Masthead & TOC

District 7 Bridge
Dave Fuller
DCAPT-N
Robert Weskerna
DCOS
Commodore
John Tyson
Braxton Ezell
DCAPT-W
Judith Hudson
DCAPT-E
VOLUME LVIX
SUMMER 2013 ISSUE
District 7 in Action
You and the Auxiliary
Feature Articles
The Auxiliary in Action
A New Breeze -
From the Editor
Craig Elliot
New DDC-R
AUX and USACE
Working Together
Marina Earns
Safety Award
Sequestration and
the Auxiliary
Help Fund
CGAuxA
Give Yourself
a Tax Break
POMs Becomes
AOM
Class at the
Cop Shop
On the Water
Training
Low Country
Spotlight
Vessel Exams
Wake Up Boaters
We Began as
the Reserve
Carbon Monoxide
the Silent Killer
Riding Out
the Storm
Editorial -
PATONs at the Glen
AUXDATA
Breeze is the official publication of the
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
7th District
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
District Commander
Rear Admiral John H. Korn, USCG
Director of Auxiliary District 7
Commander Kathryn C. Dunbar, USCG
Operations Training Officer
Chief Warrant Ofcer Christopher W. Acklin, USCG
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
District Commodore
Commodore John D. Tyson
District Chief of Staff
Robert Weskerna
Immediate Past District Commodore
Commodore Walter R. Jaskiewicz
District Captain North
David M. Fuller
District Captain West
Braxton R. Ezell

District Captain East
Judith L. Hudson
BREEZE is the ofcial publication of the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary 7th District and is intended as a publication to keep
the membership apprised of the activities of the Auxiliary.
All articles and photographs submitted must be consistent
with the policies of the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary and
may not be returned. Electronic submissions are encouraged.
Personal information of members is protected by the
Privacy Act of 1974. The use of these rosters, addresses
and telephone numbers on any computer or online
service including the Internet is prohibited by the Act.
Comments are encouraged and may be sent to Editor
(District Staf Ofcer - Publications) at: D7Breeze@
yahoo.com. Articles in the Breeze may be reprinted.
Make changes to addresses on: www.auxofcer.cgaux.org
Auxiliary Sector Coordinators
ASC Sector Charleston
Reginald B. Hollar
ASC Sector Jacksonville
David C. Cawton
ASC Sector Key West
Russell D. Jackson
ASC Sector Miami
William W. Tejeiro

ASC Sector St. Petersburg
Donald C. Hoge
ASC Sector San Juan
Mariano Velazquez
Division Commanders 2013
Division 1............................... Ramsey M. Rodriguez-Diaz
Division 2.................................................Nan Ellen Fuller
Division 3....................................................Daniel A. Hess
Division 4.................................................Frederick A. Hill
Division 5...........................................Leslie F. McDermott
Division 6..............................................Thomas R. Walker
Division 7...................................................J. Michael Shea
Division 8..............................................Paulette R. Parent
Division 9................................................David M. Shuster
Division 10.............................................Charles T. Phillips
Division 11..................................................Karen L. Miller
Division 12...............................................Allen L. Crothers
Division 13..................................................Elsie S. Metcalf
Division 14............................................William R. Sekeres
Division 15.................................................Paul P. Pelletier
Division 16.....................................................Lee E. Elvins
Division 17....................................................Carl D. Motes
District 7 Directorate Chiefs 2013
Logistics
James E. Dennen, DDC-L
Prevention
William J. Sorrentino Jr., DDC-P
Response
Craig Elliot, DDC-R
District Staf Ofcers
Prevention Directorate
Lyle E. Letteer.........................................................DSO-MS
Frank R. Lann.........................................................DSO-MT
David C. Cawton......................................................DSO-NS
Ronald D. Foreman.................................................DSO-PV
Gretchen V. Bacon...................................................DSO-PE
William S. Griswold.................................................DSO-SL
Chuck Kelemen.......................................................DSO-VE
Response Directorate
Kenneth T. Plesser...................................................DSO-AV
Henry S. Reynolds..................................................DSO-CM
Dudley W. Davis......................................................DSO-OP
Jerald D. Henderson...............................................Chief QE
Logistics Directorate
David A. Hastings....................................................DSO-CS
Carl Lucas..............................................................DSO-DM
Phillip T. Poole........................................................DSO-DV
Angela Pomaro.......................................................DSO-HR
Susan Z. Hastings.....................................................DSO-IS
Theresa A. Barth.....................................................DSO-MA
Constance O. Irvin...................................................DSO-PA
Stephen Ellerin.......................................................DSO-PB
Diane Riggan.............................................................NSBW
Alejandro DeQuesada.............................District Historian
David Hastings ..................................................Webmaster
Other
Lillian G. GaNun......................................................DSO-SR
Richard J. Petrucci......................................................DFSO
Andrew W. Anderson...............................................DSO-LP
James W. Mayer......................................................DSO-FN
Richard J. Leys.............................................................PPCA
Thomas Brickey..........................District Materials Center
District Administrative Assistant & Aide
Gary P. Barth................................................................D-AA
Richard F. Laughlin.....................................................D-AD
Carolyn R. Hooley........................................................D-AD
Volume LVIX Summer 2013 Issue
www.uscga-district-7.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FROM THE BRIDGE
Hope Is Not A Strategy
John Tyson, District Commodore (DCO)...............................................4
Just Show Up
Bob Waskerna, District Chief of Staf (DCOS)........................................5
Leaders Are Trained
David Fuller, District Captain North (DCAPT-N)...................................6
Pirates and Speedboats
Braxton Ezell, District Captain West (DCAPT-W)..................................8
A Day on the Bay
Judith Hudson, District Captain East (DCAPT-E)................................10
DISTRICT 7 IN ACTION
The New Breeze
Stephen Ellerin, District Staf Ofcer-Publications (DSO-PB).............14
New District Directorate Chief - Response
Charles Truthan, SO-PA, Division 15....................................................15
Working Together - Making a Diference
Kerry Eakins, Breeze Contributing Writer.............................................15
Marina Rental Fleet Earns Safety Award
Ron Argo, Breeze Contributing Writer..................................................17
YOU AND THE AUXILIARY
What Does Sequestration Mean for the Auxiliary?
