EASTOfficial Publication of the Ninth DistrictWIND Eastern Region Since 1972 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Volume XLV Winter-Spring 2017 Issue Number Two

Paddlesports leap in popularity and injury rate. Coast Guard Auxiliary responds with public education and outreach. SEE PAGE 12.

Gene Little National Inspirational Leader WELCOME TO BETSY’S GALLEY

WINTER/SPRING 2017 Page 6 EASTWIND Page 7 PAGE 1 Message from the Commodore

First, let me say it is a great honor being elected as your Commodore. The Ninth Eastern District is not the biggest district in the nation, but what we lack in size we make up for in effort.We do more in our short boating season than most do in a year-long season. I also need to thank participants in all our leader- ship and specialty training opportunities at our fall and spring D-Trains. No district can go forward without leaders and 9ER stepped up and showed that leadership training is important. We are off to a running start with new initiatives, such as the focus on paddlecraft safety at the fall and spring D-Trains as well as the crafting of strategies by our own district paddlecraft committee (DCAPT Glen Harman, OTO Chris Henderson and Gene Little of Ithaca Flotilla 02-02). Speaking of initiatives: • the Basic Qualification 2 (BQ2) is up and running. The new BQ2 course is up on the Training Directorate (T) website. New Auxiliarists are encouraged to take the seven module course. • Gap Analysis is still on the front burner. We support the Coast Guard and fill in gaps that they need. If you have been designated as an Auxiliary Unit Coordinator you should be making sure, as best you can, that you develop a good working rela- Robert L. tionship with your unit and that they understand the benefits that the Gap Analysis Scofield can do for them. DCO 9ER • We are starting a new initiative this summer- Dock Walking. This program is designed to have the most informed auxiliarists pass on their knowledge one-on-one to recreational boaters to reduce the number of mishaps and environmental hazards. If you are interested in joining this effort contact DSO-MS Rich Evans. • A new program called Auxiliary Clergy Support (ACS) is open to credentialed clergy in your units to support the Coast Guard’s religious ministry needs. Lastly, the Coast Guard is recruiting and we are part of that process. We need to do our part in seeing that the best candidates are encouraged to look favorably on the Coast Guard as a career opportunity. Keep up the good work and know that your efforts help keep our boaters safe. Semper Paratus.

PAGE 2 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 Table of Contents

Message from the Commodore Page 2 Cover Photo Couple credited with saving eight lives Page 4 Stand-up paddling and other paddlesports are growing in AUX aircrew spots oil sheen on Lake Ontario Page 5 both popularity and injury. Page 12. Gene Little honored as inspirational leader Page 6 Istock photo Rear Admiral Ryan really does “Think Auxiliary” Page 6 Welcome to the Betsy Macintyre Galley Page 7 Other cover photos Gene Little is named the Coast Flotillas in Action: from parade to watchstanding to airshow Pages 8-10 Guard’s national inspirational Spring D-TRAIN awards and cowpoke photos Page 11 leader. Photo by R. Stronach, editor.. Cover Story: Paddlecraft safety number 1 priority Pages 12-14 One might say that Dr. Betsy Divisions 4, 2, 6 and 7 hit the boat shows Macintyre “owns” the galley at Station Cleveland Harbor. Mission ABORT: AUXAIR in intercept exercise Page 14 Photo by Allen Knish, DSO-DV. Coast Guard, AUX honor WWII hero: SPAR Florence Finch Page 15 AUXAIR, C.G. train together at Safety Round Up Page 16 Extraordinary year of SAR missions for AUXAIR Page 17 A word about night operations Page 18 Assistant Director of Auxiliary: farewell via greatest hits Page 19 Publisher District Commodore Director of Auxiliary: congrats and farewell Page 20 Robert L. Scofield Meet the 9ER Bridge Page 20 Editor District Captains Pages 21-22 Robert G. Stronach DSO-PB District Chief of Staff Page 23 Contributing Editor Mark Thomas ADSO-PB District Chief of Staff EAST WIND Joseph A. Sopko, M.D. EASTWIND welcomes contributions from District Captains all interested parties, reserving the right to Clark Godshall edit for space and content, and to determine Glen W. Harman if, when and where such submission might S. Baird Pfahl, M.D. be used. Email is the preferred method of communication: District Nine Eastern Region [email protected] NineEastern.org WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 3 SEARCH AND RESCUE

Robert and Patricia Brody of Rochester Flotilla 42 were credited with saving eight Rochester lives in 2016 and were hon- ored with the Captain David couple P. Dobbins Award for Excel- credited with lence in Search and Rescue. saving 8 lives In the first incident, while on patrol in Irondequoit Bay last July 4, the Brodys Coming to the came upon a vessel that ap- aid of distressed peared to be veering out of control with the people on boaters and board yelling and waving injured jet skier frantically. They maneuvered alongside and secured it for a side tow, and noticed smoke Bob and Patti Brody receive awards at the Fall D-Train (district rising up through the deck. training conference). Photo by R. Stronach, editor They transferred three chil- dren and four adults to their up emergency break-away with securing the victim to boat while alerting Coast procedures in the event fire a bodyboard and lifting him Guard Station Rochester and broke out while towing the aboard. Bob Brody and the EMTs work on severely injured jet skier aboard the Brodys’ Coast the local fire department. vessel safely into port. Once third jet skier lifted the board Guard Auxiliary patrol boat. As the citation reads, moored, you helped evacu- and patient half way up, “at Photo by Patti Brody, Flotilla 42 “Assessing the risk, you set ate all the persons on board which pioint the gunnels and assisted the local fire served as a fulcrum point” department in finding and and the board and patient disconnecting the electical tilted horizontally with little batteries.” effort, Brody reported. Nearly two months later, “This whole procedure on Aug. 29, the Brodys were took place in less than a min- out on an evening patrol ute.” when a serious jet ski acci- At about this tme a Coast dent occurred on the south Guard 25-foot response boat side of Irondequoit Bay about arrived on the scene along two miles away. with marine units from the They responded to the Monroe County Sheriff’s De- scene and, searching in the partment and West Webster dark, found the victim and Fire Department. his jet ski, with another jet Coast Guard and firefight- skier holding the victim’s er medics came on board to head out of the water. treat the patient while they The victim had a large headed to Sutter’s Marina on laceration on the back of his the west side of the bay to an head and was in and out of awaiting ambulance. consciousness. After a week the patient The Brodys called on a was released from the hospi- third jet skier in the area tal to recuperate. to come aboard and assist

PAGE 4 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AUXAIR crew spots oil spill on Lake Ontario Response evolves into large operation with multiple aircrews and surface vessels Initial image of oil spill taken at approxiately 9:30 a.m. June 26, 2016. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

