SUMMER 2003 Navigator

ST OA GU .C A S R . D UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY U A U Y America’s Volunteer Lifesavers ® X I LI A R VOL. 30 NO. 2 SUMMER 2003 SUMMER 2 NO. 30 VOL. Department of Boating & Waterway’s& Boating of Department Distinguished Public Service Award Service Public Distinguished HERO Auxiliarist Wins California Wins Auxiliarist HUMBLE STORY ON PAGE ON STORY 20 What’s inside

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P A A R A T U U Y XILIA R VOL. 30 NO. 2 SUMMER 2003

USCGC POINT BROWER Retires 3 ON THE COVER: Communications: 5 HUMBLE HERO / PAGE 20 Now More Than Ever Commodore Edgerton 6 Commodore Seibert 7 Commodore Morris 8 Commodore Jeandheur 10 NACON 2003: 11 Agenda and Schedule Spanish 101 15 National Training Update 16 International Boating and 18 Water Safety Summit Jimmin Chang with the Air Force Crew after landing at Moffet Field. Photo courtesy of the 129th Air Rescue Wing Congrats to ‘IS’ Officers 19 Humble Hero: Jimmin Chang 20 Civil War Educating the Public 22 Re-enactment Division 8 Re-chartered 28 patrol / PAGE 37 Genesis of a Campaign 32 New Mentoring Tool 34 Thrill of a Lifetime 36 Division 8 Patroling the Past 38 Re-chartered PAGE 28

2003 EDITION DEADLINES FALL EDITION – AUGUST 15 • WINTER EDITION – NOVEMBER 15 • Send submissions to Navigator Editor, 112 Brook Terrace, Freemont, CA 94538 or e-mail to [email protected]

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

2 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR USCGC POINT BROWER Retires After 34 Years of Faithful Service Gone But Not Forgotten

BY ED SWEENEY, Mixed Crew of Active Duty, BC-AIP, DSO-PA 11NR The USCGC POINT BROWER, the last Reservists and Auxiliarists Join Forces of the 82-foot Point Class Cutters, was retired with a royal send-off in a ceremony to Give Her a Fond Farewell held recently at Group San Francisco Yerba Buena Island. Built in 1969 by the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, the POINT BROWER carried a crew of ten. She was named for the point at the entrance to Foggy Island Bay in Alaska. This point of land was named after a local man, Charles DeWitt, who was commonly referred to as “King of the Arctic.” Originally home ported in San Diego, the POINT BROWER was transferred to San Francisco in June 1989. The BROWER, as she became known to her crew, has performed a number of assignments over the years, including the following: Enforced a security zone around the Bay Bridge, and ferried personnel between Coast Guard Island and Yerba Buena Island, after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake in the Bay Area Acted as on-scene commander for the rescue of Humphrey the Whale in October of 1990 During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, the BROWER acted as on-scene commander, enforcing the security zone established around Concord Naval Weapons Station The POINT BROWER prepared to lower the RHI during Fleet Week 2002 (with Alcatraz Island in the background.) Photo by Linda Vetter, SO-OP 1 11NR SEE BROWER PG. 4

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 3 BROWER be checked every four hours to make community service. continued from page 3 sure all systems are operational and David Martinez served aboard the ready to get underway in a moment’s BROWER, almost from inception, and For the past 12 years, she has pro- notice. Moreover, during their 24-hour assisted in making sure its logs were vided a platform for numerous public shift, In-Port OODs weren’t allowed to ship-shape and up-to-date. “I’m really affairs events throughout the Bay leave the vessel for more than 15 min- happy and honored to be here, particu- Area, and has regularly participated in utes without authorization. larly after Sept. 11; I feel like I’m help- Opening Day on the Bay each April, Although the shifts were long and ing my country,” Martinez says. “I Coastal Awareness Day each occasionally boring, the role of the hope that this will be the beginning of September, and Navy Fleet Week each watchstander is critical. According to implementation of Auxiliarists on other October. Jerry Collins, DCP 8 11NR, who has Coast Guard vessels and not the end. Since 9/11, the USCGC POINT several members from his division We are eager to pursue other duties BROWER has had a “mixed” crew of commuting almost 100 miles each way with the Coast Guard.” active duty personnel, reservists, and to serve on the BROWER, “In the Included in the Retirement Auxiliarists, who banded together to event of a last-minute escort or a Ceremony Program, and listed as a assist in patrolling the waters of San search and rescue mission, the In-Port part of the final crew were Auxiliarists Francisco Bay and beyond. Typical OOD is responsible for recalling the Charles Atchison, Jimmin Chang, Rod assignments given to the POINT crew, as well as making sure that the Collins, Fulvio Dapas, Miguel Estrema, BROWER included search and res- BROWER is ready to get underway Bob Gallop, David LaVerne, Leonard cue, security zone enforcement off the when the crew arrives.” Lee, Rod Lloyd, Hannelore Maddox, coast of California, ferrying Sea “Without the continued assistance of David Martinez, Bruce McBride, Marshals out to meet incoming ships, the Auxiliary pitching in on port secu- David “Olle” Olson, Michelle Patin, as well as working with the National rity, we would have had a much dimin- Anthony Princiotta, David Rasmussen, Marine Fisheries Service and the ished capability to safely operate and Harry Reinstein, Steve Salmon, Ruben California Department of Fish and maintain the POINT BROWER,” says Santiago, Robert Stack, Margaret Wall, Game. former San Francisco Group and Paul Zahra. While not all Local Auxiliarists have dedicated Commander CAPT Tim Sullivan. crewmembers could be present for the numerous volunteer hours to train and “Having the extra eyes and hands has ceremony, they were all there in spirit. serve as watchstanders and officers of been a great help,” adds MKC Ressio, The USCGC POINT BROWER the day to relieve active duty and who also crewed with Auxiliarists. “All was removed from service on March reserve crewmembers. In order to the skills the Auxiliarists bring from 28, but will get little rest. She is being serve on the BROWER, Auxiliarists their life experiences and jobs have transferred to Azerbaijan which is underwent two weeks of training learn- been tremendously useful.” located in Southwestern Asia, border- ing the intricacies of the vessel. They Despite having spent countless ing the Caspian Sea, between Iran and were required to meet the same quali- hours away from their full-time jobs Russia, in a country approximately the fications as boat crewmen before being and families, often working on their size of the state of Maine. There she allowed to serve as In-Port Officer of days off to assist the BROWER, many will serve in the Azerbaijan Marine the Day, Quartermaster of the Watch, Auxiliarists feel that they, too, have Brigade. Her new crew was on hand Engineering OOD and At-Anchor benefited greatly from the effort. for the decommissioning ceremony at OOD. Auxiliarists serving as In-Port They welcomed the rare opportunity YBI. OOD must stay aboard the cutter dur- to get underway with a Coast Guard During the last seven years, the U.S. ing a 24-hour shift, and the ship must cutter and feel a gratifying sense of Coast Guard has transferred 33 Point Class Cutters to 14 countries, pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (amended in 1996). Transferring excess vessels which have remaining service lives to foreign nations is a rec- ognized U.S. foreign policy tool. Over 600 foreign personnel received training from the U.S. Coast Guard pursuant to these transfers. As the “last of her class,” the USCGC POINT BROWER has served her country with honor and dis- tinction, and will long be remembered by her crew of Active Duty, Reservists,

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P A A R A T U U Y and Auxiliarists alike. XILIA R The Decommissioning Ceremony at YBI. Photo by Jerry Collins, DCP 8 11NR

4 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Navigator is the official magazine of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary www.cgaux.org EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Now More Than Ever! National Commodore COMO E.W. (Bill) Edgerton, It has long been know that healthy commu- recently, file a Form 7028 Change of Member NACO nications and the rapid delivery of important Information National Vice Commodore- information is the lifeblood of any organiza- http://216.167.73.185/~forms/archive/a702 Chief of Staff COMO Gene M. Seibert, tion. When you consider that we stretch 8f.pdf with your FSO-IS as soon as possible! NAVCO-COS from Hawaii to Alaska to the US Virgin We have also taken seriously our commit- National Vice Commodore - Islands, it becomes even more obvious. Now ment to improve the level of service to our IS Atlantic East with the added needs as an integral part of and CS officers. Hob Bonnett BC- COMO Mary Larson, Coast Guard Forces, this flow has become [email protected] is our new Branch Chief dedi- NAVCO-A(E) critical. cated to helping DSO-CS officers expand the National Vice Commodore - Atlantic West The Information and Communications level of Communication Services within each COMO Stephen B. Reams, Services Department is tasked with making of our Districts. All of our IS and CS officers NAVCO-A(W) this process as responsive as possible to are now receiving Bits and Bytes: National Vice Commodore - Pacific both the needs of the members and our lead- http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/infoserv/BB COMO Gail Ramsey, ership. AUXDATA is one of our primary 2003-01.htm a new monthly Department NAVCO-P resources and since it’s inception has eNews service. Immediate Past National Commodore evolved considerably. We know that there is As you may know, the Auxiliary has been COMO Viggo C. Bertelsen Jr., more to do, but the progress has been asked to grow to 40,000 members by the IPNACO steady and the benefits considerable. If you end of 2004. The Department’s Flotilla Chief Director, Auxiliary are not familiar with AUXDATA and AUXINFO Finder has long been one of the Auxiliary’s CAPT David Hill we invite you to view a tutorial: most effective resources in recruiting. Most DIRECTORATE COMMODORES http://www.auxetrain.org/flash/AuxDataInfo. flotillas have an approved website which National Directorate Commodore htm This step by step online Flash presen- members of the public are referred to, effi- for Operations and Marine Safety tation can be viewed on any computer and ciently answering a wealth of questions. For COMO George E. Jeandheur, will make using these resources easier. some flotillas that do not yet have a website, NADCO-OMS Improvements have also been made in your DSO-PS is now listed as your Point of National Directorate Commodore for Member Services e-Mail support services. The secure NEW Contact. These dedicated officers insure that COMO Charles (Tony) G. Morris, eDirectory located at: no incoming requests are missed! NADCO-MS http://www.auxforum.org/search/ displays all Effective communications and data man- National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety members (both those with and without email agement have always been important. With COMO Warren E. McAdams, addresses) making locating and contact a the challenges we face today, they are

AST G CO U . S E M P E R A S R . D U NADCO-RBS S P A A R A T U U Y very simple process. If you have not activat- ESSENTIAL, now more than ever! XILIA R DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING ed your eDirectory account you’ll want to do AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS that today. If you have not updated your new JEFF MAHL Department Chief e-Mail, regular mail, or phone numbers DEPUTY DEPARTMENT CHIEF Fred Gates, DC-A Navigator Editor Delbert E. McEwen, BC-ADN

Copyright 2003 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. All rights are reserved. No portion of this National Calendar publication can be copied or otherwise be used without written permission of the editor. NAVIGATOR is an official informational and educational tool for the U.S. Coast 2003 2004 2005 Guard Auxiliary and is intended as a training vehicle and publication to keep NATIONAL CONFERENCE, NATIONAL TRAINING NATIONAL TRAINING the membership and the U.S. Coast Guard August 29 – 31 CONFERENCE, CONFERENCE, apprised of the activities of the Auxiliary. Accordingly, all articles published in Gaylord Opryland Resort January 23 – 25 January 28 – 30 NAVIGATOR must be consistent with the and Convention Center, Renaissance Hotel, TBD stated policies of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. All articles Nashville, TN St. Louis, MO. and pictures submitted to NAVIGATOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE, become the property of the Coast Guard NATIONAL CONFERENCE September 1 – 3 Auxiliary Association, Inc. TBD (Pacific Area) Rosen Center Hotel, Orlando, FL.

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 5 People, Professionalism, Processes

This is the second of three articles speciﬁcally addressing each of the Watch Words for 2003 – 2004. The ﬁrst, published in the last edition of The Navigator addressed People and this article will address Professionalism.

Professionalism generally makes us capabilities, readiness and sustainabil- think of paid employment. It also ity essential in all of our programs, refers to the manner in which one especially Recreational Boating Safety. COMMODORE conducts ones self and carries out Professionalism recognizes that E. W. (BILL) their responsibilities. We are, or at attainment of a qualification and main- EDGERTON least should consider ourselves to be, tenance of that qualification is not the professional volunteers in service to end but a basis on which to continue NATIONAL the Coast Guard, the Boating Public to improve. The qualification pro- COMMODORE and the Nation. vides a baseline from which we con- Professionalism, in this context, tinue to become more proficient and, refers to the manner in which we, the therefore, more professional. Paid AST G CO U . S E M P E R A S R . D U

S Auxiliary as an organization and indi- professionals in all walks of life rou-

P A A R A T U U Y XILIA R vidually as Auxiliarists, conduct our- tinely continue to study, practice and selves, carry out assigned and accept- work on different ways to enhance ed missions, represent the organiza- their capabilities. We must do the tion and ourselves to our customers. same thing. Professionalism is not a state of com- Leaders, elected and appointed, placency but, rather, a state of contin- need to set an example of professional- ued development in all facets of our ism through their appearance, con- and your activities. duct of meetings and the leadership Professionalism is achieved and that they provide to the membership. maintained through a member train- If we are to remain the lead volun- ing program that is active, appropriate teer organization within the to the needs of the members and our Department of Homeland Security customers, scheduled for times and and other volunteer organizations we places convenient for the must remain professional. We must members/customers and encourages continue to do the right things the optimum use of training opportunities right way and make excellence a habit that present themselves. The pro- in all that we do as the Auxiliary and

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P A A R A T U U Y gram must also take into account the Auxiliarists. XILIA R

Leaders, elected and appointed, need to set an example of professionalism through their appearance, conduct of meetings and the leadership that they provide to the membership.