Thomas C. Mallison, National Commodore (NACO)............................19
Help Fund the CG Auxiliary Association
Stephen Ellerin, DSO-PB........................................................................20
Give Yourself a Tax Break
Richard Risk, Breeze Contributing Writer.............................................20
Principles of AUXDATA Order Management
Bob Hofman, Breeze Contributing Writer............................................22
FEATURE ARITICLES
We Began as The Reserve
Kathy Clatworthy, Breeze Contributing Writer.....................................24
Carbon Monoxide, The Silent Killer
Bill Griswold, Branch Chief, Liaison to NSBC/NWS............................26
National On-Water Team Seeks Your Help
RBS Alerts...............................................................................................27
Riding Out the Storm
Kathy Clatworthy, Breeze Contributing Writer.....................................28
News From The National Boating Federation...................29
Spotlight: Our District 7 Historian
Caroline Westerhof, Ph. D, Breeze Contributing Writer.......................30
Editorial: PATONs at The Glen
Beth Gallagher, Breeze Contributing Writer..........................................31
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
Video - You Are Part of Team Coast Guard
Zach Lessin, ADSO-PB...........................................................................32
Video - AUX Public Service Video - Life Jackets.............32
Video - Georgia Lottery Salutes USCG and AUX.............32
S.C. House of Representatives Recognizes Flotilla 12-1
Barbara Burchfeld, Branch Chief, ADSO-PB.......................................33
Class at the Cop Shop
Barbara Burchfeld, BC-BSS, ADSO-PB................................................34
Coxswain Training
Barbara Burchfeld, BC-BSS, ADSO-PB................................................35
On the Water Training: Working at Getting it Right
Jack Margolis, ADSO-PB.......................................................................36
Low Country Spotlight: The Mission Is Diverse
Rick Leary, Breeze Contributing Editor................................................37
Safe Boating Proclamation.........................................................37
Unusual Communications Course
Mary Patton, ADSO-PB..........................................................................39
AUXCHEF Now AUXFS
Paulette R. Parent, ADSO-HR...............................................................41
Vessel Exams Wake Up Boaters
Joan Crothers, Breeze Contributing Writer..........................................42
Free NOAA Nautical Products
NOAA......................................................................................................43
GOLD SIDE
Change of Command Seventh Coast Guard District
Jack Margolis, ADSO-PB........................................................................44
Change of Command Sector Charlestown
Jack Margolis, ADSO-PB........................................................................45
Judgemental Use of Force
Barbara Burchfeld, BC-BSS, ADSO-PB.................................................46
PPP
FROM THE BRIDGE
5
HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY
Shipmates: As District Commodore, I hope that you understand and
support the districts vision and its goals. But hoping for something
without a supporting strategy does not turn goals into reality.
Yes, hope can be a powerful force. It helps us through the really tough
times in our lives, and it encourages us to take the risks we need to
achieve success. However, I was reminded of the relationship between
hope and strategy a few months ago while looking for books on com-
municating strategy. While glancing through lists of books, I came
across one titled Hope Is Not a Strategy. Although the book was about
selling skills, it was the title that I found most intriguing.
Hope is indeed not a strategy. Simply wishing that all of you will sup-
port the districts vision will not make that happen. But communicat-
ing our strategies and goals, and encouraging fotillas to set goals and
to use performance-based data (available by clicking here: District 7
Dashboard or on our D7 website) to measure their progress will help
members focus on our strategies and improve their performance in
mission activities.
Earlier this year, while attending leadership training sessions around
the district, I heard several of our unit commanders say that they
could not recall the districts four primary strategies. That was certain-
ly disappointing to hear, but not a complete surprise. After all, we are
just starting to communicate the districts 2013-2016 Strategic Plan;
that fow of information will increase in months ahead.
For those not familiar with the districts vision and primary strategies,
they are:
Our Vision: District 7 intends to be the
premier volunteer organization support-
ing Coast Guard maritime safety and
security missions, the leading provider of
educational programs to the recreational
boating community, and a model of ex-
emplary leadership practices.
The Four Strategies through which the district expects to achieve its
vision are: (1) Increasing our efectiveness in recreational boating
safety mission activities; (2) Training fotilla and division ofcers
in the use of best leadership practices; (3) Growing the districts
ready volunteer force; and (4) Ensuring joint planning and mission
development with Seventh Coast Guard District Headquarters, Sec-
tors and Air Stations.
Our districts vision, strategies and goals are closely aligned with
the strategies and goals of both the Coast Guard and Coast Guard
Auxiliary national organization. They are also designed to help the
district to become a more efective and diverse organization.
No matter what ofce you hold, or what role you pursue within
your fotilla, your work is important and makes a diference in the
districts success. If you have not done so, please read the districts
2013-2016 Strategic Plan (click blue text) and talk with your ship-
mates about how, together, you can make a greater diference in the
success of our district strategy.
Semper Paratus
John
John Tyson
District 7 Commodore (DCO)
FROM THE BRIDGE
6
Were all wishing Stephen Ellerin, DSO-PB and his team of ADSO-PBs the
very best of luck with this and future issues of the Breeze. Following Dorothy
Rileys outstanding fve years of award-winning work will be challenging, but
this new team has the experience to make our D7 publication even better,
and I believe they will.
JUST SHOW UP
Soon after beginning my term as Chief of Staf in January, I had the opportu-
nity to attend National Training in St. Louis. In his address to those attend-
ing, Assistant National Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety L. Daniel
Maxim reminded us of something Woody Allen once said: Eighty percent of
life is showing up (New York Times 1989 August 13). Most of you reading
this have shown up for the Auxiliary.
Whether the flmmakers eighty percent is right-on or slightly of, the
balance of life, I believe, is about following up. So whether getting more
involved for you means walking the docks (my thing), introducing yourself
to our customers (and we know who they are), making frequent visits to
your marine dealer partners, volunteering for a patrol, attending a division
meeting, on and onany or all of these actions on your part can give you the
follow-up momentum to achieve your goals, help meet your fotillas goals,
and support our District 7 goals. Show up, follow up.
Which brings me to the key part of many of my talks, at which I ask the all-
important question: What are our District 7 goals?
When I asked this question at a Division 3 meeting recently, the frst guess
was to improve recreational boating safety missions.
By how much? I always ask. Most members fnd it almost unbelievable that
our district goal is to achieve only a 2 percent increase over 2012s numbers.
Two percent!
How are we doing so far in accomplishing this
goal? I invite you to visit our Dashboard un-
der Member Resources on the D7 webpage
(click blue text) and fnd out. (By the way, I
want to thank Dan Hess, DCDR 3, and the su-
per folks who attended the Division 3 meeting
for making Jackie and me feel most welcome.)
AND FOLLOW UP
There is an important aspect of following up that needs discussion. In a
recent conversation with our District Commodore (DCO) John Tyson, I was
reminded (and not for the frst time) that Auxiliary awards can be given for
a particular job well done or some operational action. However, unlike the
active duty, they can also be given for sustained service. In other words, not
only has a member shown up, he/she has shown up for multiple years. This
is where fotilla commanders can follow up by recognizing your mem-
bers, and not only your ofcers.
Judith Hudson, our District Captain (DCAPT-E), made this point in a
recent talk. She reminded us to make every year the year of the member.
She reminded her audience that not only should our ofcers be recognized,
but also the members who show up consistently and get the work done. So
Flotilla Commanders (FCs), Division Commanders (DCDRs), and staf of-
fcers: please follow up and recognize your team players.
In closing, Id like to remember words that were written on these pages
previously, and have remained a part of my personal lexicon:
1. Always keep a positive attitude,
2. Always do the right thing, and
3. Take care of each other.
These words come from our late COMO Don Frasch. To this I simply add:
And dont forget to have fun! PPP
JUST SHOW UP
Bob Weskerna
District 7 Chief of Staf (DCOS)
FROM THE BRIDGE
7
Why did you join the Coast Guard Auxiliary? When asked this question, our
members give a variety of answers. Some wish to serve their country for the
frst time, and some want to continue serving their country. Some want to
go out on patrols, on their boats and personal watercraft, fy their aircraft or
provide communications with radios. Some join for the educational experi-
ence and some for using their skill at teaching others. Some join for the ca-
maraderie and fellowship. If you ask enough Auxiliarists, you will undoubt-
edly hear additional reasons for being a part of this organization.