By Bob Fratangelo A District 9ER Auxiliary parking lot that it was likely images to Sector Buffalo. District Sfaff Officer for Aviation aircrew spotted what appeared in “shut down” where mainte- It was later reported in the to be an oil slick over 1.5 miles nance is typically performed media that the plant had an long near the Fitzpatrick nu- on the plant and a large emergency shut down a few Auxiliarists involved in clear power plant on Eastern number of employees are en- days prior and an oil lubrica- the oil spill response Lake Ontario last June 26. gaged to minimize the down tion pumping system contin- Graig P. Arcuri Because AUXAIR crews time. The crew was confident ued to pump oil for lubricating Robert S. Brody fly weekly maritime observa- the origin of the spill was a system that was shut down Patricia T. Brody tion missions, they become likely the outflow from the and the oil ended up flowing John S. Carpenter plant. The crew took images, David R. Cidale very familiar with facilities, into the out flow system, then structures and operations in sent them to Sector Buffalo into Lake Ontario. At first it David H. Cornelius and requested that Station Douglas S. Cream their area of responsibility was thought it was around (AOR). This familiarity makes Oswego, which already had 20-40 gallons, but then it was William P. Cummings a response boat underway, Helen Held Cummings it easy for crews to recognize reported that it could have investigate to see if it was in Dale A. Currier an anomaly. been as much as 2000 gallons. fact an oil spill. Thomas J. Every Thus it was with the oil slick This incident gathered na- Robert A. Fratangelo that appeared to be emanat- After returning to base and tional media attention. CGAS Charles L. Heath ing from the nuclear power having a phone debrief with Detroit AUXAIR D9ER crews Michael J. Kennedy plant. District 9 and Sector Sector Buffalo, the aircrew were tasked with five more Mark W. Kimber Buffalo engaged the Incident sent more images to Sector over flights the following days. Richard G. Kunz Command System (ICS) for Buffalo. The plant told Sector As this was a very fluid situa- Gene W. Little the spill, which evolved into a Buffalo they were shut down tion, three of these flights were Paul O. Phelps large operation involving mul- and didn’t believe they were diverted from scheduled mar- Melaine H. Paatz the source of the spill. itime observation missions, Diana C. Robinson tiple air missions, and both ac- tive duty and Auxiliary surface The same AUXAIR crew including two off Lake Erie. In Water F. Robinson all seven missions were flown Robert F. Schleelein crews to contain the area. was asked to get airborne again and confirm the origin for this oil spill engaging six Kenneth V. Summer Coast Guard Air Station different aircraft and crews. John A. Steinbarge (CGAS) Detroit AUXAIR of the spill. This required ob- David P. Troutman D9ER crews were very famil- taining special permission to The initial Auxiliary air- Robert F. Shanahan iar with this nuclear plant and over fly the three plants. The crew’s observation offered Richard C. Evans the other two on the same crew verified the source as be- early detection of a spill that Joseph B. Vanderwerken site. They recognized by the ing the out flow of the Fitzpat- could have been much worse Carol E. Velcio large number of cars in its rick plant, once again sending had it gone undetected. WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 5 INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP

“Gene has continually put forth maximum wego in oil boom deployment, promoting paddlesports safety, Gene Little effort in all his undertakings...” and hosting a cold water surviv- - District Commodore Robert Scofield earns top al class. Gene Little has a history of comes on the heels of an Aux- “Gene has continually put national award leadership in the Coast Guard iliary Commandant’s Letter forth maximum effort in all his for leadership Auxiliary that not only has mo- of Commendation and being undertakings as an FC and now tivated other members, but has named Division 2’s Auxiliarist as a member of the National Staff contributed to saving lives. Part- of the Year and his unit, Flotilla and our own Paddlecraft Com- nering with other organizations of the Year, all in 2016. mittee,” District Commodore and agencies is a key component Robert L. Scofield noted.Added of his Auxiliary endeavors. He was cited for nearly dou- bling his flotilla’s activity hours, Joseph Sopko, Chief of Staff: “We Immediate past commander recruiting 12 new members, are all so proud of Gene! He is an of Ithaca, NY Flotilla 22, Little qualifying members as boat example for us all.” is a new branch chief (Paddlec- crew and in other specialties, Mike Kennedy, Division 2 raft Safety Ashore) with the and developing partnerships commander, offered his own newly created AUXPAD (Aux- with the New York State De- kudos: “We couldn’t be more iliary Paddlecraft) program. partment of Environmental proud of our shipmate, Gene Conservation, New York Little. Very well deserved!” The In April, the Coast Guard Sea Grant, and Finger Lakes announced that he earned active duty Coast Guard chimed groups combatting marine in- in, too. Noted BMC Bill Butkey, Photo by R. Stronach, editor. R. Stronach, by Photo the prestigious Commodore vasive species. Charles S. Greanoff Inspi- officer in charge of Coast Guard Gene Little rational Leadership Award. He was praised for working Station Oswego: “Congratu- And that national recognition with Coast Guard Station Os- lations Gene! You definitely

Rear Admiral June Ryan, commander of the 9th Coast Guard District, would express appreciation Admiral for all that Coast Guard Auxiliarists do whenever she had the chance to Ryan mingle with them, such as at district training conferences. really At the 9th District Eastern Region does D-Train last fall, Auxiliary leaders even presented the admiral with a polo shirt, mug and desk sign, ‘Think all sporting the words, “Think Auxiliary!” Apparently she took it to heart. Auxiliary’ This past April 12, in anticipation of her pending retirement, the admiral took the oath of office as an Auxiliarist at the 9th District Coast Rear Admiral June Ryan with her “Think Auxiliary” shirt, Guard headquarters in Cleveland. mug and desk sign. Photo by R. Stronach, editor.

Coast Guard Auxiliary leaders congratulate Rear Admiral June Ryan (right) upon her taking the oath as an Auxiliarist. Photo by Gail Sutton, N. Cleveland Flotilla 7-16.

PAGE 6 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 AUXILIARY FOOD SERVICE

The Sailor of the Quarter School,” noted BMC K. program at Station Cleveland Nyland, officer in charge. She No growling Harbor officially recognizes volunteered over 300 hours in the outstanding performance Auxiliarist the galley during the quarter, stomachs, just of Coast Guard enlisted and at the same time trained grateful hearts personnel. Macintyre two more Auxiliary Food For the final quarter of “ Service volunteers. The Coast at Station 2016, the station’s selection volunteered Guard cited her actions as Cleveland board decided to honor reflecting its core values of Harbor an Auxiliarist instead, to prepare honor, respect and devotion unanimously naming Betsy to duty. Macintyre, MD, as its Sailor meals 5 days In a ceremony on April 24, of the Quarter. the Coast Guard unveiled Welcome the new galley plaque -- Station Cleveland Harbor a week. to the Betsy then took it one step further, Auxiliarist Betsy Macintyre naming the dining hall Dining Facility -- as approved after her in recognition of by the Office of Public Affairs Macintyre in Washington, D.C. her long-standing support, “Auxiliarist Macintyre including stepping up to volunteered to prepare ”meals Dr. Macintyre is the district galley prepare and serve meals five days a week when the food service officer and a when the station was short of only assigned FS had to attend member of N. Cleveland By Virgina Suda food service specialists. Leadership and Management Flotilla 7-16. N. Cleveland Flotilla 75

The happy Station Cleveland Harbor crew surrounds Betsy Macintyre, AUX-FS.

