influenced by MAD magazine, especially the one‑page cartoon strips by Don Martin. In 1970, Ron joined the Coast Guard and was stationed aboard the 255‑foot cutter Winnebago, homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The following year, the Coast Guard 14th District Office needed a driver who would also assist in public relations. Ron was selected and soon found himself working on the monthly news magazine Pacific Shield. Lt. Gary Boyer suggested a recurring cartoon strip, and the tall, skinny ensign was named Ensign Bafflestir.
The strip grew into a full‑page feature and became widely known throughout the Coast Guard, giving Ron a brief taste of celebrity during the remainder of his enlistment.
After leaving active duty in 1974, Ron pursued a career in fine art and Ensign Bafflestir was set aside. In 2008, Ron created a mixed‑media portrait of the character and submitted the history of the strip to Wikipedia. Read more at wikipedia.org.
To enjoy the cartoons, click on one of the pictures to the left.
Now Hear This
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the world of Ensign Bafflestir, a lighthearted and humorous tribute to the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard.
This cartoon strip is a work of fiction intended purely for entertainment. The characters and situations are imaginative and do not represent actual Coast Guard personnel.
As an admirer of the Coast Guard and the vital role they play in protecting our shores and saving lives, this work is offered with the utmost respect for their dedication and service.
I hope you enjoy Ensign Bafflestir as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Warm regards,
Ron Marlett
Creator of Ensign Bafflestir
