UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY America’s Volunteer Lifesavers ® Work CARIBBEAN SEARCH & RESCUECONFERENCE & SEARCHCARIBBEAN AUXILIARISTS IN ALASKA: IN AUXILIARISTS On-SceneCoverage from Miami:

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P A A R A T U U Y XILIA R 30 INTERCEPTED…’ A Coast Guard Auxiliary Aviator’s Worst ‘Nightmare’ Contents SUMMER 2006 VOL. 33, NO. 2 STORY & PHOTOS BY RAY ARSENAULT FSO-PA 11-3 D5SR “Aircraft operating northeast of 3 Auxiliary Aviator’s Worst Nightmare Atlantic City at 5,500 feet, you have been 5 Auxiliarists Assist UCSG with SAR Operation intercepted. Safely and gradually turn your aircraft to the right and take up a 6 COMO Seibert heading of 0-6-0 degrees…” 8 CAPT Smith Intercepted! A cold lump formed in the pit of our 11 U.S. Going for Gold at ISAR Competition stomachs. 12 New Auxiliarist Gets Unexpected Since the imposition of air defense On-the-Job SAR Training 2006-07 measures in the aftermath of 9/11--and apart from actually crashing an airplane 14 NBSW 2006 EDITION – this is the general aviation pilot’s worst 17 Annual Training in Alaska DEADLINES nightmare. Completes Sixth Year FALL Despite the need to continue safely AUGUST 15 flying the plane, visions of all sorts of Aloft in AuxAir Facility 1CE, flying a course toward their assigned rendezvous with 19 Auxiliary Helo-Helpers Hailed WINTER dire consequences filled our heads: Will Coast Guard helicopters, Calvin Early (left), the aircraft commander, checks charts with 20 Memorial Day Magic NOVEMBER 15 we be arrested? Do we need to hire an Charlie Rose, co-pilot, in the cockpit of Early’s Beechcraft Bonanza. (Below left): Coast SPRING attorney? Will our pilot lose his license Guard helicopter ‘Dolphin 68,’ preparing to display its YOU-HAVE-BEEN-INTERCEPTED 22 Thir d Carribbean SAR Conference FEBRUARY 15, 2007 to fly? Where did we go astray? How sign, forms up off port wing of 1CE. 25 Florida Operational Excellence Team could this have happened? ‘Takes Over’ Luckily, this intercept was a well-con- AIRSTA Atlantic City welcomed us eters, such as the general scenario of the trolled training evolution staged for the warmly and escorted us into a confer- exercise, the limits of the exercise area, 26 What’s in a Name? 12 SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: pilots and aircrews of U.S. Coast Guard ence room to conduct the pre-mission the weather forecast, the risk assess- 28 COMO Oliver Brand celebrates Air Station Atlantic City. We Auxiliary briefing. All mission participants were ment, and a safety briefing. He also 40 Years in the CGAUX Joel A. Glass, BC-APN aviators were simply providing our present, as was Air Station Atlantic City’s discussed the communications plan in P.O. Box 1628 active-duty counterparts with a realistic outgoing and incoming Auxiliary Liaison detail, emphasizing aircraft call signs, fre- The ‘Quiet Hero’ 29 Portland, ME 04104 “target” for their training scenario. Officers, Lieutenant John Hall and LTJG quencies, specific code words to be used 30 Florida Auxiliarists and Paralyzed Vets No arrests. No lawyers. No loss of Ben Walton, respectively. and their meanings. Reap Benefits of Helping Each Other [email protected] license. The briefing was conducted by With all questions and concerns dis- Still, for the three pilots aboard Lieutenant Sean Roche. He profession- cussed to everyone’s mutual satisfaction, Savannah Flotilla Assists ANT Unit 32 Auxiliary Air Facility 1CE, the experi- ally outlined important mission param- the aircrews separated to conduct their 33 Katrina Update Telephone numbers and ence was a sobering one, to say the least, respective pre-flight inspections and have and it was a lesson that formed a lasting a bite of lunch. Letter from San Juan addresses of members 34 are protected by the impression. At 1205, Early engaged the starter on 36 F lorida Marinas Meet the Cleaners Privacy Act of 1974. As a Our mission began at Frederick AuxAir 1CE -- his beautiful Beechcraft matter of policy, rosters Municipal Airport in Maryland. Here, the Bonanza -- and the Auxiliary’s portion of 38 Virginia Auxiliarist Joins Cuttermen of names, addresses and Aircraft Commander -- Calvin Early, M.D. the exercise began. Co-pilot Rose handled telephone numbers shall (Ret.), IPFC 11-3 D5SR -- met up with his the radios and assisted with navigation. not be made available to the general public or co-pilot, Charlie Rose, also from Flotilla We departed Atlantic City’s active run- 20 any outside organization. 11-3. Will we be arrested? way at 1217, bound for our designated Privacy of all rosters After fueling the Beechcraft Bonanza, holding area along the coastline, north ON THE COVER shall be safeguarded and checking the weather, and conducting a Do we need to hire an attorney? of Atlantic City. The plan called for us to Photo: McKibben Jackinsky, FSO-PA 21 D17 the page clearly labeled. thorough crew mission briefing, Early depart our holding area at exactly 1230 The publication of these departed Frederick and navigated to Will our pilot lose his to enter the exercise area southbound. Despite rapidly deteriorating weather, the Coast Guard Auxiliary once again rode to the rescue rosters, addresses and Atlantic City. Early guided us expertly to our holding — this time off Homer, Alaska -- when a recreational vessel in the Chamber of Commerce Winter telephone numbers on The pilots and aircrew members at license to fly? Where did we go area, and we began our “in-bound turn” any computer on-line King Salmon Tournament became disabled. Pictured is Craig Forrest, DSO-PV 17, at the stern of a precisely on time. 27-foot USCG SAFE Boat operated by local Auxiliarists, keeping a close eye on the tow-line as the service including the Internet is prohibited by astray? How could this The “rabbit” was entering the hunting disabled vessel is pulled through Kachemak Bay, enroute to safe-haven at Homer Harbor. Additional the Privacy Act of 1974. coverage from Alaska can be found on Page 17. have happened? > CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

2 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 3 < CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Kauai Auxiliarists grounds. Meanwhile, our “hunters” -- LT Kevin d’Eustacio (aircraft commander), LT Assist USCG with Sean Roche (co-pilot), and AET Darren Freeman, of USCG helicopter “Dolphin SAR Operation 68” – were relaxing in the ready room BY MAXINE CAVANAUGH back at the air station. DSO-PA 14 When the alarm suddenly sounded, indicating a mission, LT d’Eustacio and In the early morning of March 15, while people were sleeping his crew dashed out to bring their air- in their homes near the town of Kilauea on Kauai’s north shore, craft to life. Within minutes, Dolphin 68 the Ka Loko Reservoir levee breached, sending a 100-yard-wide was airborne and speeding toward us on river of water, debris and mud rushing toward the Pacific Ocean. a bee-line intercept course, guided by The huge landslide swept dwellings — and seven people radar controllers. — toward the ocean…and to their death. Photo: BM3 Eric Flanelly, USCG Station Kauai The hunt was on! The Coast Guard responded to the call for assistance, launch- Aboard AuxAir 1CE, we flew a steady ing search and rescue operations. A C-130 aircraft and an HH-65 Jim Jung (left), RCO-OS 14, and John Rosario, IPFC 3-15 course, following our briefed flight plan helicopter began an aerial search, and USCG Station Kauai sent D14, relax following their response to a Coast Guard call for as though we might be an aircraft that Calvin Early, IPFC 11-3 D5SR, stands atop wing discussing his AuxAir Operational its 25- and 30-foot SAFE Boats to assist. assistance when a levee was breached at the Ka Loko Reservoir, had unwittingly strayed into controlled Facility with an aircraft mechanic, prior to taking off for a joint mission with Coast Auxiliarists from Flotilla 3-15 D14 (Kauai) were asked to assist. near Kilauea, Kauai. Jung served as crew and Rosario was airspace, or more ominously, a hostile Guard helicopters. Coxswain John Rosario, IPFC, and crewman Jim Jung, RCO-OS coxswain of his OPFAC – the 21-foot Kai Lio (‘Sea Horse’). aircraft flying with malicious intent. 14, arrived at STA Kauai ready to go to work. They were tasked Nowadays, a “temporary flight restric- ting; right turn,” replied co-pilot Rose. ate in direct support of our active-duty to bring body bags, food and water from Nawiliwili to the on- boats were instructed to return to base. tion” can pop up at any time, virtually (These were set phrases discussed at counterparts. It is a recurring mission scene Coast Guard vessels, and to do anything they could to The Washington, C-130 and HH-65 continued operations for anywhere – even after a pilot has departed the briefing to prevent confusion and a for the pilots of Flotilla 11-3 and the assist the Coasties. They also picked up water and pizza to take two more days, until the SAR was called off. Although seven peo- on a flight. Professional pilots who have possible accident during what could be a Auxiliary air crews that rotate respon- to the other crews. ple were missing, only three bodies were eventually recovered. done all their pre-flight planning “by the dicey aerial maneuver.) sibility for these flights. Owing to the The Auxiliarists headed out on their mission aboard Rosario’s The unforgettable day ended as Auxiliarists Rosario and Jung book” can conceivably be caught unaware, AuxAir 1CE participated in two more increased safety concerns and pilot work- OPFAC, the 21-foot Kai Lio. Traveling at 10 knots, they covered returned to Nawiliwili [Lihu’e] in the dark, following their track resulting in an airspace incursion. intercepts for the Dolphin 68 crew, with load, each mission requires two qualified the 20 or so miles around the coast in just under two hours. on GPS. Aircraft of various federal and local each intercept using a different converg- Auxiliary pilots. First, they rendezvoused with the 30-foot SAFE Boat and trans- The flashing glow of Nawiliwili Lighthouse brought them agencies, including the Coast Guard, ing and identification technique. For the active-duty aircrews, this is but ferred a body bag for one of the victims lying on the deck. It was comfort and a feeling of personal satisfaction, knowing they were respond to every single one of these During one of these intercepts, LT one of many maneuvers they must be an especially sad sight for Jung, who lost his wife just a couple of there when needed -- ready, willing, and able to assist. incursions. Hence, this training was d’Eustacio stationed his helo off our capable of performing on any given day. months earlier. Looking back at that day’s events, Jung expressed both pride of timely importance to our active-duty left wing, close aboard, and had AET Recertification on these various maneu- Carefully making their way around the debris field, the and satisfaction: friends, who may be called upon to react Freeman activate an electronic sign in vers takes place regularly. According to Auxiliarists assisted in the search for more bodies. Several miles “My impressions [of the mission] were positive and uplifting,” to such an incident at any time. Dolphin 68’s right doorway that read: LT d’Eustacio, the frequency of recerti- offshore, they met up with the 25-foot SAFE Boat and delivered he said. “It was unusual for the Coast Guard to call us for opera- Aboard Dolphin 68, the aircrew was YOU-HAVE-BEEN-INTERCEPTED! fication for the aerial intercept mission the pizza and water, and body bags -- just in case -- to a crew that tional assistance. They had only two boats and needed help, steered -- with surgical precision -- direct- This technique might work in situa- depends on what type it is. Aircrews was happy to get something to eat, even if it was cold pizza. which we could -- and did -- provide. ly toward its prey -- us! tions where authorities are unable to recertify once every six months for day- Mud-browned water and debris covered the area as far as “At the end of the day, the Coast Guard saw that we could do LT d’Eustacio planned to intercept us reach the “target aircraft” on the radio, light intercepts and once a month at night. the horizon, as well as trees, vegetation and building materials. what they needed and they saw our willingness to do it. Our at our “one-o’clock” position, at a slightly for whatever reason. The objective is to How valuable is AuxAir participation in There even was a bed cover for a pickup. capability was upgraded, in their eyes. We both felt good at being higher altitude, converging nearly head- bring the situation to a safe resolution the recertification process? Rosario and Jung continued to search for any potential ready, willing and able to support their search and recovery mis- on with all his lights blazing. His intent without having to take drastic measures Any time two aircraft are converging, clumps of debris throughout the day, until the 110-foot USCGC sion. was to retain a safety margin for all to stop an errant pilot. the chances of accidents rise exponential- Washington, out of Sector Honolulu, arrived to take over surface “We felt especially good about their having [had enough] con-

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P A A R A T U U Y involved, yet get our attention. AIRSTA Atlantic City ordered us to ly. One would not want to try this type ops. With daylight waning and the weather changing, the small fidence in us to have made the request.” XILIA R And get our attention he did! return to our staging area once again, of maneuver on an unsuspecting pilot Seeing the bright orange Dolphin heli- this time to put another helicopter and unless it was a real-world situation. In copter flash overhead at a high converg- crew -- “Dolphin 81” -- to the test. fact, Federal regulations prohibit forma- ing speed was an eye-catching experi- Dolphin 81 -- under the command of tion flight unless all participating pilots Navigator is the official magazine of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary www.cgaux.org ence. Seemingly out of nowhere, a Coast CDR Bob Makowsky, assisted by LCDR have been briefed on the maneuver — on Guard helicopter appeared alongside our Rusty Sloane and AMT2 Robert Bennett the ground, beforehand. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DIRECTORATE COMMODORES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS National Commodore National Area Commodore - Pacific National Directorate Commodore for Operations aircraft as we continued to cruise along. -- repeated the nearly-head-on intercept Where else, and at what expense, COMO Gene M. Seibert, NACO COMO Dan F. Neiderhiser, ARCO-P and Marine Safety Department Chief The Dolphin 68 crew worked to iden- that we had experienced earlier in the would the Coast Guard find a trained, COMO Helmut Hurtle, NADCO-OMS Nick Tarlson, DC-A National Vice Commodore Immediate Past National Commodore tify our aircraft from this position. They day, with no less reaction from those competent air crew that could be relied COMO Steven M. Budar, NAVCO COMO E.W. (Bill) Edgerton, IPNACO National Directorate Commodore for Member Editor, NAVIGATOR Services Joel A. Glass, tried to contact us, while remaining in aboard AuxAir 1CE. upon to conduct a safe practice operation National Area Commodore - Atlantic East Chief Director of the Auxiliary COMO Fred Gates, NADCO-MS BC-APN COMO Nicholas Kerigan, ARCO-A(E) CAPT Barry P. Smith, USCG a safe location, able to react to our next Once again, Dolphin 81 readily “found” of this type? “We couldn’t do this without National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Deputy Editor, NAVIGATOR move -- no matter what it might be. us from all angles. Our final intercept you,” stated Commander Makowsky. National Area Commodore - Atlantic West National Chief of Staff Boating Safety Mike Harris, COMO Carol Urgola, NACOS “AuxAir One Charlie Echo, Dolphin culminated in that harrowing radio call: The pilots of “The Flying Flotilla” are COMO Kenneth J. Koeppen, ARCO-A(W) COMO Warren E. McAdams, NADCO-RBS BA-APN Six Eight: Knock off and re-set via right “…you have been intercepted…” more than happy to provide this service. Copyright 2006 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. turn,” radioed AET Freeman when For Auxiliary aviators who normally We welcome the chance to help keep the All rights are reserved. No portion of this 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 his helo had completed the intercept. augment the Coast Guard by providing crews of Air Station Atlantic City on their Guard Auxiliary and is intended to keep the membership and the U.S. Coast Guard apprised of the activities of the Auxiliary. Accordingly, all articles published in NAVIGATOR must be consistent with the stated

