NAVIGATOR express HURRICANE RECOVERY IN SECTOR SAN JUAN plus Members of the Auxiliary participate in Wreaths Across America The first Auxiliarist to start his certification as a USCG Flight Surgeon USCG Aux Photo

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Hurricane Recover As residents continue to struggle for basic services throughout the islands of the Caribbean, optimism persists. Angel Rivera, DCDR, Division 1, District 7 reports that as of the end of December 2017, less than half of the island of Puerto Rico has power and progress throughout the area is slow but steady. Continued focus remains debris removal and restoration of services. Division 1 hopes to resume meetings in January. Buildings that suffered extensive wind damage at Sector San Juan are beginning to see repairs completed by contractors. Faced with the prospect that power may not be fully restored throughout the island until June 2018 or later, efforts of those on the ground continue. Bravo Zulu to all those continuing to work diligently. Story provided by USCG Sector San Juan Photos provided by Angel Rivera, DCDR 07-01

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EDITORIAL STAFF Bret Fendt Co-Editor H William Smith Co-Editor Roger Bazeley Assistant Editor Ed Morris Assistant Editor Curtis Pratt Layout Editor Review Team Brian Harte Mary Patton

CONTRIBUTORS

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 2018 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Tim Darrey District Nine Western Robert Figueroa District Five Southern Chas Hague District Nine Western Rev. Doug Kroll District Thirteen Daren Lewis District Thirteen Linda Merryman District Eleven Southern Lynn Murray USCG Aux Fan Louie Patterson USCG Aux Fan Angel Rivera District Seven Robert Robles District Five Southern Brian Rollins District Thirteen Blake Sasse District Eight Western Rivers Carlos Tacoronte District Seven

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“DID THAT PLAN

Auxiliarists in the right p

Photo by Lynn Murray

Story by Tim Darre

ABOVE: A Seaplane crashes into the water just moments after takeoff during an event on Lake Winnebago, WI. INSERT: The crew from Distr

On Thursday, 27 July, Auxiliary Facility 241080 with Russ Hoganson from 095-47-02 as Coxswain and 095-47-02 member Greg Bergner, along with 095-39-02 members Tim and Bridget Darrey as crew were patrolling near the Seaplane Base on Lake Winnebago, part of the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture 2017. More than 20 Auxiliarists, traveling from as far south as Homewood, IL, and as far north as Stevens Point, WI, supported operations during the fly-in at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Although most activities took place at the airport, seaplane operations on Lake Winnebago were supported by shoreside and on-water Auxiliary activities. Facility 241080 had just headed back out after briefly touching in at the Seaplane Base when an amphibious aircraft began its takeoff run. “He’s taking a long time to lift off,” Russ commented.

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The sound of the plane’s engine suddenly changed, then cut out. “Did he crash?” asked Tim. “He did!” exclaimed Greg, who had seen the entire incident unfold. Russ had 241080 headed for the floating wreck well before the emergency siren sounded at the base. The facility, accompanied by other boats from the base, arrived at the crash site in about a minute. By then, only a small part of the seaplane was out of the water. Russ steered carefully around the plane, when a man popped up between 080 and the wreck. Russ directed Tim to throw a life ring over to him, then Bridget and Greg pulled him aboard. The survivor, although somewhat disoriented and suffering from cuts and shock, was able to provide vital information that there were still two additional people aboard

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E JUST CRASH?”

place to perform rescue

ey and Chas Hague

Photo by Lynn Murray

rict 95 were the first on the scene and were able to execute a rescue of a passenger from the foundering aircraft.

the sinking aircraft. Bridget provided first aid and stabilized the victim, and he was transferred to shore by the Auxiliary crew where he was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Unfortunately the other passenger as well as the pilot eventually succumbed to their injuries. 080 and crew stood by to assist recovery operations and the crash investigation. PATCOM Bruce Fuhrmann, assisted by watchstanders Barbara Fuhrmann and Charles Brennan, coordinated Auxiliary activities with the Regular Coast Guard, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, and National Transportation Safety Board investigators. Bruce obtained an extension on 080’s orders so they could continue. According to Tim, “Our Coast Guard training really paid off as our patrol was made up of crew from two different divisions, some of us unfamiliar with the boat and the waters—faced with an unexpected

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emergency! We worked together perfectly with no problems. It was great Coast Guard Auxiliary teamwork.” Russ added, “We had a coxswain and three crew members that had not worked together before (I worked once with Greg) on a boat that was unfamiliar to three of the crew. The training in procedures, the time spent in doing a boat check to familiarize all with the locations of the equipment, the time spent in routine repetitive tasks insured that the crew could and did function in a time of stress and urgency. We saved a life because we practice all the time.” Coxswain Hoganson, Crew Timothy and Bridget Darrey and Gregory Bergner, as well as PATCOM Bruce Fuhrman and Watchstanders Barbara Fuhrmann and Charles Brennan, were awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation at District 9 D-Train in October, 2017.

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Crossing the Ba Story by Daren Lewis

Fifteen years ago I arrived in a parking lot to discover a few people unloading snacks and the inevitable coffee urn. Hot coffee at 1845 is always a good sign; I had a feeling I’d found my people. After introducing myself, we collected our share of the supplies, and proceeded to the Training Deck of Marine Safety Office Portland. The people I met in that parking lot were my first Coast Guard shipmates. The core of the group, something I’d come to understand was a thing called a Flotilla, were Earl Markham, Tim Kelly, Barbara Korsmo, and Ken Anderson. At the time they had over 150 years of Auxiliary service between them. They had all held roles I didn’t yet understand--things like District Vice Commodore, District Rear Commodore, District Staff Officer, NACO Aide. In retrospect, I realize I had no idea how lucky I’d been to have such early friends and mentors in the Auxiliary. Each of these four Auxiliarists had made an outsized impact on the Auxiliary. For me, their accomplishments set the standard for what a Auxiliarist could and should do. Time takes a toll. The thirty to forty plus years differences in our ages then, add my thirty-one years at the time, add another fifteen years since, and we’ve lost three of those shipmates-first Tim, then Earl, and finally Ken this year. Our demographics and the unfortunate accidents mean that we lose shipmates far too often. I’ve spoken at the memorials of shipmates who reached their nineties and of one who was in his mid-twenties. I feel fortunate that, in those cases, we’d not lost touch and that I

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Remembering ou

was surrounded in a sea of blue uniforms when we celebrated their lives. I regret the ones we learned about well after their memorials. In District 13 we conduct a crossing the bar ceremony as we open each of our District meetings. For the last few years I’ve had the honor of conducting one or the other of the two roles. Our ceremony opens with a reading of Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar” followed by a brief talk on the ringing of ships bells. We then ask each Division Commander to share the names of shipmates who have passed since our last meeting, with a ringing of the bell for each. Finally we strike 8 bells for the end of the watch. No matter how many times I’m honored to participate in this ceremony, my eyes are never dry at the end. I always hear names I know and shipmates I’ve served with. I think about the families who have created space for those shipmates to serve. I think about Ken, Earl, Tim, Tony, Peter, and many others. I remember how lucky we were to serve along side them. I recommit to meet the core values they taught me. I endeavor to save a few moments of thought for them when I next USCG Photo join shipmates in fellowship. I reflect that we are part of a continuing line of Auxiliarists who have stood that watch for over 75 years. I prepare toUSCG standing Photo that watch for them as they stood the watch for me. I promise to train and mentor those who will stand the watch after me. Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates.

