Division Commanders 2010 Is the official publication of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th District
Volume LVI
Number 1
Spring 2010
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD District Commander: RADM Steve Branham, USCG Director of Auxiliary District 7: CDR Donald L. Winfield Operations Training Officer: CWO Ursula Walther
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY District Commodore COMO Donald L. Frasch Email: d7dco@aol.com
District Chief of Staff Walter Jaskiewicz Email: captwrj@aol.com
Immediate Past District Commodore COMO Allen Brown Email: allenbrown902@aol.com
Division 1……………….. ….Osvaldo Manuel Catinchi Division 2…………………….….……....... David Fuller Division 3…………………….……... J. P. Feighery, Jr. Division 4………………………..........… Frederick Hill Division 5………………………..…….. Wilson Riggan Division 6………………...……….….…..Judith Hudson Division 7……………………...……...…Amos Johnson Division 8……………….....……….…......Braxton Ezell Division 9…………………..…………...….. Louis Conti Division 10……………………....….... William Capitan Division 11………………..………...… Melvin Manning Division 12………………………….. Robert Weskerna Division 13……………….... Russell (Dewey) Jackson Division 14………………..……...…….. Jesse Stevens Division 15…………………………. Lawrence Berman Division 16…………………...….…James “CC” Kreglo Division 17………………………………....Nevin Lantry Logistics James E. Dennen, Directorate Chief Email: dennen@bellsouth.net
Prevention Bruce Lindsey, Directorate Chief Email: blind21414@aol.com
Response Richard Leys, Directorate Chief Email: rjleys@bellsouth.net
District Captain - East (DCAPT-E) Dan Jacquish Email: djacquish@aol.com
District Captain - West (DCAPT-W) John Tyson Email: jtyson0906@aol.com
District Captain - North (DCAPT-N) Reginald Hollar Email: snoopy@sccc.tv
Editor & Publications Officer Dorothy Joan Riley dottieriley1@verizon.net
The D7 PB Team (ADSO-PB Staff Officers): James Dennen, Content Editor Gary Barth, ADSO-PB-E Susan Carty, ADSO-PB-N Karen Miller, ADSO-PB-W T. J. Kerbs, Pre-Press & Printing
BREEZE is the official and educational tool of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th District and is intended as a publication to keep the membership apprised of the activities of the Auxiliary. All articles and photographs submitted must be consistent with the policies of the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary and may not be returned. Personal information of members is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. The use of these rosters, addresses and telephone numbers on any computer or online service including the Internet is prohibited by the Act. Comments are encouraged and may be sent to the above named Publication Officer. Articles in the BREEZE may be reprinted provided credit is given and a copy is sent to the above Editor and Publications Officer. Do not send changes of address to the BREEZE. You can obtain a change of member information report (7028) from your Materials Officer and submit it through channels.
Volume LVI
Bridge and Staff
Number 1
Spring 2010
A Word From the Editor:
District Commodore ....................................................3 District Chief of Staff....................................................4 Immediate Past District Commodore ……..…..….......5 District Captain North …..............................................6 District Captain West …...............................................8 ASC– Sector Charleston …………………………….....9 District Captain East …..............................................10
Directorates Logistics, DDC-L…... …………………...…..…….…...12 Prevention, DDC-P…..………………………...…........14 Response, DDC-R ……….………...………..…...…...16
Articles Auxiliary Underway Aboard the Cutter Vise……...….18 U.S. Naval Cadet Corps MOU………………………...20 D7 Responds to Haiti Earthquake ……………………22 Earthquake Doesn’t Rattle Auxiliary………………….24 AUXAIR Workshop …………………………..………...26 Record Attendance at IED Workshop………………...28 Right Place at the Right Time………………………....30 Flotilla Response to Request from Oprah Show .......31 Auxiliary Trains Elite Joint Services Unit …….……...32 Lest We Forget………………………………………….35 Charlotte Harbor Regatta ……………………………..36 Communications Rapid Response Unit Trailer ……..37 Members Help Restore Marine Environment………..38 Arrival of World’s Largest Cruise Ship ……………….39
“Guard Your Own” Give generously to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Program. http://www.cgmahq.org/index.htm
It was a pleasure to pull together this issue of Breeze. The articles demonstrate the broad range of support provided to the Coast Guard by the Auxiliary and represent over half of our divisions. I trust that the divisions not presented in these pages will be featured prominently in the next issue. With National Safe Boating Week approaching and the rumors I have heard about the events some of our divisions are planning, I also suspect that the next issue will be packed with Recreational Boating Safety related articles We will maintain the submission deadlines established in previous years. May I suggest that Publications and Public Affairs officers enter these deadlines in their calendars. Issue: Summer 2010 Winter 2010 Spring 2011
Deadline: July 10, 2010 Oct. 10, 2010 Mar. 10, 2011
Publication Date: Aug. 30, 2010 Nov. 30, 2010 Apr. 30, 2011
Articles of any length are considered, however, articles should not exceed 750 words. Articles should be of general interest and appeal to the varied members of D7. The focus or viewpoint should always be the Auxiliary’s involvement or perspective. Photographs with captions are always welcome. Any image format is acceptable, however, all images must be high resolution and the larger the better! While Breeze does not require VIRIN numbers, photographs that do not include complete captions cannot be published. Please refer to the Coast Guard Public Affairs Stylebook on the Public Affairs website at http://www.auxadept.org/ for information on how to write captions or VIRIN numbers. I recommend all members periodically visit this site for information on just about everything Auxiliary related. Sincerely, Dorothy Joan Riley DSO-PB D7
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From the Bridge Commodore Donald Frasch I remember hearing from our Auxiliary leadership in past years (way past) that “change is on the way” and thinking, “Yeah, sure, is that the best you can do? What about all the stuff we’ve been doing for years? Is that all going away?” I still sometimes hear comments like, “Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) is doomed. We don’t have any direction. Without RBS, what will we do?” Well, I can assure you that, yes, change is certainly on the way and, no, RBS is not going away. Let’s talk about RBS first. Actually, it too is tied to change. Have you noticed the articles and news commentary lately about the federal budgets and which agencies will experience cuts over the foreseeable future? One of them is the Coast Guard. All along we have been told by the active duty to shore up our RBS efforts, and now we know why. They simply can’t afford to put as many resources into RBS as in past years. That means we have to pick up the slack, pull up our boot straps, and take over RBS. At a time when the economy is down as it is today, at best, that is a daunting task. I’m sure you heard about our district’s and national’s intention to use a team approach to expanding RBS. That means combining Public Education (PE), Vessel Examinations (VE), and RBS Program Visitation (PV) along with Public Affairs (PA) to develop and deliver a highly effective, growth driven, RBS Program. By the time you read this, that plan should be completed for D7 and widely delivered to all of you; we ask for your support in putting it into action. It will focus on increasing both the number of people we attract to our PE courses and the number and type of courses we offer. It will also focus on increasing the number of Vessel Safety Checks we perform and making sure that we check the right ones – check those who are most likely to get in trouble on the water. PV and PA are huge contributors to our success in making it all happen. With the increasing rate of boating deaths and the declining funds available for the Coast Guard, we simply have to be the Force Multiplier that takes on the challenge and get’s the job done. We can do it. That is our core mission that we’ve been perfecting for the last seventy (70) years, so let’s get on with it and really make a difference!!! The change part of it is always there if we but open our eyes and take an objective look around us. I once heard that, “… the only thing we can be sure of is that things will change.” I don’t know who said it, but it certainly is true. Just think about the changes over the last three years in the mission sets we are now doing. Auxiliary Air flies missions in direct support of cutters locating targets of interest for their Counter Drug, Anti-Smuggling, Search and Rescue, Alien and Migrant Interdiction and Logistics missions. Our surface crews provide direct support for C-130 and helicopter training and currency missions for every air station in D7. We provide platforms for 4100 boardings, local expertise for species identification for the fisheries missions; training of station boat crews in towing evolutions, and directly augmenting station crews for Search and Rescue. Individually, our members provide services for everything from medical support to cooking onboard cutters and at stations, to watch standing for both day-to-day and high technology applications, to weapons training, to life experience counseling, to administrative and legal support. And the list goes on and on. Many of these new missions are directly derived from our joint planning via the Standard Operational Planning Process. Not only has that significantly impacted us locally, but it has now become a national program that will soon benefit every district in the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. Do you really think the nay-sayers are right; that RBS is going away and that we have no direction? I sure don’t! We need all of us working and pulling in the same direction; Integration, Innovation and Integrity. Semper Paratus Ω
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From the Bridge Walter Jaskiewicz, District Chief of Staff Your bridge and staff teams have provided tremendous talents and skills that keep us right on course as we accept new challenges as an integral part of Team Coast Guard. Our District Commodore’s on the road “Leadership Academy” is being delivered to our newly elected officers in all seventeen divisions with great success. As an instructor for the Academy’s Strategic Planning Module, and in developing our 2011-2012 District plan, I would like to commit my time on this edition of Breeze to “strategic thinking.” Let me begin with some written words that most of us learned in grade school. “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do hereby ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Why has this document been so revered? Why has it lasted through all these times of conflict, change and incredible challenges? I believe the answer lies in how clearly it laid out our government’s purpose and missions to the original thirteen independent states in words that provided direction and unity of purpose. To this day, this document continues to be the guiding spirit of our country. “...our District
Strategic Plan gives direction, unity of purpose and focus for our organization’s missions and vision.”
In this same way, our District Strategic Plan gives direction, unity of purpose and focus for our organization’s missions and vision. Have you looked at our District Commodore’s plan on our website for guidance? Divisions and flotillas should also have a strategic plan, or as some may call it, a business plan. It should state clearly your unit’s strong mission statement and communicate your cause and why your unit exists. In addition, it must have an energized vision statement to focus the energy of your team organizers to accomplish your objectives and goals through the coordination of your members. Development of a good plan is not that difficult. Once it is developed properly, your team will believe in the value of their missions to the Coast Guard. Your plan will help keep them focused and will empower each member to use their own individual initiative and skills to form a spirit of needed value that is desireable to accomplish your unit’s missions and goals. So my ending question is, “Does your unit have a Strategic Plan or Business Plan in place, and have your members read it?” It is an honor to serve our members, our country, our Coast Guard. Semper Paratus Ω
Find everything Team Coordination Training (TCT) related on the D7 website at: http://cgaux7.org/index7.htm?page=members and choose the D7 TCT Portal on the left hand side. Find out where trainings are offered, schedule a training, etc.
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Commodore Allen Brown, Immediate Past District Commodore Weather changes. No matter where we may call home, weather is always in a state of flux. It is a reflection of life: life in the world, in families and in the Auxiliary. We talk of “highs” and ”lows,” of isobars and isotherms, of storms and calms. As I traveled the district during these past years, I continually see the image of volunteer organizations to which I have belonged be they civic, ecclesiastical or even Auxiliary. Each has its ups and downs. Each has its unique member list which always encompasses types that I have previous outlined in these pages as (1) “stay and stagnate,” (2) “flee and vanish,” or (3) “commit and develop.” As Auxiliarists we are called to serve. Reasons are many: love of the sea, civic responsibility, duty to country, family history, and the list goes on. In our response to that call, we do an outstanding job illustrating what we voice, “For them I am Semper Paratus” (Guardian Ethos). But as the weather changes so do our lives and we may feel that we have to shift our initial call of “commitment.” That is not so. The talents of individual within any flotilla are myriad -- each of us has talents that we may not recognize and yet are recognized by others. In many cases, available time for the organization becomes a major factor in today’s economic scene. Each of us has his or her priorities that need to be respected. As leaders and members, we must be cognizant of the formerly active member whose pattern of commitment has changed. Such awareness enhances the caring community, the flotilla, to which we belong. Our empathy and concern may prevent members from either “stagnating” or “vanishing.” This is not easy but it is imperative if we are to have an Auxiliary that is responsive to the needs of our Nation, the boating public, the Coast Guard and to our flotilla. May each of you enjoy unfickle weather in the days ahead with “fair winds and following seas.” Semper Paratus. Ω
COMO Allen Brown and his wife, Mary Llewellyn-Brown, members of Flotilla 94 in Upper Caloosahatchee, Fla., attended the Division 7 Annual Awards Luncheon on March 27, 2010 in Tampa, Fla. Photo by Dottie Riley
“...each of us has talents that we may not recognize and yet are recognized by others.”
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District Captain North Reginald Hollar, DCAPT-N From the mountains of South Carolina and Georgia, to the Atlantic Ocean and down the coast to east and central Florida lies the huge area of District 7 North. Geographical areas may be different, however, the mission is the same for all Auxiliary members. Support to the Coast Guard and the boating public is what we do, and do it well. A recent rescue in central Georgia is a prime example of our capabilities. On March 7, 2010 at 1700, Lynn and Chris Holdorf left Aqualand Marina on Lake Lanier on board their 28-foot Grady-White walk-around, Integrity, for an evening cruise. After cruising by the Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Center, they headed out to Flowery Branch Creek. With Lynn below in the cabin, Chris noticed a small, outboard-powered canoe traveling at about 10 MPH being overtaken by a twenty-foot bowrider making a large wake. The canoe failed to slow down and created a wall of spray as it crossed the wake. The two fishermen in the canoe were drenched. The man in the bow of the canoe stood up which caused the small boat to capsize sending both men, neither wearing a life jacket, head first into the lake.