ST OA GU C M P policies of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. All articles and pictures submitted to NAVIGATOR become the property of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. . S E E R A S R . D U

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P A A R A T U U Y “Roger, AuxAir One Charlie Echo reset- aerial patrols, this was a chance to oper- toes. XILIA R

4 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 5 it is their turn to serve. The leaders we challenges are ahead of time. (Powell Who Will Be elect must be ready, willing and able to calls this ‘seeing around corners.’) A NACO serve and not appear as simply a figure- visionary leader plans now for tomorrow. head. Visionary leaders are proactive, rather Appointed September 11 brought sweeping than reactive. Lastly, a visionary leader changes to our operational environ- doesn’t accept the status quo as OK. to USCG Our Future Leaders? ● ment, and these changes only reinforce Motivator/Achiever – Leaders who the importance of the fact that we must are high-energy and are motivated to Leadership YOUR DECISIONS CHART THE FUTURE COURSE increase interaction and co-ordination do more, do better than what has taken between operational Coast Guard com- place in the past. They do not rest on OF THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY mands, inter-agency partners, and our the laurels of previous accomplishments. Council units. We need to bring a new focus to More importantly, they have an ability FROM: ADM THAD ALLEN COMMANDANT During the September-to-November whole – works. We know and understand the values of planning and sustainment to motivate others to buy into this same United States Coast Guard time frame this year, we will be selecting our own units and their leaders. When of our operational readiness. philosophy. Successful leaders give 100 Excellence in mission execu- our future leaders. election time comes around, we vote for We need to recognize fully that, in percent effort and are continually striv- tion is the foundation of my Have you realized that in 18 years, a people we think will do the best job. a broad sense, all of our operational ing for excellence. Commandant’s Intent and will ● decision you made this year could deter- Or do we? activities need to be focused on preven- Communicator – A leader must be factor into all decisions. The mine who the National Commodore will Sometimes, we simply vote for the tion of an incident through Operation able to communicate their ideas, values, contributions of the Auxiliary be? person who is next in line, as if we are Patriot Readiness, Maritime Domain visions and goals. A successful leader’s to Coast Guard mission execu- That’s the kind of power you have. rewarding them for having served so Awareness, Recreational Boating Safety, decisions are crisp and clear, so every- tion are significant and invalu- Yes, you! far, or possibly because we simply like and Community Outreach programs. Or, one knows where the unit is going, and able. I have, therefore, decided Elections are coming up soon, and one person better than another. And, of in response to mitigate the undesired how it will get there. to include the Auxiliary in my as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard course, there are times that we vote for a effects of an incident through our surge ● Solutions-Oriented – You may have senior advisory team. Auxiliary, you have a vote. Depending person because no one else is willing to capabilities and capacity under MARSEC heard the saying, “If you are not part of It is with great pleasure COMMODORE on what position you hold, you may run for a position. 2 or 3 conditions. Or, if called upon to the solution, you are part of the prob- that I announce that NACO Gene Seibert will be the first GENE M. have more than one opportunity to elect I think we’ve all been there. perform a search and rescue mission. lem.” Successful leaders don’t simply tomorrow’s leaders. But now, I am asking you to stop and I feel, overall, that our organization see problems as unsolvable; they work to Auxiliary member of the Coast SEIBERT Guard Leadership Council. If that future National Commodore fol- consider just how important it is that we must begin the transformation, in view find solutions. They use the KISS (Keep NATIONAL COMO Seibert will join the Vice lows the elected path, in all likelihood, he choose wisely, pick those who have the of what we know today. This cannot be It Super-Simple) principle, and they have COMMODORE Commandant, Chief of Staff, or she will serve two years each as Vice- competencies of leadership and manage- ignored. The results of the dramatic a can-do attitude. They always exhibit Area Commanders, MCPOCG, AST G CO U . S E M P E R A and Flotilla Commander, two years each ment, and pick those who are risk man- events, the shift in the Coast Guard, a situational awareness capability that S R . D and Senior SES Rep in advis- U S as Vice- and Division Captain, two years agers, but also risk-takers. establishment of the Department of enables them to think fast on their feet. P A R A T U ing me on all issues of strategic A U RY XILIA as Rear Commodore, two years each With the changing environment in the Homeland Security, and the changing ● Perpetually Optimistic – Leaders importance. as Vice- and District Commodore, two post-September 11 era, we are experienc- make-up of the recreational boater, all who are perpetually optimistic have a COMO Seibert is uniquely years as a National Area Commodore, ing cultural shifts not only in the Coast need to come into play as we move our ripple effect on their organization. They qualified to serve on the and two more years as the National Vice Guard, but in the Auxiliary as well. Now, organization forward. see what can be done, as opposed to sim- Leadership Council. Since join- Commodore. more than ever, we need the right lead- Today is the “New Normal.” We can- ply seeing the roadblocks to progress. ing the Auxiliary in 1984, he has Electing leaders may not be as exciting ers to help chart our future course not become complacent; we must realize ● Know How to Have Fun – served in all elected positions as participating in those program areas Fact: We are not the same Coast that things will never be like they were Successful leaders surround themselves and in numerous critical staff that are of interest to you, but our elec- Guard Auxiliary we were five years ago, pre-September 11. with people who take their work -- but assignments. As the National tions are, nonetheless, one of the most so selecting a visionary leader is even Now, more than ever, we need to pro- not themselves -- seriously. They know Commodore, he has guided our Auxiliary through transfor- critical things we do as Auxiliarists. more important now than ever. vide our organization with the depth and how to work hard and play hard, and mational change with a steady Why do our elections matter so much? Perhaps Albert Einstein hit the nail on breadth of operational, personal, team they value the fourth cornerstone. hand and tremendous dedica- ● Leaders Are Willing to Make the We need to choose our elected leaders the head when he said, “The significant and strategic leadership that is critical to tion to service. carefully because their one- or two-year problems we face today cannot be solved at our sustained success in the near- and Tough Decisions – You have heard COMO Seibert is a regis- watch can impact the direction and pro- the same level of thinking we were in when long-term. the saying, “The buck stops here.” tered member of the National ductivity of a unit – now, and in future we created them.” See why your selection of this year’s Successful leaders stand fast to this phi- Contract Management years. It comes as no surprise to any of us leaders is so important? losophy, even when it seems unpopular. Association, and he holds Most of us have a limited hands-on that we have experienced -- are experienc- Gen. Colin Powell, when he was Therefore, in this year’s election cycle, advanced degrees in pro- concept of how the Auxiliary – as a ing! -- a cultural shift, which occurs when Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, no matter whether you are electing a curement and international a series of dramatic events are so impact- referred to some critical success factors Flotilla Commander, Division Captain, or contracting. After 34 years of ing an organization that it cannot con- as traits/characteristics of outstanding any other of the elected leadership posi- service, he recently retired from ON THE WEB tinue to operate the same way and expect leaders. I suggest you use the following tions, please choose carefully, and please Lucent Technologies, where he You can go to the National Commodore’s to achieve its mission. traits as a sort-of checklist in evaluating choose wisely. served as Director, International page at www.auxnaco.org for more There is simply no room for candidates the candidates running for office in your Like the ripple effect of the wake from Government and Domestic Contract Management. information on the U.S. Coast Guard who want to pursue business as usual. flotilla, division, or district elections: a boat, the leadership choices that we We welcome COMO Seibert to Auxiliary Moreover, we should not elect someone ● Visionary – A visionary leader sets make today will ultimately impact the

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6 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 7 guidance on special projects and routine Director of Auxiliary, but going that far usu- Auxiliary administration. Auxiliarists must ally isn’t necessary. If the links of the COL How to Address utilize the chain of leadership and manage- from the member to the Commandant are ment in communicating ideas, information, unfamiliar to you, I recommend you review and requests. This process is important for Figure 1-1 of the Auxiliary Manual. the orderly conduct of organizational activi- One point to remember is that sometimes Your Concerns Using the ties and is proven to actually speed work the official response the COL provides to a results, since many solutions are found question, concern, or idea isn’t the one you directly at the flotilla or division leadership may have hoped for. Thoughtful consider- level. ation must be given before requesting that What does this reference from the the COL reconsider the issue. Unless there Chain of Leadership Auxiliary Manual boil down to? is additional information that substantially Auxiliarists, upon entry and when amplifies the issue, I do not recommend Whether you’ve been in the Auxiliary for response within 24 hours. appointed to higher office, “pledge to abide requesting a second look. When an official years or are new to the organization, eventu- Most Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) by the governing policies established by reply is made to an issue, it is normally ally you will have a question, concern, or maintain sites with features similar to the the Commandant.” Thus, Auxiliarists have upheld and supported if an appeal is made idea you would like addressed. Hopefully, Chief Director and Auxiliary sites. pledged to make use of the chain of lead- to a higher authority. when you first entered the Auxiliary, you If you can’t find the answer to your ques- ership to have questions, concerns, and Here, in the Office of the Chief Director received training on the proper way to tion on your own, I urge you to use your ideas addressed. The chain of leadership is (G-PCX), we receive correspondence, on obtain appropriate answers. Chain of Leadership (COL). It is worth required to rapidly act on issues presented a regular basis, that Auxiliarists send to As a new Auxiliarist myself, I recently emphasizing the guidance in Chapter 1, to them. various government officials, including received this training, and I wanted to share Section C of the Auxiliary Manual, What should an Auxiliarist do if he, or the President, Congressmen, Senators, with you some helpful information that COMDTINST M16790.1F. The Auxiliary she, believes the COL is unresponsive, or is Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, and the may assist you in getting your questions Manual can be easily found on the Chief the source of the problem? The process to Commandant. answered expeditiously. Director’s site in the Manuals section. This get a response is actually quite simple, even The questions range from very simple, CAPTAIN Most of the questions you might have are very important section states the following: if the COL is perceived as a problem. The such as uniform item questions, to complex BARRY simple and can be answered by flotilla mem- ● In the Auxiliary, the phrase “chain of following paragraphs explain how to best funding and personnel issues. In most SMITH bers. Sometimes, a question comes up that leadership and management” describes a handle those situations. cases, the information that the individual isn’t easily answered and requires additional system of communication and responsibil- The next step is to document your sought could have been answered easily CHIEF DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY effort to find the answer. ity providing for an effective and efficient request in writing. Depending on the mat- without seeking the aid of senior govern- (G-PCX) Who is the correct person to answer your path for relaying information through all ter, an e-mail may suffice. If you choose ment officials. Additionally, by the time a question? What do you do if your ques- organizational levels. The process is best to send an e-mail, I strongly recommend letter is routed through official channels and tion goes unanswered, or the question is described as a chain of leadership and man- you send it to one individual only. Include is received in G-PCX, it has been in the sys- not answered completely? If it is a conten- agement, rather than a chain of command, others on the e-mail only if necessary, and tem for some time and we are tasked with a tious or sensitive issue, how can you get it as no military command authority exists. definitely do not send it to a distribution list. quick, “drop all we are doing to support oth- addressed with the least amount of provoca- ● Auxiliary elected leaders must con- If you send a letter, it should be clear and ers,” reply in order to route it back through tion? vey policy accurately and consistently to concise, and include all information neces- the system. The first thing I recommend you do is Auxiliary unit members via the chain of sary to clearly explain the issue. There is a very formal process that try to find the answer yourself. Numerous leadership and management. Likewise, all Both e-mails and letters should be sent must be followed when these letters are sources of information are available that can Auxiliarists are expected to use the chain of up the COL, starting at the lowest level pos- answered, and valuable staff time is taken assist you in educating yourself. Regional leadership and management for giving and sible, and the COL is responsible for rapidly away from other Auxiliary projects to and locally produced publications, or getting information and voicing appropriate moving your correspondence up the chain, answer what often are routine questions nationally distributed publications, such as concerns. [Emphasis added.] All members as required. If you perceive a problem with more appropriately directed to the COL. Navigator, can help keep you informed. should recognize that the elected leader’s the chain, I do not recommend automati- A letter routed “up” the Auxiliary COL Two excellent sources of Auxiliary infor- experience offers a great potential to solve cally skipping a link in the chain or going allows more flexibility and research time mation are the Office of the Chief Director problems. outside of the chain. than one being routed “down” from a site, http://www.cgaux.info/g_ocx/index.asp, ● When correspondence is submitted via Always allow sufficient time for action to Senator for immediate action. If a letter and the Auxiliary site, http://nws.cgaux. another Auxiliary elected or appointed lead- be taken, and try sending follow-up corre- routed up the chain is received and requires org/index.html. They contain a variety of er in the chain of leadership and manage- spondence at least once more, if required. research that will take more than a few information, including publications, links, ment, that Auxiliarist is obligated to rapidly If you do not get a response to your inquiry days, I will send correspondence to the and search tools. endorse and forward correspondence as after writing twice, don’t give up; just move originator, acknowledging receipt of the let- If you don’t have a computer at home, required. Good leadership and management on to the next step. Send correspondence ter and informing them that I will provide a most public libraries have computers with demand the existence of proper channels to the next level of the COL. When moving thorough answer as soon as possible. Internet access, and a librarian can quickly for Auxiliarists to follow and respect, except to this step, be sure to explain what actions A common factor shared by the vast show you how to access information. as otherwise provided or directed. This have already been taken to get your issue majority of the letters written to government A helpful feature that both sites contain process assures that every activity is well resolved. Also, when moving up the COL, officials answered by G-PCX is that they is a contact section that allows you to monitored and carried out by the ablest include the leader you are going above on contain incomplete, or inaccurate, informa- submit a question via e-mail. I recently members, prevents confusion and delay of the copy line. This informs them you are tion. In some cases, the issue is distorted asked my staff to pose a question to each actions, and allows for orderly and courte- continuing your request for assistance--and enough that if the government official site to see how long it would take to get ous flow of information. you are not going outside the chain. receiving the letter took the individual at an answer. The question posed to the ● Auxiliarists should keep in mind that You could continue this process up their word, they might not get the “big pic- Auxiliary site was answered in an amazing the Director is a vital source of Coast the chain to the National Commodore 21 minutes. Both sites strive to make a Guard information who provides the latest or beyond, to the Commandant’s Chief > CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

8 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 9 ARIZONA OPEX 2006 ‘A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS’

Obverse and reverse of District Commander’s Commemorative Coin awarded to winning members of ISAR Team 2005 by RADM Larry L. Hereth, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District. U.S. Going for the Gold at ISAR ’06 Competition ISAR 2005 Team from Division 12 D5SR won the communications written test, damage VIRGINIA TO HOST control, and Can-Am line toss events in Dartmouth, NS. Flanked by CWO2 David Lukasik, Operations Training Officer (left), and CDR Robert Engle, DIRAUX, are team BI-NATIONAL members (from the left): Jerry Perez, FSO-VE; Dick Hall; Warren Peake, FC; and, Fred AUXILIARY TEAMS Gilman, VFC, all with Flotilla 12-6 D5SR.