However, one reason commonly underlies the others. I believe that almost
everyone joined because they felt they could contribute and make a dif-
ference. In this organization, you can make a diference. Rarely will your
eforts make the headlines or show up on television in Coast Guard Florida,
but your participation can potentially save even more lives than those
shown on television.
When you teach a boating safety class, conduct a vessel safety check, distrib-
ute our brochures, publish an article in your newspaper, give an interview
on radio or television, or somehow interact with our most important cus-
tomer the boating public you do make a diference.
Most of what we do takes place in the background and out of the limelight.
When a boater makes a decision based on what he learned in class or dur-
ing a vessel safety check and that decision makes for a safe day on the water,
you have essentially done a preventive search and rescue mission. It is im-
possible to put a number on lives saved or property preserved because you
were there to make a diference in someone elses life, but know that there
are people alive today because of you.
We all come to this organization with varied life experiences, education and
skills. It never ceases to amaze me how much I have learned since becoming
a member. For those members who wish to
pursue additional training, we have multiple
opportunities to learn in many felds.
Most important to the future of our organiza-
tion is the leadership training available for
todays and tomorrows leaders. Please take
advantage of these opportunities when they present themselves in your
area. Almost all our leadership training is transferable to your personal
or business lives you can utilize those skills in any organization.
We will soon be electing our future leaders at every level. A part of the
oath that we pledged when we raised our right hand says, The satisfac-
tion you derive from your Auxiliary membership will be in proportion to
your level of participation in the organizations activities. The success of
the Coast Guard Auxiliary will depend upon the extent of your participa-
tion and upon the quality of the Auxiliary leaders that you, the member,
select. Flotillas that make this part of the pledge a part of their culture
will thrive, now and in the future.
Leaders are not born, they are trained. Occasionally, a member with
potential is hesitant to step up to the challenge. Sometimes, all that is
needed is encouragement and a mentor to help get over the bumps in
the road. If you talk to todays Auxiliary leaders, you will fnd that almost
all of them had efective mentors, who helped and encouraged them
along the way.
I was fortunate to have had both mentors and colleagues who helped me.
I would not be on the Bridge today if it were not for them. Similarly,
our future depends on our ability to grow tomorrows leaders today. Be a
mentor to an aspiring leader, and thereby help to shape our future.
As members, choose your leaders wisely. (Continued on next page)
LEADERS ARE TRAINED
David Fuller
District Captain North (DCAPT-N)
FROM THE BRIDGE
8
LEADERS ARE TRAINED (CONTINUED)
Auxiliary leadership is not a popularity contest; rather, potential leaders
should be measured by their efectiveness in their area of responsibility.
In talking to members, one message coming through loud and clear is that
our members want and expect efective leadership. Therefore, it is up to our
members to help each other develop their potential and to encourage those
with potential and training to step up to positions of greater responsibility. It
is our challenge to provide the culture and conditions for this to occur. Hav-
ing exemplary leaders is critical to our long-term success, and that is one of
the reasons it is one of the four goals of the District 7 Strategic Plan.
Constantly Impressed
One of the things I enjoy most about my position is that I get to travel and
meet many Auxiliarists and Coast Guard members. I am constantly impressed
that we have so many dedicated and hard-working members who are focused
on what is really important.
While there is never enough space and time to recognize every member for
what they do, it is safe to say that we have some folks whose sacrifce almost
never gets recognized: our families wives, husbands, children and signif-
cant others. It is only with their agreement and by the surrender of their
precious free time with you that we beneft from your time and talents. Please
take my personal thanks back to your families, and thank them for allowing
you to be a part of the fnest volunteer force in the world.
I would like to close by paraphrasing the advice that one Coast Guard Sector
Commander gives to his members. He calls them his guiding principles, and I
have rephrased them to ft Auxiliarists:
1. Take care of your shipmates. Look after each other and help others get over
the bumps in the road.
2. Be the best at what you do be the master of your craft. Once you master
one area, accept the challenge to take on additional responsibility and chal-
lenge yourself to learn something new. If you are not growing, you are dying.
3. Tell others. Be a cheerleader. People respond to enthusiasm and want to
be part of a winning team. No one wants to
be on the losing team. Celebrate your wins,
but be humble and refective when you have a
loss. Always look at a loss as an opportunity to
improve next time and have a positive expec-
tation.
4. Have fun. If you are not having fun, why are
you here?
I look forward to seeing many of you as I
travel,especially at District 7 Training Septem-
ber 27-29 in Orlando.
PPP
D-TRAIN
7th DISTRICT U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
September 27 - 29th, 2013
Florida Hotel & Conference Center
Orlando, Florida
This year you have two ways to register:
1. You can Register and order your meals by clicking HERE. At the
end you may either pay with a credit card or send a check to the
address provided.
2. You can download the paper form and mail it in. To get the form,
click HERE.
D7 Materials Store, Phone Contact: (727) 492-3679
AGENDA AVAILABLE HERE
www.exhibitservicesonline.com/dtrain2013/
FROM THE BRIDGE
9
PIRATES AND SPEEDBOATS
The District Captain West covers the geographical area correspond-
ing to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburgs area of responsibility. It
encompasses an area stretching from the Florida-Georgia line and
the Fenholloway River in northwest Florida, to south of the Ten
Thousand Islands in southwest Florida, and from the interior of the
state to the Gulf of Mexico including Tampa Bay and Charlotte
Harbor and too many rivers and lakes to mention.
Within that area, fve divisions with 35 fotillas and more than 1,900
Auxiliarists serve and support Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., Coast
Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., and fve multi-mission small boat
stations along Floridas Gulf Coast.
Earlier this year, Team West joined Sector St. Petersburgs planning
for and participating in the Gasparilla Invasion Task Force, a
longstanding Tampa Bay marine event that attracts 350,000 specta-
tors and 2,000 recreational boaters. Held each January or February
in Tampa, Fla., it celebrates the legend of Jos Gaspar (Gasparilla), a
mythical Spanish pirate captain who supposedly operated in south-
west Florida.
On the day of the Gasparilla parade, members of the crew of the Jose
Gasparilla, a 165-foot pirate ship specially built for this event,
sailed north across Hillsborough Bay and into Seddon Channel to
downtown Tampa. The Jose Gasparilla was accompanied by a fotilla
of hundreds of small recreational boats. Divisions 7, 8 and 11 pro-
vided facilities, personnel, and communications facilities to support
Sector St. Petersburgs task force.
Auxiliary Operational Facilities (OPFACS)
deployed in designated areas to support
the Manatee Watch Program; four OP-
FACS fanked the parade route and two
personal watercraft deployed in port ar-
eas. These units kept the Auxiliary Patrol
Commander/Patrol Commander (AUXCOM/PATCOM) apprised
of manatee sightings, which allowed the parade to proceed with
minimal disturbance to these federally protected marine mammals.
Other OPFACS deployed to provide speed control and safe boat-
ing practices, ensure vessels observe security zones, and respond to
incidents as directed by AUXCOM/PATCOM.
(Continued on next page)
Team West joined Sector St. Petersburg in the Gasparilla Invasion Task Force, a
Tampa Bay longstanding marine event. Auxililary photo by Braxton Ezell.
