Excellence UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY Honoredauxpa.cgaux.org/Navigator/2005SPRING.pdf ·...

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®SPRING 2005

VOL. 32, NO. 1

ExcellenceHonored

CALIFORNIA FLOTILLA RECEIVES COVETED OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD /SEE PAGE 20

Telephone numbers andaddresses of membersare protected by thePrivacy Act of 1974. As amatter of policy, rostersof names, addresses andtelephone numbers shallnot be made available tothe general public or anyoutside organization.Privacy of all rosters shallbe safeguarded and thepage clearly labeled. The publication of theserosters, addresses andtelephone numbers onany computer on-lineservice including theInternet is prohibited bythe Privacy Act of 1974.

22000055

Keeping Super BowlXXXIX Safer

395-Year-Old Auxiliarist honored

5COMO Seibert

6LCDR Staier, USCG

8N-TRAIN 2005

10Flotilla Members Free UpOver 300 Hours

14Auxiliarists Play Role inSearch and Rescue effort

17Photographic CorpsGrowing, Changing

18

COVER STORY:

In Search of Operational Excellence

20Auxiliarists HelpInauguration Go Smoothly

26Aviation Observers Needed

29Rollin’ on the River

31Reach Out and Touch the Media

34Want to Attend a ‘C’ School?

35BoatU.S. Presents ‘BestFlotilla in the Nation’

38

22 Navigator Spring 2005

Contents

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO

Mike Harris, BC-APN4918 N. Harbor DriveSuite 201San Diego, CA 92106

[email protected]

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ON THE COVERIt’s a USCG Defender, but the crew is all Auxiliary. Flotilla 8-11’s efforts have earned itthe coveted Operational Excellence Award. See Page 20 Photo by Al Pearson, crew trainee

SPRING 2005 VOL. 32, NO. 1

EDITION DEADLINES SUMMER MAY 15

FALL AUGUST 7

WINTER NOVEMBER 1

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CORRECTIONIn the winter issue

of the Navigator thephoto credits for thestory "WelcomingRazorback Home"should have beenattributed to BobDonaldson, 8WRD15 SO-PA.

Spring 2005 Navigator 33

BY ROB WESTCOTTBC-APA (Atlantic East)National Press Corps

Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 6 wasone for the books — the New EnglandPatriots outlasted the PhiladelphiaEagles 24-21 and proved there was anew football dynasty in town.

While thousands of fans watched thebattle raging in Alltel Stadium inJacksonville, Fla., and millions more

viewed the spectacle on television,records were set and history wasmade.

But one thing wasn’t seen by fansand players alike: the enormous effortmade by security personnel — includ-ing Auxiliarists — to make sure SuperBowl XXXIX was played free of any ter-rorist threat.

Auxiliarists arrived in Jacksonvilleon Jan. 31 for Operation Strong Armand were only discharged on Feb. 8

after cruise ships providing accommo-dations for thousands of NFL fans leftthe port.

PART 1 – THE PLANNINGPlanning for Auxiliary participation

began in October 2004. As he had forthe G8 summit in June 2004, EdCallahan RCO-N (D7), headed up

An Auxiliary patrol team joins with a Coast Guard Defender-class boat to escort a power cruiser just before SuperBowl Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. The Auxiliary provided 12 facilities to help with SAR response and to contact theboating public about security zones. Photo by Rob Wescott

SEE SUPER BOWL PG. 4

Keeping Super Bowl XXXIX Safe

Auxiliarists and Their Facilities Help With Security Zones and SAR Response for Super Bowl Safety


Auxiliary efforts. This meant every-thing from determining funding andmanpower allocations from the activeduty, to selecting assets and personnelfor the operation and making suretheir needs were met.

What started as an initial request for42 facilities was reduced to a planinvolving 12 operational facilities.

Because of the more than 40-milewater area of operations (with three offour sectors utilizing Auxiliary assets),Auxiliarists and their facilities had tobe placed in three staging areas — theJacksonville Naval Air Station, a TroutCreek base station, and the MayportCoast Guard Station. Arrangements forhousing, dockage and fuel had to bemade for each location.

A convoy of the majority of assetsand personnel gathered on Jan. 30 inHolly Hill, Fla. for the trip up to NavalAir Station (NAS) Jacksonville, whichhoused the primary operations com-mand site. As Auxiliarist Callahanexplained, “By going in a convoy,Auxiliarists had significant safety andsupport advantages.”

A TEAM WITHIN A TEAMAfter processing at the NAS the

Auxiliary, Operation Strong Arm teammet with Rear Commodore Callahanand received their area of responsibili-ty (AOR). They received their shift asassignments and then launched theirfacilities.

An orientation run followed. Withfacilities placed in their AOR, the teamwas now ready to integrate with otherunits.

On Feb. 2, all hands involved in theoperation met for an operations brief-ing. They also received handheldtransceivers for the operation. Missionand safety zone details were presentedand clarified.

The Auxiliary contingent was now ateam within a much larger team andoperations were about to begin.Throughout the mission Auxiliaristswould work hand-in-hand with CoastGuard and other agency assets andpersonnel.

Charged with protecting the public(and in the case of the Auxiliary, being

eyes and ears and safety ambassadors)it should have been no surprise thatAuxiliary vehicles were checked bysecurity staff on entrance to NASJacksonville.

The rooms of Operation Strong Armparticipants received a thorough “sniff-down” by Military Watch Dog (MWD)“Caesar” before the mission hit primetime. No bombs or explosives werefound, although Caesar took someextra time sniffing the chocolate chipand Oreo cookies in one Auxiliarists’room.

FAIR WEATHER SAILORS NEED NOT APPLY

For the three of the first four days ofOperation Strong Arm, rain, cold, windand fog were the regular companionsof the mission. Visibility at times wasminimal in the fog.

Cabins and canvas were as preciousas gold; Mustang suits, float coats andthermals were the order of the day.

Safety was paramount throughoutthe mission. Although two other agen-cies each experienced a seriousmishap, no Auxiliary facilities weredamaged or personnel injured.

RISING TO THE TASKAuxiliary assets and personnel per-

formed a variety of tasks. In the sectors manned by Auxiliary

facilities, civilian boaters and commer-cial craft were informed of securityzones and rules and were advised howto make proper contact for permissionto traverse restricted areas.

“Mostly what we did was to educatethe public on security zones,” AuxiliaryCoxswain Gary Ford said.

Auxiliarists served as eyes and earsfor other agencies, contacting MarineOperations when there was question-able or suspicious activity.

In one sector, Auxiliary facilities fer-ried Coast Guard boarding teams fromships they had boarded back to theirstaging area, and then back to GroupMayport.

A RICH EXPERIENCE AND GRACIOUS HOSTS

Auxiliary Coxswain Bruce Cardsummed up the feelings of theAuxiliary contingent when heremarked that, “It’s a good challenge.It gives you a chance to put whatyou’ve learned to use.”

Outside their well-known normalareas of operation, Auxiliarists reliedon the navigation skills they hadlearned in coxswain and specialtycourse training.

Coast Guard active duty personnelwent out of their way to thankAuxiliarists for their participation andto provide assistance as needed.

John McKinley, Auxiliary Coxswainof facility Nepenthe, was quick to givekudos to Coast Guard MK3 Moorerand MK2 Caban. Moorer and Cabaneagerly came to the aid of McKinleywhen the steering cable of his 25-footArcadia inboard broke. As soon as the

SUMMARY OF AUXILIARY ACTIVITY AT SUPER BOWL XXXIXPersonnel: 24 Auxiliary vessel operators and crew.

Facilities: 12 Auxiliary vessels.

Number of patrols: 69, which totaled 552 patrol hours over six days.

Stand-by: Auxiliarists stood 752 hours of one-hour recall over the six-dayperiod.

Total hours away from home for Auxiliarists: 5,544 hours over 10 days(includes travel).

Land Support: One Auxiliary driver that drove for a total of 1626 miles.

SUPER BOWLcontinued from page 3

SEE SUPER BOWL PG. 5


is the official magazine of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

www.cgaux.orgEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

National Commodore

COMO Gene M. Seibert, NACONational Vice Commodore

COMO Steven M. Budar, NAVCONational Area Commodore - Atlantic East

COMO Nicholas Kerrigan, ARCO-A(E)National Area Commodore - Atlantic West

COMO Kenneth J. Koeppen, ARCO-A(W)National Area Commodore - Pacific

COMO Dan F. Neiderhiser, ARCO-PImmediate Past National Commodore

COMO E.W. (Bill) Edgerton,IPNACOChief Director of the Auxiliary

CAPT Barry P. Smith USCG

DIRECTORATE COMMODORES

National Directorate Commodore for Operations and Marine SafetyCOMO Helmut Hurtle, NADCO-OMS

National Directorate Commodore for Member ServicesCOMO Fred Gates, NADCO-MS

National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating SafetyCOMO Warren E. McAdams, NADCO-RBS

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Department ChiefNick Tarlson, DC-A

Editor, NavigatorMike Harris, BC-APN

Copyright 2005Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

All rights are reserved. No portion of thispublication can be copied or otherwise beused without written permission of the editor.NAVIGATOR is an official informationaland educational tool for the U.S. CoastGuard Auxiliary and is intended as a training vehicle and publication to keepthe membership and the U.S. Coast Guardapprised of the activities of the Auxiliary.Accordingly, all articles published in NAVIGATOR must be consistent with thestated policies of the U.S. Coast Guard andthe U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. All articlesand pictures submitted to NAVIGATOR become the property of the Coast GuardAuxiliary Association, Inc.

NavigatorMore Than 5,900 Vessel Inspections95-YEAR-OLD AUXILIARIST HONORED FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

Auxiliarist Leonard Lesnik, of North Palm Beach, Fla., member of U.S. CoastGuard Flotilla 52 of Jupiter, Fla. for the past 29 years, was honored Feb. 17 forhis dedicated service to the boating public. Between 1989 to1999, Lesnik had inexcess of 5,900 vessel inspections under his belt and has kept at it ever since.

parts were secured, they made the need-ed repairs, and their vessel was back onthe water.

Jacksonville firefighters from Station38 (Trout River) were praised byAuxiliarists McKinley, and Gary Ford(Coxswain, Auxiliary facility Sand-Castle) for their gracious hospitalitytowards the Auxiliarists operating outof their station.

“I was very impressed with the hospi-tality of the Navy Lodge and MulberryCove Marina staffs. They were morethan accommodating and willing tohelp in any way,” said Sue Smith Flotilla45 Commander.

“This operation was so huge, and Iwas honored to have been a part of it,”said Smith.

In addition, Coast Guard StationMayport requested Division 14 (D7) ofJacksonville, Fla. to cover all SAR activi-ty in their AOR from the period of Jan.29 to Feb. 8.

Division 14 provided eight opera-tional facilities on bravo-zero statuswith some at the Mayport Station. Allmembers that participated were certi-fied Marine Security (MARSEC) level3. All had undergone five months ofspecial training at Station Mayport.Through the program, all of the MAR-SEC 3 certified members achievedFIRST RESPONDER medical trainingstatus.

