DISTRICT ELEVEN NORTHERN REGION...

�ORTHWI�D January, 2009 issue Page 1

DISTRICT ELEVEN NORTHERN REGION

January, 2009

MargaRita SAR Cases see page 8 - Photo by Larry Kubo

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Lifesavers

DEPARTMENT OFDEPARTMENT OFDEPARTMENT OFDEPARTMENT OF >>> The Uniformed Volunteer Component of The

United States Coast Guard (Authorized by Congress in 1939)

NORTHWINDNORTHWINDNORTHWINDNORTHWIND


North-North-North-North-

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The official publication of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 11 NR Vol. X X X I Jan. 2009

Editor in Chief George C. Knies, DSO-PB Deputy Editor Bill Kinsey, ADSO-PB Design and Production George C. Knies Web Master Irene A. Wetzel, DSO-CS Web: d11nuscgaux.info/ Northwind/index.html Photographers this issue Jerry Collins Ron Darcey George C. Knies Harry McBain Michele Pattin Robert West Uncaptioned photos are in public domain. Children photos have Parental/Guardian releases on file

NORTHWIND Commander (dpa-n) U.S.C.G. Coast Guard Island Bldg. 50-2 Alameda, CA 94501-5100 TEL: (925) 939-0230 Voice/Text: (925) 953-8432 [email protected]

ContentsContentsContentsContents January, 2009January, 2009January, 2009January, 2009 ←Northwind→

2009 EDITION DEADLINES JAN 01 * APR 01 * JUL 01 * OCT 01

Send submissions to:

George Knies, DSO-PB—Microsoft “Word”

[email protected]

Telephone 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 publication of these rosters addresses and telephone numbers on any com-puter on-line service including the Internet is prohibited by the 1974 Privacy Act.

Editorial: ■The USCGAUX is complimented by other national and state organizations actively engaged in boating safety agendas. The NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) publishes the SCA (Small Craft Advisory) that is currently promoting State Boater Education Legislation i.e. In 1999 Oregon legislature approved mandatory education law giving the Marine Board ten years to fully implement the program. The Marine Board estimates that 250,000 boaters would need a boater registration card by next year. Commodore Ed Sweeney, Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety USCGAUX pens a column in the SCA addressing, educational and safety issues. Visit www.nasbla.org for further information. ■ Another boating education and safety organization is the NBF (National Boating Federation), currently supporting my cause to upgrade Capacity Plates in recreational boats to meet standards recommended by the NTSB— necessitated by the obesity epidemic in the U.S. ….see my article “Human Ballast” appearing in local yachting publications. ■ Fellow boating safety advocates USPS (United States Power Squadrons) and the RBOC (Recreational Boaters of California) provide valuable training and legislative support in the Boat Operator Certification program, and overall boating safety programs. G.C. Knies

Vessel Operator Certification –On-hold until 2009

The dire California fiscal climate and the anticipated draw of several million dollars

of boater funds to combat the spread of invasive species has led RBOC to request the post-

ponement of legislation it is sponsoring to create a new program requiring motorboat opera-

tors to pass a test and obtain a lifetime boating certificate.

2 Editorials, Contents, �otices, and Masthead

3 DCO & DCOS Reports

3-5 DCAPT’s Reports. Maritime Pot-pourri

6 AUXILIARY SUPPORT TO COAST GUARD HEALTH SERVICES by Vic Connell, ARCO-P, IPDCO 7 �SAR Champs Team 1 District 11-�R by Tom O’Connor Alan Proteous and

Bill Barlow

7 USS John McCain awarded by U.S. Coast Guard, by MC2 Byron C. Linder

8 Another Way for Auxiliariste to Contribute by Michele Patin, FL IV-3 PA

9 Ocean Sentry (HC-44A) Relieves Falcon (HU-25) by George C. Knies,

DSO-PB

10 USCG RU-38A Twin Comet, Interdiction Aircraft—General File

10 Coast Guard to hire more civilian safety personnel — General File

11 Calculating the Auxiliary’s Value to Sector San Francisco and Support

for the Aids to �avigation Team by Stephen R. Salmon Auxiliary Sector

Cordintor

11 MargaRita SAR Cases by Wilfred Sumner

11 America's Waterway Watch program more relevant following Mumbai

attacks—General file

12-13 Auxiliary Aviation Flotilla 3-1 by Ron Darcey, ADSO/MT/PA

14 An Auxiliarist's Journey to Active Duty by Jeremiah Collins, Past RCO D113 15 Boat Owners are Illegally Abandoning Vessels by George C. Knies, DSO-PB

16 Retirement ceremony and reception for CWO4 Ken Frost OTO 11�R by Bill Kinsey ADSO-PB 113R

16-17 Where Old Ships go to Die by George C. Knies, DSO-PB


Michael L. Williams, DCO

Y our newly-elected District Bridge is excited to move forward as we focus

our efforts to implement our organizational changes in response to the

Coast Guard’s modernization program. The members at the Flotilla level

will not be affected by the organizational change. As many of you are aware, cer-

tain elected officers will have their titles changed.

At the District level our Rear Commodores will become District Captains. There will be no change in function or

responsibility – just a title change. The Vice Commodore will now become the Chief of Staff with not change in

role, function or responsibility.

Your Division Captain will now be the Division Commander, and the Vice Captain will now be the Vice Com-

mander. The only staff officer title change will be the DSO-AN, who will become the DSO-NS (navigation sys-

tems).

The District Bridge and selected staff officers will be attending the National Training Conference (N-TRAIN)

during the last week in January. As most of you are aware, N-TRAIN is one of two major Auxiliary Conferences

held each year. Those staff officers who are attending will participate in seminars and workshops to address spe-

cific issues of importance to the Auxiliary. This training will assist us in developing training opportunities for our

D-TRAIN, which will be held in March.

As we prepare to move forward in these uncertain times, you can be assured that your bridge is aware of the chal-

lenges our members have faced and the obstacles they have overcome to achieve success. Your devotion and

commitment not only to continue, but to increase your activity is an inspiration to those of us who have accepted

leadership responsibilities.

I want to personally thank each member for their activity this past year, and commend those who have stepped

forward to serve in an elected officer position. We are blessed in the Eleventh North to have an abundance of

highly- competent and professional staff officers. They can be relied upon to assist the District Bridge in imple-

menting the many programs that we support.

Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to our Immediate-Past Commodore, Vic Connell, who has dem-

onstrated time and time again his commitment to you, the members of Eleventh North. We are fortunate that he

will continue to serve as the Pacific Area Commodore. Our Rear Commodores, Angelo Perata, Jimmin Chang

and Steve Salmon have performed their duties in an outstanding manner. We are fortunate that they will continue

to serve as we move forward.

Please plan on attending D-Train during the weekend of 27-29 March. Additional information is available in the

�orthwind, as well as on the District web site.