STORY & PHOTOS BY DIANE GILMAN The fourth member of each team was ADSO-PA (Central Area) D5SR chosen randomly and placed on four Each year for the past six years, Coast international teams consisting of three Guard Auxiliary search-and-rescue teams participants each for the five so-called from throughout the U.S. and Canada Can-Am events. These are dewatering have vied for the championship at the pump operation, marlinspike, Lifeline- International Search and Rescue (ISAR) throwing, Medevac, and visual commu- competition. nications. Photo: Tom Nunes, SO-PA 10 D11SR This year, it is America’s turn to play Jerry Perez, FSO-VE 12-6 D5SR, par- Division 10 D11SR (Arizona/Southern Utah) recently held the area’s first-ever division-level OPEX, at which boat crew, coxswain host to the hotly-contested competition, ticipated on one of the Can-Am teams and PWC operator candidates could complete or update qualifications. OPEX 2006, at Roosevelt Lake Marina, was declared ‘a beginning October 27, at the North that took first place in the Lifeline-throw- tremendous success’ as 45 of the 48 registered participants earned their quals. Pictured learning P-1 Pump operation are, from the Ferry Landing Seawall in Portsmouth, ing event. left: Nelly Doran, Flotilla 10-1; John Doran, FSO-CM 10-1; and Michael Devine, FSO-PB 10-8, taught by David Cotner (right), FSO-SR VA. Jerry Perez, Flotilla 12-6, signals the Canada honored The Year of the 10-8, all D11SR. The weekend event included 10 Vessel Safety Checks and three Recreational Boating Partner visits. Teams throughout the U.S. are now start of semaphore competition at ISAR Veteran and those lost in past SAR opera- hard at work training for the event. The 2005 in Dartmouth, NS. tions. Perez and one of his Canadian six best teams from each country will be Can-Am team members were selected challenged with a variety of events that ing situations, marlinspike seamanship, to carry the wreath in the opening cer- mirror distress situations they conceiv- first aid, emergency damage control, emony. ably could encounter. communications, and emergency towing. Division 12, which encompasses < CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 for the projects most beneficial to the your Congressman or the President. My This year’s preparation and competi- Each of the 12 teams came to the com- Virginia’s Eastern Shore and lower Auxiliary. personal experience as an active-duty tion closely resembles ISAR 2005, for petition with four members -- a coxswain Maryland, has sent a team to the East ture,” or might think the Coast Guard There are times when seeking the aid Coast Guardsman, and as an Auxiliarist, which U.S. teams began competing in and three crew members. Coast competition every year since 2002. unworthy of their support. of a senior government official to resolve supports my belief that the Chain of late spring [last year] at the local level For each of the eight ISAR events, Last year, Flotilla 12-6 (Chincoteague, Unfortunately, the individual writing an issue is the right course of action– Command and Chain of Leadership-- before progressing through division and each team competed with their coxswain VA) represented the district and won first the letter seldom has all of the facts. especially if the COL is not responsive. when given the opportunity--will take district competitions. and two crewmembers chosen at random place in two events. Team members were Even well intentioned letters to govern- This article is not an attempt to discour- appropriate action to meet the needs of The two best teams from the east by the event organizers the evening Fred Gilman, coxswain, and crewmem- ment officials can have adverse effects. age the choice to take that action, but it its members and support the best inter- and west coasts, and the Great Lakes before the competition. The events were bers Dick Hall and Warren Peake. For instance, requests for funding for should be regarded as a remedy of last ests of the organization. and Inland Rivers regions traveled last SAR planning, SAR exercise (SAREX) or Three first place trophies came home a specific Auxiliary initiative can cause resort. I encourage you to follow the pro- September to the Canadian Coast Guard execution, communications during the with the FL 12-6 team. It was the third funds to be cut from another Auxiliary I encourage you to send the National cedures I have outlined to have your Base at Dartmouth, NS, to face the six SAREX, communications written test, time in ISAR’s six years that a Div-12 or Coast Guard project. That is one Commodore, or myself, a note outlining questions, concerns, or ideas addressed. best Canadian teams. The three-day com- dewatering pump operation, Lifeline- team participated at the international reason the COL is so important; so we your concern, and allow us an oppor- Semper Paratus–and have a great Coast petition involved SAR planning, on-the- throwing, marlinspike, and damage level – a record not equaled by any other

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P A R A T U P A A A R A T U U X RY U Y can coordinate efforts to ensure funding tunity to respond to it before going to Guard day. ILIA water searches, dewatering and firefight- control. division in the United States. XILIA R

10 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 11 survival and death? I offered a brief, silent prayer for their ‘Routine’ Patrol survival and for our courage. We searched for survivors, but found none. We then turned our attention to recovering floating debris and monitor- Turns Out ing the fish-finder for indications of the downed aircraft’s location. When the Harbor Patrol arrived, we surrendered the recovered debris, which to be Anything included a flight plan containing the craft’s tail number, and we gave state-

© NBC Universal Photo: NBC4.tv Photo: Universal © NBC ments to the officers. Later, Rich used but Boring his onboard radio to relay transmissions between USCG and Sheriff’s helicopters, which were having difficulty establishing New Auxiliarist Gets Unexpected Image broadcast by KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, shows Auxiliary direct radio communications with each OPFAC Fear Naut (top) forming part of the search team looking other. On-the-Job SAR Training for airplane crash survivors. Other vessels are from the Orange Sector Los Angeles released us from County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol and the California Photo: Rich Lagrand, FC-29 D11SR the scene at approximately 1600. We Department of Fish & Game. Author Sheila Gilmore, FSO-PB 29 D11SR, relaxes after her SAR experience. returned to the launch ramp. We had BY SHEILA GILMORE alerted Norma Lococo (our then-flotilla FSO-PB 29 D11SR commander) by cell phone, so she was at the ramp to discuss the incident with our Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, was a long- crew. Later, the USCG Critical Incident awaited day for me. Not only was I to be Stress Management unit contacted us sworn in as an Auxiliarist at our Dana about scheduling a debriefing to evaluate Point (CA) flotilla’s meeting that morn- our post-incident condition. ing, but I had been invited along as train- Now that I’ve been an Auxiliary mem- ee on a routine safety patrol following the ber for a short while, participated in meeting. more training missions, and completed a The coxswain/boat-owner Joe Tambe, few qualifications, I realize that I learned Flotilla-29 D11SR, crew members Rich a number of important and lasting les- Lagrand, FC-29, and Michael Newman, sons from that early experience… SO-CS 2 D11SR, and this trainee First: Semper Paratus is not an empty launched the Auxiliary Operational expression. Anything can happen out Facility, Fear Naut, and headed out to there, and one must be prepared. I recall cover our AOR. – vividly! -- thinking as we sped to the Conditions were calm and clear; it was scene, “I hope I’m not called upon to do a perfect day on the waters of Southern something that I haven’t yet learned to California. do!” One of the men aboard had advised Second: Training drills work. Our crew me to expect “a boring four-hour boat responded to the emergency swiftly, ride.” The first part of our patrol was, decisively and appropriately. That comes indeed, routine. We contacted a few boats from practice. Had any of the plane’s to ask if they had seen an overdue sail- occupants survived, we could have quick- boat heading south from San Francisco, ly rescued them. chatted with a pair of kayakers about Third: The U.S. Coast Guard really Personal Flotation Device requirements, does see us as an integral part of their and cruised our area looking for anyone organization. This was demonstrated in in need of assistance. our contact (via radio) with the USCG I was busily absorbing all the details -- helo dispatched to the scene and with the the radio calls to check in with the Coast crew of the Defender Class patrol boat Guard, rotation of duties among the Photo: Robert J. Dennis, BC-AIF that arrived later. It was further displayed Crew checks equipment on Flotilla-29 D11SR’s Fear Naut during a patrol that was considerably more-routine than the Nov. 19, 2005 patrol. crew, a man-overboard drill with a fender in the follow-up contact and meeting with as the “person-in-the-water.” ation was not a drill. By the time we arrived on-scene - My first day on the water with the What if my actions were essential to a vic- the crisis-management team. Near the end of our scheduled patrol, I I leapt from the helm and Rich took - approximately two minutes after Mike Auxiliary! My first real-life search-and- tim’s survival and I didn’t know what to I expect that over the course of my was at the helm, taking instruction from control of the boat, simultaneously bring- had sounded the alarm -- small pieces rescue! do? How late would we be on-scene? Had career as an Auxiliarist, I will have the Rich, while Mike and Joe covered watch ing us around and turning on the safety of debris and personal effects and a Varied thoughts crowded my mind dur- I eaten enough lunch to sustain me? Who opportunity to participate in many more duties in the cockpit. Suddenly, Mike lights. He radioed Sector Los Angeles to fuel slick were all that remained on the ing that quick trip over to the crash site: were the people aboard the aircraft? Who safety patrols. But the lessons learned on called out: “Aircraft in the water! We have report the situation and our latitude and surface. The plane had plunged into the Would we find survivors? Bodies? was awaiting their return? Where had this very first patrol will stay with me and an aircraft in the water!” longitude. Then, he broadcast a Mayday ocean nose first and sank in about 30 Parts of bodies? Would my First Aid they been? What if entering the water guide my every action while on future

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P A A R A T U U Y His tone-of-voice told me that this situ- call, and sped us to the scene of the crash. seconds. training serve me well, if the need arose? made the difference between a victim’s patrols. XILIA R

12 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 13 NSBW 2006: Promoting The Safety Message

BY HARRIET HOWARD DVC-AS

It was the year for mascots -- from Coastie®, to PFD Panda, to Myrna the Mermaid – promoting recreational boating safety, with emphasis on the Wear It! message throughout the nation. In National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) proclamations issued across North America and beyond, local and state dignitaries pointed out the importance of wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) when on board recreational boats. Life Jackets Save Lives! Judging by reports received from Canada to the Hawaiian Islands, this year’s North American Safe Boating Campaign was a big success. Following are the NSBW highlights:

D1NR: In New England, birthplace a helicopter performed a simulated of National Safe Boating Week, 36 search-and-rescue demonstration. Vessel Auxiliarists in dress-white uniforms Safety Checks (VSC) were conducted, attended the annual “Auxiliary Night and NSBW proclamations were signed Photo: Diana Figueroa, DCP-1 D7 at the Pops” in Boston Conductor throughout the district. on the Water seminar for the students of During National Safe Boating Week 2006 (NSBW) activity in Puerto Rico, José Pérez, VFC-17 D7 (Aquadilla), discusses Personal Keith Lockhart led the group in singing the Stephen F. Austin Fine Arts Academy Flotation Devices with a customer at Wal-Mart Plaza Isabella. Puerto Rico Auxiliarists also secured NSBW proclamations from both “Semper Paratus.” D7: The South Florida Boating Safety in north-central San Antonio, TX. the Commonwealth Governor and the Mayor of San Juan. Campaign was kicked off on May 26 at K-2 kids participated in a PFD fashion D1SR: Yankee Stadium was the scene the World Wide Sportsman Complex in show, and Wear It! stickers and coloring out what a boater might face if he or she D11SR: The First Annual Channel Also, several Albertsons stores in the of a major NSBW event. At the Yankees Islamorada, Florida Keys. Auxiliarists books were distributed to the young- were involved in a boat-sinking. Islands Harbor Safe Boating Day was Spokane area distributed NSBW flyers in vs. Royals game, 50,000 fans cheered and Power Squadron members partici- sters. held by Division 7 on May 20. Coast their shopping bags. Division 2’s Color Guard presentation, pated in the event. D9CR: VSCs were given at district Guard Station Channel Islands was open and Wear It! graphics flashed on the In St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, D8CR: In Corpus Christi, TX, the parks and marinas, including the Yacht for a tour of boats, including the 87-foot D14: NSBW was officially kicked off Diamondvision screen. hundreds of people watched as a Coast media covered events at the downtown Basin Marina on Lake Macatawa in USCGC Blackfoot. Various SAR demos at Kuhio Elementary School in Honolulu, Guard helo performed three at-sea res- city marina, including swimming demon- Holland, MI. were held. Helo rescues, flare and fire HI, with Coastie®, the half-boat and PFD D5SR: In Philadelphia, a Coast cues between the waterfront and Hassel strations, VSCs and life jacket use. demos were held, and there were give- try-ons. On Guam, there was a blessing Guard Drill Team from Cape May, NJ, Island. D9WR: VE blitzes were mounted at the aways for the kids and adults. of the fleet and a PFD fashion show at performed for the crowds. The Greater In Puerto Rico, an Auxiliary Marine D8WR: A number of blessing-of-the- South Milwaukee Yacht Club on May 20. Micronesia Mall. Philadelphia SAR Team and the rescue Safety Booth demonstrated required fleet ceremonies were held, and informa- D13: Auxiliarists conducted numerous dogs also put on a show. A tugboat safety equipment, at the Wal-Mart Plaza tion booths were set up at West Marine D11NR: A PFD exchange took place at VSCs on recreation boats at South Beach D17: Throughout Alaska’s Seward parade was led by the water-spraying Isabella. stores. the Sacramento, CA-area Sam’s Club on Marina in Newport, OR. Members also Boat Harbor, there was a celebration of Philadelphia Fireboat. A rabbi and a At Paseo de la Princesa, in Old San May 26. Old, non-serviceable PFDs were did VSCs on Coast Guard boats at Station boating and fishing to kick off the boat- priest blessed the boats, and USCGC Juan, NSBW proclamations were present- D9ER: In Cleveland, OH, daily news- exchanged for new ones. The new life Yaquina Bay. CWO4 Rick Gallagher, ing season. William Tate held an Open House. ed by representatives of the Mayor of San papers, news-radio and TV news did jackets were provided by the California Commanding Officer, said, “What bet- Everywhere, during NSBW 2006, the Juan and the Governor of Puerto Rico. features on life jacket usage. Also, two Department of Boating and Waterways, ter way to support safe boating and the boating public was reminded to take a Meanwhile at Sandy Point State Park, volunteers from the media entered the while the old jackets were inspected by Coast Guard Auxiliary than to have our boating safety class, get a Vessel Safety