Photos by Virginia Suda, Flotilla 75

Betsy Macintyre poses in front of the galley sign with her husband, Joseph Sopko, MD, District Chief of Staff, and her brother, Richard Parke.

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 7 FLOTILLAS IN ACTION ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Despite the inclement weather, Division 2 flotillas participated in Syracuse’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11. They not only gave visibility to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, but also brought home a public education and boating safety message via several floats -- including this Auxiliary kayaker. Other floats included an Auxiliary patrol boat, and a pair of manned Auxiliary personal watercraft Photo by John Conroy, Flotilla 26.

TRIBUTE TO HEROIC COASTIE Members of the Sackets Harbor State. Seymour received the Flotilla 12 joined Pam Crane and Gold Lifesaving Medal for his Charlie Poltenson of Sacandaga acts of bravery in December of Mohawk Flotilla 15-09 (First 1902 with the rescue of the crew Southern District) as well as PO2 on the John R. Noyes. Francine Jonathan Hedges of the Coast Glassic of Rochester attended Guard Station Oswego to pay the memorial service and spoke tribute to Lester D. Seymour in about the deceased. Glassic is his long-awaited honors ceremo- known in the area for placing ny on Sept. 27 in Ellisburg. markers and a brief history on Seymour passed in 1963 after the graves of those who served in serving many years with the Life the Coast Guard and are laid to Saving Service / United States rest throughout New York State. Coast Guard around New York -- by Kathy Montgomery, Flotilla 12. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Guard U.S. Coast photo Family recognized for combined service as next generation takes oath DUNKIRK -- One-hun- came a member of Rochester of on-the-water operations, Flotilla 42 in January 2017. dred-thirty-eight years of Flotilla 42. vessel exams, public educa- Josh LaFountain is the combined volunteer service Three years later brothers tion, and recruiting candi- grandson of Jim and Donna to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Carl, Jim and John Glogows- dates for the Coast Guard Glogowski and nephew of by one family was recog- ki joined. Jim’s wife Donna Academy. The Glogowski the late Paul, Carl and John. nized at the Spring D-Train became a member in 1989. family has held numerous District 9ER recognized in March. “Team Glogowski” has staff officer positions. the event’s significance at This legacy began in 1979 made many contributions Another generation of the the Spring D-Train Banquet, when Paul Glogowski be- to Flotilla 42, in the areas Glogowski family joined March 18. Josh was given the Coast Guard Auxiliary NEXT GENERATION: Josh LaFountain is sworn in by membership oath by Captain Capt. Paul Arnett at D-Train, with Doug Rigerman, Paul Arnett, chief of preven- Division 4 commander, looking on. Photo by Al Knish, DSO-DV. tion, 9th District. This event was made even more special as District 9 also recognized Josh’s grand- father, Jim Glogowski, with a certificate honoring 35 years of service to the Auxiliary. -- By Robert Brody, Rochester Flotilla 42 PAGE 8 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 FLOTILLAS IN ACTION SAR TRAINING & GROWTH SPURT RIGHT: Buffalo Flotilla 33 members practiced search-and-rescue skills while on patrol last fall in the Buffalo Outer Harbor. Here a crewman throws a heaving line to set up a side tow of a “boat in distress”. “This has been a year of growth and re-building for Flotilla 33,” reports COMO Lew Wargo, flotilla operations officer. The flotilla has nearly doubled in size, growing from 22 to over 40 members and from five to 15 vessel examiners. Members par- ticipated in regatta, training and maritime observation missions as well as a SAR call for a missing boater. “The future of Flotilla 33 looks very bright with many active members.” At the Spring D-Train, Flotilla 33 was honored as 2016 Flotilla of the Year. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo provided by Lew Wargo, Flotilla 33.

REACHING ANGLERS BELOW: Division 2 and Oswego Flotilla 24 had a busy weekend May 6-7, offering free vessel safety checks at Oneida Lake Wall- eye opener and a Boater’s Safety Class at Sandy Pond. Photo by John Carpenter, Flotilla 24.

AUX-FS BRINGS THANKSGIVING TO STATION OSWEGO

WATCHSTANDING SPOTLIGHT A Division 2 Auxiliary Food Service (AUX-FS) crew helped make Thanksgiving a Past Division 2 Commander John Steinbarge of “home-cooked” experience for Coast Guard Station Oswego personnel and their Syracuse Flotilla 21 was featured in Coast Guard families. Among those cooking and serving turkeys and all the trimming were Gene Compass’ “Day in the Life of” for staffing the com- Little (left) of Ithaca Flotilla 22, and Helen “Lou” Cummings and Bill Cummings of munications room Feb. 15 at Coast Guard Station Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26. Gene’s wife, Megan, decorated and set up the galley. Oswego. Photos by Gene Little and Lou Cummings. U.S. Coast Guard photo. WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 9 FLOTILLAS IN ACTION Recruiting 2 DIVISIONS TARGET AIR SHOW

While other divisions were planning to hit bers volunteered “a total of 224.1 hours boat shows and other expos to promote the excluding travel and prep.” Coast Guard Auxiliary and boating Division 7 participants: Ron Baker, safety, Division 7 took at different tact Sterling Black, Bob Daley, Kevin Kelley, -- for the first time staffing a Cleveland Roger Kish, Paul Montgomery, James Air Show booth at Burke Lakefront O’Donnell, Larry Pizon, Ed Scheffner, Airport last September. Roger Richard Smith, Dorothy Soule, Ken Kish, division diversity staff Summer, Dan Thellman, Carol Velcio, officer, organized the effort, and Wayne Whited. which attracted 20 members from two divisions. “The Division 6 participants: John Bacon, emphasis was upon Jack Benton, Don Cline, Christopher recruiting,” reports Keebler, and Cathy Williams. U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Division 7 news- In addition to land side participation, flying F/A 18 Hornets, letter. “Several 52 underway boat hours were logged perform at the 2016 members partici- during the Air Show weekend by Divi- Cleveland National Air pated on more sion 7 staff officers Dr. Joe Sopko, who Show. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. than one day.” Five patrolled all three days with his facility, Timothy Mesko. Division 6 members and 15 Division 7 mem- and Bob Daley, who patrolled two days.