Angelo A. Perata, DCOS

W e look forward in 2009 to follow-up and continue some of the pro-

grams that our past District Commodores have started, which include

Readiness planning, Recruiting and Retention of members, mentoring,

and the D11N Memorial project.

Continued Next page ►


New ideas include streamlining our paperwork process; fine tuning our notebook on the missions of the Auxil-

iary, and our “what we do” pamphlet that describes the different programs available.

Look up to and rely on the experience of our senior members and elected officers, as they are our backbone.

Learn from them by taking advantage of their experience skills and pride.

Help train our new elected and appointed leaders, so that they may become better officers through a better under-

standing of the Auxiliary, and to make the position easier and fun at the same time.

How do we achieve this? Make qualifications for office less cumbersome, bring mentors into the picture, greeters

to welcome members, especially new members at Flotilla meetings. Streamline our paperwork, change of forms

at a minimum. Monthly reporting of mission and member activity when needed. I’m sure others have many more

idea’s that would benefit the Auxiliary and its members.

Robert W. Hendry, DCAPT, Recreational Boating and Prevention

I am certainly looking forward to laying plans for another successful year and

hope that all fellow Auxiliarists do as well. Like everyone, I joined the Auxiliary

to be of service to the US Coast Guard and to the boating public at large. The CG

has ominous responsibilities and, most certainly, can use our help. The key words

here are “we are here to fulfill needs”.

The start of the year always brings an abundance of energy preparing for the year. Public education programs are

being formed. Vessel exams promotion is underway. Program visitors are out stocking our partners with materi-

als to assist boaters in understanding best safety practices on the water. We all need to communicate to the boat-

ing public what we do and what is available for them to keep themselves, their families and their property safe.

Another aspect of needs, as explained, lies in being of assistance to the CG. All flotillas and divisions are urged

to make contacts with their local Coast Guard units to see how they may be of assistance. Our response to some-

one raising their hand to say that they have a need has been consistently overwhelming. Keep a lookout for com-

munications from Steve Salmon, our Liaison with Sector San Francisco who periodically broadcasts for Auxil-

iarists to help out with various projects.

What are your plans going to be for National Safe Boating Week this year? Now is the time to form

your Committees to plan the events. It will take time if you want to make the event successful. So get started as

soon as possible. Let me know if I can be of help in generating ideas, providing materials or just being a good

sounding board.

This past year, we provided a unique service to Sector San Francisco in providing photos of Aids to Navigation

for their records. I was amazed to find that several flotillas take photos of aids in their Areas of Responsibilities

on a routine basis and were able to furnish current photos relatively quickly. What a great job for boat crews to

perform while on routine patrols. They not only learn more about the real time status of aids in their areas but

also provide important eyes for the CG. Give this some thought for the coming year. See Jim Duncan’s year-end

report where he suggests that all Auxiliary vessels underway should be checking Aids for discrepancies, shoreline

for charting inconsistencies and small vessel facilities for listing accuracies.

America’s Waterway Watch program provides important tools for all citizens who recreate or work on our water-

ways. It is essentially a “Neighborhood Watch” program on the waterway. It gives Auxiliarists the opportunity

to discuss vital, safety information with partners such as marinas and yacht clubs but also with live-a-boards at

Continued next page►


marinas, and associations such as personal watercraft associations, sail-boarding associations, excursion and ferry

companies and others who we may not normally have a dialogue with in the normal course of business. Seri-

ously, consider forming a team to look into this program and getting the entire flotilla involved.

There are endless possibilities for much needed assistance in the Marine Safety area. Contact your District and

Division Marine Safety Staff Officers to have speakers visit your meetings so members are aware of the many

needs to be found in this area.

As I said at the start, I am looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling year of service.

Rodney E. Collins, DCAPT

I was born in Oakland and was raised in Castro Valley and spent my life in the Greater Bay Area. I have spent

the last 25 years working for various companies installing large computer software and hardware systems. Cur-

rently I work as a consultant in this field.

Approximately 15 years ago I talked my wife, Maryanne, into taking a BS&S class with me. We enjoyed the

class and thought joining the Auxiliary would be interesting, but since we still had kids in school and with my

work there were too many priorities.

Three years later when the kids were off to college I went back to a meeting for Flotilla 12-91, San Ramon, and

decided that I would like get as much of this free training as I could. So I joined, and talked my wife into doing

the same.

Since then I have been qualified as Boat Crew, Vessel Examiner and Instructor. When I started with the Auxil-

iary I enjoyed the interaction with the boating public and that is still there today. I have a great time instructing in

PE classes, talking to owners of boats as I am doing a vessel exam or just talking to people at information booths.

As the DCAPT-S I support the district officers for CS, PB, PS, IS, MA & MT. We have not put together all of

our plans for 2009 but I can tell you that the District store is looking to make some changes that will make it eas-

ier for members to order and pay for their purchases. We will be looking for ways to assist Divisions and Flotil-

las with the recruiting and retention of members. And as always will be working on enhancing the capabilities on

the Web for District 11N’s Divisions and Flotillas. I look forward to a great 2009!

Maritime pot pourri Piracy pay for crews Under a deal struck two months ago in Singapore, ship crews will receive double basic wage while their vessel is transiting a designated high-risk pirate zone in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. The legal situation surrounding permissible counter-piracy measures remains somewhat vague. This applies to naval forces as much as to merchant ships. The Danish Navy found suspected pirates aboard a “mother ship” with weapons and ladders, but had to release them onto a Somali beach when nobody would take them off their hands. A recent poll brought the following response: “I have to tell you that when I was sailing in some of these waters, the vessel I was attached to had a squad of U.S. Marines on board for security. It seems like U.S.-flagged vessels should be able to ‘borrow’ some of our troops to help protect out interests. At present, we send ou guys to die guarding some pretty shaky foreign lands all in the name of ’policy’. How bad would it be to ask the government to help protect Americans on American vessels?” Speed reduction for ships Commencing last month, a new rule requiring ships along major U.S. East coast shipping routes to slow to ten knots or less in designated areas. The speed restrictions imposed by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are aimed at protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales against potential ship strikes. The whales’ migratory route crosses major shipping lanes. The speed restrictions will extend out 20 nautical miles from major U.S. East Coast ports. The rule applies to all vessels 65 ft. or greater in length in designated areas on a seasonal basis. MARINELOG ©


AUXILIARY SUPPORT TO COAST GUARD HEALTH SERVICES Vic Connell, ARCO-P, IPDCO

I am pleased to announce that our National Commodore has appointed an Auxiliary National Staff to facilitate Aux-iliary Support to CG Health Services. Your District 11NR Area Manager is COMO Victor Connell, MD – Chief, Auxiliary Support to CG Health Services and AIM Medical Team Coordinator; email: [email protected].

