Ithaca Flotilla 78 Years Strong VOLUME 78 Since 1942 Ithaca, NY JANUARY 2020

9th Eastern District ISSUE #1

VOLUME 79 AUGUST 2020 ISSUE #8 In this issue Flotilla Calendar ...... 3

USCG Covid 19 Guidance Flotilla News ...... 4 Update effective 01 August COVID PANDEMIC UPDATE…………………………. ...4

2020. Potential Missions are Virtual D-Train …………………………………………. 5-6

expanding slightly. AUXDATA II Update………………………………………7

Next Flotilla Meeting Uniforms……………………………………………………8 FAST FIND 220 PLB…………………………………..9-10 09 September 2020 Hurricane Information.……… ……………………...11-12

Due to COVID-19 Auxiliary Association Benefits…………………………..13 Most Face-to-Face The Indomitable Florence Finch………………………..14 Gatherings Remain on Hold Protecting Pets…………………………………………...15 Until Further Notice Sea Scout Ship 25 News………………………..;16

Jen & Greg Watson’s Sofi Underway on the Family Boat

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Ithaca Flotilla

FLOTILLA OFFICERS COMMANDER Dale Campbell FC VICE COMMANDER Ben Gardiner VFC IMMEDIATE PAST COMMANDER Kim Walsh IPFC

FLOTILLA STAFF OFFICERS

ACADEMY ADMISSIONS Dale Campbell PADDLECRAFT SAFETY Tom Every FSO-PAD COMMUNICATIONS Tom Every FSO-CM Photo courtesy of Tommy Lacey and Mark Lewis COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Ben Gardiner FSO-CS DIVERSITY Jennifer Watson FSO-DV Located at the southern FINANCE end of Cayuga Lake Ninth Eastern District Dave Cornelius FSO-FN District Commodore HUMAN RESOURCES Pamela Wik-Grimm FSO-HR 508 Taughannock Blvd. Joseph A. Sopko INFORMATION SERVICES Ithaca, NY 14850 District Chief of Staff Diana Robinson FSO-IS 607-273-7175 Clark J. Godshall MATERIALS Human Resources Bodge Hyatt FSO-MA George R. Taylor Monthly Meetings: MARINE SAFETY nd District Captain Logistics John Frieman FSO-MS 2 Wednesday Ron Baker MEMBER TRAINING 1900 Hrs. 7:00 pm District Captain Response Mark Lewis FS0-MT Richard Evans OPERATIONS Acting Editor: Ben Gardiner District Captain Prevention Kim Walsh FSO-OP PUBLIC AFFAIRS [email protected] Mark Thomas Jennifer Watson FSO-PA Immediate Past District PUBLICATIONS Commodore Vacant FSO-PB Robert Scofield This publication is the official PUBLIC EDUCATION newsletter of the U.S. Coast Operations Kim Walsh FSO-PE Guard Auxiliary Ithaca Flotilla Robert Laurer PARTNER VISITATION and is intended to keep the Kevin Walsh FSO-PV membership apprised of the Division Two SECRETARY activities of the Auxiliary. All Commander Anthony Scaglione FSO-SR VESSEL EXAMINATION articles and photographs John Conroy submitted must be consistent Joseph Kurtz FSO-VE Vice Commander with the policies of the Coast William Cummings Guard and the Auxiliary and Immediate Past Commander may not be returned. Gene Little Operations Mike Kennedy

EDUCATION + TRAINING = SKILL SKILL + ACTION = SAVED LIVES

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From the Helm

Dale Campbell, Flotilla Commander

We’re continuing in uncharted update your knowledge or learn about territory due to COVID 19, but something completely new. have started to see some easing of restrictions. We’ve It is also still very important to look for completed three on-water opportunities to reach out to each other in training patrols and three facility inspections, order to keep up morale and be ready for the and more patrols are scheduled. Opportunities next phase. We know some people are at for additional in-person activities are being higher risk physically, and we do not want evaluated across our District and the full anyone to feel compelled to participate in Auxiliary. activities they aren’t comfortable with. However, for others isolation may be a bigger We’ve also made a tremendous adaptation to problem. Please, participate in meetings and the on-line environment, with notable reach out virtually to other Auxiliary members. successes in meetings, member training, and, You may want to start planning a future event most recently, public education. We completed or just socialize, whatever is best for you to Boating Safety courses in July and August and keep up your and others’ morale. are scheduling additional classes in September and October. I’m still confident this will not last forever and am looking forward to returning to in person Moving the Fall D-Train to virtual training meetings. I am hoping we will be able to do provides a unique opportunity to participate something together, safely and within NY without long distance travel and significant guidelines, by late this fall. cost. I encourage you to review the course offerings and sign-up to share your experience, Continue to guard your health and stay

Flotilla Calendar

All Events at Flotilla 2-2 Base, unless specified otherwise.