Braxton Ezell
District Captain West (DCAPT-W)
FROM THE BRIDGE
10
PIRATES AND SPEEDBOATS (CONTINUED)
The Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival took place
in Sarasota, Fla. This year the Festival ran June 29 through July 7,
culminating with the Super Boat Grand Prix Race on July 7 of Lido
Beach. Approximately 30 super boats raced over a 5.4-mile- long dia-
mond, some reaching 200 miles per hour. More than 100,000 spec-
tators viewed this event, many from recreational vessels anchored
outside the racecourse, in designated anchorages.
To maintain the integrity of the racecourse, the Coast Guard, Aux-
iliary, and state and local law enforcement conducted a joint opera-
tion to provide a security zone around the racecourse. Division 8
members also provided support to Coast Guard Station Cortez in
the planning and execution of the event. Coast Guard Station Cor-
tez served as PATCOM. Dedicated helicopters watched for marine
mammals and informed PATCOM when marine mammals entered
the racecourse. Flotilla 84 opened its building as a staging area for
law enforcement and medical personnel associated with the event.
Flotillas 81, 82, 84 and 86 provided OPFACS and trained boat crews
to maintain a security zone around the
perimeter of the racecourse. Auxiliary
OPFACS worked jointly with law enforce-
ment vessels to keep spectators of the
racecourse and out of danger.
The 1,900 Auxiliarists in the west stand
ready to respond to and meet the chal-
lenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
PPP
USCG and the Auxiliary OPFACS work jointly with law enforcement vessels to keep specta-
tors off the racecourse at the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix in Sarasota. Auxililary photo
by Braxton Ezell.
TAMPA BAY, Fla. - Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission offcers teamed up with local law enforcement agencies to
keep waterways safe during the 2012 Gasparilla Pirate Fest in the Port of Tampa, Jan.
28, 2012. Offcers conducted boating safety inspections targeting boaters operating un-
der the infuence of alcohol or drugs. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Offcer 3rd Class
Michael De Nyse.
FROM THE BRIDGE
11
A DAY ON THE BAY
Air Station Borinquen Change of Command -
Supported by the Auxiliary
Captain Patricia A. McFetridge relieved CAPT Robert D. Phillips at a time-
honored Change of Command (COC) ceremony on June 4. Rear Adm. William
D. Baumgartner, Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, presided
over the formal ritual inside the hangar at Air Station Borinquen, Aguadilla,
Puerto Rico.
The hangar also held an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter and four Coast Guard
Auxiliary aircraft. These airplanes represented the 10 privately owned and
operated Auxiliary airplanes whose pilots support Air Station Borinquen.
The Auxiliary planes participate in search and rescue, maritime observation
missions, logistics
missions, initial
pollution response
missions and living
marine resources.
Charles Chuck
Fischer, Jr., Flotilla
16-1 (Christiansted,
U.S. Virgin Is-
lands), Auxiliary
Aviation Coordina-
tor for Air Station
Borinquen, directed
the display of
aircraft, which also
transported digni-
taries to and from
the ceremony.
That evening, The Palms At Pelican Cove
resort hosted a dinner reception recognizing
RADM Baumgartner. More than 60 Coast
Guard active duty and Auxiliary members
from St. Croix, San Juan, and District 7
enjoyed a Caribbean lobster feast. In recog-
nition for his support to the Auxiliary, Aux-
iliarist Fischer presented RADM Baumgartner with a commemorative
plaque, hand-painted by a local artist whose work includes ornaments for
the White House Christmas tree.
RADM Baumgartners speech highlighted the achievements of District
7s Auxiliary air operation as part of Team Coast Guard. CAPT Pearson,
Commander Sector San Juan, presented Letters of Commendation to
Duane R. Minton, Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 16-1, and Robert Fabich, a
public afairs specialist with Flotilla 16-1 and Breeze contributing writer.
Both were honored with the District 7 Award for Excellence Challenge
Coin.
Division 3 (Broward County,
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Helo Ops
Working with Coast Guard helicopters and
fxed wing aircraft may be the most dan-
gerous mission in which Auxiliarists can
participate. One mistake could result in
disaster for the aircraft and all personnel.
(Continued on next page)
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico - USCG Auxiliary airplanes set the back-
drop at the Change of Command inside the hangar at Air Sta-
tion Borinquen. Offcers march toward the stage for the Piping
Ashore, a historical and traditional ceremony honoring Capt.
Phillips, who retired after 32 years of service. Auxiliary photo by
Robert A. Fabich, Sr.
Auxiliarists work with Coast Guard
helicopters and fxed wing aircraft as
targets for fxed wing aircraft drops.
Auxiliary photo by Brian Lichten stein, FL 38.
Judith Hudson
District Captain East (DCAPT-E)
FROM THE BRIDGE
12
A DAY ON THE BAY (CONTINUED)
Nevertheless, Coast Guard pilots and their crews need to hone their emer-
gency rescue skills, and Division 3s Auxiliary Helicopter Operations (Helo
Ops) team looks forward to assisting them.
This year Division 3 members participate in monthly Helo Ops missions,
both day and night, acting as targets for HC-144 CASA (fxed wing air-
craft) drops and conducting rescue swimmer and litter basket evolutions
for helicopters from Air Station Miami. These missions usually take place
just of the Fort Lauderdale coast.
The Coast Guard HC-144 CASA crews train by dropping rafts and de-wa-
tering pump kits into the sea, to be retrieved by Auxiliary patrol boats and
their crews. Similarly, Coast Guard helicopter crews lower and raise rescue
swimmers and litter baskets on and of Auxiliary boats, as part of their
rescue training. Unlike the real thing, Auxiliary crews return all recovered
equipment to the Coast Guard for future training missions. Division 3 Aux-
iliarists who participate regularly include Brian Lichtenstein, George Kozel,
Gene Cain, Mark Brody, Bob Corbett and Carlos Arenas.
Help! Help Some More!
On July 7, Auxiliary facility Heartbeat, out of Haulover Beach, Fla., spotted
a large number of swimmers, paddle boarders, kayaks, and canoes crowded
around the sand bar known as Beer Can Island.
Coxswain Brian Lichtenstein of Flotilla 38 (Plantation, Fla.) and crewmem-
bers Don Banas, Flotilla 34 (Pompano Beach, Fla.), George Kozel Flotilla 37
(Lighthouse Point, Fla.), and Tony Anastasio, Flotilla 32 (Fort Lauderdale,
Fla.) observed a canoe being blown into a manatee sign. Although Heart-
beat helped them avoid the collision, when the canoeists attempted to pick
up a third person, about 75 feet from shore, it capsized, dumping three
failing people in the water.
Coxswain Lichtenstein notifed Coast Guard Station Miami Beach of the
three persons in the water, and the crew successfully pulled them aboard
Heartbeat. However, as Yogi Berra said, it aint over till its over; strong
winds (15-20 knots) and a 2-knot current put Heartbeat in danger of hit-
ting the rocks.
Nevertheless, with the canoe alongside,
Heartbeat took the three canoeists to a
safe area near the canoe rental facility and
disembarked them. Although one had lost
his phone and wallet when the canoe cap-
sized, all were happy to be out of the water
and safely back on shore. They thanked the
Auxiliary crew for their help, cold water, and
admonition to wear their lifejackets. Lets
hope they listen.
A Night at the Museum
Flotilla 6-11 (Miami) recently participated in two Love a Life Vest events
this year at Miami Childrens Museum. On April 19 and July 19, hun-
dreds of children and their families watched boating safety presenta-
tions showing the importance of wearing a properly sized life jacket and
wearing it correctly.
