2

Paul BerkaFlotilla Commander

Commanders Corner On 16 April, Richard Daniel held our annual Sexual Harassment Awareness

presentation, and Alan Miles gave a Vessel Examiners workshop. The presentations were given at the Brass Buckle Station Charleston. Both Richard and Alan did an excellent job.

The Flotilla did two Safety Zone Patrols for the “Charleston Sail Boat Races” on April 11 and 13. More than 300 sailboats raced during the three-day event. The boat crews did training during the races.

On April 12 the Division Meeting was held at the Water Works in Mount Pleasant. Richard Daniel, William Carter and Paul Berka were in attendance. Outcomes of the Division meeting will be presented at the next Flotilla meeting by the FC.

The membership turn out for the “In The Water Boat Show” held on April 25, 26 and 27 was outstanding. I would like to thank all who manned the booth at Brittlebank Park.

The month of May, for the Flotilla members will be busy training for QE’S planned for June 21 and 22. There will be a new crew review class held at Station Charleston on May 10. Two boat drills are planned for May 18 and 24.

FLOTILLA 12-8 , CHARLESTON , SCWWW .USCGAUXCHARLESTON .COM

Our next Flotilla meeting will be held Wednesday,

14 May at 1900.

Continued on

Following Page

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National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) will take place this month May 17th thru May 25th. Flotilla members will be painting signs and providing Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) for the public at several landings. During the next Flotilla meeting, events for NSBW will be finalized.

Robert Mathewes has reached a milestone of twenty years as an Auxiliarist. Congratulations to Bob! We still need senior members of the Flotilla to sign up as mentors for the new members. This is the second request. Please feel free to contact me.

The next Flotilla meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2014 at 1900 hours (7:00 PM) at the Brass Buckle Station Charleston. See you there.

Let’s have a productive and effective year!

Paul BerkaFC, Flotilla 12-8

COMMANDERS CORNER (CONTD . )

I’d like to extend a special thanks to everyone that showed up for our Public Affairs (PA) events. We must always remember that PA is everyone job. We might not be able to do all of them, but it is our chance to make contact with the recreational boating public. We have the opportunity to educate the boating public on safety and other important maritime issues.

In the mean time, we have upcoming patrols in which we will be needed boat crew. If you are in need of hours, make sure to contact one of the Coxswains so you don’t miss out of your water time.

I often hear people say that they weren't aware of events going on. My best advise would be that you check the Flotilla calendar (shown on link below) regularly. You can also reach me at my number which is 843.875.4053.

Dwaine HarrisVFC, Flotilla 12-8

Dwaine HarrisVice Flotilla Commander

Vice Commanders Report

Flotilla 12-8 Calendar

Remember to file all 7029, 7030, and 7038 paperwork for Auxiliary activities. Please feel free to

contact William Carter if you have any questions on submitting paperwork.

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TABLE OF CONTENTSIn This Issue

Commander’s Corner Page 2-3Communications Systems Page 6Flotilla Calendar Page 5Flotilla Staff Officer Info Page 12Flotilla Vice Commander Page 3High/Low Tide Information Page 11Information Systems Page 6

Meeting Attendance Roster Page 9Navigation Services Page 10Public Affairs Page 7Publications Page 10RBS Visitation Page 4Secretary Records Page 8-10Vessel Examinations Page 6

I wanted to thank all of you who had participated in the

Summerville River Fest. Since this was the first year of the

event, there was not a gigantic turn out. However, each of these is a learning experience for those running the River Fest, and even for us. Next year there should be much more

advertising in advance, and a greater presence of attendees.

Thanks again gang!

Bob Orenstein

RBS Marine Dealer VisitationPeter Axiotis, FSO-PV

As I was exploring the new Cabela’s in Greenvi l le las t Tuesday, I came upon the boating section. Normally I would not pay

too much attention to this section because I do not have a boat, but since joining the Auxiliary and Flotilla 12-8 two years ago, and then becoming the FSO-PV a year ago, I find myself paying more attention to the water section of boating stores.

