Oct2012Newsletter_CGA Newsletter

Transcription

Commodore’s Bulletin
&
Director’s Newsletter
Volume 12, Issue 4
October, 2012
Director’s Column
CDR DesaRae A. Janszen, DIRAUX
ello everyone! These past 2 ½ months as your Director have been a whirlwind of
activity. What a fun job this is. A highlight of my tour so far was going to NACON
and seeing Auxiliarist Steve Lee receive the award for Auxiliarist of the Year from
the Commandant, Admiral Papp. He represented our District and the Auxiliary in a formidable way and I was
so proud of him.
Speaking
of
NACON, that was an
extremely
useful
experience. I personally added 78 items to my “things to do” list
based on training and conversations had at the
conference. The 2013 NACON is going to be
held in San Diego, and I hope that all of our
D11-Southern Region Auxiliarists will consider attending. Between the training, the
award presentations and the fellowship activities, there is so much Auxiliary knowledge
(and fun) to be had by all.
We are starting to get ramped up for our
District Training to be held at the Costa Mesa
H
Commodore Vass, Steve Lee, ADM Papp, COMO Jacobs, and CDR Janszen,
as Steve Lee receives the Auxiliarist of the Year award.
Photo courtesy of CDR Janszen.
Hilton 4-6 Jan 2013. The Committee
is setting up a great deal of valuable
training and education. I hope you can
join us! Registration is open at:
http://dtrain.d11s.org/
Congratulations to all of our newly
elected leaders this Fall! I’m looking
forward to working with you and
everyone who makes D11 Southern
Region the best Auxiliary District in the San Pedro--Anne Evans and Ramón Evans of Flotilla
66, North Orange County, with CDR Janszen, at
nation.
office of DIRAUX.
2
OCTOBER 2012: News, events, resources, and more from Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 11 Southern Region
2013 District Change of Watch
More than What it Seems
by COMO Harry M. Jacobs, District Commodore
he District Change of Watch
scheduled for DTRAIN 2013
will actually be a milestone for
District 11 - Southern Region, not
because a new Commodore will be
installed but who the Commodore is
and what he represents. COMO(e)
Alfred J. Verdi will become the 39th
District
Commodore
of
D11SR,
relieving
COMO Harry
M.
Jacobs.
The significance goes
beyond the
ceremony, but
rather to the
"heart
of
change." COMO(e) Verdi will be the
first post-9/11 member to become
District Commodore and COMO
Jacobs will possibly be the last pre9/11 member to reach the same
Office. The difference could be significant for all of us.
The pre-9/11 history of the
Auxiliary, which began right here in
Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbor,
with the election of the first District
Commodore in the 11th District,
John D. Roche, Sr., a prominent
local advertising executive, has been
captive to the Post WW II progressive development of programs within the general category of recreational boating safety, including public
education, vessel examination, safety patrols, and program visitation
[Marine Dealer Visitation]. All of the
District Commodores through
COMO Jacobs have been scripted to
focus on those programs as primary
T
and became experts in administering
them.
On the other hand, the post-9/11
history of the Auxiliary, which began
on that horrific day in the fall of
2001, has focused on augmenting
Coast Guard active duty units and
providing national security harbor
patrols using the Presidential
approval code name "Noble Eagle."
It has been said that 40% of the current Auxiliary membership joined
after 9/11 strictly to "fight terrorism
and support the Coast Guard." Their
focus and mind-set are different than
those recruited in the pre-9/11 period. The new District Commodore is
a product of that era, but has strong
links to the original mission.
The post-9/11 period has seen several changes in how information is
delivered to the deck-plate. Among
them Voice Over Internet Protocol;
Webinars;
Video-Conferencing;
radio-repeater linking, and other online applications. Members can
expect to experience continued
emphasis on e-media and decreased
emphasis on hard-copy communication.
As the present meets the past, the
Coast Guard, along with other gov-
ernment agencies, is facing dramatic
reductions in operating budgets,
beginning in 2013 and cresting
between 2014 and 2016. The challenge for COMO(e) Verdi will be to
maintain administrative operations
in the District, consistent with the
Commandant's Policy Statement, but
without the generous support from
the Coast Guard that has been
enjoyed by his predecessors over the
past 10+ years which define the post
9/11 era. Consequently, all members
of our District need to be mindful
that their time, talent, and energy
may be required to maintain the current suite of RBS and other programs
without the financial support usually
offered by the Coast Guard.
The prospects for success and positive change for our District carried
by COMO(e) Verdi are very high.
Programs that he will initiate will
more nearly reflect current thinking
within the Coast Guard leadership
and will be consistent with the needs
of the membership and the boating
public. Our obligation is to support
his initiatives to the best of our ability.
I wish you "Fair Winds and
Following Seas," Commodore Verdi.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas: Al Verdi, DCOS, graduates from his Auxiliary Senior Officers
Course at NACON. From the left, COMO Harry Jacobs, DCO; CDR DesaRae Janszen,
DIRAUX; Al Verdi, DCOS; COMO James Vass, NACO; COMO Tom Mallison, VNACO.
Photo credit: Victoria Jacobs, DDC-L
3
District Bridge (DEXCOM)
District Commodore (DCO): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMO Harry Jacobs
District Chief of Staff (DCOS):. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alfred J. Verdi
Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDR DesaRae A. Janszen
District Captains (DCAPT):
San Diego / Inland (SD/I): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert G. Nowak
Los Angeles / Long Beach North (LA/LB-N): . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan C. Carver
Los Angeles / Long Beach South (LA/LB-S):. . . . . . . . . Tom V. Jacobsmeyer
Immediate Past District Commodore (IPDCO):. . . COMO Michael C. Johnson
COMMODORE’S BULLETIN AND
DIRECTOR’S NEWSLETTER
October 2012
Volume Twelve, Number Four
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
COMMANDER (dpa-s)
ELEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
1001 S. SEASIDE AVE, BLDG 39
SAN PEDRO, CA 90731-7391
Copyright 2012 by District 11 Southern Region.
All rights reserved.
District Board
President of Past Commanders Association: . . . . . . COMO David L. Pottinger
Commander, Division 1:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas J. Stoddard
Commander, Division 4: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Pelosi
Commander, Division 5: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony M. Ashlin
Commander, Division 6:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald G. Norby
Commander, Division 7: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Shaw
Commander, Division 9:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary K. Napier
Commander, Division 10: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suzanne M. White
Commander, Division 11: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Vara
Commander, Division 12: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin C. Neuman
District Staff
District Directorate Chief - Logistics: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria L. Jacobs
AuxChef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis Grinstead
Communication Services:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMO Stephen C. Johnson
Diversity: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selwyn J. Keane
Human Resources: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas W. Shaw
Information Services: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harold L. Pruett
Materials: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John H. Whiting
Publications: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julia D. Dye
District Directorate Chief - Prevention: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim E. Castrobran
Marine Safety:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James J. Haas
Member Training: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert E. Holm
Navigation Systems: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Richard Reinhardt
Public Affairs: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kirk Scarborough
Public Education: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. Ken Harrell
RBS Visitor Program: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna M. Smeal
Vessel Examination: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darrell L. Hannon
District Directorate Chief - Response: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bert Blanchette
Aviation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eugene A. Korney
Communications: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy L. Lay
Incident Management: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Eric De Cuir
Operations: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dale R. Zimmermann
Finance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virgil A. Campbell
Legal/Parliamentarian: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce J. Kelton
District Planner: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harold L. Bodkin
District Metrics:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMO Robert Sterzenbach
Secretary/Records: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tanya M. Wilkins
State Liaison:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMO David L. Pottinger
Auxiliary Affairs Specialist: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leslie B. Pelosi
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
The disclosure of the personal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act 1974. The
subject ACT, with certain exceptions, prohibits
the disclosure, distribution, dissemination or
copying of any material containing the home
address, home telephone number, spouses
name, and social security numbers, except for
Official Business. Violations may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanctions.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Please submit all articles, pictures, corrections, and updates to the DSO-PB.
