NAVIGAT R eXPRESS First Quarter 2017 • Quarterly Newsletter for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

ALL ACROSS THE USA

USCG Auxiliary Remembers Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Story by Roger Bazeley

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and the associated memorials on Battleship Row is an experience beyond words as one is left to reflect upon the sacrifice and circumstances of the United States entry into World War II. The Battleship USS Arizona Memorial represented the beginning of the United States in World War II while the end of the war in the Pacific is represented by with the berthing of the Battleship USS Missouri where Japan signed the terms of their surrender and brought an end to the war.

Auxiliarists Participate Countrywide

Various events and parades were supported by other USCG Auxiliarists such as the members of the D11N Honor Guard from Alameda, California, Duane L. Blackwell and retired Superior Court Judge Chester Richard Bartalini who participated in The USS Arizona Memorial sits on top of the sunken USS Arizona, taken during 75th Pearl Harbor Day Memorial – Day of Remembrance.

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Roger Bazeley, USCG Aux

Pearl Harbor

Continued from page 1 Roger Bazeley, USCG Aux

D11N Honor Guard participated in the Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Parade, Oahu, Hawaii, Dec 7, 2016. They are shown here at the 2016 Annual Remembrance Day – Chester Bartalini, bugler.

the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day parade. The parade was held in Honolulu commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 27 Auxiliarists Blackwell and Bartalini are members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Honor Guard representing District 11 North, comprising Northern California, Nevada and Utah. Blackwell participates as lead sentry and Bartalini as trailing sentry. Also participating are active duty Coast Guard members CDR. J. Andrew Williamson and LT Ernest “Ernie” Saponara. CDR. Williamson is mentor to and instructor of the D11N Honor Guard. The D11N Honor Guard has participated in Alameda’s Fourth of July Parade, San Francisco Veterans Day Parade and the Fresno Veterans Day Parade. Other events the honor guard has participated in include: various memorials, changes of watch, retirements, ship christenings, Memorial Day services, professional sporting events Santa Cruz Harbor’s 50th Anniversary and other special ceremonies.

Back on the Mainland

On the east coast of the United States, members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Band Flotilla 7-22 performed and participated at the American Air Power Museum located in Farmingdale New York, on the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

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At the ceremony, the Air Force Association also unveiled a plaque commemorating the 20 years tradition of the “Dropping of the Roses over the Statue of Liberty”, one rose for each year since Pearl Harbor. The newlydedicated large bronze plaque illustrates the history of the “Roses” tradition, with embossed pictures of the men, women, participating organizations, and historic events. Listed on the far right is, among others, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Band for its musical contributions. In the bottom center etched forever is a photo of Auxiliarists Lee Dash performing taps as Auxiliary Band members Walter Whelan, Steve Dejuri, John Doyle and Richard Toscano stand at attention.

Navigator Express

Masthead

EDITORIAL STAFF Bret Fendt Editor Peter de Puy Assistant Editor Roger Bazeley Assistant Editor H William Smith Assistant Editor Zacary E. Wilson Assistant Editor Curtis Pratt Layout Editor Review Team Brian Harte Mary Patton

CONTRIBUTORS John Sasso, USCG Aux (left) Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Memorial Plaque – with USCGAUX Band Flotilla 7-22 Contributions. (right) Auxiliarist Lou DiLeo sings National Anthem – Auxiliarist Lee Dash performs Taps.

The American Air Power Museum’s strategic mission is the preservation of the legacy of all Americans who have sacrificed themselves to defend our liberties and to educate a new generation regarding the courage, valor and heroism of our nation’s citizen soldiers by presenting the operational aircraft and armor in the museum’s collection and its related displays, exhibits and programs. RADM. Joseph A. Servidio the past commander of the Eleventh Coast Guard District has lauded the accomplishments of the diverse. dedicated enlisted, civilian, and volunteer USCG Auxiliary members of the U.S. Coast Guard Team. Team Coast Guard men and women work together to support maritime safety, recreational boating outreach, and maintaining port security`, as well as insuring environmental quality through prevention, education and rapid incident response. The USCG Auxiliary plays an ongoing vital role as a force multiplier in many of these key missions and important historical events such as “Remembering Pearl Harbor” annually and in 2016 on its 75th Anniversary. Semper Paratus!