Auxiliary Support to CG Health Services gives primary care professionals (e.g., physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants) the opportunity to volunteer in support of CG Health Services, if there is a need at a nearby CG Clinic. There are also certain areas in which Emergency Medical Services Personnel may participate. Our Auxiliary Support to CG Health Services Staff’s primary efforts will focus on maintaining an Auxiliary Health Care Professional data-base, recruitment, retention, and facilitating the application process for prospective volunteers. The Staff will disseminate information using the existing Auxiliary Chain of Communication and Leadership and occasionally other venues such as NTRAIN and NACON. We will also be developing a new Web Site for members to access information. The purposes and strategic goals of the Auxiliary’s support of CG Health Services are:

1. Recruit, maintain and keep current a database of Auxiliarists with health care qualifications and help coordinate their utilization in authorized support programs.

2.. Support the CG's clinic and sickbay health care activities as directed by the CG Office of Health Services (CG-112) and act as Auxiliary Liaison to the CG Office of Health Services. These authorized activities are described in COMDTINST 6010.2B.

3. Support the CG Academy’s AIM program by providing Auxiliarist medical support in cooperation with the Academy Admissions

Partner AIM Program Staff, the CG Academy Medical Clinic, and the CG Academy Admissions Office Staff.

4. Act as a health services consultant to the National Commodore, National Executive Committee, and to the National Departments of the Auxiliary

5.. Help update and disseminate program information related to CG Auxiliary health services programs through the Auxiliary District Chain of Leadership and Communication.

6.. Perform other support missions as requested. As CG needs change, there may be new missions in which Auxiliarist health care professionals (HCP) may participate. One recent ex-ample: the CG has implemented a new Auxiliary program in support of the National Maritime Center, training local Auxiliarist HCPs to review physicals and certain medical documents. Auxiliary EMS Participation Auxiliary certified and licensed First Responders, EMTs/Paramedics may be eligible to participate in the following medical support areas:

1. AIM Medical Team Member

2. CG Clinic as “medical assistants” as described in COMDTINST 6010.2B and the CG Medical Manual – this is at the discretion of local CG Senior Medical Officer.

3. Assist at Small Boat Station’s as SAR Boat Crew at the EMT-1 level if the OIC authorizes participation.

4. Instructors in First Aid, CPR, AED use, and Lifesavers Course if certified as an Instructor and approved by local unit command. In order for this program to grow and succeed, we all need to be champions locally by spreading the word at our unit meetings, confer-ences, and via word of mouth to other HCPs who may not yet be Auxiliarists. Please advise health care professionals in our district who wish more information to contact their Auxiliary Area Manager. ……………... Semper Paratus!


Over all Champions of NSAR 2008 - Team #1 District 11-NR Crew

Thom O’Connor, Alan Porteous, Bill Barlow

“We’re not giving i t back!” was what I yelled to the MC at the NSAR award banquet in Cape May, New Jersey October 4, 2008.The Trophy was huge big enough to put four bottles of Champagne into it. Did they just say District Eleven North won the National Search and Rescue Competition? News spread fast as the first call went to CWO Ken Frost in Ala-meda, and VCP Anthony Barron in Crescent City called the members of Flotilla 8-11 in Crescent City. Our winning team was Commander of 8-11 Bill Barlow, FSO-OPS Alan Porte-ous, and Commander of Flotilla 86 Eureka Thom O’Connor. All serve as Coxswains on our Coast Guard 25 ft. rescue boat in Crescent City. They were accompanied by a loud bunch of cheerleaders-most were crew girls on the 851. Cheerleaders included VC 8-11 Becky Barlow, VC Flotilla 86 Helen O’Connor, Linda Fruhmann and their “personal trainer” FSO-MT Jill Munger.

The events included an underway search and rescue ex-ercise, a marlin spike relay, a heaving line toss over a wall, a navigation test, search and rescue planning and a mystery event. The mystery event was a fire fighting event that util-ized the Coast Guards’ new facility a t Cape May. This trailer

has a simulator that represents the four different types of fire, paper, chemical, mechanical, and oil. Each team member had to rotate through each fire and follow the steps to extinguish that fire for a timed score. As luck would have it, Bill and Thom have firefighting backgrounds!! Coming in second place was District 11 South proving that California excels in search and rescue training!! Cheering for both teams was our DCO Victor Connell.

Cape May was full of fall wonder- Victorian homes, good shopping and eating. We looked over the Atlantic Ocean to see the sun rise on the “wrong coast” every morning. The weather couldn’t have been nicer for this time of year, and everything was decorated for fall with mums, pumpkins and scarecrows.

The skills demonstrated during this exercise are what we do everyday. Our team trains together several times a week and as Coxswain Rosemary Halldorsson would say “Good training gets good results!” The pride of winning NSAR is the same pride I feel as a crew girl maintaining a 24/7 call on an Auxiliary run Coast Guard facility. We serve with the best!!

By Jill Munger, DVCDR-8 ©

Navy News by MC2 Byron C. Linder

P ACIFIC OCEAN - Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) received the Coast Guard Meri-torious Team Commendation for the ship's efforts in respond-

ing to a downed Air Force B-52 bomber off the coast of Apra Guam. From July 21-23, McCain Sailors coordinated with a multi-agency search-and-rescue (SAR) group composed of Coast Guard cutters Assateague and Kukui; Guam civil services; Navy Helicopter Com-bat Support Squadron 25; a Kadena, Japan-based Navy P-3 squad-ron and several Air Force F-15 aircraft. Collectively known as SAR

Group Guam, the team operation transcended civil and military service lines. McCain was in Guam for a scheduled port visit and had left the is-land only hours prior to responding to the calls for a downed aircraft. The ship steamed at flank speed and within an hour, McCain was at the crash site. The ship expanded its search coverage with use of a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), while the flight crew conducted refu-eling operations for SH-60 rescue helicopters. From the RHIB to the rescue helicopter, McCain Sailors transported three aircrew mem-bers and solemnly rendered honors for the deceased. McCain's crew worked with the other services around the clock, employing all the sensors for the exhaustive the search. “SAR Group Guam's exhaustive three-day search absolutely satu-rated the search area and located various debris fields which pro-vided invaluable information to an Air Force investigation team," said Coast Guard Capt. Thomas Sparks, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam. "Additionally, the professionalism and dedi-cation of SAR Group Guam during this tragic mishap provided solace and closure to the families and friends of the missing air-men." USS John S. McCain, commanded by Cmdr. John S. Banigan, is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is permanently forward-

deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. ©

USS McCain Awarded by Coast Guard


O ne of the marvelous things about the Auxiliary is the array of ways in which to participate�to support the Coast Guard and serve the com-