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Wreaths ACROSS America

The Auxiliary Honors Fallen Heroes Story by H W Smith, DSO-PA With Information Provided by District 8ER Pete Evans, FSO-PA, Flotilla 4-1, Thom Spagnol, SO-PA Division 7 and Terry Siler along with Shawn Fox of Flotilla 16-2

Across the hallowed fields of America’s veterans cemeteries a simple gesture serves to remind all who see it that under each cold stone there is an American hero with a family left behind. This year, U. S. Coast Guard District Eight, Eastern Region Auxiliary members helped ensure that those heroes, and their families, were remembered during the holiday season. Members of Division 4, Division 7 and Division 16 participated either with their active duty counterparts or as a part of overall wreath-laying ceremonies on their own as U.S. Coast Guard representatives. The program they participated in is a nation-wide volunteer effort called Wreaths Across America. Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day. “Remember, Honor and Teach” is the mission carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,100 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

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Auxiliary and Active Duty Step Up Auxiliary and active duty Coast Guard personnel joined a wide variety of veterans groups, civic organizations and individuals in ensuring that America’s fallen and departed veterans were remembered at a time of year, throughout history, when families most missed them. The simple action of placing a holiday wreath on each grave, stepping back and saying the name on each stone assures that each veteran is remembered, if only for a moment. “We encourage every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive.

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We are not here to “decorate graves.” We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives.” —Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America

Lexington Flotilla At Camp Nelson National Cemetery On December 17, 2016, Flotilla 04-01 participated in the National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. The former Civil War Post/VA Cemetery is located near Nicholasville, Kentucky (south of Lexington). Several members

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of the flotilla serve on the cemetery’s planning committee which helps keep the flotilla active in many events at Camp Nelson. Nick McManus, Flotilla Commander, represented the U.S. Coast Guard in the multi-service wreath-laying ceremony which was conducted by the Camp Nelson Honor Guard. At the conclusion of the ceremony, flotilla members assisted in placing wreaths on individual Veterans graves. The ceremony was attended by over 100 Veterans and their families, as well as the Navy Sea Cadets, the Patriot Guard and a member of the New Zealand Coast Guard. “There were about 150 veterans and family members. The U.S. Navy Sea Cadets and several active duty members participated also. It was a warm dreary day with no rain, but these families came out to

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honor their veteran family members with a wreath on their graves. We also placed wreaths on two KIA graves - both of whose families are friends of mine,” McManus said. “Auxiliarist Col. Pete Evans, U.S. Army (Ret) drove two hours to be there for this ceremony. Unfortunately due to a missed turn, he missed the ‘Service’ part of the ceremony but participated in much of it.”

Division Seven and The Marine Safety Unit Step Up In the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Saturday December 17, the day of the wreath-laying presented a cold, icy day to Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Division 7, Port of Pittsburgh’s members, according to Thom

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Continued from page 15 by Officer In Charge, BMSM Sean McMahon, joined forces with the Auxiliary personnel to represent the Coast Guard in the wreath laying ceremony and place wreaths on veterans’ graves.

“Wreaths” Began With Just One Man According to the Wreaths Across America website, the Wreaths Across America story begins with one man, Morrill Worcester. The website states that, “Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, was a 12 year old paper boy for the Bangor Daily News when he won a trip to Washington D.C. His first trip to our nation’s capital was one he would never forget, and Arlington National Cemetery made an especially indelible impression on him. This experience followed him throughout his life and successful career, reminding him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.” USCG Aux Photo Auxiliarist Terry Siler and some family members participate in the ceremony in Chattanooga, TN.

Spagnol, Division Seven SO-PA. Members who participated in the Wreaths Across America event at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies included Ed Kramer, Patrick Riley and Spagnol. Joining the ceremonies were two members of The Marine Safety Unit (MSU) located in Bridgeville, PA. The MSUnit was represented by LCDR Fran Smith, the unit’s executive officer and Marine Science Technician, Second Class (MST 2) Charles Morris, Spagnol reported.

The Mission Takes Shape “In 1992, Worcester Wreath found themselves with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at Arlington, Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s veterans. With the aid of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were USCG Aux Photo

Active Duty and Auxiliary Pitch In Auxiliary members and the crew of the USCGC Ouachita pitched in to help place more than 8,000 wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The cemetery contains graves dating back to the Civil War. The Auxiliary was represented by Terry Siler, Shawn Fox, David Cox from Flotilla 16-02 and Rudy Achata from flotilla 16-07. The Ouachita crew led

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Auxiliarists from Pennsylvania participate in Wreath ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, near Pittsburgh.

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made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery that had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.”

The Story Reaches the Internet The effort caught fire in about 2005 when a picture of the Arlington gravestones, adorned with wreaths, went viral on the internet. The story continues with: “The annual trip to Arlington and the groups of volunteers eager to participate in Worcester’s simple wreath-laying event grew each year until it became clear the desire to remember and honor our country’s fallen heroes was bigger than Arlington, and bigger than this one company. In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans, and other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501-(c) (3) organization, to continue and expand this effort, and support other groups around the country who wanted to do the same. The mission of the group is simple: Remember. Honor. Teach.” The rest of the Wreaths Across America story can be found on the organization’s website, wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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Photo by Louie Patterson ABOVE RIGHT: Auxiliarists Pete Evans (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Nick McManus place a wreath in Lexington, KY. DIRECTLY ABOVE: Airman First Class Gabriel Thompson stands with Auxiliarists Vicki Schuler and Frank Jackson before the Wreath ceremony in Newark, OH.

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NOTE: On 21 Aug 2016 the crew of Auxiliary Facility 251013, consisting of Coxswain Brain Rollins and crewmember Scott Robson of Flotilla 13-11 - Seventh Division of District 13, were able to lend timely, life-saving aid to a sailboarder in duress. The crew members received the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) Citation for the 2017 Chairman’s Award.

