The Watchstander - Atlantic Maritime Academy

Division 15
District 1SR
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Watchstander
_______________________________________________December 2011
From the Center Seat:
Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's
troublesome.
-Isaac Asimov, science fiction author
The quote above came to mind when I was thinking about
the end of the year. The New Year brings a transition for us
in the Auxiliary as new officers (both elected and appointed) assume their positions and
begin to think about the year ahead. Like the very top of our government, our outgoing
leaders peacefully transition control, data and information to incoming officers who will
be responsible for the helm. In most cases this happens without strife or discontent and
with a smooth action that almost goes unnoticed. But it should not go without notice.
There is work to make sure a smooth transfer occurs.
First, whether you are leaving office or simply starting a new term of office, now is a
good time to take a look at your files. Think about what information would be helpful to
hand over to a replacement and what information you would have liked when you took
office. This should be the basis of what you give to your successor. If you are your own
successor, then start your 2012 file system with critical information. Whatever is left over
after this is probably extra stuff that you can simply file for future reference or, if the
records retention time has expired, destroy. The next person in your office (even if it is
you) will appreciate having a place to start that will impart the most critical information
first and “nice to know” information for when they have more time to peruse it.
Second, remember that when the ball falls in Times Square at midnight, you are not
done! You are the immediate past office holder. You have been in the center of
everything going on for the past year (or perhaps more) and have an understanding of
why things were done that your successor may not have. You have experience – recent
experience – that cannot be duplicated by mere reports. It is your job to help the new
administration come up to speed and to provide valuable advice from someone who has
been there. This is essential so that we do not re-create the wheel over and over again. A
savvy officer will seek the counsel of their predecessor to be as successful as possible.
But there is a danger, and it is up to the Immediate Past officer to deal with it. They must
remember that they are NOT in the position anymore. Their function is advice, not
action. It is a tough thing to remember. For the past year (and perhaps more) they have
been calling the shots. Their decisions were the ones that counted and they had all the
information to make those decisions. No more. The information is now dated and no
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longer current in many cases. The experience and historical viewpoint is, however, and so
advice is the proper assistance. The Immediate Past officer must guard against trying to
compete with the sitting officer for dominance.
By the same token, a sitting officer should not ignore their
predecessor in that office. The Immediate Past has a
tremendous amount of information and experience that can
help you do your job. Imagine being able to begin work on
your goals and dreams without needing to wade through a ton
of basic information to start it. This is where your IP officer
can help. The IP can assist you in getting oriented earlier so
you can to the meat of the matters that you want to address.
Using your IP officer to help you navigate the pitfalls and
potholes of procedure and documentation can ensure that you
are off and running in the first few weeks instead of the first
few months. It is up to you to ask, though. Most IP officers are
trying not to step on your toes. By the same token, they are
dealing with a new position too – one where they are no longer
in the middle of the “know” on everything. This can be a tough
place, and a chance to feel like they can still contribute to the
Auxiliary can help the transition.
Lastly, transitions should contain more than just files and passwords. They also should
include status of ongoing initiatives and introductions to key personnel (along with
contact information). Perceptions of initiative direction and mission success priorities for
your area are very helpful to the incoming officer who is setting their own goals.
Transitions take time but there is no magic number for how long that is. They will be
complete when they are complete, as determined by the two people involved – the sitting
officer and the Immediate Past.
There is much more to be said about making the transition from one person to another –
or from one year to another – but space limitations preclude further discussion here.
Unlike Mr. Asimov, I don’t believe that transitions need be troublesome at all if we
approach them with understanding, respect and a genuine belief that the transition is for
the good of the Auxiliary.
Happy holidays with dreams for warmer weather and soft water.
Gregg Trask, DCDR
Change of Watch Recognizes Auxiliarist Achievements
The Change of Watch and Awards Banquet at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls
November 13 celebrated a successful year for Division 15. It featured the presentation of
colors by the Color Guard, brief speeches, many awards, a raffle, and the swearing in of
elected officers. Among more than 60 guests were CAPT Christopher Roberge,
Commander, Sector Northern New England; CDR Kenneth Pierro, Chief of Response,
Sector NY, and his wife Diana; BMCS Louis Coleman, OIC, Station Burlington, and his
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wife Lisa; and BMC Thomas Cairns, OIC, Cutter Wire, and his wife Sarah. Representing
the Auxiliary were Immediate Past District Commodore Steve Ackerman; Tom Venezio,
Past Deputy National Commodore Operations and Atlantic Area East; ANACO-FC
(Force Com) Gail Venezio;
Commodore Paul Smith-Valley,
First Northern Region; COMOelect Dennis DeGabriele, First
Northern, and his wife Rose;
District
Captain-elect
Jim
Canavan, Sector NY North, and his
wife Betty; and ASC Gordon Nash,
1NR.