Power Squadron, Auxiliary team up to honor group

From left: Hans Wahl, BIA president; Drew Wickham, manager of the Central NY Boat Show; Jeff Freed- 70 YEARS IN THE AUXLIARY man, commander of Dist. 6, U.S. Power Squadron, and Gene Little, branch chief - Paddlecraft Safety Wes and Shirley Bacon received a com- Operations Ashore, representing Division 2 Commander Mike Kennedy. Photo courtesy of Barb Caster/BIA. bined 70-year service plaque at their retirement ceremony last fall at Sackets The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and York Boat Show.” Harbor, NY Flotilla 12. Two former OICs the U.S. Power Squadron honored Drew The proclamation praised them “for of Station Sackets Harbor came out for Wickham and Boating Industries Associates expanding the boating horizons of the citi- the ceremony (BMC James Danauskas (BIA) with a Proclamation of Appreciation zens of Central New York, and for promot- and CWO3 Felix T. Arusiewicz). U.S. Coast for their long-standing support and for ing access to Central New York waterways, Guard Auxiliary photo provided by Kathy allowing the two organizations “to exhibit thereby engendering in the public attitudes Montgomery, Flotilla 12. and engage the public at the Central New of preservation and conservation.” PAGE 10 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 Spring D-Train Auxiliarists in spotlight for mission performance and their inner cowpokes

The spring district training • Timothy Kerstetter, Os- • Jackie Scofield, Ogdens- conference (D-Train), held wego Flotilla 24 - Auxiliary burg Flotilla 15 - Auxiliary in March in Dunkirk, NY, Commandant’s Letter of Com- Commendation Medal. featured recognition for the mendation. • Edward Gordon, Lorain work of a number of Coast • Muharsky and Crew, Fair- Flotilla 64 - Auxiliary Com- Guard Auxiliary members. port Harbor, OH Flotilla 76 mandant’s Letter of Commen- Among them were: (Joseph Muharsky, Gary Li- dation. • Russell Cromwell, Lorain, dawer, Roger Kish, and Ron- • Peter Baillie, Flotilla 64 OH Flotilla 64 - Auxiliary ald Baker) - Auxiliary Medal - Auxiliary Commandant’s Achievement Medal. of Operational Merit. Letter of Commendation.

John Carpenter of Oswego Flotil- la 24 is the Commodore’s pick for 2016 Flotilla Commander of the Year, and Russell Cromwell Jr. (below) of Lorain, OH Flotilla 64 is the Chief of Staff’s choice for 2016 Flotilla Commander of the Year. Buffalo Flotilla 33 is the 2016 Flotilla of the Year.

Roger Kish and Ronald Baker receive the Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit from Sector Buffalo Commander Capt. Joseph S. Dufresne and District Commodore Robert L. Scofield.

D-TRAIN’S FRIDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP Auxiliarists let their landlubber cowpokes out

Photos by Allen Knish past district commodore

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 11 Divisions educate members, then Paddling reach out at regional boat shows SAFETY Over the last several years identified paddlecraft safety Rigerman, spear-headed the paddlecraft sports have as its number one priority. Rochester effort. However, become increasingly popular to assure a successful show, number because of the health benefits, The Coast Guard Auxiliary several goals needed to be relatively low cost, and easy historically has served as achieved. access to the water. Paddlecraft a primary educator on First, auxiliarists are now the fastest growing recreational boating safety unfamiliar with paddle one component of recreational (RBS) and is now challenged safety issues needed to be boating, but many enthusiasts to extend the RBS message to adequately prepared to better are grabbing paddles and the paddlecraft community. priority interface with the paddling taking to the water without To take up that challenge and community. adequate knowledge or to support the Coast Guard’s new directive, Division 4 skills. In 2015, 23% of all To achieve this, Flotilla decided to focus its efforts on By Sue Lander recreational boating fatalities 42 presented a pre-boat paddlecraft safety education SO-AUXPAD, Division 4 involved paddlers and that show overview of the and at the February 2017 number is expected to rise. To Auxiliary paddlecraft James Termotto Sr. address this, the Coast Guard Rochester Boat Show. FSO-PA., Rochester, NY Flotilla 42 program (AUXPAD) to (Division 2 inform all auxiliarists about coordinated a how they can participate similar effort for in this initiative. A slide its annual exhibits show seminar presented and safety classes information about at Syracuse’s paddlecraft equipment, Central New York legal issues, and safety tips. Boat Show in This program was well February.) attended, stimulated lively discussion, and answered Paddle sport questions. Feedback from experts from long-time power boaters in Flotilla 42 and the flotilla reported that it the Division 4 was “enlightening,” giving commander, Doug Continued on next page.

ABOVE: Sue Lander is interviewed by photojournalist from Rochester’s WROC-TV Channel 8 at Rochester Boat Show.

RIGHT: Sea kayak and paddle safety sign were part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary display at Rochester Boat Show.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photos.

PAGE 12 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 Division 2 Auxiliarists engage the public at February’s Central New York Boat Show in Syracuse, where paddlecraft safety was a vital part of the public outreach message (including a kayak display).

Photo by Gene Little, Ithaca Flotilla 22.

Continued from previous page. displayed a 16-foot sea kayak Fun!” brochure. 42 FSO-CS. them a better awareness of -- a sit-on-top kayak with paddlecraft issues. pertinent safety equipment. To ensure the booth was A visit from Monroe County An enlarged laminated never static, a challenge was Clerk, Adam Bello, resulted The flotilla added a “Paddlecraft VSC 7012a adopted among members to in expansion of Division 4 continuing column to its Form” served as a guide for greet and talk to the most flotillas’ RBS outreach to current publication called the explaining what a paddlecraft show visitors. The prime Monroe County residents. “Kayaker’s Corner.” Topics vessel safety check entails. location at the entrance Now, visitors to the NYS help auxiliarists understand captured visitors as they came Motor Vehicle branches in safety concerns pertaining Handouts provided and left the show. Going Monroe County will find NYS to paddling; for example, dates and times of the beyond the booth’s perimeter, Boaters Guides on display. cold water dangers and public education classes, auxiliarists made program County Clerk Adam Bello also the importance of dressing included “A Paddler’s Guide visits to talk with paddlecraft offered to post PE classes on for the swim. Ten minute to Safety,” and provided dealers and to hand out the his social media site. “lightening talks” delivered information about how to get new literature. during flotilla meetings a Paddlecraft Vessel Safety Overall, Division 4 had a provided informative paddle- Exam. The final facet for success very successful show attributed related “nuggets.” was creating early press to the multi-faceted (PB, PA, A full complement of releases to reach out to the PV, PE, VE, CS) collaborative The next challenge was paddling literature was media. This resulted in a effort of auxiliarists committed how to gain the attention of displayed and distributed, major local television on- to extending the paddlecraft a “power boat” community including American Canoe camera interview with Gene safety message to local boating to a paddlecraft-centered Association’s (ACA) “Rules Little, an AUXPAD national community. booth at the Rochester Boat of the Road - What Paddlers branch chief and membr of Show. To solve this, Division Need to Know,” ACA’s Division 2’s Ithaca Flotilla 22; 4 exhibited a large poster “Paddler’s Safety Checklist,” Sue Lander, Division 4 SO- to draw in the public, and and the “Paddle Safe! Have PAD, and Jerry Knitis, Flotilla

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 13 BOATING AND PADDLECRAFT SAFETY

