Volume XV, Issue 8

Inside this issue:

From the Commander

2

Awards and

Recognition

3

Paddlers 3

Around the District

4

ABS Classes

Picnic and USCGC

Bluebell

5

6

Fellowship

Opportunity

Calendar

10

11

Vancouver, Washington

Check the Activities and

Events Calendar for

important dates

WATERWAYS 78 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 78, Division 7

Can you identify what this is and where

it is located?

August 2012

Flotilla 78 members recently received letters requesting

that we reaffirm our membership and pay dues. The

USCGAUX depends on our members to share three pre-

cious things; time, talent and treasure. Each year, when

our membership renewal letters arrive, I am reminded of

one of the many lessons we can take from nature.

Have you ever wondered why geese fly in a “V” formation? Science explains that the V for-

mation greatly boosts the efficiency and range of the birds, particularly over long migratory

routes. As each goose flies, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in

formation together the flock adds at least 71% greater range than if each bird flew alone.

When the birds flying as the lead and at the tips tire, they rotate back into the formation and

another goose takes over the position. All members of the group benefit individually while

working together as a team to achieve the shared goal of reaching their destination. The

geese flying in the back of the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their

speed.

We are proud to be members of the USCGAUX. Those chosen to lead depend upon those

who follow. Though circumstance may limit the time you have to share your talents, sharing

your treasure with the USCGAUX is an action that encourages and supports our work. Pay-

ing dues and remaining a member expresses your personal values and is vital to the suc-

cess of our missions.

I ask all Flotilla 78 members to attend the 20 September membership meeting to reconnect

and revitalize. We need and appreciate you as part of our team.

As fall arrives and the sound of honking causes you to look up and see a flock of geese fly-

ing in formation, remember the message they offer to those who understand. It is indeed a

reward, a challenge, and a privilege to be a contributing member of the USCGAUX Flotilla

78.

Respectfully Submitted,

Hall Guttormsen

Flotilla Commander—78

From the Commander

Page 2 Waterways 78

Volume XV, Issue 8 Page 3

Awards and Recognition

No awards were given out in July. Flotilla 78 held its annual picnic in place of a regular meeting for the month. Look for award information in next month’s Waterways 78.

Watch for Paddlers In the past few years, there have been several tragic examples of small boats, notably kayaks, which were run down by larger, fast-moving boats. A group of prominent engineers recently presented the paper, “Visibility Factors in Small Boat Collisions,” at the 2012 International

Marine Forensics Symposium sponsored by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. This paper offers some good suggestions on how to avoid being run over in smaller boats–kayaks–and, conversely, how to avoid running over small boats.

The suggestions on how to avoid being run over were based on a series of tests on the water using volunteers in kayaks and powerboats. Researchers found that kayaks aren’t likely to be spotted by a powerboat until they’re a quarter-mile away, which can quickly lead to an “extremis condition.” The sooner a small boat is spotted, the better.

Seventy-five percent of the powerboat operators first reported seeing “paddle flash” when they saw the boat. A white or light colored paddle blade was much easier to see than a dark blade. The remaining 25 percent saw the luminous jersey that was being worn by the volunteers.

Among the recommendations to kayakers–

1) Carry an audible signaling device. 2) Wear fluorescent life vests or shirts. 3) Use paddles with white or light colored blades. 4) Avoid kayaking in areas with high boat traffic. 5) Use flags that can be mounted on kayaks.

Conversely, for owners of larger boats: wear sunglasses; keep a proper lookout; and, be especially alert in areas where you are likely to encounter smaller craft.

Source: “Seaworthy, the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance and Damage Avoidance Report,” July 2012.

Page 4 Waterways 78

Around the District: USCGC Alert Renewed By Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB, with excerpts from by Lt. Cmdr. Brian Smicklas and Ens. Mark Zanowicz

Each year, hundreds of visitors travel to Astoria, Oregon, for vacation and visit the Columbia River Mari-

time Museum. One of the highlights of visiting Astoria is a glimpse of USCGC Cutter Alert. The Alert is

a 210-foot Medium Endurance Cutter that is frequently moored near the Columbia River Maritime Mu-

seum. It was commissioned in 1969. The crew regularly deploys to places like the Bering Sea and as

far south as Central America. The crew of the Alert has a rare opportunity to enjoy many cultures of the

world, in addition to drills, training and service during their patrol.