SUPER BOWLcontinued from page 4

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It has been about three and-a-halfyears since 9/11 and the global war onterrorism officially began shortlythereafter. Soon we will, as a nation, befighting a conflict that has lastedlonger than World War I and WorldWar II. An important question hasbeen asked: Are we succeeding in thisglobal war on terrorism?

If success is measured in terms of“have there been an additional terroristattacks on our shores?” the answer is -yes - we have been successful. We arestanding the watch and continue to riseto the occasion each and every day.

From the container ships to the com-munications center, Auxiliarists all overthe country are meeting and oftenexceeding the needs of the CoastGuard. We have become an integral partof the fabric of the shield of freedom.

I am proud of what we do and whatwe’ve done, not just in our new home-land security related tasks, but in ourtraditional RBS missions as well. We’vestretched ourselves and have success-fully risen to the occasion again andagain. While we should take a measureof satisfaction in our success, we mustremain diligent and be careful to notfall victim to complacency, or becometoo comfortable with our success.

Exactly what is complacency? In hisbook, The Leadership Secrets of ColinPowell, Oren Harari calls complacency“ ... an organizational virus. Leftunchecked, it gradually immobilizespeople.” Harari argues that eventually,when left unchecked, complacency canmorph into more deadly organizationaldiseases like delusion, arrogance, or afeeling of invincibility.

What are some of the ramificationsof complacency? In short, complacencyresults in sub-optimum decisions.Some of the more obvious conse-quences include:

● waiting on PSI clearance onprospective members beforeengaging them in member trainingand other flotilla activities,

● only teaching BS&S when theboating public wants shorter cours-es, or a choice between multi-les-son or one-day courses.

● when an experienced VesselExaminer neglects to check theboat’s ventilation system while per-forming a Vessel Safety Check,

● when a coxswain or a pilot neglectsto run through a pre-underwaychecklist, or no longer perceivesthe urgency and importance of themission.

The NextChallenge:

COMBATING COMPLACENCYCOMPLACENCY: Quiet satisfaction; contentment,

often self-satisfaction, or smugness.

The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger. - SHAKESPEARE

COMMODORE

GENE M. SEIBERTNATIONAL

COMMODORE

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● taking the attitude of “wait and see,” or“this has been tried before without suc-cess, did not work then, and will notwork now,” instead of taking a pro-active posture and helping to makethings happen.

While our member training programsand required annual workshops aredesigned to avoid these obvious examplesof complacency, the dangers of complacen-cy go far beyond those examples.

Much like a water-laden log lying justbelow the surface, complacency is a vulner-ability lurking just out of sight, always anever-present danger. Just as a complacentlookout can result in a steering or propcasualty, a similar disaster can befall anorganization that becomes complacent - wecan be sent out of control, without poweror direction, or even worse - someone mayperish.

The true danger of complacency is thatwhen we become complacent, the fabric ofthe shield of freedom begins to tear away.When we’re complacent, we fail to noticethat boat anchored near a power plant, orneglect to notice that a crew member whodoesn’t have their PFD zipped up whilehandling lines on the bow. In short, com-placency undermines our commitment toexcellence and renders us ineffective bysimply going through the motions, withouta sense of mission or purpose.

How do we combat complacency?Complacency is defeated by effective lead-ership at every level (and all of us areleaders to one degree or another). Weneed leaders who can “see around cor-ners,” are constantly challenging the sta-tus quo, looking for better ways to dothings, and learning to be “agents ofchange.” They challenge smugness and

arrogance, and have a healthy dose ofskepticism blended with an ample amountof optimism.

Moreover, we need leaders who ask thetough questions that keep everyone ontheir toes. These leaders are not afraid ofwhat Colin Powell calls “the untidy truth.”According to Powell, “untidy truth is betterthan smooth lies that unravel in the endanyway.”

Avoiding complacency requires sus-tained focus over the long haul. However,we must also be good stewards of ourassets and personnel, as burnout can oftenbecome an unnecessary casualty of sus-tained vigilance. Moreover, we mustremain flexible and yet maintain a delicatebalance between our traditional missionsand our new homeland security relatedduties.

It has often been said, “Change isinevitable. Growth is optional.” We canthink of complacency as change withoutgrowth, either as a person or as an organi-zation. When change occurs without cor-responding growth, we can become weakand ineffective, and possibly even perish.

It is our duty - each of us, not just theleadership - to motivate others and keepthem vigilant and focused and avoid com-placency. By maintaining a focused, sus-tained, and vigilant force, we remain aneffective deterrent to terrorism and arethus a significant component in the shieldof freedom.

While it is tempting to revel in our suc-cesses thus far, we must avoid the tempta-tion for it is the sustained lifesaving vigi-lance, in recreational boating safety orsecurity missions, which will hold safe thecitizens of this nation for generations tocome. U

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(Editor’s note: As his tour of duty inthe Chief Director’s of fice winds down,LCDR Mike Staier reflects on what’sbeen accomplished in air and surfaceoperations during his tour).

In the summer 2002 issue of theNavigator, I wrote an article afterbeing the Auxiliary Air Branch Chieffor three months. I outlined somegoals and a timeline for reachingthose goals.

While it quickly became apparentthat the timeline was a bit aggressive,we were able to accomplish manyprojects that I think have set theAuxiliary OPs program up for contin-ued success. Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE) and outdated policyguidance required much attention fol-lowed closely by Standard AuxiliaryMaintenance Allowance (SAMA) andoperational standardization.

My goal in this article is two-fold:first, I’d like to recap some of ourmajor successes over the past threeyears and set the framework for thefuture of the OPs programs, and I’dlike to express my sincere gratitude forthe personal and professional growthyou’ve afforded me during this tour.

I walked in the door of G-OCXknowing only a very small piece ofAuxiliary operations in the form ofD1’s Auxiliary air program. As myresponsibilities ramped up and ourstaff size decreased, I learned moreand more what the Auxiliary opera-tions program was all about, primari-ly under the tutelage ofCommodore’s George Jeandheur andBob Colby; the OPs Deputy at thetime, Linda Nelson and the AviationBranch Chief, Jim Jacobsen.

While some of these folks havemoved on, they’ve been replaced byvery talented folks such asCommodore Helmut Hertle, DaveElliot, Bob Shafer, Mark Simoni, andNed Kreoker, and of course Lindahas moved up into the OPsDepartment Chief position. The tire-less work of Chuck Stakus and BobPlatt has truly been invaluable.

AIR PROGRAMEarly effort focused primarily on

the Auxiliary Air program because Ihad not yet assumed the duties of theentire OPs program. We were on thebackside of a fatal Auxiliary airmishap and I and others were verymotivated not to let the sacrifice ofthese Auxiliary aviators and theirfamilies be in vain. Through theCommandant’s Aviation Safety Board(CASB) process, we took the oppor-tunity to thoroughly review not onlythe details surrounding this accident,but the entire Auxiliary air program.

What we found, in short, was aneed to focus on standardization andthe need to understand that there’s areal difference between flying the typ-ical FAA-type profile and flying CoastGuard-assigned missions and set thegoverning policies accordingly.

This realization has led to severalthings including: the two-pilot ruleand the later modification of thisrule, the creation of the Auxiliary AirStandardization Team which led to,among other things, standardized syl-labi, improved language in theAuxiliary OPs Policy Manual and amuch improved Auxiliary AirTraining Manual, now under contractand due out in July 2005.

LCDR

MIKE STAIERCHIEF DIRECTOR’S

OPERATIONS DIVISION CHIEF

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A Look Back, a Guide Ahead

A PARTING SHOT FROM THE CHIEF DIRECTOR’S OPERATIONS DIVISION CHIEF

SURFACE PROGRAMThere are many similarities

between the surface and air sides ofthe house. One main difference, how-ever, is that safety and standardiza-tion policy shortcomings are oftenmore costly and dramatic on the airside than the surface side.Nonetheless, safe and standardizedsurface operations are critical tomany missions and of course to theoperators themselves.

With this in mind, the SurfaceStandardization Team has recentlybeen created. Like the air side stan-dardization team, this team is respon-sible for reviewing current policy andrecommending future policy to enableus to have a safer, more standardizedsurface OPs program. I have had thegreat fortune of working with threesuperb Master Chiefs during my tour.These include MCPO Dale Potvin,MCPO Glenn Wilson and MCPOGary Jensen. Chief John Dingley, ahighly motivated individual, will bejoining our OCX team this summer.

I think our greatest achievementsfrom the G-OCX perspective havebeen the attainment of PPE fundingthrough efforts led by our Deputy,CDR Chris Olin; input to the AuxiliaryManual and toward the PersonnelSecurity Program and the progresswe’ve made in climbing the hilltoward a fully funded SAMA program.Also, the creation of the AuxiliaryCutterman’s program, OperationalExcellence program, the PersonalWater Craft program, updating theAuxiliary Boatcrew Training manualand OPs policy manual, the brief butsuccessful use of Utility Boat, Light -Temporary (UTL-Ts) and the kick-offof a Paddlecraft pilot program haveheadlined surface OPs successes.

THE FUTURE Where do we go from here? We

have laid solid groundwork for con-ducting safe operations in theAuxiliary. The way ahead includesgetting the most out of our standardi-zation teams, branching out into newareas of operations and leveragingexisting and creating new technolo-gies to better enable us to supportcurrent and future missions.

The question of how to managegrowth so we can meet the needs ofthe public and the Coast Guard is awork in progress. We have to balancethe requirements of each program(CG need, currency maintenance,etc.) with available and future fund-ing. This is no small challenge. Whatdo we do when we have a motivatedpotential new member, but lackresources to train or keep them cur-rent? What is the right size of ouroperational fleet?

THANKS TO YOULet me close by sincerely thanking

you, the members, and the previousand current National Staff. I havelearned so much about what it takes tobe a volunteer; the drive, the motiva-tion, the resources and the love ofCountry and service. I am in completeawe of you and the effort you put intothe Auxiliary organization and the sup-port of Coast Guard missions. I corre-spond with you during all hours of theday, night and weekends and feel thesatisfaction of doing my job well. Butwait, I’m getting paid for this!

You are initiating and replying tocorrespondence, teaching classes,visiting dealers, supporting units,patrolling the skies, waterways andradio waves on your own time and inmost cases on your own nickelIncredible! Farewell; bask in theglory of your successes, learn andgrow from the rough patches, andknow that the Coast Guard absolute-ly could not do it without you!


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N-TRAIN 2005:

Charting the Course for the Auxiliary’s Future

BY ED SWEENEYDC-Ad

It is common knowledge that a savvynavigator plans in advance and lays outa course for the upcoming cruise.

In a similar fashion, the NationalExecutive Committee, district com-modores, and select members of thenational staff, along with selected dis-trict staff officers (DSOs), gatheredrecently in St. Louis, Mo. for theNational Training Conference (N-TRAIN).

