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Flotilla 12-8s AOR

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FLOTILLA 12-8, 7TH DISTRICT CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA Vol. 31 No. 9 MEMBERSHIP MEETING SEPTEMBER 14 1900 AT THE BASE
Full Flotilla Schedule

Immediate Past Flotilla Commander

Bob Kreiling - IPFC

rescuers live in the areas that have been totally devastated. The Press Release does mention four major CG bases being severely damaged, in the Gulf and on the Mississippi. OK, I know you got the picture. Simply put we, as part of Coast Guard family, have to help the other family members. Every year we ask you to donate to the Coast Guard Mutual Aid. We are asking you, since the need is far greater. to do that now and please, in view of what has happened, dig a little deeper in your hearts and wallets. The DCP's message also went out to 12-02, 03, 06 and 10 and a donation will be made by the Division. Should there be any reason that you can not attend our regular meeting on 1900 14 SEP 05, please do send your Check, to FSO-FN Joey Bokern, made out to USCGAUX-8 - . Katrina Relief in the lower left corner. THAT MAKES IT TAX DEDUCTIBLE Please come to our Flotilla Meeting 1900 14 Sep 05 AND BRING MONEY!!

KATRINA AND THE CG IS THERE

The DCP's message and Press Release, promulgated in the recent 12-8 FLASH, eloquently describes the heroic tasks the Coast Guard is accomplishing, in the areas stricken by KATRINA. They are indeed performing magnificently, despite the personal tragedies that many of them have suffered. We have all seen the endless efforts of the CG in the air. The countless Helo lift offs from the rooftops. There has been lesser mention, but equally successful, ongoing SAR missions, being performed in the flood zones. Unfortunately, probably, because the media could not care less, there has been no mention of the hardships being endured by the families of these Heroic Coasties. Bear in mind that the majority of these

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SPECIAL SECTION ON USCG AUX AND KATRINA

The following articles were gleaned from the press releases published by Aux. Wayne Spivak Chief - External Communications Public Affairs Department United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Ed.

covered by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) as are National Guardsman and members of the Reserves. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer's who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 31,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions. (29AUG2005)

Auxiliarists ready to join Hurricane Katrina relief effort

In what has been described as one of the worst storms ever to hit the Gulf States, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, America's Volunteer Lifesavers has poised itself to commit resources to assist the Coast Guard and FEMA in this historic relief effort. According to Commodore James Vass of the Auxiliary Eighth District, Coastal Region, "the Auxiliary can deploy between ten to 15 facilities (boat's, planes, and radio units) with up to thirty people as early as tomorrow." This Auxiliary District itself has been hard hit, with a third of its members living in the affected areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. "More assets can be brought to bear," said Vass, "as conditions warrant." The Auxiliary units will be tasked to do those functions they do on a daily basis including assisting in identifying and locating, and cataloging Aids to Navigation, Search and Rescue, and backfilling other Coast Guard jobs allowing Active Duty and Reserve personnel to perform other missions. Commodore Vass currently has Auxiliarists working with their Coast Guard counterparts and other Federal, State and Local agencies it the Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Incident Command Center (ICC). This command center was established Sunday in preparation for the hurricane, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Commodore Vass, aged 62, of Port O'Connor, TX who is a Civil Engineer in his private life, feels that his Auxiliarists "are both prepared and eager to respond, based on several recent exercises undertaken in light of last year's Hurricane Ivan." Like Vass, the majority of his members will need to negotiate time away from job and family, since members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary are not

Auxiliary Aviation takes to the sky's over the Gulf

Auxiliary Air Crews flew several survey support missions over the devastated Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi areas yesterday in support of the Search, Rescue and Recovery missions. According to William Crouch, Vice Commodore of the Auxiliary Eighth Coast Guard District Coastal Region, "Our Aviators were operational, surveying and taking pictures for the Incident Command Center." Auxiliary radio facilities are due to set-up VHF stations in several areas of Alabama to supplement the Coast Guard VHF radio net that was disabled due to several antenna installations being damaged. Auxiliary boat crews are scheduled to be tasked for Search and Rescue, as well as Recovery missions such as locating, mapping, and minor repairs to Aids to Navigation as early as tomorrow. Auxiliary members still in the work force need to negotiate time away from their jobs, since the Coast Guard Auxiliary and its volunteers are not covered by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) as are National Guardsman and members of the Reserves. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is