“The ground work is
in place for a banner year in 2010….With the tight budget that the Coast Guard will be working under in the future, Auxiliarists will see more and more opportunities to serve.”
Chris yelled down to Lynn, “Two men overboard, grab the life jackets.” Lynn scrambled up and immediately grabbed two throwable flotation cushions with lines attached and a docking pole. Speeding up, Chris relayed instructions that he would come alongside the men who were swimming directly towards them and they would take them onboard using the stern ladder. The fishing canoe continued under power and motored past the Holdorfs as they concentrated on getting to the swimmers as fast as possible without endangering them with the outboard engines. Coming within 10 feet of the overboard fishermen, Chris yelled to Lynn to deploy the ladder and throw the flotation devices to the men. The first cushion landed directly in front of one man, however, he was either disoriented or suffered loss of muscle skill due to the 46 degree water temperature. He yelled, “Help me, I can’t make it!” At that moment, Chris and Lynn both realized how much danger these guys were in. “They could drown even as we are reaching for them,” Chris thought. The second swimmer grabbed the flotation cushion. Chris extended the docking pole to the first man and dragged him to the ladder. Pulling him to the back of the boat Lynn and Chris hoisted the first man aboard and over the transom gate. Lynn wrapped the man in a blanket as Chris helped the other fisherman out of the water. “It probably took us three minutes to reach these two guys and another two minutes to actually get them into the boat,” Chris said. “I was so impressed with Lynn as she calmly readied to assist with flotation cushions and blankets.” While the Holdorfs were retrieving the two overboard fisherman, another passerby boat retrieved the motorized canoe and brought it alongside Integrity. The Holdorfs took the men to the Aqualand boat launch where they helped trailer the canoe and hurried the men into the warmth of their own truck. Having just watched a Canadian cold-water survival video and seeing how quickly people become disoriented, these men would not have lasted much longer swimming in heavy clothes and freezing cold water without life jackets. This incident demonstrates how quickly boating accidents can happen and how important it is to wear a life jacket.
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Lynn and Chris Holdorf are both members of Flotilla 29. Chris is a coxswain and Lynn is a qualified crew member. Their situational awareness and rescue training aided greatly in this rescue. Looking back over the past year, the District 7 North Auxiliary prospered well. New flotillas, detachments, and a division were formed. The visibility of the Auxiliary was raised to a higher level with increased Recreational Boating Safety programs to support the boating public. Auxiliary support to the Sectors and Stations was enhanced with a close knit link between the Auxiliary Sector Coordinators, Auxiliary Liaisons and commanding officers. The ground work is in place for a banner year in 2010. All six divisions have presented a comprehensive working plan and established attainable goals. Special emphasis concerning the economic condition many are facing has been included in the plans and ways are in place to capitalize on these conditions. Surface and air missions for example, will as much as is possible, be designed around multiple tasks. Through integration, Recreational Boating Safety is already paying dividends in many areas with a huge increase in Safe Boating Programs and participants. With the tight budget that the Coast Guard will be working under in the future, Auxiliarists will see more and more opportunities to serve. Already we are seeing many Auxiliary members training to help fill support for Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection. Of the 12 performance qualification standards (PQS) released in January, training is ongoing to fill these for the Sectors and Stations. District 7 North Auxiliary will do all that is possible to support Sectors Jacksonville and Charleston and their small boat stations and the boating public during 2010 and beyond. â„Ś
Lynn and Chris Holdorf, members of Flotilla 29 aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle in Savannah during the summer of 2009. Photo provided by Reginald Hollar, DCAPT-N
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District Captain West John Tyson, DCAPT-W Tennessee Williams said “There is a time for departure, even when there is no place to go.” Most of us know when it is time to move on from the old way of doing things and to find a better way. Of course, some folks (obviously none of us) resist change until they are dragged along by events. They may even feel like victims when change occurs, but as they let go of the old ways they (usually) see opportunities in change and feel a new sense of purpose. For those of us in divisions and flotillas aligned with Coast Guard Sector Saint Petersburg, the “Auxiliary Modernization” and District Seven Strategic Plan are clearly driving change and a renewed sense of purpose. For starters, our flotillas and divisions are becoming “Sector Centric” in their thinking, planning and actions. Through identification of needs during the Coast Guard’s Standard Operational Planning Process, units in the West are increasingly being asked to provide personnel to Sector Saint Petersburg and Air Station Clearwater for activities once handled by active duty personnel. Team West Auxiliarists now serve as relief cooks onboard cutters and at Stations. Others provide clerical and administrative services, some serve as weekend standby crew at Coast Guard stations so that active duty personnel may have time with their families, and some assist Coast Guard inspectors, others stand communications or gate watch duty, and help update flight materials and equipment at Air Station Clearwater. Two Auxiliarists coordinated a model program that trains active duty personnel for certification as a truck driver. These are just a few examples of the many places Team West Auxiliarists are assisting Sector and Air station missions. Although we will always be closely focused on our missions in recreational boating safety, maritime homeland security and support for Coast Guard requirements, our activities are certain to become increasingly “Sector Centric” as additional needs are identified through the Sector’s planning process. Another important change for Team West is in Organizational Management. The appointment of Division Department Chiefs at several divisions has clearly improved accountability and reporting; Auxiliary Air and surface assets are providing increased assistance to Coast Guard air and surface units with training and research activities; and, the Auxiliary Sector Coordinator and Auxiliary Aviation Coordinator are providing an extremely valuable link in communications, training and tasking between the Sector, Air Station and the Auxiliary. Lastly, communication between our leaders has never been better. Our culture emphasizes recognition for achievement and our Flotilla and Division Commanders meet regularly to share best practices, discuss priorities and develop relationships. The Flotilla Leadership Academy sessions earlier this year trained our flotilla leaders in a number of important skills. Those sessions also afforded our District Commodore and the Chief of Staff an opportunity to remind us all of why we must stay true to our core values, remain focused on the District mission and goals, and remember the Watch Words “Integration, Innovation and Integrity” while we do our best to “Do the Right Thing.” If that charge didn’t give our leadership renewed purpose, I can’t imagine what will. Semper Paratus Ω
What does the Joint Communication Support Element (JCSE) have to do with the Auxiliary? On February 25-27, 2010, members from Division 7 under Sector St. Petersburg conducted a three day training covering rules of the road, navigation basics, chart plotting, boat dynamics and handling, and safety equipment as well as day and night time vessel operations to members of JCSE headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The training is yet another example of how the Auxiliary assists in Coast Guard missions. Photo by Tim Teahan, FC 79 (Full story beginning on page 32.)
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Ronald Goldenberg, ASC Sector Charleston It seems like it was just yesterday that Captain Michael McAllister assumed command of Sector Charleston, yet he will be leaving in June for a new assignment at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. McAllister has been a strong ally for the Auxiliary during the integration of the Auxiliary with active duty Coast Guard at Sector, the four boat stations in Sector’s area of operations (Georgetown, S.C., Charleston, S.C., Tybee Island, Ga., and Brunswick, Ga.) and has played an important part in assisting the Coast Guard in achieving its multi-faceted missions in Georgia and South Carolina. At the Change of Command on June 19th, we will say farewell and “smooth sailing” to McAllister and welcome Captain Michael White to Charleston. One of the purposes of the Auxiliary Sector Coordinator is to provide continuity to Auxiliary contribution to Sector’s operations as the Coast Guard assigns and reassigns Commanding Officers. We look forward to working with White and to continuing to build on the work achieved during McAllister’s command. For example, under McAllister’s command, gaps in Coast Guard/ Auxiliary presence were identified, and where these existed, Auxiliary detachments (later becoming flotillas) were established. Flotillas now exist on lakes Marion and Chatuge and detachments are on Lake Sinclair and in the Myrtle Beach, S.C. area. Other areas in remote locations in Georgia and South Carolina have been identified for future expansion. Since Auxiliary participation in Sector’s missions is crucial, meetings with active duty counterparts on a routine basis have been conducted with the District Captain and Division Commanders (Divisions 2, 10, and 12) in attendance. By learning first hand what Sector and the units District 7 Auxiliary Air members attended the AuxAir Workshop January 22-24, 2010 at which fall under its command reU.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah on Hunter Army Air Field for a full weekend of workshop activities and camaraderie– and a tour of Coast Guard Aircraft, including the quire, the division officers are a part hangar housing the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters. of the planning and assessment of Photo by Barbara Burchfield, FSO-PA 12-3 their abilities to contribute. This (See story on page 26) meeting plan has worked out well during the past two years and has increased the ability of the Auxiliary to work more closely with our active duty team members. Sector’s concern with the threat small vessels may pose to shipping and important infrastructure resulted in a Small Vessel Threat Advisory Council composed of Coast Guard, local, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies as well as Customs and Border Patrol. The Council meets once a month at Sector’s “Hawkeye” facility at the old Navy base in Charleston. The same Auxiliary personnel that meet regularly at Sector are the participants in the Council. Ω
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District Captain East Dan Jacquish, DCAPT-E I am constantly amazed at the energy, enthusiasm, dedication and just plain grit that our members demonstrate on a daily basis. I was given the opportunity to represent the “East” area of responsibility (AOR) of District 7 this year. I could not be prouder of that opportunity nor of the people that I represent. The “East” stretches from Vero Beach in the northern end of Division 5 along the east coast of Florida through Ft. Lauderdale and Division 3, through Miami and Division 6 to the end of the Florida Keys and Division 13. If that was not a big enough area, add in Puerto Rico with Division 1 and the US Virgin Islands with Division 16. I am truly blessed with a varied and diverse area of responsibility. The size and diversity of the area, however, is not what makes it so special. It is the people. Regardless of where I travel in my AOR, I am met with extraordinary people who are enthusiastic about the Auxiliary and willing to do anything to better their units. Let me tell you a little bit about the special people found in “The East.” Though there are many, space will only allow me to identify a few. I have only mentioned those with national positions. Each one of these people is backed by literally hundreds more who do the selfless tasks day in and day out. Without them, we would not be the organization we are. I hail from Division 5 so I will start with my friends and move south to Division 3. Wilson Riggan, the Division 5 Commander, also serves as an Assistant District Staff OfficerNavigation Systems and the Division Chief of the National Aviation Division when not flying a 767 internationally for American Airlines or representing his industry as an Air Traffic Control Specialist on the National Safety Committee of the Allied Pilots Association. He and Fred Ross, his co-pilot recently made the news when they landed their facility safely on two wheels when the nose gear failed to lock in place. Cool professionalism brought what could have been a serious situation (now there’s an understatement) to a happy ending. The Division Vice commander, Gary Barth and his wife, Terry, manage the Military Training
Marc Brody from Flotilla 36 in Boca Raton, Fla. and Joseph Cleary from Flotilla 34 in Pompano Beach, Fla. receive trail line during a helo operations training exercise on February 13, 2010.