Michael Heid District Eight Eastern John Sasso District One Southern Wes Baden District One Northern Joseph Giannattasio District Five Northern Mel Borofsky District Seven Bill Reisa District Eight Eastern

NATIONAL STAFF Richard F. Mihalcik Director of Public Affairs Thea Narkiewicz Deputy Director, Publications Thomas Ceniglio Deputy Director, Support Robert Miller, M.D. Division Chief, Publications © Copyright 2017 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Mission, Leadership, Excellence: OBSERVATIONS FROM N-TRAIN Story by Michael P. Heid

On a cold January afternoon in St. Louis, Missouri, National Commodore Rick Washburn approached the lectern at N-Train 2017 and called the national board meeting to order. In a brief opening statement Commodore Washburn quickly warmed the room by challenging all Auxiliary members to reflect on the watchwords: Mission, Leadership and Excellence. These words along with the philosophy of servant leadership personified the words echoed by the speakers that followed. Captain Martin L. Malloy, commander, Sector Upper Mississippi River, USCG, spoke on behalf of Rear Admiral David R, Callahan - commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, USCG, who was unable to attend the meeting. Captain Malloy expressed his amazement on “the quality of leadership that is evident at every level of the organization to include, flotillas, divisions, and national levels.” In support of this statement, he highlighted the 2016 calendar year contributions of the estimated 3600 Auxiliary members that make up the Eighth Coast Guard District as follows:

STATISTICS FOR EIGHTH DISTRICT

17,000 - Vessel Safety Checks 14,000 - Marine Dealer Visits 30,000 - Operational hours 6,000 - Missions in direct support of Coast Guard operations 577 - SAR (Search & Rescue) assist 225 - People assisted 15 - Lives saved $1.3 M - Property saved Captain Malloy concluded by stating, “You all have mastered the illusive skill of leading volunteers, your efforts are greatly appreciated – Semper Paratus.”

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Mel Borofsky, USCG Aux

The morning’s next speaker was Rear Admiral David G. Throop, commander, Force Readiness Command, USCG. Ms. Terry Barth, executive assistant to the National Commodore, approached the microphone and began to read Admiral Throop’s biography but was promptly interrupted in midsentence by Admiral Throop himself when he stated, “I appreciate the grace and thanks for the introduction but I would much rather hear from you than you hear about me, because that is looking into the wake and what is really exciting is to look towards the horizon and everything that is going on for our Auxiliary.” After a brief moment of silence, the room filled with laughter and applause. Admiral Throop voiced how much the Auxiliary is valued and appreciated by the Coast Guard active duty. He further stated that Auxiliarists are - “patriotic Americans who volunteer and provide more value to the public than most people know.” He echoed the watchwords of Commodore Washburn – mission, leadership, and excellence, and said they will take us to a new place in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Admiral Throop highlighted several Mel Borofsky, USCG Aux programs in the Auxiliary that have been accomplished and with continued Auxiliary support will make a significant difference in the Coast Guard forces. Specifically, he applauded the Chaplain program, the Auxiliary support of the Coast Guard security center in clearing the backlog of security clearances, and the utility of Auxiliary financial advisors assisting Coast Guard members with making informed decisions about their financial future between the legacy retirement system and the new blended retirement system. He further stated, “all of these [programs] are victories in supporting the mission support community so that we can support the front- world what Kim Kardashian is to selfies.” The room line operations.” erupted in laughter and applause. Admiral Throop concluded with three thoughts on leadership that he summed up as follows: character, competence, and compassion. Character, he stated, develops over time and requires work based on daily decisions. Competence is the proficiency and professionalism in what you do and the core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty should be taught, modeled, and reinforced at every interaction. And finally, compassion is reflected in our humanitarian actions. Upon the conclusion of Admiral Throop’s remarks, the National Board meeting took a brief recess. When the meeting reconvened, the formalities of approving the minutes and addressing old and new business were completed. If the atmosphere in the room was not warmed and comforted enough from the cold outside because of the previous speakers’ appreciation for the Auxiliary members at every level, those in attendance were in for a tropical acclimatization of epic proportions. The next speaker was Captain F. Thomas Boross, chief director Auxiliary and boating safety (CHDIRAUX) USCG. Captain Boross verbally recognized his active duty colleges that were present and then referenced a statement made by Captain Verne Gifford, Director of Inspections and Compliance, USCG, about Captain “Marty” Malloy. He stated, “Marty is to the prevention