Colors were presented by the
Division Color Guard: Terry
Tremblay, Paul Phillips, Mary Lou
Wood, and Jim Quaile.
CDR Gregg Trask acted as emcee, introducing the
special guests, and Tom Malone conducted a
successful gift raffle (right, with Jim Quaile).
Karl
and
Joan
Saboda presented their
annual summary of
Division activity and
presented awards to
the
most
active
members.
The
following charts and statistics are taken from their
presentation. The first chart shows the total hours each
flotilla has recorded in AuxData as of November, and what
percentage of members submitted their paperwork to be
entered into AuxData. Flotilla 15-13 was cited for having the highest percentage of
membership participation at 75%. (Left, Gene Frost, FC of 15-13, accepts the award.)
The numbers in parentheses show 2010 data:
Flotilla Participation
1502
1504
1508
1509
1510
1513
Division
15
2011 TOTAL
HOURS
Roster Members
AUXDATA Active
1540.55 2072.0 5863.7 8923.5 4392.4 1913.0 24705.15
36
15
14
6
34
24
52
33
25
16
20
15
181
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Flotilla Active
42%
(53%)
43%
(62%)
71%
(90%)
63%
(64%)
64%
(63%)
75%
(86%)
60%
(68%)
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Karl Saboda cited those from each flotilla with the most hours in AuxData:
Individual awards were given for outstanding performance in important areas:
Members who gave direct support to the Coast Guard were recognized:
Jim Canavan, Charlie Pound
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The Sabodas’ slideshow noted those who had recently received Auxiliary awards:
Above: Dave Iuliano, Carl Duford, Frank Williams, Mary Lou Wood
These members have received the Auxiliary Membership Service Award:
5 Years: Edward Locher, Bernard Garbauskas, William Koenig,
Donald Villemaire, Lawrence Wood, Craig Hammer,
Robert Brilling, William Perry, Mike Vanderwerken, Nancy Blanchard,
10 Years: Jean-Miguel Bariteau, Thomas Malone, Margaret Malone, Charles Pound,
David Carr, John Frost, Eugene Frost, Kama Ingleston, Deanna Joiner,
David Iuliano, Patricia Knapp
15 Years: Robert Dion, Henry Fortin,
John Hochmuth, Lynnda Hochmuth,
Ann Flynn, Gregg Trask,
David Hirtle, Robert Minter
20 Years: James Quaile
Gail Venezio
Thomas Venezio
35 Years: Karleen Teply
Gail Venezio, Craig Hammer, Tom Venezio
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The Annual Public Education Service Award
was presented to Tom Malone and Margaret Malone.
Gene Frost earned the Annual MDV/VE Service Award.
Thomas Malone, George Enny, James Wilson, Lynn Enny,
Ronald Volungus, Daniel Miller (right), and Michael Balch
received the Annual Operations Service Award.
Jim Canavan, Richard Castle, Richard Lynch, Thomas Venezio, Gail
Venezio, Ron Volungus, Charles Zarriello, and Mike Balch (2 awards)
earned the CG Meritorious Team Commendation.
Richard Castle was awarded the Marine Safety Training Ribbon.
Thomas Venezio received the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation.
Sector Northern New England uses the Division Change of Watch to present awards to
members that serve operationally under First Northern. This year SECNNE recognized
26 members from five flotillas for their service during July and August as watchstanders,
AuxChefs, telecommunications operators, and boat crew for the fireworks, cross-lake
swim, and triathlons. The citation states in part, “…the team compiled over 500 volunteer
hours, amassed 83 underway hours, and saved the Coast Guard in excess of $65,000.”