Photo by Brian Lichtenstein
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Network for South Florida. They organize and manage all the first aid and Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training for the Coast Guard and Auxiliary. Additionally, Terry serves as the District Staff Officer-Materials and Gary as Assistant District Staff Officer-Publications. Commodore David Elliot, a member of Division 5 serves as the Assistant National Commodore for the Response and Prevention Directorate. He is assisted in the communications area by Jack Slattery, who serves as the National Division Chief for Communications. Mel Schumacher, the Immediate Past Flotilla Commander for Flotilla 52 in Jupiter serves as the National Division Chief for Support in the Training Department. Stu Landau serves as a National Branch Chief for Commendation while Stu Spector holds a national position as the Branch Chief for Administration, both in the Training Department. Jerry Henderson is Branch Chief, Commercial Vessel Exams and Lenore Combs is Branch Chief for the Materials Branch, both in the Prevention Department. Finally, Bill Blandy serves as the National Division Chief for Web Services in the Information Department. Moving south to the Ft. Lauderdale area, we come to Division 3 with Pat Feighery as the Division Commander and Ed Duda as the Vice Commander. Ed also holds several positions including the National Division Chief for Hosting Services in the Information Department. Brian Lichtenstein serves as the Branch Chief Medical Liaison for the Interpreter Corps while Andy Anderson serves in several flotilla positions, the District Staff Officer-Legal and National Branch Chief for Value Added Training in the Training Department. Space will only permit me to talk about two divisions at a time, so more on Division 6 and Division 13 in the next issue, followed by Division 1 and 16. Our people are the backbone of the Auxiliary, providing experience, background, and depth to the various National Directorates. District 7 is blessed with so many of these people who do far beyond what is called for. They answer the call repeatedly to serve this great organization. You have the names, now take this opportunity to also bring your talents to the table. Every member that serves national brings additional program and project information back to the district, division and flotilla levels for the betterment of all our members. Offer your talents to your flotilla first, then division and district. Your special talents are needed. Join the other members of "Team East" who are making a difference and making us proud! â„Ś
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.-- To commemorate the sinking of the SS Dorchester on Feb 3,1944 by a German U boat with a loss of 692 sailors and soldiers in the North Atlantic, a ceremony was held on January 31, 2010 at Station Fort Lauderdale. Members of several Veterans of Foreign War Posts, Sea Cadets, USCG Auxiliary and USCG, among others, attended the ceremony honoring the four chaplains who remained on board, assisting and comforting many. They gave their life jackets to others. All four went down with the ship. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba and Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk remained on scene and rescued 200300 survivors. The ceremony told the story about each chaplain (Catholic, Protestant, Reformed and Jewish). Four veterans symbolically took off their lifejackets and gave them to four Sea Cadets who represented those they saved. The Auxiliary was represented by Pat Feighery, DCDR 3, Ed Duda, VCDR 3, Marie Duda, Brian Lichtenstein and several veterans who are or were members of the Auxiliary. Seated beside Ed Duda is LT. j.g. Megan Naughton, USCG, Executive Officer, Station Ft. Lauderdale. Photos by Brian Lichtenstein
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Logistics Directorate James Dennen, DDC-L D7, ASC Sector Key West In past issues I have written about my wonderful staff. This time, I have asked that they introduce themselves to you individually. They are a great group of officers dedicated to the Auxiliary and to the members of D7, and I am immensely proud to count them as Logistics Directorate staff officers.
Angela Pomaro, DSO-HR D7 The Human Resources Department (HR) is involved in many aspects of the Auxiliary. All HR Officers are involved in recruiting and retaining members. As District Staff Officer-Human Resources (DSOHR), I am responsible for processing of recruiting awards, disenrollments, transfers, retirements and member deaths. Four times a year, I publish the Human Resources magazine, “D-7 Connection.” I have been a member of Flotilla 51 in Riviera Beach, Fla. for five years. I love what I do, and I especially love working with such dedicated and supportive officers from all 17 divisions. We work hard and sometimes we even have a laugh! Photo of Angela Pomaro by Vickie Aponte.
Sue Hastings, DSO-IS D7
Logistics:
When I joined the Auxiliary over 20 years ago, little did I know that that I would become a “paper pusher”. When I joined my first Flotilla in Rochester, N.Y., the District Staff Officer-Information System (DSO-IS) from the 9th Eastern District who was in my flotilla, took me under his wing and I started inputting data for three divisions each Saturday at the local Coast Guard Station. Before I knew it, I was a Flotilla Staff Officer-Information System (FSO-IS), then Division Staff OfficerInformation System (SO-IS), and eventually DSO-IS in that District. After I moved to the 7th District ten years ago, I believed that things would slow down, however, when I walked in the door at my first flotilla meeting in Georgetown, S.C., I was asked to be the FSO-IS. A few years later I got a call from the DSO-IS from 7th District who asked me to be an ADSO-IS and Director’s Executive Assistant for Certifications. The rest is history.
Communication Services Human Resources Information Services Public Affairs Publications Materials
The Information Technology world and the Auxiliary have changed much in the past 20 years. Then, communications was by letter and telephone and input for missions was done at Coast Guard workstations at stations or at district. Reports were printed out each month on 11”x 17” ledger paper with carbon copies and mailed to each division, which then broke the data down and sent it to each flotilla. Now, communications is mostly electronic with emails and websites. We can send the forms electronically and anyone can pull up their activity on the Internet at anytime. One thing that has not changed in the last 20 years is that information has to be turned in to be counted. If you don’t send in your activity logs and mission sheets, your hours will not be correct. If you move or change your email address and don’t get the information updated in AUXDATA your records are not accurate. You as the member need to ensure that records are accurate and up to date.
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Terry Barth, DSO-MA D7 In the past, the District Staff Officer-Materials (DSO-MA) had to wear two hats – one for the District Store and one for the actual Materials Officer side. That’s a lot to juggle for one person! When I became DSO-MA three years ago, the responsibilities were separated into a DSO-MA and a District Staff Officer- Materials Center (DSO-MC). This has made it much more manageable, allowing each of us to focus our time and efforts on the specific needs of our positions. In developing this office, my main goal was to insure my staff was kept up-todate on any additions, deletions, delays and/or required information important for them to do their jobs. It has been challenging at times, but having the support of a great team, the Division and Flotilla Staff Officers-Materials have made my job not only interesting, but enjoyable as well. I appreciate having the opportunity to work with such a great group of people.
Tom Loughlin, DSO-PA D7 I believe, in a totally unbiased fashion of course, that the members of the Public Affairs Department enjoy the best of all worlds. We have the opportunity to work with not only our Public Affairs counterparts, but also with others from Commodores to the newest members, and then we get to have fun writing the stories and articles that tell everyone about the Auxiliary.
Photo provided by Terry Barth
Any member can write a story or article. Send it up through Publication or Public Affairs channels and we will be delighted to help get it published. At this time we are gearing up for National Safe Boating Week, May 22-28, 2010 and working with the other three members of the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) team—Public Education (PE), Program Visitors (PV) and Vessel Examiners (VE). Additionally, there is a very special fifth member who is vitally important –you!”
Dottie Riley, DSO-PB D7 It is wonderful to be able to serve this great volunteer organization by doing what I love more than anything—except painting. I am editor of the Breeze and I love what I do! One of the neatest things is the privilege of getting to know so many members throughout our district, and I am ever amazed by the broad range of talents and personalities that I encounter. I am proud to be a member of this great organization. While I may serve as its editor, the Breeze is an award-winning publication because it is truly the product of a team effort. The D7 Publications team is outstanding and consists of James Dennen, Content Editor, Gary Barth, Assistant District Staff Officer-East, (ADSO-PB-E) Susan Carty, ADSO-North, Karen Miller, ADSO-West and T. J. Kerbs, Pre-Press & Printing. Bravo Zulu, Publications team– and thank you! Ω
Photo provided by Tom Loughlin
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Prevention Directorate Bruce Lindsey, DDC-P D7 Recreational Boating Safety has always been the primary purpose of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and specifically, of the Prevention Directorate. While the Coast Guard Auxiliary performs Boating Safety Patrols and other functions daily for this purpose, the Prevention Directorate’s activities are unique in emphasizing safety through knowledge before the boater gets to the water through Vessel Safety Checks, Public Education (PE) programs provided to recreational boaters as well as to related businesses and governmental agencies. Nationally, recreational boating accidents, injuries and fatalities have been increasing, resulting in the Coast Guard requesting additional assistance from the Auxiliary in developing and implementing a plan to increase public boating safety awareness and reduce the rising accident trend. The District 7 Recreational boating Safety (RBS) Team includes the Public Education, Vessel Safety Checks (VSC), Program Visitor (PV) and Public Affairs (PA) officers who are preparing an RBS Tactical Plan to promote a closer working relationship of these functions at all levels. The Recreational Boating Safety plan being developed should include ways for flotillas to provide a greater variety of public education programs and increase the visibility of Vessel Safety Checks through enhanced public affairs and dealer promotion and internal support. We need to share and borrow successful concepts through flotilla discussions and by reporting flotilla accomplishments through divisions to district. Flotilla staff officers should be asking divisions for any support needed to increase public participation, and divisions should pass requests for support that they cannot provide to district. Examples are public service announcements (PSAs) for upcoming events, classes or VCS blitzes. Locally developed information is great, but articles should be available which can be tailored for local use. Handouts or flyers can be given out during vessel examinations to promote PE programs and information about vessel examinations and sign-ups and provided during PE presentations.
Prevention: Marine Safety Member Training Public Education Program Visitor State Liaison Vessel Examinations
Program Visitation is another effective method for getting the word out about boating safety and Coast Guard Auxiliary programs. Businesses working with boaters are generally very aware of unsafe practices, concerned about increasing boating safety and eager for a way to help. They are happy to have copies of state boating law books, brochures on life jacket wear (especially in English and Spanish) and flyers on our PE program offerings to provide to their customers. Additional information can be tailored to the business clientele, such as hunting and fishing safety at sporting goods stores or boating safety at marinas or boat dealers. Likewise, information can be rotated by season. Program Visitation is so easy – anyone can do it. We all have marine related businesses that we go to occasionally or drive past frequently. After the first visit it is not necessary to wear a uniform. After the first visit, arrangements have probably been made to place a rack or put information in a designated store location. It’s visiting with people we probably already know, or would like to. It’s a chance to talk about boating safety or the Coast Guard Auxiliary, or recent incidents with people who share our interests. Program Visitor is also one of the easiest things for which to become qualified. The book and test are not difficult and qualification is completed with two mentored visits. Qualification is maintained with a minimum of four visits per year, one visit every three months to one busi-
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ness to maintain, yet it would help so much to spread the word by increasing our exposure, and business partnerships is one way that all members can help. So, there are two methods for increasing our impact on RBS: increasing your personal exposure to the boating public as a concerned Auxiliarist, and to ask for more assistance from division and district. We have more programs available than are used, and we should use all the programs available to us. Please think of more ways that you can use the Auxiliary to enhance boating safety, and watch for more opportunities and ideas coming to a division and flotilla near you.â„Ś
An Auxiliary Blast from our Past Researched and written by Joseph Giannattasio, DSO-PB, 5NR
Many of the events leading up to our country's involvement in World War II, from the late 1930s to 1941, were dramatically depicted on the newest American fad, gum cards. Insert cards picturing a variety of historical, fantasy and contemporary events were relatively new in 1939. But, as the tides of war swept over most of the world and Americans came to realize it was only a matter of time before our turn came, some gum card sets began taking on a patriotic tone and emphasized the need for America to be prepared. Gum, Inc., in 1941, began inserting "Uncle Sam - Home Defense" (148 cards) and "Uncle Sam - Soldier" (96 cards). The "Soldier" portion shows men of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Corps in training and conducting mock warfare. The "Home Defense" portion highlights home front activities, such as air raid wardens, first aid stations, defense against incendiary bombs, and school children dispersing in the event of an air attack. It also showcased such military complementary outfits as Home Guard, Office of Civilian Defense, women pilots ferrying aircraft overseas to England, and the Auxiliary Coast Guard. The sets, though published from 1938 to 1941, are among the best ever produced - from the viewpoints of patriotism, quality artwork, and creativity. Today, gum card collectors and others eagerly seek them out. â„Ś
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Response Directorate Richard Leys, DDC-R D7 The Response Department consists of Aviation, Communications, Navigation Services and Operations. For this issue of the Breeze, we are featuring aviation operations and surface operations with articles by Cecil Christopher, District Staff Officer-Aviation (DSO-AV) and Kitty Nicolai, District Staff Officer-Operations (DSO-OP).
Aviation Happenings By Cecil Christopher, DSO-AV
On December 28, 2009, while patrolling the Bahamas in support of Sector Miami, one of our Auxiliary aircraft (AUXAIR) crews observed a 30-foot center console boat anchored off the northwest coast of Great Isaac Cay, one of the Bimini Islands. There were two persons on board and the boaters began waving a life vest and a pool noodle. The AUXAIR crew contacted Sector Miami and informed them of the situation. Sector Miami advised them that the vessel fit the description of a boat reported stolen earlier in the day and the Cutter Drummond was dispatched to their location. The Auxiliary aircraft remained on scene and assisted in directing the cutter to the location of the disabled boat. After confirming that the Drummond had the boat in sight, the Auxiliary aircraft returned to base. Later, it was confirmed that the boat had run out of gas and was indeed the boat reported stolen earlier. The two boaters were rescued--- and taken into custody. On January 21, 2010, an Auxiliary aircraft flown by Auxiliarists Wilson Riggan from Flotilla 59 and Fred Ross from Flotilla 69 became the first Coast Guard Auxiliary aircraft to fly in the Haitian earthquake relief effort. The aircraft and crew transported a relief pilot and flight mechanic to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos along with repair parts for a broken Falcon, returning to Coast Guard Air Station Miami the next day with the relieved pilot and crew member.