Captain Boross began his formal statements by first quoting General Douglas MacArthur – “Success without a successor is failure.” He then explained that the Coast Guard has been deemed the Federal stewards of the National Recreational Boating Safety program and his duties as Chief, Auxiliary and Boating Safety, are to orchestrate and manage the program. His weapon of choice in the conduct of that mission is the Coast Guard Auxiliary. As the demand for services and resources eclipse the Coast Guard’s ability to provide them, it is the supply that the Auxiliary provides that helps the Coast Guard meet mission demand. Captain Boross was eager to introduce Captain Scott Johnson, division chief, Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards, who will be succeeding him upon his retirement in ninety days. But before Captain Boross could start the introduction of his successor, Terry Barth interrupted him stating that Admiral Throop would like to approach the lectern. Knowing that this was probably a violation of the national board meeting formalities, jokingly, Admiral Throop requested a motion for a show of hands in favor of him calling an audible and assuming control of the meeting. Not surprising, the vote was unanimous, the motion carried, and Admiral Throop approached the lectern. Continued on Page 6

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N-Train Observations

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Admiral Throop stated, “Tom, I wanted to recognize you for the tremendous job you do in Boating Safety and for everything you are doing to connect our Coast Guard Auxiliary to our Coast Guard missions.” Admiral Throop extended his right hand to Captain Boross as he was saying, “please accept my coin of excellence,” there was a lengthy, well-deserved standing ovation from all in attendance. After humbly accepting Admiral Throop’s challenge coin, Captain Boross resumed his introduction of Captain Scott Johnson. Captain Scott Johnson addressed the audience and thanked everybody for their hospitality. He stated that in preparation for N-Train he reviewed the Auxiliary strategic plan and he believes that it is a good plan. While attending some of the earlier sessions at N-Train, he overheard opinionated discussions about the strategic plan. He referenced President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s thoughts on planning. “In preparation for battle, I have always found that plans are useless but the planning process is indispensable.” He further stated that there were many watchwords in the plan but there were especially two words buried in the plan that really struck him. Those two words were Servant Leadership. He explained that those two words, Servant Leadership, are permanently affixed to his desk and they are there to remind him that it is not about him but about others. He stated - “I am here to serve you the Auxiliary, you the national bridge, and I am here to serve the great men and women throughout the Coast Guard Auxiliary.” In closing, Captain Johnson thanked Captain Boross for setting the course to follow and he invited members of the Auxiliary to continue introducing themselves to him and informing him of their roles in the Auxiliary as it is valued information that will assist him in the transition into his new position. Captain Boross returned to the lectern and stated, “Henry Ford once said, ‘you cannot build a reputation on what you are going to do.’” He complemented Commodores Mallison, Simoni, and Washburn for an excellent job and further stated that serving with them and the Coast Guard Auxiliary was the highest honor of his 28-year Coast Guard career. He continued to thank many of the national bridge and staff members

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that he served with over the past four years even stating that their consistency in mission focus, their unassailable integrity and purposeful dignity was awesome to witness. As a final statement, he said, “I thank you all for your contributions and I am prodding you all that until we can spend a year without losing anybody on those waters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard, there is absolute necessity for the Coast Guard to continue to fund and support your activities.” Captain Boross then requested the audio-visual team to cue the music. The song, Wetsuit, by the group The Vaccines filled the room. As a final gesture of servant leadership, and for the next three minutes and fifty-four seconds, Captain Boross systematically worked his way throughout the entire room shaking the hands of all in attendance. He stated that the lyrics to the song are a message to his successor and to the entire Auxiliary to help his successor. Upon completion of the song, there was an extended standing ovation in appreciation of Captain Boross and his servant leadership. Commodore Washburn then officially adjourned the meeting of the national board.