Flotilla members sent the
children home with color-
ing and information booklets
designed for their age-group.
Youngsters even got to take
pictures with Sammy the Sea
Otter or Ofcer Snook the
Coast Guards two boating
safety mascots.
(Continued on next page)
Members of Flotilla 6-11 (Miami)
recently participated in two Love a
Life Vest events this year at Miami
Childrens Museum. Here they
pose with Offcer Snook one of
the Coast Guards two boating
safety mascots. Auxiliary photo.
FROM THE BRIDGE
13
A DAY ON THE BAY (CONTINUED)
Safe around Key West
On June 22, Division 13 provided fve facilities to support the annual Swim
around Key West. Their primary mission was to provide perimeter control
to protect the swimmers in areas of heavy recreational boating.
About two-thirds of the way through the course, Auxiliarist Steven Cook
noticed a swimmer in apparent trouble in an area of shallow water and,
therefore, stronger currents. As a certifed personal watercraft (PWC) opera-
tor, Steven slowly approached the swimmer and determined that she was in
distress and needed help. She was sufering from hypothermia and severe
dehydration and appeared to be going into shock. He assisted her onto the
back of his PWC and called the Patrol Communications Center at Station
Key West.
Station Key West directed him to take the swimmer to the nearest marina,
where an ambulance would be standing by. Medics there evaluated the
swimmer and transported her to Lower Keys Medical Center, where she was
treated and released. Once again, Auxiliary training saves a life.
This is a Drill!
At 0500 on April 23, a Key West Pipeline employee had a heart event at
the wheel. He lost control of his vehicle and rammed a piece of equipment
of-loading jet fuel from a tanker. About 100,000 gallons entered the water
before the supply was secured.
Fortunately, this was a drill.
The owner of the equipment, Key West Pipeline, set up a command center
near the event; the Navy pulled a boom around the spot to keep the fuel from
entering the Key West Channel; and all necessary parties were notifed. Most
important, Coast Guard Key West command established an Incident Com-
mand Center (ICS)-based Unifed Command.
The Coast Guard uses the ICS to manage emergencies, from a few gallons
of gasoline spilled at a marina dock to an oil rig explosion deep in the Gulf
of Mexico. ICS lets multiple federal agen-
cies coordinate their eforts smoothly and
efciently.
In this case, the initial briefng to the Uni-
fed Command was right out of our ICS-
210 class. Using ICS Form 201, planning
and deployment began, with the situa-
tion documented, assignments charted,
personnel and equipment requested, and
responses executed. The Shoreline Con-
tainment Assessment Team (SCAT) deployed
to evaluate the islands and harbors, with one harbor team inspecting
harbors and anchorages accessible by land, while a second team checked
islands and other harbors.
Auxiliarist Phil Goodman, Assistant District Staf Ofcer for Marine
Safety and Environmental Protection, served as Logistics Chief for the
exercise, while Dewey Jackson, Elsie and Jerry Metcalf, Dorothy Galli-
gan, and Don Kittsmiller served on harbor and SCAT Teams. At demobi-
lization, participants called in their reports and received authorization to
return to the command post.
Lisa Gordon from the Florida Wildlife Commission and the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection had participated in many such
exercises. This was by far the best one, she said. The head of Mon-
roe County (Fla.) Health Department confessed that he had never been
involved in such a realistic exercise, and called it one of the highlights of
his career.
Auxiliarists can take a number of ICS certifcation classes on-line and re-
ceive Auxiliary credit. Check with your Flotilla Staf Ofcer for Member
Training to select the right ICS course for you. You never know when the
Auxiliary may need to call you into action.
Semper Paratus.
PPP
DISTRICT 7 IN ACTION
14
WELCOME TO THE SUMMER 2013 EDITION OF BREEZE -
DISTRICT 7S NATIONAL-AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE
BY STEPHEN ELLERIN, DISTRICT STAFF OFFICER - PUBLICATIONS (DSO-PB)
DISTRICT 7 IN ACTION
As the new Breeze Team takes command of this D7 fagship, we
are frst and foremost conscious of the eforts of those upon whose
shoulders we stand. Although many editors have had their hand at
the helm of Breeze, thanks most particularly go to Dottie Riley for
shaping the Breeze into the great publication it is today.
We also want to thank the Senior Bridge of District 7 for allowing
us to greatly expand our Breeze Staf into a real Team, and to add
many new Assistant District Staf Ofcers (ADSOs) to share the
burden. Later in this column, we will introduce you to them.
If you have read this far, you have undoubtedly recognized that
the Breeze has a new look. Upon taking over this position, we were
charged by our Senior Bridge with creating a format that works
across the spectrum of electronic readers on a computer, a note-
book, a tablet, a Kindle, and even a smartphone.
Consider this summer edition as a step in that direction, and please
be patient with us as we transition the Breeze from a static docu-
ment to a dynamic electronic publication. In this, we may fnd our-
selves leading the Auxiliary. Well, that is certainly in the Breezes
proud tradition.
By the way, if you dont see your photo or any articles or images of
your fotilla (or division) in these pages, then please consider sub-
mitting some, so that we can tell your story in future issues. Our
byword will be, If youre part of something, write about it. Our
staf of Assistant District Staf Ofcers (ADSOs) will be glad to help
you with the editing.
In closing, let me introduce our new
ADSO team.
They are:
Art Slepian, ADSO-PB - Senior Editor
Zac Lessin, ADSO-PB - Graphics
Jack Margolis, ADSO-PB - Editor
Mary Patton, ADSO-PB - Editor
Michael Lancaster, ADSO-PB - Editor
Barbara Burchfeld, ADSO-PB - Layout
Jonathan Buie, ADSO-PB - Layout
Bill Wendel, ADSO-PB - Editor
Joan Crothers, ADSO-PB - Editor
PPP
NEW BREEZE - NEW IMAGE - NEW CONTEST
For years, our Breeze logo has been the one that you see on the opening page
and masthead. (It is known in the trade as a logotype since the logo is com-
posed of type rather than an image.) As we launch our new look, wed like to
update our logo.
Although we could ask the artists in the Auxiliary Public Afairs Directorate to
design a new logo for us, we would rather turn to you, the Auxiliarists of District
7. If you have an artistic touch, please try your hand at designing our new logo
-- whether you start with type, a graphic, or a photograph.
Forward your submission as a jpg, png, or psd fle to our new Letters to the
Editors email, D7Breeze@yahoo.com.
We look forward to announcing the winner -- and featuring our new logo -- in
the Fall edition of D7 Breeze.
DISTRICT 7 IN ACTION
15
CRAIG ELLIOT BECOMES OUR DISTRICT
DIRECTORATE CHIEF - RESPONSE (DDC -R)
WORKING TOGETHER MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY & US ARMY CORPS
OF ENGINEERS
By Kerry Eakins, Breeze Contributing Writer
Craig Elliot, Flotilla 15-8 (Hernando Beach,
Fla.), recently became District 7s Director-
ate Chief Response. In this position, he will
oversee all Auxiliary air, surface and communi-
cation operations, plus the Interpreter Corps.
My frst priority, he says, will be to increase
communications among these operational
areas and to share ideas about what works well
in one area that could be adapted to our other
areas.