6 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Making Your Efforts Count

Feel like AUXDATA’s not worth the effort? According to many Auxiliarists, you’re not alone. Many feel that they have to do all the work and they’re not sure why - the information’s not used for anything important! “Anyway, I’m not in the Auxiliary for material recognition, so this doesn’t affect me,” is a phrase often heard. COMMODORE What you report has far reaching AUXDATA is a way of maintaining the GENE M. importance that not only affects you information on your qualifications and SEIBERT but the Auxiliary, the Coast Guard and certifications. Don’t wait until the last NATIONAL VICE the Department of Homeland Security. minute to check your re-qualification COMMODORE The importance of this information status. You should be checking this CHIEF OF STAFF was not well explained in the past. information frequently to make sure

The systems may have been instituted that you are getting credit for the tasks AST G CO U . S E M P E R A S R . D U by the Coast Guard and Auxiliary lead- you have performed. If there is a S

P A A R A T U U Y ership without enough sensitivity to problem, your unit information servic- XILIA R and communication with individual es officer should be able to help you members and because of that, it may get it resolved. seem that these mandates yield little At all levels of the Auxiliary, this direct benefit to you. information is used to establish goals If that’s the case, it’s no wonder that and evaluate our performance and many of you feel that the paperwork is activity in each mission we undertake. an unnecessary burden. We hope that, At the highest levels, the reports are knowing how important the informa- used by the Coast Guard to justify tion actually is to the operation of the requests for funding in the federal Auxiliary, you’ll make an effort to sub- budget process. They are also used to mit your reports. allocate expenditures of Coast Guard I understand that the AUXDATA sys- funds on the Auxiliary. So when we tem may seem burdensome, confusing fail to accurately report our activities, and complicated but for now, I encour- we are reducing our own funding age you to submit and report your sources proportionately. activities using the system in place. In The statistics, missions, and hours the meantime, know that the National are the primary source used by the Commodore has instituted an investi- Coast Guard and the Department of gation on improving member activity Homeland Security to obtain additional reporting by making the reporting as funding and to show the value that convenient and useful as it can possi- funding has bought for the country. bly be. First, one of the most important direct benefits to you is that SEE SEIBERT PG. 9

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 7 Targeted Recruiting

When your ﬂotilla looks for new members, where do you turn? In most cases, the answer is “Students in our PE classes” or “People who receive VSCs” or “Boat shows.”

These are all excellent, tried-and- with environmental protection. There COMMODORE true sources of new members but they is a local branch of the Sierra Club; a CHARLES G. barely scratch the surface of the pool group called “Friends of the River” “TONY” of potential Auxiliarists. There are lit- that is concerned about protecting the MORRIS erally millions of people who would be watershed; there are all kinds of eager to contribute signiﬁcantly to our groups involved in recycling; groups NATIONAL various missions but who simply don’t that have volunteered in the past to DIRECTORATE COMMODORE turn up at boat shows or boating class- clean up various areas of the commu- MEMBER SERVICE es or launch ramps. nity and environmental professionals. “Where do I ﬁnd them?” “How do I Each of these groups, and others as

AST G CO U . S E M P E R A S R . D reach them?” Good questions! One well, is chock full of people who would U

P A A R A T U answer is “targeted recruiting” or be delighted to be able to do some- U Y XILIA R “mission-specific recruiting”: thing tangible for their community and Pick just one Auxiliary mission their country through our marine other than the cornerstones for environmental protection program. which you could do some recruiting. One place to start thinking PUBLICATIONS about missions is the list of flotilla There is no shortage of publications staff officers. Better yet, print out a in the Auxiliary, beginning with the copy of the instructions for Form one you are reading now. But it is 7030 often difficult to find people who are (http://www.uscgaux.org/~forms/a really skilled at and enjoy writing, edit- rchive/a7030f.pdf). ing and producing those publications. Then devote part of a flotilla meet- Where might you find such people in ing to brainstorming about where in your community? Again, in my case, your community you might find the nearby community college and people interested in performing that state universities provide a rich pool of mission. potential candidates. Some of them Then GO OUT AND GET THEM! are enrolled in courses on news reporting while others are taking Here are some examples with some desktop publishing courses. Other recruiting ideas from my own commu- possibilities might be students partici- nity: pating in the production of various college and university publications. And MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL there are dozens of community publi- PROTECTION cations, many of them just one or two Where in your community might pages; some of them put out by people you find people interested in protect- who are skilled at reporting and pub- ing the marine environment? In my lishing. Churches and other commu- case, the community college teaches nity groups also publish bulletins and all kinds of courses on the environment and marine biology. There are also adult education courses that deal SEE MORRIS PG. 9

8 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR MORRIS missions as time goes on. web pages with lots of ideas. Several continued from page 8 Does mission-specific recruiting outstanding online resources that are work? ABSOLUTELY! Since I first full of recruiting ideas are: newsletters - might some of those peo- started talking about the idea last fall, The Recruiting and Retention ple be interested in sharing their tal- I have heard numerous stories about Manual COMDTPUB P16794.12B is ents with the Auxiliary? flotillas that have tried targeted available through Materials Officers Where might you find people recruiting and who have seen dramat- from ANSC (#5004) and is also skilled at public speaking; videotap- ic increases in membership and in available online at ing; flying; operating radios; photogra- their ability to perform various mis- http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g- phy; writing; teaching; computers; sions. In one case with which I am o/cgaux/Publications/Manuals/rr websites; pollution response; front especially familiar, the Fort Myers manual/toc.htm end analyses; radio/TV programming; Florida Flotilla recruited several Past issues of THE INTERCHANGE making signs, banners, posters or fly- dozen dedicated new members to aug- are available online at ers; skilled in leadership; good at ment the local Coast Guard Station, http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/p working with people; eager to assist and not one of them came from a PE ersonnel/InterChg.html with homeland security? class or a boat show or a Vessel Safety The National Commodore has set a The possibilities are endless for Check! For more information on that goal of 40,000 members by 2005. The recruiting members who don’t neces- outstanding program, see the article Personnel Department has set an sarily show up at our usual recruiting by Jeff Mahl on page 26. even more ambitious goal of 40,000 sites. And as we know from past expe- members by 2004 and 45,000 mem- rience, once people become members OTHER RECRUITING RESOURCES bers by 2007. Both goals can be of the Auxiliary they tend to broaden In addition to mission-specific reached but only if you and your flotil- their interests to include a wider range recruiting, if you visit our national la recruit more widely from people in of missions. Thus it is likely that members’ webpage the community who can contribute many people who are recruited for (http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/re significantly to specific Auxiliary mis- specific missions will become interest- direct.htm) and search on the word sions. WE NEED YOU TO MAKE IT

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P A A R A T U U Y ed and participate in other Auxiliary “recruiting” you will ﬁnd almost 200 WORK! XILIA R

SEIBERT other outreach initiatives. The ability to capture data electroni- continued from page 7 Many Coast Guard and Coast Guard cally has also resulted in an increasing Auxiliary awards and recognition pro- amount of data being requested by per- As we are asked to do more in support grams are based on AUXDATA infor- sonnel at these levels especially in the of the Coast Guard and the mation. These numbers are also used aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001 and in our Department of Homeland Security, we to track program areas, to see if mem- transition into the Department of can statistically show what can be bers are increasing their activity in cer- Homeland Security. Today, as the expected for each additional thousand tain programs or losing interest in a Auxiliary is infused into Coast Guard dollars added to our overall funding particular program. Without accurate Operational Plans, this information is base. data, the National leadership is unable important not only for budgetary pur- AUXDATA is the only way we can to make appropriate changes or poses but operational planning as well. substantiate the “return” on the improvements to program areas, or PowerPoint presentations are avail- Auxiliary investment. possibly discontinue certain areas of able to download from the national The Coast Guard utilizes these statis- activity. This information is essential web site or by request from your tics to determine the capability of to the leadership at each level of the Information Systems Officer for your employing the Coast Guard Auxiliary Auxiliary as it helps them to manage training and 20 minutes at the end of a in Coast Guard operational planning. their strategic programs, goals and meeting may be enough to obtain Moreover, AUXDATA is a planning objectives and to manage our mem- widespread use of the system through- tool to identify gaps in program areas, bers’ expectations. out your unit. It’s time well spent. as well as our readiness, capability and The increased use of computers, Please keep these goals in mind sustainability. Our national and district particularly among the Coast Guard when you prepare and submit reports leaders use the information for reports and the national levels of the to AUXDATA. Your volunteer activity and briefings to the Commandant, Auxiliary, has made it much easier to is important on many levels and the Area and District Commanders and capture and sort data. In many areas only way we will have access to what other senior Coast Guard leadership. of the country, our members can sub- you’ve accomplished and the Additionally, AUXDATA information is mit their data electronically using fill- Auxiliary’s overall value, is if you used for speeches and various presen- in forms, without ever generating a report it.

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P A A R A T U U Y tations to outside organizations and paper record. Semper Paratus! XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 9 TCT/RM: What Happened?

At the 2002 National Conference, it was announced that the new Risk Management Program would satisfy the Team Coordination Training (TCT) requirement. This announcement was based upon an agreement worked out with the program manager in G-WKS and it was made in good faith.

The motivation for creation of the RM pro- bers in the surface ops and marine safety com- gram was information provided by headquar- munities. As before, members will have until ters that the money supporting TCT in the field June 2004 to complete it. Aviators and had dried up three years ago. As a result, we Auxiliary communications watchstanders will had not pursued TCT in a robust manner the not be required to take this workshop. Aviators last few years while we were under the man- will have their own workshop. date by the National Transportation Safety RADM Pluta, Assistant Commandant for Board to complete TCT training. Additionally, Marine Safety, Security and Environmental we could not get a handle on accurate numbers Protection, signed off on the ALCOAST just of members who had actually taken TCT. prior to his retirement, announcing the Records only provided total numbers having approval of the 10 Personal Qualification COMMODORE taken TCT and did not disaggregate the data to Standards for qualification in the TRIDENT GEORGE indicate individuals who had taken it multiple Program. Members are now free to pursue this JEANDHEUR times. training and ultimately qualifying to wear the In Sept. 2002, after further review, Officer of Auxiliary Trident device. NATIONAL Safety and Environmental Health (G-WKS) Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, DIRECTORATE decided for safety reasons that TCT was more COMO Gene Seibert, the Operations and COMMODORE OPERATIONS AND appropriate. As a result, RM was no longer Marine Safety Directorate has been working on MARINE SAFETY sanctioned to satisfy the TCT requirement. various elements of the Auxiliary Maritime (OMS) Numerous discussions and meetings took place Homeland Security Program. This program following that and resulted in the findings that will greatly enhance our ability to more effec- AST G CO U . S E M P E R A S R . D U the information provided about lack of funds tively and efficiently support the Homeland

P A A R A T U U Y was never the case. In addition, the NTSB Security initiative. XILIA R mandate turned out to be a recommendation as The Commandant’s Aviation Safety Board opposed to a mandate. Consequently, misinfor- released its final report on the accident in Feb. mation was to be the driving force in the devel- 2001. The recommendations include alignment opment of RM to fill the gap to provide risk of AUXAIR to Coast Guard Airstations, addition- management training for the membership. al training in Crew Resource Management CAPT Hill, Chief Director of Auxiliary, pro- (CRM) and spatial disorientation as well as posed a waiver to G-WKS to extend the dead- training for AACs, District Flight Safety line for TCT training into next year. The latest Officers (DFSOs) and DSOs AV. Office of communication put out by G-WKS has extend- Cheif Director (OCX) and the National ed the deadline to May 31, 2004. Discussions Operations Department are working together with HQ indicate there is money to support to map out the strategy to comply with those TCT training in the field. It is important that recommendations. You will hear more as the members in the operational community com- plan develops. plete TCT training prior to May 31, 2004 as it is The decision was reached at the summer a Commandant requirement. After that date, meeting on what DSOs will be attending N- individuals will not be able to receive orders TRAIN 2004. From the OMS Directorate, we until the training is completed. Unit leaders are will have DSOs AV and CM in addition to encouraged to request TCT training for their DSOs-MS. The AV’s met two years ago and it members through their chains of communica- has been a long six years since the CM’s met tion. for training. At the summer National Executive Once again the boating season is upon us and Committee meeting, the Operations Workshop we have much to do to support Homeland for 2004 was approved as a mandatory work- Security. Answer the call as best you can and stay

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P A A R A T U U Y shop. The workshop will be required for mem- safe on the water and in the air. XILIA R

10 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2003 REGISTRATION FORM 28 August – 31 August 2003 Mail to: Ann Beecher, DVC-NR, P. O. Box 1147, Lake Dallas, TX 75065-1147 Early bird registration will be until 31 July. Receipts and confirmations will be mailed by 15 August. Do not mail registrations to the above address after 31 July. Email questions to [email protected] Please Print. The names should be written as they will appear on the nametags.