N-TRAIN Leadership Interview with Commodore Fred Gates,

Deputy National Commodore – Pacific Area & Mission Support (DNACO–MS) NAVEX: What was the focus for the Auxiliary at N-TRAIN this year? COMO Gates: The focus at this year’s N-TRAIN was leadership training. District Captains were all new this cycle and for the first time, all but two, who had to work, attended NTRAIN 2017. Their week began for them with the AUX-05 C-School (AMLOC) Saturday, Jan. 22 through Tuesday, Jan. 24. They then joined with their District Chiefs of Staff (DCOS) and District

Commodores (DCO) as a unit for the rest of the week. During the week they attended the National Staff Operations Committee (OPCOM) meeting to hear staff reports and joined with the National staff for the rest of the week’s activities. These included a round robin where their district’s Operations Plan was reviewed and where they met with the National Directorate leadership and were briefed on program management. They also met with their area Deputy National Commodores for discussions of area concerns and attended a day of National Board meetings. Saturday was a full day of facilitated workshops based on the Coast Guard’s core competencies and the week was polished off Sunday morning when they met with their DCOS and DCO and staff met in their directorates to discuss the week’s events and the course ahead. NAVEX: In one or two sentences, what was the “take home message” for the Auxiliary from N-Train? COMO Gates: There were three take home messages: One is that they all are a part of something more than just their districts, divisions and flotillas. The second is that their District’s Operations Plans needed to mesh with the Auxiliary’s Strategic Plan as well as the Sector Commander’s plan, which identifies areas of need through the GAP analysis. The third and perhaps the most important is that leadership is something to aspire to and needs as much or more work than other qualifications.

Academy AIM program and recruiting for the active duty. Two new areas of inclusion to be stood up are a clergy support program and a docent program for the Coast Guard museum. NAVEX: What can we concentrate on as individuals in our training this year to best support Team Coast Guard? COMO Gates: The Auxiliary Strategic Plan (http:// cgaux.org/leadership/) outlines the way ahead. While the plan deals in broad concepts, the one page executive summary on Page 7 provides the guidelines to what each of us as a member can do to help further the Auxiliary mission: “To promote and improve Recreational Boating Safety; to provide a diverse array of specialized skills, trained crews, and capable facilities to augment the Coast Guard and enhance safety and security of our ports, waterways and coastal regions; and to support Coast Guard operations, administrative and logistical requirements”. In short, there’s something for everyone and everyone needs to be Semper Paratus. USCG Aux Photo

NAVEX: What are the changes coming this year that may impact the Auxiliary the most? COMO Gates: Answering the Commandant’s call for Human Capital resources, inclusion of the Auxiliary in Coast Guard activities is key. Recreational Boating Safety is still job one and the addition of the paddle craft program for onwater safety is just getting underway. The Coast Guard is seeking further Auxiliary assistance in areas that include support and expansion of existing programs such as food service, the active duty ombudsman program, health services, the

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Joseph Giannattasio, USCG Aux

Met Them in St. Louis: A P

Story by Thom

It was a cold and dreary Saturday afternoon when I arrived in St. Louis. After unpacking, I reviewed my notes from the pre-resident homework assignment for the Senior Leadership Course (AUX-05) for District Captains (DCAPT), Directors (DIRs), and Deputy Directors (DIR-ds). The class had 36 senior leaders of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Subjects included the 28 Leadership Core Values, communication, transitional planning, and expanding our vision beyond our units. The weather became pleasant and I met new colleagues and old friends. Last year, senior leaders saw great value in gathering the DCAPTs, DIRs, and DIR-ds to participate in the Leadership training in hopes of extending the scope of potential future National Auxiliary Commodores (NACOs). United States Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul F. Zunkunft set a primary mission for our leadership, meet the human capital needs of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. One of the key elements we focused on was distance learning. This form of connecting with people is key to our future. It will allow us to reach larger numbers of both current and potential members. In this course we learned how to establish a GoToMeeting webinar, create a Power Point presentation on Recreational

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Boating Safety, and share our screens with the class, giving us first-hand knowledge on how to facilitate such classes. This technology will also provide for distance learning and meetings for National Staff members or members that may be unable to travel.