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P A A R A T U U Y MD, a Coast Guard 41-foot UTB and D8ER: Coastie® put on a Safety Day water (an indoor swimming pool) to find Auxiliarists for serviceability. vessels pass a VSC and display a decal!” Check, and -- Wear It! XILIA R

14 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 15 District 17 Coxswain Academy graduates, from the left, are: BM1 Kevin Smith, USCGC Mustang (Seward); Mike Coffing, FSO-OP 21 (Homer); Brian Glennon, Oak Bay Sea Rescue Unit 33, Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Pacific), Victoria, BC; Dean Terencio, BC-EHA/ DSO-PE 17 (Anchorage); Marie Scholle, RCO-17 (Fairbanks); Shane Taylor, VCP-3 (Anchorage); Chris Conder, FSO-PA 11 (Juneau); Pat Fairbanks, FSO-PS 32 (Anchorage); Tom Kane, FSO-OP 24 (Whittier); Don Brand IPFC-11 (Juneau); Gary Taylor, FSO-MS 32; Stewart Sterling. FSO-CS 24, and, BMC Bob Gross (kneeling), Seventeenth Coast Guard District Operations Training Officer, Juneau. DIRAUX Lauds Coxswain Academy As ‘The Jewel of the 17th District’ ANNUAL TRAINING IN ALASKA COMPLETES SIXTH YEAR

STORY & PHOTOS Auxiliary (Pacific), were in Homer. By she said. BY MCKIBBEN JACKINSKY FSO-PA 21 D17 the end of eight days, they would all Crew-qualified Pat Fairbanks, FSO-PS successfully complete the 6th Coxswain 32 (Anchorage), attended the academy to After months of ice and snow -- and Academy, run by District 17. increase her skills. “I joined the Auxiliary more sub-zero days than residents of “The Coast Guard in Alaska depends because I wanted to learn more about the Alaska’s southern Kenai Peninsula cared upon our three Auxiliary-Operated ops program and to help fellow boaters,” to remember -- April 22 dawned clear and Stations in Whittier, Homer and Seward she said. “I also wanted to better myself, blue. for critical search and rescue response and being boat crew just wasn’t enough.” A buzz of activity in the Homer Small in those communities,” said LCDR Sue The academy’s rigorous sched- Boat Harbor began early in the morn- Albright, D17 Director of Auxiliary. ule appealed to Don Brand, IPFC-11 ing, as sports fishermen headed toward “This annual academy produces a (Juneau). “I really wanted to become cox- Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, hoping to steady stream of future boat operators swain-qualified, but it was pretty tough hook into a halibut or king salmon. for those three stations, thus providing sledding on my own,” he said. “I thought Before summer ends, thousands of a robust readiness and response capabil- the academy’s intense course of study fishermen will do just that. Most will ity in those communities. Our Auxiliary would give me the push I needed to com- return safely. Others will find themselves Academy is a force-multiplier for the plete the work.” in harm’s way. Coast Guard in Alaska. Whatever their reasons for attending, Boating safety, not fishing, was the “Through the years, the Coxswain the trainees benefited from the acade- reason that eight U.S. Coast Guard Academy has gained a stellar reputa- my’s six-year history. Coxswain Academy students Pat Fairbanks (left), FSO-PS 32 (Anchorage), and Don Brand, IPFC-11 (Juneau), both D17, learn the ropes Auxiliarists, representing six Alaska tion for operational excellence. [It] has during towing evolution on the waters of Kachemak Bay, Alaska. flotillas, and the Canadian Coast Guard become the jewel of the 17th District,” > CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

16 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 17 < CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

For its first two years, the academy SEMPER was at USCG Station Juneau, relying entirely on active-duty crews to provide training. The third and fourth years were PARATUS COULD in Seward, and Auxiliarists played a more predominant role as instructors. Last year, the academy moved to Homer. MEAN ‘ALWAYS Instructors for the 2006 academy were selected for their expertise by BMC Bob Gross, D17 Operations Training TRAINING’ Officer. All instructors are Auxiliarists. They include BM1 Kevin Smith, who is stationed aboard USCGC Mustang Auxiliary Helo-Helpers Hailed in Seward; Mike Folkerts, DCO-17, of Juneau; Gary Taylor, IPDCO-17, of STORY & PHOTO BY RANDY D. PODOLSKY Anchorage; Shane Taylor, VCP-3, of IPDCP-3 D9WR Anchorage; and Stewart Sterling, DSO- CS 17, of Whittier. It is something that we have all seen on TV, in a newscast “We’ve moved from being totally or, perhaps, in person -- especially those who are boat crew ‘dependent’ upon active-duty to more qualified. But what is it like to be involved directly; to be in com- independence by utilizing prior academy mand of the on-scene Auxiliary rescue boat when a helicopter grads to teach and utilizing our own airlift is required? ‘AUXSTA’ locations for hosting the class,” During a Coxswain Academy training session, BMC Bob Gross (left), Coast Guard I wanted to know from the perspective of a coxswain. said Lieutenant Commander Albright. District 17 Operations Training Officer, and Mike Coffing, FSO-OP 21 D17, grab some Having undergone crew training on a Coast Guard 41-foot “This is a good thing.” fresh air as their trainee-crewed Coast Guard SAFE Boat slices through the waters of UTB in Kenosha, IL, I have experienced myriad helo ops evo- Day One at last year’s academy in Kachemak Bay, past the Kenai Mountain Range’s snow-covered slopes. lutions – direct pump deliveries, trail line, and direct basket Homer had a leisurely start time of 0900, hoists. I have even had the opportunity to be hoisted in the bas- but in the following days, work began nav exercise. Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary-Pacific ket myself, at a safety demonstration in the Waukegan, IL, area. at 0700 sharp and continued until 1800, “The best part [of the academy] was (CCGA-P) Annual General Meeting However, operating the Auxiliary vessel engaged in such Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 6512, out of Air Station Traverse breaking only for meals. Evenings were when Marie and I came back from our in Vancouver. During the meeting, he an operation would be a different story. What would it be like City (IL), is positioned to hoist a rescue-basket to FL-35 D9WR’s spent completing homework assignments. night nav. We just nailed it right on the came up with the idea of an exchange with only Auxiliarists on board? What would navigating a 26- 26-foot, aluminum-hulled Auxiliary Operational Facility. The curriculum included trailering, mark and did better than the men,” program for both Auxiliaries to attend foot aluminum Auxiliary Operational Facility (AUXFAC), not personal protective equipment, an Fairbanks laughed. “I thought, ‘Not too their respective boat training academies. equipped like a 41-foot UTB, be like? How would we handle any drenched! operations workshop, classroom and bad for a couple of old ladies.’ Yeah, that His suggestion was readily agreed deviations? Once the vessel was steering its designated course at five dockside electronics orientation, vessel was the best one for me!” to by CCCGA-P President Malcolm The air rescue team wanted to know too. to seven knots, the helo hovered some 35-40 feet above. The handling, personnel recovery, navigation Mike Coffing, FSO-OP 21 (Homer), Dunderdale. Glennon is the first After conceiving the idea, I contacted Air Station Traverse rotor wash was intense; the noise even more so. As the trail and search planning, underway search faced a different sort of challenge during Canadian Auxiliarist to attend the D17 City operations. After all, the Waukegan Air Facility was only line descended to the boat, the crew took it aboard and tugged patterns, close-quarter maneuvering, the exercise. Coxswain Academy. minutes away. Why not engage in a joint team training session? at the basket trailing behind. “Get her on board smoothly POMS, rescue and assistance, pump “The GPS failed to initialize, mean- Asked what was the most challenging Often, boat crew members miss out on the very exciting helo and safely, and watch for line on the deck around your feet,” operations, boat fire and anchoring. ing our chart plotter would be useless subject to teach, COMO Taylor respond- ops training evolutions. warned safety observer Jim McInnis, VFC-51 D9WR. Members of the Homer Volunteer Fire and we would have to rely on the paper ed: “Loud and concise communication With the support of BMC Terry LaThrope and his co-opera- Two trail line and two direct basket hoists were completed Department provided Cardiopulmonary chart and the compass,” he recalled. among the crew while doing evolutions, tive personnel at USCG Station Kenosha, as well as the Air that day, executed almost without a hitch. But on the second Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated “Fortunately, once we began to move the both providing communications and giv- Station, the training was approved. direct hoist the basket got snagged by the tow line’s hook. External Defibrillator (AED) training. boat way from the slip, the GPS came up ing back receipt that the communication First came a training video and dockside training session. “This can’t be good,” surmised crew member John Bruhn, Some classroom time was spent and we had all of our electronics, includ- was heard and understood. Good com- “Pull the trail line hard, use the ‘dead man’s sticks,’ and FSO-MT 35 D9WR. “We’re now connected to the helo.” indoors, but most was spent in actual ing the chart-plotter, working for us.” munications lead to successful evolutions remember all your Personal Protective Equipment, especially I held course and speed….Everyone remained calm….The hands-on activities underway on one 27- Brian Glennon, training officer with -- and no damage or injuries.” the earplugs,” explained BM2 Jake Chatfield of STA Kenosha. safety observer watched with a cautious eye. and two 25-foot SAFE Boats owned by Unit 33, Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary With a week of hard study behind One hour later, we were on-scene, a mile offshore Kenosha As Bruhn reached out to unhook the line from the basket, the Coast Guard and dedicated for use (Pacific) in Victoria, BC, agreed that them, the final morning was devoted Harbor, receiving our pre-hoist briefing. crew member Larry vanGoethem, FSO-MS 35 D9WR, grabbed by the Auxiliary Stations (AUXSTA) in clear, concise communication was one of to Chief Gross presenting trainees with Shortly before the planned training, the helo crew was divert- his backstrap to secure himself and provide support. Bruhn Whittier, Seward and Homer. The Homer the academy’s most important lessons. their Certificates of Completion and ed for a person-in-the-water. Fortunately, they were quickly worked the hook, which was wedged tight against the tow reel Auxiliarists also provided three approved “Perhaps the most valuable thing that I praising them for a job well-done. “You’re stood down and, therefore, were still available. and basket for what seemed like forever, but actually was less facilities for training. learned personally was the value of com- going to surprise your flotillas with what But wait…the ‘41’ had now left with the necessary PPE that than a minute. Three nights were devoted to night munication,” he said. “Because of differ- you’ve learned,” he insisted. we required. Whew! They were still in the area and returned Eventually the hook came loose, the basket was placed on navigation lessons. ent terminology and measurements used Lieutenant Commander Albright just in time for the helicopter’s arrival. the deck. Everyone felt a sense of relief and great accomplish- “The highlight was successfully com- in Canada, it was important for me to be noted, “The more coxswains we can get AUXFAC 252359 is a modest ship. She is 10-feet, 6-inches ment. pleting the night nav course, actually extremely clear in my communications.” fully qualified to operate the three SAFE wide and just under 26-feet long, with a tow reel and rail astern The evolution concluded with our crew having gained that driving the 27-foot SAFE Boat at full In fact, Glennon’s participation in the Boats, the more robust our readiness and a tow post amidships, behind the modest helm. Only three much more from the experience. Despite the “shower” and throttle and overcoming my fear of the academy is a perfect example of good and recall abilities will be to respond sides are enclosed. unusual twist of events, the evolutions ended safely. boat,” said Marie Scholle, RCO-17, who communication. to search and rescue, as well as Coast Helo ops are exciting and challenging, and they get The training was complete, but our hearts were pumping

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P P A A R A T U A A R A T U U Y U Y was paired with Fairbanks for the night COMO Folkerts recently attended the Guard support missions.” XILIA R your blood pumping – not to mention getting your uniform strong as we cruised back to home port. XILIA R