Name: Check one: Auxiliarist Coast Guard Guest Other District: Auxiliary Office: or CG rank Name: Check one: Auxiliarist Coast Guard Guest Other District: Auxiliary Office: or CG rank Name: Check one: Auxiliarist Coast Guard Guest Other District Auxiliary Office: or CG rank Address: City: State: Zip: Email address:

Item # of Persons Cost Amount Registration: All attending must be registered Early bird discounted registration fee (By 31 July .) x$20.00 Registration fee after July 31 (On-line or Registration Desk Only) x$25.00 Friday Night Fun Night Buffet* x$38.00 Saturday Banquet Choices: * Sirloin Steak x$47.00 Chicken Wellington x$43.00 Friday NAPDIC Lunch: (Current & Past DCO’S & guests) x$25.00 *Required for reimbursable orders Total Payment Options: Enclose Check for the total amount with the form. Make checks payable to CGAuxA, Inc. Use Credit card. PRINT CLEARLY ALL ENTRIES BELOW and mail with registration form

Name: (Name must be as appears on card) Method of Payment: Circle type of card ______MasterCard __ VISA Address/POB: (Must be billing address for the credit card) Card Number ______City, State, Zip Code |____|____| Phone: Day ( ) ______|__| Home| __| Business Expiration Date: MO. / YR . Phone: Evening ( ) ______|__| Home |__| Business |____|____|____| Fax #: (___) ______Validation No (located on back of credit card) Member Info: District__ Division ___ Flotilla ___ Signature: ______(Required)

To register on-line go to www.cgaux.org and click on the registration link or go to http://cgaux7.org/d7store/browse.asp?cat=84&path=84 before August 15. Disclosure statement pursuant to S6115 of the Internal Revenue Code: The value of the goods and services which you will receive for the registration fee is equal to the amount of the fee. Therefore, no part of the registration fee constitutes a charitable contribution. To make reservations at the Gaylord Opryland by 1 August. Go to http://reservations.oprylandhotels.com/cgibin/lansaweb?procfun+roweb+roweb05+res+funcparms+up(a2560):;USCST. If you prefer to call the hotel, the reservations number 1-888-777-6779. Be sure to ask for N-USCST group code to get the conference rate of $82.00.

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 11 NACON 2003 OPRYLAND, NASHVILLE AUGUST 28 - AUGUST 30 AGENDA THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 Travel Day - LRPC, Fund Raising Cmte. 0730 - 1000 Area Meetings (3) 0730 - 1000 Strategic Marketing Committee Meeting 1015 - 1200 National Board Executive Meeting 1200 - 1700 Wellness Period 1730 - 2000 Area Hospitality Suites Open

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 0730 - 0930 Meeting of the Committee of the Whole 0930 - 0945 Break 0945 - 1130 CGAuxA, Inc. Board Meeting 0945 - 1615 CHDIRAUX Meeting with DIRAUXs & OTOs 1300 - 1500 Prospective DCO Training (Nuts & Bolts) 1300 - 1700 LRPC Meeting 1300 - 1500 Fund Raising Committee Meeting 1300 - 1430 General Training Sessions (7) 1445 - 1615 General Training Sessions (7) 1730 - 1830 Attitude Adjustment (Cash Bar) 1830 - 2300 Fun Night and Dinner (Western/Country attire)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30 0730 - 0800 Music 0800 - 0930 Opening Ceremony, National Board Meeting 0930 - 0945 Break 0945 - 1200 National Board Meeting (continued) 1300 - 1500 National Board Meeting (continued) 1300 - 1430 International Panel Discussions 1300 - 1430 General Training Sessions (7) 1445 - 1615 General Training Sessions (7) 1530 - 1700 Commandant’s Meeting with National Board, NADCOs, PNACOs and DIRAUXs 1830 - 1930 All Hands Reception - Cash Bar 1930 - 2200 Commodore’s Banquet

UNIFORM OF THE DAY August 30 August 27 Daytime meetings Civilian Casual Tropical Blue Long (or civilian business attire) August 29 Banquet Daytime meetings Dinner Dress (White Jacket), CGAuxA Board & Staff — Association Dinner Dress Blue, Auxiliary Blazer Polo Shirts Presenters - Tropical Blue Uniform w/ Black Bow Tie, Civilian formal, Long Others - Civilian Casual, semi-formal or business attire including NAPDIC lunch Fun Night Western/Country or civilian casual

12 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR TRAINING SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 1300 - 1430 1445 - 1615 -One Stop Shopping for Public Affairs (A) -USCGAUX RBS Org. Liaison (B) -On Water Training (E) -America’s Boating Course (E) -AUXDATA & AUXINFO (I) -USCG Marine Safety Program- Meeting the Support Needs (M) -Emergency Response Planning (M) -Maritime Domain Awareness and Homeland Security (M&O) -Aviation Program Update (O) -Targeted Membership Recruiting (P) -Diversity Management (P) -ON Line Testing (T) -Leadership Continuum: AUXLAM, -Vessel Examinations Update (V) FCA, AMLOC, ASOC (T)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 1300 - 1430 1445 - 1615 -USCG AUX RBS Org. Liaison (B) -One Stop Shopping for Public Affairs (A) -New Short Courses (E) -Tricks of the Trade - “How to Make Public Education Zing in Your Flotilla (E) -E-Auxiliary (I) -USCG Marine Safety Program-Meeting the Support Needs (M) -Developing Members’ Critical Skills (M) -Maritime Domain Awareness and Homeland Security (M&O) -Communications (O) -Boat Crew - Creating a Successful Mentoring Program (O) -Targeted Membership Recruiting (P) -Game Show of Recruiting - Wit & Wisdom (P) -On Line Mentoring & Conferencing (T) -Newly Re-Engineered Marine Dealer Visitor Program (V)

Plan now to attend these training sessions and receive information Analyze the various types of skills on the latest developments in our programs materials. The following needed; Identify those PQSs to meet presentations/workshops may be of special interest. those needs; and making your training program responsive to those ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR PUBLIC NEW SHORT COURSES - How to read needs. AFFAIRS - One stop shop for all the Nautical Charts, Navigating with GPS, tools you will need to run a success- and The New and Improved Boating “DEVELOPING MEMBERS’ CRITICAL ful public affairs program. Safely Course. SKILLS” - Overview and prioritization of Auxiliary PQSs in Maritime Home USCG AUXILIARY RBS ORGANIZA- TRICKS OF THE TRADE - HOW TO Land Security; Getting the member- TIONAL LIAISON - The presentation MAKE PUBLIC EDUCATION ZING IN ship “on board” to qualify. will outline successful nationwide YOUR FLOTILLA - Getting the public organizational partnerships between to come to classes....techniques in EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING - the Auxiliary and other Recreational promotion and advertising; Marine Reviewing and applying the basic Boating Safety Supporter Dealers...your ally in successful Public principles and understanding why Organizations. It will explain how the Education; Why one-day courses such planning is important. unit membership really do work; and Value-added (District/Division/Flotilla) can assist Public Education. MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS & the Department of Boating in negoti- HOMELAND SECURITY - Our current ating future partnerships at an AUXDATA and AUXINFO - An boat crew and aviation training pro- Auxiliary grassroots level. Overview for our Members grams place little emphasis on the knowledge and skills needed to make ON WATER TRAINING - The revised E-AUXILIARY - Overview of all the intelligent observations that can be program and how it works, as well as online resources and services avail- used to improve the safety and secu- tools for attracting new members. able to members as well as important rity of the ports. Maritime Domain tips for your home computing Awareness (MDA) for Auxiliary sur- AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE - The face and aviation assets blends best we can offer in a one-day venue; USCG MARINE SAFETY PROGRAM - recognition of the threat and anticipa- selling and pricing the course; and MEETING THE SUPPORT NEEDS - tion of the vulnerabilities. Identify when they will not come to your Analysis of the MSO-Augmentation classes, ABC as a product. Survey; Review survey findings; SEE NACON PG. 14

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 13 Nashville at night. Photo by Bill Mason, FSO-PA-11-04 8ER

NACON dard and surge conditions. move the Auxiliary forward in a posi- continued from page 13 tive direction. BOAT CREW - CREATING A SUCCESS- the knowledge and skill sets needed FUL MENTORING PROGRAM - It is GAME SHOW OF RECRUITING - WIT & to be effective CG force multiplier in clear that the need for qualified WISDOM - This session is planned to Homeland Security. Learn about coxswains and crew will increase dra- be a learning experience, combining some of the initiatives being devel- matically as the Auxiliary takes its information and fun. Bring along oped to improve our ability to place as the premier volunteer organ- your questions, applause, laughter respond to the new normalcy and ization in the Department of and knowledge. Who knows, you may surge operations. Homeland Security. That makes an be a Game Show participant. effective flotilla-based mentoring pro- AVIATION PROGRAM UPDATE - The gram a necessity. In this presenta- ON LINE TESTING (NAT’L TESTING aviation program is soaring as new tion, you will identify some common CENTER) - An in-depth view of how to tools are being developed for pilots, obstacles encountered in creating a take on line examinations. The train- aircrew and air observers. Learn flotilla-mentoring program, and dis- ing session will show how to interact about the new Pilot and Air Observer cuss strategies for recruiting mentors with the training presentations for Tests available on line. A new Air and maintaining interest, activity and the courses, how to hook-up with a Training Manual is being developed to quality in the program. mentor and how to get help. assist those involved in training and qualifying members. Aviation safety TARGETED MEMBERSHIP RECRUIT- ON LINE MENTORING & ON LINE will be central to our discussion, high- ING - Tried and true techniques that CONFERENCING - Learn how to take lighted by a review of Pilot Medical advantage of this new online service Standards by Robert S. Poole, MD, really work. Target Recruiting is a from the Department of Training. the USCG Auxiliary Flight Surgeon powerful strategy for building and FAA Deputy Air Surgeon. strength within flotillas. This session Explains how to utilize any of forty will help you give your recruiting experts to answer your questions efforts a “shot in the arm”. Learn regarding training subjects rapidly COMMUNICATIONS 2003 - Where how to multiply your potential pool of and accurately. does the Communications Program fit members by recruiting for a specific in the puzzle of Auxiliary Homeland mission. Security issues? Hear about the role LEADERSHIP CONTINUUM: AUXLAM, that the DSO CM can play in the dis- FCA, AMLOC, ASOC - Detailed expla- trict and area communications chain DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT - The ses- nation of each course and the mecha- in surge operations. Review initia- sion will provide specific guidelines nism for applying to each. tives in the USCG/FWHA HF program for managing diversity in the to improve training and net drills. Auxiliary. A combination of lectures, VESSEL EXAMINATIONS - UPDATES - Identify how the CG Communication self-evaluation and interactive exer- Updates on changes in the VE Watchstander Qualification Guide can cises will ensure each participant an Program, including the new “I Want A increase training opportunities to bet- enjoyable journey in Diversity VSC,” as well as information devel- ter prepare members to provide sup- Management. Furthermore, you will oped by an outside consulting firm to port for CG operations under stan- be provided with the tools needed to promote our program.