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Letter to the Commodore 03 OCT 17 From: Auxiliarist Brian Rollins, Flotilla 130-07-03, Member 1224664 To: Commodore Kathy Goodwin, District Commodore, 13th Coast Guard District Subj:

ASSOCIATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA AWARD CEREMONY, WASHINGTON DC

Commodore, I want to thank you again for the impressive dinner and awards ceremony held on 23 September in Gig Harbor. Scott and I are very honored to have received the award and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have met you in person along with other district staff officers. What's more, I also really want to thank you for your support of my trip to Washington DC. There wasn't much time, but your direct support was what helped make the trip possible. The trip to DC was a great honor. To start with, I’m sure I’ve never been in a room with so many Admirals in my life. I spent a few minutes chatting with the Commandant who had just returned from Puerto Rico. He related how much he appreciates the Auxiliary and while Hurricane Maria is much different from Katrina with fewer water rescues needed, Auxiliarists are still there directly involved in support activities. It was clear that he really appreciates us and the work that we do. Each branch of the military has a liaison office in the Rayburn House Office Building. The Coast Guard is no exception and I spent some time with the active duty there. It’s an unusual billet in that the officers do not wear Coast Guard uniforms, but rather suits like anyone else in the building. The team was hard at work in support of Puerto Rico but still arranged for me to have a personally guided tour of the Capitol. The evening ceremony was very nice and I’m told one of the more prestigious that headquarters is involved with each year. I was particularly impressed by the other stories of rescue and humbled to be there. In particular, the rescue by District 13’s own BM1 Jacob Hylkema. The two of us spent a few minutes chatting and he actually invited me up to Gig Harbor for a ride on one of their boats. BM1, Scott and I were the only Coast Guard awardees. Also present were representatives from several international shipping companies and cruise lines. This included Capt. Hugo Ammeriaan, of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Naval Attache in Washington DC and Haris Lalacos, Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. While this was a short trip, it is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I’m extremely thankful that I had Scott as my crewman on the day of our rescue. I’m also greatly appreciative of those in Division 7 who have helped train us in the preceding years. Were it not for the annual “Crew and Coxswain Academy” and all of the other regular training we receive, we would not have been as prepared as we were. In particular, I want you to know that the efforts of Don Verkest, Ken Babick and Todd Mains were all instrumental in making us the Auxiliarists that we are today. Thank you again for you direct support. It was both and honor and a pleasure to meet you at the District Conference. I look forward to the next time we meet. Very Respectfully, Brian Rollins

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Information Technology and Planning Group O V E R V I E W

Public Domain photo courtesy of Wikipedia

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Article by Linda Merryman, DNACO-ITP

What exactly does the Information Technology and Planning Group (ITP) do? Most of us have a general idea of what Information Technology is, but perhaps you don’t know the breadth of the work done by ITP. Under the leadership of Linda Merryman, DNACO-ITP, Jan Munroe, ANACO-IT, and Robert Nelson, ANACO-PP, the four Directorates comprising ITP manage a variety of strategic, tactical, user support and technical functions. Within IT, the Computer Systems & Software Directorate’s mission is the design, development, production, and maintenance of underlying technologies, equipment and solutions essential to advance U.S. USCG CoastPhoto Guard Auxiliary duties and missions. Led by Director Patrick Malone and Deputy Amanda Constant, the group maintains over 17 computer systems critical to the Auxiliary, including the Skills Bank, National Testing Center, and the National websites, to name a few. The other half of IT is the User Support & Services Directorate. Its mission is to deliver support for technology needs in the Auxiliary. Director Susan Davies and Deputy Bob Fritz manage the Help Desk, which answers questions and resolves problems Auxiliary-wide for AuxData, AuxInfo, the Auxiliary Directory and Auxiliary IT in general. Additionally they provide support for the my.cgaux platform and conduct the AUX-10, Information Systems (AUXDATA/AUXINFO) Training, C Schools. In Planning and Performance, the mission of the Strategic Planning Directorate, led by Director Andrew Welch and Deputy Thomas Jacobsmeyer, is to identify and analyze significant emerging maritime safety, security, economic, and environmental issues and trends; to seek to understand their potential impact on the Auxiliary; and to work with leadership to develop targeted strategies. The P&P group is tasked with ensuring that the Auxiliary’s Strategic Plan is a living document that provides a map for accomplishing the National Commodore’s vision and guiding principles and priorities. They manage the Auxiliary University Program, and also coordinate and conduct surveys sent to the members on a variety of topics, including quarterly Exit and New Member surveys. Planning and Performance is rounded out by the Performance Measurement Directorate, whose mission is to integrate performance measurements into longrange strategies for the organization. Led by Director Bill Scholz and Deputy Kevin Redden, the team produces a suite of management tools, available on the M Directorate webpage, that provide valuable information about units and members to leaders at all levels in the Auxiliary. There are other articles in this issue that cover the work of each team in more detail. Check them out to learn more about what these members do to keep the infrastructure and strategy of the Auxiliary moving ahead.

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District 8

OPERA Story by Blake Sasse, SO-PB

USCG Aux photo by Blake Sasse

On September 23rd several dozen members of Division 15 started their morning responding to a report of a boat with smoke billowing from it downriver from the I-30 bridge. This was just the first scenario faced by those participating in the operational exercise that morning, including the crash of a small airplane, a PWC accident, and several inebriated people that were quite reluctant to be rescued from the river. Metropolitan Emergency Services (MEMS), the organization that operates ambulance services for several Central Arkansas cities, planned the training evolutions with the goal of presenting Auxiliary boatcrews with situations that they could expect to face during a routine patrol on the Arkansas River. MEMS also arranged for “extras” to play the part of victims and added to the realism of the airplane crash scenario by placing several large sections of airplane wing along the river bank.

The “victim” of a simulated airplane crash on the Arkansas River is transported to safety by a Coast Guard Auxiliary boatcrew with the assistance of a medic from Metropolitan Emergency Services.

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8WR Division 15 Comes Together for

ATIONAL EXERCISE in North Little Rock

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Operational Exercise

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The “victim” of a simulated airplane crash is treated on the shore of the Arkansas River by Coast Guard Auxiliary and Metropolitan Emergency Services personnel.