Date Event POC / OIC Notes

Wed, 12 Aug 20, 1900 Flotilla Meeting Dale Sat / Sun, 26-27 Sep ABS Kim 0900-1300 each day. Video Conference. Wed, 09 Sep 20, 1900 Flotilla Meeting via Video Conf Dale Wed, 14 Oct 20, 1900 Flotilla Meeting and Elections Dale / Kim Flotilla Elections Thur, 15 Oct 2020 ABS – Session 1 Kim Video Conference 1800-2100 Thur, 22 Oct 2020 ABS – Session 2 Kim Video Conference 1800-2100 Thur, 29 Oct 2020 ABS – Session 3 Kim Video Conference 1800-2100 Wed, 11 Nov 20, 1900 Flotilla Meeting via Video Conf. Dale Th, 12 Nov 20, 11A-6PM Doug’s Fish Fry, Eddydale Farms Diana 827 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 Wed, 09 Dec 20, 1900 Flotilla Meeting via Video Conf Dale Member Flotilla Meetings Div 2 Events Training Public Education Special Events Safety Patrols

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Flotilla News

Our Buddy Bodge Hyatt continues his recovery from knee replacement surgery in July. It has been a tough and challenging recovery for Bodge, but if anyone can bounce back from surgery of this magnitude, Bodge is the one.

Please keep Bionic Bodge in your thoughts and prayers. He is raring to go and and knowing Bodge, he will be back on the team sooner rather than later.

COVID Restrictions Update Auxiliary Reconstitution

✓ Communication from Captain Floyd: Memo dated 24 July 2020. Effective 01 August 2020. • All personnel must closely review the subject memorandum and adhere to all guidelines contained therein. • KEY POINT from Paragraph 3 from Floyd memo: “We will continue to implement measures allowing the gradual incorporation of more Auxiliary personnel in training and operations.” • All requests and actions go to Station Oswego through Pat Carpenter. Auxiliarists are reminded they must go through their Flotilla Chain of Leadership and Management (i.e. FC and VFC). Station Oswego will approve or disapprove mission requests if, in their judgement, the GAINS from the Mission are worth the RISKS involved. • All persons requesting orders must also fill out and submit Auxiliary COVID-19 High Risk Assessment Form (7101). NOTE: It has been determined that this form is not be shared with other Auxiliarists but must be sent directly to BM1 Miron at Station Oswego. Pat Carpenter indicated all he needs to know is for the requester to tell him “the High-Risk Assessment Form” has been submitted to Station Oswego. • More on High Risk Assessment, National Leadership indicates that age of 65 or health issues is NOT necessarily a disqualifier for Auxiliarist participation in missions provided safety and well-being of individual and other affected personnel is protected. • All mission requests must be predicated on the fact that proper PPE and social distancing will be adhered to plus all other CDC guidelines followed.

Activities Prohibited. • Regular Patrols where contact with the public is possible. • Public Affairs Events and similar public events. • In person Flotilla Meetings, training, and other gatherings at Base or other locations. • In person public education activities. Activities Allowed. • Training Patrols. • Flotilla Meetings and other in-person events held via video or phone conference. • Public Education held via Video Conference. • Facility Inspections on a LIMITED basis. Facilities not expected to be underway in 2020 should not be inspected. • Vessel Safety Checks (NEW) provided that PPE, Social Distancing, and other CDC or State requirements are met. • Marina / Industry Visitations (NEW), again above safety measures must be strictly adhered to.

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ATTEND 2020 D-TRAIN FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME!

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Ninth District/ Eastern Region is hosting a virtual District Training (D-Train) throughout the month of September 2020. Register NOW as each class is limited.