Mel Borofsky, USCG Aux

CLASS PHOTO: Shown are the 36 participants in the Senior Leadership

Personal Account of N-TRAIN

mas Ceniglio

Potential savings include: travel time, set up and tear down of rooms, travel expenses, time required to prepare for meetings or classes in advance including additional equipment and other materials.

p Class (Aux 05) for District Captains, Directors and Deputy Directors.

We also had the opportunity to learn about key leadership elements, which include: • Integrity: knowing what is the right thing to do and then doing it. • Respect: treating others the way we want to be treated. • Responsibility: embrace all the opportunities to contribute. • Sportsmanship: bring your best to all competition. Servant leadership: serve the common good. We enjoyed several spirited discussions about best practices and challenges to our districts and directorates. We graduated and received our certificates that were presented by Commodore Richard Washburn, National Commodore (NACO) and Commodore Larry King, Vice National Commodore (VNACO). At the conclusion of the class, we broke into smaller groups for dinner, reflecting on our new roles and expectations. The following day saw the beginning of the Auxiliary National Training Conference (N-TRAIN), the theme of which was Character, Competency, and Communications. Continued on Page 10

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Met Them in St. Louis

Continued from page 9

On Wednesday morning, we attended the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM) briefing, which was followed by breakouts with our Assistant National Commodore (ANACO). The breakouts included: Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), Response & Prevention, Recreational Boating, Planning & Performance, and Information Technology. The FORCECOM group was lead by Commodore Bob Holm, who oversees Public Affairs (A-Directorate), Human Resources (H-Directorate), and Training (T-Directorate). We reviewed our 3 ups (successes) and 3 downs (challenges/opportunities to work on) that we would present to the leaders of the Districts and National Staff later that afternoon. One of the presenters we heard from was Vice Admiral Karl Schultz, Atlantic Area Commander (LANTAREA).

Joseph Giannattasio, USCG Aux

procedures. Also covered in this session were social media and changes in technology that must be understood and remain in the forefront of our roles in the Auxiliary. Training continued throughout the afternoon followed by time for each directorate to present Senior Leadership from the Districts. Friday started with the Staff Strategic Plan Element Prioritization where four groups focused on developing timelines for projects. It was followed by the National Board meeting that included the keynote address from Rear Admiral Daniel Throop (FORCECOM) and Captain Boross, Chief Director of the Auxiliary. Captain F. Thomas Boross addressed the audience that he is retiring and announced his replacement, Captain-Select Scott Johnson. Captain Boross had “get wet” music playing to encourage his successor to get to work as he shook hands with over 200 members of the Auxiliary and Active Duty members in attendance. Saturday was another full day, beginning with breakout sessions with senior leadership followed by classes focused on the 28 Leadership Core Values and their importance to our careers, our shipmates, and the future of the Auxiliary. As we completed the busy and beneficial time in St. Louis, all those in attendance look towards the future and encourage all to strive for continued excellences in our service to the Auxiliary.

Admiral Zunkunft looks on as Commodore Washburn take the helm.

We continued our training on Thursday, working on our presentations. As the day continued, we had the honor to welcome the Commandant upon his arrival and participated in the oaths of office for the Commodores, Directors, and Deputy Directors. Admiral Zunkunft also signed the National Strategic Plan agreement with our newly installed National Commodore Richard Washburn. Prior to Admiral Zunkunft delivering his remarks, those of us in attendance sang Happy Birthday to the Admiral. The Admiral then thanked the Auxiliary members for our volunteering and patriotism. As the afternoon continued, training resumed with the Directors Council, which reviewed staff

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Joseph Giannattasio, USCG Aux

Commodore Washburn, NACONACO, signs the signs Nationalthe Strategic CommandStrategic along Commodore Washburn, National Admiral Zunkunft. Plan along side of theside Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Zunkunft.