William Woodell, IPFC of 15-8, served as the Incident Commander at the Auxiliary station in North Little Rock while Dan Turner, Division 15 Commander, oversaw communications activities with the four Auxiliary facilities that took part in the event. MEMS staff and one of their boats also participated in responding to the airplane crash scenario. On the night prior to the exercise several

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Auxiliary facilities took members from around the Division on an Aid to Navigation patrol on the Arkansas River which was made difficult by the moonless night and medical situation, which turned out to be minor, involving one of the participants. At the conclusion of the Operational Exercise Saturday afternoon, staff and officers of the division met at the North Little Rock Auxiliary Station.

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USCG Aux photo by Blake Sasse

ABOVE: Coast Guard Auxiliary boatcrew members throw a line to assist persons in the water. Metropolitan Emergency Services personnel served in the role of victims and increased the difficulty of the task by simulating being highly intoxicated. BELOW: A Coast Guard Auxiliary boatcrew takes a PWC in tow.

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Auxiliary Clergy Support in Action Story by The Rev. Doug Kroll, Ph.D.

In the morning of 5 February, as a member of the Auxiliary’s new Clergy Support Program, I received a telephone call from CDR Judy Malana, CHC, USN, Deputy Chaplain of the Coast Guard, who oversees chaplains at all Headquarters Units. She explained that LT Kevan Lim, the active duty chaplain assigned to the Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma, California was going TAD to the POLAR STAR (WAGB-10) to ride it on its return voyage to Seattle, having completed its Antarctic mission. Chaplain Lim would be departing on 15 February for several weeks. Chaplain Malana had found some Navy Reserve Chaplains to cover the time he would be gone, except for the first week. Knowing that I live on the Pacific coast and have family in the San Francisco Bay area, she asked if I would be able provide chaplain coverage there from 15 February to 21 February. I responded affirmatively, telling her that I could rearrange my schedule. The Training Center is located about 40 miles north of San Francisco and just west of Petaluma, California. It is one of the three training sites operated by the Coast Guard, and its largest West Coast Training Center, training about 4,000 students each year. It is one of the two major centers that host “A” schools. The other center is in Yorktown, Virginia. Graduates from Petaluma are the latest chefs, medics, storekeepers, yeoman, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and operations specialists. In addition, every Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer comes to Petaluma for Basic EMT training. It is also home to the Coast Guard Leadership Development Center’s Chief Petty Officer Academy. Training Center Petaluma has one active duty Protestant chaplain and has contracted the services of a local area Roman Catholic priest, to provide ministry to the students, permanent party and family members of our base. The chaplain also provides support to other Coast Guard commands in the area as needed. LEFT: The Rev. Doug Kroll conducting services at the Lighthouse Chapel at TRACEN Petaluma, CA.

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Clergy in Action

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I arrived at noon on Wednesday, 14 February, in time to attend the Roman Catholic Ash Wednesday service and met the contract priest that provides Roman Catholic services. Immediately following the service Chaplain Lim had me accompany him to the weekly Individual Command Attention Review and Evaluation meeting in the Command Building since I would be attending it on my own the following week. At this meeting, chaired by the Executive Officer, I got to meet most of the department heads, the Staff JAG, Administration Officer, and other key officials at the Training Center. This also gave me the opportunity to explain the Auxiliary Clergy Support program when I was introduced. When I finished, one of the officers told me that a local Coast Guard Auxiliarist (Ray Van Cleave, 113-05-05) handled all the international travel arrangements for the Training Center. During my time at the Training Center I got the privilege of meeting my fellow Auxiliarist. Following the meeting Chaplain Lim and I returned to the Lighthouse Chapel and I got to meet the receptionist/secretary/administrative assistant that I had been talking to on the phone and emailing prior to my arrival. She was a great help to me throughout my time there. Chaplain Lim then took me on an auto tour of this large Coast Guard installation that occupies more than 800 acres of land, and includes 129 family housing units and 90 other buildings. We ended the afternoon back in his office in the Lighthouse Chapel where Chaplain Lim briefed me, answered any of my questions and went over what I should anticipate in my time there. As Chaplain Lim departed at about 1630 that afternoon he handed “the chaplain’s iPhone” to me, and I assumed his duties. The next morning, I paid a call on the Commanding Officer, CAPT Paul Flynn, USCG, the Executive Officer, and the Command Master Chief, introduced myself and explained to them about the Auxiliary’s new Clergy Support program, where USCG Auxiliary Clergy Support personnel provided coverage to Coast Guard commands during the absence or unavailability of the active duty chaplain, for a variety of reasons, such as their chaplain’s absence. Since there was no active duty or reserved chaplain available for the

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first week of Chaplain Lim’s absence, as an Auxiliary Clergy Support I could assume the chaplain’s duties, including conducting the Lighthouse Chapel NonDenominational Christian Worship service. During my week at the Training Center, I counseled with training center students, attended a department head meeting, ate in the dining hall with the students and staff, visited the Chief Petty Officer Academy, and of course, conducted services in the Lighthouse Chapel on Sunday morning. The large chapel, with room for 150 people and dedicated in May 1992, has high visibility, since it is located at the center of the TRACEN in what is known as Town Center. In summary, my week serving at TRACEN Petaluma is a prime example of why the Auxiliary Clergy Support program was established. Whenever there are no Coast Guard Chaplains (Navy Chaplains assigned to the Coast Guard) available, the Auxiliary Clergy Support program closes this shortfall and provides the best religious ministry possible for Coast Guard members and their families. It is one of many programs in the Human Relations Directorate that supports the Coast Guard directly. As my week came to an end, I briefed the Navy Reserve chaplain who relieved me as I had been briefed by Chaplain Lim. I left with joy of having been both appreciated and as serving as another example of how the Coast Guard Auxiliary supports the active duty Coast Guard. As I prepared to depart the TRACEN at the end of my week there, I introduced the Reserve Chaplain who was relieving me to the Commanding Officer, CAPT Paul Flynn, USCG. CAPT Flynn said it was a pleasure having me as “a part of our crew.” I had truly been a part of “Team Coast Guard!”

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FLIGHT CLUB

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Mark Perni becomes first Auxiliarist to undertake USCG Flight Surgeon certification

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Flight Club

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PREVIOUS PAGE: Dr. Perni at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio. The Air Force Flight Surgeon School offers a nine-week course for flight surgeon certification, the most extensive of any of the armed services. ABOVE: Dr. Perni works on a sophisticated patient simulator as part of the Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT). RIGHT: The students in the flight surgeon program are exposed to all the different flight suits the Air Force uses, Dr. Perni is shown wearing the U-2 flight suit. While he is in the program he will also fly in almost every different aircraft the Air Force flies, so he will be familiar with the physical demands the pilots are going through.

from the historical functions of the auxiliary in boating safety and education, but there have been times when members are called upon to serve in ways that set a course into uncharted waters. Meet Dr. Mark Perni, Branch Chief – serving in the Auxiliary Health Services Division. As a medical professional Dr. Perni, has served Air Station Clearwater for the past several months offering his medical expertise to members of team Coast Guard. Beginning 03 March 2018, he enters into a level of service never before offered to the Auxiliary.