The Coast Guard Auxiliary flashing navigation lights many questions from adults. stepped up to create a booth provided by the Ninth Coast A total of 25 Auxiliarists from that would be interesting Guard District attracted atten- Division 7 (17) and Division 6 Divisions and educational for the 2017 tion as visitors walked past. (8) provided over 224 volun- Progressive Mid-America Boat Kids were eager to try their teer hours for set up, watch 6 & 7 Show in Cleveland (Jan. 12-16). hand at knots. The “good” standing, and tear down. The Coordinated by Immediate and “bad” life jacket display following donated time to make engage Past Division 7 Commander provided the opportunity to the exhibit a success. Virginia Suda and her team, show that even children can Division 7: Ron Baker, Cleveland the booth quickly came to discern the difference between Sterling Black, Nelson Cancel, life. Personnel from Station a tattered and mildewed Robert Daley, David Earley, Cleveland Harbor transported life jacket which should be Kevin Kelley, Andrew Killian, boat materials and equipment. The discarded from one which will Roger Kish, Paul Markovic, Dan Coast Guard Marine Safety keep them safe. Mikes, James O’Donnell, Larry show Unit loaned tables. The Coast Guard and Pizon, Ed Scheffner, Richard Thanks to Lake Erie Marine Auxiliary focus for 2017 is Smith, Virginia Suda, Derrick Trade Association, the Aux- paddlecraft safety, which was Vassel, and Carol Velcio. By Carol Velcio iliary had a spacious corner reinforced through a display Division 6: Mark Galan, SO-HR, Division 7 North Coast 07er location in the public service with a nine-foot kayak and Christopher Kuebler, Gregory and kids’ activity area. Mock examples of recommended Little, Jason Little, David Mc- aids to navigation marked safety equipment. This display Collum, Michael Patena, Baird the corners of the booth and generated much interest and Pfahl, and Ronald Tvoirk.

It was a beautiful morning pilot Kenneth Summer, DFSO, immediately exit the restrict- MISSION as we boarded the Mooney from Flotilla 7-16; co-pilot ed zone. Standard operating Ovation aircraft at Lorain Capt. Kyle Jones (retired chief procedure calls for more County Airport in Elyria, of SAR) from Flotilla 7-16, aggressive action if a bogey Ohio last fall. Our orders and myself as observer. fails to follow orders. abort! were to fly to Coast Guard Air Upon landing at Air Station With cloud cover less than Station Detroit and participate Detroit (located on Selfridge 7000 feet, we proceeded as in an air interdiction exercise. Air National Guard Base), planned. The helo had us in CDR Breanna Knutson, op- we proceeded to the brief- sight and was rapidly closing erations officer at Air Station ing room and learned our when “MISSION ABORT!” By Edward Morris Detroit, appreciates when- aircraft would operate as an came across our radio. The Flotilla 62 / ADSO-PA ever AUX-AIR is available unidentified bogey flying into weather had quickly changed, as our small planes provide restricted air space. A MH-65 making our exercise too risky for a more realistic training helicopter would scramble to to continue. exercise. Our team consists of intercept and instruct us to Safety remains the priority!

Co-pilot Kyle Jones and pilot Kenneth Summers confer before embarking on a mission to serve as a bogey entering restricted air space. In the back- ground is the MH-65 Helo that the Coast Guard would scramble to inter- cept them. Photo by Edward Morris, ADSO-PA.

PAGE 14 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 PAYING TRIBUTE Coast Guard, Auxiliary honor WWII HERO ITHACA, NY -- Central New York Coast Guard Auxiliary members joined the Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in April to pay tribute to Florence Ebersole Smith Finch, a World War II hero who was tortured by the Japanese after helping ABOVE AND BELOW: Coast Guard Honor Guard at Florence American POWs and Filipino Smith’s funeral service. U.S. Coast Guard photos. guerrillas. When freed by American forces, an Peninsula. Mrs. Finch Coast Guard and was eager to she came to New York avoided Japanese internment continue the struggle against and served in the by claiming her Philippine an enemy that had killed many Coast Guard Wom- citizenship. After receiving of her loved ones. Mrs. Finch en’s Reserve for the a note from her imprisoned served through the end of the remainder of the war. army intelligence boss, she war and became the first SPAR Mrs. Finch died Dec. smuggled food and medi- to receive the Asiatic-Pacific 8 at age 101 and was cine to American POWs and Campaign Ribbon. After the laid to rest here with helped provide fuel to Filipino war, she met New York army full military honors on guerrillas. In October 1944, veteran Robert Finch, married April 29. The daughter the Japanese arrested Finch, him and moved to Ithaca. In of an Army veteran beating, torturing and interro- November 1947, she received and Filipino mother, gating her during her initial the U.S. Medal of Freedom, she was born in the confinement. Through it all, the highest civilian medal Phillipines in 1915. she never revealed infor- awarded to American citizens She later married navy mation regarding her fellow living abroad who aided in the Florence Smith Finch PT boat crewman resisters. war effort. Today, Mrs. Finch’s U.S. Coast Guard photo. Charles E. Smith while When American forces name graces the multi-mil- working for General liberated her prison camp lion dollar facility housing the Douglas Macarthur’s The World War II Coast in February 1945, Finch Coast Guard’s Group Honolulu army intelligence in Manila. Headquarters in Hawaii. Guard Women’s Reserve weighed only eighty pounds. In 1942, after the Japanese was nicknamed SPAR, an She boarded a Coast Guard- (Parts of this article are from invaded the Philippines, acronym for the Latin and manned transport returning the U.S. Coast Guard’s biograph- her husband died trying to to the United States and ical sketch of Florence Finch, English words of the Coast re-supply American and traveled to her father’s home- written by Coast Guard histori- Guard motto, Semper Filipino troops trapped on town of Buffalo, New York. In an William H. Thiesen.) Paratus Always Ready. Corregidor and the Bata- July 1945, she enlisted in the

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 15 AUXILIARY AIR OPERATIONS CG, AUXAIR train together at safety round-up

District 9 AUXAIR held commanding officer, Cmdr. a SAFETY ROUND UP last Attendees from 9ER Greg Matyas; Lt. Cmdr. summer at Coast Guard Air Ken Summer, Kevin Charlie Wilson, and Lt. Katie Station (CGAS) Traverse City Kelley, Kyle Jones, Chuck Pelkey. A special presentation By Robert Fratangelo in Michigan. All three AUX- Heath, Mark Galan, by Brian Edwards of Cherry Joe Weatherby III, Dave District Staff Officer for Aviation AIR regions gather at one of Capitol Airport featured Pip- Cidale, Doug Cream and the Coast Guard Air Stations er, the airport K-9 that keeps Bob Fratangelo. to train with select Coast runways free of wildlife. Guard air crews. This is also A special guest at dinner a “fly in” so as many crews as total of eight aircraft flew was Vice Admiral John Cur- possible fly in with their AUX- in for the event, including a rier, retired vice commandant AIR aircraft. This is a great Dolphin MH65D from Air of the Coast Guard. This was BELOW: Air Station Detroit’s opportunity for both AUXAIR Station Detroit with outgoing the first time Admiral Currier outgoing and incoming OPS crews and their active duty OPS Boss Cmdr. C. Schle- had mingled with AUXAIR bosses Cmdr. C. Schlegel peers to see each other up gel and incoming OPS Boss D9ER crews since leaving (left) and Cmdr. B. Knutson close and train together. Cmdr. B. Knutson. (right) with a flight mechan- District 9 in 2001 when he ic on the MH65D helicopter. Over 32 participated, in- Training presentations were was Director of the Auxiliary Photos by Bob Fratangelo cluding nine members and made by AUXAIR and active and Chief of Search and Res- and Mark Galan. four aircraft from D9ER. A duty staff alike including the cue Operations.