At the conference, plans were maderegarding the direction of theAuxiliary for the year ahead. DSOsarmed themselves with knowledge andinformation to train their colleaguesback in their respective districts.

“The theme of this year’s N-TRAINwas Maritime Domain Awareness(MDA),” said National CommodoreGene Seibert. He noted that this wouldbe a continued area of emphasis forthe foreseeable future.

Seibert continued, “I want to discusssomething I feel is very important,something that binds us together in acommon cause and makes us who andwhat we are.

“For 65 years, the Auxiliary hasdone the tasks assigned to it by theCoast Guard. We’ve done them well.We know that and so does the CoastGuard,” he said. Seibert then summa-rized all of the various types missionsAuxiliarists perform throughout theyear.

“We’ve been there, done that anddone it again and again — and we’llkeep doing it, training, patrols, class-

room or administrative tasks, hum-drum or crashing reality, becausethat’s what we do. It’s what the CoastGuard expects us to do and moreimportantly, it’s what we expect us todo,” he said.

Even more will be expected ofAuxiliarists, Seibert said.

“One of those tasks, Marine DomainAwareness, is a lot like the mythicalbird, the Phoenix, which never diesbut rises up again and again from itsashes, renewed,” he continued. “ThePhoenix flies far ahead to the front,always scanning the landscape and dis-

tant space.“It represents our capacity for vision,

for collecting sensory informationabout our environment and the eventsunfolding within it,” he said.

Seibert stated, “We are the first line.We are out there, doing what wealways do but with an added responsi-bility to help safeguard lives, propertyand our nation from further terroristthreat.”

However, in winding up his remarks,Seibert urged the membership toremain vigilant, and cautioned them toavoid the natural tendency to be com-

National Commodore Gene M. Seibert urged N-TRAIN attendees to remainvigilant in their duties. Photo by Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP


placent and comfortable, and to makeour missions routine.

“We have come a long way. We haveset our direction, we have charted ourcourse. Now the race is on,” Seibertsaid, “and with your and our member-ship’s commitment and continued sup-port, we will, as we have for the past 65years, contribute to the safety andsecurity of our nation.”

Capt. Barry Smith, CHDIRAUX,promised that he or members of theChief Director’s staff will be attendingthe district conferences to help workon such issues as the StandardAuxiliary Maintenance Allowance(SAMA), UTL-T issues, District budgetmodels, fuel issues, PSI, and uniformissues. “We on the Gold Side are dedi-cated to supporting the Auxiliary,” hesaid.

Rear Adm. David Kunkel, Director ofOperations Capabilities (G-OC),addressed the assembly saying “Onbehalf of Adm. Collins, I’d like to thankthe Auxiliary for a job well done last

year.” He further complimented theAuxiliary for their continued emphasison training, which of course is thefocal point of N-TRAIN.

Kunkel said his previous associationwith the Auxiliary had been positive.He cited his experience with theAuxiliary while serving at GroupAstoria. He recalled a special eventwhere the active duty had assembledall their forces around buoy 10 for anannual fishing tournament, and notedthat their forces were not sufficient.“We needed help, and the Auxiliarywas there,” he said.

Kunkel said that “from Adm. Collinson down, we realize and appreciatewhat the Auxiliary does for the GoldSide in support of Maritime Security.

“In the aviation community we trainand train for the unexpected. This issimilar to what you are doing here atN-TRAIN,” said Kunkel.

He praised the newly created AUX-15Auxiliary liaison officers course as anexcellent example of this dedication.

“Although there is still work to bedone, the successful partnering ofAuxiliary and active duty aviationresources into one community hasbeen accomplished,” he said.

Kunkel praised these and otherAuxiliary training programs that willprovide great training opportunities,including such topics as America’sWaterway Watch program coming upin Orlando, Fla. to RBS Program visitortraining and testing available online.

“The combination of these and othertraining topics with other recruitingand retention efforts, leads to overallAuxiliary capability to support a fullspectrum of authorized Coast Guardmissions,” he said.

“Retaining and recruiting the rightpeople and giving them the right toolsto do their job effectively is a forcemultiplier for the Coast Guard,” saidKunkel.

This year’s N-TRAIN conference included a display of equipment available to Auxiliary members. Photo by Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP

SEE N-TRAIN PG. 12


He said that in an age of competingprojects, such as Deepwater, MDA,etc. “It is a comforting thought that Iwork with a 32,000 member volunteerorganization capable of providing sucha wide range of services. You make myjob of providing the Coast Guard withrelevant capabilities that much easier.”

Rear Adm. James C. Van Sice, direc-tor of reserve and training, addressedthe assembly, which featured a discus-sion and PowerPoint presentationhighlighting “the way ahead.”

Van Sice recounted the differencesbetween the Coast Guard and theother services. With pride he statedthat in the Coast Guard, personnel areusually asked to do more at everylevel. “We often ask the impossible. Itdoesn’t stop. We ask a lot of you,whether you wear silver or gold, andwe ask a lot of you whether you’restarting out, or whether you’ve beendoing it for awhile.

“One of the things I’m particularlyproud of when I talk to myDepartment of Defense brethren is ourCoast Guard Auxiliary,” continued VanSice. “When I tell them that we haveapproximately 32,000 members whovolunteer their time without pay andassist us in performing our missions,frankly their jaws drop. They wouldlike to know how we (the CoastGuard) do that. I am proud of that affil-iation, and to tell the Auxiliary storyinside the Pentagon. And it gets theattention of senior leaders there.”

Van Sice went on to say that “In cer-tain regions, if you were to be rescuedby ‘the Coast Guard,’ for instance onthe Ohio River, there is almost nochance of the rescuer’s shoulderboards being gold. Contributions madeby Auxiliarists throughout the heart-land are phenomenal.”

Furthermore Van Sice said, “In anycase, I’d like to express my personalthanks for all that the Auxiliary doeseach day in support of active dutytraining effort. We are in a rapidlychanging training environment. It istransformational.”

He commended the Auxiliary fortheir unselfish contributions to theAcademy Introduction Mission (AIM)

program. “People who go to AIM — 60percent turn into completed applica-tions. “It is, by far, our best recruitingtool for the Coast Guard Academy andour best tool for finding the CoastGuard officers we need for the future.It is a proven program,” he said.

Van Sice stated that one of ourbiggest challenges ahead will be todevelop e-learning and e-testing capa-bilities that support all members ofTeam Coast Guard.

“This is a Commandant mandate,and is an important initiative in linewith the Commandant’s watch wordsof readiness, people, and stewardship,”he said. He commended the TrainingDepartment’s emphasis on e-learningtechnologies, and for their extensivesupport of active duty training pro-grams.

“The way ahead for transforming tra-ditional training to state of the art tonew e-learning and e-testing will taketime. But we are on our way as anorganization, with the Auxiliary as akey component of our development

and implement strategy,” he said. Van Sice suggested the Auxiliary

explore an e-learning group that wouldmeet every six months to share suc-cess: “Let’s capitalize on our collectivebrain power and advance this partner-ship quickly and effectively.

“Your broad based talent and expert-ise have enabled us to ratchet up itsreadiness posture, continued Van Sice.“Let’s keep finding ways to worktogether to combine our expertise,passion and spirit. The potential impactis significant.”

“Commodore Seibert’s watchwordsof ready, responsive, and resolute aremost fitting for ‘the way ahead.’ I lookforward to continuing my involvementwith the Auxiliary as I assume my newrole as Superintendent at the CoastGuard Academy. I want to personallythank you for the dedication, pride andpatriotism you display with your self-less devotion,” he said.

In summation, Van Sice said, “TheCoast Guard and the United States ofAmerica need the assets and capabili-

Capt. Barry Smith, CHDIRAUX, promised that he or members of the chiefdirector’s staff will be attending district conferences to help work outissues. Photo by Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP

N-TRAINcontinued from page 11


ties of the world’s finest and most dedi-cated volunteer organization. Togetherwe have and will accomplish much.”

Another upcoming challenge, for theactive duty side and Auxiliary alike, isthe concept of sectorization. Capt.Dean Lee, Chief – Boat Forces, led adiscussion on what he called “Sector101.”

Lee described “sectorization” as the

end of marine safety (M) and opera-tions (O) as we know it. “It’s aboutbringing together human resources,logistics, and assets/resources.Basically the sector concept makessense.”

Lee stated that the “sectorization”plan calls for combining the existing 43Groups with the existing 52 MarineSafety Offices (MSOs) into approxi-

mately 40 sectors. Sectors will resem-ble somewhat the concept of“Activities” that were in place in NewYork, Baltimore, and San Diego.

“The sectorization process will takeplace over the next two years.” saidLee. “Even though this greatly reducesthe number of command billets in theCoast Guard, it still makes good busi-ness sense.”

Lee described the sector as havingthree departments of sort: (1) preven-tion; (2) response; and (3) logistics.

“Many, but not all of the MSO mis-sions have been prevention, and manybut not all of the groups’ missions havebeen response,” said Lee. “What sec-tors basically will do is categorize per-sonnel and assets into prevention,response, or logistics activities/mis-sions. The sector is process based, notprogram based.”

The sector concept represents amajor cultural change, said Lee.

“Each side (M and O) initially thinksthey’re losing something,” he added.“In order for this to succeed, we’regoing to need great leadership. Therbottom line is, sectors are all aboutcommand and control, and no CoastGuard-owned facilities will be lost.”

Lee also noted the Auxiliary will playa key role in the sector concept.

“There will be a senior-levelAuxiliarist working with the sectorcommander. We are currently refiningtheir duties and responsibilities. Butyou can rest assured; the Auxiliary willbe a key component in the overall suc-cess of sectors,” he said.

“Bear with us,” Lee asked, “Therewill be kinks that need to be ironedout. I am asking you as Auxiliarists totry to understanding the changingroles that sectors will bring.”

In sum, Lee asked the Auxiliary to“think outside the box and be a disci-ple of sectors.” Moreover, he conclud-ed by asking the Auxiliary’s seniorleadership to begin now to realignthemselves to better integrate them-selves into the sector structure.

For more information from thedepartments, visithttp://www.auxpa.org/ntrain05 . Foradditional N-TRAIN coverage, includ-ing photos and more articles, visithttp://teamcoastguard.org/2005/NTrain05/NTrain05.htm .

Dick Clinchy, DC-E, offered seminar attendees some of the latest thinkingabout public education. Photo by Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP

Karel Kester receives a Trident award from Commander Suzanne Engelbertfrom MSO St. Louis. Photo by Ed Sweeney, DC-Ad

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When they are not flying,the active duty workforce isfully employed with HU-25 andHH-60 maintenance responsi-bilities. The regular presenceof trained volunteers toassume critically importantadministrative functions hashad an extremely positiveeffect on aircraft and crewreadiness postures.

Working together in cohe-sive teams, Auxiliary volun-teers dedicate as much as 15hours per week to administra-tive tasks related to aircraftmaintenance.

One of the first and most suc-cessful projects this team tookon was the monthly audit of theaircraft maintenance logbooksfor the eight aircraft assignedto Air Station Cape Cod.