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Dr. Mark Perni (Left), Auxiliary air observer receives the Auxiliary Letter of Commendation from Captain Sandlin, commanding officer during the 2017 Annual Auxiliary Aviation Safety Workshop. BELOW: Since he was going to be in Dayton for an extended period, Dr. Perni decided to attend one of the local Auxiliary flotilla meetings - in this case 8ER flotilla 06-02, with Anthony Norman Flotilla Commander.

Dr. Perni has stepped up to train as a US Coast Guard flight surgeon. The past several years have uncovered an increasing demand for such services. This nine-week course taught by the US Air Force is typically reserved for active duty officers, but Dr.

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Perni’s extensive credentials and commitment to serving has proven invaluable to the US Coast Guard. Dr. Perni has served the Auxiliary for the past five years in a variety of capacities, but most recently as one of two general medical officers (GMO) for Air Station Clearwater where nearly 500 active duty and 280 reserve personnel rely on his years of medical training and experience. During his time with Air Station Clearwater, his talents were called upon to serve in many ways, most recently being one of the first Health Services members to be activated following Hurricane Irma which hit the Florida coast head on. As with all Auxiliary service, Air Force School of need predicates the demand for Aerospace Medicine patch service, and when called upon, Dr. Perni stepped up. Bravo Zulu!

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LOCAL COAST GUARD AUXILIARY WATCHSTANDERS PLAY KEY ROLE AT COAST GUARD STATION CHATHAM

THE WATCH USCG Aux Photo Chatham Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla members (left to right) Bruce Brady, Michael Hays, David Quincy and Larry Foss man the watch room in Coast Guard Station Chatham.

CHATHAM, MA – Four members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Chatham Flotilla stand regular watches as the eyes and ears of Coast Guard Station Chatham. The four qualified Auxiliary watchstanders – Bruce Brady of South Yarmouth, Larry Foss of Chatham, Michael Hays of Harwich and David Quincy of Orleans – man the communications watch room at the busy local Coast Guard Station for hundreds of four- or eight-hour shifts throughout the year. They answer telephone and radio calls from recreational

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boaters, local fishermen and Coast Guard units; monitor and respond to emergency channels; issue weather and sea condition alerts; and operate as key team members of Coast Guard search and rescue operations when needed. Each qualified Auxiliary watchstander spends months gaining the knowledge and certification required to handle a communications watch properly. In addition to search and rescue procedures, computer and radio operation, chart work and plotting, keeping an accurate station log, and correctly following

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Coast Guard protocol, each watchstander must demonstrate complete knowledge of Station Chatham’s complicated area of shoreline and offshore responsibility – a wide array of complex and potentially perilous waters stretching from Nauset through Nantucket Sound. However, the officer in charge of Station Chatham, Senior Chief Petty Officer Corbin J. Ross, insists that the civilian volunteers bring additional benefits to the local Coast Guard unit as personal and professional mentors to the resident crew. “We bring people into the Coast Guard who literally left Mom and Dad’s house two months before,” explains Ross. “We send them to Boot Camp and then they come here. When they arrive at the station, we tell them, ‘OK, now you have to start life as an adult, and, by the way, I have all of these things that you need to do. They are all challenging, they are all going to take a lot of your time and they all have a deadline.’” Ross says that the Auxiliary volunteers free up time for new station crewmembers to prepare for their own future communications and boat crew assignments. “They are the ones who would be standing the watches if our Auxiliarists were not there,” he says. All four of the volunteers say that the benefits of working with the Coast Guard far outweigh the long hours. “For me, it’s a sense of belonging and being a part of the team,” says Quincy, a former business executive who has been an Auxiliary watchstander since 2002. “It’s doing something that is meaningful and just hanging around young people who are dedicated to their job.” Foss, a former president of Chase Securities, Inc., has been an Auxiliary volunteer for 16 years. He estimates that he has helped train more than 100 young Coast Guardsmen for their own watchstander qualification. “My job is to help them become firstrate watchstanders so they can get on to the reason that they joined the Coast Guard – search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and boating safety. When the Auxiliary takes the watch, the station crew is freed up for operations and training.”

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Hays notes that earning a watchstanding qualification has been a long-time goal. “I wanted to be a watchstander almost from the moment I learned that it was an option for Auxiliarists,” says the retired insurance actuary, who launched his watchstanding career in 2010. “I thought – correctly – that it would be an excellent way to understand the issues faced by the active duty Coast Guard members and to get a better understanding of how they are organized and how they perform their mission. I knew that every hour that I would spend on watch would be appreciated – even if there were no distress calls – because it would free up an active duty person to perform other tasks.” A retired former high school teacher and attorney, Brady says that he has wanted to “be involved in Coast Guard operations. Successful cases are the result of a team effort and the watchstander can have a part in each one.” He has been a station watchstander since 2014. Ross says that the rich life experiences of the Auxiliarists are an additional – and important – benefit for all of Station Chatham’s crew. “My appreciation is not just because of the junior members,” he adds. “The Auxiliarists probably touch the senior folks here – like me and the Executive Petty Officer [Chief Petty Officer Travis T. Roloff] – even more than the younger guys. These gentlemen have ‘lived’ life. We lean on those four more than most people would realize,” Ross says. “Countless times I have talked to them about all kinds of issues and problems, and the value of these four goes way beyond the watchstanding; way beyond the ability of the younger members to start living their new lives now; it touches the senior folks in a way we really need,” Ross insists. “There have been countless times when I have gone in to talk with them about something. “It has nothing to do with answering a phone call, talking on the radio or any one of the tasks that they had to complete to become qualified watchstanders. Nowhere did it say, ‘Make sure you mentor the Senior Chief at the Station.’”