Response: Navigation Services
On February 2, 2010, Coast Guard Auxiliary Aircraft N 414 AW made an emergency landing at Opa Locka Airport at approximately 1 p.m. local time. The Cessna 414 had two Coast Guard Auxiliary members aboard and was returning to Coast Guard Air Station Miami after completing a logistics mission flying Admiral Brice-O’Hara, Vice Commandant (select) from Orlando to Jacksonville, Fla. The aircrew was aware of the malfunction prior to landing and completed all necessary emergency procedures before performing a successful landing with the nose landing gear not fully extended. After coming to a safe stop on the runway, with the nose landing gear collapsed, both crew members exited the aircraft unharmed. The entire incident was televised live nationally on the Fox News Network. ℌ
Operations Qualification Examiners Aviation Communications
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Surface Operations By Kitty Nicolai, DSO-OP
Despite a very cold, record-setting winter, many recreational boaters within District 7 still managed to find ways to go boating. Some of our area’s boating days turned out to be a great deal of fun while others probably wished they would have stayed home and watched a fishing show on TV. On Florida’s west coast, the annual Gasparilla celebration in Tampa Bay saw pirates, pirate ships and about 300 pleasure craft in an “invasion” of the City of Tampa. Dozens of Auxiliarist and their operational facilities helped control the parade route, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and local sheriff’s vessels from several surrounding counties. No major public boating mishaps were reported. In the middle of January, a boat fire consumed a pleasure craft in Ft. Lauderdale’s area of responsibility on the east coast of Florida. The first official on-scene responder was the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Before it was over, a Good Samaritan, the US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, the FWC, local sheriff, local police, and Tow Boat US had responded. A response like this shows the value of ICS-210 training – due March 31 of this year- for all Auxiliary Coxswains. This Incident Command System (ICS) course is designed for Single Unit Resource Leaders and focuses on initial incident assessment and management. Both examples above demonstrate the great working relationship our local Auxiliarist around the district have forged with private citizens, other government agencies, and other interests in the maritime industry. Ω
Burning vessel photo by Marc Brody
Two fishermen (sitting by the stern) from a burning boat are safe aboard a Coast Guard Auxiliary boat from Flotilla 36. The crew included Marc Brody, coxswain, Jerry Edelman, Gil Finklestein and Ken Eisenberg. A Coast Guard 25foot Response Boat, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Tow Boat US gather near the Auxiliary Operational Facility, the first official boat on-scene. Photo provided by Richard Leys
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Auxiliary Underway: Cooking on the Coast Guard Cutter Vise Article and photos submitted by Jeff Lawlor
CLEARWATER, Fla.— The question was posed, “Sector St. Petersburg needs a volunteer to fill in with food service on their cutters while underway. Are you interested?” When the cutter’s food service petty officers are on leave, they usually do not have a food service specialist on board. They have a crew member fill in, and based on the belly aching (pun intended), it’s obvious the substitute isn’t usually versed in the ways of cooking for a full cutter crew. Jeff Lawlor, a member of Flotilla 11-1 in Clearwater, Fla. is one of a group of Division 11 Auxiliarists training to earn Operations Excellence qualifications at Station Sand Key. Part of their training involves spending holiday weekends on site. They participate in underway and shore-side training and assist in the galley after meals to relieve the Station’s personnel. Don Hoge, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator- St. Petersburg, observed Lawlor’s role in leading their team of “Galley Rats” and noting his culinary experience, asked him if he was interested in filling the food service void at Sector St. Petersburg. Previously, Lawlor served in the Coast Guard Reserve as a food service Petty Officer and spent the majority of his business career as a marketing executive in the restaurant business. He also enjoyed guiding hunters and cooking camp meals at his hunting ranch in West Texas, feeding 8-15 hungry hunters per meal.
With a passion for preparing good food, Lawlor didn’t have to think very long about the question of helping on the Sector’s cutters. After getting a clean bill of health from Sector health service specialist, Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Meyer and speaking with Sector staff, it was only a few short weeks before Lawlor received orders. The need arose on the Vise, (143’ including its barge) construction tender. The Vise was scheduled to get underway during the last week of September to service, replace and repair Aids to Navigation (ATONS) starting in Tampa Bay, and proceeding north in the Intracoastal Waterway up the Gulf coast all the way to Crystal River. Before they got underway, Lawlor met with the vessel’s cook, Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Cochran. They discussed needs and toured the galley and storage areas. He then prepared menus for three meals a day for five days with an additional back up for three more days (Semper Paratus) and submitted a list of food needed. Brandon secured menu approval and was gracious enough to procure everything before he left to go on leave. The next step was to meet the Executive Officer, Chief Petty Officer Ronald Johnson, and take a closer look at the galley’s facilities to determine what equipment he
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needed to take on board. The facilities were outstanding. The only thing Lawlor brought along was his own knife sharpener. During his two meetings on board, Lawlor began questioning his decision to volunteer since the air conditioning system was down waiting for a part to arrive. The only relief from the heat was from a few window air conditioner units that kept the temperature a few degrees below the typical balmy 90 plus degree Florida weather. Lawlor reported on board Sunday evening to prepare for breakfast prior to getting underway in the morning. This was his first time meeting the cutter’s Commanding Officer, Chief Warrant Officer Michael Popelars. The first full day started at 5 a.m. and ended after dinner around 7 p.m. After being on his feet the whole time, he again began to question his decision and sanity. After all, it was over 36 years since he worked that long and hard in a Coast Guard galley, but by the second day, he planned his schedule better, was acclimated to the galley and became more efficient. By now you probably are curious what was served: SOS, canned beans and sea rations? No, not quite. A sampling of the meals included fresh baked gulf grouper and bay scallops, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, Cuban pork marinara sauce with angel hair pasta, tossed salad and garlic bread, grilled steaks from the cutter’s new wood burning grill, baked potatoes and garden fresh salad. Lunch menus included pressed Cuban sandwiches with slaw, quesadillas with ham, chips, salsa, guacamole and jalapenos. For one dessert he served Godiva double chocolate brownies. One breakfast was French toast flavored with vanilla and orange, bacon and sausage, while another meal included hotcakes, bacon and eggs to order with fresh fruit.
to assisting as a lookout. The crew was extremely impressive, smart, squared away and well trained in their jobs, motivated, enthusiastic, polite, and appreciative, and they always volunteered to help, even in the galley. As a special treat to the crew and as a show of his gratitude, the Skipper decided to give Lawlor a break. On the last morning, he personally prepared some of his favorite breakfast recipes. He cooked delicious South Carolina sausage gravy with biscuits, baked corned beef hash with eggs accompanied by fresh fruit. The Skipper and the crew presented Lawlor with a CGC Vise medallion, shirt, cover, and a case of Michelob as special thanks. These items will always be special to him- except for the beer. It is long gone! The last night out, they moored at the American Legion in Madeira Beach and went ashore for some refreshments. While they were sitting outside, a very senior lady came over to the table to thank the crew for their service to the country. As the group introduced themselves, she looked in Lawlor’s direction and asked, “Who is that old guy?” The Skipper, without missing a beat, pointed at Lawlor and said, “He’s the Captain.” Lawlor just stayed quiet. Oh, by the way, when he reported back on board, the air conditioner was repaired and working well, so his choice to get underway turned out to be a cool decision after all. Even if the air conditioner were out the entire trip, it would have been well worth the experience. Lawlor was proud to be part of Team Coast Guard. Ω
Their mission was extended two extra days for a total of seven days underway to Cedar Key to replace two more ATONS. Fortunately, the planned extra provisions and meals came in handy. As an additional benefit, Lawlor had the opportunity to sharpen his underway skills. Between meals and when not in the galley, he spent his time on the bridge. He had the opportunity to steer the vessel and observe and learn additional navigation plotting skills in addition
CGC Vise crew members enjoy one of the many meals prepared by Auxiliary member Jeff Lawlor in the ship’s galley.
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US Naval Sea Cadet Corps Memorandum of Understanding: How does it affect you? By William Giers, SO-PA 17 For many Auxiliarists, working with the US Naval Sea Cadets is nothing new. The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) and the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) does not actually create a “Junior Auxiliary” as some are claiming - it goes one better. Both organizations retain all of their previous authority, missions and regulations and can now operate together in joint trainings and missions. Some of our Auxiliarists, flotillas, and entire divisions have already been doing just that, but now it is an official agreement, and the liability concerns that many flotilla and division commanders (and members) expressed have been addressed. The MOU defines and establishes procedures and practices for cooperation between both organizations. Specifically, it was written, “to enhance their common goals of providing public education and application of maritime training to citizens of the United States of America”. In the same way the Auxiliary performs certain missions of the Coast Guard, provides training to members and the public, promotes fellowship, and is also a force multiplier, the Sea Cadets also have specific missions. The main missions of the Sea Cadets is to provide a drug and alcohol free environment where American youth can develop leadership abilities, broaden their life experiences in a healthy manner, and through hands-on trainings, teach and foster patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues as they develop into mature young adults. The MOU lays out the guidelines for working together. The main focus of the agreement is to provide enhanced maritime training, technical expertise, participation in maritime training exercises, and other opportunities otherwise unavailable to the other organization while maintaining the values and purposes of each organization. This includes using USCG and/or USCGAUX facilities, resources and personnel. To assist in making the main focus of this
agreement occur more smoothly, it states that Liaison Officers will be designated at every level and that these officers will be kept fully informed to enhance coordination. Just who are the Sea Cadets? What do they actually do, and what does that have to do with us? The Navy League established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) for ages 13-17 and Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) for ages 11-14 in 1958. The Sea Cadet Units are divided into three main types. Divisions, focused on maritime activity, Battalions, focused on construction (Sea Bees) and Squadrons, where aviation is the prime focus. Other than that, the organizations are very similar. Just like the USCGAUX, in order to join the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, applicants must meet certain criteria. They must: be between the ages of 13 and 17; be a US Citizen; be a full time student and maintain satisfactory grades (2.00 "C" grade point average), and be free of felony convictions. This makes the Sea Cadets an excellent place for our member’s children and grandchildren to develop, and when the Cadets are ready to leave the Sea Cadets at age 17, they are excellent candidates to transition into the Auxiliary. This will bring in “new members” who have great qualifications, inter-organizational knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm. Training. Sea Cadets train in many areas. The Auxiliary can augment this training by creating opportunities for the Sea Cadets to put some of their skills into action. Many of these opportunities will also coincide with, and augment Auxiliary activities and missions. They train aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels using the same qualification standards as would the active duty. Longer-term training occurs during school breaks. Some of the advanced train-
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ings offered would make many Auxiliarists envious and wish they were Sea Cadets. For example: Airman Training, Music Training, Seabee Indoctrination (construction), SEAL Team Training, Submarine Orientation, Military Law Enforcement Training, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Leadership Academy, Marksmanship, Seamanship, and Boating Safety. Opportunities. This list of trainings may give flotillas ideas about how to augment the skills of these young men and women by incorporating them into existing Auxiliary programs and missions, and how to offer venues for Cadets to demonstrate and display their existing skills. How would a band, choir or marching unit enhance existing Auxiliary events? Sea Cadets already provide Honor and Color Guards, stand quarterdeck watch and Coast Guard Station gate watch, act as the pre-evaluation team for Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) - greatly speeding up the time it takes to complete a VSC increasing the number of VSCs, which also makes the boat owner who is eager to get out on the water much happier. The Sea Cadets relay boating safety information to children and adults in a way that encourages even reluctant boaters to listen, support Public Affairs Booths, Program Visitor programs, teach knots and boating safety information, act as escorts at Coast Guard and Auxiliary events including Change of Command and Change of Watch ceremonies, and reach the public in a different manner than most Auxiliarists could. Often their enthusiasm alone inspires both Team Coast Guard and the general public alike. Sea Cadets may take all trainings offered by the USCGAUX. Some flotillas already have Sea Cadets requesting to begin the next Boat Crew Training. Sea Cadets earn ribbons just like we do and many joint events help them qualify for additional ribbons.