Working teams of two, theseAuxiliarists compared the com-puter printed configurationreports of all installed compo-nents to the detailed compo-nent history reports. Ensuringthat the lists of installed com-ponents matched the compo-nent history reports was anarduous task requiring greatattention to detail.

An accurately performedlogbook audit required thateach component be crosschecked for the proper serialnumber and part numberagainst two computer generat-ed reports for all major air-frame and engine instillations.With over 240 such compo-nents per aircraft, this monthlyreview normally consumeseight to ten man hours permonth.

Another vital maintenancesupport role that theAuxiliary recently performedwas a comprehensive audit ofthe technical publicationslibrary.

Semi-annual audits of thetechnical publications libraryare required to ensure thatvital technical publications areupdated with the latest revi-sions. Not only did the dedi-cated Auxiliary team completethe audit, they also performedseveral page changes to air-craft technical manuals thatare used by technicians on aregular basis.

The Auxiliary team drew

Valued ServiceFlotilla Members Free Up More than

300 Active Duty Man Hours at CGAS Cape Cod, Mass.

CAPE COD-Members of Auxiliary Flotilla11-08 D1NR just surpassed the one year mile-stone in their volunteer service to CoastGuard Air Station Cape Cod.

A dedicated team of seven Auxilarists hasbeen providing an extremely valuable servicein the Aviation Engineering Department ofAir Station Cape Cod since November 2003.

By performing administrative tasks, whichrequire meticulous attention to detail and fre-quent repetition, they freed up over 300 workhours that would have otherwise been a bur-den on the over tasked active duty workforce.

Aircraft maintenance technicians, who alsoserve as flight crewmembers, are frequentlytask-saturated with flying duties related tosearch and rescue, law enforcement, andHomeland Security missions.

SEE SERVICE PG. 16


“On several occasions leaving together late, Emile, Neil, and I would stop and linger

around the aircraft ... no one around. We had the place all to ourselves. A common feeling we

spoke about was how accepted we were by the crew. While I shared the feeling, I was amazed

listening to these two men who have given so much of themselves and their lives to our country,

speak about how the Air Station crews felt about us, went out of there way to talk to us,

and to say how much they appreciated our efforts. We would talk about how fortunate and

how honored we were to be part of such a special and dedicated effort. In those quiet

moments of reflection under the strong hanger lights, we three knew we were part

of Team Coast Guard, and how lucky we were to still be able to contribute.

I knew this was true in my heart, but I never thought about saying it out loud.

No paycheck could ever be greater.”

- PAUL NEVOSH, FLOTILLA 11-08 D1NR

Flotilla 11-08 members (from left to right) Steve Cochran, Neil Maher and Paul Nevosh, team leader, are seen doingthe monthly aviation computerized maintenance (ACMS) logbook reviews for CGAS Cape Cod. Photo by Lt. Nelson Brandt


from their diverse work experience todevelop processes that increased theefficiency of each hour dedicated toadministrative actions. In the classiccase of working smarter to avoid theneed to work harder, they created aphotographic archive of all toolsrequiring calibration and catalogedthem in an easy to use binder. Thismade tracking tool locations and cali-bration intervals much easier.

With aircraft tools and avionics testsets distributed among five differentshops and two separate hangars, theAuxiliary team had a daunting taskahead of them.

Fortunately, their previous workexperience lent itself well to the ardu-ous task and they made greatprogress. One of their first initiativeswas to catalog each tool according toits location and function in a bindercomplete with digital photographswhich they took themselves. Thisgreatly eased the burden of sortingthrough the Precision MeasurementEquipment Lab (PMEL) report whichlists the items that were due for cali-bration.

By relieving active duty members ofcertain administrative functions, theAuxiliary team has significantlyenhanced productivity and morale.Auxiliary members committed over400 hours in direct support of aviationmaintenance activities. Representing asignificant departure from the tradi-tional uses of Auxiliary members at airstations, the innovative managementpractices of this Auxiliary team madeit possible for active duty members tobe relieved of support roles andassigned to maintenance or flightrelated tasks.

This was only possible because thehighly talented Auxiliary team gainedthe skill and ability to act autonomous-ly within the scope of their responsibil-ities after receiving initial training andguidance from active duty members.

The Auxiliary members also repre-sent a degree of continuity that, as aresult of frequent job rotations withinthe enlisted workforce, has historicallyresulted in frequent learning curves.Realizing the impact of their commit-ment, technicians on the hangar deckaccept the Auxiliary members as partof the team that makes Air StationCape Cod one of the best units in theCoast Guard.

“Please accept my gratitude for the outstanding

support you provided this command over

the past year. By working in support

of the Aviation EngineeringDepartment, you enabled

my active duty workforce tofocus on projects requiring

their specialized technicalskill and training.

While administrative roles are still vital to

the efficient operation of any organization,

they are among the first tobe neglected during periods

of heavy workload. Your assistance to ourorganization assured

this would not be the case here.”

–– CCAAPPTT DDAAVVIIDD SS.. BBRRIIMMBBLLEECCOOMMCCoommmmaannddiinngg OOffffiicceerr

CCGGAASS CCaappee CCoodd

SERVICEcontinued from page 14

Paul Nevosh, Neil Maher and Steve Cochran stand in front of some of theaircraft at CGAS Cape Cod for which they review maintenance logbooks. Photo by Lt. Nelson Brandt

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BY ROB WESTCOTTBC-APA (Atlantic East)National Press Corps

Four Coast Guard Auxiliary airmenfrom Auxiliary Flotilla 44 D7 inDaytona Beach, Fla., on their way backfrom training at Air Station Savannah,played a key role in the search and res-cue of a downed plane near Brunswick,Ga. on Sunday Feb. 14.

“We had just clicked off from HunterField Tower,” remarked Mike RenuartBC-OAC/FE, an aircraft commanderand member of the Flotilla 44 crew.Savannah Approach Control, Renuartsaid, alerted the Auxiliary Aircraft thatthere was a report of a downed plane20 miles from their location and toldthe Auxiliarists, “We need your help.”

Aircrew member Gary Ford, whomanned the aircraft VHF radio for thisSAR, commented, “We found that guyso fast it went bing, bang, boom,” andnoted that the Auxiliary aircraft onlymade one turn before coming on thedowned plane.

“We didn’t even have time to start a

SAR (search and rescue) pattern,”Ford said.

Involvement of the Auxiliary facilityat an early stage of this search camefrom a subtle nuance of procedure,which had been a part of the weekendtraining for the Auxiliarists.

By identifying itself as an Auxiliaryfacility rather than by civilian identifica-tion to the Savannah Approach Control,“The facility was immediately seen bythe controller as a SAR resource, andasked to participate in the search,”commented crewmember and aircraftcommander Joe Friend.

The speed in which the facility locat-ed the downed Piper Cub amazedFriend, who stated it was his first findin flying six years with the Civil AirPatrol as well as flying with theAuxiliary. “It was too easy,” said Friend.

Given word from the pilot of thedowned yellow and orange “Cub” thathis plane was in a large marshy areafrom which a bridge and two towerscould be seen, the Auxiliary facility wasquickly able to locate the downed craft.

The crew was relieved to see its pilot,

David Johnson, waving his arms to thecircling facility, indicating he had sur-vived the rough and unplanned landingof his 1940s-era aircraft. Johnson, aNorth Carolinian, received only minorinjuries.

“Crew resource management playedan important part in this efficient andproductive mission,” remarkedRenuart. While pilot and aircraft com-mander David Lloyd manned the con-trols, Friend plotted course and posi-tions, and Renuart and Ford mannedthe radios and kept a lookout for thedowned plane.

With the Auxiliary facility circlingoverhead, an H-65 rescue helicopter,piloted by Lieutenant Commander TimSchang from Air Station Savannah, wasquickly dispatched to rescue thedowned pilot.

“SARs,” said Renuart, “are never pre-dictable.” This one, the veteran pilotremarked, “was a textbook thing.”

“It was the perfect conclusion to asuperb training weekend. Putting train-ing into practice is what it’s all about,”he said.

‘We Need Your Help’Auxiliarists Play Key Role in Search and Rescue of Downed Aircraft

Left: Coast GuardAuxiliarists (from left toright) Gary Ford, air crewspecialist; David Lloyd, air-craft commander; MikeRenuart, aircraft command-er; and Joe Friend, aircraftcommander. Above: A PiperCub can be seen lying onit’s back after forced land-ing in Georgia marsh grass.Photos by Joe Friend

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BY ED SWEENEYDC-Ad

The Department of Public Affairs formed thePhotographic Corps in 2004, with the intent ofmaking skilled photographers available to boththe Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Coast Guard.

“Our goal in forming the Photographic Corps istwofold,” according to Nick Tarlson, DepartmentChief – Public Affairs. “First, to increase both thequantity and quality of photos depicting theAuxiliary and telling the story of who we are andwhat we do, and second, make this resource avail-able to local Auxiliary and USCG units, as well asother national departments.”

Currently there are 24 members serving on thePhotographic Corps, and they are disbursedthroughout the country.

“Our plan is to increase that number to around100 photographers by NACON.” said Tarlson.“Once we grow the Photographic Corps, we hope

to have a skilled photographer available in manyareas of the country, which will help us expandour external media campaign, and thus get moremedia exposure for the Auxiliary.”

The Photographic Corps is in the process ofbuilding a database of high resolution photosavailable for print publications.

To view images, go to the Auxiliary ImageLibrary at http://cgaux7.org/imagelibrary/search_images.asp then select “photos” as imagetype, and enter “PG” in the key words section,then search.

If you know of a skilled photographer whowould make a great addition to our team, havethem contact Bob Dennis, said Tarlson. Dennis’email address is [email protected]

To contact a member of the PhotographicCorps, or to arrange for coverage of an upcomingevent, visit http://www.auxpa.org/dept/photo-corps.html or email Bob Dennis BC-AIP at [email protected]

Photographic Corps Helps Prove:Security patrol for Fair St. Louis, Mississippi River, St. Louis Coxswain Len Schulte, Crew: RogerBerger, Ernie Passarelli. Photo by Kitty Nicolai

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a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Fleet Week 2003 San FranciscoBay, CGAUX Vessel Footloose.Photo by Linda Vetter, D11N FL19.

Winter OPs 2 — It’s plenty cold! Photo by Jason Farrow D1SR FL72


Flotilla 8-11 D11NR hasbeen operating in oceanwaters in and aroundCrescent City Harbor inNorthern Californiasince November 2001offering boaters a rangeof services including afriendly tow now andthen. Photo by Anthony Barron,SO-CM 8, 11NR


BY ANTHONY BARRONSO-CM 8, 11NR

Since its inception in the summer of 2003,the Operational Excellence Award has beenadmired and desired by many Auxiliarists;however, relatively few have achieved it thusfar.

In a little coastal town on the ruggedNorthern California Coast, a small Auxiliaryflotilla with about 40 members has met thechallenge and is among the first in thenation to have achieved OperationalExcellence.