CAPT Roberge presented the CG Meritorious Team Commendation with Operational
Distinguishing Device to the following:
15-2: Richard Bayer, Nick Flora, Justin Oddy
Mike Stephenson, Rebecca Molinari,
Rod Halsted
15-8: Ted Alwine, Hugh Conners, Don Craig
Frank Williams, Carl Duford
Margaret Malone, Thomas Malone
15-9: James Wilson
15-10: Mike Balch, James Canavan, George Enny
Charles Pound, Karl Saboda, Gary Slusher
Lee Townsend, William Perry, Lynn Enny
15-13: Eugene Frost, Gregg Trask, Heidi Trask
Lynn Enny, Don Craig, Nick Flora
DCDR Gregg Trask singled out members by describing their special contributions and
presenting them Certificates of Appreciation:
15-2: Richard Bayer, Nick Flora, Phil Gullion, Ed Locher, Nancy Blanchard
15-4: Terry Tremblay, Richard Gabriels, Davide Abate, Scott Kuhn
15-8: Margaret Malone, Hugh Conners, Ted Alwine, Don Craig, Frank Williams
15-9: Dan Miller, Jim Wilson, Mike West, John Hinds
15-10: Jim Canavan, Karl Saboda, Charlie Pound, George Enny, Lynn Enny, Mike Balch
15-13: Dave Iuliano, Gene Frost, John Frost, Robert Vannier, Dave Carr, William Doyle
1NR: Gordon Nash
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The New Auxiliarist of the Year award to was presented to Rebecca Molinari of 15-2
for her impressive accomplishments in just ten months. Heidi Trask was named the
Auxiliarist of the Year for her work as a leader and as AuxChef chairman. And Flotilla
15-10 was selected as Flotilla of the Year for their non-stop activity and support of other
flotillas. George Enny, FC, and Lee Townsend, VFC, accepted the paddle.
Frank Williams presented the coveted Fouled Line
Trophy to Nick Flora for a photo of him by Rebecca
Molinari captioned “Don’t Just Stand There…Help!”
IPDCO Steve Ackerman swore
in the 2012 FCs, VFCs, DCDR,
and VCDR.
In his remarks, CAPT Roberge
said, “I’m a
huge supporter
of the Auxiliary.”
This
group is more important than any of our other Auxiliary divisions:
Station Burlington does twice as many SAR cases as any other station.
Since the Coast Guard budget will not be “robust,” he concluded, “we’ll
need you more than ever.”
The
DCDR thanks Change of Watch Chairman Lynn Enny, Jim
Canavan, George Enny, Karl and Joan Saboda, Terry Tremblay, Paul
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Phillips, Jim Quaile, Mary Lou Wood, Frank Williams, Hugh Conners, Tom and
Margaret Malone, and Nick Flora for their work in making the Change of Watch a
success.
CAPT Roberge and CDR Pierro stand with officers about to take their oath of office.
Division Welcomes New Members
Division 15 has added 16 members this year. New members should attend flotilla
meetings to determine how they can best contribute and how they should get started.
Here are our most recent AP members:
15-4: John Joyner
15-8: Sean Zerges
Welcome Aboard!
AUXCHEF Report: Heidi Trask, AuxChef Division Coordinator
Division
15 is proud to announce that we now have four AuxChef qualified
instructors:
James Canavan, District Captain-elect for Division 15, received his
AuxChef training in New London, CT, and has served in the galley
in Florida as well as Station Burlington for nearly 10 years.
David Iuliano has more than a decade of experience in the Station
Burlington galley and is owner and primary chef at his own
booming restaurant, Eddie’s Restaurant in Ticonderoga.
Gregg Trask has been serving meals at Station Burlington for over
a decade and was instrumental in developing the pilot program that launched the
AuxChef program in Division 15 over a decade ago.
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Finally, Heidi Trask has been assisting with meal preparation and planning at Station
Burlington for approximately five years and has a wealth of knowledge in event planning
and cooking in large quantities.
Please help me in welcoming your newly appointed AuxChef Instructors.
There will be an AuxChef class on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Eddie’s Restaurant in
Ticonderoga. This class will constitute the first half of the AuxChef training. The second
training date will be announced and held at Station Burlington. Given the limited supplies
and room at the Station, the program is thankful to David Iuliano for the use of his
restaurant kitchen. All participants must complete two days of training to become
qualified AuxChefs and meet the national standards set out in the AuxChef Manual
which will be provided to you.
It’s not too late to assist us with what we are calling The Twelve Days of Christmas. The
food service officer is on leave until after the New Year. The Station is running on a
skeleton crew. The AuxChef program is coordinating the delivery of baked goods and
meals from local restaurants through January 1, 2012. If you are interested in helping
with a financial donation to fund this effort, please send a check made out to USCG
Auxiliary-Div 15 in c/o Heidi Trask, 31 Mariner Way, Crown Point, NY 12928. Please
make a note in the subject line that the check is for the AuxChef Initiative.