Volunteers Wanted: Boy Scouts Jamboree The mission of the United States Coast Guard’s Jamboree Task Force (JTF) 2013 was to support the Boy Scouts of America in putting on their National Jamboree, to teach Scouts about safety on the water and to showcase the Coast Guard to the nearly 100,000 jamboree participants and visitors. During the 10 days of the jamboree in 2013, the Coast Guard manned three activity areas, with activities such as boats in the water, tours aboard boats on display, videos, demonstrations and a trailer with judgmental shooting. Members of the task force were billeted in tents in a camping area set up for military and civilian support staff, and fed at a very well-run Boy Scouts of America galley. The first Boy Scout National Jamboree was held in 1937 on the mall in Washington DC, with about 25,000 scouts in attendance. Because of the Second World War, a break saw the next one held in 1950. The following eight jamborees were then held approximately every four years in various locations around the country until 1981. The eight jamborees after 1981 were held consistently at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, with the Coast Guard providing a task force for all eight jamborees. In 2013, the jamboree was moved to the new Boy Scout reservation known as the “Summit” near Beckley, West Virginia. Members of the Coast Guard family, including active duty, reserve, auxiliary, and civilian employees were formed up into the “Jamboree Task Force 2013” for that jamboree. The task force flagrank sponsor, Rear Admiral Dan Abel, appointed Commander (Captain Select) Jeff Westling, to form the task force from volunteers throughout the entire Coast Guard. Several changes have been made to the “Summit” since its inaugural jamboree in 2013, and for the next Jamboree, 19-28 July 2017, the support personnel will enjoy warmer showers, shorter walks and the ability to use the government vehicles to transport members and gear from camp to the venue areas. The Coast Guard has already established the 2017 JTF, and Admiral Abel and Captain Westling are again the flag sponsor and JTF commander, respectively. Although the next jamboree is still several months away, in order for us to be Semper Paratus, we need to be collecting the names of volunteers from the entire Coast Guard family now. Auxiliary members who want to volunteer for this task force should submit their name, member number, and the name of their flotilla commander to the JTF Auxiliary Liaison, Bill Reisa at william.reisa@cgauxnet. us. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Wes Baden, USCG Aux

Forging Interagenc

Joint Training by Flotilla and Local Fire Re Story by Wes Baden

It’s no surprise that the Orleans, Massachusetts Fire Rescue Department has had assets to respond to emergencies on the water. The town, located near the elbow of Cape Cod, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Cape Cod Bay on the northwest, and a large bay on the south. A large inlet of water runs from downtown to Nauset Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Commercial fishermen make extensive use of these waterways. Recreational boaters and paddle craft owners also are on the water, especially during the summer when the population doubles because of part-time residents and visitors to the Cape.

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Imagine the surprise, however, when Alden Lumbard, Flotilla Commander, Nauset Flotilla 013-11-06, Orleans, received a phone call from Anthony Pike, Chief, Orleans Fire Rescue. The Department, he said, recently acquired a surplus 25 foot full cabin SAFE boat, which the Coast Guard had used as a Defender class response boat. The boat now was equipped with new communications and navigational gear and twin 250 HP engines. The Chief expressed interest in having Department personnel learn more about Coast Guard Standard Operating Procedures for search and rescue missions on the water. As Lumbard

Lumbard secured the necessary Coast Guard authorizations and joint training began in late August 2016. Over a three-day period, six members of the Fire Rescue Department and eleven members of Nauset Flotilla participated in exercises on Cape Cod Bay and nearby Pleasant Bay. The SAFE boat and an Auxiliary boat were used in training. Personnel practiced radio communications protocol, along with visual and audible hailing of boaters in distress. They also practiced heaving lines, tying on, and towing, with the two boats taking turns towing each other. They practiced actually boarding each other’s boat. Finally, they practiced plotting courses and running various search patterns used for locating persons in the water. All agreed afterwards that the training was very successful and additional exercises should take place again next summer.