It’s easy to register: Email the instructor (Instructor email addresses are listed in the original D-Train Bulletin) Questions? Contact Dr. Barbara Godshall, DSO-MT,

1 Sept 1900-2000 Diversity Training “Diversity of Mission,” Are You Mission Ready, Mission Capable? Instructor: COMO Knish

1 Sept 2000-2100 ATON Verifier Join the ANT team with active ATON Verifiers for a new AUX mission. Instructor: Ron Baker 1 Sept 1900-2000 Intro to AuxDATA II 101 Learn about the new AuxData II - Basic Intro. Instr: Garrison Bromwell 2 Sept 1900-2000 HR - Tips and Hints Get up to speed on the new HR programs being rolled out. Instr: G. Taylor / C. Laurer

3 Sept 2000-2100 On-line Presentations Learn how to embrace the newest technology to make effective on-line presentations. Instr: Richard Evans

4 Sept 1900-2000 Sea Scout Update What CGAUX can offer Sea Scouts. Instr: Gene Little

4 Sept 2000-2100 Core Training Available upon request; self-paced, one-to-one assistance. Instr: Barbara Godshall

8 Sept 1900-2000 Surface Operations Post-season briefing OPS / QE / OTO team members. Instr: COMO Laurer

8 Sept 2000-2100 Sector Buffalo SAR Tips Gain insight into the operations of the Sector SAR Controller and how they can help your SAR cases. Instr: Mark Weidmann 10 Sept 1900-2000 Aviation Safety Aviation update and required safety training (designated attendees). Instr: Robert Fratangelo

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10 Sept 1900-2000 OPEN Microphone Time Join the COMO and DCOS in an open discussion about current topics. Instr: COMO Sopko

10 Sept 2000-2100 Legal Issues Meet COMO Cream and discuss Assignment to Duty, contracts, and the disciplinary process for all members. Instr: COMO Cream

12 Sept 1000-1200 & 1300-1400 Board Meeting Election of District Officers, required action items, recognitions, and reports.

14 Sept 1900-2000 PA for All! Get the tools you need to get the word out about Safe Boating, recruitment and the Auxiliary. Instr: James Termotto, Sr.

15 Sept 1900-2000 Kickstart Virtual PE Classes A “How to guide” from a national expert for getting your public education classes going virtually. Instr: Karen Miller

15 Sept 2000-2100 Intro to AuxDATA II 102 Learn about new AuxData II - more advanced Session. Instr: Garrison Bromwell

16 Sept 1900-2000 QE Meeting Review of QE procedures & ethics - QEs only Ins: COMO Wargo / OTO

17 Sept 1900-2000 Auxiliary Food Service A presentation of multiple galley scenarios for group discussion. Instr: Elizabeth Macintyre 17 Sept 2000-2100 Learning About S.EAS. Learning and Practicing S.E.A.S - Situational Emergency Awareness Skills. Instr: David Delgado

22 Sept 1900-2000 NavigationNavigation Rules Made Easy Challenged by Nav Rules? Hop on and get up to speed. Instr: Steven Botsford

24 Sept 1900-2100 Risk Refresher Part A Pick up this required qualification -- Pre-registration and Risk Management Course required. Instr: COMO Scofield / R. Evans

24 Sept 1900-2100 Risk Refresher Part B Pick up this required qualification -- Pre-registration and Risk Management Course required Instr: COMO Scofield / R. Evans

24 Sept 2000-2100 VE / PV / PE Updates Get the latest updates for 2021. Instr: DSO - VE / PV / PE

29 Sept 1900-2000 Finances Made Easy A “how-to” session for forms and best practices with AUX Finances Instr: Linda Taylor

30 Sept 1900-2000 AUXPAD Afloat Learn about the newest mission in the Auxiliary to reach paddle crafters. Instr: Lander / Christopher

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IS Corner – AuxData II Update by Diana Robinson, FSO-IS (Information Systems).

Flash bulletin on AuxData II integration and adoption:

• AuxData II training session on Sept. 3rd at 7pm. This will be on the usual GoToMeeting link. We'll start with the basics such as logging on and submitting your "99" hours. Members who don't need it can skip the more advanced applications (patrols, VEs, facility inspections) which follow.