18 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 19 A PERSONAL VIEW… Who were the people? I’ve already described them briefly, but let me tell you who they really were: They were individuals who are grateful for what we do. Not just the Coast Guard, but all of the men and women who serve their country, or who have served in the past. Many thanked us, and said how grate- ful they were. They were proud of us for what we do. Many said they would not be alive today were it not for the Coast Guard. Some had been saved many times. The thousands who visited the plane left with a smile because of the crew. The line was extremely long. The waiting time was 30-45 minutes, from opening right up to closing time. One of the crew walked the line, talking with the waiting people. They loved speaking with him. He had them all smiling. Not one complained about the wait. Many insisted it was worth it. I believe At least one kid was really enjoying the day, surrounded by the flight crew from USCG Air it was not the plane they were talking Station Sacramento during the Memorial Day Weekend 2005 Moffett Field (CA) Air Show. about, but the crew. Most of the time, the crew was in or near the plane. They were Hey, I’m retired; I’m not used to that! there to talk to the people. We had fun with everybody. USCG and Auxiliary participants, along with visiting Once we found our way back to the plane, we got right to We were asked to have pictures taken with sons, daughters, Boy Scouts and other youth at the Moffett Field (CA) Air Show, work. Everybody knew what to do -- except me. The whole babies, sisters, brothers, moms, dads, and even grandparents. are dwarfed by the Coast Guard HC-130 brought to the Memorial crew kept me busy. I was surprised at how much had to be The ones that really stood out were the kids. They appeared to Day 2005 weekend, delighting thousands of visitors -- and the done to get the plane ready for the show. be fascinated with us. They didn’t want to leave. They loved the accompanying article’s author. We had to make the aircraft “unflyable” so it would be safe crew. for the public to visit. We finished just as people started to line Parents seemed to understand, and let them stay around as up to view the plane. long as possible. While the people made this a memorable trip, There were 50,000 show visitors on Saturday, of which 3,000 it was the kids who put the seal on it. Memorial Day went through the aircraft. On Sunday, some 75,000 showed up, As we were closing-up on Sunday, we tried to get a crew of which 5,000 went through. That should give you an idea of photo. As soon as we got through taking the pictures of each how busy we were. other, visitors wanted to take our pictures. Pretty soon, they Those are the facts. Now for the real story -- the people and were running up to have their pictures taken with us. The kids of all ages, shapes and sizes. The numbers indicate how photo session lasted for almost 30 minutes. Dressed in his flight suit and ready to go, Ron Clark, FC-31 many actually went through the aircraft. I have no idea of how We had to make the plane flyable again, in order to return D11NR, catches a few California rays while mulling how to many came just to look and say “hi.” home. That meant going over the plane, position by posi- write his blow-by-blow account of Memorial Day Weekend Some came to tell of their service experiences. One told of tion, checking every thing that could be touched, moved, or Magic 2005 at the Moffett Field Air Show. the time he had to jump out of a B-17; another, of being the changed to be sure they were in their right place or position. only survivor of his ship. Once that was completed, the battery was connected and Several said they flew in C-130s long ago. They talked about everything was re-checked. CA AUXILIARIST APPLAUDS ‘AMAZING’ USCG AIR CREW how the plane had changed. Others could not believe how The flight home was short and uneventful. We landed back at many switches, gauges, levers, buttons, and gadgets it had. McClellan, secured the aircraft, said a quick good-bye, and left [Editor’s Note: The author tells us that he wrote this article I was accompanied by another Auxiliarist, Patrick Mullen, What is all the stuff in the plane for? How could anyone pos- for home. Everyone was tired. It had been a long weekend. because, “I want people to see what these (USCG) guys are really of FL-51 D11NR. I need also to identify the active-duty crew sibly know what they all did? How long did it take to learn to fly It was an honor and a privilege to have been selected to like. They are phenomenal; just amazing!”] because they contributed greatly to my experience: CDR it? What kind of missions did we do? accompany the crew to the air show. They did make me work, Douglas Stephan;* LT Chris Kendall;* AMT1 John Younkers; People were really interested in what the Coast Guard did. To but I enjoyed every minute of it. They are an example of what STORY BY RON CLARK FC-31 D11NR AET3 Chuck Helms; AET3 Wes Savage; and, AMT3 Erik Baker. most of them, Coast Guard meant boats. A lot of people had our country is all about. With crews like this, our country is in We met at the aircraft, an HC-130, on Friday afternoon, and their eyes opened; they learned something new that weekend. good hands. PHOTOS BY PATRICK J. MULLEN FL-51 D11NR took off for a short training flight, enroute to Moffett Field. Here is how they learned it: The crew will probably remember that event for a while. For Once we arrived, the fun started…fun being work! The crew that came, came to teach. They didn’t think they them, it was just doing their job. But they were heroes to the

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P A A R A T U U Y With Labor Day Weekend 2006 rapidly approaching, I am I had asked the crew to think of me as one of them. I think did, but they did! All of these guys were fantastic public rela- people who came to the Air Show -- including me. XILIA R reminded of how wonderful last year’s Memorial Day was for they thought I meant it. tions specialists. To them, there was no such thing as a dumb myself…and lots of others. John [Younkers] told the crew to meet in the lobby of our question. Whatever the query, they figured out what the person * Commander Stephan was not then, but is now, Executive Last year, you see, I had the marvelous opportunity -- and hotel at 0715 Saturday. Since I had stated I was one of them, I meant and took the time to answer. They did it with a story, an Officer of AIRSTA Sacramento. Lieutenant Kendall was not sta- privilege -- of participating in the Moffett Field (CA) Air Show showed up too. We ate breakfast before leaving, which meant I explanation, a demonstration, or any way they could think of to tioned at Sacramento, but flew in specifically to participate in with a crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento. actually had to get up at 0600. help people understand. the event.

20 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 21 COMO Everett L. Tucker, Jr., PNACO COMO Gene M. Seibert RADM David W. Kunkel Director, International Affairs Directorate National Commodore Commander U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Seventh U.S. Coast Guard District

ON-SCENE REPORT Third Caribbean SAR Conference South Florida Auxiliary members aboard Operational Facilities in Biscayne Bay demonstrate a side-tow for delegates attending the Third Caribbean Volunteer Maritime Search and Rescue Conference in Miami.

Attracts More Than 80 Delegates Tradewinds Exercise, held in Jamaica. Beltz explained that Coast Guard person- Participants then had a choice of nel are limited to “rote” questions and breakout sessions. One of these -- answers, whereas the local response ROLL Representing 24 Different Nations Assessing the Need for SAR Capabilities agency can get right to “the heart of the and Prevention -- was led by Alex Hewitt- matter.” CALL Jones. She has been one of the strongest He said that Sector RCC personnel STORY BY MARY T. LARSEN of the conference was to “enhance the table-top SAR exercise led by CWO Scott voices for establishing volunteer lifesav- are not permitted to give boating advice, Third Caribbean Volunteer PARCO-A(E) security, stability, and safety of life at sea Clendenin, USCG (Ret.), and other SAR ing agencies in the Caribbean during her such as steering information, to call- Maritime Search And PHOTOS BY MEL BOROFSKY in the Caribbean Region through the and risk management experts. 12-year tenure with British Virgin Islands ers. Within the framework provided, DVC-AP establishment and/or strengthening of One of the high-points was an on- SAR. participants used the forum for a lively Rescue Conference They came to Miami from all over the government-affiliated volunteer maritime the-water demonstration of towing pro- Beginning with the first step -- exchange of information and ideas. delegates represented: Caribbean and Central America – some search and rescue [SAR] organizations, cedures, arranged by D7 Commodore “Determining the need for a volunteer Training of SAR Crews & Coxswains– from as far away as the United Kingdom; and the strengthening of existing volun- Peter Fernandez. organization” -- she involved the audience Risk Management in SAR Operations, Antigua St. Eustasius others from the United States. Clearly, teer SAR organizations.” The towing evolution, handled by by asking, “How do you determine a was led by CAPT John Chomeau, USN Aruba St. Kitts & the much anticipated Third Caribbean It was also, “to institute boating safety Auxiliary vessels, was followed by a need?” (Ret.) and president of the Association Bahamas Nevis Volunteer Maritime Search and Rescue education and public awareness pro- USCG helicopter demonstration in which Auxiliarist Jim Campbell, a veteran for Rescue at Sea, and Warrant Officer St. Lucia Conference (CSAR) had become an grams, and to develop maritime domain a diver was dropped and retrieved. The instructor at the Coast Guard Search and Clendenin. They brought home, in a Barbados international bellwether for Caribbean awareness programs,” COMO Tucker demonstrations concluded with the Rescue School, Yorktown, VA, guided dramatic way, the consequences of inad- Belize Sint Maarten nations committed to improving safety of said. “chase” of an Auxiliary vessel by a USCG an intent audience through the basics equate preparation. Bonaire St. Martin life at sea. A mixture of languages reflected rigid-hull inflatable boat. of search strategies and procedures. He After a brief overview and explanation British Virgin St. Vincent & Building upon the success of two pre- the diversity of both the delegates and RADM David Kunkel, Commander, began with the premise that, ideally, we of the material they were about to run, an Grenadines vious Miami CSAR conferences (2002 the area. Spanish, French, Dutch and Coast Guard Seventh District, welcomed can prevent recreational boaters from amateur video showed the tragic results Islands Trinidad & and 2004), this year’s June 8-10 event English could be heard as participants participants at the opening session. He becoming SAR targets. But, as the of a SAR gone wrong. Gasps from those Costa Rica Tobago increased participation to over 80 del- shared ideas and successes (and an occa- concluded his remarks by challenging participants knew, this is not always pos- in the packed room were followed by Curaçao egates, representing 24 countries. sional failure). attendees to work with one another and sible. shocked silence. Turks & Caicos Grenada The event was hosted by the Coast Over the conference’s three days, to learn from each other. “Failure is not Hewitt-Jones and LT Brian Beltz, The presenters drew audience com- United Guard Auxiliary International Affairs delegates attended sessions on SAR an option,” he insisted. “Failure means USCG Rescue Co-ordination Center ments as they brought out the many Guadeloupe Kingdom Directorate, in conjunction with the U.S. techniques, leadership development, and lives are being lost, and that is a statistic (RCC), Sector San Juan, addressed Local misunderstandings, lack of prepara- Jamaica United States Southern Command and the U.S. Coast establishing a marketing and outreach that none of us want to hear about.” Control of SAR Operations and Risk tion, and lack of communication that Martinique of America Guard. program. And, they shared ideas in ses- SAR services updates were provided Management. After an overview of how had such tragic results. Both used the Commodore Everette L. Tucker, Jr., sions on local control of SAR operations by representatives of various Caribbean a SAR case works at the local level, they GAR (“Green, Amber, Red”) method to Panama U.S. Virgin PNACO, Director of the International and risk management. countries and the U.S., and Auxiliarist covered various procedures. Puerto Rico Islands Affairs Directorate, said the purpose All the attendees participated in a Stuart L. Robinson reported on the 2006 In response to questions, Lieutenant > CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

22 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 23 < CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 evaluate risk levels. GAR can be used to Operational Excellence Team rank a SAR mission, from low- to high- risk. COMO Carol Urgola, Auxiliary National Chief of Staff, conducted the ‘Takes Over’ in Florida workshop, Leadership and Management for Volunteers. She explained that it was a brief excerpt from the full three- and USCG STATION SAND KEY USED FOR WEEKEND EXERCISES four-day leadership workshops conduct- ed by the USCG Auxiliary. STORY & PHOTO BY KAREN L. MILLER There also were practical workshops VCP-11 D7 conducted by Auxiliarists Richard Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Clinchy, Chief, Department of Education, At that sound, the crew responds by and John VanOsdol, National Chief, quickly noting the position of the distress Maritime Domain Awareness. Clinchy and gets underway. In this case, it’s a was assisted by Curd Everstz, an honor- person in the water, separated from his ary USCG Auxiliarist and Vice President boat and floating somewhere in the Gulf of CITRO (Curaçao). of Mexico without a life jacket. The Clinchy/Everstz workshop Finding him is critical in the 60°F focused on, Creating a Caribbean water. Boating Safety Program and Public What was that sound? Outreach. Clinchy described how the It’s the search-and-rescue alarm at USCG Auxiliary public education pro- USCG Station Sand Key (FL). It is acti- grams could be adapted to meet the vated about 400 times a year. needs and local laws of several Caribbean So what’s different this time? nations. The responders: The Auxiliary has VanOsdol’s presentation focused on “taken over” the Coast Guard Station. Marine Domain Awareness. He was Stretching from Clearwater to Hudson, joined by CDR Armin Cade, USCG along Florida’s west coast, Division 11 has District 7. They described the use of a very active Operational Excellence the Incident Command System and the (O/E) program. Its members were the America’s Waterway Watch program. first in District 7 to earn the O/E ribbon Interspersed among the breakout and decal, and we will continue to qualify sessions were presentations on such members until about five percent of the organizations as the French MRCC in entire division has been qualified in this Martinique; National Sea Rescue volun- program. teer lifeboat operations in Martinique, Div-11 has administered the program Guadeloupe, and St. Martin; and, differently than others. the Caribbean SAR Federation in the All of its O/E candidates are tested Mel Manning, FSO-PE 11-1 D7, splices fender lines during Operational Excellence Netherlands Antilles. The latter con- by the active-duty command at Station exercise, as Greg Gamache, FC 11-1, and Don Frasch, DCP-11, watch closely to make sists of volunteer lifeboat organizations Sand Key, rather than by Auxiliary sure he’s doing it right. in Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maartin, St. Qualification Examiners. As a result of Eustasius, Saba, and Bonaire. this unique process, the station’s Officer in Charge, BMCM personnel), and the 25-foot SAFE Boat was pulled from the Auxiliarist Jeff Mahl, Department Charlton Winter, considers all Operational Excellence mem- water and trailered. Chief, Information and Technology, pre- bers capable of “seamlessly integrating” with active duty per- Fortunately for the Auxiliary crew, FS2 LeAmber Thomas sented an update on Resources Available sonnel, and even acting in their place. remained assigned to the station to cook all the meals! via Electronic Means, and introduced the To encourage more division members to participate in the The Operational Excellence team members handled all SAR attendees to NASBLA, NSBC and others. USCG helicopter hovers over an Auxiliary Operational Facility in busy Biscayne Bay, as part O/E program, Master Chief Winter appointed Jeff Jennings, calls, most radio watches, and even the Officer of the Day duty. Gerry Keeling, CEO, International of on-water demonstrations for attendees at the Third Caribbean SAR Conference in Miami. a member of Flotilla 11-1 (Clearwater), to train at least one They spent their “down time” plotting and running search Lifeboat Federation, addressed changes team in each flotilla. Then, those teams could train additional patterns, completing their annual currency maintenance, and over the last three years that will Boats 1 and 2, a police boat named their assistance following Hurricanes teams. splicing three-strand line. transform ILF into a new organization, “Sparks,” and a fire boat. The various Katrina and Wilma. Remarks by Jennings came up with the idea of taking over the Coast The debriefing on Sunday brought out the many positive The International Maritime Rescue units communicated from separate Auxiliary National Commodore Gene Guard station for the weekend. Master Chief Winter benefits of this exercise, along with resounding agreement to Federation. rooms via VHF radio. Seibert built on Captain Moore’s presen- heartily endorsed it. The idea took hold, and Greg Gamache, do it again in about six months. Saturday morning was allocated to the Evaluation of the exercise was that it tation. FC 11-1, proceeded to organize the activities and work with By the time the three Auxiliary facilities and nine O/E mem- Table-Top SAR Exercise, led by Chief was close to reality and, although some CAPT Robert Hurst, Chief of station personnel to bring the entire Operational Excellence bers left the Station, everyone was of two minds: While it would Warrant Officer Clendenin and other changes could have been made, the Response, Seventh Coast Guard District, Weekend Exercise to fruition. be nice to get home and sleep in their own room without room- SAR and risk management experts. “case” was well handled. and Brig. Gen. Ricardo Aponte, USAF, So, from Friday through Sunday (February 24-26, 2006), mates and bunk beds, they thought, the lessons learned had The exercise closely simulated an An afternoon closing session included J-7, U.S. Southern Command, gave the nine O/E members took over small-boat response for Station been exciting. actual SAR case. Participants were divid- a presentation by Florida Boating final remarks, which closed the confer- Sand Key. Almost all of the active-duty members were sent And so, each team member was eagerly anticipating the next