Vice Adm. John Currier and Lt. Katie Pelkey. BELOW: Auxiliary and Coast Guard air crews pose for a group photo during the joint Safety Round Up training day at Air Station Traverse City. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

PAGE 16 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 AUXILIARY AIR OPERATIONS

Sunrise greets a 9ER Auxiliary aircrew during the first leg of a First Light SAR search on Eastern Lake Ontario.

“ SAR support generated tremendous savings to Coast Guard.

” AUXAIR: extraordinary year of SAR missions

Coast Guard Air Station troit has tasked its AUXAIR ice rescue team to the person. By Robert Fratangelo (CGAS) Detroit has had an fixed-wing crews with five October started out with an- District Staff Officer for Aviation extraordinary year of tasking first light calls, five other SAR other First Light SAR call on for Search and Rescue (SAR). calls. In addition, on three Lake Erie where there were As in years past during boat- other occasions 9ER aircrews actually three First Light ing season, CGAS Detroit were diverted for SAR mis- Searches needed at the same set up D9ER crews to sit B-1 sions while flying maritime time. The AUXAIR fixed (1-hour call out readiness) for observation missions, offer- wing crew flew two while a weekends and holidays where ing extraordinary response Dolphin MH65 crew flew the a pilot and crew would be time and value savings to the third. ready to receive a call at 0500 Coast Guard. These SAR support mis- in the morning to execute a For the past few years sions have generated tre- first light search. This First SAR tasking ran around six mendous value savings to Light SAR Call Out support to eight SAR calls a year. In the Coast Guard (in excess helps reduce crew tasking for 2016 there were five in July of $400,000 had a Dolphin the air station, especially since and five in August. In Feb- MH65 been used). They have they almost always have had a ruary 2016, a 9ER aircrew also provided tremendous crew out all night on that very located a PIW (person in relief for active duty crews, search. water) in Lake Ontario, and allowing them to be ready This past year CGAS De- directed Station Rochester’s for the next SAR call-out.

D9ER crew was flying over Operation Float Down in the Upper Niagara River when it was diverted to a SAR call involving an over- turned vessel with people in the water.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photos provided by Robert Fratangelo.

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 17 OPERATIONS TRAINING Time to review precautions, procedures for NIGHT OPERATIONS

No doubt everyone has be delivered at night in some common thread through all heard about the following very poor conditions. You of our operations presenta- incident: and your crew need to be tions. Crew and Coxswains Marlins pitcher prepared for that eventuality. need to be able to operate the Jose Fernandez, SOME GENERAL RULES electronics on the OFPACS 2 others killed in (operating facilities) they It is of upmost impor- Miami boat crash are crewing aboard. That is a tance to conduct a thorough critically important piece of This story brings night mission briefing (your crew the operations safety puzzle. operations to life for me. Mr. needs to know all of the Many crews are hampered Fernandez had a great future details of the mission). Slow because of limited exposure in front of him. He was a Down! “Every vessel shall to many different kinds of soon-to-be-father; he stated at all times proceed at a safe GPS and Radar units, depth to his then girlfriend, “I’m so speed allowing for collision sounders. If you are taking a glad you came into my life,” avoidance and allow for crew out, it is imperative they “I’m ready for where this short stopping distance.” can operate the equipment journey is going to take us Understand the NAVRULES; aboard. Get them on the boat U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Guard photo U.S. Coast together.” insure your crew under- a few days before a scheduled stands the regulations as By Commodore The above event prompts mission and familiarize them me to urge a review of our each may have to stand helm with your equipment. The re- Robert M. Laurer or lookout watch. District Staff Officer for Operations night ops presentation. sults will be a more confident Crews and flotilla members Another key learning is, if crew and a safer evolution. need to be aware of all best ever in doubt of the vessels Frequently overlooked is practices. At every public position “STOP”. Continue the crew travel to the marina event we should be preaching after you have established and walking to the boats. about the dangers of night your location. Rotate your Many marinas have poor ops to our friends in the crew positions frequently parking lots and docks that boating public. A PowerPoint during night operations have sharp inclines or de- presentation in a marina to maintain an alert crew. clines. For your crew’s safety, setting may be enough to Facilities that operate at they must be aware of the ob- change some behaviors and night should be equipped stacles in front of them even improve the safety perfor- with GPS and RADAR. If before boarding the OFPAC. mance of the people in our equipped with RADAR, it boating community. must be used all hours of op- All of us are instructed to “look out for each other;” The Night Operations work- eration, not just night hours. The entire crew needs to be the work we do demands it. shop contains twenty-five BRAVO ZULU to all of you slides and its intention is to fluent in its use as the unit needs to be monitored full for your great work in the review precautions and proce- cornerstones, your efforts dures for operating at night. time through the evolution. The above are important help maintain the status of Please take the time to lessons to keep us safe on SEMPER PARATUS. download this presentation the water in a challenging from nineeastern.org and environment present it to your crews. Many times a SAR call will Train, Train, Train is the PAGE 18 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 Farewell via some greatest hits! You Over the past 12 years that moved on to I’ve been with you, I’ve grown the heart of a “ in my appreciation of what volunteer and have been you do and how you have used the 70’s made our time together so tune “Hooked such an meaningful. As such, I would on a Feeling” like to thank and recognize to reflect being inspiration each and every one of you hooked on the for what you do and how you Coast Guard. have been such an inspiration We talked to me over to me over the years. about heroes I guess the best way for such as Bernie the years. me to express my gratitude Webber and would be to review some of Erwin Maske the moments we’ve shared from the “Fin- ” together. I think of it as our est Hours” Retired Assistant DIRAUX Paul Barlow GREATEST HITS! where Seaman Photo by Robert Stronach, editor Maske was the Such as when we discussed after saving all those lives re- the philosophy of Admiral ultimate volunteer who really didn’t have to go out on that ally hit home for those of us Papp regarding being profi- involved in the rescue busi- By Paul Barlow cient in our craft. Remem- fateful day. Just as you are the “ultimate volunteer.” ness. His humble service is Retired Assistant Director ber the 60’s rock group the a true reflection of what you And who can forget the “Rivingtons” and “Papa Oom do every day…saving lives Mr. Barlow retired after 42 years “PSI BLUES” and all those Mow Mow” where they per- through your efforts in recre- with the Coast Guard -- the last silly acronyms? PSI, OS, DI formed this silly song day in ational boating safety. 12 as assistant director of the and day out for decades? And and DO, SACS and NACI, Of note, as I read more Auxiliary for the Ninth District. how I compared their passion ALAC and EQIP to name a about Edward Spencer, years and proficiency in perform- few that goes to SECCEN and after the disaster when gath- ing this song just as you per- OPM where now DIRAUX ering to commemorate the form your duties day in and works with TECS to ensure event, eventually someone day out with the same passion that the PIDS and the FIDS asked him if he had been in and proficiency that is truly are available after 90 days and contact with any of the survi- amazing! mandated training. And you vors he had pulled out of the So we continued our jour- ask, “How long is my PSI go- ing to take?” and my answer surf that day. His response ney through the music charts was that he hadn’t and as a back to the 60’s and found the to you is still the same…I don’t know! matter of fact, not one of the “Trashmen” as motivation in survivors ever thanked him. comparing Big Bird on “Ses- Finally, to Alley Oop and So in closing, I don’t want ame Street” to the glue that awards recognition for car- to be remiss in thanking you brought this TV show togeth- toon characters from the for all you do, all you’ve done er. Big Bird became the “tip- 1930’s that seem out of line and all you’re going to do. It ping point” that put the show in comparison to your efforts has truly been an honor and a over the top just as you in the that are truly noteworthy. I privilege to have worked with Auxiliary are the glue, the also shared with you the story you these past 12 years. tipping point that helps make about Edward Spencer and the Coast Guard the success his self-less service saving 17 I wish you fair winds and a it is today. Never forget that survivors off of Evanston, IL following sea and as always, “The Bird is the Word.” in 1860 that impacted me the “Semper Paratus.” From Sesame Street, we most. His attitude to question whether he had done his best