This got me thinking about things like flares, first aid kits, and other safety items needed for safe boating outings, so I started looking at flares to make sure that they were current and not expiring soon. I encourage all of you to take the PV exam and qualification to be

a PV. The material can be found at the following links listed below:

http://ntc.cgaux.org/TrainingCourses.php

RBS-VP RBS Visitor Program qualification exam

On these links you will find the study materials, manuals, as well as the online exam. On the left-hand side of the screen, look for MDV to take the test. Once you pass the test, you will be able to print your certificate. Afterwards, you can meet with a current PV to complete your training.

Your login information should be the same as when you login to submit a 7029 form. I will have more to come on PV training in future articles.

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MAY 2014MAY 2014MAY 2014MAY 2014MAY 2014MAY 2014MAY 2014

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3Oakbrook Riverfest

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14Flotilla Meeting1900Brass Buckle

15 16 17 (NSBW)NSBW KickoffGPS CourseVE Seminar

18 (NSBW) 19 (NSBW) 20 (NSBW) 21 (NSBW) 22 (NSBW)Kids Water Safety, Stiles Point Elementary

23 (NSBW) 24VE: Leeds Ave

25Scuttlebutt Deadline

26 27 28 29 30 31

Historical May Events2004: On 5 May 2004 the Coast Guard presented the Purple Heart to BM3 Joseph Ruggiero in Miami for injuries sustained in action against the enemy while defending the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal in Iraq on 24 April 2004. Ruggiero's shipmate, DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal, was killed in this same bombing and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. They were the first Coast Guard recipients of the Purple Heart since the Vietnam War.

FLOTILLA CALENDAR

DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal (left) and BM3 Joseph

Ruggiero together in the Arabian Gulf. 

6

Information SystemsWilliam Carter, FSO-IS

I’m pleased to say that the Flotilla has accumulated nearly 2,500

hours as of 10 May. With National Safe Boating Week approaching, as

well as the boating season, I believe that these numbers will only look better. The easiest way to keep track of your hours is to maintain a calendar for Auxiliary activities. Make sure to write down the number of hours you volunteered. When you fill out your forms, you can set aside a time once per week to handle all paperwork.

Also, make sure to contact me if you have any trouble with 7029, 7030 or 7038 forms.

Communications SystemsWilliam Carter, FSO-CS

The Flotilla calendar has been updated to include the entire Vessel Safety schedule, as well as a list on the VE section of the webpage. A link to the Flotilla calendar can be found with Vice Flotilla Commander Dwaine Harris’ article on page three. Website traffic will likely begin to pick up now that boating season is underway. During the summer of 2013, we had an average of 500 visitors per month to the Flotilla webpage.

I would encourage Flotilla Staff Officers to please make sure to contact me when you need updates to the calendar. I’m able to make updates to the calendar using my phone, so changes that need to be made will reflect within minutes of my receiving the message.

Vessel ExaminationsAlan Miles, FSO-VE

As the weather warms up, more South Carolinians will be getting their boats up and running. Unfortunately, there will be some who will not take the time to properly prepare. These will be the boaters that usually end up getting into trouble on the water. On 27 April, Will Carter and I conducted almost 30 inspections. Of those more than half failed their Vessel Exam. The leading causes were flares and fire extinguishers. Most of the flares were out of date or wet. As usual, the boaters that passed did so with ease because they have a desire to be safe on the water.

Usually early in the season we experience the most failures, as boaters start their season. We see more new owners and first time boaters at this time of the year. What this means to us as Vessel Examiners is that the boaters that fail their inspections are very important to us. Every boat that did not pass, and we properly instructed the owner and convinced him/her to take action, we have helped to avoid a possible boating incident. The Safe boaters are doing the right stuff and they have their stickers to prove it. All the rest of them are where we need to concentrate. Please help the VE Team help them. Please check the calendar for the next VE dates and get involved. So, to quote a line from a movie, “ Now go do the Vudu that YOU do, So well!”