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S P A A R A T U Y P A U R A R A T U XILIA U Y ed into groups to run the RCC, Rescue Administrator, Capt. Richard Moore, on ence. home (except for a ‘47’ crew that included law-enforcement 48-hour O/E exercise. XILIA R

24 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 25 several years ago. BMCS Daniel Lamont THE THREE was OINC, and he and the XPO both came in to handle the situation. Senior FACES OF BOB Chief later told Maple that he took better notes than the Station personnel—a real What’s in compliment that Bob still remembers. The scariest thing to Maple about watchstanding was the anxiety about his on-the-job performance when still learn- ing the ropes. “Having a Petty Officer of the Day a Name? aboard to back you up is a comfort- ing feeling,” he said. “It can be a little frightening when Station personnel are FOR COMO BOB MAPLE, THE underway and you have the watch by yourself. Fortunately, the members who ANSWER IS: A GREAT HONOR! lived aboard made themselves available on call, if necessary, which was a relief. “The most rewarding thing about BY JUDY HILLS being at Station Hobucken is being with FC 20-4 D5SR young folks,” he said. “It really hurts to It’s not every day that a Coast Guard unit names its commu- see them transfer out, and a real thrill for them to call the Station and visit, having nications center after an Auxiliarist, but that is precisely what remembered you.” occurred recently at USCG Station Hobucken, which sits astride Maple’s best advice to fellow the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway at Hobucken, NC. Auxiliarists about watchstanding is to get involved early-on, especially on The Station re-named its newly remodeled comms facility the patrols. He insisted, “Once you get used William “Bob” Maple Communication Center to honor a Past to talking on the radio, the stage-fright Rear Commodore who has devoted an estimated 5,850 hours to is over. You only have to learn the local standing watch at STA Hobucken over the last 15 years. techniques and where to find the infor- mation you might need. Once you feel Referring to the comms center, BMC Jeremy McConnell, Station confident, things become easier and you Officer in Charge (OINC), said, “We called it ‘the dungeon,’ because can relax and enjoy it all.” the room had always been just a small, closed-in space with painted con- Maple continued standing watches crete walls, dated paneling and a dingy carpet. Rough cabinets, an old until last year, when he had some seri- desk, and a dilapidated chair rounded out the accessories. ous medical problems that forced him Hardly a place one would want to call “home.” But it was home to to slow down. He no longer felt able to Bob Maple, PRCO D5SR, every Monday for 15 years. meet watchstander requirements. This Bob faithfully took his weekly turn standing watch to provide some saddened Bob, but it was the Station per- relief to the Station’s small active-duty staff. He did it without complaint sonnel who really missed his presence. and without any fanfare. “He just went quietly about his work,” said He hoped to return to duty at the Station Chief McConnell. on a limited basis. Maple had retired after 41 years as a research forester with the Meanwhile, while Maple was out USDA Forest Service. For all of those 41 years, he also served as a U.S. on medical leave, Station personnel Photo: Lisa Kirby, PDCP-18 D5SR Navy Reservist, reaching the rank of Captain by the time he ended that remodeled the Communications Room. BMC Jeremy McConnell (right), OINC, Station Hobucken (NC), presents Bob Maple, career. Post-retirement, Bob taught at Williamston (NC) Community Renovations were completed last April. a past Rear Commodore, with the plaque that is now permanently affixed to an College for 10 years. Chief McConnell then contacted Bob’s outside wall of the newly-renamed Robert “Bob” Maple Communication Center. The At a neighbor’s urging, Bob joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1977, flotilla commander to reveal that Station presentation at a meeting of FL 20-4 D5SR came as a complete surprise to Bob. rising through the positions to Southern Region RCO. (He now serves personnel wanted to do a surprise special as FSO-CM 20-4, and SO-MT and QE for Division 20 D5SR, as well as a presentation for Bob at our May 4, 2006 dungeon” as the William “Bob” Maple as though I had done something worth- coxswain.) meeting. I conspired with Bob’s wife, Communication Center. “That plaque is while, and made me more anxious than Bob decided to serve the Coast Guard as a watchstander after being Auxiliarist Dottie Maple, to ensure that going to stay there until the Station no ever to get back with my young people.” encouraged to do so by Paul Bordon, STA Hobucken’s Executive Petty her husband arrived on time. longer exists,” the OINC said. This is an excellent example of how Officer (XPO). Bob took a liking to the activity and decided to stick May 4 was a big meeting for our flo- Looking back at that meeting, Bob the U.S. Coast Guard values our assis- with it, and the Station counted on him to show up each Monday for his tilla. It was an indoor picnic. Our regular remembered, “It really was a surprise to tance. Most good station chiefs will take eight-hour shift. meetings usually draw about 25 people, be called forward at the meeting to be the time to recognize Auxiliarists for the Critical incidents to which Station personnel have responded include but there were over 70 there that night, recognized by Chief McConnell and to role they play in helping their units. a plane crash, several groundings, and drownings. “The most exciting including guests, and there were 18 of find the Station crew present to share in Bob Maple certainly has earned such thing that I experienced was trying to calm an excited lady somewhere the 25 CGSTA Hobucken personnel. the ceremony. I did not expect to be so recognition, but it took the leadership of in Bogue Sound, or the Newport River,” Maple recalled. “I never could Chief McConnell gave an excel- identified, since there were several other the Station chief and the interest of his find out where because she had the mike in her mouth–or very near it.” lent speech and presented Bob with a Auxiliarists who have served Hobucken shipmates to make this special presenta-

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P A A R A T U U Y Photos: Judy Hills, FC 20-4 D5SR XI A R Maple said he once acted as note-taker when there was a grounding plaque that would forever identify “the almost as long as I. It did make me feel tion happen. LI

26 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 27 COMO Oliver Brand, 76, Celebrates Pioneering Auxiliarist Seen 40 Years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary As ‘Quiet Hero of Bygone Era’ SEPTUAGENARIAN STILL GOING STRONG BRUNET HELPED SECURE THE HOMELAND IN WWII

BY CRAIG D. SMITH, Ph.D. BY JO SCHNEIDER VFC-87 D8CR FSO-FN 4-11 D8CR Sept. 15, 2005 was a landmark for AND GERALD SCHNEIDER PFC 4-11 D8CR COMO Oliver Brand, M.D. That date marked 40 years of service in the U.S. Roland Y. Brunet, Sr. is a 90-year-old Coast Guard Auxiliary. resident of Ponchatoula, LA, some 55 One might think that those four miles from New Orleans. One day, his decades culminated when he became wife, Glennie, read a local newspaper NAVCO-MS, a position held from 1995- article about Flotilla 4-11’s charity work. 98. But at the age of 76, Brand, IPFC-87 She contacted Gerald Schneider, then- D8CR, does not seem to be slowing flotilla Commander, to inform him that down much at all. Roland had formed the first flotilla on He still works full-time as a physician the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain. at his clinic in Forestdale, AL, and he This narrative is based on our subsequent spent this past spring team-teaching the interview with Mr. Brunet. Advanced Coastal Navigation course to ● ● ● new members of FL-87 (Birmingham, On Dec. 7, 1941, the United States AL). entered World War II, and Roland Y. And that only represents the current Brunet, then 26 years old, along with 17 stage of Brand’s long career. friends developed what was known as Born on Jan. 7, 1930, the ocean and The Hammond-Ponchatoula Group of things pertaining to the Coast Guard the Eighth Naval District’s Coast Guard Photo: Gerald Schneider, PFC 4-11 D8CR were far away from the farm in rural Auxiliary. Roland Y. Brunet, Sr. — The ‘quiet hero’ in Louisiana. Fayette County, AL, where he was born Photo: Joan Beth Smith, FSO-SR 87 D8CR This group of men lived up and down and raised. But in February 1947, he set Dr. Oliver Brand, PNADCO-MS and IPFC-87, with his wife, Betty, FSO-FN 87, D8CR. the waterways of Southern Louisiana his sights on the sea and joined the U.S. and knew the waters like a master mechanic knows an engine. flying, which sometimes proved disastrous. Naval Reserve. Division Captain, Rear Commodore, Vice also won the first National Safe Boating Collectively, there were eight or nine boats that were volun- These novices had to learn night maneuvers and how to A year-and-a-half later, Brand moved to Commodore, and District Commodore. Week Trophy for D8CR. teered for the group. Junior Commander John Hansen, whose fly in all weather. When the wheels were added for landing the regular Navy and, by 1951-1952, was He served in many staff and committee He also won the ACE (District business involved renting skiffs, took care of the flotilla’s boats. gear, the recruits would sometimes forget to pull them up. The serving as a dental prosthetic technician posts and coordinated many special proj- Commander’s Active Contribution to Their patrol area was quite large because, at that time, wheels would be torn off and the planes would flip over. on the hospital ship USS Consolation, off ects. Excellence) Award, the Award of Merit, they were the only group in the area doing this type of work. Brunet and his crew would aid in whatever way they could, the coast of war-torn South Korea. For One particularly noteworthy accom- Award of Administrative Merit (twice), They patrolled Slidell, highway bridges and Irish Bayou, near either spotting for the PBYs or towing them ashore. He worked his service there, he was awarded the plishment of which Brand can be proud USCG Bicentennial Unit Commendation, Strangers Wharf, so-named for the fact that everyone was wel- at this job for three years, never missing a day. United Nations Ribbon and the Korean occurred during his 1987-88 watch as USCG Unit Commendation (twice), come. The boatman would hold up a card with a number on it His most memorable operation was in February 1942, when Ribbon with two stars. DCP-8 D8CR. DOT Citation Gold Award, Auxiliary to verify that the patrol members were authorized to be in the a plane exploded. It was dark, and no one was sure if the pilots After discharge from the Navy, At the time he was elected, the divi- Meritorious Service Award, USCG area. had been using their instruments to fly. This made pinpointing he obtained a B.S. degree from the sion was down to four flotillas with 60 Meritorious Team Commendation Brunet had a 28-foot cypress-wood boat that moved at about the exact location of the plane difficult. They believed it had University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa members and was in danger of being dis- Award, National Water Safety Congress 15 mph. His and another boat would alternate eight-hour gone down on the north side of Lake Maurepas. and, in 1961, he earned his M.D. at the established. Brand began a revitalization Regional Award, and the Group Action patrol shifts. The railroad bridge was the most important area Roland, along with two deckhands and a medical doctor, Medical College of Alabama. program that, over the next few years, Award. they patrolled because of the military equipment that was being searched all night for signs of the downed plane. They began Brand has worked continuously since led to division-wide expansion to 10 flotil- Despite all the time he has devoted to shipped. their search at Manchac, and went to the Blind River and Amite 1962 as a family physician. He is a Fellow las with some 200 members. He recruit- the Auxiliary, Brand has been very active His crew included two armed Coast Guard personnel for law- River in a desperate attempt to find any sign of the plane. of the American Academy of Family ed, organized, and chartered six flotillas in the community and his church. He enforcement, a medical doctor and two crewmen. Toward dawn, another boat came to relieve them. Five or six Practice and a Diplomate of the American in Div-8, including newly chartered has been happily married for 53 years Brunet’s aid in securing the homeland was not to end there. years ago, in the swamp between the mouth of the North Pass Academy Board of Family Practice. units at Columbus, MS, and Camden, to his wife and fellow Auxiliarist, Betty, He was soon employed by the U.S. Army for field operations. Lighthouse and the Tangipahoa River, the plane was finally Even after leaving the Navy, Brand Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Demopolis, FSO-FN 87. They have four children and He would patrol as fresh recruits learned to fly and land their found. retained his love of the water and boat- and Rainbow City, AL. six grandchildren. PBY aircraft. Roland said that, at first, the PBYs lacked wheels. Roland said that many people do not realize that there were ing. On Sept. 15, 1965, he joined FL-87, His many years of distinguished ser- After doing so much for so many, The aircraft would land by an apron. Then, the men would boys who gave their lives, right here at home, just trying to which then was located at Smith Lake, vice to the Auxiliary have been rewarded Brand is still a bundle of energy. Every have to don wetsuits, go into the water, and drag the planes to learn to fly these planes. near Jasper, AL. many times. day, he continues seeking to make his where they could be secured. With the aid of an electric motor, ● ● ● During the subsequent four decades, While a Flotilla Commander, Brand community and the world a better place they would put the wheels on so that aircraft maintenance Roland is a quiet hero of an almost-bygone era. He and many Brand held a slew of Auxiliary posi- received Division 8’s coveted Silver Oars to live by being an encourager and a could be done for the next flight. others worked at home to help keep the world free. We were hon-

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P P A A R A T U A A R A T U U Y U Y tions, including Flotilla Commander, Award four times, and in 1981, his flotilla strong supporter of the Auxiliary. XILIA R Roland claimed that these young recruits knew little about ored to interview him about his work in the war effort. XILIA R