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 19 RETIRED DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY Thank you, congratulations, farewell

By Commander Jorge Martinez Next, congratulations to to all the newly First and foremost, I want to publicly elected officers including your new Com- thank Mr. Paul Barlow for his 42 years of modore and Chief of Staff. We are blessed service to our nation. Those of you who in D9 to have such an abundance of talent were present at the fall DTRAIN heard me in our Auxiliary which is willing to step thank him and recap his impressive career up and take on even more responsibili- both in uniform and out of it. ties. Your collective efforts are very much needed and even more appreciated. I But aside from his many competencies, know I speak for the Admiral in passing a one of the attributes that most impressed sincere, heartfelt thank you from the “gold me was his humility. Here’s a man who side”. was commissioned in the Coast Guard the year before I was born, had several ship Lastly, I too am moving on, but, as I’ve commands, and retired as a Captain when said before, I am completely at awe at your I was a Lieutenant Junior Grade; yet you incomparable enthusiasm to serve, your never heard a single complaint or negative commitment to nation and community word coming from him. He always went alike, and your ability to get the right mis- about his business of providing unwaver- sions done right. All at a very reasonable D9ER Auxiliary leaders (including Dr. Betsy ing support to you without much fanfare. cost to the federal government! Macintyre) presented Commander Jorge Martinez with a gift (figurine of a sea cap- We were fortunate to have him. He is a Thank you for your service and for the difference you have made and will contin- tain) at the commander’s retirement gather- true American patriot and we will sorely ing in April. The former district director of the miss him. Fair winds and following seas to ue to make. Thank you, congratulations, Auxiliary (DIRAUX) retired to enter civilian a real shipmate! and farewell. Semper Paratus. God Bless. employment. Photo by Dr. Joseph Sopko, DCOS.

Commodore Robert Scofield of Hammond, NY as- 9ER BRIDGE sumed command of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s DCO Scofield leads district with DCOS Sopko, Ninth District Eastern Region on Jan. 1. The new com- and District Captains Godshall, Harman, Pfahl modore serves a two-year term. Also elected to the senior leadership team were: • District Chief of Staff (DCOS): Joseph Sopko, M.D., MBA, of Shaker Heights, OH. • District Captain (DCAPT): Clark Godshall of Barker, NY. • District Captain: Glen Harman of Canton, OH. • District Captain: Stannard Baird Pfahl Jr., M.D., of Hu- ron, OH. DCO Scofield, a member of Flotilla 15 in Ogdensburg, served as chief of staff for Immediate Past Commodore Edward Monaco, and prior to that, as a district captain for two years. Joining the Auxiliary in 2003, DCO Scofield has served in various flotilla staff officer positions, including flotilla commander. In 2010 and 2011 he served as Division 1 commander. He is the retired superintendent of schools Rear Admiral June Ryan, commander of the Ninth Coast Guard for Hammond Central School, having served in that posi- District, presided over the installation of Commodore Robert Scofield tion for 21 years. and his leadership team. Photo above and opposite page by R. Stronach, editor. Continued on next page.

PAGE 20 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 DISTRICT CAPTAIN

Take advantage of opportunities for training, developing skills

One of the benefits of our those STTRs in to our DCOS. • Explore with the mem- geographical location is that • AUXOP courses such as bership some of the new we do have months of down Weather, Communications leadership resources such as time from patrols, public and Seamanship have been administrative procedures, events, and all the associated refreshed and can be offered leadership mini-courses, In- summer time activities. in a classroom setting as well dividual Development plan, Eastern Region Auxiliarists as by independent study mentoring and the Com- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Guard photo U.S. Coast make good use of that time mander guides – all of which Clark Godshall • Have a meeting where a are offered on line District Captain for Logistics to improve their skill levels. few computers are available and District Training Officer Many of the Divisions and and use a “hot spot” or WiFi • Check out AuxDirectory/ Flotillas and individuals have for stable internet connec- AuxOfficer. One of the Aux- taken advantage of “hard wa- tions and get those folks com- iliary’s most-heavily used ap- ter” times for joint training pleting classes they need. plications, this database can and other Auxiliary mission help users search for specific opportunities. • Take 30 minutes before members singly or via unit or or after a meeting to review office, generate a roster, pro- Consider ongoing oppor- the duties and responsibilities tunities: duce email lists, and more. If of SO and FSO positions -- you are a new staff officer, this • Review the list of members may want to volun- is one of the most useful re- C-school offerings that may teer for a new position or try sources you can have in your be of interest to you and get one out for the first time toolbox.