What makes this an even more monumen-tal moment is that Flotilla 8-11 has been inexistence for less than three years whenthey took on and conquered the OperationalExcellence challenge.

Trained in basic seamanship by GroupHumboldt Bay, Crescent City Flotilla 8-11(located approximately 80 miles north ofGroup Humboldt) was initially assigned tooperate Coast Guard vessel 214505. Thereare many fishermen in their area of respon-sibility, and when the USCG Cutter Doradois at sea, the flotilla represents the onlyCoast Guard presence in the area.

As they matured in their skills, a largerboat was assigned — Coast Guard vessel254851. The 851 is fully equipped with allthe latest electronics, radar, GPS, and VHFradios. Learning how to operate the equip-

In Search of Operational

ExcellenceFlotilla 8-11 of Crescent City, Calif. Is Among

the First to Earn this Coveted Award

SEE EXCELLENCE PG. 22


ment was a challenge, but that didn’tdeter Flotilla 8-11.

Established in November 2001,Flotilla 8-11 has been operating inocean waters in and around CrescentCity Harbor ever since. Their area ofresponsibility is a five-mile radiusaround the harbor. Since they are usinga Coast Guard vessel, all crew mem-bers are qualified Boat Crewmember,using the U.S. Coast Guard standards.They are regularly trained, tested andevaluated by BMCM M.P. Leavitt ofGroup Humboldt Bay.

The flotilla gets its cases from GroupHumboldt Bay and works side by sidewith the USCG Cutter Dorado, which

With the USCGC Dorado in the background, Flotilla 8-11 members prepare to get underway for another patrol. Photos by Anthony Barron, SO-CM 8, 11NR

Crew Member Helen O’Connor helps with cleanup at the end of a patrol.

EXCELLENCEcontinued from page 21

is moored in the same harbor. Theyalso carry pagers and can be called onby the Del Norte County SheriffDepartment to assist or take a case.

In 2004 Flotilla 8-11 has been on overtwo dozen SAR cases, and more than35 since that first one on May 2, 2003.That was just one day after they weregiven the keys to Coast Guard Vessel214505. The crew does training two tothree evenings a week and safetypatrols on weekends.

Maintenance of the 851 is a continu-ing labor of love. A wash job and flush-ing the engines after each run is stan-dard procedure and all crew membersshare in this endeavor. A power washof the hull is something FlotillaCommander Thom O’Connor takespersonal pride in and supervises each

session. All maintenance needs arereported to Group and they respond ina timely manner.

The Operational Excellence curricu-lum is a little different compared towhat Helen O’Connor is used to. “Mostdays I’m a teacher of 6th graders at thelocal middle school, but on some days,I double as an Auxiliarist,” she said.“Like many of us in our Coast GuardAuxiliary flotilla, here in Crescent CityI wear many hats. I am the FSO-PE,FSO-MS, and the VFC for ourAuxiliary.”

On this day, she planned to focus onbeing the best crewperson she can be.

“We all arrived cranked up and readyto go,” she said. “There were lots ofpats on the back and excitement.Many of us thought ‘we’ll do fine, we

have been practicing all week. Heck,we’ve been practicing for three years,’or ‘we’ll be fine, what are they going todo, fire us?’ (Lots of laughs over thatone.)

“But, down deep, we all wanted to dobetter than fine. We wanted to dogreat. That’s what makes us who weare,” she added.

The Operational ExcellenceChallenge took place in the fall of 2004,administered by USCG GroupHumboldt Bay.

It covered boat inspection, communi-cations, de-watering pump deployment,plotting and navigation in oceanwaters, search pattern execution,

RADM Kevin J. Eldridge, left, and Jeff Corning discuss plans for the day. Photo by Anthony Barron, SO-CM 8, 11NR

SEE EXCELLENCE PG. 24



MOB drill, stern tow and side tow.CWO4 R. K. Loster, BMCM MichaelLeavitt, and CWO3 William Toroniwere the Coast Guard officials con-ducting the test.

Boat inspection was the first part ofthe test and the 851 was 100 percent“good to go.” Maintenance recordswere all up to-date and all systemswere operational, all equipment —from Mustang suits to pyro-vest to de-watering pump were — inspected. The851 was ship shape and squared away.

De-watering pump deployment wasdone on the dock and a three-minutetime limit was in effect. All crew mem-bers were tested by CWO4 Loster andall passed. The fastest time was 1 min.and 20 sec. achieved by Dennis Meltonand Helen O’Connor.

Communication was next on theagenda.

This required knowledge of all CoastGuard working channels, the phoneticalphabet, and proper pro-words.Setting up a radio guard for the mis-sion was also among the topics thatCWO4 Loster considered in this seg-ment of the test. The flotilla providedtheir own radio guard. CoxswainRosemary Halldorsson stood radiowatch and was in constant contact withall the boat crews as they performedtheir tasks.

Plotting and navigation was a veryimportant segment of the mission.Coordinates were given to the crew, acourse had to be plotted on the chartand then way-points had to be input tothe GPS. Once on scene, search pat-terns were executed and positionsreported to base. Simple and clearcommunication and execution of skillsnecessary for a safe and successfulmission was what BMCM Leavitt waslooking for and that’s exactly what hesaw.

Stern-tow and side-tow evolutionswere next.

Again BMCM Leavitt did the testing.Three boat crews were mustered fromthe membership with crew qualifica-tions. Each crew was composed of onecoxswain and two crewmen. Each crewin turn was tested on their skills andproficiency.

"With safety as our first priority, we all worked together to standard-ize our training," said Jill Munger, FSO-PB. Photo by Anthony Barron, SO-CM 8, 11NR

All crew members arequalified BoatCrewmember, usingthe U.S. Coast Guardstandards. Photo byRosemary Halldorson, SO-MT 8,11NR

EXCELLENCEcontinued from page 23


According to Jill Munger, FSO-PB8-11, “With safety as our first priority,we all worked together to standardizeour training. Each of us took the timeto understand the reasons for ouractions, like putting the eye of theline on the cleat or calling our speedout to the coxswain. What a greatteam effort and personal growthspurt for all of us. It is with greatpride that I call myself a crew personon this excellent team and I look for-ward to our next great challengetogether.”

“As the day proceeded, our teams meteach event with enthusiasm and highspirits,” said O’Connor. “There weremoments of quiet anxiety, from time totime, but overall, we were focused andready to get it done. Our proctor andorganizers were efficient and supportiveand by days-end the news was good. Allthree teams had met the goals for

Operational Excellence.”According to O’Connor, “Every

crew member there said there isalways room for improvement. We allcould point to something we could orwould do differently next time, butthe reward of passing our operationalinspection and achieving the award

was terrific.”The event can probably be summed

up best by Rosemary HalldorsonFSO-MA 8-11 11NR, who said: “Goodtraining gets good results.”

Ed Sweeney DC-Ad contributed to this story.

Crew Member Alan Porteous enjoys a lot of things about his days on the water, including taking in the natural surroundings. Photo by Anthony Barron, SO-CM 8, 11NR

Pride in a jobwell done is a bigfactor for mem-bers of Flotilla8-11. Photo by AnthonyBarron, SO-CM 8, 11NR

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Hail to the ChiefAuxiliarists Play a Role in Helping the Presidential Inaugration Go Smoothly

Coast Guard Auxiliarist Terrie Verna of Flotilla 29 at the helm of Coast Guard owned, Auxiliary operated Vessel275917; with Auxiliarists Pete Delaney of Flotilla 14-04 (l) and Falk Kantor of Flotilla 7-10 (r) during a patrol ofthe Potomac River on the 2005 Presidential Inauguration Day. Braving snow and frigid temperatures in the teens,with wind-chills of zero-degrees, 58 Coast Guard Auxiliarists augmented Coast Guard Station Washington, DC,during Presidential Inauguration events over a nine day period. USCG Photo by Joseph P. Cirone, USCGAUX

BY JOSEPH P. CIRONEFifth Coast Guard District – SouthernRegion

“I do solemnly swear that I will faith-fully execute the office of thePresident of the United States and will,to the best of my ability, preserve, pro-tect, and defend the Constitution of theUnited States.”

On Jan. 20, 2005 in Washington,D.C., President George W. Bush,

spoke those words and took the oathof office, beginning his second term.

While 42 other Presidents havetaken the same oath in years past, thiswas the first inaugural since the attackon the United States in 2001. Thanksto the efforts of many people, includ-ing a contingent of U.S. Coast GuardAuxiliary members, it went off withouta hitch.

Early on, the Department ofHomeland Security (DHS) announced

that the Inauguration was designatedas a “National Special Security Event.”

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) thenassumed the role as the lead federalagency, designing, implementing andcoordinating an operational securityplan. Employing existing partnershipswith federal, state and local agencies,the goal of the operation was to pro-vide a safe and secure environment forthe event and those in attendance.

Described as “unprecedented,” the


USSS oversaw efforts that resulted in“the tightest security in the history ofthe United States; utilizing a large con-tingent of law enforcement fromaround the country; and, every tech-nology available,” according to pub-lished reports.

The Coast Guard established a tem-porary security zone in the NationalCapital Region, barring all non-govern-ment vessels from entering the zone,which included Washington, D.C. andparts of Northern Virginia andSouthern Maryland. The FederalAviation Administration (FAA) estab-lished a temporary “no-fly zone” in thesame vicinity.

Special Coast Guard K-9 teams per-formed sweeps of commercial vesselsand their passengers in the area.Overall, nearly 7,000 law enforcementofficers helped secure the Capitalregion.

When the request for Auxiliary assis-tance, in support of Coast GuardStation Washington (STAWASHDC),D.C. was made, Barbara Allen,Division Captain of Division 2, which

covers the Nation’s Capital, and partsof Northern Virginia and SouthernMaryland, began making plans.

Barbara, and husband, Ken Allen(Division 2’s operations officer), coor-dinated with STAWASHDC to deter-mine their needs and for making useof the Coast Guard-owned, Auxiliary-operated, 27-foot Boston Whaler (UTL-T).

They then worked with Divisions 7,8, 11, and 15 (Maryland), and Division14 (Northern Virginia), to supplementDivision 2’s resources in order to pro-vide the number of boats, crews, andwatchstanders needed to cover anoperational surge period that lastednine days. During the surge period,numerous pre and post-InaugurationDay events took place in the capital.

For the Auxiliarists who participatedin the surge operations, preparationbegan well in advance. Active-dutyCoast Guardsmen from Coast GuardActivities Baltimore, M.D., conductedspecial training courses for them inselected topics so they would be betterprepared for the operation.

Once the temporary security zonewas put into place, the Auxiliary wentinto action.

Auxiliary watchstanders fromDivisions 2, 11 and 15 augmentedSTAWASHDC by providing 24-40 man-hours per day, freeing additional active-duty and reserve personnel to staff thestation’s boats.

Auxiliarists, from Divisions 2, 7, 14and 15, staffed the UTL-T and otherAuxiliary boats, completing 21 patrolsand contributing a total of 132 patrolhours in support of the operation. Theeffort freed two active-duty boats andcrews to be deployed where their pres-ence was most needed.