Julia Dye
[email protected]
818-349-6640
Who We Are
Since 1939, the men and women of the United
States Coast Guard Auxiliary have volunteered
millions of hours in support of the U.S. Coast
Guard and the recreational boating public.
We are the uniformed civilian volunteer arm of
the Coast Guard.
Our Missions
Recreational Boating Safety - consisting of our
many boating safety classes, distributing boating safety information to the public, providing
free vessel safety checks, and doing safety
patrols on land, water and in the air.
Support of Maritime Homeland Security and
other maritime safety challenges that have
emerged in recent years.
4
The Blue Aiguillette
by Alfred J. Verdi, District Commodore
(elect), District Chief of Staff
he Blue Aiguillette is the braided
cord with silver tips worn by the
District Chief of Staff. During
my frocking two years ago after the
2010 District elections, the wisecracks were goodheartedly flying
from the Staff such as: “That’s what
they’re going to hang you with…,”
and so on. Perhaps deservedly, the
office of DCOS is one in which
many random issues and tasks are
deposited for resolution. But make
no mistake, it is a fantastic job. It is
a position designed to support and
enhance the District Strategic Plan as
put in place by the District
Commodore. It is a position which
gives an over-the-horizon view of all
disciplines in the Staff and where
T
they are going as a group, and places
your hand firmly on the wheel and
throttles to guide the District upon
the orders of the DCO. As all members of a boat crew must work in
harmony for a smooth and safe mission, the same holds true for guiding
the activities of the staff in coordination with the needs of the Division
Commanders. It has been an honor
serving as DCOS under the mentorship of COMO Jacobs, DCO.
District Elections are behind us
after a long and fruitful summer
filled with public service, augmentation of the Coast Guard, and fun
and fellowship. There are still a lot
of missions in front of us until the
end of the year, notably in member
training and public education as
patrols
begin
trailing
off.
Congratulations to all members who
ran, or are running, for office at all
levels. It is vital that our elected
officers are
enthused and
inspired—
and having
many candidates running
will
accomplish
that. Those
that
don’t
make it this
time are to be honored for stepping
up and hopefully they will run
again. I look forward to serving as
your District Commodore in 2013
and 2014 and want to publicly thank
COMOs
Jacobs,
Johnson,
Sterzenbach, Conrado, Densmore
(deceased), and Pottinger for their
mentorship and encouragement during my term as DCOS. I look forward to working with Bert
Blanchette, DCOSe, the new Bridge
Board and Staff, and DIRAUX and
OTO in the new term.
Semper Paratus.
Inside this Issue
A History of the Aiguillette
Long ago, before knights wore metal armor, they wore coats
of thick bull hide or sole leather which laced up the back. A
knight couldn’t lace up his own armor, and so his squire was
responsible for this task, and was required to carry a supply of
stout leather thongs tagged with a bone or metal point.
According to James Moss’s Officer’s Manual,
page 112, the squire carried these thongs in a
small roll or bundle hanging over his shoulder,
and the habit developed into the idea of an aide
or adjutant wearing the aiguillette as the badge
of his office.
The word Aiguillette means small needle, and
refers to the tag at the end of a cord for ease in
threading or to prevent fraying. The word aglet,
defined as the plastic tip at the end of shoelaces
A leather or bolo ties, comes directly from Aiguillette.
aiguillette
District Change of Watch..........................p.2
The Blue Aiguillette..................................p.4
Al Verdi, Songwriter .................................p.5
Two-Stroke Engine Regs ..........................p.6
Stephen Lee, Auxiliarist of the Year .........p.7
DTRAIN 2013 ..........................................p.7
Sector San Diego.......................................p.8
Gratitude to our Military...........................p.10
COMO Densmore .....................................p.10
Comms Boot Camp...................................p.11
Antenna Upgrade Project..........................p.12
Situational Awareness ...............................p.13
Planning for Success .................................p.14
Sea Cadets .................................................p.15
LT John Bannon ........................................p.16
Public Education .......................................p.17
PWC Team ................................................p.18
The OTO Says...........................................p.18
Patriot Heart
Al Verdi, Songwriter
hen people think about the
military, music is generally
one of the last things that
come to mind. Music, however,
plays a large role in military history—in fact, the U.S. military is one
of the largest employers of musicians in the country.
It’s no different with the Coast
Guard. The United States Coast
Guard Band was organized in March
1925. In 1965, President Lyndon B.
Johnson signed congressional legislation resulting in the Coast Guard
Band becoming the permanent, official musical representative of the
nation’s oldest continuous seagoing
service.
A band needs music to play.
Have you ever thought about who
writes the songs? One of the composers whose work has been performed by the Coast Guard band is
our own Al Verdi, Chief of Staff for
District 11 Southern Region, and
incoming District Commodore. He
wrote three Coast Guard-inspired
pieces—Patriot Heart, Commodore's
Theme, and We Are One—between
2006 and 2008.
Visit the Honor Guard music
page on the website of Flotilla 12-4,
Los Angeles, California, for the
lyrics and recordings of Al Verdi’s
music. All the pieces were recorded
at Leamy Hall, the concert and studio facility of the band at the Coast
Guard Academy.
Music has always been a part of
W
Al’s family. His father played the
violin, and both his sisters studied
piano since grade school. His older
sister made a career in music, and
has been a music director for the Los
Angeles Unified School District for
the last 25 years while also directing
church choirs. Al started playing the
accordion when he was eight years
old, having been inspired by Myron
Floren of the Lawrence Welk show.
In the late 1980s, he began playing
and composing on the guitar.
Al had a love of march-style
music since watching the Mummer’s
Parade in his home town of
Philadelphia in the 1950s. He was
inspired to write Coast Guard-related music in 2005, when Flotilla 124’s color guard was formed. The
color guard’s success has been
demonstrated through over 60 Los
Angeles Clippers games at the
Staples Center with presentation of
the colors during the national
anthem. “All that, along with being
Flotilla Commander of 12-4 in those
years produced this music,” says Al.
“In particular, the lyrics were the
most fun, and to this day express my
guiding themes, and how I feel about
our roll as Auxiliarists.”
The greatest honor for Al is that
these three pieces will live on in the
catalog of the Coast Guard Band.