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A Greatest Generation Service Story: U. S. Coast Guard Quartermaster Warren James By Robert Figueroa FSO PE and Robert Robles VFC Flotilla 014-01-03

In the Hamlet of Bay Shore in the Town of Islip, New York is a remarkable symbol of what the well known television reporter Tom Brokaw termed “The Greatest Generation”. A man who grew up during the depression and at the outbreak of WWII reported for duty to serve his country... Our country. His name is Warren James. Mr. James, ninetyfour years old, served his country in the United States Coast Guard with “Honor, Integrity and Devotion to Duty”, the very core words of the Coast Guard. He served five years and rose to the rank of Quartermaster Second Class. Born on July 2, 1923 he was raised in Queens County, N.Y. and was educated in the New York City School system. Today he is a spry 94 years old. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard twelve days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After hearing President Roosevelt’s speech he answered the call to duty and enlisted. As a young man Warren spent much of his time on Fire Island. He spent time working as a deckhand on Ferries to Fire Island during the summers where he acquired many maritime skills. His family had a house on Fire Island and when spending time there he got to know some of the people out at the Fire Island Coast Guard Station. He also enjoyed familiarizing himself with the Ice Breaker AB 25 that used to tie up at the Maple Avenue dock. These experiences made him a perfect candidate for Coast Guard Duty. Sharing his service experiences with us he begins by telling us that he enlisted and was sent by train to boot camp in Algiers, Louisiana where he was immediately placed into a Company of 100 men for basic training. He remembers his Company Commander (who he met again while serving in New Guinea), marching them over and over with rifles slung on their backs. This is an interesting point because many people were

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not aware of the actual roles played by the Coast Guard all over the oceans during the war. They were not just off the American coast but played many roles overseas such as the selfless, courageous piloting of many of the landing craft during D-Day and other amphibious landings. This was because of their expertise in near shore coastal boat handling. They also crewed some of the transport ships that took American troops overseas. Quartermaster James who took part in many of these roles reminds us that many Coast Guardsmen gave their lives in this duty. He himself served on five different ships of which two were U. S. Navy ships and three were Coast Guard cutters.

Quartermaster James sharing his story with Vice Flotilla Commander Robert Robles of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Warren goes on to tell us that the hardest thing he remembers in boot camp was being taken out on to the Mississippi River with his shipmates and rowing really large boats with ten men rowing up the river “like hell and going nowhere”. Quartermaster James remembers one of his instructors who was a First Class Seaman and also the Assistant Company Commander. His name was, Justice and he was very good at drilling the new recruits. However he was an Ex-Marine and was trying to separate out of the Coast Guard and get back to Marines. For Warren boot camp was neither easy nor hard. He just followed orders and worked his way through. After finishing his basic training his duty began with an interesting start. He was being sent to duty on a transport ship in New York but was given new orders

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en-route. All the men on that train were given new orders and were consequently dropped off at different locations. He was dropped of in Virginia at the Little Creek Coast Guard Station at Cape Henry, Virginia. But there was a problem. The men were dropped in different areas like Savannah, Little Creek, Baltimore, and New York. However all their gear continued on to New York. They all had to sit around doing nothing until the gear finally caught up to them. They waited for a whole week without their sea bags. “We were living in a boathouse without our equipment”, said Warren. “The Chief Petty Officer in charge of the base advised our crew to stay out of the way and not attempt to interfere with base operations”. The base was extremely busy as there were ships being sunk by the Germans off the Coast of Capes Charles, Henry and Hatteras. Finally, when the gear caught up with Warren’s company the men were finally assigned to their duties. “They spread us over buoy tenders in Portsmouth, Virginia. I originally cleaned boilers in the beginning of my service as an apprentice seaman, and slept in temporary assigned sleeping quarters”. Some of the buoy tenders were originally the old coal burners that were converted into oil in WWII. Some of these were old lighthouse service vessels. In 1939 the Coast Guard Cutter Mistletoe was built and served as a buoy tender. Warren James served on this ship working the buoys. Coast Guard Cutters like the Mistletoe could lift 20 tons and had the capability to lift anything that was in their way. This was very important work as they set up ports and harbors for the Navy ships in many locations. When asked about his relationship with his shipmates and his officers Quartermaster James smiles and tells us that he got along very well with everyone. He did his job and did it well and

Coast Guard Buoy tender “Mistletoe”. Built in 1939 this is one of the ships Quartermaster James served on during WWII.

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was respected by his crewmates and his officers alike. Warren tells us that most of the Coast Guard officers he encountered were good ones. In fact there was one officer that he tells us he fondly remembers. While on duty on board the U.S.S. Eugene PF40, there was an executive officer, who was a reservist from Texas. “One day I took the liberty of writing a letter to his widow. I told her that if there were ever a real Mr. Roberts during World War II, it was her husband who always took them out and brought them back in one piece”. “While I was overseas I would stay in touch with my family by good old mail. Warren James (left) and I would write and tell them his shipmate D.E. Christy how things were going and taking a break. These men served together on the about any interesting things CGC Mistletoe and the that happened. The food USS Eugene. was good and so was the pay. When I left the service I was making $127 a month”. Back in those war days the food was not as good as it is in today’s military. On special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas the food was “pretty good”. But then sometimes not so good. Warren remembers a time when he was in the New Guinea area. "We were fed powdered eggs and powdered potatoes and we ate K-Rations.” One interesting thing that he remembers while serving there was that the natives in New Guinea were not too receptive to the Coast Guard or any other American Servicemen. They were head hunters and some of them were even cannibals. We asked the Quartermaster how they kept up morale and what they did for recreation? He replied, “whenever there was an opportunity, we would find a place to go ashore and have a few beers. There was an Island off New Guinea called Admiralty Island which was a fleet anchorage. On that island was Duffy’s Tavern which was literally built of cases of beer. We spent some time there”, he said. “And sometimes we got some guys together and played baseball”. He remembered that at times the entertainer Bob Hope was in the Pacific area but he never got the opportunity to see him perform. When Hope was entertaining the troops on another island nearby, Warren and his shipmates were patrolling offshore. Continued on Page 36

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Liberty unfortunately was not given to the men very often because there were no places to go or visit. The men and I would get liberty in the Panama Canal zone and when we proceeded to New York in January of 1945 we got liberty there.” We asked Warren James to tell us a little about the places he had been to during his tour of duty. “I visited Cuba on the Coast Guard Cutter Mistletoe a Buoy Tender. Our mission was to tend buoys, assist in building sea plane bases and anti-submarine PBY bases in Cuba and the Bahamas. A PBY is a type of aircraft that searches for submarines. We were building PBY bases where the reconnaissance aircraft are parked and could tackle the German Submarines. I also went to Miami and operated out of Fort Pierce for about eight months in 1942. On the USS Eugene, I served in Australia, New Guinea, and then in the Philippines. Later I was on the USS Lansing DE 388, and took a convoy to North Africa, and while doing that, to the crew’s surprise, a German submarine surrendered to us. The German sub surfaced right in front of the convoy a couple of days after the war was over in Europe. I and a few shipmates got some photos of the U Boat.