• Very few members have filed 99 hours since our AuxData II adventure began in April, and I fully understand the reluctance. However, we really need to start getting those statistics in. The Auxiliary's funding depends on it. If you are unable to submit hours in AuxData II, kindly contact me for a work- around.

• Please see the WOW for new instructions. The system was updated recently, invalidating some of the older instructions. A detailed set for patrols and facility inspections has been added.

• AuxLMS courses are not being automatically picked up by AuxData. This occurred sometime after July 20th. Until this is fixed it's important for you to run (and save) a transcript after every online course such as Bloodborne Pathogens. The first time you go out as crew you'll need to email BBP proof to Patrick Christopher, anyway. And if you haven't already, kindly email me a completion screenshot or transcript.

Link to AUXDATA II Updated instructions on the WOW Website:

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=092-02-02&category=auxinfo-links

P&S AND CAYUGA COMPOST DONATED THE LABOR AND EQUIPMENT TO DO SOME DRAINAGE ENHANCEMENTS AND GENERAL CLEAN-UP

AROUND THE ITHACA

FLOTILLA 22 BASE.

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Uniforms: Links Below are the Latest on Auxiliary Uniforms. By Ben Gardiner, VFC

Click+Control to open links http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=H-DEPT&category=auxiliary-uniforms

Auxiliary Uniforms

H-Directorate Human Resources DIRECTOR; David McArtin DEPUTY DIRECTOR; Lee Zimmerman

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BOAT CREW OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL: USING THE FAST FIND 220 PERSONAL LOCATOR

BEACON (PLB)

This is a commonly found model among Auxiliary Personnel,

however, there are other makes

and models in service as well.

MAN OVERBOARD!!! ACTIVATE THE UNIT!!!

ONLY PULL RED CAP IN AN EMERGENCY. Doing so breaks the plastic anti-tamper seal which cannot be reset by the User.

DEPLOY ANTENNA AS SHOWN, PRESS ON BUTTON AND UNIT IS ACTIVATED

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. EMERGENCY IS OVER, SWITCH UNIT OFF HOLD TEST BUTTON DOWN FOR 3 SECONDS

TEMPORARILY SECURE OLD CAP WITH TAPE, ORDER A NEW CAP AND INSTALL BEFORE DEPLOYING UNIT AGAIN WHILE UNDERWAY. TEST UNIT BEFORE DEPLOYING

Link Below is the Fastfind 220’s Operator’s Manual. Please go to this link and review the full manual. You will note protocol for GPS acquisition test BUT also NOTE there is a limit of 10 GPS Tests during the 6-year battery lifespan. Battery is NOT serviceable by the operator. https://www.oroliamaritime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/FF220_lowres_issue_3.pdf

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IN THE NEWS DURING HURRICANE SEASON! USCG terms on port conditions explained (From: SAFETY4SEA 09 July 2019)

The US Coast Guard uses specific terms on understanding the port conditions based on the weather characteristics. The terms used help ship operators know how to respond to a tropical weather. Example: SAVANNAH, Ga. — Effective 4 p.m. Sunday, the Coast Guard (COTP) set port condition Yankee for the Port of Savannah due to the expectation of tropical-storm-force winds generated by Tropical Storm Isaias that may arrive within 24 hours.

1. Whiskey: Set when gale force winds are expected to arrive at the port within 72 hours. Port remains open to all commercial traffic, but oceangoing ships and barges must report their intention to remain in port or depart. If they are departing, they must do so within 12 hours of gale-force winds (34–47 knots, 63–87 km/h or 39–54 miles/hour). 2. X-Ray: Gale force winds are expected within 48 hours. The rules are similar to port condition Whiskey. 3. Yankee: Gale force winds predicted within 24 hours. Vessels seeking to depart must arrange immediate departure. Cargo operations must cease with 18 kilometer per hour (kph) winds. Transfer hoses must be disconnected with 22 kph winds. Ships seeking to arrive in port should seek an alternate destination. 4. Zulu: Gale force winds within 12 hours. The port is closed. In case of a tropical weather, the USCG advises that waterfront facilities should: • Review/update facility heavy weather plan • Berthing Requirements • Identify berths that are adequate for vessels to • Container stacking weather a hurricane • In the meantime, the vessels should: • Housekeeping • Review/update vessel heavy weather plan • Pre/Post-storm security • Ensure vessel crew safety • Risk Factors: • Storm avoidance – plan ahead • Hazmat • Keep Coast Guard informed • Missile Hazards • Submit mooring plan

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Port Conditions are set by the Captain of the Port (USCG Sector Commander) In the , a United States Coast Guard officer, usually the commander of a United States Coast Guard sector with the rank of captain (O-6), is assigned duties as captain of the port (COTP). Captain of the port duties involve enforcing within their respective areas port safety and security and marine environmental protection regulations.

