 This feature length high-def documentary tracks the journey of the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle from Portland, Oregon to San Francisco where she leads the Tall Ships Parade through the Golden Gate and into San Francisco Bay. This is Eagle s first trip to the West Coast in over a decade. The Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the American flag and the only square-rigger in active U. S. government service. Its rich nautical heritage dates back to the German Navy. On the decks and in the twenty miles of rigging, the cadets get their first taste of life at sea. They learn to overcome fear and learn how to work together to tackle the challenges that the ocean throws at them. "On the Wings of Eagle", developed by Santa Cruz, California filmmakers Tam and Susan O Connor Fraser, is much more than an ocean expedition-it s the story of the journey from student to officer. First class (seniors) cadets serve as the ship s junior officers-make decisions and give orders to the third class (incoming sophomores) cadets-all under the watchful eye of a seasoned permanent crew of officers and enlisted personnel. The experience clearly helps them develop the leadership skills and teamwork necessary for their future Coast Guard careers.