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composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer's who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 31,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support o Coast Guard missions. (31AUG2005)

of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and are willing to offer their services should contact the US Freedom Corps at <outbind://72/www.usafreedomcorps.gov> www.usafreedomcorps.gov. If you are looking for loved ones, you can try FirstGov at <outbind://72/www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/P ublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina _Recovery.shtml> www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hur ricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtm l The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer's who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 31,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions. 04SEP2005

FEMA requests support for Hurricane relief efforts from Coast Guard Auxiliary
Orlando, FL - The Coast Guard announced today its agreement to offer the use of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief efforts today. "Throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, a 9,000 square mile area, President Bush has declared numerous areas under Presidential Disaster Declarations. During the past couple of days, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary have laid the ground work for CG Auxiliarists to participate in relief efforts. This was no small task and required the coordination of Coast Guard and FEMA representatives at the highest levels." said CAPT Barry Smith, Chief Director of the Auxiliary, and the Coast Guard's Program Manager who oversees the Auxiliary. This program is similar to the last year's Auxiliary-FEMA assistance to the citizens of Florida after the quadruple hurricane disasters. Auxiliarists who wish to work with FEMA, will be come Disaster Assistance employees (a paid hourly position). Training will be in Emmittsburg, MD, with subsequent transportation to the Disaster zone. Auxiliarists who participated last year, will ship directly to the Disaster staging zone. Those Auxiliarists, who wish to work for the Auxiliary, will be tasked based on need to augment both Auxiliary and Coast Guard crews in the disaster area. Those individuals who are not currently members

FLOTILLA COMMANDER
Thomas Schmidt FC

FC Schmidt is undergoing a stressful life experience moving. In addition to the physical hardship involved he is suffering from the psychological trauma of not being connected. To put it another way, he has yet to get settled enough to attach his PC access to the Net. He will resume his column next month. He asks that you be certain to attend the September Membership meeting to support the message above from Bob Kreiling and to meet the new members.

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VICE-FLOTILLA COMMANDER
Allen James - VFC

members of 12-8 who want to participate and those who do can, e mail me, Hap James at jamesan38@bellsouth.net.

What would we do if a KATRINA hit here? If our families were safe and out of harms way, would we be able, as Auxiliary members, to help our fellow citizens? How would we fare in rescuing people from the water or homes, carrying supplies to those in need and to other responders?

Mt Pleasant Waterfront Festival Patrol

We covered, 13AUG2005, the 1st Annual Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Festival - a sailboat on regatta organized through the Hobcaw Creek Yacht Club. Could we leave our family even if all is well to help The guys in the others? This is what we would be asked to do and what picture are (L our Auxiliary would be called upon to do. Are we to R) Bob prepared to help? I asked myself these questions when Wieland, John I saw people in New Orleans who had lost all they had Rodgers, & and went on to help others. If put to the test how Hank Wolf on would we measure up? Just thinking. the OPFAC "Avocation" Would we measureFellowship up? Think about.
Jane Orenstein Coordinator
Submitted by Dean Creed

Our October meeting will once again feature a feast by the dynamic duo of Beaudrot and Creed. Plan to be there for the usual sumptuous buffet of Low Country specialties. A modest fee will cover expenses. Wed. Oct. 12 at the Base at 6pm be there to join the fun! For long range planning purposes, our Change of Watch will be held Sat. Nov. 19. You may want to put UP PERISCOPE! Time to look around and see what is happening around you maintain situational awareness so to speak.

Allen James FSO-OP

Operations

Operations met all the scheduled patrols for the month in addition to an extra vessel for two-boat drills. This was to help those needing annual recertification or time on the water. If you need either of these please call me to find out who will be on patrol and when If a second boat is needed. Call as far in advance as you can as it takes time to schedule crews. We should be finished with on the water skills and time on the water time by end of September. All members stand by to see if higher fuel prices will again effect our budget. In any case we should not waste our fuel. MORE TO COME.

it on your calendar now. Details next month.

Robert Mathewes FSO-MT

Member Training

Beach Sweep Volunteers Needed

Division SO, George O'Brian, of 12/6 asked if members of 12/8 would participate in Beach Sweep on 17 Sept at Sullivans Island from 0900 to 1500. All

The results are in on the AUXSEA class. There are six new Seamanship Specialists in Division 12. Bobby Baker, Allen James, Joe Fleming, Tom Schmidt and Agnes Wright of 12-8 and Bill Riley of 12-3 all