Donning dry suits, gloves and hats;and braving frigid temperatures, withwinds of 15-20 knots and wind-chills ofzero-degrees the Auxiliary boat crewsworked with their STAWASHDCactive-duty counterparts, componentsof two specially-deployed MarineSafety and Security Teams (MSST),

With a Coast Guardboat in the back-ground heading out ona patrol, Coast GuardAuxiliarist FalkKantor of Flotilla 7-10finishes clearing twoinches of snow fromthe deck of CoastGuard owned,Auxiliary operatedVessel 275917, priorto getting underwayfrom Coast GuardStation Washington,DC to patrol thePotomac River.Braving snow andfrigid temperatures inthe teens, with wind-chills of zero-degrees,58 Coast GuardAuxiliarists augment-ed Coast GuardStation Washington,DC, duringPresidentialInauguration eventsover a nine day peri-od. USCG Photo by Joseph P.Cirone, USCGAUX

SEE INAUGURATION PG. 28


A Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team 91110 member from Boston, MA, shows Auxiliarists Terrie Vernaof Flotilla 29 (l), Falk Kantor, a Coast Guard reservist, and Auxiliarist Pete Delaney of Flotilla 14-04 (r), the M-60machine gun aboard Coast Guard Vessel 25454, during a break from patrol on Inauguration Day. Braving snow andfrigid temperatures in the teens, with wind-chills of zero-degrees, 58 Coast Guard Auxiliarists augmented CoastGuard Station Washington, DC, during Presidential Inauguration events over a nine day period, conducting patrolsof the Potomac River and performed radio watchstanding duties at the Station. Photo by Joseph P. Cirone

and the Coast Guard Cutter Beluga(WPB-87325), to patrol the nation’scapital on the Potomac and AnacostiaRivers.

In spite of one snow storm, whichleft two inches on the ground andreduced visibility to one-quarter of amile, followed by a much more potentsnow storm a few days later, the crewsendured the cold. They also foughtthe ice which quickly formed on thedecks and gunwales of the boats, fromthe water’s spray, to perform their mis-

sions without incident.The boat crews also worked in con-

junction with Coast Guard and DHShelicopters patrolling the skies over-head. Coast Guard boarding teamswent into action, when necessary.

Reflecting on the success of theoperation, LT Frank Del Rosso, com-manding officer of Coast Guard StationWashington, DC, estimated a need foran additional four or five more person-nel to perform watchstanding dutiesand two additional boats and crews, ifhe hadn’t been able to call upon theAuxiliary.

He was grateful for the local knowl-edge that Auxiliary watchstanders and

boat crews brought to the operation,helping guide Coast Guard personnelnew to, or temporarily deployed, to thearea.

Del Rosso said, “I have 45 to 50Auxiliary platforms and approximately200 Auxiliarists, in Divisions 2 and 14that I can call on. Because we have just25 active-duty personnel and a fewreservists, the Auxiliary is a huge partof Station Washington.”

In summarizing the contributions ofthe Auxiliary to the operation, DelRosso said, “We couldn’t have done itwithout the Auxiliary support. Theirsupport enabled me to put my peoplewhere their firepower needed to be.”

INAUGURATIONcontinued from page 27

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Aviation Observers

Needed

BY RON DARCEY FSO-PA 31 11N3

Soon after qualifying and beginning flight opera-tions, Observer Leo Gross and First Pilot Ron Darceyrealized a very necessary need to increase the ranksof aviation observers.

There were lots of pilots and aircraft but notenough observers to fill the cockpits. That meantpilots were doing double duty as observers — andtwo pilots on patrol meant only one airplane in the airrather than two.

They decided a ratio of four observers was neededfor each aircraft facility to assure enough personnelwould be available to fill the ranks. An aggressiverecruitment effort was needed and the two teamedup to make it happen.

First to be addressed was development of a recruit-ment program and organization of a comprehensive

STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT PROGRAM BRINGS SUCCESS FOR AUXILIARY AVIATORS

SEE OBSERVERS PG. 30John Theilen, left, observer, and Ron Darcey, pilot, are shownon a routine safety patrol. Photo by Ron Darcey

new member introduction packet.Second, initiate a public affairs cam-paign using radio and newspaper tocreate awareness for Auxiliary Aviationand the need for air observers thatwould generate enough interest to holdrecruitment meetings once a month ona weekday evening at the airport fromwhere the aviators operate.

The Auxiliarists assembled animpressive package of materials con-sisting of current and availableAuxiliary brochures, the New MemberReference Guide and Auxiliary pam-phlets Charting Your Course forService in the United States CoastGuard Auxiliary, and Volunteer toMake a Difference.

Completing the packet included anew member application, interviewform and a two-page outline that detailsAuxiliary Aircrew descriptions, qualifi-cations and currency requirements, a

document of military protocol and, thesquadron’s required Observer GroundSchool.

To greatly simplify introduction intothe Auxiliary and guidance throughAuxiliary Web sites, a concise, step-by-step process into the Auxiliary and newmember procedure is provided. All ofthis is topped off with the CoastGuard’s promotional folder The Shieldof Freedom brochure, provided byCoast Guard Island Alameda, PublicAffairs.

To kick off the recruitment cam-paign, local media was contacted andsupplied with an Air Operations factsheet (outlining only Auxiliary AirOperations — enter target marketing),news releases of Air Observer recruit-ment and dates for observer orienta-tion and recruitment meetings.

To fully involve the media of theimpact of Auxiliary Air Operations,reporters are invited to take part in aroutine patrol that has been readilyaccepted. The results of one such

patrol led to a front page story circulat-ed through all five of the media’s news-paper subsidiaries. The cumulativeeffect of this single story continues tocreate awareness for AuxiliaryAviation, and solicit interestedprospects on an average of eight menand women per month attendingobserver orientations.

Gross and Darcey conduct the orien-tation in tropical uniform to profession-ally represent the Auxiliary and intro-duce the organizations role and mis-sions in a military manner.

Orientation begins with a primaryintroduction for membership. Thisincludes covering security require-ments such as the need for fingerprint-ing, background check, the reasonsand the time these necessities take(explaining that during the backgroundcheck new members are allowed toprogress through Observer Ground


OBSERVERScontinued from page 29

Squadron D-11N safety officer Randy Parent (standing) helps Vick Linsey, left, the mission’s observer, and CathyCulver, pilot, with cockpit familiarization. Photo by Ron Darcey

SEE OBSERVERS PG. 36


BY RICHARD EBERHARDTFlotilla 04-09

Jimmy Duckworth was managingone of his family’s tire stores in NewOrleans, La. when the four commercialairliners were hijacked on 9-ll. Like somany other Americans, his worldwould change dramatically.

As a Coast Guard reservist, LCDRDuckworth was called to active duty.While his reservist job was overseasvessels inspection, his new title wouldbecome Chief of Port Security for thebustling Port of New Orleans.

“There was no port security in NewOrleans since World War II, at least not

in a wartime sense,” Duckworthexplained. Instantly, there was a needfor patrols and increased security.

The Coast Guard activated 110reservists to help the Marine SafetyOffice (MSO) New Orleans with thenew security duties, but initially had lit-tle in the way of additional office spaceor patrol vehicles needed for the influxof personnel.

There was a shortage of weaponsand the reservists had limited, if any,security training, Duckworth added.

The activated reservists shipped infrom all parts of the country. Most hadnever seen the Mississippi River.

“The first thing they learned was the

river can kill you,” Duckworth said,referring to the swift currents andeddies that are so treacherous and socommon. “Then they learned we hadsome bad neighborhoods along theriver where you can get killed. Thereservists also quickly learned theycould get into trouble on BourbonStreet.”

But assigning the few locals in theunit who understood the MississippiRiver with the many newcomers com-ing in was not working out. Therewere just not enough locals.

Rollin’ on the RiverAuxiliary Members Bring Local Knowledge to Bolster

Security Patrols on the Mississippi River

SEE MISSISSIPPI PG. 32

Erston and Karen Reisch inspect security lights installed after 9-11 at the Algiers Locks in New Orleans. Photo by Ricard Eberhardt


Duckworth quickly recognized heneeded outside help from people whoalready knew the river.

Duckworth called the Auxiliary. The first call he made was to Erston

Reisch Jr. He had been in the Auxiliaryonly a few months, but he knew theriver.

Reisch spent much of his time onboats while growing up. Later, he man-aged the office of a river towing com-pany during the day, while he attendedTulane University at night.

Reisch is a member of Flotilla 04-09in New Orleans. Living north of LakePontchartrain, some 40 miles from theAuxiliary meeting place, he wasrecruited by Bill Grusich, a retiredriver pilot, who was looking for a rideto the meetings, along with two otherAuxiliarists.

After the call from Duckworth,

Reisch volunteered to help with theriver watch program. He supervisedreservists who had been called upafter 9-11, inspecting and providing apresence on the riverfront wherecruise ships docked weekly. The jobwould take most of Erston’s weekends.

Then, six months after he took onthe dockside inspections, Reisch suf-fered a stroke.

As he began to recover, he wanted toattend the Auxiliary meetings again.Karen, his wife, took over the drivingand sat in the back of the room duringthe meetings. But she wanted to do domore than just sit in the back.

“I can do this, too,” Karen said. Shejoined Flotilla 04-09, and currently isnow Flotilla Commander. ErstonReisch Jr. is past commander.

Twice a week, Erston and Karenpatrol the river levees, visit chemicalplants along the banks and inspectbarge fleets. They pass out literature tojoggers and bicycle riders on the levee

trails, adding more eyes and ears tothe vigilance mix.

Other Auxiliarists also joined inpatrolling.

Chuck Bertetto, a recent retireefrom the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port(LOOP), joined the Auxiliary shortlyafter 9-11 and conducted patrols, con-centrating on fleeting and crew boatservices, handing out literature to theprofessional mariners and generally“making them aware of securityissues.”

He also visited pleasure boat dealersto spread the word to civilians.

“We used marked government vehi-cles,” Bertetto said. “A big part wasshowing the flag and having a pres-ence.”

Using his private sector experiencewhere he scheduled tanker arrivals atLOOP, Bertetto was also instrumentalin helping MSO New Orleans set upthe vessel arrival procedures used tokeep track of literally thousands of

MISSISSIPPIcontinued from page 31

Erston and Karen Reisch observe a tow locking through the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal lock in New Orleansduring a security patrol. Photo by Ricard Eberhardt

commercial vessels which transit theMississippi River yearly.

Another active participant was Capt.Jim Umberger.

Retired from the Coast Guard in1992, Umberger has an impressiveCoast Guard resume, includingCaptain of the Port in Chicago, PortOperations Officer in New Orleans,Chief of Environmental Protection forthe 8th Coast Guard District,Commanding Officer of Vessel TrafficService in New Orleans and Directorof Auxiliary in the 7th District.