cy Bonds

The joint training by Nauset Flotilla and the Orleans Fire Rescue Department represents, in participants’ collective memory, a first in this area. Similar training may have occurred in the distant past, as perhaps it has elsewhere as well. In any case, there’s no doubt that forging interagency bonds and adopting and practicing standardized emergency protocols are highly desirable. Here, on Cape Cod, the net result promises to be significantly improved maritime incident response. Wes Baden, USCG Aux

escue Department

and Pike talked, though, it became clear to the two of them that a unique opportunity was presenting itself. Flotilla Auxiliarists and Fire Rescue personnel potentially could train together, just as Auxiliarists and active duty Coast Guard personnel do. Among other benefits, members of the Flotilla and the Department would learn how to work together efficiently, if ever on scene at the same time, plus the Department itself would be better prepared to respond to direct calls for assistance by the Coast Guard, anytime that they came in.

(Upper Left) Aaron Burns, Firefighter, Orleans Fire Rescue, watches as Auxiliarists Charles Pelczarski and Alden Lumbard tie on to Orleans Fire Rescue boat. (Above) FC Alden Lumbard stands with Fire Chief Anthony Pike, in front of Orleans Fire Rescue boat.

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Vessel Examination Program

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The vessel safety check program plays a key role in pro compliance with federal and state recreational boatin safety equipment. It also raises boaters’ awareness o examiners. These vessel exams have a long history an sticker on their boats.

Inspections of members’ boats, with certificates issued t had been a key function of the Auxiliary since its ince Guard Headquarters, the Auxiliary in the Seventh Distr less stringent standards) motorboats belonging to the Auxiliary established the Courtesy Boat Inspection (C Sadowski issued the first CBI certificate at the Plum Isla in August, 1947. That same year “Vessel Examination”

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A few years later the title of the program was changed CME manual, CG-289, was issued in 1953. The follow (less than 16’ in length). The examination program re began charging reduced premiums for boats that pass

The task of the Courtesy Examiner became more com increase in the number of fires and explosions on bo for ventilation in confined spaces below decks. Court exhaust ducts, and determine if they were big enoug enough into the engine and fuel tank compartments.

In 1972 the program was expanded to include sailboa 1974 the Coast Guard suspended its “Boat Check” insp the Auxiliary’s CME program.

In 1991 the Auxiliary began issuing “safety check” de significant changes to the program. The CME prog (VSCP). The CME decal and the Personal Water Craf new Vessel Safety Check decal. Other boating safety o checks under the direction of the Coast Guard Auxilia qualified under this provision.

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Photos Courtesy: United States Coast Guard Historical Section, Public Information Division, “Th

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H ISTORY

omoting boating safety by helping to achieve voluntary ng safety laws, particularly regarding the carriage of of safety issues through one-on-one contact by vessel nd many boaters proudly display a vessel safety check

to those whose systems and equipment met regulations, eption in 1939. In 1946, with the full approval of Coast rict (Miami), began offering to inspect (with somewhat e general public. The idea caught on, and in 1947 the CBI) program on a national level. Auxiliarist Stephen J. and Coast Guard Station, Newburyport, Massachusetts, became one of the four cornerstones of the Auxiliary.

d to Courtesy Motorboat Examination (CME). The first wing year CME’s were extended in Class-A motorboats eceived a big boost when several insurance companies sed CMEs.

mplicated in 1967 when the Coast Guard, reacting to an oard pleasure craft, introduced a new set of standards tesy examiners now had to look at a boat’s intake and gh, pointed in the right directions, and projected far

ats and renamed the Courtesy Marine Examination. In pection and decal program, leaving all responsibility to

ecals to personal watercraft. The year 2000 brought gram was renamed the Vessel Safety Check Program ft “safety check” decals were replaced with the same organizations were authorized to conduct vessel safety ary. Until recently, only the U.S. Power Squadrons have

Vessel Examiner Certification To become a Vessel Examiner an Auxiliarist must hold Basically Qualified (BQ) status, pass the open book on-line Vessel Examiner examination and complete some hands-on training. He/she needs to go out with a qualified Vessel Examiner and perform five exams under the supervision of the qualified examiner. After this is completed, the examiner must notify the flotilla commander who will in turn notify the pertinent DIRAUX (Director of Auxiliary) Office that the task has been completed. The DIRAUX will then certify the Auxiliarist as a qualified VE and they can start performing vessel exams on their own. Today over 6000 Vessel Examiners (VEs) from both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons provide voluntary dockside and driveway safety examinations of recreational boats. The Vessel Examiners’ primary role is that of EDUCATOR. They are educating the boating public with the recreational boating safety message, thus fulfilling one of the Auxiliary’s primary missions.