14 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR LEFT: Coast Guard class enjoys a light moment. RIGHT: Luis Felipe Clay Méndez explains a point. U.S. Coast Guard photos SPANISH 101 - Auxiliarist Builds Coast Guard Language Program

BY WAYNE SPIVAK, BC-AIG realized that this would be quite differ- road and began teaching Spanish. National Press Corps ent from the type of instructing I was From Galveston to Sabine Pass, Texas, accustomed to,” Mendez said. During the course was given to a cross section With over 35,000 members, the a casual lunch-time conversation with of Coast Guard Forces, newly assigned Auxiliary contains an extremely CDR David Roundy, Director of seaman to seasoned chiefs, young diverse and skilled membership. It is Auxiliary, 8WR and Admiral Ray Casto, ensigns to Lieutenant Commanders, all this diversity, this group of men and Mendez realized that not only was eager to improve themselves to women, which make the Auxiliary there a need, but a desire on behalf of improve their performance as profes- such an important component of Coast the Coast Guard for a language pro- sionals. Guard Forces. gram. The concept and course was so suc- Within the diversity one member Mendez began to create the best cessful, that Klaus Baumann, N-Id, currently stands out by virtue of his course he could possibly devise for the Deputy Director of the USCG educational initiative which is assisting Coast Guard. His best, became the Auxiliary International Affairs a broad range of Coasties. Basic Emergency Spanish Training Directorate (IAD), has plans to Luis Felipe Clay Méndez, Ph.D., is a (B.E.S.T). migrate this course into French, member of District 8WR. When not The program comes with a 50-page Vietnamese and even English. volunteering his time for the Coast booklet, Power Point presentation and Why English? Because, the IAD Guard as an Auxiliarist, Mendez is a is taught in two seven-hour sessions. works with Coast Guards and Professor of Spanish at Eastern Illinois “This is not conversational Spanish,” Auxiliaries worldwide and not every- University. This past summer, Mendez says Mendez, “but vocabulary that one speaks English. was able to meld his profession with would be suitable for Coast Guard per- The “B.E.S.T” value is always a win- his devotion to duty and began the first sonnel involved in law enforcement, ner, whether you’re selling a car or a of what will become a model education- fire fighting and medical emergency concept. In this instance, Mendez saw al program, crash language courses. situations. “ the need for an educational program “My ‘dream’ was to develop a After honing the course on fellow crucial to the success of many of the method for teaching my native lan- Auxiliarists in his local flotilla, Mendez missions the USCG undertakes and

AST G CO U . S E M P E R A S R . D U

P A A R A T U U Y guage - Spanish - to the Coast Guard. I was ready to take his course on the created a successful solution. XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 15 NATIONAL TRAINING UPDATE MAY 19, 2003

TRAINING INSTRUCTOR COURSE TIME COURSE TEXT STUDY GUIDE GUIDE (HOURS) EXAMINATIONS

New Member AUXMAN 5028 P16794.40A 5025 P16794.39A 5536 Code 482 Course 5027 M16790.1E Edition 11, Test 82 5027A New Mem Ref Passing Grade 80% Guide QUALIFICATION TRAINING

Instructor Part A 5501 P16794.44 5503 P16794.46 12 hours 5534 Code 488 Qualification 5500 P16794.45 5499 Transparencies Edition 3, Test 21 MI discontinued Open Book5 ON LINE TESTING

Vessel Safety 2001 M16796.8 10 hours 5544 Code VSC, Check Edition D, Test 99,Open Book5 ON LINE TESTING

Marine Dealer 5017 M16796.3B 6 hours 5550 Code 796, Visitor Edition 2, Test 02, Open Book5 ON LINE TESTING

Pilots & Air Crew 2008 M16798.5A 5553 Pilots/Air 2007 M16798.3D, Crew: Test 4 CH 1 & 2 ON LINE TESTING

Air Observers 2008 M16798.5A 5552 Observer: 2007 M16798.3D, Test 3 CH 1 & 2 ON LINE TESTING

SPECIALTY COURSES

Administration AUXMAN INTERIM2 INTERIM2 12 hours INTERIM EXAM (AUXMIN) 5027 M16790.1E Download from Download from 5547 Code 492 http://www.cgaux.or http://www.cgaux.org Edition 9, Test 52 g/cgauxweb/home_ /cgauxweb/home_ ON LINE TESTING frame_760a.htm frame_760a.htm Obtain slides from Obtain slides from http://www.auxe http://www.auxe train.org train.org

Communications 5504 P16794.32B Included in Text 5505 P16794.33B 14 hours 5538 Code 493 (AUXCOM) Lesson Plans Edition 5, Test 53 Transparencies 5538B Code 493 Edition 5, Test 54 ON LINE TESTING

Navigation 5526 AUXACN TEXT/ 5526 AUXACN TEXT/ 32 hours FOR EDITION 3 and (AUXACN - A) STUDY GUIDE STUDY GUIDE EDITION 4 OF ACN (AUXACN - B) TEXT6: (A) 5545 Code 495 Edition 2, Test 1 (B) 5546 Code 496 Edition 2, Test 1

16 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR TRAINING INSTRUCTOR COURSE TIME COURSE TEXT STUDY GUIDE GUIDE (HOURS) EXAMINATIONS SPECIALTY COURSES (continued)

Patrols 5506 P16794.28A Included in Text 5507 P16794.27A 10 hours 5539 Code 494 (AUXPAT) Edition 7, Tests 51 5539B TEST 52, 5539D TEST 53 ON LINE TESTING

Search and Rescue 5508 P16794.35B Included in Text 5509 P16794.36.B 12 hours 5540 Code 497 (AUXSAR) 5509A Edition 10, Test 51 Transparencies 5540B Code 497 Edition 10, Test 52 ON LINE TESTING – 06/01/03

Seamanship 5510 P16794.42 5510 P16794.42 5511A P16794.41 10 hours 5541 Code 498 (AUXSEA) & Chapman’s Piloting CH-1 Edition 4, Test 5 Transparencies ON LINE TESTING

Weather 5523 P18794.30A Included in Text 5524 P16794.29A 12 hours 5542 Code 499 (AUXWEA) 5522 Transparencies Edition 6, Test 51 5543 Test 52, ON LINE TESTING

AUX OFFICER TRAINING

Administrative Auxiliary Manual 5516 Student 5515 Instructor 8 hours INTERIM EXAM Procedures Course 5027 M16790.1E Study Guide Guide 5549 Code 500 (APC) Edition 8, Test 51 ON LINE TESTING

BOAT CREW

QUALIFICATION 5532 M16672.2D 20 hours 5554 Code 075 Navigation Rules Series (NAVRULES)#485 ON LINE TESTING Passing Grade 90%

REQUALIFICATION3 5532 M16672.2D 20 hours 5555 Code 095 COXSWAIN/PWC Series, Open Book5, Operator renewal Edition 4, Test 02 & (NAVRULESREQUAL) 03. Passing Grade 90% (4/2001) ON LINE TESTING

Operations Policy Manual 2007 M16798.3D On line testing – In addition to the exam listed above, the ICS 100 exam, the Crew/Coxswain Manual 2017 M16114.5B Good Mate exam and the Intro to MSEP exam can be taken on line. All on line Boat Crew Training Manual 2018 M16794.51 exams can be found by going to www.auxetrain.org and clicking on the exam BCQ Crew Member Manual 2018a M16794.52 link. Proctored exams require the proctor to be registered prior to a student BCQ Coxswain Manual 2018b M16794.53 requesting a proctored exam. Members taking on line exams are reminded to BCQ PWC Operator Manual 2018c M16794.54 read the instructions concerning on line exams, prior to taking an on line exam.

NOTES: Rules Examination for Coxswain Series 095, 6. Auxiliarists taking the AUXACN course no 1. The four digit numerals are ANSC item Edition 3, Test No. 1. Renewal Examinations, longer take the examination included with the numbers and when ordering these numbers Series 095, Edition 3, Test No’s. 2 & 3 remain ACN text and student study guide package. should be used. Only DIRAUX or his/her desig- in effect. They must now take both the AUXACN-A and nate can order exams from ANSC. 4. This is the new Boat Crew Manual for both AUXACN-B examinations that are obtained 2. An Interim AUXMIN course is available on Auxiliary and Coast Guard. from their DIRAUX as with other OSC examina- the AUXWEB. The examination must be 5. Unless otherwise noted, all open book tions. ordered from your DIRAUX as with other OSC exams have a 3-hour time limit with passing examinations. grade of 90%. Closed-book exams have no Oliver D. T. Lynch, Jr., DC-T, 3. This examination supercedes Navigation time limit and a passing grade of 75%. Department of Training

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 17 International Boating and Water Safety Summit

BY HARRIET HOWARD, DVC-AP

The International Boating and Water Safety Summit was held this year at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 13-16, 2003. The Summit, “a cooperative effort” between the National Safe Boating Council and the National Water Safety Congress, was an exchange of boating and water safety information. Nearly 450 participants, from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Ireland and Italy, represented many boating safety organizations including the United States Coast Guard and Auxiliary, the Army Corps of Engineers, Boat U.S. Foundation, the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the Canadian Safe Boating Council. During the summit, a variety of marine products, from boats to buoys Mike Davis (left) and Ron Lott (right) FLT97 11SR. Photo by Harriet Howard and PFDs to robots were on display in the exhibit area. Dillon, Charles Walbridge and Fred opportunities between the Auxiliary The Coast Guard Auxiliary booth Messman in discussing the need for and other marine organizations. was well staffed by Auxiliarists from accurately reporting boating fatalities, Debbie and Ed Huntsman, Division Divisions 9 and 10 of District 11SR. particularly of canoes and kayaks. 10, 11SR, boating safety instructors, Twin Coastie robots circulated among Evans urged boaters to know their urged a team approach in furthering the crowds, urging everyone to “Boat craft, the weather, water conditions, boating safety education. Ronn Lott, Smart - Boat Safe.” the environment and how to manage Marine Safety Officer, Division 9, The summit was a working confer- risk. Regarding fatalities, the captain 11SR, was a speaker in a Youth Water ence where professional and volunteer commented, “One death is too many.” Safety discussion. groups shared their expertise on vari- He said that education was the bottom On Wednesday afternoon, teams of ous topics: Education, Outreach and line and that all boaters need to wear contestants from various boating Awareness, Water Safety Education, their PFDs and know their equipment. organizations participated in a “Family Risk Management/Liability, In his presentation Dr. Robert Conn, Feud of Boating Safety” quiz. The Paddlesport Safety, Law of the SmartRisk Foundation, focused fastest correct answer scored the Enforcement/Boating Under the on teenagers, “the highest risk” group points. The winning team - The Coast Influence. for boating injuries and fatalities. He Guard Auxiliary! Several breakout sessions dealt with stressed the need to reach teenage The summit ended on Wednesday paddlesports, the popular recreational boaters through “Do Rules,” “Buckle night, with an awards banquet. The activities of canoeing, kayaking and Up,” “Boat Sober,” “Wear the Gear,” National Safe Boating Council and the whitewater rafting. A poolside paddle- “Get Trained.” National Water Safety Congress pre- sport demonstration and a rafting trip Coast Guard Auxiliarists were sented awards to many individuals and on the Colorado River were highlights among the featured speakers at the organizations for their outstanding of the summit. Summit. CAPT Bob Melvin, Retired boating safety programs. CAPT Scott Evans, Chief, Office of Deputy Chief, Division of Boating, Next year’s summit will be held in Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Panama City, Florida, April 18-21,

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P A A R A T U U Y joined paddlesport experts, Pamela Auxiliary, discussed partnership 2004. XILIA R

18 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR CONGRATULATIONS TO THE “IS” OFFICERS BY MARILYN MCBAIN, DC-I any years in the future of current year, they may be keying errors and need It appears that much training has been going on by the looks of the following attention. usage chart that I received from LCDR Mike Ryan, OCX-1. The use of the All Positions: This may be changed AUXDATA Cubes in the AUXINFO program has increased while the use of the to show just Lead, Non-Lead, or AUXMIS Cubes is decreasing. Training or Nest to show the breakout The word must be getting out. With all of the power point presentations that are of each. If any positions are showing as now available, if you haven’t shown a “How To on AUXINFO” at your flotilla meet- blank, it is a keying error that needs ing, think about it for the near future. Explain to your members how to look at attention. their performance hours to verify that they have all been entered into the system. Mission Hours: This may be changed to Mission Count, VSC Count, or MD ALL FISCAL Visits depending on what you need to CUBE SESSIONS FY 2002 FY 2003 YEARS see. AUXDATA AWARDS 2420 3907 6327 Buttons near the bottom of the AUXDATA COMPETENCIES 4770 8022 12792 screen that are very useful: AUXDATA DEMOGRAPHICS 926 1531 2457 50 Rows: Change to All if you have a AUXDATA FACILITIES 2281 2836 5117 large report to show all of your flotil- AUXDATA MEMBER ACTIVITIES 8611 42783 51394 las/members. AUXDATA TASKS 1758 5193 6951 20 Columns: Change to All if you AUXDATA UNIT ACTIVITIES 1324 4519 5843 have more than 20 columns. AUXDATA UNIT LOCATIONS 860 905 1765 Swap Axis: (The square with two AUXMIS AIDS TO NAVIGATION 671 219 890 arrows just to the right of the 20 AUXMIS AWARDS 1829 527 2356 Columns.) Click to show the least AUXMIS DEMOGRAPHICS 1072 268 1340 number of columns across the top and AUXMIS MEMBER COURSES 1515 493 2008 greater number as rows down left side. AUXMIS MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS 6820 1820 8640 Zero Suppression: Use the zero sup- AUXMIS MEMBER WORKSHOPS 1164 225 1389 pression to shorten the report to elimi- AUXMIS OPERATION HOURS 5205 2014 7219 nate items with no performance. AUXMIS PUBLIC AFFAIRS 456 191 647 Prepare Bookmark: Once you get AUXMIS PUBLIC EDUCATION CLASSES 1085 500 1585 the report the way you want it, either AUXMIS SEARCH AND RESCUE 556 218 774 prepare a Bookmark or save as a AUXMIS VESSEL EXAMINATIONS 2516 1007 3523 Favorite. Save as CSV Format: You have a AUXDATA FORMS: able to adjust their inventory pending choice of saving the file as either a We would like to implement a quar- the notice that a form is undergoing a .CSV or .PDF terly schedule for updating any revision. Export as PDF Format: The choice changes to AUXDATA Forms. should be determined by what the Implementation schedule is for AUXINFO Tips For The intended use of the information will be. March 1, June 1, September 1 and Member Activities Cube: If you plan to use it for awards eligibili- December 1 each year. Any required It is important to know what you are ty, .CSV would be best because you changes should be sent to Bud Nusly, planning to retrieve when going into may take it into a spreadsheet and sort DVC-IF, through the Department AUXINFO. You may go into your dis- the data. Or if you plan to give to your Chief responsible for the program the trict, division, flotilla, or your individual staff officers, you can hide columns change is applicable. All forms will be name. Look at the following buttons and give each staff the data pertaining modified as time permits, to include which are the default settings: to their program. the new member ID change and All Facilities: This may be changed If you are looking for flotilla overall Department of Homeland Security. By to Air, Vessel, Radio, or Unit. performance, go into the Unit using this schedule, you would know All Years: This may be changed to Activities Cube to get the totals by when to look on the web for Current Calendar Year, or Fiscal Year. flotilla rather than using the Member