Coming from an Auxiliarist, his
music shows that truly "We Are
One" with the active duty side in
this, and in so many other ways.
Words and Music: Alfred J. Verdi
O’er the swells of moonswept
oceans
Ever far beyond the tide
Sailin’ on in stormy waters
Hear not a saving cry
All the world is searching for the
place
Where freedom rings and honor
lives
Our time is right to tell the world
We know the joy that peace can give
And now it is conceded - we’re on
our own
With will of steel - we rely upon
God save this land and grace our
hand
No steadfast souls depart
You always have succeeded
....Steady Patriot Heart
Grazing fields of grain and water
Always full of earth's delight
A bounty borne of love and toil
Plows full of hope in meadow
bright
Though each of us are grains of
sand
From west to Oceanica
The bond connects us over water
To the shores of America
And now it is conceded - we’re on
our own
With will of steel - we rely upon
God save this land and grace our
hand
No steadfast souls depart
You always have succeeded
....Be Steady Patriot Heart
It has to be repeated – we’re on our
own
[Repeat Entire Verse]
....Be Ready Patriot Heart
We’ll never be defeated – the seeds
are sown
[Repeat Entire Verse]
....Always Ready Patriot Heart
© 2008 Diesel Strong Music, All Rights
Reserved, Used By Permission
The United States Coast Guard Band performs at government
functions and tours throughout the United States. (Photo courtesy
of the U.S. Coast Guard Band)
5
6
Two-Stroke Vessel Engine Regulations
by COMO Michael C. Johnson, IPDCO
resently, the 2003 carbureted two-stroke motor ban that goes into effect on January 1, 2013 only applies to
personal watercraft (Jet-Skis, SeaDoos, WaveRunners, etc). The rule applies to the Lake Mead National
Recreational Area (NRA), which includes Lake Mead and Lake Mojave.
Regulation 36 CFR §7.48 (f)(3) - After December 31, 2012, no one may operate a personal watercraft
(PWC) that does not meet the 2006 emission standards set by EPA for the manufacturing of two-stroke engines.
A person operating a personal watercraft that meets the EPA 2006 emission standards through the use of directinjection two-stroke or four-stroke engines, or the equivalent thereof, is not subject to this prohibition and will
be allowed to operate as described in this section. If you do not know that your vessel complies with these regulations, please check with the manufacturer of the vessel. This regulation may be in effect in other waters as
well—please check with local authorities.
P
•
This ruling was established to keep your lake and national park clean. Lake Mead supplies drinking water
for millions of people in Las Vegas. Carbureted two-stroke engines have been shown to discharge as much as 25%
of their fuel directly into lake waters. These emissions have the potential to harm water quality, people's health,
and aquatic organisms.
•
There is a ten year phase-in of this PWC rule at Lake Mead NRA. The rule was announced in 2003.
Enforcement will begin on January 1, 2013.
•
If you do not know whether your vessel meets the 2006 EPA emission standards for two-stroke engines,
please contact the engine manufacturer or servicing mechanic.
•
This rule only applies to PWCs beginning January 1, 2013. However, the park's 2002 Lake Management
Plan states the park's intent to ban all polluting two-stroke engines that do not meet 2006 EPA emissions standards
in the future.
•
After 31 December, 2012, PWCs that are not within compliance will have their voyages terminated and the
PWC will have to be removed from the water. The point of the rule isn't to ticket boaters, but to ensure that the
most polluting engines are kept off the lake. As time passes, the number of non-compliant PWCs will decline
through attrition. Repeat offenders may face citations and fines. For more information, contact Lake Mead NRA
Public Affairs at (702) 293-8691, or visit: http://www.nps.gov/lake/parkmgmt/twostroke.htm
Newest District Flotilla Elects 2012 Bridge
by Alan Carver, DCAPT LA/LB-N
uring the month of September, Division 7 officially added a
sixth flotilla and 38 members with the transfer of Morro Bay
(114-07-61) as part of a boundary realignment between District
11 Northern Region and District 11 Southern Region that mirrors the
pre-existing boundary between Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach and
Sector San Francisco.
In a meeting held 3 October, 2012, members elected Ray David
as the new Flotilla Commander and Robert Wanser was elected Vice
Flotilla Commander. Division 7 Commander Tom Shaw presided
over the elections and welcomed the members to District 11 South.
D
Morro Bay--Ray David (center) receives his new
shoulder boards from Robert Wanser, current
Flotilla Commander (left) and BMC Cory Wadley
(right), OIC of Station Morro Bay.
Photo courtesy of Alan Carver.
Stephen Lee—2011 Auxiliarist of
the Year
tephen A. Lee, Flotilla 12-4 Los
Angeles, has been honored as
the 2011 Auxiliarist of the Year.
A music video director by trade, Mr.
Lee enrolled in the Auxiliary in May
2009 and immediately became an
active participant demonstrating
extraordinary enthusiasm and devotion to duty. In his short Auxiliary
tenure, he dedicated over 1,130
hours of service in direct support of
Coast Guard recreational boating
safety outreach, vessel safety
checks, marine patrols, search and
rescue missions, and marine environmental protection activities. He
vigorously pursued and achieved
qualification as Boat Crewman,
Vessel Examiner, Recreational
Boating Safety Program Visitor, and
became a well established Public
Affairs Specialist in Sector LA-LB.
Mr. Lee provided excellent photography, articles, and press releases
covering operations and official ceremonies. He regularly contributed
press releases promoting safe boating to the Coast Guard and Coast
Guard Auxiliary websites as well as
to the Los Angeles Times. Mr. Lee’s
S
LOS ANGELES - A Coast Guard Auxiliary boat
crew member tends a trail line during helohoist training on Santa Monica Bay with an
HH-65 "Dolphin" helicopter from Air Station
Los Angeles. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo
by Stephen Lee.
photography was awarded runner-up
in the Coast Guard’s 2011 Photo of
the Year contest.
Steve's passion for boating began
at age four, sailing with his family on
the Long Island Sound. Many years
of extensive cruising and racing
along the eastern seaboard followed.
He eventually obtained offshore
experience as the captain of a 50-
DTRAIN 2013
he 2013 DTRAIN for our
District is Friday-Sunday, 4-6,
January 2013.
The Unified Command set the
start of the 2013 DTRAIN as Fun
Night, Friday, 4 January 2013, at
1900.
This year’s theme is "Strength
Through Diversity." The Fun Night
Theme is "Pirates of the Caribbean."
Please Note: Registrations will be
taken at the conference but meals
will NOT be available.
All meals MUST be booked by
Dec. 10, 2012; No late or on-site
signup for meals will be available.
T
HOTEL INFORMATION
Orange County/Costa Mesa
Hilton Hotel and Conference
Facility
3050 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa,
California, 92626
Tel: 714-540-7000
For hotel room reservations call
the hotel directly, or register online
at:
http://dtrain.d11s.org/hotel
Mark your calendars for the dates
and start time. For more information, to to:
http://dtrain.d11s.org/
foot sloop in the West Marine 1500,
racing from Virginia to the British
Virgin Islands. While on the boat in
the Caribbean, he experienced a
Category 4 hurricane, something that
underlined for him the importance of
boating safety and preparedness.