Positive Outcomes. Many Sea Cadets have gone on to great things in life and have attributed their success to the training and experiences they received while a member of the Sea Cadets. While some have gone on to become flag officers in every branch of the service, not all Sea Cadets enter the military. One famous former Sea Cadet is retired Master Chief Petty Officer Vince Patton, USCG, a former member of the Sea Cadets James M. Hannan Division, Detroit, Mich. He states, "By joining the Sea Cadets, I started on my road to career development as a citizen and as a leader. Although the Sea Cadet program provided me with an understanding of the sea services, it did a lot more in preparing me to understand words like honor, respect, commitment, courage, and devotion to duty. These words collectively make up the Coast Guard and Navy core values, something I have lived by and promoted." Take Action. Talk with your Flotilla and Division Commanders about contacting your local Sea Cadet unit and infuse new life and new experiences into your flotilla. The MOU makes this another USCGAUX mission. Take the initiative. You will open new worlds to all who participate. To find a USNSCC near you use their Unit Locator: http:// dolphin.seacadets.org/US_units/index_public.asp â„Ś
Photograph opposite Page: Cadets standing in line getting ready for formation. Sea Cadets come from the local community and just like the maritime services, represent a cross section of our country. Above: Sea Cadet Color Guard has performed for the USCGAUX on many occasions such as Flotilla 17-6's 50th Anniversary, National Safe Boating Week, CG Change of Watch, CG Day picnic. Photos by Eileen Plasencia, USNSCC
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D7 Volunteer Guardians Remain Semper Paratus! By William F. Hanlon, III ADSO-PA-E and Christopher Todd, ADSO-PA-SP Christopher Todd, DVCAP (left) and Bill Swank, FSO-PA 6-11 D7 monitor media coverage surrounding the U.S. Coast Guard response to the major earthquake which struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. These members were part of the initial team of Auxiliarists who responded to assist active duty Public Affairs Officers at the USCG Joint Information Center at Seventh District headquarters in Miami. Photo by Felipe Pazos, FC 6-11 D7
MIAMI - On the morning of Thursday, January 14, 2010, Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C. informed the Coast Guard Auxiliary National Public Affairs Department of the creation of a Joint Information Center (JIC) based at the USCG Seventh District Headquarters located in Miami, Fla. The communication included a request to stand-up Auxiliary support to the JIC as needed to ensure effective operational support of active duty Coast Guard personnel. The stand up of this JIC was in response to the massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the island nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010. Tom Nunes, Deputy Director, Auxiliary Public Affairs promptly notified Christopher Todd of the stand-up of support for the JIC operation. Within five hours, Todd was onscene and established a liaison with Lt. Cmdr. Matt Moorlag, who was designated as the Lead Public Information Officer for the operation. Todd now began to coordinate Auxiliary support for the JIC. As luck would have it, Bill Hanlon had previously planned a South Florida regional workshop of Auxiliary Public Affairs staff officers for later that day in Miami. Todd went to the meeting and briefed the attendees on the situation, as well as the need for additional support from the Auxiliary. While operations at the JIC ramped up, Lt. Suzanne Kerver, the JIC Manager on loan from D8 in New Orleans and her staff quickly identify a need for Spanish and French/Creole speaking personnel. An additional request for Auxiliary personnel with these language skills and/or media relations training was made to Todd, who in turn
contacted Hanlon to help sound the call. Semper Paratus was put to the test. Auxiliary members from Division 6 (Miami-Dade County) and Division 3 (Broward/Southern Palm Beach Counties) with the desired capabilities were identified and contacted. The very next morning, Friday, January 15, 2010, the first wave of members responded to the JIC and immediately started providing valuable assistance while serving along side active duty personnel. Felipe Pazos was one of the Interpreter Corps members who responded to the JIC that first day. Soon after his arrival, Pazos was given a public affairs crash course by Todd and Bill Swank, who had also responded for the morning shift. Shortly thereafter, Pazos was dispatched to a local Spanish-language television station to tape a “live” interview with Maria Elvira Salazar, a prominent talk show host. Pazos represented the U.S. Coast Guard wearing his Operation Dress Uniform and answered the questions brilliantly about the Coast Guard’s response. Later that afternoon, Hanlon arrived along with Theresa Gonzalez. Hanlon and Gonzalez took the evening shift and worked late into the night establishing needed structure and guidelines. Hanlon soon created a Handbook for Auxiliary personnel reporting to the JIC to provide them with essential information for their duty. “The procedures provided in the handbook increased efficiency by shortening the learning-curve for newly assigned Auxiliary members reporting to the JIC,” said Kerver. “The professional demeanor and skill sets dis-
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played by the Auxiliary were outstanding and invaluable to JIC operations.” Over the next several days, local Auxiliary support from Division 3 and 6 continued to supplement the JIC. The nature of this support consisted primarily of Public Affairs, Interpreter Corps, and logistical assistance. One of the high points of the Auxiliary response came on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 when all seemed quiet at the JIC. Auxiliarists Hanlon, Pazos, Todd, and James Simpson were on duty when a call came in from a CNN television crew on the ground in Port au Prince. They were with Ema Zizi, a 69 year-old woman who had been pulled alive from the rubble of the National Cathedral a full week after the collapse. She had been extracted and taken to a local clinic, but was in dire need of a substantial medical treatment that was not available on site. The CNN crew was extremely frustrated that they could not find a way to get her the medical attention she needed, so they called the Coast Guard. Via the JIC office in downtown Miami, communications were established with Capt. McPherson at the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince, the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma anchored off Haiti, and the CNN crew on the ground with Zizi and her son. Petty Officer 1st Class Bobby Nash of D7 Public Affairs, USCG remained on the telephone with the CNN crew as they frantically tried to coordinate a location for an emergency medical evacuation by the Coast Guard. “I need the GPS coordinates for the (Haitian) Presidential Palace!” Nash shouted across the room. Everyone looked at each other semi-stunned. Auxiliarist Simpson then swung into action. Using a notebook PC sitting on his lap, he quickly turned to Google and located the GPS coordinates for the palace. As Simpson relayed this information to Nash, Auxiliarist Todd verified the coordinates using Wikipedia on his MacBook. “Yes, they are accurate!” Todd responded. Kerver then relayed the coordinates to the CGC Tahoma, who in turned relayed the coordinates to the crew of the Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter that was sent to conduct the evacuation. Moorlag relayed the coordinates to the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince. The location had been set. Using night vision equipment, the crew of the HH-65 Dolphin was able to locate the CNN crew on the ground near the palace. They landed and quickly loaded Ms. Zizi and her son onto the aircraft. Both were airlifted to the USS Bataan, a naval amphibious ship with sufficient medical
facilities also anchored off the coast Haiti. The life of Ms. Zizi had most certainly been saved. CNN conducted a live interview the next morning from Port au Prince with McPherson and the helicopter crew regarding the rescue. It was a moment of pride for the entire U.S. Coast Guard. “It was a very fluid situation,” said Pazos. “The quick thinking of Simpson definitely saved precious moments and allowed the helicopter crew to find the CNN team on the ground. It just shows the power of the Internet and solid communications in conducting these types of rescue operations. I was very proud of all the Auxiliary members who participated in the JIC operation.” The following Seventh District Auxiliary members participated the JIC operation in response to Operation Unified Response — the name given to the U.S. Mission to evacuate Americans from, and provide relief to, Haiti: Joel Aberbach, ADSO-MS, 6-10 Nubia Carbonneau, Flotilla 31 John Ciampa, SO-SR-6, Flotilla 7 Theresa Gonzalez, FSO-PA-ES 6-11 William Hanlon, ADSO-PA-E, 31 Judith Hudson, DCDR-6, Flotilla 7 George Navarini, SO-PA-6, Flotilla 3 Matthew Paulini, FSO-IS 6-11 Felipe Pazos, FC 6-11 Silvio Rodriguez, Flotilla 6-11 James Simpson, SO-PV-6, Flotilla 11 Bill Swank, FSO-PA, 6-11 Christopher Todd, ADSO-PA-SP, 6-11 Nathalie Vilaire, FSO-MT Monica Zima, SO-MT-6, Flotilla 1 Local Auxiliary support of the Miami JIC continued through Friday, January 22, 2010, at which time enough active duty Public Affairs Officers had arrived from other areas to enable a termination of Auxiliary support (with the exception of Social Media operations run by Ryan Bank, Branch Chief – New Media). Operational Unified Response gave us a glimpse of the future role that the Auxiliary will play toward assisting the active duty Coast Guard in major incidents. The Auxiliary members who responded displayed that they remain “Always Ready” to serve when called upon, thereby upholding the motto of the Coast Guard. Ω
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Earthquake Doesn’t Rattle the Auxiliary Article by Tom Loughlin, DSO-PA D7 and Ron Foster, SO-PA, Div 11. Photos by Ron Foster CLEARWATER, Fla.— The call came in the afternoon of January 12, 2010. An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter magnitude scale had just struck Haiti causing massive destruction and loss of life. Could the USCG Auxiliary help? Literally within minutes the calls went out for help—all over the United States. And Auxiliarists responded. Air Station-Clearwater, Florida became one of the main aircraft staging areas. Huge C-130 “Hercules” cargo aircraft and H-60 “Jayhawk” helicopters began flying their missions of mercy. Aircraft came from as far away as Barbers Point, Hawaii, Sacramento, California, Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The rescue mission was a 24-hours a day, 7-days per week operation.
Don Hoge, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator– Sector St. Petersburg works on a Haiti area of operations chart at Air Station Clearwater
Calls came in to Tom Loughlin, District Staff OfficerPublic Affairs, D7, from all over the United States from Auxiliarist volunteering to go to Miami to work in the Joint Information Center (JIC). Some could only get off work for a few days. One Auxiliarist said he owned his own business and therefore could work at the JIC as long as needed. The stand-down came before he could be deployed, but not before he talked with a business friend who was in Haiti training them how to farm more efficiently. He had several deep fresh-water wells and was willing to truck fresh water to the airstrip for distribution. This was relayed to USAID in Haiti and hundreds of gallons of fresh water an hour were soon available. This single contact saved innumerable lives. Auxiliarists responding for duty at USCG Air Station - Clearwater included Roy Poole, Flotilla 11-9 and Don Hoge, Flotilla 11-10. Hoge, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator-Sector St. Petersburg, spent 115 hours during the next ten days in the Operations Center of Air Station Clearwater. A retired US Navy helicopter pilot, Hoge is singularly qualified with 24 years of experience with the US Navy in not only search and rescue but also in logistics. In a “unique” description of his duties, he said that
coordinating the vast multitude of actions with requirements changing on an hourly basis, complex coordination between multiple agencies across the country in marshalling passengers and cargo to get the right people and the right equipment to the right place at the right time - was like making and eating a “soup sandwich”. But they got it done in “Semper Paratus” style. Lt. Cmdr. John Mixson, C-130 pilot and Public Affairs Officer for the Air Station, stated that a total of 245 flights were conducted by the end of January and that over 1,300 people with U.S. Passport or Visas were evacuated from Haiti. Additionally, almost 500,000 pounds of relief supplies were brought into Haiti. Most importantly, 584 lives were saved due to this airborne relief effort. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, presented Mixson and his crew members with her personal Department of State challenge coin thanking them for ferrying her to Haiti as well as their numerous contributions in the humanitarian efforts on behalf of the people of Haiti. Heroic efforts were the norm. Tired bodies and minds were ignored and somehow these men and women accomplished their jobs. Hoge tells of a phone call from
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Cmdr. Evan Grant, USCG Liaison Officer to the US Embassy-Haiti in Port au Prince. Grant managed to get a phone to work and somehow his call came into the Operation Center at the Clearwater Air Station. Hoge took the call. Grant said he had people who had nothing and nowhere to sleep. He said he needed tents, sleeping pads, diapers, over-the-counter medications and other items. Hoge called the Base Supply and passed on the word. When told of their inability to supply the needed items, Hoge sent a Coast Guard petty officer to local area stores with his credit card and said he’d worry about repayment later. Hoge was able to hold one out-bound C130 just long enough to load all these supplies. Simultaneously, the US Coast Guard established a JIC at USCG District 7 in Miami, Florida. This Center was formed to do the difficult job of collecting information from the relief responders and coordinating the public media activities. They too desperately needed Auxiliary support. Fifteen local Auxiliarists quickly responded to a call from Chris Todd, Assistant District Staff Officer-Public AffairsSpecial Projects, D7. Bill Hanlon, Assistant District Staff Officer-Public Affairs-East, D7 and a fantastic crew were soon in place volunteering at the JIC. Recognizing a need, Hanlon developed an Auxiliary JIC Standard Operating Procedure manual for use for this and future crises. George Navarini, Staff Officer-Public Affairs Division 6 was a very welcome volunteer since he speaks French fluently. Also responding on a moments notice was Nubia Carbonneau, Flotilla 31, a member of the Auxiliary Inter-
preter Corps, who is fluent in Spanish. These fantastic and dedicated Auxiliarists were there from the beginning and stayed until the Coast Guard brought in enough USCG support to be able to operate the JIC. Capt. Ronald A. La Brec, USCG Public Affairs Officer, commended the Auxiliary support at the JIC saying, “...It is a great testament to your preparation and reputation. Your rapid response and enthusiasm was inspiring. Even though resource needs will likely decrease in the near term, I hope we can continue to involve your people in this response as required as it (the Haitian relief effort) progresses, as well as in future responses.” This crisis also brought to everyone’s attention that social media like Twitter is not just a thing for teenagers. Calls were placed from Haiti from people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Calls also came from the US Embassy where medical support was needed. Again, the Auxiliary responded. Ryan Bank from Chicago and Ray Pages from California travelled to Miami to begin a multiweek social media instructional program for the JIC Coast Guard members. Social Media calls were now being received and processed, the callers GPS location was identified and assistance was directed to these locations. Lives were saved. There are so many stories to tell, but unfortunately not enough room to tell them all -- stories such as the Auxiliarists involved in Homeland Security Search and Rescue Teams that travel to Haiti and to other disaster struck countries. Hopefully, one day we can read about them. Auxiliarists: Be proud of the things you do. You personally may not have directly saved a life, but you may have done something which allowed someone else to save a life. Auxiliarists are special people who give much so that others may be safe. Auxiliarists are indeed, “Semper Paratus”. Not even an earthquake can rattle them. Ω
Lt. Cmdr. John Mixson, USCG, a C-130 pilot and Public Affairs Officer for Air Station Clearwater goes over the C-130 checklist before departing for Haiti.