Craig and his wife, Peggy, moved to Hernando
Beach in 1998, after Craig served 30 years in
the Air Force, retiring as a colonel. During his
service, he held numerous safety and training
based assignments as a pilot, military free-fall parachutist, and experi-
mental test parachutist. He also served as the National Director for
Safety and Training, U.S. Parachute Association; as comptroller at sev-
eral duty stations; and in many command positions, including a tour of
duty at the Pentagon.
Auxiliarist Elliot was born and raised on Long Island Sound and enjoys
all aspects of sailing. He has rebuilt eight boats, both motor and sail.
He became involved with the Auxiliary when he attended the Boating
Skills and Seamanship class at Flotilla 15-8, just to keep his wife com-
pany. There he found an opportunity to link his lifelong passion for
teaching the public about safety issues with his childhood love of the
sea. He joined Flotilla 15-8 in 1998 and qualifed as a vessel examiner,
instructor, watchstander, coxswain and aids to navigation verifer. He
has held numerous elected and appointed ofces at the fotilla, as well
as the division levels. PPP
Auxiliary Photo by Charles E.
Truthan, SO-PA Div 15
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) builds and maintains
bridges. They also maintain our recreational lakes and waterways.
Since September 2005, under a Memorandum Of Understanding
(MOU), the USACE and the Auxiliary have worked together to pro-
mote safe boating. To do so, we share information and technology
to provide continuity of navigation assistance throughout navigable
waters in the United States.
In 2011, the Coast Guard re-
ported 4,604 accidents that led
to 758 deaths, 3,081 injuries,
and more than $52 million
in damage from recreational
boating accidents. While the
2012 numbers were seemed
slightly better, with 4,515 acci-
dents resulting in 3,000 inju-
ries, 651 deaths, and approxi-
mately $38 million dollars of
damage from recreational boating accidents, they were the lowest
number of fatalities on record.
In Georgia and many other states, new laws created safe boating
standards and empower the agencies that enforce them. Unfortu-
nately, passing a law does not necessarily guarantee the govern-
ment funding to do the job.
On the other hand, an increased interest in boating draws more
people onto the water than ever before.
(Continued on next page)
DISTRICT 7 IN ACTION
16
So cooperation between the
Auxiliary and agencies with
related interests becomes
increasingly valuable.
In Georgia, for example,
Flotilla 29 (Lake Lanier,
Ga.) works closely with
the USACE to help pro-
mote recreational boating
safety and to help the Coast
Guard and state agencies
implement these new regu-
lations.
Flotilla 29 and the USACE now work together on a growing list of proj-
ects.
Accident Leads To Sticter Boating Laws
In June 2012, a boater who had been drinking climbed on board a
large, center-console fshing boat. As it sped across Lake Lanier, it
smashed into a pontoon boat carrying 13 people. Two boys, ages 9 and
13, were killed, and three other family members were taken to a local
hospital with serious injuries.
Following the accident in Georgia, the state passed new laws that low-
ered the permissible blood alcohol level while operating a boat, raised
the minimum age of children who must wear life jackets from 10 to 13,
and changed the requirements for obtaining a boat operators license.
(See article in the Spring issue of RBS WAVES).
The District 7 Auxiliary maintains a visible presence on Lake Lanier.
They also ofer vessel safety checks (VSCs) at lake boating ramps,
along with USACE volunteers. This added presence has defnitely
left an impression on many boaters who may have previously skirted
the safety rules or ignored them altogether.
Mock Emergency Protocols and Preparedness
In 2011, Flotilla 29 prepared and cooperated with the USACE and
fve other agencies in conducting a mock collision between two
boats. The exercise simulated fres, a drowning, injuries ranging
from minor to life-threatening, and the handling of hazardous mate-
rials.
The practical experience and knowledge gained by those who partici-
pated in this exercise have been invaluable. That knowledge is still
used to train both new and experienced Auxiliary members in emer-
gency response and in the use of emergency equipment.
The paramount beneft derived from this exercise was the strength-
ening of the relationship among all seven agencies, improving their
willingness and ability to work together when called upon.
(Continued on next page)
A U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Information Booth.
Auxiliary Photo.
WORKING TOGETHER (CONTINUED)
DISTRICT 7 IN ACTION
17
WORKING TOGETHER (CONTINUED)
Telecommunications Class
On Saturday, July 27, Auxiliarists Ted Tundido (left), Staf Ofcer for
Communication, Division 6, and Flotilla Staf Ofcer for Communica-
tions, Flotilla 69 (Opa Locka, Fla.) and Julio Garcia, Flotilla 69, led
members of Flotilla 69 in an all-day Auxiliary Telecommunications
Qualifcations Standards (TCO) class.
The dozen members who attended
also got a history lesson on the de-
velopment of radio communications
over the years.
PPP
Auxiliarists Ted Tundidor, SO-CS, Divi-
sion 6 (left), and Julio Garcia of Flotilla 69
(Opa Locka, Fla.) exhibit historical com-
munications equipment at their all-day
Auxiliary Telecommunicaitons Operator
Qualifcations Standards class. Auxiliary
photo.
Auxiliarists like to remind ourselves often that our primary mission
is recreational boating safety (RBS). Accordingly, Flotilla 22 (Mari-
etta, Ga.) combined its vessel examinations and program visitors
operations to achieve a frst on Lake Allatoona, Ga.: a 100 percent
inspection of a marinas rental feet.
Rental feet
inspections are
serious busi-
ness. The boats
in rental feets
are infamous
for irregular
maintenance,
but Park Ma-
rina, Allatoona,
Ga., recently
committed to
increasing boat-
ing safety by
working with
the Auxiliary to
inspect its feet
of pontoon boats,
run-abouts, and
personal water-
craft.
As a result, the Flotilla 22 team of vessel examiners inspected all of
Park Marinas vessels.
(Continued on next page)
Jim Farley, FC, Juis Cribeiro, FSO-PV, and Paul Grenier, FSO-
VE, present a Certifcate of Appreciation to Ross Osborne,
General Manager of Park Marina, and Andrew Cain, Assistant
Manager, for ensuring that 100 percent of their rental boats
pass Vessel Safety Checks. The presentation took place in
front of Park Marina. Auxiliary photo by Ron Argo.
MARINA RENTAL FLEET EARNS SAFETY AWARD
By Ron Argo, Breeze Contributing Writer
DISTRICT 7 IN ACTION
18
MARINA EARNS SAFETY AWARD (CONTINUED)
The vessel safety check assures Park Marinas customers that the ves-
sels they rent comply with all federal and state boating regulations.
Georgia law is very specifc about who is responsible for any violations
of the law, and it is not the boat owner. Rather, the rental boat opera-
tor, typically a frst time or novice boater, is on the hook for any viola-
tion onboard the vessel.
In recognition of their commitment, Flotilla 22 proudly awarded Park
Marina a Certifcate of Appreciation for their participation in recre-
ational boating safety.
This is the frst time that a rental feet at Lake Allatoona has been in-
spected and safety decals issued to 100 percent of their vessels, said
Luis Cribeiro, Flotilla Staf Ofcer for the Recreational Boating Safety
Visitor Program, during the presentation ceremony.
The staf of Park Marina proved their commitment to safety by their
quick response to any issue that a vessel required to pass the inspec-
tion, no matter how small, added Paul Grenier, Flotilla Staf Ofcer
for Vessel Examination.