Mr. Lee’s exceptional team spirit
and goodwill are hallmarks of his
reputation among counterparts and
community. He diligently contributed to and coordinated the production of Coast Guard unit newsletters, local boat shows, and recreational boating safety seminars in
southern California. Mr. Lee also
volunteered
as
the
Public
Information Officer for the Koru
Care Program that sponsors visits of
terminally ill children from New
Zealand to the United States. He
arranged for dozens of these children
to spend day-long visits aboard
Coast Guard patrol boats and Air
Station Los Angeles.
He was formally recognized as the
2011 Auxiliarist of the Year during
ceremonies at the Auxiliary National
Conference in San Antonio, TX on
25 Aug 12.
7
8
Sector San Diego
By Bob Nowak, DCAPT SD/I
n the January newsletter I wrote, “I
have attended all three COW/Awards
events. At every event I’ve been
made to feel at home and one of the
family. I am impressed with the enthusiasm and can-do attitude of every member I’ve met.”
Then in May, “On a
brighter note I had the
pleasure of visiting
Division 10 on 15 and
16 June. I got to talk
with some very dedicated people and learn just
a little bit about the
issues they face, especially in operations...The highlight of my visit was a
Patrol on Canyon Lake Saturday morning on Karen Novo’s well outfitted and
maintained boat. Her brief was professional and through. What impressed me
most was that they made more contacts
with the boating public in the two or
three hours I was with them than I do in
an entire patrol on San Diego Bay. I
believe the Coast Guard gets their
money’s worth from 10.”
Which brings me to this month’s
subject: The Inland Rendezvous. I just
I
returned from the one in Henderson
hosted by Division 9. This is the third
one Carla and I have attended, and as
usual, it was great fun. Those of you that
know Carla know that her interests lie
elsewhere, not with the Auxiliary, but
she always enjoys the Inland
Rendezvous because she feels welcome
and included. I cannot say enough about
this annual event; it is the Fourth
Cornerstone event of all Cornerstones.
This year, we attended the Tournament
of Kings on Friday night. It was great
fun. We got to revert to our childhood,
eating with our fingers, pounding on the
table, and screaming at the top of our
voices for no reason other than pleasure.
Saturday, we enjoyed a brunch cruise on
Lake Mead. We had an opportunity to
renew friendships and make new ones,
but the highlight for me was to watch
the bright eyes of CDR Janszen’s children as they won prizes in the raffle. I’m
sure that long after the prizes are forgotten, the kids will remember the excitement of winning. We can credit Division
9’s organizing committee for thinking of
the children and making their attendance at a grownup event kid-friendly. It
is just another example of the caring
attitude that permeates the Auxiliary.
You may have noticed the absence
of Division 1 in my reports. That isn’t
because it doesn’t do noteworthy
things, it does and lots of them. It’s
because it’s my home Division and to
beat their drum just didn’t feel right to
me. However, I want say that if it
weren’t for the fine people in Division 1
and the servant’s attitude that has permeated its activities over the years I’ve
been in the Auxiliary, I would not be
writing this today.
Next year, Tom Stoddard will be
DCAPT-SD/I. He is also a product of
Division 1. I consider Tom a good
friend. He’s a dedicated and proven
leader. His calm, caring, and confident
approach to issues will make him a fine
DCAPT. I look forward to serving him
in any way I can. I encourage you all to
support Tom and give him the same
friendly and encouraging support you
have given me this last year; he
deserves nothing less.
District
Calendar
Inland Rendezvous 2012 - The Desert Princess cruise to
the Hoover Dam on Lake Mead. Photo credit: Lisa Antram,
D.J. FSO-PB/CS, Flotilla 96
28 Oct: Wings, Wheels, and Rotors Expo
Los Alamitos Army Airfield
04 Nov: Daylight Savings Time Ends
06 Nov: Election Day
08 Nov: DEXCOM by Skype
10 Nov: District Elected Leaders Workshop
11 Nov: Veterans Day
17 Nov: COMO Richard “Denny” Densmore
Remembrance Service
22 Nov: Thanksgiving
07 Dec: Pearl Harbor Remembrance
04-06 Jan: DTRAIN 2013
The Most Interesting
Auxiliarist In the World
By CDR DesaRae A. Janszen, DIRAUX
He sent a text message using a rotary
any of you may not realize that
we have "The Most Interesting phone.
Justin Bieber thinks he's "dreamy."
Auxiliarist In the World" in the
He has caught a kraken and a merD11 Southern Region. I have asked
around and have compiled the following maid. He released them both, of course,
facts about this man (picture at right): and wished them well.
He caught a cold once and the
DIRAUX office shut down for a week.
He wears Trops under his ODUs.
The U.S. Naval Observatory calls
A cavalry bugle is his PFD "sound
him
daily to verify their master clock.
producing" device.
One time he shook his own hand, just
He received a Coast Guard Life
Saving Award for saving a shark from to see what all the fuss was about.
The equator crosses him.
drowning.
He has sailed the eighth sea.
He is the life of DTRAIN fun nights
He is always the stand-on vessel.
he has never attended.
Stars navigate by him.
He's won Auxiliarist of the Year for
Dolphins love to swim with HIM.
his game face alone.
His POMS account works flawlessly.
He won the Auxiliarist of the Year
87 percent of Sea Shantys are based
award in 1996...twice.
on
him.
His AUX ID requires no photo.
His AUXNET radio call sign is
Units make challenge coins to comBRAVO ZULU.
memorate his visits.
Graduates of his Boating Safety
He got his AUX-OP qual in only one
Classes get Master's Licenses.
week.
He has been granted permission to
He uses fresh octopus ink to polish
Mess with Texas!
his shoes.
People are still laughing at jokes he
His facilities aren't INSPECTED by a
Vessel Examiner, they are ADMIRED. told at DTrain in 1992.
Vegetarians flock at the opportunity
He doesn't dead reckon...he dead
to
eat his Auxchef BBQ.
knows.
Active Duty Rescue Swimmers ask
Alfred Thayer Mahan's "The
Influence of Sea Power Upon History" him for stories.
Red-Right-Returning was his idea.
was based upon his first year in the
He IS the Line in the Sand, the Shield
Auxiliary.
He's always the Incident Commander. of Freedom AND The Guardian.
His organ donation card also lists his
His Auxiliary patrol stories have
beard.
changed foreign policy.
The OTO says "whatever this man
His Travel Claim files itself.
wants."
Presidents take his birthday off.
No matter which direction he's facHe is...The Most Interesting
ing, the wind is always at his back.
Auxiliarist in the World.
M
Putting Liar back into
Auxiliary...one line at a
time...
This article is intended to be
SATIRE and should not be taken
literally.