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Auxiliary Air Workshop Barbara Burchfield, FSO-PA 12-3 SAVANNAH, Ga.— Most people think the Auxiliary is all about the boats. Well, not so fast, y’all! Auxiliarists came by air and land for the 2010 AuxAir Workshop January 22-24, 2010, at Savannah, Ga.. They assembled at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah on Hunter Army Air Field for a full weekend of workshop activities and camaraderie. South Carolina’s Division 12 had a respectable 22% attendance at the workshop, with 13 of the 57 pilots, crew, air observers, and guests who participated. It was a new attendance record. Capt. Donna Cottrell, Air Station Savannah Commanding Officer, welcomed the group and provided the classroom accommodations and much hospitality to the Auxiliarists. Cottrell emphasized the need for standardization of equipment and prioritized getting Auxiliary equipment up to date. Air Station Savannah, operating since 1963, is home to 119 Coast Guard personnel who handle about 280 search and rescue cases per year. The area of responsibility (AOR) covers approximately 450 nautical miles of coastal and inland waterways in four states, roughly from the North Carolina line to Melbourne, Fla.. The Auxiliary Air Group provides force majeure for Coast
Guard air crews who are tasked with not only their immediate AOR, but for many special operations domestically and overseas. In the month of January alone, we saw Coast Guard facilities and staff extended to meet special operations for the Haiti earthquake and a major oil spill in Texas. The Auxiliary steps in immediately and willingly to assist and augment the Coast Guard missions wherever needed. The Coast Guard is looking to expand the Auxiliary role, and the Auxiliary is more cost effective than the Coast Guard in many areas. Cecil Christopher, District 7 Staff Officer-Aviation, (D7 DSO-AV), gave a clear example of this effort and said, “Coast Guard Air Station Miami Auxiliary personnel and facilities supported our Haiti relief efforts by flying four logistic flights a week to the Turks and Cacaos Islands. On one mission, they flew a pilot and flight mechanic along with repair parts down which resulted in returning a USCG Falcon jet back into service.” Lt. Jeff Jacobs, Auxiliary Liaison, Air Station Savannah, lead the workshop program along with Christopher, and Joe Friend, Auxiliary Aircraft Commander, who organized the membership and schedule of activities. Jacobs expressed Coast Guard appreciation to the Auxiliary air crews and volunteers for their time and resources in a variety of missions, from safety patrols to search and rescue missions.
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Leading into the workshop was the much-anticipated Water Survival Test, an annual qualification maintenance requirement for Auxiliary pilots and air crew held at Hunter Army Air Field base pool. Attendants must swim a total of 75 yards in flight uniform while wearing a life jacket (must be deflated for 25 yards with an option to manually inflate for 50 yards), then pull themselves up into a small life raft. This must be accomplished unassisted and is not an easy task. Getting it done successfully resulted in lots of big smiles and hurrahs. A full agenda of aviation workshops included Crew Resource Management, Federal Aviation Administration protocols and procedures, medical factors, Aids to Navigation, Personal Protective Equipment use, AOR briefings for Air Station Savannah, Sector Charleston, and Sector Jacksonville, and reporting pollution hazards. Always a favorite high point, Jacobs gave a tour of the Coast Guard hanger and an up-close and informative look at one of the five H-65 helicopters on base. At Air Station Savannah, it’s all about the aircraft and helicopters. Ω
Capt. Donna Cottrell, Commanding Officer, Air Station Savannah with Auxiliary Air pilots Al Townsend, Flotilla 10-2, Steve Allen, Flotilla 52, Be Moore, Flotilla 12-12 and Kevin Smith, Flotilla 10-2 during the AUXAIR workshop held January 22-24, 2010 in Savannah, Ga. Facing page: Kevin Smith has just pulled himself into the raft during the Water Survival Test, an annual qualification maintenance requirement for Auxiliary Pilots and Air Crew held at the Hunter Army Air Field base pool. Behind the raft is Nancy Hastie. Both are members of Flotilla 10-2 in Savannah, Ga. Photos by Barbara Burchfield
Above: Lt. Jeff Jacobs, Auxiliary Liaison, Air Station Savannah, takes Auxiliary pilots and air crew on a tour of the Coast Guard hanger and an up-close look at the H-65 helicopters on base. Photo by Barbara Burchfield
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Tampa Flotilla 79 Hosts Record Attendance IED Class Mike Moore ADSO-PA W D7 “Do not leave your luggage unattended. Unattended luggage will be impounded”. TAMPA, Fla.— That announcement has now been looping through the sound systems of our airports for almost ten years. Every three to five minutes we are reminded of that long ago fateful Monday morning when terrorists changed everything. As individuals, time passes and our memories fade. As a nation, however, we will probably never forget- not Kevin Yeaton and Don Rimel from Flotilla 7-16 in Gulfport, Fla. complete the post-test for the course, Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings presented on February 20, 2010 at Flotilla 79 in Tampa, Fla.. considering the conCourse instructors Mark and Leslie Moore from Flotilla 23 in Lake Hiawassee, Ga. Can be seen in the stant unattended lugupper left corner. Photo by Dottie Riley, DSO-PB D7 gage reminders. Nor should we! Terrorism is alive and well as evidenced by vidual was unsuccessful in his plot and was quickly subyet another fanatic trying to blow himself up on a domesdued by passengers. Imagine him listening to those same tic-bound plane Christmas Day, 2009. Luckily, that indiluggage security warnings in the airport as he boarded. Have we heard these warnings for so long that we tune them out? As time goes by, are we becoming complacent? Unfortunately, we can’t afford to become complacent, nor can we allow indifference. Without continued vigilance and tenacity we leave a door open for more terrorist inflicted death and destruction on our soil. One team, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, will never be
Amos Johnson, Division 7 Commander attended the course and is seen taking the post-test to Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings. Photo by Mike Moore, ADSO-PA-W
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complacent nor relaxed in the mission of protecting our sea-bound borders and waterways against those who would harm us. On Saturday, February 20, 2010, over one hundred Coast Guard Auxiliary members gathered in Tampa to be reminded once again of the seriousness of terrorism. The class, a four and one-half hour New Mexico Tech training class, “Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings,” focused on the recognition of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) that may be used in a variety of ways and places including in our coastal waterways; the kinds of devices used to invoke the kind of terror inflicted on 9/11, in Oklahoma City, and Christmas 2009. The program, sponsored by Towns County Fire and Rescue and taught by New Mexico Tech instructors Mark and Leslie Moore, both members of Flotilla 23 in Northeast Georgia, brought operationally sensitive information in order to enhance the protective net of eyes and ears on the water in the continuing vigil against terrorist threat.
different devices. A special add-on waterborne section written by Mark followed the regular class giving examples of vessels laden with IED devices and their capabilities as well as how to recognize them underway. Further, videos showing the destructive over-pressure waves and bomb sizes used to create those waves were examined, dissected, and discussed. This included the relative amounts (bomb size) of chemicals needed to produce a particular effect. Perhaps the most telling involved a discussion and video clip showing the construction and amount of explosive needed to construct a lethal device the size of an ordinary letter. The class was comprehensive and ultimately interesting. Mark and Leslie did a great job of keeping the class flowing and presenting a considerable amount of technical information in a light and lively manner. With a bit of friendly bantering back and forth, they recounted stories of their bomb class training; particularly interesting was the story involving which class had created a blast that left a demonstration junk car in the smallest pieces. Despite their lively approach however, the serious nature of producing two hundred newly trained eyes and ears was never underestimated.
With an effective Coast Guard force multiplier, namely the multiple hundreds of patrol hours performed everyday by Auxiliary members in every port and waterway across The message of the day: be suspicious, identify if possiFlorida and the nation, watching our domestic waterways ble, alert the proper authority and then create distance for the tools and methods of terrorist IED activity, this between the suspected device and surrounding lives and training spelled out in significant detail the who, what, property. Waterway terrorists beware: one hundred more where, and how of land based IEDs. Exactly because of Auxiliarists are ready. Ω our waterway presence, explains Mark, “Auxiliarist teams will often be the first responders to an incident.” He adds, “Having the knowlMike Moore, ADSO-PA-W edge to identify a suspected IED at a and member of Flotilla glance from a distance and alert the 15-2 in Yankeetown Fla., necessary authorities is a crucial role assisted with the Federal we can perform during our operational Emergency Management patrols.” Agency (FEMA) The course work, written by New Mexcertifications. ico Institute of Mining and Technology Photo by Dottie Riley for the Department of Homeland Security, was comprehensive in showing materials and packaging used to construct and detonate many types of explosive devices, from small ‘pen-type’ to larger bombs similar to the ones used in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Examples of interdicted bombs were shown and explained with emphasis on recognizing wrappings and packages and overt characteristics of
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At the Right Place at the Right Time! By Dave Nielsen, Edited by Paulette Parent
Furry first mate saves the day! ENGLEWOOD, Fla.— On Friday, October 30, 2009, Sandy Bilsky, a member of Flotilla 87 in Englewood, Fla., was aboard his boat with his dog Ally. He was doing some trolling in the Gulf of Mexico. About 3:00 PM, they were just outside Stump Pass heading for Lemon Bay when Ally, an Australian cattle dog and constant "first mate" and fishing buddy, started barking. Not unusual for her because she always barked when she saw a lot of bird activity. When Sandy looked in the direction Ally was facing (about 20 degrees to starboard), he saw a man in the water waving his arms. At first Sandy thought the man was swimming and was simply making sure he was seen to avoid being hit by the oncoming boat. However, looking closer, Sandy saw the distress on the swimmer's face and pulled nearer to him. He turned off his engine and asked the swimmer if he was capable of getting to and on the stern ladder. He also offered to throw him a tethered life ring. The swimmer managed to get to the ladder and Sandy was able to
help him on board. The swimmer immediately drank a full bottle of water and then began to explain what had happened. The young man, named Justin, said that he had tried swimming from Stump Pass to Knight Island but was caught in the strong outgoing tide. He said he didn't know how long he had been in the water but estimated it to be about 25 minutes. He was being dragged out to sea in the swift current at Stump Pass and was completely exhausted from fighting the current. Justin said he did not think he would have lasted much longer when Sandy happened upon him. When Sandy asked Justin if he needed medical assistance, he said no. He asked to be taken to Knight Island, the northern most island on the south side of Stump Pass. Then he asked Sandy if he had found him because of a telephone call for help from shore. Apparently, he had seen Sandy's blue Coast Guard Auxiliary pennant flying on the stern and thought he had been sent to help. But that was not the case. It was simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Once onshore Justin said he had certainly learned a lesson and thanked Sandy "for saving his life". It was quite an experience for Sandy and his dog Ally, too. Ω
Sandy Bilsky from Flotilla 87 in Englewood, Fla. and his Australian cattle dog, Ally pose for a post rescue mission photo. Sandy and his ‘first mate’ Ally rescued a swimmer caught in the swift currents off Stump Pass on October 30, 2009, due in part to Ally’s watchful eyes. Photo by Dave Nielsen, FSO-PA, Flotilla 87, Englewood, Fla.
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Flotilla 11-10 Responds to a Request from Oprah Winfrey Article and photos by Walter Murray, FSO-IS, FL 11-10 On the day of the rescue, seas were running 10 to 15 feet. On this day however, the seas were only two to four feet. Winds on the original day were very strong, causing large white-caps that made spotting the partially submerged white-hulled boat almost impossible, but on this day the winds were relatively calm with only a few small white-caps. This media event showed that even these few white-caps could easily be confused for a small white-hulled boat.
The 47-foot Motor Life Boat leaves Station Sand Key with the film crew from the Oprah Show aboard.
DUNEDIN, Fla.— One year ago, four friends went out into the Gulf of Mexico to fish but the horrific seas and incredible winds allowed only one of them to return. On February 22, 2010, three members of Flotilla 11-10 in Dunedin, Fla. were asked to help the public to understand what the US Coast Guard experienced in their rescue of Nick Schuyler, that lone survivor. Oprah Winfrey interviewed Schuyler, who wrote a book about his 18-hour ordeal holding on to the motor of a capsized boat while being tossed about on extremely rough seas over 30 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. In that book, “Not Without Hope”, Schuyler recalls realizing that he was but a small speck on the vast Gulf. To emphasize the difficulty the Coast Guard had in locating Schuyler, Ms. Winfrey requested assistance from the Coast Guard, who in turn requested help from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Three members of Flotilla 11-10, Dunedin, Florida, volunteered to take a small boat similar to the one that capsized a short distance into the Gulf and wait for a Coast Guard 47 foot Motor Life Boat to locate them. This was, by the way, the same rescue boat that was involved in the original search and rescue and had three of the original crew on board. The Auxiliary boat, Suzy 2, owned and captained by Buddy Casale and crewed by John Tassinaro and Walt Murray, left USCG Station Sand Key with Cmdr. Timothy Haws, Chief of Response, Sector St. Petersburg, and proceeded to the filming site.