Continued from previous page. DCAPT Clark Godshall, district superintendent for Orle- DCO Scofield graduated with a bachelor’s degree in ans/Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services, is education from SUNY Oswego and a master’s degree active with Flotilla 31 in Youngstown, NY as boat crew mem- and certificate of advanced standing from St. Lawrence ber, personal watercraft operator, CPR/First Aid provider, University. Scofield and his wife, Jolene, reside in Ham- instructor, and vessel examiner. He has served as a division mond, NY and have two daughters Jackie, who is a C.G. commander and district training officer, and is national dep- Auxiliarist, and Heather. uty director for the public education directorate. DCOS Joseph Sopko is active with Flotilla 7-16 in N. DCAPT Glen Harman is active with Flotilla 61 in Akron, Cleveland in a number of roles; among them, boat cox- OH as a boat crew member, CPR/First Aid provider, and swain, qualification examiner, vessel examiner, instruc- vessel examiner. A former flotilla commander and division tor, and food service specialist. He has served as district captain, Harman worked in sales for 37 years. captain and has held leadership roles on the flotilla and DCAPT S. Baird Pfahl is active with Flotilla 65 in Huron, division levels. A specialist in pulmonary and critical OH as a boat coxswain, instructor and vessel examiner. He has care, Dr. Sopko attended medical school at Tufts Universi- served as flotilla and division commander. An eye surgeon, Dr. ty and did his internal medicine residency and pulmonary Pfahl attended medical school at University of Pittsburgh and fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. did specialty training in ophthalmology at Ohio State.

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 21 DISTRICT CAPTAINS With busy 2016, make 2017 even busier

I would like to review public safe. Before fall, over UPV (“six pack”) inspec- some of the highlights of 650 hours had been logged tions are stable (55) but 2016. The Republican Na- checking over 400 PATONS, should be more. Our Auxil- tional Convention held in Bridges and ATONS. How- iarists are ready and willing, Cleveland last July, and by all ever, they only work when but the charter captains don’t accounts, the Auxiliary was you know what they are and seem to want the very thor- very integral to the safety of what they indicate, it might ough exam we give – we can this event. You contributed be a good time to review? only hope they see the light, over 850 hours (OPS, FS, HS Our environment is some- before they see the flashing and ADM). Quite an accom- thing we are all concerned blue lights! plishment! about, but what are you do- Our operations activity has Our Air OPS were very ing about it? New initiatives been very active, thanks to busy with SAR, Marine Envi- are under way especially in better weather than the pre- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Guard photo U.S. Coast ronmental Protection, Har- New York and the zebra mus- vious year. Before autumn, Dr. S. Baird Pfahl bor Patrols as well as MOMs sels are still with us, so re- they had logged almost 4800 District Captain for Response (marine observation mis- member to “Clean, Drain and hours on 576 missions, 1575 sions). They had logged over Dry” as they do in that state. hours in operations support, 1800 hours by October. Auxiliary Watchstanding again saving the active duty friends and neighbors what a The cost savings to the is still a vital part of our Coast Guard for other tasks. great time you have being an Coast Guard and govern- contribution to the active So what are your plans Auxiliarist and invite them ment (read US taxpayers) duty Coast Guard. We had for 2017? You could re- to join us. since October 2015 were logged over 855 hours in view NavRules, take some I plan to be a Mentor to a over $4 Million! the first half of 2016. Think AOXOP courses, line up new member. Our ATONS and PATONS about what that provides the Boating Classes to teach, staff You just might find some- had all been checked and Stations as far as personnel booths at boat shows and one who can use your help, were keeping the boating augmentation. expos, and just remind your too.

Boating safety is a year-round endeavor

Take advantage of op- raft safety. Paddling is an crease in the number portunities to promote inexpensive and easy sport of paddlecraft fatalities boating safety. to get into. since they have become Prevention is a year- At safe boating classes so popular and the Coast round endeavor – from and public appearances Guard and Auxiliary U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Guard photo U.S. Coast public education classes to paddlecraft safety should be want to try to reverse that appearances at boating and brought up and discussed. trend with more public sportsman shows to visits This should be done with education and VSCs. to schools and other activi- people who already own Training is an on-go- ties. All of these keep boat- a paddle craft and people ing endeavor in the Aux- ing safety in the forefront who are thinking about it to iliary. So stay current and of the boating public. make them aware of what is continue to contribute One aspect of boating involved to have a safe ex- the good work the Coast Glen Harman perience on the water. Guard is known for. District Captain for Prevention safety that has become very important is paddlec- There has been an in-

PAGE 22 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017 DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF Uniforms and you

At our recent NTRAIN, Resources Directorate. This summer and winter uniforms. National Commodore presentation should be the Notice this illustration at left. Washburn complimented us basic initial reference for our These uniforms are obsolete and in 9ER on our professionalism members. If you go to the HR are no longer approved for wear. and the obvious pride that we Directorate tab on the National This should create no problems,

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Guard photo U.S. Coast show in wearing our uniforms. CGAUX website and click on just put on enhanced shoulder I think we all have been able the Uniform Division, you boards (no more soft ones) and to see a marked improvement will find this presentation. It you’re good to go. since COMO Scofield initiated is also embedded in the new If we turn to Uniform Board our voluntary and fun uniform member’s course. Please use this 46, we note some interesting check-offs at DTRAIN. I for member training in your things: would hope that our division flotilla. We all need periodic • The foul weather parka is and flotilla commanders take reminders. now approved for wear with Dr. Joseph Sopko, DCOS every opportunity to gently On the same web page tropical blue, winter dress blue correct errors when they you will also find “Results of and service dress blue uniforms. encounter them. Without doubt, Uniform Board 46”. What’s It has basically become an all- our members want to show that? Well, from time to time purpose outer garment usable respect to the active duty and the uniform regulations as an alternative to the trench reserve members who wear change. It’s what’s new in coat and the windbreaker and, these uniforms daily but they uniforms. Please know that of course, can also be worn with sometimes fall short of the mark Chapter 10, Uniforms, in the the ODU. through lack of education. Auxiliary Manual is NOT • The garrison cap can now be To help address that problem, routinely updated to reflect The undress uniforms pictured worn with the service dress blue an excellent slide presentation these changes. This can lead here are now obsolete. But, uniform. just put on enhanced shoulder covering all common uniform to problems. As a case in boards (no more soft ones) issues has been created by the point, several of our members There are also sections that and you’re good to go. Uniform Division of the Human continue to wear the undress cover authorized sunglasses and wrist watches. I’ll leave you to read these on your own. Finally, I would like to remind everyone that whenever we go outdoors in uniform, we must wear the proper cover. And per Uniform Board 46, the garrison cap will usually work unless we’re wearing an ODU. In future articles I will continue to share what’s new or problematic for our members in uniform wear. We are privileged to wear the Coast Guard uniform and how we do so reflects on our U.S. Coast Guard image Guard U.S. Coast core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.

WINTER/SPRING 2017 EASTWIND PAGE 23 Department of Homeland Security PRSRT STD United States Coast Guard POSTAGE United States Coast Guard Auxiliary PAID PO Box 232 SEYMOUR, IN Marcy, NY 13403 PERMIT NO. 198

Official Business

Auxiliarists let their inner cowpokes out during fellowship night at D-Train. PAGE 11.

Photo by Allen Knish, DSO-DV PAGE 24 EASTWIND WINTER/SPRING 2017