9
10
Gratitude to Our Military
By Kim Castrobran, DDC-Prevention
an Pedro, California--The Cabrillo Beach Youth Center was the setting for the 2nd annual Gratitude to our Military event held on
September 9th. The event was started as a grass-roots effort by members of the community to collect much needed basic essential items such
as beef jerky, cookies, band-aids, DVDs, DEET Bug Repellent, small
flashlights, and deodorant. Other items were gathered, such as lip balm,
sun block, baby wipes, toothbrushes, batteries, white socks, and letters of
appreciation for our military service personnel deployed in the combat
zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. On hand to support the event were members of the Coast Guard’s Aids to Navigation Team LA/LB, a K-9 unit, and
Auxiliarists from District 11 Southern Region. The Auxiliary members,
which included Nancy Smiley of 12-42 Santa Monica Bay, Gordon West
of 61 Newport Harbor, James Fipps of 11-12 Big Bear Lake, Lee Anthony,
Tom Budar, and Kim and Rose Castrobran of 59 San Pedro, presented the
public with information on boating safety, marine environmental protection education and opportunities for visitors to learn about the Coast Guard
and CG Auxiliary. This was the first time the Coast Guard and Auxiliary
participated in the event.
S
Left to Right: Nancy Smiley, Tom Budar,
Congresswoman Janice Hahn (U.S. Rep,
36th District, CA), Kim Castrobran, James
Fipps, Lee Anthony, Rose Castrobran, and
Gordon West. Photo Courtesy of Kim
Castrobran.
COMO Richard W. "Denny" Densmore
Crossing the Bar
National Commodore James E. Vass, Jr.
regrets to inform you of the death of Coast
Guard Auxiliary family member Commodore
Richard (Denny) W. Densmore PDCO –
District 11SR, who passed away on October
05, 2012. He was a member of the Auxiliary
for 21 years.
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Dawn
Densmore and family at 24408 Vista Hills
Dr., Valencia, CA 91355-3131.
A Remembrance Service will be held on
17 November 2012 at 1300 at Eternal Valley
Memorial Park, 23287 North Sierra
Highway, Newhall, CA 91321.
Riverside, California – Doug Kroll of Flotilla 11-10 Palm
Desert, playing "taps" at the Veterans Cemetery.
Communications Boot Camp
UXCOM, the Auxiliary Communications Specialty course, focuses on
radio communications for the Auxiliary
and Coast Guard, providing broad knowledge
of the fundamental principles underlying
communications systems in use by both the
Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. It is one of the
few specialty courses cited as a requirement
for other Auxiliary activities. However, beginning January 1, 2008, the requirement for
ownership of an Auxiliary Fixed Land, Land
mobile, or DF Radio Facility became the
completion of the TCO (Telecommunications
Operator) PQS (Personal Qualification
Standard), which is also required by
Communication Officers who conduct radio
facility inspections. Beginning on that date,
an applicant must have successfully completed the TCO qualification or else be “grandfathered” by holding AUXCOM prior to
January 1, 2008.
In August, 20 Auxiliarists completed a 32hour Communications Boot Camp and
received their Certificates of Completion. In
addition, five Members completed 16 hours of
the program. 22 took the AUXCOM Exam.
Of the 20 who completed the 32 hours of
instruction, all have signed up for the
Communications Watchstander Program at
Station LA, which includes another PQS and
five Communications Watches under supervision, a CGAUX Pre-Board, and a CG Board.
A
Annotated – 23 October 12
Communications Boot Camp – Class Picture
Photo Credit: Bert Blanchette
Admin Support--YN2 Megan Johnson
reetings from the DIRAUX Admin shop! I have now been here for a quarter and I have met so many amazing Auxiliary
members. I am really looking forward to meeting many more at D-TRAIN this coming January. The travel claim
process for FY-12 has come to an end. All orders and office issued TONOs have been processed or accounted for. I am
in my first week of FY-13 and things are already rocking and rolling. If you have a claim from FY-12 that is being audited
and you need assistance, please email me at [email protected] I will be happy to walk you through the
process and assist you with any amendments or questions you might have.
Those of you that have processed a travel claim in the past three months might notice a new
change. You now receive a confirmation email from me indicating the status of your claim. My
hope is that this assists our Auxiliary members with developing a better timeline for anticipation
of funds.
When requesting the DIRAUX office for travel funds please completely fill out the US Coast
Guard Auxiliary travel request. You can find that form on our district website. For FY-13, travel
funds cannot be issued without justification. If you need assistance with filling out forms, or you
have questions about what is authorized I will be happy to address those concerns.
Once again, thank you for my very warm welcome to D11 Southern Region. I am looking forward to working with you and assisting you with all your Administrative needs.
G
11
12
Antenna Upgrade Project,
Yankee Sierra Repeater
By Jim Parkyn, FSO-CM Flotilla 55, Huntington Beach
antiago Peak, California —At
some undetermined time prior
to January 2012, the Y-S fiberglass “stick” antenna was struck by
lightning. A portion of the fiberglass
radome was destroyed and the internal antenna elements were severely
damaged. The hole in the radome
also allowed rain to enter and further
damage the antenna.
In this picture the dark
spot below the top of the
antenna is a 2” by 6”
opening. The degraded
performance
of
the
repeater was noted by
comms Auxiliarists in
Santa Barbara and San
Diego.
Over
the
ensuing
months, a group of
Auxiliarists gathered materials and
devised plans to not only replace the
antenna, but to improve the antenna
mounting and repeater coverage.
The new mounting would allow a
better antenna pattern by spacing the
new antenna further away from the
metal communications tower. The
old antenna was mounted on a
bracket that was only two feet long,
allowing the metal of the tower to
influence the radiation pattern.
As part of the plan, the new galvanized steel bracket was fabricated by
the Base LA/LB Metal Fabrication
shop to the same specifications as a
S
commercially made
bracket.
C4IT
Department Head
Phil Lonzello of
ESD LA/LB coordinated these activities with the shop.
The new Decibel
Products antenna
was originally purchased by the former comms contractor for the
USCG, Alpa Technologies; the coax
jumper was provided by Mike Frye;
the heavy-duty tower brackets by
Jim Parkyn; and the stabilizing arm
by Pat Stewart. The new antenna is
an all-aluminum antenna that should
prove to be more resistant to lightning.
The Auxiliarists met at 0800 on 28
January 2012 at the beginning of the
Silverado Canyon truck trail that followed a dusty and rough fire road 12
miles up to Santiago Mountain.
Work activities commenced at 1000.
While the old antenna was dismounted and lowered from the tower
by the tower crew, the ground crew
preassembled the antenna, bracket,
clamps, and coax jumper. All coax
connections were sealed with commercial weatherproofing kits. The
whole crew took a break for lunch
and rehydration.
With the assembly ready to go,
the ground crew hoisted the bracket
up using an electric winch and the
tower crew worked to swing the
new assembly into position. Once it
was set into the new mounting
brackets, it was leveled out, and the
final coax connection was tightened
and weatherproofed. Then the horizontal stabilizing arm was added to
prevent any movement in high
winds.
Initial checks showed less reflected power and subsequent reports on
the Tuesday Night Net indicated a
much improved antenna pattern.
After policing up old material and
trash, the Auxiliary crew departed at
1700 to drive down the truck trail.
Auxiliary Work Crew: Chris
Cutts, Mark Dietelbaum, Rick Ebel,
Mike Frye, Paul Ginder, Phil
Lonzello, Sal Morelli, Jim Parkyn,
Steven Shobe, and Pat Stewart.