munity. Palo Alto (CA) Flotilla 43 recently found yet another avenue; the preparation and donation of “gift packs” to patients at the nearby Veterans Administra-tion Hospital. Michele Patin, FSO-SR and long-time Auxiliarist, pro-posed the idea last spring and became its “champion.” Because the disabled veterans receive considerable, much-appreciated support in December, Flotilla 43 agreed to conclude the project in October, well before the holiday season. The group wanted the “wounded warriors” to know they are not just remembered at year’s end. Knowing the flotilla could not use Auxiliary funds, Mich-ele collected $600 in voluntary, personal cash donations from the unit’s twenty members for the purchase of gift items. Chaplain Marsha Davis—Michele’s VA hospital contact—communicated pre-ferred gift items, includ-ing white socks, knit caps, toiletries, small games, play-ing cards, and the like. Michele spent hours shopping for the gift items. Chap-lain Davis had suggested getting long, white crew socks—always in demand—and using one sock to hold both the sock's mate and the other gift items. Michele

tried a number of stuffing schemes before finding an order that allowed everything to fit, barely. As it turned out, “barely,” is sort of a pun: each stuffed stocking had a small teddy bear sticking out its top, secured with a colored ribbon to denote whether the contents were intended for a male or female patient. Following the flotilla’s regularly scheduled social meet-ing on October 14th, Auxiliarists Derek Chan, John Gordon, Arthur Hardee, David Naumann (Flotilla IV-1), Lee Scoville, and Robert West joined Michele for a few hours of gift-stuffing.

Less than two days later, the thirty-six hefty gift packs were delivered by Michele and John Gordon, Flotilla Commander, to the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital—one of the premier combat head-trauma cen-ters in the country. “Oh my, these are wonderful,” exclaimed Chaplain Davis. “We are delighted to receive such nice gifts any time of year,” she added. Speaking for the flotilla, Gordon responded, “We wish we could have done more, but we hope that at least thirty-six of your patients will know that we are thinking about them and that we very much appreciate their ser-vice and their sacrifices.” ©

Another Way for Auxiliarists to Contribute By Palo Alto Flotilla IV-3

FC John Gordon presenting gift bags to Chaplain Marsha

Davis of the Palo Alto VA Hospital

Photo by Michele Patin

Lee Scoville, Michele Patin, John Gordon, Robert West, Derek Chan

Photo by Robert West

Photo by Robert West

Michele Patin FSO-PA FL 43


T he Hu-25 Falcon has been an icon in the U.S. Coast Guard inventory but its airframe is approaching the sunset years. The aircraft chosen to succeed the Falcon, also known as the Guardian, for the Medium Range Surveillance and related missions if the EADS/CASA CN-235-300M, designated the HC-144A and is nicknamed the Ocean Sentry.

Ocean Sentry Falcon

Part of the Coast Guard’s Deepwater Major Acquisition Program, the HC-144As will replace the Service’s aging fleet of HU-25 Fal-con jets. The HC-144A is a derivative of the EADS/CASA CN-235-300 and significantly enhances the mission execution capability of Coast Guard aircrews. This fixed-wing turbo prop aircraft will perform various missions, including maritime patrol, law enforcement, search and rescue, disaster response, and cargo and personnel transport. Additionally, the “Ocean Sentry” provides the added opera-tional capability of a hydraulic-operated rear ramp, with superb fuel efficiency–consuming less fuel than the HU-25 or HC-130. When equipped with its roll-on, roll-off Mission System Pallet (MSP) suite of electronic equipment, the aircraft crew is able to com-pile data from the aircraft’s multiple integrated sensors and transmit and receive both classified “Secret”-level and unclassified information to and from other assets, including surface vessels, other aircraft, local law enforcement, and shore facilities. With multiple voice and data communications capabilities, including UHF/VHF, HF, and Military and Commercial Satellite Communications (SATCOM), the HC-144A will be able to contribute to a Common Tactical Picture (CTP) and Common Operating Picture (COP) through a networked Command and Control (C2) system which provides data sharing via SATCOM. The aircraft is also equipped with a vessel Automatic Identification Sys-tem, direction-finding equipment, surface search radar, an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system, and electronic surveillance measures equip-ment to improve situational awareness and responsiveness. The aircraft systems are TEMPEST certified, meaning they meet current federal requirements to guard against the potential emanation of intelligence-compromising electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from com-puter and telecommunications equipment. The fifth HC-144A “Ocean Sentry” Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), Tail Number (CG 2305), departed the EADS construction facility in Seville, Spain on July 31 en-route to the U. S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. Three additional aircraft are on contract and scheduled for delivery to the Coast Guard by February 2009. Service plans call for a fleet of 36 fully missionized HC-144As by 2020. Previously delivered HC-144A aircraft already have proven their capabilities in the field. During a routine training flight on February 20 of this year, an HC-144A was diverted to assist with a search and rescue mission following the collision of two Air Force F-15 aircraft over the Gulf of Mexico. The HC-144A quickly became the on-scene rescue coordinator and successfully led a multi-agency rescue mis-sion, which included assets from the Coast Guard, the Department of Defense, and civilian partners. The HC-144A also provided invalu-able reconnaissance capabilities during the Midwestern floods on June 19, 2008, when it assisted Coast Guard and local government officials determine where response and recovery resources should be utilized in the ongoing flood relief efforts: In both cases, the HC-144A’s long range, loitering capability, endurance, and passenger capacity suited to the requirements of the mission, demonstrating the HC-144A is well matched to the multi-mission Coast Guard it will serve. ©

Ocean Sentry (HC-144A) releaves Falcon (HU-25) George C. Knies DSO-PB

No. Planned: 36 Airframe Manufacturer: EADS/CASA, Spain Wing Span: 84ft. 8in. Wing Area: 636sq.ft. Height: 26ft. 10in. Length: 70ft. 3in. Max Gross Weight: 36,380lbs Empty Weight: 21,605lbs Propulsion: Two General Electric CT7-93C Turboprop Speed: 236kts Range: 1,565nm Endurance: 8.7h M

HU-25 Falcon Manufacturer: FalconJet. Wing Span: 54’ Wind Area: 540 sq. ft..Height: 18' Length: 56’ Max Gross Weight: 32,000 pounds Empty Weight: 25,500 pounds Number Engines: 2 Propulsion Type: Garrett ATF3-6-2C Turbofan


USCG RU-38A Twin Comet

I n 1995 the Coast Guard identified a particular upgrade to the center wing assembly of the RU-38A surveillance aircraft which could significantly enhance the aircraft's service life, range and endurance on operational missions. Additional funding may be required to conduct this upgrade. By 1998 the Coast Guard operational community indicated a need for additional night-capable, low-signature

("stealthy") aircraft capability. The RU-38 is designed to fly slowly along a coastline at an altitude of about 1,500 to 2,000 feet. The Coast Guard plans to use the aircraft in Miami to support such programs as drug enforcement, fishery patrols, illegal alien surveillance, and pollution control. Because of the RU-38's general aviation design, Coast Guard maintainers will be able to maintain it with a small crew using mostly off-the-shelf commercial parts.