1) Inspecting the bow light. 2) VFC Hilmar W. Beose conducts his flotilla’s first vessel inspection circa 1947. 3) Two USCG Auxiliarists give a courtesy motorboat inspection, checking engine space. 4) inspecting ground tackle and lines 5) Even a famous mouse takes time to get his vessel safety check, circa 1970.

he Coast Guard at War Auxiliary XIX” Link

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AUXILIARY ‘scut·tle·butt:

A drinking fountain in the Coast Guard is called scuttlebutt. A scuttlebutt in old days was a cask that had openings in the side, fitted with a spigot. Sailors used to congregate at the scuttlebutt or cask of water, to gossip or report on day’s activities.*

On this page you will find

important updates and links to critical information to keep you up-to-date on the current happenings in the Auxiliary. * from the USCG Glossary

We Want Your PUBLICATIONS!! For the P.A. Directorate Publications CONTEST DON’T WAIT click this link to find out more!

National Commodore’s

Diversity Policy It is the policy of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, or physical or mental disabilityhave an equal opportunity to become a volunteer of this organization. It is after all, part of our mission to become the volunteer organization of choice. As the National Commodore, I will personally lead the diversity

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SCUTTLEBUTT

initiatives and challenge all who serve to do the same through leadership, mentorship, service, and example. As someone committed to diversity, I understand that providing training is one of the strategies that helps build an inclusive environment, which is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent, building member engagement, and fostering creativity and innovation. Our Strategic Plan for Managing Diversity will guide us in our efforts towards accomplishing this goal. Diversity of thoughts, ideas, and competencies of our people, keeps the Auxiliary strong and empowers us to mission readiness and excellence. Diversity is an imperative to the Auxiliary; it can increase morale and impact our success. In essence every member is responsible for fostering an inclusive team atmosphere and being a contributing part of Team Coast Guard. The Auxiliary is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, a journey guided by the deeply held values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty, as America’s Guardians, we understand that diversity is not a problem to be solved, but is an asset to be developed.

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BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE AUX TWITTER PAGE @USCGAux on Twitter

For more information about joining the

US Coast Guard Auxiliary please visit www.cgaux.org

DISTRIBUTION FOR THE

NAVIGATOR EXPRESS • All members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary • Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Inc. members and staff

Note: please add [email protected] to your address book. Messages sent from that email address are official messages of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

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DISCLAIMER “The appearance of any product or service advertisement on the site to which any link is directed does not constitute, and shall not be construed as, an endorsement of that product or service by the united states coast guard or coast guard auxiliary.”

To the men and women of our Coast Guard, Recent reports of degrading social media posts and file sharing by some members of the armed services are troubling to us all. Our Duty to People requires Coast Guard men and women to adhere to the highest standard of personal and professional conduct on and off duty. As stewards of public trust, our collective actions must always uphold our Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. I expect everyone in our service - active duty, reserve, civilian, and Auxiliary - to build and maintain a culture of respect. This starts with living our Core Values in word and deed and having the courage to call out any behavior that is unacceptable in our Coast Guard. If you witness disrespect to a shipmate - in person or online - don't condone or join in it. Our duty to people demands that we act when we see our shipmates demeaned. Don't be a bystander. We are a service of "by-doers" with a storied reputation for seizing on-scene initiative. This very same character trait that has become instinctive applies whether rescuing a mariner in distress or seizing the on-scene initiative when a shipmate has been demeaned and betrayed. We do the right thing. We advance a culture of respect. We report behavior that targets a shipmate, including bullying, hazing or harassment. Violations of our trust in one another have no place in our service. I am proud of you - the world's best Coast Guard - and your commitment to upholding our service's proud 226 year history of service before self. Admiral Paul F. Zukunft Commandant U.S. Coast Guard Photo

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