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passed the exam. That gives the class a 100% success rate. The third, specialty course offering of the year will began on Labor Day at 1900 at the Brass Buckle. Since this was written prior to the start date, I dont know how many students will be in the class. This one will be AUXSAR (Search & Rescue). It will take approximately seven weeks. In addition to the five new Seamanship Specialists listed above, the flotilla had some other new qualifications obtained since our last newsletter. Joe Fleming, Barney Holt and James Morrison had their QE check ride and now await the security clearance to become qualified boat crew. While on the subject of security, Ellen Kreiling is now a qualified Fingerprint Technician. In response to my notification about the Incident Command System, Frederick Schultz has completed ICS-100 and Hugo Endris has completed ICS-700 & ICS-800... If any of you missed the V Department workshop, it can be completed on line at: http://safetyseal.net/workshops/workshop/ This is your chance to keep from having the hassle of being REWK.

probably want the greater muscular strength that, on average is found in men. However, the Old Salt wondered if that was the whole story? Perhaps in the long story of human evolution, it was the typical task of our hunter-gatherer ancestors to divide food procurement assignments where the men were more likely to wander in the pursuit of larger game (often coming up empty) while women stayed closer to home base, gathering small game and edible vegetables, nuts, and berries while they cared for the children. On average then, our ancestors, tended to divide into more and less adventurous types based on what was more productive of the necessities for survival. When floating logs and rafts were developed into the ships of the past few thousand years, it may have seemed "natural" for these craft to be crewed by men rather than women. But the problem of muscle power has been largely solved by more efficient designs, and the problem of food gathering and production has been more than solved, leading to too many couch potatoes, so we begin to see a few women who have mastered the skills necessary to be skippers of their own boats, perhaps with the assistance of other women friends or male partners, just as men have done in the past. So was it evolution that set the path seen in the past or just that men were keeping the fun to themselves? Perhaps in a generation or two we will find out. So what do you think?

The OLD SALT

ON MEN, WOMEN, AND BOATS The Old Salt will probably be labeled as a male chauvinist after this column, but the Old Salt was pondering why it is that so many more men than women are the primary boaters in their families? . There is a venerable tradition that women are bad luck aboard sailing vessels, but this may have to do with the likelihood that the presences of a few women could produce competition, jealousy, and even conflict among the men. It is typical to blame this on the presence of women. Certainly, ships of the past, powered more by muscle and the simple mechanical advantages produced by winches, and block and tackle would

Henry Wolf FSO-MA

Materials

Members will find items to purchase on the materials page of the Flotilla's website as listed below: www.uscgauxcharleston.org/materials.htm Following are a couple of new sources that will shortly be added to the website page: Galls is one for the new style shorts and other items. Galls 1-800-477-7766 www.galls.com Survival vests or equipment vests can be ordered from: Life saving Systems

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Corp. Ph. 813-645-2748. www.lifesavingsystems.com .

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appreciative and the boating public thanked us for being out there. As a crew we had a wonderful time aiding anyone who might

Aids to Navigation
Richard Daniels FSO AN

Economic conditions have played havoc with so many areas in our battle against world terrorism. Our local ATON program certainly feels the impact but we did get several patrols in during the current year. A little stream of money opened up recently which allowed us to get back on the water not as a PATON Patrol, but rather as a Safety Patrol. We can all relate to Nuns, Cans, Ranges, Special Marks, Charted Objects, Bridges and the like as Aids to Navigation. There is another aid to Navigation that we tend to overlook. In August we conducted a Safety Patrol with training on board being an important focus. It was the Saturday of

FSO- Daniels Reminds US That It Is Illegal to Tie Up to an ATON need us as well as giving safety advice on the water. We had a great crew and wonderful fellowship as we became an Aid to Navigation. In fact every boater on the water is a true aid to navigation when they practice Boating Safety. Brent Hepburn, Dan Cowley, Hank Wolf and I held station until all the boat traffic was cleared from the river and the thunderstorms forced us back to safe port. All in all we had a five hour Safety Patrol that turned into an Aid to Navigation experience.

Public Education
Bob Lovinger FSO-PE

SAFETY PATROL on the WAPPO the Rockville Regatta. Our crew briefing noted the Regatta with the statement that we should experience an uneventful patrol because all the boat traffic would be in Rockville. We started our Safety patrol in a quiet way around the Coast Guard Base practicing anchoring techniques. Much to our surprise we got a call on the ships radio from DNR asking for our Safety Patrol to help them with boating traffic on the Wappoo River. The marine traffic was extremely heavy. (See above picture.) This assignment provided a great opportunity to remind people about speed and boating safety.. Sector Charleston cleared us to take up position on the Wappoo River and conduct our Safety Patrol there. We became an Aid to Navigation both with our presence and friendly reminders to boaters passing south. The DNR folks were very

A new season for boating education begins. Compared to last Fall, when we had a total of two students in Boating Skills & Seamanship, the new BS&S class seems to be starting with perhaps 8 to 10 students and at least that many inquiries that may lead to students. Further, it looks like the America's Boating Course, which replaced the Boating Safely Course as our short course offering, will likely ail with a smaller enrollment this October. This is more interest than we have had in the past. I will be calling on our stalwart instructors for help as I have done in the past, always with gratitude for the help you have given the boating public and me.