28 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 29 ment, which attracts paraplegic and quadriplegic fishermen from all over the country. Combs, FSO-SR 45, first went to the other PVA board members to see if there was interest in working with the Auxiliary. When he got an enthusiastic green light, he approached the Flotilla. After Sue Smith, FC-45, Mike Berry, VFC-45, and Combs’ cousin, John Bennett, FSO-PS 45, saw the PVA build- ing and met with chapter leadership, the full Flotilla was approached and approved the proposal. The two organizations began working under one roof, and the first FL-45 meeting was held there on Jan.12, 2006. Flotilla leadership soon met with PVA leadership to assess building needs. An initial work-day was set for Saturday, January 21. The work-day arrived, and a dozen Auxiliarists descended on the Sanford John Bennett, FSO-PS 45 D7, repairs the lighting around an entrance sign at the PVA property like a crew from “Extreme Central Florida Paralyzed Veterans of America headquarters in Sanford, FL. Makeover Home Edition” -- armed with everything from chain saws to pressure hamburgers and hot dogs! District 7 Morale, Rec Well-Being, and washers. A second work-day, on March 4, Recreation staff in conducting a military Auxiliary Operational Facility Get ‘N Deep tows a disabled bass boat during Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida tournament While one Auxiliary crew pressure- attracted a similar number of Auxiliarists. bass tournament, held in recent years on on the St. Johns River, near Sanford. Manning the OPFAC are crewman Michael Berry, VFC-45 (left), and coxswain Mark Balance, FL- washed the roof, other Auxiliarists That time, they focused on painting lines the Butler chain of lakes near Orlando. 45, both D7. Get ‘N Deep was one of two FL-45 vessels patrolling the 30-mile fishing area during the three-day competition. trimmed trees and bushes, and cleared and handicap-parking spaces in the PVA Conducting a fishing tournament for the grounds of leaves and rubbish. Yet lot, and on doing electrical repairs. paralyzed fishermen presented some another Auxiliary crew replaced interior Since then, work-days at the PVA have rather different dynamics. light bulbs and set up computer equip- been a regular part of the Flotilla sched- Paralyzed fishermen were paired with ment. Exterior walls of the building were ule, and the building is in top shape. non-impaired fishermen on boats owned Central Florida Auxiliarists pressure-washed, as was the facility’s On April 22-23, Auxiliarists assisted by either of the pair. A number of local parking lot. PVA members in hosting a bass tourna- bass fishermen volunteered their boats No work-day is complete without a ment for handicapped fishermen on a -- and their time -- to be a part of the tour- and Paralyzed Veterans Reap healthy helping of good chow and fel- 30-odd mile stretch of the St. Johns River, ney. lowship at table. Paralyzed Veterans near Sanford, with over 40 angler boats Auxiliarists assisted with boat-launch- members were quick to show the hun- hitting the water. ing and debarking. At the start of each Benefits Helping One Another gry Auxiliarists that Emeril Lagasse has Hosting a fishing tournament for vet- day, they checked the boat wells for live some serious local competition, especial- erans was nothing new for FL-45. For bait and live fish (a standard part of fish- ly when it comes to barbecued chicken, years, it has worked with the USCG ing tournament procedure). STORY & PHOTOS During the tournament’s three days, BY ROB WESTCOTT DVC-AX two Auxiliary Operational Facility boats and four OPFAC personal watercraft When Mike Combs, a member of the patrolled the 30-mile fishing area, always Central Florida Paralyzed Veterans of prepared to come to aid of fishermen. America (PVA) and cousin of Flotilla 45 When a bass boat broke down on the D7 member John Bennett, joined the second day, the Auxiliary team was there Coast Guard Auxiliary in September to tow it into port. 2005, he could see a match made in pub- At the end of each day, Auxiliarists lic service heaven! helped trailer the tournament boats. On the one hand, FL-45 (Sanford, FL) FL-45, in its collaboration with the was looking for a reliable place to hold its PVA, has found a new way to serve the meetings and conduct public education boating public and America’s veterans. classes and member training. And, in this case, the Auxiliarists also On the other hand, the PVA Central found a creative solution to its needs for Florida Chapter had a 10,000 square foot a flotilla home. building that needed regular mainte- Auxiliarist Mike Combs (right), FSO-SR 45 D7 and vice-president of the Paralyzed Similar opportunities may well exist for nance its members could not provide. It Bruce Card, FSO-AN 45, and George Kacmarik, IPFC-45, both D7, paint the well- Veterans of America (PVA), Central Florida Chapter, tells Mike Berry, VFC-45, and Sue other flotillas. All it takes is a heart for also needed able bodies to help at some known dark-blue Handicap Parking symbol in an automobile space at Central Florida Smith, FC-45, both D7, how painting parking-space lines is done, during a work-day at service and a little thinking outside the

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P A A R A T U U Y events, such as its annual bass tourna- Paralyzed Veterans of America headquarters in Sanford, FL. the Sanford headquarters of the Central Florida Paralyzed Veterans of America. box. XILIA R

30 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 31 Auxiliarists from KATRINA UPDATE… Flotilla 10-2 D7 (Savannah) go over files at ANT Tybee Spirits Remain High at Louisiana Flotilla Island as part of their voluntary mission to help reorganize the Despite Devastation of Two Hurricanes small ATON facility in Georgia. From the left, BY KT PORTER “On our post-storm surveys in the days ing long lines and seemingly intermi- are: Don Funderburk, FSO-PA 48 D8CR following Katrina, it was difficult to con- nable waits. FSO-AN; Ann Bennett, “You know you’re in Flotilla 48 (Eden vince people that they literally couldn’t The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance VFC 10-2; and, Mike Isles, LA) if your mailbox has a NO return to their homes. The roads were Program, which provided grants to 15 of Campbell, FC 10-2. WAKE sign and you carry a recipe for impassable, blocked by large pine trees our members, enabled them not only to mold remediation in your wallet,” quips and tons of debris.” begin the long remediation process, but Bob Woods. So much destruction occurred that, also to buy food and clothing. So where Bob, FSO-IS 48 D8CR, has a sense of without familiar landmarks and street are the members of Flotilla 48 now? Photos: John Tysse, SO-PA 10 D7 humor and willingness to help others signs, it was easy to become disoriented Some are still living out-of-state. No one that has helped to buoy the spirits of his and “lost.” By day, the quietness was whose home was flooded has been able fellow flotilla members in the aftermath eerie, and day’s end brought an unfamiliar to move back in yet. Most are living in Savannah Flotilla Assists of Hurricane Katrina and her sister, degree of darkness. It was a surreal expe- cramped trailers on their property. Some Hurricane Rita. rience, to put it mildly. are still in the process of determining FL-48’s base in Eden Isles, on the Never having been through a major whether their home will be razed. Short-Handed ANT Unit Some members of FL 10-2 D7 have been north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, is an disaster, FL-48 did not have a plan to But don’t count us out yet. trained by the Coast Guard to assist the easy commute from New Orleans. The account for its members, but the Coast Jim Liverett, FC-48, and Bruce Mullen, STORY BY RON LURETTI meetings, asked for help. Three mem- under-staffed ANT Tybee Island personnel eyewall of Katrina passed right through Guard Commandant sent two FBI IPFC, have vowed to rebuild our flotilla. FL 10-2 D7 bers volunteered immediately: Don with maintenance on Tybee Island Light, this area and created major havoc with agents and three special investigators to In January, CAPT Frank Paskewich, com- AND JOHN TYSSE seen here reaching for the ‘stars.’ SO-PA 10 D7 Funderburk, FSO-AN, a retired electrical the lives of our members. Nothing has help locate all our members. It was reas- manding officer, Sector New Orleans, engineer; Mike Campbell, FC, a retired been the same since. suring to find all of us accounted for. and his wife, honored us by attending our When the U.S. Coast Guard issues airline operations executive; and, Ann unit’s operational charts and Light Lists. Telling the story of each of our mem- Every member sustained damage to Change of Watch dinner, where Jim was a clarion call for augmentation, the Bennett, VFC, a retired U.S. Navy officer. It was also discovered that there were bers would take up this entire issue and their home and/or boat. Most had flooded sworn in, and LT Sam Johnson, AUXLO, Auxiliary–invariably–responds quickly Since then, the trio has donated one no files for Private Aids to Navigation probably the next one, too, so this article homes and/or damage from fallen trees. gave the invocation. and efficiently. day each week to ANT Tybee Island. (PATON). A plan now is in place under will barely scratch the For those who remained in the area, a At the dinner, Liverett said that his Case in point: Their first task was to assist Coast which the Division 10 flotillas and Power surface of the trials and strictly cash society developed. primary goal for this year was to provide Early last year, the Aids to Navigation Guard personnel inspect the Aids to Squadron units develop files for all tribulations of Flotilla Without power and phone service, no support to the membership by having our Team (ANT) at Coast Guard Station Navigation (ATON) files. Each of the PATONs in the Tybee AOR. 48. credit cards were usable. No banks were monthly meeting for fellowship. Priority- Tybee Island, in Georgia, issued an 600 ATONs has a separate file, and there Auxiliarists were also given the task Jeff Huse, FSO- open. one is getting our lives back together. urgent call for help from Flotilla 10-2 is a strict protocol for what these files of inspecting Station Tybee’s opera- AN, who serves as a Very few stores were open, and those Our lives may have been devastated, (Savannah). must contain and how they are orga- tional safety and operational equipment. St. Tammany Parish that were limited the numbers of but we are Flotilla 48 -- and we will sur-

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P A A R A T U U Y Due to transfers, the complement of nized. Inflatable PFDs, EPIRBs, flares, and Sheriff’s deputy, says, people allowed inside at one time, creat- vive! XILIA R active-duty ANT personnel had shrunk Each file must include an up-to-date other pieces of emergency equip- to four, from six. It was difficult enough photo of the ATON. During the RFO ment were inspected and repaired, or The deadly eyewall of Hurricane Katrina roared through Eden Isles (LA), which is on Lake Pontchartrain’s north for the remaining Coasties to do all the inspection, the team found that very few replaced, as necessary. shore. One disastrous result, shown here, was a brown blanket of storm-debris that completely covered the water required regular maintenance in timely of the files contained current pictures. The Auxiliarists now are also partici- at Oak Harbor Marina. Other than surrounding buildings, only two things were left standing – the marina dock’s fashion, but they were also tasked to Funderburk enlisted help from other flo- pating in some operational patrols with white-tipped pilings and Kyle Bowser’s sailboat. His boat miraculously remained upright and in position – the make preparations for the unit’s first tillas in Division 10 and two area Power the ANT unit. only boat at the marina that did so! A past Commodore of the Tammany Yacht Club, Bowser had to place a ladder ready-for-operations (RFO) inspection. Squadron units. More recently, members have been across the debris in order to access his boat. Photo: Courtesy of Kyle Bowser The Station Tybee AOR is extensive In less than three months, new pho- trained to assist with maintenance of -- a total of more than 300 nautical miles! tos of more than half the ATONs were Tybee Island Light. Funderburk was to The AOR runs from the Coosaw River obtained and filed. attend ATON ‘C’ School this year so that (South Carolina) to the southern tip of The ANT unit passed its RFO inspec- eventually, he will be able to assist with St. Catherine’s Island (Georgia), and tion with high marks, thanks in part to Navaid repairs. westward, on the Savannah River, to its the Auxiliarists’ efforts in updating the It is evident that ANT Tybee Island’s ocean outlet at Augusta. files. The inspectors were particularly call for help on one project has led to an There are lighted and unlighted chan- impressed with the plans that had been ongoing partnership involving a wide nel buoys on the major shipping lanes, put into place to complete the photo range of activities. and lighted and unlighted day mark- updates and keep the files current on a BM1 Barry Pierce, the ANT Tybee ers on the Intracoastal Waterway and continuing basis. Island OIC, praised the volunteers, writ- the region’s many rivers and creeks. Successful completion of the inspec- ing in a letter, “Your attitudes and work There are a total of more than 600 such tion did not mark the end of Auxiliary ethic are in line with the Coast Guard Navaids in this AOR. involvement with the unit, however. core values of honor, respect and devo- BM2 John Brinkley, the then-Executive In following months, Auxiliarists took tion to duty. Thank you again for all your Petty Officer of ANT Tybee Island and on several additional tasks, including hard work in assisting ANT Tybee dur-

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P A A R A T U U Y a regular guest at Flotilla 10-2’s monthly responsibility for weekly updating of the ing this stressful time. Bravo Zulu.” XILIA R

32 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 33 commanders the opportunity to develop Captain’s Certificate of Appreciation for las. We are co-coordinating interviews a plan to achieve their unit’s goals. the best instructor, best vessel examiner, with local newspapers to announce our Points are accumulated during the best program visitor, best coxswain and services, as volunteers, in order to find calendar year. For special events, such as best crew. These certificates are award- qualified people to join our organization. Mega Weeks, points are granted to the ed each quarter at Div-1 meetings. We Part of this will be special open-house flotilla that scores the greatest number hope theses awards will encourage our events at Coast Guard units, during of Vessel Safety Checks during this sum- members to report their hours on time. which members of the public will be mertime period. This helps to motivate Our projects for this, our 60th year, asked to join. our VEs to head down to the docks and include: ● To continue our efforts to promote ramps. ● Printing 20 signs for installation at boating safety, we will produce and place Points are also earned for attending the most-frequently used boat ramps a special four-page, full-color publication and assisting at Div-1 meetings and around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin in a local newsletter, showing photos other events during the year. A roster is Islands, under a grant from BoatUS. of members working on Auxiliary pro- maintained of members that attend our These signs will be maintained 24/7 with grams. Again, we will be emphasizing events, and points are credited to their information about the VSC program, that our services are performed by vol- respective units. Points are also awarded where to call for an examination, and unteers. to the flotilla that completes division what the 15 Federal requirements are to ● We have a Diving Team pilot-plan goals for our Recreational Boating Safety obtain a VSC decal. We hope to have a that is pending approval at the National programs (PE, VE and PV). press presentation to announce our proj- level. It would consist of a specialized Last year, we launched a new vision: ect, and we will invite the public to the group of members that hold Commercial The Commitment of Excellence. Its pri- ramps for boating safety information. Dive-Master licenses and do an excep- mary goal is to educate new members ● Each flotilla is creating a newsletter tional job of supporting Coast Guard and re-educate old members by involving announcing its programs, including pho- units. Among their duties as a div- them in different events or programs. tos of members working on them. We ing team are cleaning hulls of cutters, Our organization needs to keep its encouraged each flotilla to include spe- inspecting decks, and helping with members and leaders informed of all cific information, such as meeting hours, ATON work. new changes in our programs, to do our where boating courses will take place, and As a team, our goal is to maintain a missions properly, and to support Coast other flotilla events and activities. good standing, with great effort and dedi- Guard units. ● We are working very hard to pro- cation, in support of the United States