Conference for Elected Leaders Is Held at Academy
First Southern Region’s annual Leadership Conference was held December 2-4 at the
Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Elected leaders from across the district
attended, including Gene Frost and Richard Gasser from 15-13, Lee Townsend and
Jeremy Putorti of 15-10, Dan Miller of 15-9, Carl Duford and Charlie Schenck of 15-8,
and Charles Poltenson of 15-4. Jim Canavan taught a class to Flotilla Commanders on
Conflict Resolution and Lynn Enny taught one on Meetings. Terry Tremblay attended in
his role as Administrative Assistant to the Commodore. Lynn Enny reports, “All classes
were held at the Academy. FCs and VFCs were split into four sections with over 100
attending. The time was filled Friday night, all day Saturday, and until 1300 on Sunday.”
The conference addresses the skills and competencies that the CG expects of its leaders,
such as running a successful meeting, conflict resolution, writing awards, and proper
uniforms, as well as the more intangible subject of how a leader leads. Above, Duford,
Canavan, and Tremblay take a break; Enny in the classroom.
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Division 15 leaders at conference: Richard Gasser, Eugene Frost, Lee Townsend, Daniel
Miller, Jeremy Putorti, Charles Poltenson, Lynn Enny, Jim Canavan, Carl Duford, and
Charles Schenck.
Fleet Week in San Francisco: a report from Craig Hammer, FC 15-9
I had not seen my sister in California for 3
years. It seemed that a good time to visit her
this year would be in the fall, after our
summer activities around here had tailed off.
So, she said, why not come during Fleet
Week? Thus, the wheels got set in motion
early in August dealing with the OTOs.
Fleet Week San Francisco actually ran for
four days, 6- 9 October. I was at the docks
when one of the patrols went out for the first
day, but I was not scheduled for that day. It
was not a pleasant day to be out there (cold,
rainy and foggy), for sure! At that time, I
met First Pilot Ron Darcey in person,
who I had conversed with by email on
several occasions. He was going out in
his Boat Crew capacity on that day.
Above, sunrise with Coxswain RE
Kleinen and brother and sister Hammer
team. Left, the Golden Gate Bridge.
It is always interesting to learn how
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folks in the different parts of our
organization
deal
with
similar
activities. In that regard, I found it
interesting to find out that all Boat
Crew Trainees in Eleven Northern
receive a big gear bag. In that bag is an
exposure suit, a float coat, a knife, a
mirror and several other items.
In the summer and fall of 2013, San
Francisco is hosting the America’s
Cup races. I plan on going out for
patrols during some part of that time.
But right now, there is some “fight”
between the local yacht clubs and the
Auxiliary as to who will have control
over the safety patrols during the
numerous days of sailing. The yacht
clubs think it should be their gig, but
they do not have the crowd control,
towing expertise, etc., that we as
Auxiliarists have been actively training to perfect. Above, Aux vessel Journey’s crew with
Coxswain NG Tarlson in center, Hammer on right.
Mohawk Valley Suffers Three Storms in Eight Days:
a report from Diana Kolsbun, IPFC 15-9
According to the NYS Canal web site, they planned to re-open the Erie Canal on
November 20, but then posted on December 4 that the canal was closed for the 2011
season. I believe it has been closed since August 28 when Hurricane Irene hit. Numerous
boats and docks were set adrift along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers during Hurricane
Irene. A week later on Friday, September 2, a tornado hit Cranesville along the Mohawk
near Lock 10 and traveled across Route 5, making a mile-wide path going north toward
Glenville. It took out trees
along the train tracks and
damaged homes for about three
miles. Then on September 4
Tropical Storm Lee came in
with heavy rain and more
flooding. Schoharie
County
had major flooding from both
storms. Homes were gutted and
some washed away. Even cows
were floating down the
river. One woman was washed
away while trying to evacuate
her home and another man died
when he was driving his truck
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that was caught in the raging
flood waters. Some schools
opened late in September
because they were used as
shelters for people who lost
their homes. Businesses and
the train station along Route
5 in Amsterdam were flooded
out due to 4 or 5 feet of water
running
inside
these
buildings. The historical Guy
Park Manor at Lock 11 was
flooded and part of the
foundation
collapsed
damaging the whole side of the building. Artifacts from the French and Indian War to the
present time that were inside the building were lost also.