Go get ‘em team,Alan Miles

STAFF OFFICER REPORTS

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Thank you all for such a tremendous turn out for the PA booth at the Bristol In-Water Boat Show. I hope I do not miss anyone..FC Paul Berka, VC Dwaine Harris, Allan Miles, William Carter, Ed Blodgett, Barbara Thibodeaux, Joe Fleming, Randy Glas, Rick Leary, Tom Jerussi, all came out to support our 12-8 Flotilla booth. Thank you!!!! I was worried that I would be there all by myself!

Besides our answering questions about boating safety, and what the USCG Auxiliary does; we were able to collect contact information for thirty new recruits for our 12-8 Flotilla. Poor Duncan Hutchinson our HR guy! And even though we were set up directly across from our very good friends the United States Power Squadron, we were able to collect contact information from those who requested USCG AUX Vessel Safety Exams to support our FSO-VE Alan Miles.

Our FSO-PE Crystal Smith will be able to contact the ten people who signed up for additional information on the About Boating Safety course. Plus of course, all of the thirty new recruits will need this course as well!

We also received a special request for a representative from 12-8 to speak to the Cruising Club of Charleston. They meet on the 1st Thursday at Zeus in Mt. Pleasant. There are approximately 20-25 members at their meetings. Perhaps we could send a few members to talk about our National Safe Boating Week activities.

We have the Riverfest in Summerville coming up this week-end. We expect to do VE's on all those kayaks! Our VE count should increase this year because of this festival.

We have National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) coming up, a huge thank you to Alan Miles for heading this up for 12-8!

PUBLIC AFFAIRSJoe Woodbury, FSO-PA

Above Photo: Bruce Wright and the safety display from Miami.

Above Photo: From left, Joe Fleming, Barbara Thibodeaux, Randy Glas, Robert Blodgett, and Joe Woodbury assisting at the PA booth..

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DATE: Wednesday, 9 April, 2014 (Regularly scheduled as the 2nd Wednesday night of every month)

TIME: 1900 hours – 2000 hoursUNIFORM: Tropical BlueLOCATION: 2nd Deck Rice Mill building at

USCG Station Charleston, SC

The USCG motto is “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready)

Call to order at 1900 by FC Paul Berka. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

Comments (FC)• We have 19 of 65 members present, so we have

a quorum.• FC Berka talked about ID card information

requirements.• We have some old style uniforms – we need to

clear them out of the locker upstairs.• Members are wearing the “Bravo” uniform for

the meeting this evening to support the prevention of sexual harassment

Introduction of GuestsGold side visitors: BM1 Wike and Chief Palmer

were introduced. Wike is transferring of OPS AUX contact to Chief Palmer.

Announcements & Adoption of MinutesMinutes from the April Flotilla meeting were

accepted as published in the Scuttlebutt.

Flotilla Staff Officer ReportsDetachment Leader: We held a water survival

class last Saturday for the Detachment with a raft in The Citadel pool.

Human Resources: In this month’s Scuttlebutt – purchasing uniforms, including wash & wear dress trousers.

Information Systems: We have a sign-up form for upcoming PA events. Members have also been more active in submitting 7029 and 7030 forms.

Marine Safety: PQS can be completed during the 2nd month with the Reserves. Interesting stuff, not just pollution responders, but inspections and more.

Hazardous waste & emergency responders class on 24 & 29 of April at FLEC. This is required for MSR qualifications. The ICS-300 course will be at Sector on June 21-22 – this course is very rarely available.

Materials: Yellow stickers article in Breeze. On page 12 of the most recent Winter Edition Breeze. You can order 100 yellow stickers.