AST G CO U . S E M P E R A S R . D U

P A A R A T U U Y new/changed items and ANSC will be If you see any years prior to 1939 or Activities Cube. XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 19 HUMBLE HERO Auxiliarist Named Winner of California Department of Boating & Waterways’ Distinguished Public Service Award

BY: ED SWEENEY, BC-AIP

For the second year in a row, a Coast Guard Auxiliarist has been awarded the California Department of Boating and Waterways’ Distinguished Public Service Award for extensive service to the state boating public. Formerly known as the Boater of the Year Award, it was established in 1980, to recognize the efforts of volunteer organizations whose members teach and promote boating safety education. The award was presented to Jimmin Chang, PhD, Flotilla 48 11NR, by Acting Deputy Director Carl Moore (a RADM in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (retired)), at a ceremony in March 2003, during the District 11 Northern Region annual Training (D- TRAIN) Conference in Modesto, Calif. Chang’s professionalism and dedication are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the Auxiliary,” Moore said. Chang, 41, received the award for his continuous hard work with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as exemplified by his invaluable assistance during a medical emergency at sea in 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to Jimmin Chang holding the Distinguished Service Award. a call for assistance from a Chinese Photo by Harry McBain, ADSO-PAP freighter. A Chinese-speaking crewmember had been seriously from a weeklong business trip to Francisco. The whole freighter crew injured in a fall, and emergency med- Korea. The recuperation plan dramati- was Chinese with very limited English ical personnel could not communicate cally changed when the phone rang. capability. with him. Coast Guard Pacific Area Command The initial plan was for Chang to fly Oct. 7, 1998 was supposed to be a Center needed a Chinese interpreter on the HC-130 so as to communicate recuperation day for U.S. Coast Guard for medevacing a stroke patient from a with the vessel captain on the radio. Auxiliarist Chang, after coming back freighter 600 miles off the coast of San But there was greater need to talk to

20 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR an unconscious foreigner in grave ill- ness.” Although quite grueling, and requir- ing actions which endangered his own life, Chang regards the rescue as a very positive experience and he is grateful that he was able to contribute through his language skills on this occasion. Chang noted, “My Coast Guard Auxiliary training in radio communication and helo operations, plus my own emergency medical techni- cian training prepared me well for the work I had to do. The only mistake I made was that I forgot to bring along a camera.” Chang joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1995. He is trained and qualified in the boat crew, public education, vessel safety check, marine dealer visitation and Coast Guard cut- Chang’s helo hovers by the ship with the disabled crewman. ter operation programs. He has also Photos courtesy of the 129th Air Rescue Wing received specialty training in search and rescue, communications, seaman- the doctor on board and find out the medics did their assessments and ship, navigation, patrol, weather and details of the patient’s medical history treatment. The crew then helped pre- administration, and received his opera- and the treatment that had already pare the patient for transport under tional status (AUXOP) in 2002. been given. As a result, Chang was the medics’ instructions, which were He served as the Flotilla assigned a “scenic” spot on the HH-60 translated into Chinese by Chang. Commander of Flotilla 48 in San Jose, helicopter. He departed Moffet Field The crew was hoisted back into the for the years 1998-2000, and 2002- at about 2:30 p.m. Weather was good helicopter and flown back to Moffet 2003, and is currently serving as and sea was calm. Field after two additional mid-air refu- District Staff Officer, Marine Dealer Within 45 minutes from the first eling operations in total darkness. An Visitations (DSO-MV). Moreover, he phone call, Chang was given the travel ambulance was waiting when they served on the National staff as order number and was connected with landed at Moffet Field at 12:30 in the Division Chief in the Department of the California Air National Guard morning. Chang assisted with the Boating from 1997-2000 and has held 129th Air Rescue Wing. Chang was loading of the patient into the ambu- numerous staff offices at the flotilla directed to report to Moffet Field with- lance at the airport. and division levels. in an hour, attend the briefing and pre- The mission was a success, but it Chang has earned the U.S. Coast pare for the flight. Luckily, Auxiliarist wasn’t over yet! The two medics and Guard Auxiliary Coxswain device as Chang lives only 20 minutes from the Chang accompanied the patient to well as several achievement awards air base. Stanford Hospital Emergency Room, and commendations during his short Before he knew it, Chang was air- where Chang related the medical infor- Auxiliary career, many with the “O” borne in a rescue helicopter en route mation, including the Chinese medica- device. He also received the Sikorsky to the freighter, over 600 miles off the tions the patient received while uncon- Aircraft Rescue Award for participat- California coast. “It was kind of surre- scious, to the hospital staff. ing in that lifesaving mission with US al,” Chang said. It was 3:15 a.m. Sunday when Chang Air Force 129th Air Rescue Wing. After two mid-air refuelings and a finally got home. He called the Coast When asked how he felt about his four and a half-hour flight, the Air Guard Command Center to inform heroic deeds, and receiving this presti- Rescue Unit finally located the them of his safe return, to find out gious award, Chang replied “I’m not freighter. Unfortunately, the helipad that the duty officer was about to call exactly sure what all the fuss is about. on deck was too small and too haz- the vessel. They both got on the satel- I was just doing what I signed on to do ardous for them to land. The two para- lite phone and informed the captain of – to help boaters in any way I can. I rescue jumper/medics, as well as the patient’s status. According to enjoy serving in the Auxiliary and Chang, had to be hoisted down onto Chang, “The crew was very apprecia- assisting the boaters of California, the aft deck, along with the basket and tive of our efforts and was astonished whether it’s conducting a patrol, teach- medical equipment. Chang did his that we were willing to fly 600 miles ing a class, or conducting a Marine

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P A A R A T U U Y interviews in Chinese, while the offshore from San Francisco to rescue Dealer Visit. It’s all good!” XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 21 WE ARE THE BEST ... BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO!

BY RICHARD A. “DICK” CLINCHY Chief -Department of Education

In 2002, we enrolled over 54,000 adults in Auxiliary public education courses and when we count our courses for kids; we educated over 160,000 individuals about recreational boating safety. If we add in the mini-courses delivered during Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs) and useful safety information delivered at boat shows and in other venues, we easily reach around 300,000 Americans annually on issues of recreational boating safety. But, that’s not good enough!

With over 15,000,000...that’s MIL- other initiatives that, utilizing current presentations you are currently LION...registered boats in the United technology, we might pursue to deliver using and a variety of utilities. All of States and around 20,000,000 paddle enhanced capabilities to our members. this material is constantly undergo- craft, it’s likely that there are over The ﬁrst step in the process was ing review and revisions where nec- 55,000,000 Americans involved in identifying the talent within the essary. For example, in May of this recreational boating of one kind or Auxiliary to help us get the job done year, an entirely new set of another. So, when viewed in those and we did so by bringing on board PowerPoint presentations for terms, it’s obvious that we reach less several people who, as part of their AUXACN was put into the PE media than 1 percent of the recreational boat- professional responsibilities, develop library that totally replaced what was ing population each year. Our US web-based and PowerPoint materials put up there last summer. Why? Power Squadrons colleagues educate for their employers. With the compe- Because based on the work of a very around 35,000 adults annually and the tent staff on board, we set out to pro- competent member and suggestions states reach an indeterminate number vide updated PowerPoint materials for from others, we discovered that we of additional boaters. So, perhaps 1 every active Auxiliary PE course and could do better to serve you...and percent of recreational boaters are that activity was completed by NACON have. Likewise, if you visit the PE somehow “touched” each year. I don’t 2002. Along the way, we discovered a Media Library you’ll notice that now about you but to me that is barely variety of other services/improve- many of the PowerPoint lessons have scratching the surface...and the U.S. ments that needed to be addressed. differing revision dates. What we do recreational boating population is con- So, let me tell you what’s available for is make changes as necessary and stantly growing. you: tweak lessons here and there to So with that background information Access to PE PowerPoint presenta- make them better. - that I hope will disturb and motivate tions - There are two ways that you Utilities - Members have been frus- you a bit - let’s see what your Auxiliary can get to the PE PowerPoint trated by their inability to access zip has available for you now and has “library”: (1) Contact AUXCEN and ﬁles, view video clips, etc. So, we planned in the months ahead. ask them to send you the current PE have added a set of free downloads Beginning in Feb. 2002, a major CD...distribution of this CD will be that will enable you to utilize whatev- thrust got underway to overhaul the limited to DSO-PE, SO-PE and FSO- er we may be distributing on the teaching support materials that you all PE; (2) Go to the Education Web as well as other materials com- utilize in your Public Education (PE) Department on the National Web monly sent out via Auxiliary chan- activities. At the same time we exam- and visit the PE Media Library. nels. ined some delivery issues relative to From there you can download any of Resources - Templates approved by how you obtain those materials and the PE presentations, updates to the the Education Department are avail-

22 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Kids get a life jacket lesson from Coast Guard Auxiliarists. U.S. Coast Guard photo

able via download so that you can promotes the whole gamut of PE of the NRA. The article will also pro- prepare internal training aids utiliz- courses, introduces folks to the prod- mote membership in Auxiliary. ing the same common look and feel ucts you have for sale through PE, Beyond that, your Education of all of the Auxiliary education i.e., Knot-Tying CD, Pocket Quick Department is working with the materials. You’ll also find an ever- Reference Cards, ABC and finally, NRA to update their hunter educa- expanding library of additional pub- introduces those watching to the tion brochures on water safety and lic education resources to enhance wide variety of activities in the hypothermia. your flotilla’s capabilities. Auxiliary. On Water Training - A fabulous, fun In the works and things we know we safety training opportunity has only Where are we heading in the future? need to address: had limited success thus far. On Let’s take a look: High-risk Boaters - We’re developing Water Training is in the final stages Americas Boating Course (ABC) You relationships and programs to reach of being evaluated and totally over- absolutely need to take a look at the folks who constitute such a high hauled. Our objective is to simplify ABC as both a PE course and a prod- percentage of boating deaths each the program, make it more “user- uct to be sold during your PE efforts, year. Waterfowl hunters, anglers friendly” and, in the end, make it ramp days and boat shows. A princi- and paddlers don’t consider them- more successful. Take another look pal focus of the You’re in Command selves as recreational boaters in the at On Water Training and add this promotional campaign, in addition to classic sense and typically don’t terrific activity to your public educa- VSCs, is ABC. ABC is a superior “hear” us when to talk about boating tion repertoire. short RBS course and should safety. So, we’re approaching “their” New Boating Law Administrator become our standard one-day recre- groups and communities and hope (BLA) list server - We have just ational boating safety course. that they’ll start “hearing” the mes- launched a terrific new service to The Rest of Our Story - This short sage regarding PFDs. The first ini- our members and to State Liaison PowerPoint was developed to sup- tiative from a public education stand- Officers and Boating Law port expansion of your PE efforts, point is a partnership of sorts with Administrators. Getting the word to for use at boat shows and in kiosks. the National Rifle Association (NRA). our educators and members regard- This short presentation can be down- Initially, an article will appear in loaded from the E Department PE American Hunter magazine and will Media Library. This presentation reach 1.7 million hunting members SEE EDUCATION PG. 24