Conning Tower hatch off. Without a hatch the sub could not submerge anymore which rendered any escape attempt futile. Warren found this to be a bit humorous and one of the more unusual events that he experienced during his service. One of the most harrowing experiences of Warren‘s time in the service was when he was serving on board the USS Eugene. The ship caught fire while in the Pacific. “We think it started in the Battery Room”, says the quartermaster. A fire is one of the worst things that could ever happen on board a ship and Warren and the crew vigorously fought the fire for five hours and got it put out. Unfortunately it was not without cost. On board the ship were a few pet monkeys that were kept secure in a wire mesh location in the vessels laundry room below deck. Many of the men who served in the Philippines bought pet monkeys to take home to the states. The monkeys were overcome by smoke inhalation and all but one died. They were thrown over board. “As we were throwing them off the ship my friends and I realized that there were sharks in the water. Thankfully we were able to put the fire out. We didn’t want the ship to go down in shark infested waters.

The German U boat U873 surrenders to the U. S. S. Vance during a convoy to North Africa.

We noticed that the crew members were very young on board the submarine. The German Captain did not want to surrender. He was a die-hard Nazi. To my knowledge he later killed himself in prison in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The German submarine was the U-873. The Convoy Commodore warned the Escort Flagship to, “Not cross its bow or it’s stern”. Stay alongside of it”. That was in case there were still torpedoes in the tubes which could be fired if someone was hiding on board. It was not unusual for enemies who surrendered to sabotage the equipment they were leaving behind. Some of the crew were sent over to board the submarine with a cutting torch and cut the

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Quartermaster Warren James upon return from the Southwest Pacific in February of 1945.

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Finally, after five years of duty his service time was coming to a close. After stints on Constitution Wharf in Boston, the Coast Guard Cutters Spencer and Ingham it was time for Quartermaster Warren James to be processed out and sent home. He was sent by train to Staten Island, New York and in January of 1947 received his honorable discharge.

Warren proudly displays his well earned Honorable Discharge.

reached out to her and when I identified myself she remembered me so well that she even asked how my wife was. I told her I’ld been trying to reach Casper in Chicago and asked for information about him. On a sad note, Casper Fries developed Alzheimer’s disease and he had no recollection of me. I know that he’s a subscriber of the United States Coast Guard magazine. I believe he is still alive because I have not seen his name on the obituary listing”. Warren continues to be involved in fellowship events and has attended USCG events in Boston, the US Coast Guard Academy, Norfolk, Virginia and Wilmington. He is a member of various veteran’s organizations and belongs to the American Legion. After the war, Warren was employed for 25 years with the ARMA Defense plant in Brooklyn which eventually relocated to Garden City, New York. He worked his way up in the accounting department to the position of assistant controller. However with the sea in his veins he had a hankering to be on the water so he tells us that he worked as a Captain operating the ferries from Bay Shore to Fire Island. “Coincidently the house that I purchased happened to belong to the owner of the Ferry Company which employed me as a deck hand before the war. I began working for the company during the summers before the war so I was familiar with it and it’s operations”. Captain Gus Pagels of the Fair Harbor Ferry Company asked Warren to be one of his Captains. He accepted and began running ferries from Bay Shore to Fair Harbor, Fire Island during the summers while attending Pace during the winters.

After a time “bumming” around and getting settled Warren entered Pace Institute located in downtown Manhattan which is now Pace University. After being discharged from the Coast Guard he wasn’t sure what his career path was going to be but after seriously thinking about it for awhile he decided on Pace Institute/ University and studied accounting and finance. He pursued his education under the G.I. Bill. Warren reminisces about the many close friends he made while he was in the service. He tells us, “there was one fellow on the Coast Guard Cutter Mistletoe.. We enlisted together and went to New Orleans and became close. I lost touch with him and he passed away after the war. His name was Charles Ilchert. We called him Stumpy because he was short and stocky. He served on the Mistletoe as a Fireman”. Warren attended many reunions all over the country. Today he still gets invited to some but it is difficult to do the traveling at 94 years old. The last fellow serviceman that he recalls was a man he met while we were serving together on the USS Eugene. He was a gunner’s mate from Chicago whose name was Casper Fries. “Casper would send me Christmas cards every As we stood in his den Quartermaster James recounted many year until he stopped for couple of years in row. I of his experiences, showed pictures and introduced us to his decided to try to reach out to him, but it was to no extensive collection of books about his interests. avail. However I did have his girlfriend’s number so I

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Continued on Page 38

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Quartermaster Warren James eventually got married. and took me to Southside Hospital. That was in 1993. He married a woman who’s name was Lorraine and they had two children, a daughter Ellyn and a son Paul. Lorraine has since past, Ellyn lives in Bohemia here on Long Island and Paul lives in Connecticut. “I had been married for 61 years and have a total of six grandchildren. My wonderful wife was a registered nurse and during the war they had a cadet nurse Corps that she joined. She attended Adelphi University to become a nurse”.

Today I am almost 95 years old and thank God, I am feeling well. If not for my wife Lorraine this might not be the case”. Warren still lives in Bay Shore in the beautiful Lorraine James enjoying some time on Fire Island. home that he shared with his family and as we sit “I think about her often and have very good out in the sun room reminiscing about his life it is memories of my life with her. In fact she saved my life obvious that he is beaming with pride. Pride in his while I was having a heart attack. I didn’t realize I was family, his life lived and his service to his country in the having one but she recognized the symptoms and, not United States Coast Guard. taking no for an answer, forced me to get into the car

We thank the following persons who have joined together to bring this story to publication. First and foremost, of course, is United States Coast Guard Quartermaster, Warren Erb James. Thanks also go to U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members: Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Education, Robert Figueroa Sr., former US NAVY who wrote this article and provided photography and graphic processing. Vice Commander Robert Robles, USAF Retired who conducted the initial interview. Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs Frank Cetero and Division Staff Officer George Barnes for logistical support.

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Public Affairs Contest 2018 General Guidelines: All submissions to any contest category below should have been produced, written or photographed between 1 May 2017 to 31 May 2018. Submissions for all categories shall be received no later than 1 June 2018. No exceptions to this deadline will be permitted. AWARDS: Judging reports are due to DIR-A/Ad not later than 15 June 2018. DIR-A/Ad must submit award winners to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association not later than 30 June 2018. Each first place winner will be announced and presented with a plaque at the 2018 Coast Guard Auxiliary National Meeting (NACON). CONTESTS: There are 4 (four) Public Affairs contest categories;





• Publication • Public Affairs Event Contest • Photography • Video

Publication Contest (PB): This contest recognizes Coast Guard Auxiliary units [district, division, and flotilla] that have successfully published three or more issues of a unit publication during the past year. Flotilla newsletters eligible for judging must be published at least quarterly during the year. Division and District newsletters eligible for judging must be published at least quarterly during the year. Each entry must be identified with the name of the editor and the district/division/flotilla.