OCTOBER 2012: News, events, resources, and more from Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 11 Southern Region 13
Situational Awareness
by Alan Carver, DCAPT LA/LB-N
everal years ago, the Coast Guard
instituted the Green-Amber-Red,
or GAR model. In its most basic
form, the GAR is a quantitative assessment of many conditions that may affect
a patrol or operation. In essence, it
assigns a numerical value to situational
awareness.
The GAR model was never intended
to be all inclusive and neither the GAR
nor situational awareness should be considered absolute. Both are dynamic and
should be viewed as constantly changing. As the day progresses, wind and sea
state change; fatigue and other factors
come into play; and the GAR should
change accordingly. Anyone who thinks
the GAR at the end of an evolution is
the same as it was at the start is deluding
themselves.
True situational awareness requires
constant vigilance. The environment we
frequently take for granted is in fact
dangerous, and we must sharpen our
senses accordingly. Our enemies are the
familiar, the prosaic, complacency, inattention, and distraction. According to
the recently released Boating Safety
Statistics, the number one and number
two causes of boating accidents is
improper lookout and operator inatten-
S
tion.
Two rules are immediately evident. It
is up to every member of a crew to
know what is going on around them and
everyone must pay particular attention
to anything that is out of place.
Nothing in this world just appears out
of nowhere. The police officer that just
gave you a ticket was there all along.
You just weren't alert enough to detect
his presence. Ace fighter pilots often
relate that their "victims" rarely if ever
knew they were sharing the sky with an
opponent.
“A commander may be forgiven for
being defeated, but never for being surprised.” This maxim is among the first
to be impressed on new officers.
Alertness is, to some extent, an inherent
personality trait—but it can none the
less be learned and improved.
Even a cursory review of boating
accidents will reveal that the great
majority of victims are taken by surprise. Whatever happens, happens so
fast there is little chance to grab a PFD,
issue a distress call, or properly react to
a rapidly cascading situation.
When people say they are taken by
surprise, it’s just another way of saying
they were not paying attention. Whether
the underlying cause was familiarity,
boredom, or any
other
excuse
doesn’t matter.
The real issue is
they were not
aware of the
evolving conditions at hand.
Disasters are
rarely
single
events. Single
events are generally manageable. It’s when a second,
third, or even a fourth factor is added
that the overall situation becomes
unmanageable.
One tenant of being considered an
expert at any craft is having enough
humility to continuously learn from
both your own mistakes and the mistakes of others, and temper that humility with the sense to know when to be
afraid.
The one who anticipates the action
wins. The one who does not loses. We
must learn from the experience of others, and do everything we can to avoid
being surprised.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Participates In Thai Cultural Day
by Rose Castrobran, FSO-PB, Flotilla 59 San Pedro
Thai Cultural Day was started by the Thai Community Arts and
Cultural Center to preserve and promote Thai arts and culture
through educational and entertainment activities, and to
enhance a multicultural understanding among different ethnic
groups. It is held every year in September at the Barnsdall Art
Park in Hollywood. This year marked the event’s 20th year.
Members of District 11 Southern Region participated in this
year’s event as part of the Auxiliary’s diversity outreach program. Members Kim Castrobran, ADSO-DV, Flotilla 59 San
Pedro, and Rose Castrobran, also from 59, operated an
Auxiliary booth at the event. Visitors were interested in the
missions of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary, and opportunities
in our organization. Event sponsors were grateful for the
Auxiliary presence at their event, the first time in its 20-year
run.
14
Planning for (Next Year’s) Success
By Tom Jacobsmeyer, DCAPT LA/LB-S
o, it’s now near the end of the year
and we can begin to relax, take
some time off, have that last backyard barbeque…well, maybe for a
short time. This is the best time to pull
your staff together and start next year’s
planning process and have that barbeque afterward. I’ve written down
some basic processes for annual planning that may be helpful for you or your
flotilla/division to start looking at next
year. These are the processes I still use
each year for planning my organizations
approach to the next future success.
If you plan to be effective in you
flotilla or division plan, you need a
working tactical plan to follow through
on the approach. A large part of planning is identifying your goals and
describing how you plan to reach them.
When setting out on the planning
process, put the plan on paper in rough
note form first. Post them in your den or
work area so that you see them each day.
This visibility helps your mind workout
the complexities of the plan and helps
identity the important parts. Simply
writing or printing out the goals and
being able to see them on a daily basis
can keep you more focused on your plan
than simply knowing what your goals
may be. When setting goals, rely on the
SMART goal-setting process:
S
SMART
• Specific
• Measurable
• Agreeable
• Realistic
• Timely
Step 1
Set specific goals. Without specificity, you don’t know your direction or
even when you’ve achieved your goal.
Instead of writing: “Increase VEs” write
a specific goal such as grow VE by 15
percent by 31 December of this year.
This strictly creates you goal and
defines exactly what you are going after
in the planning process. A specific goal
makes it easier to plan the objectives
you need to reach in order to achieve it.
in setting goals for the flotilla. The
goals may focus on areas of the operations that are not important or where
there are few qualified members.
Decide the areas of concentration that
allow your flotilla the best chance of
enjoying success. And make sure that
you do enjoy it;
it is worthwhile
to acknowledge
that the flotilla
is doing well. It
may be useful
to establish one
goal that you
flotilla can succeed in where
other flotillas
have a weakness… plan to be the best
in one area. Then set secondary goals
that support it. This will ensure they are
relevant to the success of your operations.
Step 2
Develop goals that can be measured. If a goal cannot be measured, it is
impossible to monitor how well you are
doing in reaching your goal. Not be able
to measure success also leads to apathy,
everyone likes to know they are doing
well particularly against a set goal. In
the above example, a 15-percent
increase in VEs is measurable. An FC
can easily look at reports and performance data to determine if VEs have
increased by 15 percent at mid-year or
year-end. When setting measurable
goals, it may be helpful to set mini-goals
with it. With our example, a flotilla may
also implement quarterly increases that
Step 5
would be needed to reach the overall 15
Attach deadlines to your goals.
percent increase in sales for the year. Without time lines, goals are useless.
This can ensure the flotilla remains on Our first example about increasing VEs
target through the year.
is not, of itself, a timely goal. However,
our specific goal gives a deadline of 31
Step 3
December of this year to increase VEs.
Implement business goals that are This provides a concrete and measureagreeable to the flotilla and its staff. If able deadline for the goal. It gives a
you have the goal of becoming number time when the goal should be planned
one in VEs in the nation the next year it for and measured to determine whether
could be a difficult goal to achieve. It is the objectives have been achieved. All
important that the goals you set can goals should have a time line attached
actually be reached based on the current that can be measured and track your
resources of your business. Give mem- successes, and conversely, see where
bers goals they can reach, so when each you might need to make adjustments.
mini-goal is achieved, that in it will be a
Success will be yours if you set a
motivator.
good foundation and some S.M.A.R.T.
goals. Reward yourself often and
Step 4
remember making spur of the moment
Be realistic when planning and set- resolutions at midnight on New Year’s
ting goals. Some FCs will go overboard Eve is not a planned, smart resolution.