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 23 EDUCATION continued from page 23

ing statutory and regulatory changes has, at best, been somewhat variable in the past. By launching state-specific list servers, the BLA for any state in which you have an interest now has access to an Education Department maintained list server. And, if your BLA posts a new statute, regulation or information bulletin, you will get it immediately if you’ve simply registered for receipt of information from the list server. Simply visit the E Department site and get your electronic contact information entered into the database so you can Coast Guard Cutter Ibis conducts Homeland Security operations in stay on top of issues in states of inter- Washington D.C. Photo by PA1 Zach Zubricki / U.S. Coast Guard est to you...click on the BLA button at the top of the E Department page. over-arching homeland security pub- navigation course. The textbook New short courses - Using a bottom- lic education initiative for the Coast with the prior errata notation incor- up management approach, the Guard and the Auxiliary - Operation porated and corrected within the text Department is looking at a variety of On Guard. Based on the On Guard went to the printer in April. The pub- potential new courses. A more program developed in the 7th Coast lic navigation examination was heavi- appealing GPS course, a course on Guard District, this expanded nation- ly reviewed and completely revised chart reading, electronic navigation al program will include a public infor- in May. And, as mentioned above, and a few others are among those mation booklet; an ON GUARD the navigation PowerPoint resources now being researched. The process decal for display by the public on were also totally revised in May. will involve our Department staff and their vessel or their place of busi- Presentation Equipment - Many flotil- DSO-PEs evaluating potential cours- ness; radio and TV public service las are severely hamstrung insofar es and course materials. If the new announcements; large waterproof as effectively using the fabulous material gets past that process, the posters for posting at marinas and PowerPoint materials our team has draft course will then be piloted in waterside businesses; and supple- developed. Why? The flotillas can- select districts. Thereafter, if the mental homeland security informa- not afford to purchase the laptop course continues to survive, final tion that will be added to every and projector necessary to properly touches will be put on the materials Auxiliary public education course. present the materials. So, AUXCEN based upon the pilot courses and Heartaches and headaches - The and others are investigating how we then deployed. The whole process introduction of Let’s Go Sailing was can get our flotillas the best prices leading from concept to new course greeted by less than rave reviews by on this equipment and, perhaps, delivery will likely take from five to our very avid sailing members and how we can deliver this equipment seven months per new course but they’ve let us know, in no uncertain to them on a financial basis they can our focus in the foreseeable future terms, how they feel. Our depart- tolerate. will be on one-day programs. The ment has a team tasked to come up first such new courses that you will with an improved approach to the This is simply a brief overview of likely see is a course entitled GPS for sailing program...it’s too early to some of the activities underway in the Mariners and a chart-reading course. even tell you what it’ll be called but Education Department. If you have Homeland Security - As many of you we hope that by NACON the new concerns, complaints or suggestions, are aware, a hodge-podge of home- direction of the Auxiliary sailing edu- get them to your FSO-PE, SO-PE or land security initiatives have sprung- cation program will become clearer. DSO-PE and your concerns will up around the country. Nearing In a similar vein, some problems become the concerns of someone in

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P A A R A T U U Y completion is what will become the have been uncovered with the public the Education Department. XILIA R

24 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Auxiliary Aircraft Assists Coast Guard in Rescue

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM ASHLEY, SO-PA 5-D7

Coast Guard Auxiliarist Philip Bouckaert, an annual visitor from Flotilla 15, D8-ER in Kentucky, is attached to Flotilla 51 in Riviera Beach, Florida. On the morning of March 3, Phil was standing radio watch at Coast Guard Station Lake Worth Inlet. It started out to be a slow morning, with very little radio traffic. Many vessels were involved in the the direction of the airplane’s sound Meanwhile, out at sea, a recreational search and rescue. “Sea Tow Boynton,” from the sailor’s perspective. Using sailor awakened after 10 hours of sleep responding to an urgent marine infor- that general compass vector, the air- to find his 35-foot sailboat flooded with mation broadcast (UMIB), headed craft altered course and was soon over water and sinking. He quickly board- toward the area. At about the same the sailor displaying his orange dis- ed his dinghy with a cell phone, an time, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office tress flag. The Auxiliary aircraft then orange distress flag and some flares. sent two boats to augment the search. broadcasted their exact GPS position The sailor was disoriented and A Coast Guard Rescue vessel, already to the on-water search team. Forty unaware of his exact location, but he underway on another mission, was also minutes after the original call, Palm knew he was several miles off shore. diverted to the search. Group Miami Beach Sheriff Office Marine Unit locat- With heavy seas splashing over him was preparing a helicopter to assist. ed the dinghy and brought the dis- his 10-foot dinghy was rapidly taking The targeted area was four to five tressed sailor on board. on water. He dialed 911 on his cell miles off of Delray Beach, but with a This 40-minute search and rescue phone, contacting the City of Delray heavy haze on the water and the white- ended successfully. However, some Beach 911 operator. The operator caps caused by the heavy sea, the abili- lessons are to be learned. The cell relayed the request for assistance to ty to locate a small boat was proving to phone would have been useless the station and right into the lap of be very difficult. “Sea Tow Boynton” beyond 20 miles at sea and shoreline Auxiliarist Bouckaert. reported the seas running six to seven reference points would not have played Delray Police 911 calculated an feet and building. a part in the rescue. A hand-held, approximate location for the cell phone Thirty minutes had elapsed since the water proof VHF radio would allow transmission as somewhere offshore initial request for assistance and the direct communication with the Coast of Delray Beach. With the cell phone dinghy was still not in sight. The Guard Station, and all boats and air- number provided by the Delray Police, Auxiliary aircraft saw buildings similar craft in the area. Coast Guard Petty Officer Ivan Reales, to those reported by the sailor and Signal flares can be seen for miles now in the station radio room, made used them as a reference point. They but must be replaced according to contact with the sailor and from a circled the area where the dinghy was their expiration date. Furthermore, series of questions confirmed the thought to be but, due to haze, sun- they may not fire when wet. All sailor’s approximate position. light and heavy seas, the dinghy could boaters should have a so-called “ditch Auxiliarist Bouckaert contacted not be sighted. They requested the bag/box.” This waterproof, floatable Auxiliary Airplane (Aux3939C/CG sailor fire off a flare and display his dis- container should contain a waterproof 3939C) piloted by Auxiliarist Art Elliott tress flag but the sailor’s flares would portable VHF radio, a bailing device, of Flotilla 58, Fort Pierce, with not fire. current-dated flares, a distress flag, Auxiliarist Ed McLaren of Flotilla 51, The Auxiliary aircraft requested that bottled water and snack bars. This kit, Riviera Beach, as observer. The air- the Coast Guard Station ask the sailor along with a proper life jacket, of craft, on a routine patrol to the Florida to identify the sound of the aircraft course, could sustain a disabled boater Keys, immediately turned around and engine in relation to his position. Petty in the water for 24-48 hours while

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P A A R A T U U Y headed for the general search area. Ofﬁcer Reales was able to establish awaiting rescue. XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 25 We Can

Do It! Photo by PA3 Beth Reynolds / U.S. Coast Guard

BY JEFF MAHL, The Auxiliary Augmentation and CG check ride, qualifying the first of DC-ID Recruiting program is a combination 10 Auxiliarist Boat Crew trainees. of the latest technology resources. These Auxiliarist will become part of The call has gone out to increase There are several integrated compo- the station’s regular scheduled duty Auxiliary membership to 40,000 by the nents including PowerPoint, a recruit- sections and be involved in all low risk end of 2004. Due to the increasing ing website platform with special underway missions. The program has needs of Coast Guard Forces (of which administrative and statistical support, demonstrated that it can deliver effec- we are an integral part) this is not an email distribution lists, and local tive and sustainable augmentation to option but rather a compelling necessi- media support including press, radio our local stations. ty. This means a net increase of and TV. While these new members greatly approximately 3,000 members. These resources were focused at sec- helped satisfy the station’s needs, the Historically, our Boater Education tors of the public where potential candi- Auxiliary Augment and Recruiting classes, and other traditional methods dates were most likely to be found. (A&R) Program also netted three local have kept our numbers relatively flat One example is for Watchstanders can- flotillas with 32 new members! All this over the past few years. Such an didates, where Amateur (Ham) radio in one year. undertaking will mean that we will clubs proved to be extremely produc- The A&R Program was recently pre- have to look to new and more effective tive. The local supporting website sented to all DSO-PS and DSO-CCs methods of recruiting. http://www.auxonline.org/~crew/ will attending NTRAIN 2003. They One such method has just complet- give you a better idea of just how the received a CD “kit” which included all ed over a year of testing, and the process is initiated. of the program details, including vari- results are (in the words of a Station The results of this approach generat- ous templates making it easy to “local- Commanding Officer) “Spectacular”! ed the sustainable Auxiliary support ize” to any situation. The A&R kit is It is the Auxiliary Augmentation and Station Ft. Myers Beach was looking also going to be modified for use with Recruiting Program, initiated at Station for. A combination of new members our CC program, to aid in recruiting Ft. Myers Beach, FL. Shortly after and current members entered an efforts for the CG Academy. The kit is 9/11, the Station identified specific extensive training program. Now near- flexible and can be easily adapted to needs for Auxiliarists who were Group ing completion, it has provided the sta- virtually any Auxiliary recruiting need. and Station qualified Watchstanders tion with eight Auxiliary Group and See your DSO-PS or DSO-CC for addi- and for CG qualified Boat Crew and Station (G&S) Watchstanders serving tional information. Engineers. The needs were well over 64 hours of watch every week. The mission is clear, and we now beyond what the current membership This is nearly 50 percent of the sta- have a very effective tool to help reach could provide, so a “Targeted tion’s total Comms watch schedule. our objective. With your dedicated

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P A A R A T U U Y Recruiting” program was developed. The station also just completed its ﬁrst efforts, We Can Do It! XILIA R

26 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR In Pursuit of Boating Safety

U.S. COAST GUARD Office of Boating Safety

You could call Marc Kovac the man who goes the extra mile - in many ways. As a mechanic working the oil wells for British Petroleum, he commutes more than 900 miles from his home in Seward, Alaska to the north slopes on the Arctic Ocean. It’s a land that’s rough and rugged, where “everything freezes solid as the ocean” until you can’t tell the land from the sea. Marc spends much of his time in the bitter cold and all winter in twilight. Not a life for the faint of heart, but he relish- es the challenge. The former Denver native throws the same energy and enthusiasm into his work as a Vessel Examiner. He is willing to go the extra Marc Kovac. Photo supplied by Marc Kovac mile by spending as much as twenty hours a week doing Vessel Safety the family to take the time for the free Marc started an Auxiliary flotilla in Checks (VSCs), during the alternating Vessel Safety Check. “They didn’t Seward, which now boasts 15 active weeks when he’s back home in know very much about safety. I found members. Goshorn passed away two Seward. that the life jackets weren’t adequate years ago but Marc and Shannon “I think it’s that important,” Marc for the children. They were oversized remain dedicated to the cause. This says. “I want to help people...to do my and unserviceable. We found a lot of past year, they conducted some 50 part in the Auxiliary. I like to make problems with the engine that needed Vessel Safety Checks. He also does sure people are prepared so if anything to be fixed, and they didn’t have all the uninspected passenger vessel checks comes up, they’ll be ready.” “And, required safety gear.” and inspections of commercial fishing hey,” he adds, “it’s just plain fun to get Thanks to the Kovacs’ inspection vessels for the Coast Guard. As if all out and talk with folks.” and recommendations, the family this weren’t enough, add handling the He gets great satisfaction when he knew exactly what to buy and prompt- National VSC Internet Request speaks with children and then sees ly went out and got what was needed Program plus serving as Branch Chief them take his safe boating message to to make their boating trip much safer. on the national staff and district staff their parents. “The children will turn “The engine would have died,” Marc officer for vessel examinations for the around and tell their mother or father says, and in the frigid, remote waters entire state of Alaska (District 17) to to put their life jacket on before they of Alaska, who knows what might have his list of responsibilities. If he had get on the boat,” Marc says. happened. more spare time, Marc says he would Marc’s wife, Shannon, teams with Marc joined the Auxiliary three years do...you guessed it...even more VSCs. him to do VSCs. She is the flotilla ago after he attended an Auxiliary class Getting the word out may be the commander for their area plus head of to learn basic boating skills. He credits biggest challenge he faces because the Marine Visitors program for another fellow Auxiliarist, Richard most people have not heard about ves- Alaska. He recalls one time in particu- Goshorn, with convincing him that one sel safety checks. But that doesn’t faze lar when their VSC helped avert disas- of the most important roles he could him. Together with his other fellow ter. A man had just bought an old boat perform was as a Vessel Examiner. vessel examiners, they’re ready to go

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P A A R A T U U Y for his large family. They convinced Together with his wife and Goshorn, the extra mile. XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 27 The Cake for the Re-chartering Ceremony. Photo by Harry McBain, ADSO-PAP A ‘Star’ Division is Re-Born North Coast Division 8 (D11NR) is Re-chartered with a Ceremony at Group Humboldt

BY ED SWEENEY, BC-AIP Officer, District 11 Northern Region. Auxiliary dignitaries included NAVCO- Jerry Collins The Northern California Coast is P Gail Ramsey, and DCO Cameron Photo by noted for its natural beauty. Linn 11NR. Harry McBain, Unfortunately, a number of mariners Division 8 was previously decommis- ADSO-PAP have learned that many of the region’s sioned in the 1990s and merged into waterways can be as dangerous as Division 3, due to declining member- they are beautiful. This clear and pres- ship and inability to find members will- ent danger is mitigated however, by ing to serve in elected office. But like the presence of a group of dedicated a phoenix that has arisen from the individuals, collectively known as ashes, the re-born Division 8 is alive District 11 NR’s USCGAUX North and well, with a bright future, and no Coast Division 8. shortage of talent. Division 8 was recently re-chartered Led by Jeremiah (Jerry) Collins, in a ceremony held at Group Division Captain, Division 8 currently Humboldt with a number of local digni- is composed of four flotillas, with taries, and high ranking Gold Side and approximately 150 members, all of who Auxiliary Officers. Officiating at the share an enthusiasm for serving the re-chartering ceremony was Captain Coast Guard and their local communi- T.C. LeFeuvre, Commanding Officer, ties. According to Jerry, “We’ve got a U.S.C.G. Group Humboldt Bay, and great group of Auxiliarists, and they all Charles Kemnitz, Operations Training seem to have a common thread - a love