Submissions shall be received no later than 1 June 2018. No exceptions to this deadline will be permitted. Entries will be evaluated on several categories including design, layout, writing quality, photojournalism, and use of the Associated Press Style. Any member of the Auxiliary at the flotilla, division, or district level may submit newsletters. Submissions consisting of a copy of exactly three (3) separate issues of the unit publication must be electronically submitted to Robert C. Miller, AUXPA1, Division Chief of Publications, email: [email protected].

Public Affairs Contest (PA): Entrants will e-mail a synopsis of their project, activity, etc. to the PA Contest coordinator (listed below). These will be presented for the best district, division and flotilla projects. There are four judging criteria:

•Use of imagination and creativity • Promotion of CGAUX programs and (public) image • Clarity of writing and ease of replication • Attracting the attention of the media and the boating public. The contest is designed to identify the flotilla, division, and district with the most creative, imaginative, and effective public affairs event from 01 May 2017 to 31 May 2018. The event should promote a positive public image of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, generate public awareness in an area of recreational boating safety, and foster community relationships. Entry submissions should include a brief description of the following actions: • Planning – identify your target audience, message, and media • Execution – putting the plan into action • Analysis – determine the impact the event had on advancing the Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs program • Follow-up – adjusting the program for improvements and ease of replicating the event by other members of the Auxiliary. Entries must be e-mailed to Lourdes Oliveras, Division Chief of Public Relations at the following email: loliverasusgaux@ yahoo.com no later than 1 June 2018.

Photo Contest: Entries must be in digital .jpg format. Cropping is permitted. No color changes are allowed. Refer to CG

Auxiliary Public Affairs Manual (2014) for photo and video information. Photos may be color or black and white. Each Coast Guard Auxiliary member may submit up to two photographs per category. Eight categories are judged: Public Affairs, Fellowship, Marine Safety, Member Services, Operations, Public Education, and Vessel Safety Checks. • Note the category to which the entry is being submitted • Include a concise descriptive caption contained in the email and/ or in the Metadata • Entries should be e-mailed to the Photo Contest Coordinator at [email protected] no later than 1 June 2018Video Contest:

Videography: Entrants must submit via YouTube (conforming to YouTube’s technical requirements). Create a YouTube account and upload the video (set as private). Email the video URL to: [email protected]

Include a video slate and provide the best scene (selection of a few related shots from one event or story). Maximum length per submission is 4 minutes. Video should visually convey an intended story or event that promotes some aspect of the Auxiliary’s four cornerstones. Please include a short synopsis of the story. Videos can be with or without sound. Any CGAUX cornerstone activity may be covered. Entries must be submitted by 1 June 2018.

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RED ALERT Importance: High To: All Auxiliarists URGENT USCG MARINE SAFETY ALERT Walter Kidde has issued a recall of 134 different models of Kidde brand fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017, including models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver cylinder colors and are rated as either ABC or BC. The extinguishers were sold nationwide online and at brick and mortar outlets. The hazards associated with the recalled fire extinguishers are that they can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard. All persons owning fire extinguishers are urged to read Coast Guard Marine Safety Alert 12-17 at: for additional information on the recall and how to obtain a free replacement. http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/1217.pdf

All are also encouraged to check the fire extinguishers aboard your vessels, and in your vehicles and homes to determine whether they are subject to this recall. Additional information is available on the Consumer Product Safety For the Commission website use this LINK

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Photo courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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AUXILIARY MORE BENEFITS FOR COAST GUARD AUXILIARY MEMBERS The continuing efforts of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, your Association, is seeking benefits for US Coast Guard Auxiliary members to recognize your dedications and volunteer service. We are happy to announce adding several new partner companies to our current portfolio of partners to provide additional benefits for you. This includes a company that makes most of the printers we all use, as well as additional computer equipment. Also included are a number of companies that supply marine equipment and accessories, as well as a new

company which provides clothing and camping equipment, which includes well-known boating deck shoes, all at very good discounted prices. These are in addition to the companies offering substantial discounts at hotels, car rentals, cruises, various kinds of insurance, credit cards that provide cash back as well as favorable mortgage and car loans, and even first aid supplies, which are available at www.shopauxiliary.com under the member benefits section.

“ATTENTION” Any member desiring initial appointment or reappointment as an ANACO or National Director for the two year period commencing on 1 November 2018 and ending on 31 October 2020 should submit a cover letter, resume, and any other information you desire to be considered, to Larry King, Vice National Commodore at [email protected] or Commodore Larry King, 1213 Westwood Road, Pascagoula, MS 39567 not later than 1 August 2018. Applications, resumes, or additional information submitted after that date will not be considered.

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David Friedman VP Development, Marketing & Member Benefits Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Within the next couple of weeks, you should receive the Association’s

NOW HEAR THIS:

Commodore Richard Washburn National Commodore

newsletter highlighting three of the new companies, as well as the complete list of companies that help us support the US Coast Guard Auxiliary programs. For more information go to www.cgauxa.org then click on Member Benefits.

COVER PHOTOS Front: Auxiliarist Carlos Tacoronte patrols the harbor in Puerto Rico, keeping vessels including the Navy hospital ship safe Back: Coastguardsmen (l to r): SN Johnson, FN Shurack and BM3 Schifano, view the latest NAVIGATOR in Yankeetown, FL

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SCUTTLEBUTT ‘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.*

INAUGURAL ISSUE OF THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

For more information about joining the

US Coast Guard Auxiliary please visit www.cgaux.org

DISTRIBUTION FOR THE

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On this page you will find

• All members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

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

• Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Inc. members and staff

SEND US YOUR Publications, Articles & Photos

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.

We’d love to see what you’re doing and share it with the rest of the Auxiliary!

Articles and Photos click HERE

The first issue of this quarterly Auxiliary publication can be found at this link. It features access to products and services that are available to you on some preferential basis, as well as general use articles

Publications click HERE

NATIONAL STAFF OPPORTUNITIES

SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE: MY.CGAUX.ORG

Auxiliary members who are interested in applying for any of the National offices should visit

All Auxiliary members are encouraged to remain engaged. Be sure to log-on and update you profile at: http://my.cgaux.org

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http://cgaux.org/members/wantads/ index.php. Here, members will find

opportunities listed and contact information for each position. Members should be prepared to submit forms 7062, 7063, and a copy of their resume.

FOLLOW THE AUXILIARY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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.”

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