The Alert was recently refurbished in Bellingham, Washing-

ton, at the Fairhaven Shipyard shortly after this year’s Port-

land Rose Festival, where it received a much-needed over-

haul on its hull and shipboard equipment. During this pe-

riod, new equipment was installed that improved the crew’s

ability for fighting fires and combating flooding. Workers ad-

dressed metal corrosion below the waterline and, most no-

ticeably, the vessel was given a shiny new coat of paint.

Many new crewmembers arrived during the time it was be-

ing overhauled, including female enlisted members, which

makes Alert the first 210-foot cutter with a mixed gender

crew. Due to the hazardous nature of the repair work, a por-

tion of Alert’s crew remained in Astoria. Along with working

on shore-side qualifications, crew members completed com-

munity service projects for the city of Astoria and Warrenton

schools.

Some crewmembers took the opportunity to attend law en-

forcement training in preparation for their upcoming patrol in

addition to engaging in community service. Search and res-

cue is the primary mission of the Alert and the crew also

needs to train and be ready to enforce laws upon the water.

An interesting detail is that while there have been other Coast Guard cutters with the same name “Alert”

in the past, the USCGC Alert has had the name longer than any of its predecessors.

The Alert patrols the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone to protect living marine resources from foreign fish-

ing interests and boards domestic fishing vessels to enforce federal and state fisheries and vessel

BELLINGHAM, Washington—The Coast Guard

Cutter Alert, home ported in Astoria, Oregon, sits

in dry dock after a new coat of paint at the Fair-

haven Shipyard. (Photo courtesy of Petty Officer

2nd Class George Degener)

Page 5 Volume XV, Issue 8

safety laws. USCGC Alert also enforces laws re-

garding illegal immigration and the detection, moni-

toring and interdiction of many forms of contraband.

The next time you visit Astoria, Oregon, stop by the

Columbia River Maritime Museum and you may

have the opportunity to see the newly rejuvenated

USCGC Alert.

ABS Class Continues to Attract Local Boaters

Public education courses are keeping interested boaters busy this summer and July was

no exception. According to Karl Johnston, FSO-PE for Flotilla 78, the July 28th ABS

class passed another 25 students who now have the knowledge to get out there and

boat safely on the water. The ABS class put on by Flotilla 78 has proven to be an impor-

tant educational experience for individuals interested in boating safety and obtaining

their boating card. Flotilla 78 is proud that our community continues to show a strong

interest in keeping our waterways safe.

Near Phoca Rock, Columbia River—Outriggers pad-

dle in competition on the Columbia River during Sum-

mer 2012. Paddlers are one of the many groups of

water enthusiasts encouraged to take About Boating

Safely courses and improve water safety knowledge.

(Photo by JoAnn McCollum, FSO-MT)

ASTORIA, Oregon—A US Coast Guard Heli-

copter flies over the mouth of the Columbia

River close to where the USCGC Alert is sta-

tioned. (Photo by Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB )

Page 6 Waterways 78

Flotilla 78 Annual Picnic

and USCGC Bluebell Tour

Flotilla 78 members gathered for their annual picnic at MSU Portland on a very warm Saturday,

July 21st. This year’s attendance was down slightly compared to last year’s picnic, however, eve-

ryone enjoyed a rib and chicken feast. The afternoon allowed members to relax and enjoy a

beautiful day of sunshine and a tour of the USCGC Bluebell.

A highlight of this year’s picnic was touring the USCGC Bluebell. Picnic attendees had the oppor-

tunity to climb aboard this Portland based buoy tender and ask questions of tour guide and active

duty Coast Guardsman, Seaman Dryer. Dryer advised that the primary mission of the Bluebell is

Aids to Navigation. However, when necessary, the crew is also involved in marine environmental

protection and search and rescue. This also includes public affairs as well.

The USCCG Bluebell has quite a history, from its commissioning in 1945 through today. In 1947-

1948, the cutter was used to assist flood victims during the Vancouver-Portland floods. In 1996,

the Bluebell was again used to assist in flood efforts in which it received the Coast Guard Unit

Commendation. This award was preceded by a Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation

PORTLAND, Oregon—Auxiliarist Gay

Sipes, VFC, talks to members as Flo-

tilla 78 picnic attendees enjoy 90 de-

gree weather and BBQ at this year’s

annual picnic. (Photo by JoAnn

McCollum, FSO-MT)

Page 7 Volume XV, Issue 8 Page 7

received for efforts in 1980 to keep the Lower

Columbia River open, following Mount St.

Helen’s devastating eruption.