The Oprah Winfrey show sent a team consisting of a producer, two cameramen and a sound technician. They wanted to interview the Coast Guard personnel involved in the search and rescue mission and conduct interviews at Sector St. Petersburg, as well as tour the CGC Hawk.
After the filming, both boats returned to Station Sand Key for lunch. Afterwards, the film crew went on to visit Air Station Clearwater for a tour and to speak with the pilots of HH-60 and C-130 who were also involved in the search and rescue. The Auxiliary vessel had another assignment. During lunch, the Station’s commanding officer, CWO Morgan Dudley, asked Casale and his crew to undertake another mission—towing a boat across the bay to a marina where the boat owners were waiting. They had engine problems the night before and the Coast Guard sent out a 47’ Motor Life Boat, located them, and towed the 23-foot boat in from 57 miles off-shore. Another case of a small boat venturing way too far off shore, but in this instance, the mariners were very, very lucky. They all came back. Ω
John Tassinaro, Buddy Casale and CDR Timothy Haws, Chief of Response, Sector St. Petersburg aboard the Suzy 2.
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Auxiliary Trains Elite Joint Services Military Unit By Jim Fogle, Commander, FL 72
Command Sgt. Maj. Ron Pflieger, U.S. Army, Staff Sgt. Matthew Houde, U.S. Air Force, Staff Sgt. Chad Welch, U.S. Air Force, and Petty Officer Demetrius Belton, U.S. Navy, all members of the Joint Communications Support Element, Central Command headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., with Kathi Kruczek, FL 79 and Jim Fogle from FL 72 bundle up against an unseasonably cold Florida winter evening as they prepare to conduct night operations training. Division 7 trained members of this elite group February 25-27, 2010 at Flotilla 79 in Tampa, Fla. Photo by Tim Teahan, FC, FL 79
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— On December 17, 2009, I logged into the voice mail messages at Flotilla 72 in St. Petersburg, Fla. and found a message from Petty Officer Belton, U.S. Navy, who identified himself as a member of the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) and requested information about a boating course. Joint Communications Support Element, Central Command, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., provides tactical communications packages tailored to the specific needs of a full joint task force headquarters (JTF HQ) and to a joint special operations task force. JCSE has the unique ability to solve communications and interoperability problems between services, coalitions and host nation partners and has led the way in incorporating the latest communications technologies to better enMembers of the JCSE team practice course plotting during the training which took place over three days in late February and included classroom presentations on rules of the road, navigation basics, chart plotting, boat dynamics and handling and safety equipment. These were followed by day and nighttime underway operations for the JCSE personnel, who come from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Photo by Tim Teahan FC 79
able the joint force commander. As a former U.S. Army Communications Support Element (CSE) Airborne Radio Operator (when CSE was under
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swains. After several more meetings which included a meeting with Corcoran and his staff at JCSE Headquarters at MacDill AF Base, the course took structure. Martin discussed and cleared our plans with Senior Chief Sean Benton, USCG, Station St. Petersburg. On Thursday, February 25, 2010, the program began with 14 troopers including Corcoran and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald S. Pflieger, U.S. Army. Students repreAs the light begins to fade, a JCSE team member takes the helm and steers the Water Won Too away sented the Army, Air from the dock for night operations training. Kathi Kruczek, coxswain and member of FL 79 watches Force, Navy and Marine from behind with Jim Fogle, Flotilla Commander, 72, St. Petersburg, Fla. acting as crew. Corps. Amos Johnson Photo by Tim Teahan, FC FL 79 and Burnie Wilhelm, both from Flotilla 79 in Tampa Fla. provided course inStrike Command in 1962-1965), I was of course, quite struction as did Jim Fogle, Flotilla Commander 72. Assiscurious and called him back immediately tance and guidance was provided by Martin. Belton explained that his Commander, Col. Stephen P. Corcoran, U.S. Marine Corps, had instructed them to set up a training program utilizing Zodiac inflatable boats, a coxswain and an rescue swimmer to pick up paratroopers dropped into the water during day and night water training exercises.
The first eight-hour day included instructions on general safety and equipment, dangerous species and treatment of stings and wounds, rules of the road, lights, day shapes, sound signals, and navigation. Plotting, Global Positioning System (GPS) and knot tying homework was assigned.
They recently ordered several Zodiac inflatable boats; however, they were not scheduled to arrive for several months. We consulted with them about USCG equipment that was required and made suggestions for equipment for their personal protection as well as for their vessels.
The second day of the program covered more navigation (plotting and use of their Garmin-Rino GPS), signs, small boat handling and a test on knots.
A few days later, and after conferring with Amos Johnson, Division 7 Commander and Cliff Martin, Operations Officer, Division 7, I met with Belton, a Navy Seabee, and Sgt. 1st Class John Lescanec, a Ranger in the U.S. Army. They communicated the thoughts and requests of their colonel and we began to formulate a plan which incorporated elements of the Auxiliary’s Boating Skills and Seamanship Program, the Coast Guard Coxswain Course and U.S. Navy Personnel Qualifications Standards for Shore Installation Management Basic Boat Cox-
Flotilla 79, under the command of Tim Teahan, provided class room space, coffee, snacks and radio watch by members Craig Starns and Fred Johnson from Flotilla 79 and John Sanchez from Flotilla 74 in Brandon, Fla. On the water training tasks- docking, un-docking, line and boat handling, navigation and plotting via compass and GPS, and man-overboard drills were conducted on February 27, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. in and around Lower Tampa Bay East and Old Tampa Bay South. Facilities from Division 7 included Water Won Too, Lucky (Continued on page 34)
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(Continued from page 33)
Dog, All Booked Up and Kam Star. Coxswains were Kathi Kruczek, Mike Shea and Kathleen Heide from Flotilla 79, Ken Morningstar from Flotilla 74 Polk County Detachment, and Fogle. Jim Desanto from Flotilla 72, Bruce Thornton from Flotilla 79, August Miller and Richard Bailey, both from Flotilla 74 acted as crewmembers. Weather conditions were challenging with winds 15-20 knots, seas at two feet with a moderate chop, air temperature of approximately 50 degrees and water temperature of approximately 62. Training was extremely successful and it was very satisfying to work with such a highly motivated, energetic and intelligent group of young men. Although the knowledge base of the group varied from experienced (approx 10%) to none (approx 30%), all students successfully
Command Sgt. Maj. Ron Pflieger, U.S. Army, watches as JSCE Commander Col. Stephen Corcoran, USMC, handles Lucky Dog’s lines. J. Michael Shea, coxswain, behind Pflieger, guides another member of the JCSE team in line handling.
Participating Members from Division 7: Jim Fogle, FC 72, Instructor Amos Johnson, DCDR 7, FL 79, Instructor Burnie Wilhelm, FL 79, Instructor Cliff Martin, FL 79, Aide Tim Teahan, FC 79, Aide Kathi Kruczek, FL 79, Coxswain Kathleen Heidi, FL 79, Coxswain Mike Shea, VCDR 7, FL 79, Coxswain Ken Morningstar, FL 74, Coxswain August Miller, FL 74, Crew James DeSanto, FL 72, Crew Richard Bailey, FL 74, Crew Bruce Thornton, FL 79, Crew Craig Starns, FL 79, Radio John Sanchez, FL 74,Radio Fred Johnson, FL 79, Radio, Galley Cinda Hitchcock, FL 79, Galley Theresa Johnson, VFC FL 79, Galley Heleyde Aponte, FL 79, Galley
demonstrated and passed all tasks, communicated well with each other, their coxswain and crewmembers, asked questions freely and took correction and coaching in a positive manner. A hearty meal of chili for JCSE personnel and Auxiliary participants was prepared and served by Fred Johnson and Cinda Hitchcock from Flotilla 79 and Theresa Johnson, their Flotilla Vice Commander. During the debriefing, Corcoran expressed his thanks to the Auxiliary and stated that his men would not teach future coxswains as he had previously planned as he found these experts at USCG Auxiliary Division 7. He would like us to conduct future training for new troopers, provide safety zone patrols for their waterborne exercises and consult with us as needed. Feedback from the class was also positive and they seemed pleased with the course. â„Ś
Note: In addition to Fogle, both Martin and Fred Johnson served with JCSE predecessor commands during their military careers.
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Lest We Forget. By Edwin S. Greenfield SO-PA 5 those left behind concludes the ceremony, leaving tears falling down some cheeks but also a joyful relief for others who achieve some measure of closure.
Photo by Barney P. Giordan
LAKE WORTH INLET, Fla.— Remembering our veterans and merchant mariners who died at sea opens the wounds of tragic loss and then compassionately heals them - possibly leading to another Coast Guard Auxiliary tradition.
Helping us to remember our fallen heroes are the patriots of Worcester Wreath Company of Maine who provided the beautiful wreaths bearing the flags of our military services and POW/MIAs. The company initially donated left-over wreaths back in 1992. That gesture has evolved into a national effort with the laying of wreaths at over 230 national and state veteran cemeteries. Volunteers from all walks of life, veterans associations and many national corporations have joined with school children and quietly offered needed services and products. Go to http:// wreathsacrossamerica.org/ to review and further understand the warmth generated by what this program does for our lost heroes and their families. Ω
On hand Coast Guard patrol vessel:
Silent tears of remembrance run down thousand of cheeks every December while television portrays the meaningful ceremony of wreaths being laid on veteran’s graves nationally. Tears are also shed during this joyous holiday month for those service personnel who perished at sea, leaving no evidence of their final resting place. The clergy tell us that life must go on; after all, time passes and parents die, as do the wives, children and others. Memories of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms grow dim and are eventually forgotten. Recognizing this, and to help prevent that from happening -- the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at Station Lake Worth Inlet in Florida has begun a “Wreaths on the Water” ceremony every December on the same day that wreaths are laid on veteran’s graves across America. Although there is no grave or marker, family and friends are invited to attend the solemn ceremony honoring the veterans for their service and offering the possibility of closure for those left behind. Yes, finally, a tangible venue to visit, to pray and even weep. The ceremony itself is elegant in its simplicity. First, a short invocation sets the mood. Then, depending upon the tide and the number of participating veterans, seven in our case, the wreaths are quietly placed one at a time upon the outgoing tide, each with an appropriate salute. Then the bugler sends out the 13 somber notes of Taps across the sea for all to experience the finality in its mournful meaning. A benediction for the missing as well as for
Chief Warrant Officer James Mullinax, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station Lake Worth Inlet CDR Bernard Pecora, Chaplain, USCG Dist 7 Spc. 4th Class Juan Alfonso, US Army Sgt. Michel Kervens, US Marine Corp. Staff Sgt. Manuel Moreno, US Marine Corp League Petty Officer 3rd Class David Givens, US Navy Col. Harvey Bennett, US Air Force, retired Petty Officer 3rd Class Zelda Visser, USCG Petty Officers Robert Johnson, Albert L’Homme, and Richard Marquez, USCG (Crew) Gregory Turner, Merchant Marine - Port of Palm Beach Chief Pilot Edwin Greenfield, Auxiliarist, Event Coordinator, USCG Public Affairs Specialist, Lake Worth Inlet Stuart Landau, Auxiliarist, Bugler On hand Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels: Except as noted, all are members of USCG Auxiliary Division 5, D7. Mel Marx Arnold Scheinberg Mirella Ayers Angela Pomaro Joanne Mills George Gentile Laura Bruce Ed Schiffbauer Dan Jacquish Clark Woods Tom Phelps Charlie Reiner Joe Underwood, Flotilla 31 Bill Hanlon, Flotilla 31
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Flotilla 98 Supports Inaugural Charlotte Harbor Regatta Article and photos by Frank Wondolkowski FSO-OP, FL 98 PUNTA GORDA, Fla.— A three day “Stand by until needed” support mission provides one flotilla invaluable experience in successfully coordination and planning support for on an international racing event.
All three days were windy with white caps and choppy seas. Saturday was the worst. Several of the Viper class boats had their carbon fiber masts broken on Saturday and were towed to shore. There were numerous Sailfish and Hobie Cat boats that capsized, however, most of them were able to right their boats and continue racing. Race committee safety boats removed the ones that could not continue.