The RU-38A is equipped with a push/pull engine system, with one Teledyne Con-tinental GIO-550A flat-six engines at each end of the fuselage. Because the RU-38B will routinely operate at low altitudes over water or hostile terrain, the addition of a second engine is important for safety. One unique feature of the RU-38A is the front-engine exhaust pipes are positioned for exhaust to flow over the wings, allowing the wings to serve as a sound shield. This permits quiet operation when the rear engine is shut down. Normally the plane operates only a single engine during normal cruise operations. The aft engine has a full-feathering propeller (with accumulator) and will typically be shut down during the “quiet” surveillance mode. The aft engine is in reality a redundant engine available to eliminate the risk of engine failure and to provide higher cruise speeds during ingress and egress.

The RU-38A has a "twin-boom" configuration with the forward end of each boom consisting of a pod containing various instruments. The port pod contains the AN/APN-215(V) color radar with search and mapping capabilities, while the starboard pod contains an AN/AAQ-15 Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) system and a Low-Light-Level TV vision system. In addition, the RU-38A is fitted with OMEGA and GPS receivers, and HF/VHF/UHF clear voice and communications encryption systems.

With introduction of the RU-38B, Schweizer Aircraft has taken its family of reconnaissance platforms to the next logical step by providing a covert, twin-engine, turbine-powered aircraft that can perform both low and high altitude roles. In addition, it addresses customer re-quirements for enhanced crew safety, increased payload capability, and added mission effectiveness. ©

Coast Guard to hire more civilian safety personnel The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing its efforts to improve the effectiveness of its marine safety mission.

Rear Admiral James A. Watson, U.S. Coast Guard Director, Prevention Policy, has issued ALCOAST 568/08 giving an update on the Coast Guard's marine safety personnel plans for 2009.

The ALCOAST says, among other things, "expansion efforts include a concerted effort to redefine our workforce. A nation-wide

civilian hiring drive targeting a broad spectrum of commercial maritime enterprises will provide a wide range of expertise to help

the Coast Guard to better understand the industry we regulate. We will seek to recruit experienced mariners from all portions of

the operating industry and people from ancillary maritime industries such as shipbuilding, port engineers, quality control personnel,

and other seagoing related shore-side professionals. Some of these positions will be career-ladder structured to ensure appropri-

ate professional development, retention, and longevity.” ©

Calculating the Auxiliary’s Value to Sector San Francisco At the Sector Commander’s request, LTJG Jon Tschudy, the Auxiliary Liaison Officer, has estimated the value, in dollars-and-cents terms, of the Auxiliary’s assistance to Sector San Francisco from July through October 2008. The figures are startling. Using the average rank and pay of an active duty person to perform the same duties (for example, E-4 for a boat crewman or communicator), and assuming a 25-foot patrol boat would have had to substitute for an Auxiliary vessel, Mr. Tschudyʼs cal-culations show the value of the Auxiliaryʼs services during this four-month period totaled over $1.3 million. For the Festival of Sail, the total was almost $200,000, and for Fleet Week almost $800,000. The Delta "Big Cat" operation contributed services valued at almost $100,000, and the training support to the various small boat stations was over $100,000. The many hours



expended by land-mobiles to track down hoax transmissions on Channel 16 added up to over $27,000, and a project for the Contingency Planning Department was valued at over $9,000. Other contributions factored in to the total were support for the Aids to Navigation Team, for America’s Waterway Watch, for commercial fishing vessel exams and ferry audits, for facility and container inspections, and for the Pacific Strike Team.

Support for the Aids to �avigation Team

District Captain-elect Robert Hendry, who has been serving as the coordinator of the administrative support group for Sector's Aids to Navigation Team (ANT), reports that the group has completed the first phase of its work. The group has reviewed and updated a total of 570 folders containing technical information on navigation aids maintained by ANT. In addition, at the support group's request, coxswains throughout Sector's area of responsibility took digital photographs of 83 navigation aids to add to the folders. The group will continue to provide ongoing support to ANT, with Roger Haynes, the incoming Division Commander of Division 12, taking over as coordinator of the group. Stephen R. Salmon Auxiliary Sector Cordintor

Cover Photo Larry Kubo and I were notified that a vessel was aground somewhere on the Petaluma River by the Peta-luma Marina Harbor Master. We notified CG Station Vallejo of the pending SAR and said that we would investigate. We contacted the stranded vessel via cell phone; however, the victim could not give us his location on the river. We finally lo-cated the vessel 400 yards west of the Petaluma River Channel, between beacons 12 & 10. in San Pablo Bay. The water depth was 4.2 feet and my vessel draws 28 inches (24 foot Boston Whaler Conquest). The towed vessel drew 4 feet. The victim went aground at 1800 the day before. We notified Station Vallejo of the situation. The vessel had deployed an anchor the night before and was able to free itself. Since the tide was going out we proceeded to tow the Islander 30 to Port Sonoma.

Another Save After doing PATON checks and general chart updating in San Pablo Bay, we came upon a disabled fishing skiff about 0.5 mile downstream from the Peta-luma Marina. The skiff was 400 yards in from of on incoming barge being pushed up-stream at around 10 kts. We turned around and used the heaving line to get them out of the way of the oncoming barge In the attached photo is the distressed vessel being towed. Occupants are both wearing life vests, and are sitting in aft portion of their skiff. If you look closely in the background is a barge being pushed by a tug; Coxswain Wil Sumner and Crew Larry Kubo determined that it would be safer to do a quick long tow with the heaving line to get Margarita and the distressed vessel out of the way. The barge at this point in the Petaluma River is about half as wide as the river, so a quick tow to the marina was accomplished. ©

MargaRita SAR Cases Wilfred Sumner

Barge

America's Waterway Watch program more relevant following Mumbai attacks

T he public can help the Coast Guard keep America’s waterways safe and secure. In light of the tragic terrorist attacks in Mumbai it is important to remember that all Americans play a vital role in homeland security. Whether you live, work or recreate near the water-ways of the United States you can assist the Coast Guard by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity.

With this in mind, the Coast Guard Auxiliary reminds the public of the America’s Waterway Watch program. America's coasts, rivers, bridges, tunnels, ports, ships, military bases, and waterside industries may be the terrorists' next targets. Though waterway security has been increased greatly in recent years, with more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, over 290,000 square miles of water, and approximately 70 million recreational boaters in the United States, the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies can not do the job alone. The America's Waterway Watch program simply requests that the public do their part and report:

• unusual surveillance of vessel or waterside facility operations,

• unattended boats near bridges,

• unusual diving activities,

• unauthorized vessels operating in restricted areas, or other suspicious activities. Call the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH or radio the Coast Guard on marine channel 16. Call 911 or marine channel 16 to report immediate danger to life or property. For your safety, do not approach or engage anyone acting in a suspicious manner – call for help. ©

Pass the Word!