Member Training: Next Wednesday night at the Brass Buckle – Mandatory Sexual Harassment & VE mandatory workshops. Civilian attire

Navigational Services: ATON patrols collaborated into safety patrols. Flotilla 12-6 needs assistance with the ICW ATON checks.

Operations: Sailboat races this coming weekend. Some crew openings still available. Race 11:00; ready by 10:00; meet at landings 09:00. Be Moore needs one certified crew member.

SECRETARY RECORDS

Continued on Following Page

Joe Woodbury, FSO-SR

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Program Visitation: Power Squadron is also doing Program Visits. Encourage 12-8 members to take the online training to become a Program Visitor.

Public Affairs: Additional information to come during new business. Barbara Thibodeaux will be working with the smaller PA events such as Emergency Preparedness. Any 12-8 member can head up a PA booth by setting up a table and have some Coast Guard safety handouts and have 3 clipboards. Just make sure to keep the FSO-PA informed of all Public Affairs events.

Make sure you have the following clipboards.1. Recruiting,2. ABS course sign up, and 3. VE requests.

Public Education: Power Squadron advertising their ABS classes every week in the local newspapers. DNR also has weekly ABS classes advertised on their website. March class canceled – 2 participants & 2 instructors and no venue to hold the classes. River’s Edge Marina may be available.

Vessel Exams: VE at Leeds last Sunday. VE face-to-face workshop next Wednesday night at Brass Buckle. (or you may take it online).

Coordinating with DNR so that AUX and DNR do not show up at the same landings for VSC. At this time DNR is working around the AUX schedule.

Old BusinessOakbrook Riverfest is scheduled for 3 May. Bob

Orenstein will head up this PA event.The Flotilla cookout scheduled for 10 May has

been cancelled.

New BusinessIn-Water Boat Show: In-Water Boat Show

April 25-27 – we have a booth underneath their tent, with a table and chairs all set up for us. Every 12-8 active member is expected to participate. Other local Flotillas are welcome to join us. William will send FC & VC at 12-6 and the Division PA knows about it – it was in my PA report.

Charleston Fire Department project: We have a proposal for classroom and on-water instruction concurrently with our 12-8 Crew trainings. This will generate funds for 12-8, as the CFD has training funds. MT Richard Daniel will be heading up the raining side of this effort.

SECRETARY RECORDS (CONTD . )Joe Woodbury, FSO-SR

Axiotis, PeterBerka, PaulBeauchemin, TomBird, JayBlodgett, RobertCannon, BlakeCarter, William

Chirila, ChuckDaniel, RichardFleming, JoeHarris, DwaineHutchinson, DuncanJerussi, TomLeister, Frank

Orenstein, BobPalmer, John (BM)Sanyer, WolfgangSmith, CrystalThibodeaux, BarbaraWike, Jared (BM 1)Woodbury, Joseph

Meeting Attendance Roster

Continued on Following Page

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We’re still waiting for a sign off for dates for classroom & on-water training from the CFD. Four teams of four fire-fighters. The AUX facility will be under orders.

Comments from Members & GuestsA motion was made for meeting adjournment.

Following the meeting, there will be fellowship, as well as a short boat crew and coxswain meeting.

AdjournmentMeeting adjourned at 2000.

Respectfully SubmittedJoe Woodbury, FSO-SR

Boat Crew Training & QE UpdateAt this after meeting, it was decided that on May

10th classroom for new-Crew pre-QE session and practice on water training ride in May 31st and June 1st. Saturday & Sunday.

QE’s will be held in June. PQS notebooks were reviewed. Practice the four knots. Wear proper uniform ODU, no jewelry, and bring the following:

1. PFD with reflective tape2. Whistle3. A signal mirror4. Light5. Knife (recommended, but not required)

SECRETARY RECORDS (CONTD . )Joe Woodbury, FSO-SR

Navigation ServicesDwaine Harris, FSO-NS

I hope to do an ATON patrol on the Cooper River with Paul Berka as Coxswain. Details will follow in the coming days. This will be a day and night event, and will be a great opportunity for those who need to learn. You do not have to be certified boat crew. If you’d like to participate, please feel free to e-mail or call me.