“At the time, the Coast Guard didn’tneed any more captains,” Umbergersaid with a smile. So he put on work-ing blues and made the securitypatrols with the other Auxiliarists.

The advice Umberger gives while onpatrol is simple.

“If it’s an imminent threat, call thenearest law enforcement agency. If it’sunusual activity, something that is notthe normal routine, call the CoastGuard number in Washington.”

The National Response Center num-ber is 1-800-424-8802.

Umberger is now National BranchChief for Waterway Management inthe Marine Safety Division, a job inwhich he advises Captains of the Porton how to fit Auxiliary members intothe security mix.

Chris Reider is another member ofFlotilla 04-09. As one of the elite groupof Mississippi River pilots, Reider’s jobis to guide deep draft vessels on theriver. With his job, he’s constantly talk-ing to other river pilots and towboatwheelmen.

Duckworth credits Reider with“reporting problems on the river, whilemostly from the prospective of a pilot.Our relationship is extremely closebecause he’s also an Auxiliary guy.”

The area of responsibility for MSONew Orleans is divided into eight sec-tions downstream of Baton Rouge andrunning to the Gulf of Mexico.Originally called the River WatchProgram, it is now the CriticalInfrastructure Patrol.

Each facility is visited at least once aweek. It’s a big job and Auxiliarists fillin to help with the workload.

Much of patrolling is “showing theflag” at the identified critical facilities.Karen and Erston have taken to stop-

ping at facilities and getting the busi-ness cards of the security directorsthat list phone numbers for emergen-cies.

“When we go back, we know who toask,” Karen explained, showing aplethora of business cards arranged bylocation in the master patrol book shecarries. The idea in visiting the river-front facilities is to collect and shareideas about security concerns, not tosnoop on the facilities.

When the Reisches began patrolling,the newly called-up reservists, withwhom they worked, had no idea wherethe facilities were situated when theycalled in.

“We developed a MapQuest route toeach dock,” Karen said, as Erston wasdriving. She then went to the statetourism bureau office to get maps toplace in each Coast Guard vehicle.

In December last year, the Reischesstopped at barge fleets to notify themof the high water requirements forextra mooring lines, and to check thatthe lines were actually deployed.

When the river rises, as it did earlythis winter, more lines and cables arerequired to prevent barge break-awaysas the current rips along the shoreline.

Capt. Paskewich credits theAuxiliarists with much of the notifica-tion and inspection process.

“Auxiliarists relieve the active dutypersonnel of the need to stop othercritical functions to inspect bargefleets,” Capt. Paskewich said. “Thereare maybe 88 barge fleets betweenNew Orleans and Baton Rouge withbarges rafted together like big parkinglots. If barges break loose, we have a

big problem.”And while Auxiliarists have no law

enforcement authority, Capt.Paskewich said “their presence doeskeep the barge fleets honest” in put-ting out the required extra lines.

On a recent patrol, for example, theReisches discovered a number of navi-gational buoys (aids to navigation, orATONs) which had broken looseupriver, floated down stream, and weresnagged by trees along the shoreline.

Erston used the handheld GPS hebrought from his sailboat to pinpointthe location of the buoys for MSO NewOrleans. Karen cross-referenced thelocation by using binoculars to readstreet signs at the foot of the levee. Awinch truck is available to recover thewayward buoys.

The Marine Safety Office in NewOrleans received a Meritorious UnitCommendation Award for integratingthe Coast Guard Reserve andAuxiliary as a team.

Auxiliarists augment the active dutyCoast Guard who would otherwise beoverwhelmed by the demands ofchecking each identified critical facilityevery week.

“We continue to need Auxiliarists tohandle more jobs to relieve the activeduty Coast Guard,” LCDR Duckworthsaid. “We’re looking for self starterswho show up and dig in.”

“The Coast Guard is using theAuxiliary in novel ways,” CAPTPaskewich added. “The Auxiliaristshave identified a niche where they canstep in and help, where the activeCoast Guard is stretched thin onresources.”


A wayward navi-gation buoy ismarked by Erstonand Karen Reischwhile patrollingthe MississippiRiver levee aspart of theAuxiliary assis-tance to theCoast GuardCriticalInfrastructurePatrol. Photo by RicardEberhardt

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ReachOut andTouch theMediaA PA’s Decision toContact His Local CableTelevision ProviderOpened the Door forAuxiliary Coverage

With boating season just ahead, apriority for flotillas around the countyis getting the message out to the pub-lic about the importance of boatingsafely. How to deliver the message,however, can test the creativity of anypublic affairs officer.

For the East Coast’s Division 8 ananswer to the question was contactingthe region’s local cable televisionprovider and simply asking the newsdepartment to help.

“I knew that broadcast and newspa-per media always are looking for goodstuff, but they want the people contact-ing them to provide the basic informa-tion in order to get something outthere,” said Joseph Giannattasio FSO-PA with Flotilla 8-2, Cape May, N.J.

Giannattasio said two years ago hecame up with the idea of contactingthe news director of the ComcastNewsmakers show about promotingthe flotilla’s boating safety classes. Butthe staff at CN8 wanted a broaderscope.

“They gave us a spot where talkedabout boating safety and boating legis-lation,” he said. That was two yearsago.

Comcast Newsmakers is a five-minute interview program that airstwice an hour on CNN Headline Newsfeaturing community leaders who

speak on the issues that impact theregion.

This spring Auxiliarists fromDivision 8 were interviewed by CN8cable television correspondent JillHorner for two separate segments tobe aired for the upcoming boating sea-son.

Chris Winans, SO-MT, discussed theimportance of boating safety withexamples and recent statistics. Topicsincluded general safety tips, BoatingSafety Classes, and Vessel SafetyChecks.

Giannattasio, SO-MSEP, highlightedpertinent facts about the Auxiliary anddetailed the focus of the Marine Safety- Environmental Protection program,and informed viewers about America’sWaterway Watch.

Both segments are scheduled forbroadcast throughout 2005.

Giannattasio said because Division 8covers a tri-state territory and theComcast Newsmakers show reachesinto the same geographical area it wasdecided the media contact would

should be done at the division levelinstead of the flotilla level.

But he added that different parts ofthe country have different needs andflotillas should try contacting localmedia outlets. “For example some col-leges have their own local cable ornews shows, and some small townsmight be open for local stories,” hesaid.

Another idea is to show appreciationwhen media coverage is achieved.

“We presented the show with a cer-tificate of appreciation,” he said. “Thenews director was so impressed thathe said ‘anytime you need anythingcall us.’”

Where did Giannattasio get the cer-tificate? He made it up on his comput-er. “It really doesn’t take much to showsomeone you appreciate what theydid,” he added.

Giannattasio also had a final word forhis fellow PAs — take the initiative.

“If you wait for a newspaper to cometo you, you’ll be waiting a long time,”he said. “You have to go to them.”

Getting coverage for Auxiliary programs is just a matter of being willing toreach out to the media, says Joseph Giannattasio, SO-PA, left, shown herewith Comcast Newsmakers Correspondent Jill Horner, and Chris Winans SO-MT at CN8’s broadcast facility. Photo by Joseph Giannattasio\

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WANT TO ATTEND A “C” SCHOOL?

WWhhaatt iiss aa ““CC”” SScchhooooll?? Class “C” Schools are Short TermResident Training schools. These schools are usually one weekor less in duration and are paid for out of Coast Guard trainingfunds. You donate your time and the Coast Guard pays for thetravel costs.

WWhhaatt ““CC”” SScchhoooollss ccaann II aatttteenndd?? Auxiliarists are eligible toattend any “C” School provided they meet the course prerequi-sites, and their training request is approved by the programmanager for that “C” School. The chief director, Office ofAuxiliary (G-OCX) is the program’s manager for the “C”Schools that are specifically designated for Auxiliarists. It isimportant to note under current policy a member may onlyattend one “C” School per year and that a member may notattend a “C” School if they have previously attended thatcourse. That’s because demand for “C” Schools is high. Waiverof policy requirements should be noted on training requests.

HHooww ddoo II kknnooww wwhhaatt ““CC”” SScchhoooollss aarree aavvaaiillaabbllee?? The sched-ule of “C” Schools is published online athttp://www.uscg.mil/hq/tqc/1540TableofContents.htm. Select“Auxiliary” from the pull down menu with “Links for Class CSchools CLCVN’s” in the box.

HHooww ddoo II aappppllyy ffoorr aa ““CC”” SScchhooooll?? You fill out a Short-TermResident Training Request (STTR). You then route the STTRup the chain to the Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) for yourdistrict. The specific routing for the STTR depends on your dis-trict/division. The form is available online athttp://www.uscgaux.org/ ~forms/archive/a7059f.pdf. STTRsshould reach the DIRAUX no later than 60 days before theclass-start date.

IIff II ssiiggnn uupp ttoo ggoo ttoo aa ““CC”” SScchhooooll,, wwhhyy iiss iitt iimmppoorrttaanntt ffoorrmmee ttoo aatttteenndd?? Every “C” School quota is a valued and trustedinvestment. The Auxiliary has been running at a 26 percentwasted quota rate for the last three years. These Auxiliary quo-tas are funded by the Coast Guard at $1,500 each. Each quota

wasted by a late cancellation or no show, goes unused and cre-ates future funding exposure for the Auxiliary. The CoastGuard has advised the Auxiliary training leadership that theywill deduct wasted/no show quotas from future allocation fund-ing levels. That represents a potential loss of over $125,000annually. We all need to be aware of this problem and be goodstewards of these funds. All “C” School registrations come withan individual responsibility to make sure each quota is used.

HHooww ddoo II ggeett mmyy oorrddeerrss//nnoottiiffiiccaattiioonn tthhaatt II aamm aapppprroovveeddttoo aatttteenndd tthhee ccoouurrssee?? The goal is to issue orders 30 daysbefore the start of a specific class. Orders are e-mailed directlyto the member by Direct Access. You must have an accurate e-mail address in AUXDATA for this to happen. The DIRAUX canprint out your orders and mail them to you if you do not have avalid email address.

WWhhaatt aabboouutt ttrraavveell ttoo tthhee ““CC”” SScchhooooll?? The orders will con-tain specific information about travel to the class. You shoulduse the government contracted travel agency for your district.Your DIRAUX can provide this information to you. You willneed your Travel Order Number (TONO) from your orders tomake government travel arrangements.

WWhheerree ddoo II ssttaayy?? Specific berthing arrangements vary fromclass to class. Information will be provided in the commentssection of your orders.

WWhheerree ddoo II ggoo ffoorr tthhee ttrraaiinniinngg?? Training locations varyfrom class to class. Specific information will be provided in thecomments section of your orders. Most of the time, trainingwill be held at a Coast Guard Training Center such as theCoast Guard Academy, New London, Conn., Training CenterYorktown, Va., and Training Center Petaluma, Calif.

HHooww ddoo II ffiillee aa ttrraavveell ccllaaiimm?? You fill out a form TravelClaim Voucher (Form DD-1351-2) which can be found athttp://www.uscgaux.org/~forms/archive/dd1351-2f.pdf. Printout the completed form, sign it, attach copies of receipts forlodging (required), receipts for items over $75, attach yourorders, and forward via the chain of leadership to yourDIRAUX.