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Frank Leister FSO-PB

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Publications

Welcome back Old Salt!. After a long singled handed voyage around the seven seas he is back to share with us the knowledge and experiences gained in his extraordinary travels. Good to have him back. FSO-AN Richard Daniels and Past FC Dean Creed sent narratives of their patrols and pictures. This is an excellent way to describe to the members what it is like on an operation. In the past, FSO-VE Fleming submitted similar stories on their shore side operation as have others. Anyone, you do not have to be a staff officer, may submit stories. They are of interest to all, particularly so if there are pictures. The Scuttlebutt is not supposed to be a one way street or even a one lane street. The news and notifications posted in the Scuttlebutt may come from any member or non-member. We have had articles from CG personnel here in Charleston and from other entities. Flotilla 12-8 members are invited to submit their thoughts and observations in a new column, Letters to the Editor. They can be sent to me at fcl@lwinslow.com All writers should identify themselves. If they want their submission to be anonymous, and have a reason, then the editor will honor their request. Respectful language, courtesy and other fine characteristics that represent our Flotilla should be fully deployed. You may notice a two small changes in this months Scuttlebutt. The type size is a little bigger and paragraphs are now separated by another line. Does this make it easier to read?

appealed to me most was the service orientation and the sense that various posts were not occupied by barnacles. People who had something to offer were given an opportunity to serve. But there is something missing too. What the "other" boating organization offers in abundance, fellowship, is in somewhat short supply. There is some social activity but I think we could do more than the CoW, the fall cookout and a raft-up. I think we should canvas the membership to find out what people would like but maybe 3-4 dinner meetings a year at reasonable restaurants as near centrally located as possible would be a start. Not a completely gruntled member.

Secretary/Records
Shirley Wolf FSO-SR

Flotilla 12-8 Membership Meeting Minutes 10 August 2005 The meeting was called to order at 1905 by FC Tom Schmidt and commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Robert Lovinger FSO-PE. Members present: Thomas Beauchemin, David Beaudrot, Paul Berka, Dick Clarke, Dan Cowley, Jim Davis, Joseph Fleming, Barney Holt Eric Kilpatrick, Ellen Kreiling, Robert Kreiling, Robert Lovinger, Robert Mathewes, James Morrison, Robert Orenstein, Diane Schmidt, Thomas Schmidt, Frederick Schultz, John Smoak, Robert Wieland, Henry Wolf, Shirley Wolf, Agnes Wright Guests/Visitors: Al Carruthers, Darwin Goucher, Linda Goucher, and John Robinson; Gold Side: LT Randy Brown and Petty Officer Jason Frivance. Tom Schmidt - FC asked that the July meeting minutes be approved as written in the Scuttlebutt. Robert Lovinger made the motion to accept the minutes seconded by Robert Orenstein. Jim Davis reviewed the financial statement. Financial statement accepted as written.

OPINION AND LETTERS

To the editor: I am a relatively recent member of the Auxiliary and I am sorry I did not join a long time ago. I was sort of aware of them up North at boat shows but they never seemed all that welcoming. Here, I think we are more welcoming but what

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FC presented Robert Mathewes FSO-MT with a certificate for completing Incident Command System (ICS) Module 1 and Agnes Wright received certificate for completing NAV B Specialty Course. FSO-PE stated that a Boating Skills and Seamanship class is scheduled to begin 7 September and American Boating Course will be offered 15 and 22 October. He asked that members encourage people to take it. Also, he will be looking for instructors for these courses. Joseph Fleming FSO-VE was disappointed that no VEs showed up for the last blitz. He will be sending a Flash message for the next Blitz to be held at Duncans on August 21 from 1000 to 0200. FSO-MT reported that he and John Sikes FSOCS were notified that Coast Guard reservists returning to active duty needed instruction on navigation. They responded by teaching a class for eleven for which the reserve petty officer was very thankful. FSO-MT also stated that out of 19 specialty courses offered by the Division, Flotilla 12-8 did eight. AUX SAR is to begin next month, 5 September, for seven weeks. If youre interested in taking this course, please see him after class and get a book. FC thanked all instructors for teaching and a special thanks to FSO-MT and FSO-CS for teaching the reservists. Ellen Kreiling IPDC has been appointed by CDR Crawley as his Directors Division Security Liaison (DDSL). DDSL Kreiling has signed a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement. Violation of that Agreement carries harsh penalties for disclosure by the DDSL of any Members information. Each Member having DO status needs to either complete on-line or download the SF86 (13 pages