PublicationsWilliam Carter, FSO-PB

As the boating season is now underway, it’s important that we all make sure to check Division and Flotilla publications, as well as websites, to see what our Flotilla’s have planned for VE’s, Public Affairs events, and National Safe Boating Week. Make sure

to sign-up, even if it’s only for one or two events. Your time and dedication to the Auxiliary is very much appreciated, and makes a difference to your community.

I would also like to congratulate Flotilla 12-12 of Edisto Island for starting its own newsletter. Pamela Bray, who served as our FSO-SR before transferring to 12-12, has put together a great publication, and I look forward to seeing their progress.

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MAY 2014 TIDE TABLESHIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH RISE SET

1 Thurs. 04:13 / -0.03 ft 10:24 / 5.13 ft 16:17 / -0.12 ft 22:41 / 6.06 ft 06:33 20:02

2 Fri. 04:55 / 0.20 ft 11:07 / 4.92 ft 17:00 / 0.16 ft 23:22 / 5.79 ft 06:32 20:02

3 Sat. 05:38 / 0.43 ft 11:50 / 4.72 ft 17:43 / 0.44 ft 06:31 20:03

4 Sun. 00:03 / 5.51 ft 06:21 / 0.64 ft 12:35 / 4.56 ft 18:29 / 0.70 ft 06:30 20:04

5 Mon. 00:47 / 5.27 ft 07:08 / 0.80 ft 13:23 / 4.47 ft 19:19 / 0.92 ft 06:29 20:05

6 Tue. 01:33 / 5.07 ft 07:57 / 0.90 ft 14:15 / 4.45 ft 20:14 / 1.05 ft 06:28 20:05

7 Wed. 02:24 / 4.93 ft 08:49 / 0.91 ft 15:09 / 4.54 ft 21:12 / 1.08 ft 06:27 20:06

8 Thurs. 03:17 / 4.85 ft 09:43 / 0.84 ft 16:03 / 4.72 ft 22:10 / 1.00 ft 06:26 20:07

9 Fri. 04:10 / 4.84 ft 10:35 / 0.69 ft 16:55 / 4.98 ft 23:06 / 0.82 ft 06:25 20:08

10 Sat. 05:02 / 4.88 ft 11:24 / 0.50 ft 17:44 / 5.29 ft 23:59 / 0.59 ft 06:25 20:08

11 Sun. 05:52 / 4.95 ft 12:12 / 0.28 ft 18:32 / 5.62 ft 06:24 20:09

12 Mon. 00:49 / 0.33 ft 06:41 / 5.04 ft 12:57 / 0.06 ft 19:18 / 5.93 ft 06:23 20:10

13 Tue. 01:37 / 0.10 ft 07:28 / 5.12 ft 13:41 / -0.12 ft 20:03 / 6.19 ft 06:22 20:10

14 Wed. 02:24 / -0.09 ft 08:14 / 5.19 ft 14:26 / -0.26 ft 20:48 / 6.37 ft 06:22 20:11

15 Thurs. 03:10 / -0.22 ft 09:01 / 5.22 ft 15:11 / -0.34 ft 21:35 / 6.47 ft 06:21 20:12

16 Fri. 03:57 / -0.28 ft 09:50 / 5.24 ft 15:58 / -0.33 ft 22:23 / 6.47 ft 06:20 20:13

17 Sat. 04:46 / -0.28 ft 10:41 / 5.22 ft 16:47 / -0.25 ft 23:15 / 6.37 ft 06:20 20:13

18 Sun. 05:36 / -0.23 ft 11:36 / 5.20 ft 17:41 / -0.10 ft 06:19 20:14

19 Mon. 00:09 / 6.21 ft 06:29 / -0.16 ft 12:35 / 5.20 ft 18:38 / 0.09 ft 06:18 20:15

20 Tue. 01:06 / 6.00 ft 07:25 / -0.10 ft 13:37 / 5.25 ft 19:41 / 0.27 ft 06:18 20:15

21 Wed. 02:07 / 5.79 ft 08:24 / -0.09 ft 14:40 / 5.37 ft 20:47 / 0.38 ft 06:17 20:16