A uxiliary aviation has a long and storied history in District 11 North and certainly can be considered as among the more active operational Auxiliary components in the AOR. While

District Auxiliarists have knowledge that AuxAir exists, few are truly aware of its structure, mission profile, operational capability or what is involved with becoming an aviator. It is the Squadron Concept that provides the unity, structural foundation and training syllabus that welcomes Auxiliarists from all Flotillas to take part. An impor-tant factor of AuxAir is the unit’s dedication in support of Auxiliarists on the surface (water) and land mobile. The Auxiliary has had an aviation presence from its beginnings and although miniscule in comparison to surface Auxiliarists (fewer that 250 aircraft throughout the nation today as opposed to over 5,000 Auxiliary small craft facilities) nevertheless continues as an important and vital component extension of the Auxiliary – and our active duty colleagues - offering a broad range of operational mis-sion profiles. Here in D11 AuxAir reaches back over 30 years and during that period, has matured into a highly professional and op-erationally capable organization.

Flotilla 3-1 The catalyst that initiated and really moved an Auxiliary aviation organization into District 11 was Flotilla 3-1, formed in 1995 and takes residence at Coast Guard Air Station, McClellan Airpark, Sac-

ramento. As originally organized, 3-1 intended from its beginnings as an aviation specific Flotilla to provide an Auxiliary aviation unit to the District. Although specialty aviation directed, 3-1 has two aviators in the land mobile mission, one of whom fulfills ferry audits, and another that regularly conducts small boat inspections. The Flotilla is fortunate in that the air station provides the facility for monthly meetings, training and allows aviators based throughout the District to fly in, rather than drive to attend AuxAir activities. During Flotilla meetings and training sessions it’s not uncommon to see ten or more Auxiliary aircraft parked among Coast Guard C-130s.

Understandably, Aux aviators are proud of their affiliation with the air station and their Coast Guard hosts. However because of 3-1s dedication to aviation, many Auxiliarists interested in the aviation program, but belonging to other Flotillas have not participated for two reasons. First, most surface Flotillas do not provide aviation training and second, there was, and remains a belief that to be-come an Auxiliary aviator one must belong to 3-1; not true and, the Squadron Concept should be a resolution to this issue. In fact, perhaps almost one third of the District’s Aux aviators are from other Flotillas and at any one time, the Squadron is training, mem-bers and recruits throughout the District. Second, aviation is a spe-cialty with specialty training and operational requirements beyond surface Flotillas primary boating objectives. Although it’s certainly possible to gain aviation qualification it is difficult especially without an aviation mentor or aviation based classroom academics: stories abound of experienced pilots and non-pilots with deep aspirations of becoming an Aux aviator who simply gave up through the self-training process and left the program or the Auxiliary.

Enter the Squadron Concept Credit must be given to Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco for the formation of the Squadron Concept that originated in 2006 essentially to combine the District’s aviators by easing the process of communication and passage of orders. The Squadron is simply a group-email (aviation list) method of contact, establishes unit or-ganization that is specific aviation oriented and provides greater control and unity for aviators from all Flotillas. The concept also establishes AuxAir as a separate structure wherein the DSO-AV and Aux aviators are in closer contact for all things Auxiliary avia-tion, operations and training. All operations are on orders from Air Station San Francisco and all missions issued via the aviation list, communicated weekly by the Squadron’s operations officer.

Auxiliary Aviation, Flotilla 3-1 and the

SQUADRON CONCEPT By Ron Darcey ADSO/MT/PA

Cessena circling over Browns Island

on routine boating safety patrol

Flight crew conducting ATO� verification briefing. L to R

Gene Wheeler, Dennis Caponigro, James Morford & Brian Cliff



The Squadron Concept provided another, vital opportunity for Auxiliarists interested with entry into AuxAir which provides central-ized aviation training and qualification. As important, all aviators have one place to go for an organized, yearly standardized recur-rent, refresher and aviation training and safety program. To compli-ment the AuxAir association, the squadron holds regular dinner meetings in which air operations, mission updates and all things Coast Guard aviation is conveyed in an aviation environment.

Squadron 11N Training Because aviation is a demanding activity and, because D11 aviators consistently strive for optimal efficiency training is an im-portant component both for routine GA (general aviation) flight, FAA requirements and the specialized dictates of Coast Guard air opera-tions. Each year all aviators must attend one of two regularly held Safety Workshops conducted by the Squadron’s Flight Safety Team. Safety Workshop is a mandatory academic training syllabus held once in April at CGI and October at Air Station Sacramento. Curriculum consists of crew resource management (CRM), aero-naughtical decision-making, aero-medical facts for flight crew, emergency procedures and a guest speaker lecture on aviation safety. Each year the Safety Team holds the annual swim test at CGI. Both the workshop and swim test are required to maintain aviation qualification. Also mandatory, each Aux pilot must re-qualify each year in the standard Coast Guard (STANCHECK) in-flight review. The Air Education Training Course (AETC) was instituted in 2006 to provide refresher and recurrent training in all operational task-ings, hone mission skills and provide a standardized approach to Auxiliary aviation training and mission objectives. AETC’s primary mission is to assure all aviators do things the same way. AETC is held at Air Station Sacramento and features a fellowship barbeque lunch hosted by Flotilla 3-1 on the air station’s patio. AETC is not mandatory but all aviators are urged to participate.

District 11N AuxAir Operations

Of course the basic mission of the Auxiliary is recreational boat-ing safety and SAR, operations that are the Squadrons primary activity but include frequent, specialized aviation missions. To quote the Air Training Text: The efficiency of using aircraft in combi-

nation with surface craft is a responsive and cost effective way to provide the Coast Guard with a team effort. The relatively slow speed of the typical Auxiliary aircraft facility ideally suits it for searches for small vessels or debris. The fuel usage permits such aircraft facilities to search a given area with less fuel consumption than of that Coast Guard aircraft. The use of Auxiliary aircraft facili-ties for selected search missions also conserves Coast Guard units for more hazardous or specialized missions.” AOR for the squadron is immense, covering the coast from the California/Oregon boarder south to Morro Bay, over the greater Bay Area and into the expansive labyrinth of the San Joaquin Valley. On any three to four-hour patrol, Aux aircraft will commonly cover upwards of 400 hundred miles or more.