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P A A R A T U U Y We also have created a Division mote the Auxiliary and our specific flotil- Coast Guard. XILIA R

Photos: José L. Figueroa, FSO-PA 1-1 D7 Congratulations were recently passed around to award-winners in Division 1 D7 flotilla competitions. Celebrating in San Juan, PR, are, from the left: Diana Figueroa, DCP-1; Andres Acosta, IPFC 1-18 (Cabo Rojo), whose unit took First Place in the Best Flotilla competition; Rafael Miranda, FC 1-12 (Santurce), holding the COMO Miguel A. Colorado Cup Trophy won by his flotilla; Nestor J. Tacoronte, VCP-1; and, CAPT Raymond J. Perry, Deputy Commander, USCG Sector San Juan. LETTER FROM SAN JUAN It’s a Sweet-Sixty ‘Party’ at Puerto Rico’s Division 1 BY DIANA FIGUEROA and the US Virgin Islands. major award – the COMO Miguel A. DCP-1 D7 In 1997, members of Flotilla 1-2 D7 Colorado Cup Trophy – which each year We here in Puerto Rico are proud of (Congrejos, PR) were asked to copy doc- is given to “the best flotilla” in our divi- the fact that this year, our Division 1 uments, such as letters, reports and pho- sion. (D7) is celebrating its 60th Anniversary. tos, for a published history that included This award was established for many And we are equally proud of our past material from all Div-1 flotillas. reasons. One of the most important is accomplishments, as well as the goals we We also are honored by the fact to motivate members (retention) and to have set for 2006. that one of our members – Miguel A. involve new members (recruiting) in our A quick historical note: Division 1 was Colorado -- holds the distinction of hav- programs. Another reason is that Cup chartered in September 1946 as the 10th ing been the first Hispanic to become rules require members to report their Naval District, Puerto Rico. Two years a District 7 commodore, having been time devoted to Auxiliary activities dur- later, it was merged with the Seventh elected to that office in 1963. ing the 30-day period to be considered Diana Figueroa, DCP-1 D7, checks the records to answer a question posed by visitor to the division’s Vessel Safety Check booth at Coast Guard District and re-named His dedication to the district (and to for this award. a National Safe Boating Week event at Puerto del Rey Marina, in Fajardo, PR. Also manning the booth are, from the left: Lydia E. Division 1, encompassing both Puerto Division 1) inspired the creation of a The award program also gives flotilla Valles, FC 1-1 (Fajardo); Nestor J. Tacoronte, VCP-1; José A. Rivera, PVCP-1; and, Reinaldo Torres, PFC 1-2 (Congrejos).

34 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 35 Sunshine State Marinas Meet the Cleaners [Editor’s Note: The author has submitted this report on how one state is handling the increasingly important Clean Marina Program as a template that others may duplicate, or modify, to suit local or regional circumstances.]

STORY BY PATRICIA PATERSON ADSO-MS 7 (Special Projects) PHOTOS BY GERDA FLETCHER SO-PA 13 D7 Florida’s Clean Marina Program has spread throughout the Sunshine State. There are now some 125 Clean Marinas and 25 Clean Boatyards, and many more are in the queue. Boaters entering our state are greeted by the Clean Marina banner. At designated marinas, they are furnished with a copy of Clean Boating Habits, which shows locations of other mari- nas and boatyards offering environmentally clean services and facilities. The goal of the program: To maintain a pollution-free envi- ronment. Program manager Brenda Leonard describes the effort this way: “Florida’s Clean Marina program is a voluntary participation program administered by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE). It encourages and assists marina and boatyard facilities District 7’s Clean Marina crew meets with state and Coast Guard Joe Welty, BC-MVS; Cathie Welty, DSO-PV 7; Scott Parker, Plantation around the state to become clean facilities by meeting 125 envi- representatives at Plantation Yacht Harbor in the Florida Keys. From the Yacht Harbor dockmaster; MST3 Jason Muñoz, USCG Sector Key West; ronmental measures. left, are: Ed Russell, Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and BM2 Paul Barry, USCG Station Islamorada. “Facilities that achieve the designation have exceeded envi- ronmental regulations required by law and have made a com- mitment to be good environmental stewards of Florida,” she Guard District, the Auxiliary’s Seventh District, Florida DEP, local marinas. said. and the chairman of Florida’s Clean Boating Partnership. The couple explained that the assistance they offer includes “The Clean Marina Program provides an extensive network “The CBP has been, and continues to be, an example of suc- explanation of the Clean Marina Program principles, require- of support to facilities that make this commitment, including cessful partnering of government and private industry, and ments and procedures, technical assistance with preparation of best management practices, incentives, mentoring, Web-based has received recognition on the local, state, and federal levels,” the facility “panic” book for environmental emergencies, walk- education, etc. The Department of Environmental Protection Leonard added. through inspections to identify problem areas and proposed [DEP] philosophy is that greater environmental compliance The Coast Guard, Sea Partners and the Auxiliary are in an remedies; and, encouragement and support for the facility staff. can be achieved by establishing a partnership with industry.” ideal position to help with the project. The materials provided to the participating marinas are well In April 2000, DLE created the Clean Boating Partnership No one knows this better than Joe Welty, BC-MVS, and designed and easy to follow. They can be supplemented by (CBP) as a pubic-private effort to guide the Clean Marina Cathie Welty, DSO-PV 7, who attended a Clean Marina materials from facilities that have achieved Clean Marina status Program’s focus and growth. The Partnership is comprised of Workshop in Islamorada, FL, in July 2004. The speaker was Ed and are willing to share their innovations. DEP, marina and boatyard owners and operators, the Marine Russell of the Monroe County (Florida Keys) DEP. His presen- So what is Florida’s Clean Marina Program? Industries Association of Florida, the Coast Guard and Coast tation provided the spark that started it all. The Weltys sum it up this way: “The Clean Marina initiative is Guard Auxiliary, and Florida Sea Grant, at the University of Since then, Joe and Cathie have worked closely with Russell an incentive-based program promoted by the National Oceanic Florida’s Clean Marina Program has brought about desirable Florida. and Laura Comer of the Ft. Myers DEP. After initial training & Atmospheric Administration, and others, to encourage envi- results such as these, in which oil waste (upper photo) and trash The partnership operates under a Memorandum of and supervised marina surveys, the Weltys have become ronmentally sound operating and maintenance procedures by (middle) are neatly stored and protected, and a special sign

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P A A R A T U U Y Understanding signed by representatives of the Seventh Coast active members of a designation survey team and mentors to marina operators and boaters to protect the water quality.” XILIA R informs visitors about pet waste (lower photo).

36 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 37 A PERSONAL VIEW… Virginia Auxiliarist Joins Cuttermen For a 32-Day Patrol in the Atlantic Only Known Member Ever to Sail on USCGC Forward STORY & PHOTOS BY JOSEPH GIANNATTASIO VFC-82 D5NR

Unknown to me, my friend – CDR Gregory Sanial, USCG – had followed my involvement in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and was aware of the offices and qualifications I had earned. So, it came as a surprise when I received an e-mail from him stating that I had been granted permission to join the next patrol of the vessel he commands, USCGC Forward. A 270-foot Famous Class Cutter with displacement of 1,820 tons, Forward usu- ally spends her 185 days a year at sea tasked with drug and migrant interdic- tion, fisheries enforcement, and search- and-rescue. I would be the only known Auxiliarist CDR Greg Sanial, commanding officer of USCGC Forward, displays Passing Honors to a nearby U.S. Navy vessel in Norfolk (VA) Harbor. to serve aboard her. On an unseasonably warm and sunny Joseph Giannattasio, VFC-82 D5NR, prepares for ‘liberty’ during Hamilton, Bermuda, impressed by the fact that all of this tually anywhere in the world. Forward. January day, I joined Forward’s crew port call by USCGC Forward. was accomplished while underway in After two more weeks of combat simu- For 32 days, I felt a part of this diverse formed up on the helicopter flight deck seven-foot seas! lations, general emergency drills, and family. I was readily-accepted and encour- for quarters, where departing crew were the harbor, but by evening we were expe- grateful that I had recently completed the Another afternoon included firing of fishery boardings in all types of weather, aged to participate in most functions. I acknowledged and new crewmembers riencing more “traditional” January seas Auxiliary Navigation Specialty Course! the ship’s main battery -- a 76 mm can- and seas up-and-down the mid-Atlantic was often asked about the Auxiliary and were introduced. and weather. Training exercises were scheduled non mounted on the bow, able to fire up seaboard, we pulled into New York my experiences in our organization. An informal part of the getting-under- I’m not sure if I had a hard time fall- when boardings were not conducted. to 100 rounds per minute. The entire Harbor. I met several crewmembers who first way ceremony included having new ing asleep because of the excitement of Though not utilized on this patrol, ship reverberated from the thunderous The beautiful morning only enhanced learned about USCG opportunities from crewmembers introduce themselves beginning a new adventure, or because Forward usually has a helicopter report of the gun as it cycled through the experience of sailing past the Statue Auxiliarists. In fact, my onboard room- to the entire complement, stating their of the ship’s pitching and rolling on the assigned to it for her patrols. The ship’s mock combat scenarios. of Liberty and the majestic Manhattan mate – ENS Luke Grant – joined the name, rank and rate, where they came rough sea. superstructure includes an expanding After six hard days at sea conduct- skyline that preceded a weekend of well- Auxiliary before he was accepted into the from, and their favorite football team. Crew safety being the number-one hangar on the flight deck to shelter helos ing boardings and training exercises, deserved R&R. Coast Guard Academy. And he is still a Not only was I the only Auxiliarist priority, the first full day underway was from the elements. we made a port call in Bermuda for a We then headed south again for member! on board, but also the sole Rutgers tasked with familiarizing the crew with One day, an HH-65 “Charlie” helicopter scheduled two days of rest-and-recupera- another week of patrol, safety drills, and Several crewmembers fondly recount- University football fan! emergency procedures. We simulated from Air Station Atlantic City rendez- tion. However, it seems Mother Nature boardings – the normal routine. Having ed the selfless hospitality they received Somewhat similar to Auxiliary patrols, drills necessary for fire, damage control, voused with us at sea to run through a never received a copy of our schedule… performed 27 boardings, the patrol from Operation Fireside families that getting underway included a number of man overboard, and abandon-ship. number of scenarios to train both the extremely bad weather and rough seas in neared completion with the additional shared their homes with the Coasties operational and navigation briefs, plus We then began training evolutions for helo crew and the ship’s flight deck our planned patrol area lengthened our tasks and reports required for wrapping- over the holidays, when they were far- reviewing duties and schedules at crew what was to be the primary focus of this team. Helo ops included guiding in and visit to five days. up a mission. from-home recruits at boot camp. quarters. mission – boarding commercial fishing landing the aircraft on the pitching flight It was a glorious Bermudan morn- This was an invaluable experience I embarked on this adventure looking From the bridge, I observed the vessels for safety and fishery regulation deck. Some evolutions included a “hotel ing when we finally pulled out from the from which I learned a great deal, not forward to experiencing, learning and skilled efficiency with which the crew violations. refuel” – refueling with the helo on deck, Port of Hamilton and headed to our only from my instruction, but also by working onboard a Coast Guard Cutter, and dockhands got the ship away from When first told that I would be doing engines running and rotors spinning. Area of Operation, far to our west in the observations from the unparalleled though a part of me wondered whether the pier. Being a qualified coxswain, I this patrol, I informed the Commanding The exercise also involved Helicopter Atlantic. access I was granted. This learning expe- this Auxiliary volunteer could actually be appreciated witnessing the bridge team Officer that I wanted to participate in as In-Flight Refueling, with the helo hover- It was amazing to witness the advanced rience will not only enhance my abilities accepted on a ship of active-duty profes- in disciplined action as they navigated many ship functions as feasible, being ing about 50 feet above the flight deck technology that is utilized throughout the as an operational Auxiliarist, but will also sionals. the complex channels of Portsmouth an Auxiliarist. After reviewing my AUX and hoisting up a fuel line for refueling, cutter in a multitude of functions. And be shared with my “shipmates” at the flo- However, I disembarked with the (VA) Harbor, leading out to sea. quals and experience, the CO decided and Vertical Replenishment -- picking up Forward’s satellite television and Internet tilla, division and district levels. gained insight that not only is the Coast Initially, I thought this patrol was going I could participate and qualify for supplies loaded in a slung cargo net. connection eases the hardship of being at I was constantly impressed by the Guard Auxiliary truly a part of Team to be a cinch for me, based on the idyllic Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW). As a private pilot and member of the sea by allowing the crew to keep in touch professionalism and dedication of the Coast Guard, but that every Auxiliarist is

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P A A R A T U U Y afternoon and picturesque transition of From what was expected of me, I was Auxiliary Air Program, I was greatly with family and loved ones via e-mail, vir- young men and women I met on board a member of the Coast Guard family. XILIA R

38 Navigator Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Navigator 39 CARIBBEAN CONFEREES

Photo: Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP

The Third Caribbean Volunteer Maritime Search and Rescue Conference (CSAR) set a new attendance record as more than 80 delegates, representing 24 countries, descended on Miami for the event. CSAR was hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary International Affairs Directorate, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Southern Command. Delegates (above) take a break between conference sessions in Miami. COVERAGE BEGINS ON PAGE 22

Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. NON-PROFIT The Auxiliary Center U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 842 9449 Watson Industrial Park JACKSONVILLE, FL. St. Louis, MO 63126

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P A A R A T U U Y XILIA R