22 Thurs. 03:08 / 5.60 ft 09:22 / -0.12 ft 15:43 / 5.56 ft 21:54 / 0.39 ft 06:17 20:17

23 Fri. 04:08 / 5.47 ft 10:20 / -0.20 ft 16:43 / 5.79 ft 22:57 / 0.31 ft 06:16 20:17

24 Sat. 05:07 / 5.38 ft 11:15 / -0.31 ft 17:40 / 6.03 ft 23:55 / 0.18 ft 06:16 20:18

25 Sun. 06:03 / 5.32 ft 12:07 / -0.40 ft 18:33 / 6.22 ft 06:15 20:19

26 Mon. 00:49 / 0.07 ft 06:56 / 5.26 ft 12:56 / -0.44 ft 19:23 / 6.33 ft 06:15 20:19

27 Tue. 01:38 / -0.00 ft 07:45 / 5.20 ft 13:42 / -0.43 ft 20:09 / 6.35 ft 06:14 20:20

28 Wed. 02:24 / -0.01 ft 08:32 / 5.12 ft 14:26 / -0.35 ft 20:53 / 6.28 ft 06:14 20:21

29 Thurs. 03:07 / 0.03 ft 09:15 / 5.01 ft 15:08 / -0.22 ft 21:34 / 6.14 ft 06:14 20:21

30 Fri. 03:49 / 0.13 ft 09:57 / 4.89 ft 15:50 / -0.03 ft 22:13 / 5.95 ft 06:13 20:22

31 Sat. 04:29 / 0.25 ft 10:38 / 4.76 ft 16:31 / 0.18 ft 22:51 / 5.74 ft 06:13 20:22

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Confidentiality NoticeTelephone numbers and addresses of members are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. As a matter of policy, rosters of names, addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the general public or any outside organization. Privacy of all rosters shall be safeguarded and the page clearly labeled. The publications of these rosters, addresses, and telephone numbers on any computer on-line service including the Internet is prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974.

FLOTILLA STAFF OFFICERSFlotilla Commander Paul Berka phberka@comcast.net

Vice Flotilla Commander Dwaine Harris dwaine108@aol.com

Immediate Past FC (IPFC) Paul Thomas paul_nadine@bellsouth.net

Citadel Detachment Commander Christopher Zeller czeller@citadel.edu

Citadel Detachment Leader Alan Miles bigcid@comcast.net

Communications Services Vacant

Communications Systems William Carter uscgauxcharleston@gmail.com

Diversity & Inclusion Gil Bradham gilbradham@gmail.com

Finance Frank Leister fcl@lwinslow.com

Human Resources Duncan Hutchinson dhutchinson51@gmail.com

Information Services William Carter uscgauxcharleston@gmail.com

Materials Chuck Chirila cchirila@sc.rr.com

Marine Safety Blake Cannon blakecannon1@gmail.com

Member Training Richard Daniel rbdaniel1829@aol.com

Navigational Services Dwaine Harris dwaine108@aol.com

Operations Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net

Public Affairs Joe Woodbury joewoodbury@yahoo.com

Public Education Crystal Smith clynn4445@gmail.com

Publications William Carter uscgauxcharleston@gmail.com

RBS Visitor Peter Axiotis hydriguy@hotmail.com

Secretary Records Joe Woodbury joewoodbury@yahoo.com

Vessel Examinations Alan Miles bigcid@comcast.net