While boating safety is the bottom line, AuxAir supports the DHS mission as well; port and harbor security, environmental protection, ATON verification and especially during winter months, Delta levy, the 50-mile offshore mission, and when called upon, conducting area FAM and VIP transportation. In addition to routine Auxiliary operations, AuxAir participates in the a number of specialized Coast Guard missions such as Rotary Wing Air Intercept (RWAI) training providing target aircraft and flight personnel to assist Coast Guard helo crews maintain skill level and qualification. Other missions include First Light call out and in 2007, NOAA requested Resident Orca observation and recording operations and in mid-2008, SI-TREP (Sighting Report) mission from Sector: More of these mis-sions and other AuxAir operations in forthcoming in North Wind issues. It is the intent of these articles to provide a greater insight of AuxAir operations, recruitment, training and qualification and, to welcome Auxiliarists interested in joining the Aux aviation program. Among the most important operational objectives of the squad-ron is a more integrated association with our surface units in both training and operations. Combining capabilities and operations with surface craft and land mobile should be a District objective and to preface any emergency or terrorist activity; being prepared and ready responsive to work together rather than react should become an imperative full-time goal. ©

Consistent training of air to surface substantiates

aerial photography capability of AuxAir crews

Photo taken from 1,000 feet, 36 miles off Point Sur.

One of a series of photos taken By AuxAir crew of the

�ew Amity foundering on the bar in San Pablo Bay.

Photos supported legal action resulting in fine


I t all started this past April with a visit to the Eureka, Ca. Coast Guard Recruiting Office, along with tours of Group/

Air Station Humboldt Bay and Motor Life Boat Station Hum-boldt Bay. Victoria Stephens, a nineteen year old college freshman from Lakeport, Ca. made a life changing decision, she would join the Coast Guard. After returning home she contacted Richard Thomas, a Lake County Flotilla 88 mem-ber and DSO-PS for D11N. Victoria joined Flotilla 88 immedi-ately and hit the ground running. Betty Strach FC 88 asked me if I would mentor this young member and prospective Coast Guard recruit to attain her auxiliary goal to become crew qualified before signing her enlistment contract. Upon joining the Auxiliary one of the benefits for a young person, aspiring to join the Coast Guard, is training in our boat crew program. If you attain qualification as a Crew you can enter as an E2 and Coxswain qualification will put you in as a E3. Now, all this doesn’t get you a pass of any sort in boot camp but it does get you a higher rate of pay, a leg up on seamanship knowledge, and you start out higher with the potential for promotion sooner. She couldn’t have joined at a more opportunistic time. Flotilla 88 members Betty Strach FC, John Fox, and I were preparing to put on a ground school for members working on their crew qualification. It consisted of five 3 to 4 hour classes that included all the tasks in the crew qualification manual that would be covered in the onshore testing as well as underway tasks. The swim test was completed as well as the 2008 Operations and TCT refresher workshops. Victoria attended every session and you could tell she had studied the material. After completing the ground school we sat down and came up with a plan for accomplishing her crew qualification goal. She had a boating safety class, ICS 100 and 700, 8 hour TCT, one on one mentoring, and underway time to schedule. And, if that was not enough she also wanted to get First Aid and CPR certified. It was early in June when we started on this training plan and to make a long story short all the items were completed by the end of August with the exception of the 8 hour TCT. During that June to August she also endured another 30 hours of one on one mentoring and only she knows how many hours of self study as well as over 60 hours underway that included single boat training, two boat training, and two minor SAR assists while on patrol. She commented to me one day that one morning she woke up and thought she was in the middle of performing a side tow. I don’t doubt it since we must have performed close to fifty tow evolutions while training. Little did she know I had already planned her crew testing as part of a weekend giving her a look at small boat station life at CG Station Noyo River in Ft Bragg. Everything was set for a weekend in September. We would spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Station. Friday morning, shortly after arrival, it was into TCT with personnel from the station. Upon completion we went on a area famili-arization patrol and some joint training. That night Victoria retired to the female duty quarters with Betty Strach and one of the female Coasties on duty at 2200 hours. Saturday was

a full day of training as the station used us for training in vari-ous aspects of their duties. We were fortunate as the ocean had calmed and we had conditions acceptable for my facility and what we wanted to accomplish for the entire weekend. That Saturday evening we did a barbeque for the on duty crew, did some more training, and went with the crew on their 47’ lifeboats for a night patrol and training. We put on breakfast for the duty crew Sunday morning and then a little training before lunch. Then came crunch time the test was up next. The Operations Officer did the shore side testing and quizzed Victoria for about an hour on just about every area of the Auxiliary crew manual tasks. She passed with flying col-ors so it was on to the underway tasks. We spent about an

hour on this part as well. When it was all said and done and the letter signed that she was successful we all breathed a sigh of relief. In our debrief we were all congratulated for bringing a well prepared candidate for testing. After complet-ing the weekend, that Monday, I dropped the paperwork at Diraux and she was good to go on her first patrol as a quali-fied crew that following Saturday. A big thank you goes to the staff at Diraux that made that happen. As of this writing she has just over 30 hours U/W as a Crew. There are three things that I have found to hold true when mentoring a new member: 1. A good mentor is one of the most critical jobs in member-

ship retention. What you do or don’t do as a mentor could lead to a satisfied member that will retain member-ship or they may become inactive and possibly leave the organization.

2. Your candidates test is just as much the mentors test. A good QE will know pretty quick if you’ve presented a pre-pared candidate or a training exercise.

3. As a mentor you gain knowledge and increase your skill level. To top it off you might even create a life long friend.

An Auxiliarist's Journey to Active Duty Article by Jeremiah Collins, Past RCO D11N

Recruiter P.O. 1st Class Jason England,

with Victoria and Jerry Collins



So where is she in the journey now. In mid October she reported to Sacra-mento to MEPS (Military Entry Processing Station) for a physical and to sign a Delayed Entry Enlistment Contract. Her background check and physical came back good and on November 13th I accompanied Victoria

and her parents to the Eureka, Ca. CG Recruiting Office to sign her enlist-ment contract with appropriate addendiums. Victoria will report to Cape May, New Jersey for Coast Guard Boot Camp on 27 Jan 2009. Between now and then we’ll be working on things that will give her a headstart on things she will need to learn. My last 10 months in the Army I performed on the First Cav Drill Team, Color Guard, and burial duty details. Victoria will be learning how to spit-shine boots, perform close order drill, and marching skills. If she gets some of this down maybe it’ll lead to a little less attention from the Company Commander and assistants or it might lead to a little more looking for her to lead, we’ll see. This has been one of the most memorable things I've had the opportuity to perform of all the things I’ve done while a member of the Auxiliary. I wish soon to be Seaman Apprentice Victoria Stephens the best of luck as she heads out on this new path in her life. This young lady is officer material if she chooses to go that route. I told her, "Don’t forget where you started and remember us old guys when you become an OIC down the line". A big BRAVO ZULU for a job well done and a heartfeldt thank you goes out to Flotilla 88 members Betty Strach FC, John Fox, Gary Jolley, Ross Collins, Richard Thomas and Jack Gerhardt for their help in this very wor-thy endeavor.