At one time, the USCGC Bluebell was originally

homeported in Vancouver, Washington, until it

was moved in 1973 to Swan Island Basin, in

Portland, Oregon, where it has been moored

since.

According to Seaman Dryer, the on-board facili-

ties have changed to make the crew more com-

fortable compared to many years ago. This in-

cludes air conditioning. Dryer explained that the

bridge can get very warm. With over 500 river

miles that include the Columbia, Snake and Wil-

lamette rivers, the Bluebell services 420 aids to

navigation. Imagine life on the river during the

summer heat of the Pacific Northwest and no air

conditioning. Open windows were once the only

source for cooling off during those summer

months.

Seaman Dryer explained that the crew comple-

ment today is 14 enlisted and one chief warrant

officer, but at one time there was a crew of 20.

The USCGC Bluebell is 100 feet long with a beam of 24 feet. It holds 4,000 gallons of fuel and

3,380 gallons of water. Its service electrical power is Detroit Diesel Generators at 40 KW each

and has twin screw, twin 353 Caterpillar Diesel at 330 HP each with a top speed of 10 knots.

Buoys are positioned using a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). Sextants were once

used for this. With the DGPS in place, the number of required personnel has been reduced.

Continued on page 8…..

This is not a sight or a peep hole of some sort, but rather, a close up of a

padeye, which is used for rigging when lifting buoys. Padeyes are found on

a variety of river and ocean buoys. This buoy padeye was specifically found

on the USCGC Bluebell.

Answer to front cover photo questions:

PORTLAND, Oregon—US Coast Guardsman Seaman

Dryer answers questions about the USCGC Bluebell during

a tour of the cutter on July 21, 2012. (Photo by Dana

Bergdahl, FSO-PB)

Page 8 Waterways 78

...continued from page 7

I inquired how long Seaman Dryer had been aboard the Bluebell and was surprised to find that he had only been on board just over a year. It was not easy to tell that he had been a crewmem-ber such a short time as his familiarity with the history of the vessel was keen and his responses to questions were informative and knowledgeable.

After touring the Bluebell and enjoy-ing an afternoon at the base with members and their families, the pic-nic closed with a short message from Gay Sipes, VFC. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of the individuals who contributed to the picnic.

Source: Department of Homeland Security pam-phlet: Welcome Aboard USCGC Bluebell (WLI-313)

Above: PORTLAND, Oregon—Main hoist and buoys awaiting

placement in the river on the USCGC Bluebell. (Photo by Dana

Bergdahl, FSO-PB)

PORTLAND, Oregon—Flotilla 78 Auxiliarist

Lance Harmon enjoys refreshment and con-

versation at the July member picnic. (Photo

by Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB)

Below: PORTLAND, Oregon—Flotilla 78 members and their fami-

lies listen attentively as Seaman Dryer presents information about

the USCGC Bluebell during a tour on picnic day. (Photo by JoAnn

McCollum, FSO-MT)

Page 9 Volume XV, Issue 8

Hypothermia in the summertime? You're kidding me!

Hypothermia is not just a winter danger...it's a summertime danger, too. With air temperatures climbing well into the 80s and 90s in many parts of the country, hardly anyone gives a thought to hypothermia while cruising down a river, spending hours fishing on their favorite lake, or heading out on a day-trip to the deeper waters of the Atlantic. But the fact is water temperatures could be well below the air temperature and an unexpected dunking as a result of a boating accident could have disastrous results…particularly if you are alone. For example, if you are boating in Miami’s Biscayne Bay in mid-July, the water temperature will be in the mid-to-high 80s…and you can spend many hours immersed before the symptoms of hypothermia set in – plenty of time for a rescue. But if you are boating on an inland lake or river, or off the coast of Long Island or New England, it’s an entirely different story. In water temperatures from 70-80 degrees, exhaustion or unconsciousness can set in within 3-12 hours; 60-70 degrees, 2-7 hours, and in water from 50-60 degrees, you could be un-conscious in 1-2 hours. Once your core body temperature drops from normal 98.6 degrees to 95 degrees, your extremities are numbed to the point of uselessness – trying to fasten the straps of a life jacket or cling to an overturned boat becomes nearly impossible. Panic and shock set in, and total disorientation can occur. Cold wa-ter robs the body of heat considerably faster than cold air. To guard against the potential for succumbing to hypothermia as a result of a summertime boating ac-cident, the Coast Guard Auxiliary suggests: 1. Know the weather conditions before you set out…don’t leave your port or dock if the weather may turn rough. 2. File a float plan to tell your friends and family where you are going and when you plan to return. 3. Always wear a life jacket while boating. 4. If you wind up in the water, try not to panic as it can increase heat loss from your body and shorten your survival time…remain in a curled up, heat-retaining position. 5. Stick with your capsized boat and try to get as much of your body out of the water as pos-sible. 6. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while boating…they allow heat to escape from the body more quickly because alcohol dilates blood vessels.