Jim Farley, Flotilla Commander, concluded the presentation ceremo-
ny by reminding everyone in attendance that without partners like
Park Marina, the Coast Guard Auxiliary would not be able to reach as
many boaters with our safety programs as we do.
PPP
RUSKIN, Fla.--A light summer shower did not deter or delay the dedication of the
Joe Lori Radio Communications Room in Simmons Park, Ruskin, on June 9, 2013.
Flotilla 75 Ruskin dedicated the facility to member Joe Lori, who was awarded the
Coast Guard Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal for his role in introducing personal
watercraft to the Auxiliary and for accepting a mission to go to Kuwait to teach Army
personnel to operate PWCs. Auxiliary photo by D. Riley
RUSKIN, Fla.--From under the
shade of a canopy, Joe Lori (far left)
watches, as on June 9, 2013, Flotilla
75 members Guy Mandigo and Gary
K. Mull, Jr., hoist the colors over the
Flotilla 75 communications facility
located in Simmons Park, Ruskin. The
fotilla dedicated the Radio Commu-
nications Room to member Joe Lori,
who was awarded the Coast Guard
Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal
for his role in introducing PWCs to the
Auxiliary and for accepting a mission
to go to Kuwait to teach Army person-
nel to operate personal watercraft.
Auxiliary photo by D. Riley.
YOU AND THE AUXILIARY
19
WHAT DOES SEQUESTRATION MEAN FOR THE AUXILIARY?
Reprinted from the e-Beacon, Newsletter of the USCG Auxiliary Association, Inc.
(CGAuxA)
By National Commodore Tomas C. Mallison, Chairman of the Board, CGAuxA
The recently enacted sequestration holds some profound impacts for
the Auxiliary. The Coast Guard is faced with fewer dollars to perform
its statutory missions, so it is only logical to expect that the Auxiliary
will also have fewer resources available. Coast Guard fund-
ing reductions to training, travel, and participation in Aux-
iliary conferences are expected to be a new norm.
Signifcant cuts to funding for training schools have been
implemented Coast Guard wide. We should not infer from
these reductions that the Coast Guard has less regard for
the value of the Auxiliary to the overall matrix of Coast
Guard missions. On the contrary, the Auxiliary continues
to be one of the crown jewels of Coast Guard success in the
recreational boating safety efort and in the accomplish-
ment of safety and security missions. The Coast Guard will
need to make trade-ofs in order to sustain higher priority
frontline operations and continue critical recapitalization
projects. Field Commanders (i.e.: Order Issuing Authority)
are given maximum fexibility to manage risk and imple-
ment the reductions required by sequestration within their areas of
responsibility.
Auxiliary District Commodores will be working with their regional Di-
rectors of Auxiliary and engaging their Coast Guard District Command-
ers to ensure the Auxiliarys capabilities are fully utilized. Auxiliary
districts should also be working through their Auxiliary Sector Coordi-
nators to ensure the Auxiliarys local capabilities remain visible.
The overarching policy is that members who perform missions that
have been reimbursed in the past will continue to be reimbursed.
The key adjustment to our expectations should be that fewer hours
are likely to be authorized, at least for the next several months
Fiscal Year 2013 Fuel and Standard Auxiliary Maintenance Al-
lowance (SAMA) funds are allocated to each district. As a whole,
fuel went up by about 9 percent over Fiscal Year 2012 while SAMA
funds went down by about 12 percent.
Sequestration also carries new guidance for confer-
ences/meetings. Guidance includes shorter events,
fewer members on orders, less social interactions, and
generally more austere venues. The National Conven-
tion in San Diego in August will be cut back from what
we have experienced in the past for those events that
are funded by the Coast Guard. However, Coast Guard
Auxiliary Association (CGAuxA) funds that were in
the budget will be available for the event, to make it a
rewarding training and business event, and a venue to
meet and bond with other members from across the
country.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association was created to
provide support to the Coast Guard Auxiliary in those
activities not funded by the Coast Guard. Diligent work is being
performed by the CGAuxA board of directors to identify sources of
funding and to improve the revenue stream to help ofset the ef-
fects of sequestration. As we look to the future, we expect to have
a smaller percentage of Auxiliary funding provided by the Coast
Guard and a greater percentage provided by the CGAuxA. Please
see next article.
PPP
YOU AND THE AUXILIARY
20
YOU CAN HELP TO FUND THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
ASSOCIATION (CGAUXA)
By Stephen Ellerin, DSO-PB
Helping to fund the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association (CGAuxA)
means that you can help fund many Auxiliary projects, and you can do
so just by shopping online at CGAuxA. You may also be helping your-
self:
Beyond serving your community and your country, being a member of
the Coast Guard Auxiliary automatically enrolls you in the Coast Guard
Auxiliary Association. As such, you are entitled to important member
benefts. Auxiliary members can fnd special benefts and ofers from
major companies that ofer discounts for merchandise or services to
members of the Auxiliary. Access these discounts by clicking on the
Coast Guard Auxiliary Associations website, or through the Associa-
tions link on the Auxiliarys website. In many cases, the Coast Guard
Auxiliary Association receives royalties which are used to support Aux-
iliary programs.
GoodShop.com is an online shopping mall which donates up to 30
percent of each purchase to our organization. Hundreds of great stores,
including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macys, and Barnes
and Noble, have teamed up with GoodShop. Every time you place an
order there, youll be supporting our Association.
GoodSearch CGAuxA Toolbar
If you download the GoodSearch Coast Guard Auxiliary Association
toolbar, the Association will earn money every time you shop and
search online even if you forget to go to GoodShop or GoodSearch
frst. GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates
half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the
charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search en-
gine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations
add up. You can get the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association toolbar
here.
By the way, if you have a boat or extra car that is worth donating,
why not support the Auxiliary as well as yourself by using the direct
link (CGAUXACarDonation) on the Association website. Look for the
word GIVE in the left hand column. They accept all vehicles cars,
trucks, recreational vehicles, farm equipment and airplanes. You
both clean up your driveway, and get a tax deduction.
PPP
GIVE YOURSELF A TAX BREAK
By Richard Risk, Flotilla 72 (St. Petersburg, Fla.), Breeze Contributing Writer.
It is never too early or
too late for tax planning
because the tax cycle
comes around every year.
Certain out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in the
performance of autho-
rized Coast Guard or Aux-
iliary activities may be
deductible as a charitable
contribution for federal
income tax purposes, as
long as they are docu-
mented, not reimbursed,
and considered reason-
able.
(Continued on next page)
Auxiliarist Richard Risk is an attorney who special-
izes in tax issues and is widely published in peer-
reviewed law journals. Auxiliary photo.
YOU AND THE AUXILIARY
21
GIVE YOURSELF A TAX BREAK (CONTINUED)
Deductible expenses may include:
Air, rail and bus transportation to and from Auxiliary events;
Taxi fares or other transportation costs between the airport or sta-
tion and your hotel; or,
Actual gas, oil and other operating expenses for your automobile,
including travel to and from the authorized activity;
o Instead of actual expenses, Auxiliarists can use the current
cent-per-mile rate published by the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS);
Tolls and parking, in addition to operating expenses;
Meals and lodging while away from home on ofcial business;
Operation, maintenance and repair costs incurred in the use of ves-
sels designated as Auxiliary facilities (OPFACS) on authorized Coast
Guard or Auxiliary missions, but only when directly attributable to
such missions;
Auxiliary dues and other direct money donations;
Donations of property (real or personal,) based on fair market
value at the time of the contribution; and
Costs and upkeep of uniforms, including insignia, required in the
performance of authorized activities and that cannot be worn as
civilian clothes.