28 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR of serving in the Auxiliary. least, Flotilla 8-11 (Crescent All four flotillas are stars in City, CA), which is less than their own right.” two years old, is busy train- Take for example, Flotilla ing new members in support 88, based at Clear Lake, CA, of the USCGC Dorado. which has about 40 mem- According to Beverly Noll, bers. At the Division 8 Re- Flotilla Commander 8-11, chartering Ceremony, they “Many of our members are recently captured many already a part of the nautical awards, including the community here in Crescent District 11 Northern City, so serving in the Region’s Public Affairs Auxiliary seems like a natu- Award of the Year. Their ral thing to do. Our mem- accomplishments included bers are serving as the pri- the production of eight 2- mary responders to SAR hour boating safety seg- calls when the crew of the ments, which was aired Dorado is out of port, which throughout the 2002 boat- is pretty often. We are ing season on Public and grateful for the support of Cable TV stations from the Group Humboldt and North Coast, down through Auxiliarists from around the the San Francisco Bay Area District who have taken the and Sacramento. Two indi- time to travel to Crescent viduals, Len and Nancy City to help train our mem- Guthrie, were awarded the bers.” Award of Operational Merit, Like a child that goes for their role in saving the from crawling to running, lives of two local fishermen Division 8 is off to a fast whose boat was swamped start. They have extensive during a Catfish Derby last celebrations scheduled dur- year during National Safe ing National Safe Boating Boating Week. Twelve of Week. Moreover, they have their members received the established a rigorous train- Coast Guard Meritorious ing schedule, both on and Team Commendation off the water. They also Award for their work in have members expanding in assisting Lake County offi- CAPT T.C. LeFeuvre presents the Auxiliary to the Aviation program, cials in their Search and res- Commendation medal to Jerry Collins DCP 8 11NR. with several members either cue efforts. Several of their Photo by Anita Farnholtz, FL 88 presently studying or plan- members, including Rod ning to be trained to be air Lloyd and Ollie Olsen, traveled over 50 know they will succeed with the lead- observers, including Jerry Collins, miles each way to augment as In-Port ers they have.” DCP 8. Officer of the Day for the USCGC Pt. Flotilla 88 is not the only hardwork- And the Collins family has made the Brower, which patrolled the San ing flotilla in this new division. Flotilla Auxiliary a family affair; Jerry’s wife Francisco Bay area. According to 86 (Eureka, CA) has greatly expanded Nita is currently serving as Flotilla Collins, “These tours as In-Port Officer its membership in the past two years, Commander for Flotilla 88. “We have of the Day were often for a minimum under the leadership of Dan Ashe, some interesting dinner conversa- 24 hour shifts. The dedication and Flotilla Commander. According to tions,” say Nita, “But being in the drive of these folks continually amazes Dan, “We are fortunate to get a lot of Auxiliary together makes a difference, me.” support from the folks here at Group a positive difference.” According to Doyle DeBeaord, DCP Humboldt. It’s a reciprocal relation- Collins, who has won Division 3’s 3 11NR (the Division from which ship - they help train our new mem- Coxswain of the Year for the last two Division 8 was spun off), “Flotilla 88 bers - and we help them by doing years, and Auxiliarist of the Year for has probably won Flotilla of the Year watchstanding and other augmentation 2002, as well as the Auxiliary Award more times than any other flotil- tasks.” Flotilla 87 has helped restore Commendation Medal at the Re-char- la in the district, especially in the last and maintain the Point Cabrillo tering Ceremony, stated, “ I love the 10 years or so. We’re really sorry to Lighthouse, which Alice Smiley, Auxiliary and what it represents. I see them go (into another Division); Flotilla Commander describes as “A can’t imagine doing anything else right

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P A A R A T U U Y we’re sorry to see all of them go, but I true labor of love.” And last but not now.” XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 29 The Rewards of Selling Safety

U.S. COAST GUARD boat owners got a quick lesson on how Office of Boating Safety important it is to “stay on top of things and do preventive maintenance,” Susan J. Albertsen remembers how Albertsen says, but she adds, “They great it felt to sell a house. Yet in her were most appreciative.” 26 years as a real estate broker, not In another case, a doctor had just one sale left her feeling as terrific as bought a boat and assumed that it had when she does a Vessel Safety Check no problems because it was new. (VSC). “Doing a VSC is definitely Albertsen found a leaking shaft stuff- more satisfying,” she says. “When you ing box. “Water would have gotten sell a house, you make a friend and get into the bilge. If the bilge pump isn’t monetary awards, but when you do a pumping as fast as the water coming VSC, the rewards are greater — you in, you could sink,” she says. She says get a life-saving award!” Albertsen has boaters should be better informed, been conducting VSCs, either alone or should not rely on others for mainte- with her husband, Arthur, the former nance, and should not take it for grant- Rear Commodore of the Auxiliary, for ed that everything’s perfect with their Susan J. Albertsen. the past six years. shiny, or expensive new boat. Photo supplied by Susan J. Albertsen Albertsen says her selling skills do Albertsen has repeatedly demon- come in handy when trying to con- strated her commitment to educating vince boaters to get the VSC. But boaters. She received the most people require little convincing Commandant Award from the as soon as they understand that the Auxiliary for her part in helping to check is a free service and that Vessel start up the United States Power Examiners are not law enforcement Squadrons’ VSC efforts on Long officers. The reaction she more often Island. She is also National Branch encounters is embarrassment or dis- Chief of the Vessel Exam Program and may, when she finds equipment or Assistant District Staff Officer of the safety problems on their boats. She First Southern District for the recalls coming across a dried, cracked Auxiliary. And this grandmother of gas line, which could have resulted in two says she has no plans to stop what

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P A A R A T U U Y an explosion or ﬁre. The concerned she’s doing anytime soon! XILIA R

She says boaters should be better informed, should not rely on others for maintenance, and should not take it for granted that everything’s perfect with their shiny, or expensive new boat.

30 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Coastie Care Packages

BILL MURPHY, FSO-PA

While the country was at war with Iraq, there was an outcry of support for our military members who served in the Persian Gulf. In some communities, though, the Coast Guard’s contribution was sometimes forgotten. This is the story of how Operation Coastie Care Package was born. The idea came after an encounter with a 41 foot UTB from Station St. Pete Fla. According to Bill Murphy, “We were on Homeland Security Patrol under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as we have been every day since September 11th, 2001. The Quartermaster on the boat thanked the members of the Auxiliary boat profusely for donating their time and energy. We were all taken back by the sincerity of this young Coastie who was leaning on his 50 caliber machine gun as the wake of an ocean going tanker passed our location in the Skyway Channel. We talked about the two open slips at the Base where two of our Cutters had been in previous Ensign Angel Diemler of Group St Pete (center,) Frank Vanderhorst (left,) days. The Port Security Unit 307 and and Bill Murphy(right) of Flotilla 78 load up the goodies. two of our finest cutters were already Photo by Frank Vanderhorst USCG-Aux on duty somewhere in the Persian Gulf. A total of 650 men and women As the Public Affairs Officer, Bill on behalf of Captain Neptun. Within had deployed for the war, and our Murphy kicked around the idea of minutes the boxes which contained small flotilla was doing its best to fill making up a “Coastie Care Package” books, audiocassettes, popcorn and the void. “ at the flotilla meeting, and the idea even some videos, were placed on pal- They wished there was more they captured the hearts and efforts of lets and were soon headed off to an could do for those that were deployed many of the flotilla’s members. Soon awaiting aircraft to be delivered to the to let them know how much their the word went out across Division 7 of Persian Gulf. service was appreciated. Murphy District 7 and the project began to According to Murphy, “Several cam- replayed the conversation with the take on a life of its own. eras were enclosed and we requested young Coastie in his head over and By late April, Division 7 had obtained that the commanding officer send us over, and he finally thought of a way to 500 lbs. of personal care goods includ- back photos of our Coasties so we can let the men and women of Group St. ing 500 international calling cards and have them published in the local news- Pete know that the Auxiliary did not 300 copies of local hometown newspa- paper, which has also donated 350 forget them or their contributions to pers. Ensign Angel Diemler (AUXLO) copies of the “Sunday papers with

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P A A R A T U U Y Operation Iraqi Freedom. of Group St Pete accepted the goods extra funnies.” XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 31 ‘YOU’RE IN COMMAND’ The Genesis of a Campaign

BY JOHN M. MALATAK, Chief, Program Development and Implementation Division U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety Operations Policy Directorate

For some time it has been a goal of the Coast Guard’s Ofﬁce of Boating Safety (G-OPB) to unify its boating safety marketing and education programs under one multi-year outreach and awareness effort that would support the entire recreational boating community. While recreational boating fatalities have been on the decline, there are still far too many deaths, injuries, and accidents on the nation’s waterways. The initiatives we believe that could initially make the most difference include the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program, innovative boating safety education courses and our national Boating Under the Inﬂuence (BUI) preven- tion program. Efforts to increase rates of life jacket wear and our continued targeting of anglers, hunters and small boat operators have not achieved the market penetration needed to create widespread behavior change.

Tremendous energy is expended by agency. Together with a joint project Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, Coast Guard boating safety partners team comprised of select members PCI conducted a marketing research such as the U.S. Coast Guard from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, effort in the fall of 2002. The results Auxiliary, the United States Power the United States Power Squadrons, were telling. Squadrons, the National Safe Boating and the U.S. Coast Guard, their initial The research revealed that most Council, the National Association of focus was on the Vessel Safety Check boaters believe they are safe enough State Boating Law Administrators, and Program and America’s Boating already. They equate boating safety the National Water Safety Congress. Course. with equipment - like life jackets, fire We are hoping that a unified outreach extinguishers, and radios - and not effort from our office will help channel THE SITUATION with their own behavior. this energy to even greater use. It was clear that not enough was Additionally, recreational boating The Coast Guard’s National known about the target audience for safety is suffering from “concept clut- Recreational Boating Safety Outreach boating safety - what motivates recre- ter.” There is so much information, Program officially began in September ational boaters, where they get their coming from so many different pur- 2002 with the awarding of a contract to information, and what they know or veyors, that little is being retained. PCI Communications, Inc.; an don’t know about boating safety. Alexandria, VA based communications Therefore, under the direction of the THE UMBRELLA CAMPAIGN

32 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Safety regulations are enforced during Seattle’s annual Seafair celebration on Lake Washington. Photo by PA2 Tiffany Powell / U.S. Coast Guard

On the basis of this research, a pow- In Command’ campaign. The official ous outdoors interest groups and asso- erful strategy was developed to unite rollout took place at the International ciated industries. You can expect to and leverage the messages of the Boating & Water Safety Summit, April see articles, PSAs, and features brand- National Recreational Boating Safety 13-16, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nev. ed with ‘You’re In Command’ - first in Outreach program and enhance the ‘You’re in Command’ was created to Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power on-going efforts of Operation serve as the new “external” marketing Squadron National Safe Boating BoatSmart partners. campaign for boating safety. It Council, National Water Safety The goal is to “brand” boating safety “brands” boating safety and ties Congress and NASBLA publications, - to create a nationwide identification together several diverse aspects of then later in the trade and general for the idea of boating safer - and thus boating safety (boating under the press. break through the oversupply of boat- influence, life jacket wear, boater edu- ing safety information. The strategy is cation, vessel safety checks, etc.) THE ROLE OF PARTNERS an umbrella campaign that brings under one “umbrella” marketing strat- ‘You’re In Command’ - and the together the disparate messages of egy. It will also serve to publicly pro- National Recreational Boating Safety recreational boating safety with the mote the Four Principles of Safe Outreach program itself - will depend same kind of power that “Buckle Up Boating, initiated by way of Operation heavily upon the partnership and sup- for Safety” acquired for automotive Boat Smart (OBS). OBS will continue port of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, seat belt wear and the “Food Pyramid” as the Coast Guard’s initiative to mobi- United States Power Squadrons, NAS- brought to healthy eating. lize boating safety advocates in the BLA, National Safe Boating Council, The campaign asks recreational boat education of the boating public, and National Water Safety Congress and operators and owners not only to boat serve as the “internal” operating other boating safety organizations. safe - but also to boat safer. It asks mechanism and communications tool These groups represent a huge net- them to take new steps to ensure their within the coalition. work of dedicated and enthusiastic own safety, and the safety of passen- Of interest to all boating safety advo- boating safety proponents who will gers and other boaters. cates will be a new section of the uscg- now have access to some of the tools, boating.org website entitled the resources, and national publicity need- THE MESSAGE! ‘YOU’RE IN “‘You’re In Command’ Resource ed to accomplish our goals. COMMAND’. BOAT SAFELY. Center.” Here boating safety support- The Office of Boating Safety looks ‘You’re in Command’ takes all previ- ers will be able to find an expanding forward to working with the boating ous outreach campaigns to the next variety of tools, resources, images, and safety community throughout the level by empowering boaters to take downloadable files to help promote ‘You’re In Command’ campaign. The action. ‘You’re In Command’, VSC, ABC, BUI, energy, effort, and connections of the life jacket wear, paddle sport safety, nation’s premier volunteer boating THE NEXT STEPS: MAKING and other boating safety topics. safety organizations will be invaluable ‘YOU’RE IN COMMAND’ A REALITY We are also making great strides in the Coast Guard’s effort to change The Office of Boating Safety is well toward promoting the program the behavior of recreational boaters, into the process of producing a set of through media relations and coalitions reduce accidents, and save lives on the