Source: News Release 8/12/2012, Bill Swank, US Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

Page 10 Waterways 78

Fellowship & Fun

Opportunity

The Seattle Mariners Salute to the Coast Guard will be Sunday, September 9, 2012, at 1:10PM. The Mariners will host the Oakland Athletics. Discounted tickets are available for active, reserve, auxiliary, retirees, and depend-ents; and can be purchased at www.mariners.com/uscg. Discounted seating prices are: $34 Main Level or Club Seats, and $14 View Level. Highlights include first pitch thrown by the Coast Guard and free commemorative "Mariners/Coast Guard" t-shirts for those that purchase the tickets via the web site www.mariners.com/uscg. T-shirt can be redeemed at the game by bringing your ticket stub from this special offer to the table on the concourse outside of Section 112 before the 4th inning. DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS: Friday, September 7th at 5:00 PM The Mariners have not required and/or requested attendees to wear their uniform, but request that attendees wear something which symbolizes their affiliation with the Coast Guard. This enables other attendees to recognize the Coast Guard members in attendance and will assist the Mariners AV team with highlighting Coast Guard members in attendance.

Page 11 Volume XV, Issue 8

August 25 About Boating Safely Class 0830 (4700 NE 78th St, Bldg. B-1, Vancouver) September 4 Flotilla Staff Meeting 1830 (Peachtree Restaurant, Hazel Dell) September 5 Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Vancouver Plaza I-Hop) September 5 Division Meeting 1900 (MSU Portland) September 15 Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Hometown Buffet, Vancouver, WA) September 20 Flotilla 78 Member Meeting 1930 (WA Fish & Wildlife Bldg., Vancouver) September 22 About Boating Safely Class 0830 (4700 NE 78th St, Bldg. B-1, Vancouver) October 2 Flotilla Staff Meeting 1830

(Peachtree Restaurant, Hazel Dell)

Activities and Events Calendar

Visit us on the Web !

Www.flotilla78.org

Page 12

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Confidentiality Notice of the Privacy Act

The disclosure of the personal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act of 1974.The subject Act with certain exceptions prohibits the disclosure, distribu-tion, dissemination, or copying of any material containing the home address, home telephone numbers, spouses’ names, and social security numbers, except for official business. Violation may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanction.

Waterways 78 – A Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13, Division 7, Flotilla 78 Publication is

authorized IAW COMDTINST 1800.5D & COMDTINST M5728.2C. Published twelve times

yearly and circulated to Auxiliary members of Flotilla 78 via mail, electronically and on the

Flotilla 78 web site at www.flotilla78.org. Waterways 78 contains news of general interest,

suggestions, and information for Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The views and opinions

expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Homeland Security or the U. S.

Coast Guard. Material is informational only and not authority for action. Internet release is

authorized.

Editor – Dana M. Bergdahl

Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard Auxiliary FSO-PB #78

PO Box 822740 Vancouver, WA 98682

503-828-8222 Photos and articles by the editor unless otherwise noted.

FC Hall C. Guttormsen

VFC Gay Sipes

IPFC George Sipes

FSO-CM Warren Cook

FSO-CS Dana M. Bergdahl

FSO-HR Karen Harmon

FSO-FN Lance Harmon

FSO-IS Barry Owens

FSO-MA Donald G. Lewallen

FSO-MS Todd Miller

FSO-MT Joann P. McCollum

FSO-NS Wayne A. Monroe

FSO-OP Donald G. Lewallen

FSO-PA John F. Hilbrands

FSO-PB Dana M. Bergdahl

FSO-PE Karl Johnston

FSO-PV Elizabeth W. Allen

FSO-SR Barry Owens

FSO-VE Tammie Longpre

2012 OFFICERS

Keep Watch for

Incidents on the Water

and Report Unusual

Activity

PORTLAND, Oregon—Gay Sipes,

VFC for Flotilla 78, observes the

waterfront during Blues Fest while

on patrol during the 4th of July

Holiday. (Photo by JoAnn

McCollum, FSO-MT)