which includes two pages of instruction) as well as form DHS11000-9. Also, Members must complete two (2) fingerprint cards for both Direct Ops and Ops Support status. DDSL Kreiling will be taking fingerprints at her house. Please contact her to schedule date/time. All fingerprints must be taken on the USCG FD-258 cards only. No other type of fingerprint cards will be accepted. A birth certificate with a raised seal or a passport is also needed to verify citizenship. Do not e-mail PSI forms. Members are requested to submit PSI forms (by snail mail) A.S.A.P. to DDSL. Forms should be unsigned and undated and she will review and comment. When forms are complete they must be signed in blue ink. The PSI forms are to be submitted A.S.A.P. New Business: FC distributed information regarding On-The-Water (OTW) Training. Members were asked to review this material and comply with the procedures as written. Old Business: None LT Randy Brown stated that regarding processing orders: Remember when submitting Form 5132 it is necessary to check the meal box in order to get reimbursed and requests submitted for fuel reimbursement for $75 or more need a receipt. He introduced Petty Officer Jason Frivance who will help with order processing to increase efficiency and cut down on turnaround time. FC requested another OPFAC for Saturday, 13 August for the Youth Regatta, Hobcaw Yacht Club. Meeting adjourned at 2030. Next meeting scheduled for 10 September 2005 at the USCG Base at 1900.

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Scuttlebutt KEY SOURCES FOR INFORMATION--

November 2004

Following is a list of web sites of value to us all. Please keep abreast of news and directives by checking these sources on a regular basis. >USCG Aux Info Tracking Progress http://www.cgaux.info/g_ocx/auxdata/auxinfohelp.htm USCG Aux What's New Page http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/memtable.shtml > USCG Aux On-line Testing Page http://cgexams.info/testing/ > USCG Aux AuxInfo http://www.auxinfo.uscg.gov/ > USCG Aux e-Train http://www.auxetrain.org/ > USCG Aux Forms & Manuals Page http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/tbforms.shtml > 7th District DirAux West http://www.dirauxwest.org/ > ChDirAux Items of Interest Page http://www.cgaux.info/g_ocx/ > DIRAUX District 7 Homepage http://www.d7oax3.net/ > DIRAUX District 7 Directives http://www.d7oax3.net/pol_dir.htm > USCG Aux D7 Member Page http://www.cgaux7.org/index_members.asp > Division 12 Website http://www.uscgaux.org/~07012/ > Flotilla Website http://www.uscgauxcharleston.org/

Flotilla 12-8 Officers

Click on Name to send an e-mail message

Flotilla 12-8 Elected Officers: Position

FC - Flotilla Commander VFC - Flotilla Vice Commander

Name
Thomas A. Schmidt Allen N. James

Web Page
Welcome

Flotilla 12-8 Staff Officers: Position

FSO-AN - Aids to Navigation FSO-AV - Aviation Coordinator FSO-CC - Career Counselor FSO-CM - Communications FSO-CS - Communications Services FSO-FN - Finance FSO-IS - Information Services FSO-MA - Materials FSO-MS - Marine Safety

Name
Richard B. Daniel Terry Heinz W. Brent Hepburn Richard R. Clarke John L. Sikes Joseph H. Bokern, IV Diane Schmidt Henry Wolf Louis C. Mintz

Web Page
Air Operations Academy Introduction Mission (AIM)

Materials

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FSO-MT - Member Training FSO-OP - Operations FSO-PA - Public Affairs FSO-PB - Publications FSO-PE - Public Education FSO-PS - Personnel Services FSO-PV - Partner Visitation FSO-SR - Secretary/Records FSO-VE - Vessel Examination IPFC - Immediate Past Flotilla Commander

Robert H. Mathewes Allen James W. Barney Holt Frank C. Leister Robert J. Lovinger Thomas A. Schmidt Barbara Yeatman Shirley A. Wolf Joseph L. Fleming Robert L. Kreiling Safety Checks Newsletters Public Courses Join The Auxiliary Surface Operations