HHooww ddoo II ffiinndd oouutt tthhee ssttaattuuss ooff mmyy ttrraavveell ccllaaiimm?? You mayfind out the status of your travel claim by going to the web site:http://www.uscg.mil/hq/psc/tvl.htm#tps, or calling (toll free)Personnel Support Command at 1-866-PSC-USCG (1-866-772-8724).

HHooww ddoo II ffiinndd oouutt wwhhaatt II wwaass ppaaiidd ffoorr?? A Travel VoucherSummary (TVS) details what travel expenses you were paid.

Here’s what you need to know

Coast Guard Auxiliarists have an opportunity togain additional knowledge, skills, and qualifica-tions by participating in training programs.

Participation in training enhances the Auxiliarist’scompetence and enables increased professionalism inthe performance of most Auxiliary services. TheCoast Guard has budgeted approximately $700,000for Auxiliary “C” Schools in FY 2005.

Following are a few questions and answers aboutattending “C” School.

SEE ’C’ SCHOOL PG. 36


You may access the TVS on the CGIntranethttps://cgweb.fincen.uscg.mil/tvs_aux/.

HHooww ddoo II ggeett ccrreeddiitt ffoorr ccoommpplleettiinnggtthhee ccoouurrssee?? Once you have fulfilled allthe course requirements (some courseshave post-attendance requirements), thelead instructor for the course will for-ward a class roster to G-OCX within 30days of the course completion date. Youwill also get a course completion certifi-cate from the lead instructor. It is yourresponsibility to forward a copy of thatcourse completion certificate via thechain of leadership to your DIRAUX forfiling in your personnel file at theDIRAUX.

WWhhaatt eellssee sshhoouulldd II kknnooww??Participation in Auxiliary “C” Schools is abenefit provided to you to assist you inperformance of your Auxiliary duties.However, “C” School quotas are valuableand cost on average $1,500 per quota. Ifyou request a “C” School and then cancelat the last minute or do not show up forthe class, then that money is wasted asthere are only a limited number of class-es scheduled. “C” Schools are intendedto give you knowledge and skills to helpyou perform your job in the Auxiliary.As such, some “Return-On-Investment” isexpected. In other words, you would beexpected to perform in a particular staffposition or function for a period of timeafter you completed a “C” School associ-ated with that staff position.

WWhheerree ccaann II ggeett mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaa--ttiioonn?? Eventually all “C” Schools willhave student support pages that can beaccessed through a central learning por-tal at http://cschool/auxservices.org/.Student support web pages will be set upfor most “C” Schools. The link for thoseclasses with support pages will be provid-ed in the comments section of theorders. Student support pages for those“C” Schools without them will be createdsoon.

SUMMARY

“C” Schools increase your knowledgeand skills. Plan for them well in advanceand submit your requests early.Completion of “C” Schools will benefityou and the Coast Guard.

‘C’SCHOOLcontinued from page 35

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School and non-operational Auxiliarytraining). This is followed with an out-line of Auxiliary history, entrance intothe aviation program, qualifications andthe stringent currency requirementsrequired for Squadron D11N, and anoutline and dates of training and opera-tional activities.

The recruiters also stress the respectand value the Coast Guard places onthe district’s Auxiliary aviators as mem-bers of Team Coast Guard.

Once the first phase of the introduc-tion is completed, detailed new memberpackets are handed out and carefully

reviewed page-by-page. This phase cov-ers member involvement, time requiredto complete observer qualifications andin particular, personal dedication to theaviation program, training and currencyrequirements. All aspects are carefullydiscussed to leave no doubt that com-mitment is paramount to becoming afully qualified observer in a respectableperiod of time.

A question and answer period con-cludes the introduction phase that isfollowed by the new member interview,completion of applications, date to com-plete the new member exam, times offlotilla meetings, Observer GroundSchool, other required training pro-grams and relevant activities.

At the conclusion of each orientation,the recruitment effort leads to aboutthree of every five persons attendinginto Auxiliary membership.

Response to the recruitment blitz is aconstant stream of interested prospectsinto the Aviation program. Enthusiasmwith the orientation, follow-upObserver Ground School and flying issuch that new members are adding tothe cumulative effect, introducing per-sonal friends and associates into theorientation each month.

Started in May, 2004, the recruit-ment campaign has brought aboard 38new members and projections suggestthat by year’s end this number isexpected to be equaled. U

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OBSERVERScontinued from page 30

Crew membersstand next to atwin-engineCessna 401, oneof the flotilla’soffshore andtraining aircraft.Photo by Ron Darcey


Auxiliary Chairman Selected for CoastGuard Mutual Assistance Campaign

National Commodore Gene M. Seibert hasannounced the appointment of CommodoreJoseph Lanz, PNACO, as Auxiliary NationalChairman for the 2005 Coast Guard MutualAssistance (CGMA) fund-raising campaign.

COMO Lanz will head up a committee of dis-trict/region representatives formed to promote theCGMA fund-raising efforts at district/region, divi-sion and flotilla levels. The Campaign runs fromApril 1 to April 30 this year but contributions willbe accepted and encouraged throughout the year.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) is the CoastGuard’s own relief society, providing financial assistance toall families in the Coast Guard community, Auxiliary familiesincluded. Its mission is to promote the financial stability andgeneral well being of its members through loans, grants, andfinancial counseling. Along with need-based emergency andgeneral financial assistance, CGMA also offers Auxiliarymembers a number of education assistance programs. Thispast year, CGMA provided close to $26,000 in assistance toAuxiliary members.

Since its inception in 1924, CGMA has given Coast Guardpeople the opportunity to help one another through times ofdistress and need. It has developed a strong reputation forfair, effective, and efficient use of member contributions.

The future of CGMA rests upon the generosity of its mem-bers. The need for assistance among CoastGuard families has grown over the past sev-eral years. Without an on-going infusion offunds, CGMA, a valuable and time-testedresource for meeting the financial needs thatarise within the Coast Guard family would behampered in providing this level of assis-tance.

Many of you have been putting in longhours with Active Duty and Reserve counter-parts, and have probably seen firsthand someof the unusual family financial needs that cropup as op tempos increase and members arecalled upon to work even harder than before.

During this year’s fundraising campaign,Auxiliary members will each receive, via theirflotilla commanders, a letter of appeal and aresponse envelope. Please give generously tosupport fellow Auxiliarists and others in theCoast Guard Community.

Of course contributions may be made atany time by check, money order, or creditcard. Information and convenient contribu-tion forms are available on the Coast GuardMutual Assistance web site,www.cgmahq.org, or you may simply cut outand complete the attached contribution formand send it along with your gift to CoastGuard Mutual Assistance, 4200 Wilson Blvd.,Suite 610, Arlington, VA 22203-1804. Checksor money orders may be made payable toCGMA.

CGMA CONTRIBUTION FORM

FLOTILLA NUMBER

YYEESS!! I’d like to contribute to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. My check for $_____________ is enclosed. (Make check payable to CGMA)

Please mail your contribution to the following address:

COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE4200 Wilson BlvdSuite 610Arlington, VA 22203

I prefer to contribute by Credit Card

PRINT NAME

STREET/APT #

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

SIGNATURE (FOR CREDIT CARD)

ACCT NUMBER:

EXP DATE:

AMOUNT

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is a tax-exempt organization under Section501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to Coast Guard MutualAssistance are deductible for income and estate tax purposes.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. Please visit the CGMA web site or call CGMA Headquarters at 1 (800) 881-

2462 if you have any additional questions.

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BoatU.S. Presents ‘Best Flotilla in the Nation’ Award to New Jersey’s Flotilla 22

BRAGGINGRIGHTS

BY PAULETTE NEDROW FSO-PB, AND DONNA COLE CH-UF, Flotilla 22

At the Coast Guard AuxiliaryNational Convention in September2004, the BoatU.S. Foundation present-ed Flotilla 22, D1SR the BoatU.S. “BestFlotilla in the Nation” Award. Flotilla22, Sandy Hook, N.J. was recognizedas the best of 1,200 Coast GuardAuxiliary flotillas for their activity andachievements during 2003.

Flotilla 22 was founded in May 1942as Flotilla 311 of the Jersey ShoreDivision. The flotilla provided men andvessels for the patrol of the New Jerseybeaches and shores. Members alsopatrolled the two rivers, theShrewsbury and Navesink Rivers thatmade up the flotilla’s area of responsi-bility.

From the beginning, the flotilla heldmeetings at Coast Guard Station SandyHook that today is located inHighlands, N.J. Coast Guard StationSandy Hook stands at the entrance to New York Harbor.

The flotilla’s original designation as Flotilla 311 waschanged to the present “Flotilla 22, the Sandy Hook Flotilla”in 1966. Today the flotilla has more than 40 active men andwomen who are committed to the missions of the Auxiliary.In May 1992 Flotilla 22 celebrated its 50th anniversary. Theflotilla will soon mark its 63rd year of serving the UnitedStates Coast Guard and assisting the boating public of theNorthern New Jersey Shore Area.

In recognizing the flotilla with the BoatU.S. Foundationaward, the citation enumerated the one-year accomplish-ments of this outstanding unit.

In 2003 the members of Flotilla 22 did more than 10,500hours in support of the missions of the Coast Guard and theCoast Guard Auxiliary. The flotilla conducted 815 RBSProgram Visitor visits (MDV) 352 vessel safety checks, 285marine patrol missions, 50 search and rescue missions, 225

public education missions, and 140 member training mis-sions.

Standing watch on Coast Guard cutters and acting as sta-tion watch standers at Coast Guard Station Sandy Hookadded another 520 hours to the contribution made by theflotilla in direct assistance to the Coast Guard.

In accepting the award on behalf of the flotilla, BillAnania, Flotilla Commander, commented, “We work hard tosupport the Coast Guard, and we’re proud of our membersand their achievements.”

Added Len Pampaloni, Immediate Past FlotillaCommander: “Everyone worked very hard in 2003, andeven harder in 2004 with special events like the RepublicanNational Convention here in our area.”

The men and women of Flotilla 22 dedicate a lot of timeand expertise to help make the waterways safe for the boat-ing public. U

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Flotilla Commander Bill Anania with past Flotilla Commander LenPampaloni show the BoatU.S. Flotilla of the Year award given to Flotilla 22.Photo by William Anania


Left: Members ofFlotilla 22, SandyHook, N.J., are allsmiles about theirBoatU.S. Award for"Best Flotilla in theNation." Below: Flotilla22 facility Sea Star onpatrol in Sandy HookBay with CoxswainHarold Star and crewmembers Frank Giblinand Coleen Pinelli.Photos by William Anania

Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.The Auxiliary Center9449 Watson Industrial ParkSt. Louis, MO 63126

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Auxiliarists had their ‘game face’ on for Super Bowl Sunday

at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Photo by Rob Wescott

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