Previous page: at Lock 10, the Mohawk River makes new path on shore around end of
lock; above, debris and damage at Lock 10 dam.
Auxiliarists in Action
Charles
Poltenson gave a
short talk at Flotilla 15-4’s
October meeting about New
York State’s response to
Hurricane Irene and Tropical
Storm Lee. He writes, “I
spent three weeks at the State
Emergency
Management
bunker at State Police HQ
and worked 14 shifts at the
Transportation Infrastructure
Branch. Having taken ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800, it was interesting to see what we are
taught versus what actually occurs and lessons learned. Rarely does one get the chance to
take an active role in a response and recover of this magnitude so it was an educational
experience.”
Twenty-eight members and guests of Flotilla 15-9
held their annual holiday meeting and party at the
Elks Lodge in Clifton Park on 9 December. A special
event during the meeting was the dedication of the
Flotilla Flag. This flag is the latest in contributions
made to the flotilla by Michael A. West. Earlier in the
year, West provided every member with a Challenge
Coin. At the November meeting, all present received
coffee cups with the new flotilla logo depicted.
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As there is no known
ceremony in the Auxiliary
publications
for
the
dedication of a flag, both
West and FC Craig T.
Hammer
independently
developed
a
suitable
ceremony for this dedication.
Hammer merged the two
ceremonies
into
one
composite. (Previous page,
Hammer poses in front of
new flotilla flag.)
During the party phase of the
evening, a Polish buffet with
fish and dessert was offered.
Photos at left reveal the
evening was a success.
In October, Flotilla 15-13 celebrated its 10
th
Anniversary on the very same day and
location where they were chartered. Special guests included all flotilla members’ spouses
as well as DCAPT-e James Canavan, the Division Commander and
the flotilla’s founding driving force, Gregg Trask, and VCDR Lynn
Enny, as well as 15-10 FC George Enny, and 15-8 VFC Carl
Duford and his wife Lois. The Celebration was held at Eddie’s
Restaurant, which is owned by the flotilla’s own FSO-OP Dave
Iuliano and his wife Beth (dancing, left). Flotilla Commander
Eugene Frost reports, “It was a wonderful celebration marked by a
moment of silence for deceased flotilla members Les Joiner and
Judy Visconti. Entertainment was provided after dinner by
Rockology, a local R&B band.” Flotilla 15-13 also had a joint
meeting and holiday fellowship at Eddies Restaurant where they hosted Lake George
Lake Steward Don Lindstrom, who helped 15-13 secure many vessel exams at the Mossy
Point Boat Ramp on Lake George.
Division 15 members have added new qualifications to their resumes recently:
15-2:
Nancy Blanchard Telecommunications Operator
Phillip Gullion Telecommunications Operator
Rebecca Molinari Telecommunications Operator
Justin Oddy Telecommunications Operator
Hugh Ross Telecommunications Operator
15-4: Davide Abate Marine Safety Training, Vessel Examiner
Richard Gabriels Vessel Examiner
Charles Poltenson Telecommunications Operator, Vessel Examiner
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15-9:
John Ravas Instructor
Neil Satterly Instructor
Michael West Program Visitor
15-10: George Enny Aids to Navigation Verifier
William Perry Telecommunications Operator
Charles Pound Telecommunications Operator
Gary Slusher Telecommunications Operator
Lee Townsend Telecommunications Operator
15-13: Eugene Frost Telecommunications Operator
The editor thanks Gregg Trask, Lynn Enny, Jim Canavan, Karen Wagner at DIRAUX, Frank
Williams, Craig Hammer, Don Craig, Bob Ellwood, Heidi Trask, Diana Kolsbun, Rebecca
Molinari, Gene Frost, Rande Wilson of 72, Gerard Andrews of 14-6, and Tom Malone for their
contributions to The Watchstander.
Photo of Enterprise bridge: Paramount Pictures.
The information contained in this document is subject to the provisions of the FEDERAL PRIVACY
ACT of 1974 and may be used ONLY FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the COAST GUARD and the
COAST GUARD AUXILIARY.
EDITOR: Margaret Malone. Winter address: 105 W. Camelot Drive, Palatka, FL 32177, 518-561-0561
[email protected]
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