Auxiliary instructs Naval Sea Cadets About Boating Safety
by Kim Castrobran, DDC-P
embers of the Haven and Hamilton Divisions of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets under the Command of Ltjg.
Maili Torres (USNSCC) spent the day learning about boating safety from instructors from the Coast Guard
Auxiliary at the Coast Guard base on Terminal Island. The instructor group included Roger Helizon, Jackie
Garrabrant, Roy Garrabrant, and Geoffery Emery, all of Flotilla 57, North Torrance. Refreshments and
doughnuts were provided by Kim and Rose Castrobran of Flotilla 59, San Pedro.
The Sea Cadet program is a great opportunity for teens to learn responsibility and team work while developing skills that may lead to serving with branches of the armed forces. Many of the students attending the class assist
with venues as the monthly open house at Point Vicente Lighthouse.
M
Letter of Appreciation to Flotilla 11-12
The Big Bear Municipal Water District would like to express our appreciation for
Flotilla 11-12’s continued efforts on Big Bear Lake. The assistance provided by the
Auxiliary is invaluable during peak season weekends and allows our officers to
focus on our mission of educating the boating public and enforcing California
Boating Law. The presence of an additional resource on the Lake has on numerous
occasions made the difference between life and death in emergency situations.
Flotilla Commander Gytri has done and exemplary job of communicating with
the District in coordinating our efforts on the Lake and his dedication for Boating Safety is evident in each activity the Auxiliary is involved with. The Auxiliary’s numerous education outreach programs have reached an
untold number of boaters and have made a great improvement to the number of educated and prepared boaters.
Vessel safety inspections and Boating Safety classes help
us tremendously in educating the boating public. The Big
Bear Lake Patrol greatly values our working relationship
with the Auxiliary, and we look forward to working together in the future.
Sincerely,
Adam Williams
Lake Operations Supervisor
Radio watch on Labor Day Patrols - Sharon Gytri and Eric
Eatherly. Photo courtesy of Sharon Gytri.
15
16
Lieutenant John Bannon
US Coast Guard, Sector San Diego
Waterways Management Division Chief, Sector Auxiliary Liaison
ello from Sector San Diego!
I’m going on my third month
in the job, and slowly coming up
to speed on the different
Divisions, Flotillas, AOR, and District
Staff.
The
diversity of the
AOR,
from
Lake Powell to
Oceanside
Harbor, from
support
by
Sector LA/LB,
Eight
West,
Eleven North,
is impressive. As the Auxiliary Liaison
position, it’s my collateral duty to
Waterways Management. It’s a great fit.
AUXLO truly should be a full-time job.
I’m enjoying every minute of it. I’m a
San Diego native and love being home
with my wife Tahni, and kids Sean and
Sabine.
The key things I’ve seen so far are
the dedication and enthusiasm. I’ve met
a lot of people so far. And though I
haven’t made it to a large portion of the
inland AOR, I look forward to doing it
soon.
H
The role I play as I see it is to support
the Auxiliary mission and provide planning and direct support for Flotillas. In
addition, I am able to update the Sector
and Director of Auxiliary Operations for
District Eleven South with all that we
do. I foresee this year greater
Recreational Boating support, training
in support of Active Duty, Marine Event
support, outreach and visibility missions
and focused patrols throughout the AOR
based on safety and security (eyes &
ears). In addition, for the inland
waters—greater support to the National
Park Service (NPS). In fact, in the past
month, Division 10 supported over 15
support patrols while NPS searched for
two missing drowned bodies. The support was critical, in lieu of the decrease
in NPS boats after the busy summer season.
Lastly, I would like to add for all our
Sector San Diego staff, please read the
Auxiliary
Surface
Operations
Instruction, signed by CAPT Mahoney
in May of 2012. The instruction sheds
light on all our operating procedures,
including completion of After Action
Reports after each mission. It also
stresses informing the chain-of-command in all issues that occur on patrol.
Search and Rescue, Claims cases,
injuries, all need immediate notification
to me, and the Joint Harbor Operations
Center (JHOC). I can be reached at
(858)
754-7769
or
at
[email protected]. If you don’t
have a copy, email your Flotilla
Commander.
We are fortunate for the missions we
have and the impact we have on the
waterways. I share with all my watch
words:
• Know your job
• Take care of your shipmates
• Lead with integrity
Thank you again for all you do.
Sector success could not be attained
without all of the Auxiliary support.
And in this environment of tighter
budgets and return to focus on legacy
missions, the work we do stands out. I
look forward to the success we will
continue to attain during the next three
years!
CONGRATULATIONS to the members
below who earned the following Membership
Longevity awards:
Robert Scharnott in Flotilla 10-7, Metro
Phoenix, for 30 years
Eileen Stephen in Flotilla 11-7, Chino, for 30
years
Phyllis Benson in Flotilla 73, The Islands, for
35 years
Robert Seymour in Flotilla 64, Tustin, for 45
years
Oceanside Harbor--Harbor Days with Flotilla 16 and Jack
Sparrow. Photo Courtesy of Lt. John Bannon.
Public Education New Look for 2013
By M.K. “Ken” Harrell, DSO-PE
he District 11 Southern Region
Public Education department will
be taking on a new look in 2013.
This realignment will not only
address the issues and challenges facing
the Auxiliary’s role in boating safety
education, but will also more accurately
reflect
this
District’s stated
objectives. To
explain
this
“new look” and
“realignment,”
allow me to
present to you,
the
2013
appointed staff
First,
let me introduce Suzanne White.
Suzanne will assume the title of ADSOPE (Liaison) and will be interacting
with the SO-PEs throughout the District
monitoring program implementation,
instructor development, and reporting.
Suzanne comes with 17 years as a member and is just finishing up as DCDR of
Division 10, where she also assigned
herself to fill the SO-PA, PB and PE
positions while at the same time taking
on the task of FSO-MT for her Tempe,
AZ flotilla. She is certified as a
coxswain, instructor, and vessel examiner.
Next is Steve Sherman, ADSO-PE
(Technical). Steve will be serving as our
PE web-master and go-to guy on the
AUXPLUS-PE program that was introduced this year. He will also be working
with other District Communications
Services people in developing an independent student evaluation program.
Steve has been an Auxiliarist for a little
over four years and is certified as boat
crew, first aid and CPR provider, and
vessel examiner. He has also been the
Division 6 SO-IS for the past two years.
T
Our newest member and valued
addition to the staff is Sherry Fulcher,
ADSO-PE (Paddle Sports). Sherry
joined the Auxiliary in 2010 and is completing her first term as SO-IS for
Division 10 while serving as FSO-PA
for her Page-Lake Powell flotilla. She is
a certified instructor and telecommunications operator, and she is currently
working on her certification as an
instructor for the American Canoe
Association. Sherry is charged with
development of district wide paddlecraft educational programs, ACA interface for instructor accreditation, and
materials.
As you may have surmised from
these introductions, we will be expanding our use of technology in 2013.
Access to internet-based meetings will
allow us to more efficiently conduct
workshops and meetings, and will give
us an instructional tool for implementing AUXPLUS PE so that flotilla PE
administrators can standardize and simplify the organizational processes of
holding Public Education classes.