The inaugural Charlotte Harbor Regatta was held February 5-7, 2010 in the northern area of Charlotte Harbor. The 701 square mile harbor is located in southwestern Florida For those unfamiliar with between Sarasota and Fort Coast Guard Auxiliary reMyers. More than 65 boats in gatta support, our mission is eight different classes were to stand by until requested by registered for the three-day the race committee for assisrace. Over 200 racing particitance. The event sponsor pants came from three counhas complete responsibility tries, 13 states and 13 different for the safety of the racers. Florida counties to compete in Fortunately, we had only one this regatta of national signifirequest for assistance during cance. The different classes of the challenging conditions boats raced through courses John Ehmann, coxswain, with crew members David Smith and that was to tow a delaid out in two separate circles (seated) and Richard Kenyon. masted Viper from the raceon Friday and three separate course that had become a hazard to navigation. circles on both Saturday and Sunday. The course circles covered approximately five miles of the harbor and some Not only was this the inaugural regatta on Charlotte Harhad legs that were over two miles in length. bor, it was also Flotilla 98’s inaugural regatta support mission. We picked up valuable experience in communication Charlotte Harbor Flotilla 98, located in Punta Gorda, Fla. procedures, allocation of VHF channels, minimum crew supported the racers by assigning three operational facilisize and deployment of facilities during the event. Addities (OPFAC) on Friday and four on both Saturday and tionally, the flotilla will be developing a presentation formuSunday. The flotilla had an OPFAC at each circle every lated to increase the performance level of safety boat day and one back-up OPFAC on the water each day. crews used by the race committee. Flotilla 98 is ready to Approximately 195 member-hours were required to prosupport the regatta next year, which is expected to bevide the on-water support and another 81 member-hours come an even larger annual event.Ω for the planning phase and meetings. To complete this mission on the water required the participation of 24 op(See list of participants on bottom of next page.) erational flotilla members. An additional three members were required for other support activities.
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Communications Trailer Rapid Response Team Submitted by Daniel Jacquish, DCAPT-East Semper Paratus– Always Ready— definitely applies to one of the newest rapid response units within District 7. This asset is a trailer equipped with multiple radios covering marine band VHF; marine SSB; ham frequencies; police band VHF; police and emergency bands from 700-800MHz trunked. The unit is equipped with berthing capabilities for up to ten people and includes a mess facility, sanitation facility, black and grey holding tanks, water and fuel tanks, and a 5.5 kW gas generator. The unit is staffed by members of the Division 5 Communications Team split into two main Rapid Response Team trailer groups, the Blue and Silver groups. One group will deploy with the unit and the second will be a and qualified in First Aid, automated external defribulator reserve and relief group should (AED) and cardio-pulmonary resuscideployment exceed 7-10 days. tation (CPR). Additionally, members Each group is further divided must successfully qualify as Telecominto two squads, Alpha and munications Operator, Auxiliary Bravo. Each squad will cover a Watchstander, Auxiliary Communicasix hour shift, rotating every six tions, and FCC Licensed Technician. hours with the opposite squad. (Some members are pending qualifiEach squad is further divided cations.) into three two-member teams. The unit is owned by Daniel F. JacOne team will staff the commuquish, District Captain-East, D7 and nications trailer; one will staff member of Flotilla 54, The Palm the communications truck while Rapid Response Team all-terrain vehicle Beaches, Fla. and is garaged at the a third team will staff the all Border Patrol Building, Riviera Beach, Fla., directly oppoterrain vehicle. Each squad has one additional member site Coast Guard Station Lake Worth. who serves as the squad leader. Members are Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 and 800 trained; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - D7, Order Issuing Authority: Sector Miami.Ω
Charlotte Harbor Regatta Participants (From previous page)
George Bingley Leo Bouchard Ted Brady Dick Carl David Crockwell Edward Ebert John Ehmann Herbert Hanson John Ghougasian Ken Johnson Joseph Catalano Frank Kavanaugh
Richard Kenyon Michael Kinsman Paul LeBlanc Denise LeBlanc Philip Merrill Wolfgang Nieft Ed Rhea David Smith William Bareither Frank Wippel Georgieann Wondolkowski Frank Wondolkowski
Rapid Response Team trailer and truck
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Flotilla Members Help Restore Essential Marine Environment. Article and pictures by Otto Spielbichler, SO-MS 5, FSO-MS 54 FORT WORTH, Fla.— Auxiliary members don’t just talk about protecting the marine environment. They actively help maintain and restore it too! Members of Palm Beach County’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 54 in Delray Beach, Fla. spent the morning and part of the afternoon on Saturday, December 12, 2010, at Lantana’s Bicentennial Park in Fort Worth, Fla., bagging twenty four tons of fossilized oyster shells which were placed in Lake Worth lagoon. The bags of shells were used as “hard bottom” for young oysters, called spat, to attach themselves to and grow into adult oysters. Environmental Resources Management (ERM) of Palm Beach and the Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative Committee sponsored the event.
Flotilla 54 members Wayne Johnson and Steve Quasha fill bags with oyster shells on December 12, 2009 at Bicentennial Park in Ft. Worth, Fla.
Flotilla members Wayne Johnson and Steve Quasha were two of 150 volunteers that filled some of the one thousand four hundred bags of shells while Frank Bregoli, Flotilla Vice Commander, and Otto Spielbichler, Division 5 Staff OfficerMarine Safety, distributed environmental information to volunteers and visitors.
Populations of oysters are scattered all around Lake Worth Lagoon on nearly every piling and sea wall. Oysters filter about fifty gallons of water daily, but because of the questionable quality of the water and sediments in portions of the Lagoon, the oysters are not always safe to eat. So why place concentrations of oysters in the Lake in Lantana? It’s a long story but here is an abbreviated version. Oysters filter water for food. In the process, they remove sediment, microorganisms and pollutants from the water. Therefore, water coming out of oysters is cleaner than it
Volunteers transfer loaded bags to trucks during the restoration project at Lantana’s Bicentennial Park on December 12, 2009. Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 54, Palm Beach Fishing Club, Lagoon Keepers, the Florida Fish and Wild Life Commission and other members of the Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative Committee participated in this event.
was going in. By placing large numbers of them in a small area, the water in that area will be cleaner and clearer. Because the water is clearer, sunlight can penetrate further into the water. Sea grasses growing on the bottom use the additional light to grow. Sea grasses consume carbon dioxide in the water and give off oxygen as a waste product. Critters (fish, crabs, etc.) living in and around the grasses use the oxygen to live and grow. They attract other critters that feed on them. In other words, as the quality of the water improves, so does the quality of life for things living in the lake and eventually, the quality of life improves for those of us living around the Lake. Thanks to the flotilla members that participated in this day long event, along with members of the Palm Beach Fishing Club, Lagoon Keepers, the Florida Fish and Wild Life Commission and other members of the Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative Committee.Ω The restored oyster beds.
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Oasis of the Seas:
Florida Arrival of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship By Richard E Tepper PORT EVERGLADES, Fla.- Like King Neptune rising from the sea majestically proclaiming his right to travel the oceans of the world, the magnificent Oasis of the Seas seemed to mysteriously appear through the mist in the first light of dawn. Such was the first appearance of the Oasis of the Seas on November 13, 2009, when the ship’s 154foot beam nearly filled Port Everglades' inlet from shoreline to shoreline. Response boats from Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale, Auxiliary vessels from multiple divisions, and an armada of spectator boats welcomed the arrival of the world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on its initial voyage from Turku, Finland, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Oasis of the Seas arrives in Port Canaveral on November 13, 2009 amid much fan-fare and celebration. Several division in D7 East provided escort vessels with some coming from as far away as Division 16 in the U.S. Virgin Island. Aboard the Auxiliary facility in the foreground are Elizabeth Clark coxswain and crew members Eugene Cain from FL 37 in Lighthouse Point, Marc Brody in Boca Raton, Joseph Cleary, FL 34 in Pompano Beach and Lt.j.g. Christpher Dykeman, USCG, Sector Miami. Photo by Jerry Edelman
Six years in construction for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the behemoth is 1,200 feet in length and weighs 220,000 tons. The Oasis of the Seas cost $1.3 billion to build, making it the most expensive cruise ship in history. It is five times larger than the Titanic and can accommodate more than 6,000 passengers and a crew of 2,100. It boasts an ice-skating rink, a mini golf course, a water zone complete with two surfing machines, a four-story dining room, and one of the largest gambling casinos afloat.
The mighty ship’s voyage to Fort Lauderdale was not without its challenges. Before leaving Scandinavia, the 16-story Oasis encountered Denmark’s Great Belt Fixed Link Bridge and was forced to collapse its smokestacks, leaving just two feet of space as it passed beneath the bridge. Once out to sea, the Oasis encountered the winds of Hurricane Ida and 40 to 60 foot seas. Captain William S. Wright and his crew weathered the storm with only
minimal damage to a few of the ship’s life boats. Through it all, Wright was able to keep his 8:00 a.m. November 13, 2009, appointment with Port Everglades' outer marker where he was met by several Defender Class Coast Guard patrol boats, Auxiliary vessels (four facilities from Division 3 alone), and fireboats with water cannons deployed to pay tribute at the ship’s arrival. Two of the Auxiliary boats ran zigzag courses behind the Oasis to keep spectator boats clear of the mighty ship’s wake while it docked safely at its Port Everglades terminal. Several other Auxiliary facilities further assisted with keeping spectator traffic a safe distance along the IntraCoastal Waterway. Lt. Doug Watson, Commanding Officer of Station Fort Lauderdale expressed his gratitude for the outstanding assistance from the Auxiliary saying, “The Coast Guard Auxiliary has come through once again!”Ω
District Staff Officers
Past District 7 Commodores
Prevention Department
2007-08…………………………....Allen Brown 2005-06…………...………….Peter Fernandez 2003-04 ……..…………..……... Jay Dahlgren 2001-02………...…….…...…...….. Mary Larsen 1999-00………………….……... Helmut Hertle 1997-98…………………….….. E.W. Edgerton 1995-96……………...…. George E. Jeandheur 1993-94……………......…. Joseph E. Norman 1991-92…………………..…… Walter W. Bock 1989-90…………...………. Guy R. Markley, Jr. 1987-88………………………. Rene E. Dubois 1985-86……………….... Robert B. Waggoner 1983-84………………….…… John C. King, Jr. 1981-82……………….… William J. Callerame 1979-80……………………… Bolling Douglas 1977-78…………………...………. James Titus 1975-76……………………….... Newton Baker 1973-74…………….. Lawrence G. Danneman 1971-72……………...…… Dr. Elbert C. Prince 1969-70……………….….. George B.M. Loden 1967-68……………....…….. Ernest A. Baldine 1965-66………….……..…..…….. Roland Birnn 1963-64…………….…...… Miguel A. Colorado 1961-62……………….…..... E. E. Vanderveer 1959-60……………………… Richard L. Smith 1957-58……………….….……. Herbert L. Lutz 1956…………………….… A. Harlow Merryday 1954-55…………………….... Stanley W. Hand 1952-53………………………... N.J.M. McLean 1951-52…………………... Fred T. Youngs, Jr. 1950…………………….... Guersey Curran, Jr. 1948-49…………………... Charley E. Sanford 1946-47……………….…….… W. N. Mansfield 1939-45….….. No DCOs yet, DCPs governed
John Sprague-Williams …….………....DSO-MS Tom Hayden …………..……………DSO-MT Ronnie Meritt…………………………DSO-PV Ruth Ann White…………………………DSO-PE William S. Griswold……………………..DSO-SL Chuck Kelemen ……..…....……………DSO-VE Response Department Rodney “Rocky” Reinhold……..………DSO-NS Cecil Christopher..………….…...……..DSO-AV Joseph Colee, Jr. ……………..………DSO-CM Kitty Nicolai ………...……...………….DSO-OP Elizabeth Clark…………….……QE Coordinator
Logistics Department Nestor Tacoronte .……………...……...DSO-CS Susan Z. Hastings …………….…...…...DSO-IS Thomas A. Loughlin ………….………..DSO-PA Dorothy J. Riley…. ……………………..DSO-PB Angela Pomaro .……...…….…….…... DSO-HR Terry Barth …… …………..……...……DSO-MA Nestor Tacoronte ………………….. Webmaster Other Staff Lillian G. GaNun ……………...……….DSO-SR Kevin McConn ………………………..…..DSSO John Roderick . ..………………………….DFSO Andrew Anderson ………….………….DSO-LP Antoinette Borman………………….……....D-LL William Malone ....…………..…………DSO-FN Gwendolyn S. Leys ……...………….PPDCPA Karen L. Miller …………...………………Grants Peter Fernandez……………...Plan Coordinator Thomas Brickey .……. District Materials Center
District Administrative Assistants & Aides
Auxiliary Sector Coordinators
Carolyn R. Hooley ……………..…...…......D-AD Ronald Goldenberg...………………..……..D-AA Elaine J. Cornell …………………………...D-AA Rosalind M. Lucash…. …………………….D-AA COMO Mary T. Larson …………..…...Advocate
Ronald Goldenberg …. ASC Sector Charleston Donald C. Hoge .... ASC Sector St. Petersburg Robert Funk ……...… ASC Sector Jacksonville James E. Dennen …….. ASC Sector Key West Osvaldo M. Catinchi…... ASC Sector San Juan William V. Tejeiro………….. ASC Sector Miami