Victoria and her proud parents

Wayne & Tina Scheidemann

B oats have long been a barometer of consumer confi-dence, disposable income and the overall state of the economy. Marina and harbor officials are reporting a

sudden increase in the past year in the number of deserted pleasure boats and working vessels. Every month sees more junked boats along the San Joaquin River that have been grounded and abandoned illegally. Recreational boating and discretional spending are the first things to go when the economy tanks; it’s more important to put food on the table than pay the boat slip fee. Unlike cars, wooden and fiberglass boats have virtually no scrap value. So rather than pay the high cost of hauling their boats to the dump, people ditch them or sell them for as little as $1 to anyone who will take them. The boats often break up and go under, or pass into the underground economy of night-time scuttlers— who, for a fee, remove traceable identification numbers, strip out salvageable items and sink the vessels— thus allowing oil, gasoline and sewage from these boats to pollute the aquatic environment. Boat paint often contains chromium, lead, mercury and other toxic chemicals, and as a vessel deteriorates, the coating flakes off and settles on the sea floor or river bottom, where fish ingest it. The cost of removing just one sunken sailboat can be $12,000, while removal of larger commercial vessels is even more expensive. With nearly a million registered boats, Cali-fornia—the second-largest boating state behind Florida—spends about $500,000 each year removing deserted recrea-tional boats. The state has no money to remove commercial

boats, and unless they are leaking oil or blocking a navigation channel, the Coast Guard is not required to take them away. High fuel prices and several disastrous years in the nation's fishing industry have led fishermen to abandon their vessels. In many instances putting 500 gallons of fuel in a shrimp or crab boat costs more than the boat is worth.

It's not just barnacle-laden “junkers” that are being aban-doned. In recent months, an increasing number of powerboat and sailboat owners have been failing to pay their slip fees reports Almar Management Inc., a company with 16 luxury marinas in California and Hawaii. When the payments are 40 days delinquent, the marina chains the boat to the dock hop-ing to collect delinquent rental fees. Recently, a boat owner in one of Almar’s Southern California marinas disappeared, leaving behind a $200,000 boat and no contact information. In this economic environment finding a buyer for a power-boat is more difficult than walking-on-water.

Boat owners are illegally abandoning their vessels! Compilation by George C. Knies, DSO-PB

Co-contributor Malia Wollan Associated Press


C WO4 Ken Frost, Operations Training Officer District 11NR, retired from a 30-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard on 31OCT08. A formal retirement ceremony

was conducted at Coast Guard Island in the Point Welcome Room, followed by costume reception at the Berkeley Yacht Club in Berkeley, CA. Observed Angelo Perata DCOS-e 11NR, “As Ken was preparing for his retire-ment, he was in his every-day outfit: slippers, robe, clicker, and broom. He needed instructions in how to use the broom, but was OK on the TV clicker.” An-gelo added “We will miss Ken with his smile and laugh. He was a great help to the Auxiliary, as he was always there for us. Thank you Ken for being Ken.” Mr. Frost was feted by family and friends in both the Gold and Silver sides of the Coast Guard. “The reception after-wards in a gorgeous yacht club with the best view on the Bay,” noted Steve Salmon RCO-MS 11NR.

The Operations Training Officer (OTO) is a training officer assigned to the DIRAUX staff to assist the Director. Usually, this officer is an active duty Chief Warrant Officer Boatswain or Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Frost enlisted in the Coast Guard

in 1978, served afloat and ashore, and attained the rank of Warrant Boatswain (CWO2) in 1992. Ken came aboard as OTO 11NR in August 2005, and has contributed greatly to the operational skill and capability of our members through such things as participating in numer-ous OPTREXs and Patrol Area Coordinators’ meetings, as-sisting the members in upholding training and qualification standards, and lending a willing hand where ever and when-ever it was needed.

“Ken has been an absolute professional. He is not only knowledgeable but also a likeable fellow who understands the complexities of working with a group of high performing volunteers. He possesses a unique sense of humor and is quick to cast a smile when he knows he’s got you. A great friend of the Auxiliary but I consider him a personal friend as well. For many of us he has been a superb mentor, who can be counted upon for reliable and timely advice. We are all better for having known Ken these past few years, “ says Mike Williams DCO-e 11NR.

Fair winds and following seas, Mr. Frost. We thank you for all you’ve done. ©

Retirement ceremony and reception for CWO4 Ken Frost OTO 11�R Bill Kinsey ADSO-PB 11NR

Where’s the money????

Where Old Ships go to Die! Compelation by George C. Knies, DSO-PB

Somewhere off the coast of India tonight, a small flotilla of doomed ships waits for high tide. From the shore,

their forms are silhouetted on the horizon by the moonlight: a super-tanker, warship, car-ferry--nearly 20 in all.

They have come from every corner of the world to this spot. In the morning light, they will fire their engines for

the last time, and hurl themselves onto the beach. Continued next page ►


Welcome to Alang, where old ships go to die.

I spend a lot of time talking about new ships, but today I thought

you might be interested to know about this odd little corner of the

world where so many ships end up, the granddaddy of all ship-

breaking yards.

Alang is first and foremost a beach with an eccentric tidal system--

high tide happens once every 2 weeks. Every high tide brings a new

delivery of old ships, beaching themselves like wayward whales.

When the tide recedes, the workers descend, and the dismantling

begins.

First, everything that can be detached is removed; beds, tables, ov-

ens, carpets. Then the engines are dismantled and removed piece by

piece. Then the hull and body slowly unravel one section at a time,

under the blowtorches of 300 workers.

Ships are built from the bottom up, hull first, but they are chewed

up starting at one end, as taller and taller cross sections are re-

moved. Everything is salvaged--steel, pipes, ducts…everything. Much of what is removed is trucked directly to

customers, and the rest ends up in a string of roadside warehouses near the beach.

Alang is one of the most dangerous

places on Earth to work. Workers are

exposed to hazardous wastes and toxic

gases from the ships they harvest, but the

poor and desperate still flock there for

jobs. As many as 40,000 workers dis-

mantle more than 350 ships per year.

The shipyard discourages visitors, and

photography is forbidden, most likely

due to international concerns about

working conditions. But I've read ac-

counts from eyewitnesses who said the

sight of one massive ship after another

missing one half, insides hanging out, is

both sad and awe-inspiring.


Department of Homeland Security

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

DSO-PB 11 �R

2333 Lariat Lane

Walnut Creek, CA, 94596-6518

USCG Official Aerial view Coast Guard Island, Alameda California

January, 2009

N O R T H W I N DN O R T H W I N DN O R T H W I N DN O R T H W I N D

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