Division and flotilla staff officers should
have received three PowerPoint presentations.
Paddle sports are here to stay, and
the Auxiliary needs to get with the program. Next year, with the hopeful cooperation of the American Canoe
Association, we will develop the
instructors needed to address these
issues along our coastal waterways.
I would certainly be remiss if I didn’t thank the 2012 PE team for their
efforts: Jerry Hendrix, ADSO-PA
(North); Peter Dawson, ADSO-PE
(South); and Douglas Colvin, ADSOPE (Inland/SD). Their efforts provided
the discovery and road map for the
direction we’ve ultimately taken. Bravo
Zulu, guys.
The last member of the District PE
Team is….well….me. And, I’m just
tickled pink to have such a group of talented, motivated, and enthusiastic volunteers to pursue the challenges that are
facing us in 2013. But our effectiveness
will only be gauged by the cooperation
and commitment of the rest of the
Division and Flotilla RBS teams
throughout the District. Any successful
PE program will require the coordinated efforts of all. Remember, it’s all
about saving lives. See you at
DTRAIN.
Alamitos Bay, Long Beach--Two paddle boarders with Personal
Flotation Devices aboard. Photo Credit: Harry Jacobs
17
18
Personal Watercraft Team
By Leslie Pelosi, Auxiliary Affairs Specialist
nyone who has been on or near the
water in the past 20 years or so has
likely encountered a Sea-Doo, Jet
Ski, or other similar small one to
four-person power boat which falls into
the category of Personal Watercraft.
These can be a lot of fun to ride, but also
quite dangerous in the hands of inexperienced boaters. As Auxiliarists charged
with promoting boating safety, we are
able to help improve knowledge about
these vessels both in the classroom and
on the water.
Did you know that the Auxiliary has a
Personal Watercraft (PWC) program
that includes using these versatile vessels as Surface Facilities? Our district
currently has approximately 15 qualified Personal Watercraft Operators
(PWO) as well as a few members in
training. While auxiliary PWCs on
A
orders are not allowed offshore or in the
surf zone, they have proven to be valuable assets in our efforts to educate the
public. PWCs on orders must work in
tandem with another PWC or boat.
Many times, the PWC is able to get in
very close to the shore to assist a disabled vessel and pull it out to deeper
water so the boat can take the tow.
Another obvious advantage is that
PWCs are less costly to operate than
many boats.
In the past three years, I have done
more than 200 hours of patrols on my
PWC, and feel that the biggest gain we
get from this program is the ability to
relate directly to the recreational PWC
operators on the lakes and rivers. If I’m
on a patrol boat and I try to talk to a
PWC operator to educate him or her on
safety issues, I know that they’re look-
Pyramid Lake, California--Al Verdi assists Leslie Pelosi, in the
water, during a PWC Training Day. Photo Credit: Linnea Haas
ing up at me and hearing blah, blah,
blah—like the adults in the Peanuts cartoons. When I am able to approach
these same boaters eye-to-eye, on their
level, with a machine similar to theirs, I
am able to get their attention and
explain to them how their actions could
affect their safety and that of other
boaters.
This past weekend, seven members
of our PWC Team met at Pyramid Lake
near Gorman, California for a day of
fellowship, teambuilding, and training.
We exchanged ideas and suggestions,
going through each of the PWCs to discuss different layouts and lessons
learned about how to make the best
possible use of these assets. We did several hours of skills exercises including
low and high speed maneuvers, simulating approaching and assisting persons in the water. Our day concluded
with a lake familiarization ride and an
actual tow of a disabled PWC. We will
be holding more of these training days.
These days will likely be in late spring
of 2013, both in California and Arizona,
to get our skills back up to par prior to
our next boating season. If you are
interested in becoming part of our PWC
Team, please try to attend the workshop
at DTRAIN 2013.
The OTO Says…
By Richard J. Hutchison, BOSN4, USCG
he Boat Owner is generally the best
person to be a coxswain for his or
her own boat. Those owners who
are not Coxswain qualified are
strongly encouraged to work in that
direction.
T
If you don't have at least 12 hours
on-the-water yet, seriously consider
dropping out of the Boat Crew program.
Waiting until you get a ride in a Boat
Parade is pretty silly and just meeting
bare minimums does nothing to forward
our goal of proficiency.
I have received only one request for
the e-excellence award program this
year so far. I would like to see more
crews striving towards this team excellence designation.
Crew quals: I spend far too much
time trying to certify members as Boat
Crew members or Coxswains only to
discover that their ICS 100, 700, or
some other requirement is not shown in
AuxData. This is not MY responsibility.
It is the responsibility of the member,
the boat crew mentor, and the person
requesting the QE checkride to ensure
that the requirements have not only been
met, but that they are reflected in
AuxData. It would be a big waste of
everyone’s time and resources to have
the candidate turned away at the dockside brief for lack of this detail being
fulfilled, but it could happen. There are
programs in place; let’s use them.
Coxswains are responsible for
EVERY activity on the facility while
under orders. Coxswains are responsible
to maintain a radio guard and report any
and all incidents to the OIA via that
radio guard immediately. As soon as
possible after an incident, the details of
the incident must also be reported to the
Director and Auxiliary leadership.
The new OIA at SECTOR LA/LB is
LT Brownie Kuk. The New OIA at
SECTOR San Diego is LT John
Bannon.
Make
every
patrol
count.
Continually train to become proficient.
Don't get caught fishing.
We have a Continuing Resolution for
50% of last year’s budget for Patrols
that will take us to March of next year.
There could be a reduction in funding
this fiscal year. There will be a 30%
reduction Coast Guard District 11 wide
for travel.
Offer for use forms are looking pretty good, however we spend far too
much time contacting folks to pull the
last bit of required information out of
them. Please make every effort to submit a complete package. Requirements
can be found on our district website.
Include the PEPIRB Battery Expiration
Date along with the PEPIRB current
registration, Current vessel documentation/Registration.
If last year I accepted a N/A in an
area doesn't mean that it will be acceptable this year. I see several forms a
week and can't follow up on everything.
If it is on the form and it applies according to the book, you need to have it.
Vessel Examiners that inspect
Facilities need to be experienced
inspectors who have a good knowledge
of what is required for facilities and
who will actually and physically check
each item.
Next
year,
plan
your
OPTREXs/OPTRAs towards actual
SAR/Maritime-type exercises to promote proficiency, not QE boat crew
qualifications.
Toys 4 Us is Underway
SAN PEDRO, CA -- The annual Toys 4 Us toy drive is underway. Once again, District 11SR is soliciting Christmas toys from
our members to be distributed to Coast Guard families. Age-appropriate donations are being sought for all age groups from
toddler to teenager, and should consist of new toys or articles of clothing in original, unopened packaging.
Members are urged to bring their donations to the Director's office during the months of November. Be aware that the
cutoff date for distribution is not long thereafter, so
please get your donations in by November 30th.
Director's Office:
Commander, Auxiliary (dpa-s)
1001 S. Seaside Avenue, Bldg. 39
San Pedro, CA 90731-7391
19

Oct2012Newsletter_CGA Newsletter

Transcription

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