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P A A R A T U U Y initial materials to promote the ‘You’re with manufacturers; dealers; and vari- nation’s waterways. XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 33 New Mentoring Tool Available

BY GREGG L. Trask, DVC-AT enter the Chat Room by clicking on the mentors are Auxiliary members from appropriate link. Here she is asked to across the country that have qualified There’s a new tool in town...On-line enter her EMPLID number and log in, in some (or multiple) specialties in the mentoring, and it means business! then join the room. Bobbi can see who Auxiliary. Generally they have experi- The National Training Department’s is in the room and what the conversa- ence as members and as instructors. Mentoring Division has been working tion is. If Bobbi sees a member of the Many are mentors in their local area as two years on this and it is now ready to room (listed on the right side of her well. In addition to this, the Mentoring serve. screen) with an MT in front of their log Division of the National Training Here is how it works. Bobbi is a stu- in name, she knows that there is a Department has worked with them to dent who is working with a mentor mentor in the room. She can then ask know, and be comfortable using, the dif- from her local flotilla but her mentor is her question and the mentor will help ferent aspects of the on-line mentoring out of town for the week and she has a her (if qualified). If not, the mentor system. Once that has happened, the question. Bobbi goes on-line and types will advise her of alternatives to get mentors are designated by adding an in http://www.auxsupport.org. This help. If Bobbi were to click on the MT in front of their user id in the sys- takes her to the on-line mentoring “Listen to Instructor” button, she could tem. Mentors commit to a schedule of website. She clicks on the link for the hear the on-line mentor talking. when they will be available to monitor Mentoring Program and finds that Mentors use this because sometimes it the Chat Room and answer NetMeeting there are a few choices as to how she is easier to explain something by voice and e-mail questions. If you are inter- would like to get her mentoring help. than to type it on the keyboard. ested in becoming an on-line mentor, She can choose to post a question and Bobbi could also have chosen the visit the http://www.auxsupport.org get an e-mail response; she can choose NetMeeting route. Again, she would website and follow the link entitled to log onto a chat room for help from a click on the proper link and she would “How to Become a Mentor.” Assistance mentor that is there; or she can choose be taken to a page that explains how to is always welcome and the training is to get a response via NetMeeting, set up a NetMeeting conference. It interesting. Having taken the training which affords her audio and video describes what equipment is necessary and become a mentor myself, consider camera capability. to have on her computer in order to it highly recommended. Bobbi chooses the e-mail method. use NetMeeting and then provides a There is another service that this She clicks the link entitled “By Return form for her to fill out with contact website provides. From the front page E-mail”. This takes her to a page information. This is where Bobbi of the website, there is another link where she enters her name, Employee would enter her question. The mentor entitled “Meeting Rooms”. Clicking on Identification Number (EMPLID), would establish a NetMeeting session this brings you to a screen where you District and e-mail address. She clicks and help Bobbi with her question. can log in and hold a meeting. There on the type of question that she is ask- NetMeeting would enable Bobbi and are a variety of rooms that are avail- ing (AUXCOM, Crew, VE, etc.) and the on-line mentor to talk to each other able for use. Each member logs on to types out what her question is in the (audio) and may even allow them to the system, then chooses the room box provided. Bobbi knows that she see each other depending on the they need to be in. In each room, the should keep her question brief and to equipment on both computers. participants in that particular room are the point so she doesn’t run out of In any of the situations, Bobbi got the listed at the right side of the screen so room. When she is done, she hits the answer she needed to keep working on you always know who is there. Any “Submit” button and her question is what her local mentor had assigned. comments that you wish to make are logged into a queue for the on-line The on-line mentoring program is not typed in the box at the bottom of the mentors. The next mentor that checks intended to replace the benefit of hav- screen and then, when the Enter but- the queue will see her question and, if ing a mentor locally, it is intended to be ton is depressed, the comments appear qualified to answer it, send an e-mail to support for single questions when a on the left side of the screen for all in Bobbi with the answer to her question. local mentor is not available or cannot the room to see. Bobbi’s question will then be removed answer a question. It is a supplement Let’s go back to Bobbi for a moment. from the queue with the mentor’s to the local mentor - a resource to She has ventured around the site and Identification when it is answered. assist members with training. likes it. Bobbi is SO-PE for her division Bobbi could also have chosen to Who are the mentors? The on-line and she would like to set up a meeting

34 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Photo by Telfair H. Brown / U.S. Coast Guard on-line for the flotilla instructors to dis- tion and depresses the “Submit occurring. Some folks listened to the cuss class schedules. Bobbi types in Request” button. The form is sent to audio from the Chat Room while oth- the http://www.auxsupport.org URL the Branch Chief who schedules the ers participated from NetMeeting with and chooses the “Schedule a Meeting” rooms and she receives an e-mail back two-way audio capability. Following link from the front page. The schedule confirming the reservation. Bobbi can the exercise, a critique was held. appears along with a link entitled then let the instructors know that the Members listening in the chat room “Reserve a Room.” Clicking on that room is reserved for their meeting, the said that it sounded very real - as if link brings Bobbi to a form that allows times to be there and the password (if they were listening to a real incident her to reserve a room for her purpose she had selected one). on a marine radio. Participating men- by answering a few simple questions New uses for the functions of the tors commented that it would be a like when and why she would like a website are being found every day. great way to help train watchstanders room. Bobbi inputs her contact infor- Just recently an operations scenario in communications procedure and mation here and chooses whether she was performed on-line using the practice for a real incident. There is lit- would like to password the room for NetMeeting and Chat Room functions. tle doubt that additional uses will be her meeting or not. The password A scenario of an overdue fisherman discovered in the future. would limit attendance to only those was presented using members from The Training Department members that Bobbi has given the Washington State to New York City Mentoring Division has hit a home run password to. If she needed this securi- and from Vermont to Florida. Mentors with this new on-line mentoring site. ty feature, then she would choose what took different parts - Coast Guard This resource is certain to be a benefit password she wished and it would be Station watchstander, air platform, sur- to all levels of the Auxiliary. Members implemented during her room reserva- face platform, harbormaster, etc. - and should check out the website to see

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P A A R A T U U Y tion times. Bobbi ﬁlls out the informa- played the scenario as if it were really how it could help them. XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 35 THRILL OF A LIFETIME Auxiliarist Skipper’s Freedom Schooner Amistad

BY WILLIAM C. WINSLOW, Public Guard. After retiring in 1987 as a chief edge needs to be tested at sea. Affairs Officer, Flotilla 5-3, New York, NY warrant officer, he worked several Nowhere are these skills better honed years for a towboat and barge compa- than on a sailing ship. When the freedom schooner ny. “So I joined the American Sail AMISTAD sailed into Key West, But Russo had a dream. He wanted Training Association (ASTA),” Russo Florida, in January, the man at the to share his years at sea with newcom- says, with the idea that he would find helm was Coast Guard Auxiliary mem- ers. In 1998, Bluewater Maritime vessels on which to fine-tune his stu- ber Robert J. Russo. School of Atlantic Beach, Florida was dents. “It was the thrill of a lifetime,” says born. The Coast Guard approved One of Russo’s first moves was to Russo as a flotilla of schooners, tour school trains young people for a seago- offer a scholarship to ASTA crewmem- boats and a Coast Guard cutter greet- ing career; from able bodied seamen bers to upgrade their skills. In return, ed the 129-foot topsail schooner. all the way up to mates and masters. a sailing vessel would give one of The Auxiliarist from Flotilla 14-4, “It is a good honest profession,” says Russo’s students 30 days of at-sea Jacksonville Beach, Florida, is an expe- Russo, who notes that there are few training. rienced sailor and seaman, having schools teaching basic marine skills. AMISTAD America was the first served for 22 years with the Coast He also realized that classroom knowl- scholarship recipient. Learning that

36 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Robert J. Russo at the helm of AMISTAD. Photo by William C. Winslow, Public Affairs Officer, Flotilla 5-3, New York, NY he was a tall ships skipper, Amistad night. After 63 days of such zigzag- cy of the AMISTAD incident. She executives invited Russo to captain the ging, the ship was apprehended off serves as a maritime ambassador for schooner on a trip from Jacksonville to Long Island, New York, and the cap- reconciliation and human rights educa- Key West. tives were thrown into jail on charges tion and to foster cooperation and unity “Boy, did I jump at that one,” he of murder. among people of diverse backgrounds. remembers. “She’s one beautiful Former president John Quincy As a skipper, Bob Russo is gregari- ship.” Adams successfully argued for their ous and easygoing. On the two-day The original LA AMISTAD was a release before the U.S. Supreme passage from Tampa to Key West, he Cuban coastal trader. In 1839, she Court. The defendants were eventual- quickly bonded with mates and crew; received a cargo of 53 captives from ly returned to their homeland. It was the latter a rather free spirited collec- what is now Sierra Leone for sale as one of the few incidents in the history tion of 20 something salts. But in an slaves to a sugar plantation. One of of American slavery with a happy end- unobtrusive way, crewmembers quick- the captives, Sengbe, led a revolt forc- ing. ly sensed a military presence overtak- ing the remaining crew to sail the ship The present day Freedom Schooner ing the ship. toward the rising sun – Africa – in the AMISTAD was conceived, built, and “I’ve sailed on lots of tall ships,” said

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P A A R A T U U Y day time, but the crew turned back at launched in 2000, to celebrate the lega- Russo, “but this one is special.” XILIA R

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 37 Safety Patrol at Historic Civil War Battle Re-enactment Patrolling the Past

STORY AND PHOTOS BY asked us to perform a safety patrol at relaxed our watch. “Not only did we CHERYL A. MCKINSTRY the 142nd anniversary reenactment of do the service, but we learned history FSO-CS, FSO-PB Flotilla 4-10 the Civil War naval battle at Fort at the same time,” reflected coxswain District 8 Coastal Region Jackson, near the mouth of the Chandler. Mississippi River. Auxiliarist Gist, a I’ve never experienced a Civil War On Saturday, April 12th, 2003, Baton civil war reenactor, was participating in re-enactment. Not only was this a land Rouge, Louisiana Flotilla 4-10 District 8 the event as a Confederate soldier. based battle it also involved a nautical Coastal Region members Cleve “Our mission was to provide a secu- battle. It’s almost like you were sent Chandler, Tom McKinstry, Cheryl rity and protective zone around a back in a time machine to witness McKinstry, Ken Munson and Bill “Northern” schooner from Mobile these events firsthand. The era uni- Taylor were tasked with a unique Bay, Alabama. Although we were told forms looked to be authentic, and the request and mission. that we would be the only boat on participants took this reenactment Fellow flotilla member, Richard Gist, patrol in the Mississippi River, we were very seriously. We were thanked by joined by four other vessels, including several of the people for our participa- a Coast Guard 41-foot UT3 from tion as a safety patrol. “I was privi- Station Venice. Crewmembers of the leged to have been a part of the event,” Auxiliary facility, WellCraft, performed expressed crewmember Ken Munson. the safety patrol around the perimeter Boat crew member, Tom McKinstry, of Plaquemines Bend near Buras, a transplant from New York and the Louisiana. “All boats were needed as only “Yankee” aboard the patrol boat the schooner continued to run an ellip- pondered, “After witnessing the land tical pattern while ‘firing’ cannons and battle, I was curious if we all read the Richard muskets at the troops at Fort Jackson,” same history books.” The Union sol- Gist said Cleve Chandler, coxswain on the diers took Fort Jackson, a turning safety patrol. point of the Civil War. I couldn’t help We witnessed the “Northern” but wonder – why after 141 times schooner, JOLLY FISHERMAN, would you want to reenact a battle with manned with Union soldiers, as she the same outcome? I guess the South participated in a high excitement naval is still trying to get it right. Overall, it battle. From ship to shore, and back, was interesting to see the period cos- she exchanged both cannon and mor- tumes and artillery reenactment. tar fire with the Confederate Civil War “The Battle of Fort Jackson is also soldiers re-enactors defending Fort known as “The Night the War Was Jackson. Lost at the Mouth of the Mississippi,” “Although amiable in acting out the and it was a very important part of scene, the patrols and watch were seri- Louisiana and the South’s history. I ous. The river pattern traffic was slow was very proud to have the Coast but all crews had to be ever watchful Guard Auxiliary participate in this his-

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P A A R A T U U Y as a vessel could run through if we toric event,” said Richard Gist. XILIA R

38 • Summer 2003 • NAVIGATOR Rebel troops marching into battle.

Confederate ladies visiting prior to the battle. Cannon fire upon JOLLY FISHERMAN from Fort Jackson.

Cannon fire during the battle.

NAVIGATOR • Summer 2003 • 39 Coast Guard Auxiliary member Robert J. Russo had the thrill of a lifetime as the man at the helm when the freedom schooner AMISTAD sailed into Key West, Florida, in January. / PAGE 36

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