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Benefits of Membership 2nd Quarter 2020

If the events of the past several months have taught us anything, it is that life is fragile and that every opportunity to do good – for our nation, for our beloved USCG or for a fellow citizen of this great Nation – is a God-given opportunity, expected of each of us.

Please accept the current Benefits of Membership with the warmest wishes from the Board, volunteer staff and employees of AuxA for your health, safety and well-being, and that of your families, for they serve too.

https://users.neo.registeredsite.com/0/5/8/22976850/assets/Benefits_of_M embership_2Q__05AUG20_FINAL_-_optm.pdf

And it is your service that has earned you these “benefits of membership…”

Like you,

AuxA remains Semper Paratus,

Vin

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The Indomitable Florence Finch: The Untold Story of a War Widow Turned Resistance Fighter and Savior of American POWs 1st Edition (Publisher’s Summary Below)

by Robert J. Mrazek

When Florence Finch died at the age of 101, few of her Ithaca, NY neighbors knew that this unassuming Filipina native was a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, whose courage and sacrifice were unsurpassed in the Pacific War against Japan. Long accustomed to keeping her secrets close in service of the Allies, she waited fifty years to reveal the story of those dramatic and harrowing days to her own children.

Florence was an unlikely warrior. She relied on her own intelligence and fortitude to survive on her own from the age of seven, facing bigotry as a mixed-race mestiza with the dual heritage of her American serviceman father and Filipina mother.

As the war drew ever closer to the , Florence fell in love with a dashing American naval intelligence agent, Charles "Bing" Smith. In the wake of Bing's sudden death in battle, Florence transformed from a mild-mannered young wife into a fervent resistance fighter. She conceived a bold plan to divert tons of precious fuel from the Japanese army, which was then sold on the black market to provide desperately needed medicine and food for hundreds of American POWs. In constant peril of arrest and execution, Florence fought to save others, even as the Japanese police closed in.

With a wealth of original sources including taped interviews, personal journals, and unpublished memoirs, The Indomitable Florence Finch unfolds against the Bataan Death March, the fall of Corregidor, and the daily struggle to survive a brutal occupying force. Award-winning military historian and former Congressman Robert J. Mrazek brings to light this long-hidden American patriot. The Indomitable Florence Finch is the story of the transcendent bravery of a woman who belongs in America's pantheon of war heroes.

Following the war, she moved to Buffalo, New York, where she joined the U.S. Coast Guard. She died December 8, 2016, in Ithaca, New York. Finch was given a military funeral with full honors in April 2017. – Ben Gardiner.

Amazon link to purchase book: https://www.amazon.com/Indomitable-Florence-Finch-True-Story/dp/0316422274

Diana Robinson, FSO-IS contributed to this article. Diana has a copy of the book and will loan it to members upon request.

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SEA SCOUT SHIP 25 August 2020 by Ben Ashbaugh, Yeoman On the Water: While the boating season remains open, scouts have been focusing on advancements that require being on the water. We have done on the water training including overnight adventures, one of which involved the Sensei mooring north of Sheldrake point. It was a great day and a gorgeous and calm night. Photo by a friend of Ship 25 - Sensei moored off Sheldrake Point Service Projects: The Ship participated in two services projects at the boathouse at Camp Barton where we straightened up and cleaned inside so the equipment could remain serviceable due to summer camp being cancelled this year.

Contact:

Sea Scouts is a co-ed program for young men and women ages 13-20. Prior to COVID-19, Sea Scout Ship 25 met at 6:30pm most Friday nights at the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Ithaca, NY. Currently, meetings are online or attendance-restricted with distancing requirements. For more information and a copy of Ship 25’s meeting and activity calendar, please visit www.ithacaseascouts.org or contact Committee Chairman Jim Graney at 607-327-1226 (work/cell) or email [email protected].

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