You may not deduct for:
Any reimbursed expense;
Expenses unrelated to Coast Guard or Auxiliary activities;
The value of your time or services;
Pro rata portion of general repair, maintenance, depreciation and
insurance expenses; and
The rental value of a facility while engaged in Auxiliary services.
According to the IRS, you can deduct your travel expenses if your work
is real and substantial throughout a given trip. You cannot deduct
expenses if you have only nominal duties or do not have any duties for
signifcant parts of the trip. The deduction qualifes only if there is no
signifcant element of personal pleasure, recreation or vacation in the
travel. However, the IRS concedes that the deduction will qualify even if
you enjoy the trip.
The Member Activity Log (Form ANSC-7029) is a means of tracking
mileage and expenses and associating them with the corresponding
authorized Auxiliary activity. The ANSC-7029 form is the form Aux-
iliarists use to log associated travel time, mileage and expenses on a
monthly basis. However any means of logging mileage and deductible
expenses associated with Auxiliary activities is acceptable to the IRS.
Keep in mind that you may not necessarily reduce your tax liability by
itemizing your deductions. Depending on your situation, a standard
deduction may be worth more than the sum of your itemized deductions
and, unlike itemized deductions, the standard deduction is not subject
to the test of reasonableness if your tax return is examined.
To learn more, see IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. The
booklet is available at www.IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM
(800-829-3676).
TAX ADVICE DISCLOSURE: This article is not meant to be a substitute for
tax advice from a qualifed tax professional. The information contained in
this article is subject to changes in the Internal Revenue Code or Treasury
Regulations. It may also be afected by subsequent court or IRS tax rulings.
Auxiliary directives, in fact, say that you must consult with a qualifed tax
advisor before making any specifc decisions regarding the potential deduct-
ibility of Auxiliary related expenses. COMDTINST M16790.IG, G-4, p. 5-34.
Pursuant to the requirements of Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we
advise you that any federal tax advice contained in this communication is
not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of: (1)
avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or
(2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transac-
tion or matter addressed in this communication.
PPP
YOU AND THE AUXILIARY
22
PRINCIPLES OF AUXDATA ORDER MANAGEMENT
By Bob Hofman, Flotilla 13-8 (Upper Keys, Fla.), Breeze Contributing Writer
The Patrol Order Management System (POMS) is dead. May it never
raise its head again.
AUXDATA Order Management, or AOM, has replaced POMS, as of the
end of June 2013 as the way to request or approve Auxiliary mission-
related orders and to perform other administrative tasks. Since June,
I have worked with Sector Key West to implement the AOM system in
Division 13. This article should answer some of the most Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) and provide some guidance in working with
AOM.
Although there will be a users manual available on-line, it is currently
in the development stage and may, therefore, ofer limited help.
Lets Get Started
Be prepared to adapt some of your procedures to ft the way AOM
works. To begin with, youll need to set permission levels for coxswains,
facility owners and other Auxiliarists who will handle AOM administra-
tive duties for their fotillas. All coxswains and/or facility owners will
need the Owner/Operator permission level. Flotilla/division AOM
administrators will need Order Issuing Authority (OIA)-level permis-
sion, with the ability to create OIAs denied. (This permission level
is set by either your fotilla Auxiliary Liaison Ofcer (AUXLO) or the
sector AUXLO.) Each fotilla should have two OIAs, a primary and a
backup. Then each division and fotilla must set their parameters in
AOM, something that had been completed for us in POMS.
Begin by logging on to AOM at https://ordermgmt.uscg.gov and click
on Forgot Password to create a password. Chances are that your
logon name has already been set up, using your frst initial and last
name. In a few cases, these may be reversed in my case, for exam-
ple Robert Hofman was set up as hofmanr (there are two of us in
the Auxiliary; the other Robert got the standard version). Passwords
must contain both letters and numbers and one of three special
characters: an underscore (_), a dollar sign ($) or a number sign (#).
Now for the bad newspasswords must be changed every 45 days,
for security reasons.
Since the AOM order request form, Form CG-5132, does not have
any sub-units (Coast Guard stations) or patrol areas defned, each
sector must defne its own sub-units and patrol areas. In the upper
right corner of the AOM home page is a box which shows the location
for which you are logged on. This is the sector for your fotilla.
Next, patrol areas need to be defned for each sub-unit (station);
otherwise, all orders will be generated against your fotillas sector.
Sub-units and patrol areas can only be created by persons with OIA-
level permission. Once the sub-units have been input for your sector,
create your patrol areas. Stations with multiple fotillas in their area
of responsibility will need to reach an agreement on the respective
patrol areas each will cover.
Request orders on Form CG-5132 in either of two ways: any owner/
operator can request his/her own order or a designated fotilla mem-
ber can request all orders for the fotilla. In either case, youll need to
coordinate with the Flotilla Staf Ofcer for Operations.
After an order is requested, an OIA must approve it. The order can
be approved by the fotilla AOM administrator who has OIA permis-
sion set, the station AUXLO, or the Sector AUXLO depending on
local procedures. A word of caution: once an order has been ap-
proved, no further changes can be made to the date of the patrol, the
facility to be used or the coxswain. Therefore, approval should be
held of until one week prior to the patrol date, in case changes need
to be made.
(Continued on next page)
YOU AND THE AUXILIARY
23
AUXDATA ORDER MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
New Convenience Features
In a new twist, coxswains no longer send their Mission Activity Report
(Form ANSC 7030) to their Flotilla Staf Ofcer for Information Services
for input into AUXDATA. Now, AOM automatically enters Form 7030
data into AUXDATA from the CG-5132 patrol orders form. As a result,
it is vital that the itinerary and crew portions of the CG-5132 be properly
flled out; if they are not, credit for hours and Fuel and Standard Auxil-
iary Maintenance Allowance reimbursement could be afected. Another
word of caution: the OPCON drop-down list displays the entire Coast
Guard, so you may have to scroll way down to fnd your station. Enter a
line for each segment of the patrol.
The Add Crew section is straightforward, but adds a convenient feature.
AOM saves the crew history for each facility. The frst time a crewman
joins a patrol, locate his/her name in the search window that pops up
when you click the Add Crew button. Thereafter, click the Crew History
button to review a list of all crew who have already made a patrol on a
particular facility.
Finally, the facility owner and the operator, usually the same person,
must sign the order and click the Order Complete. To sign the order,
click on the Sign button at the right of the signature line. A window will
pop up, into which the owner/operator types their password and then
clicks Submit.
Either the station or sector AUXLO then processes the order, sending
it to Coast Guard Financial Center and into AUXDATA. If neither the
claimant nor the operator signs the order, but clicks the Complete Or-
der button, the order can still go through unless the owner was not on
board, in which case both signatures are required, or unless the district/
sector in question requires both signatures.
I hope this narrative will be helpful in understanding the AOM pro-
cess. Future articles will address questions about AOM.
Ed. Note: Please address your AOM and other questions/comments
to D7Breeze@yahoo.com.
PPP
NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Flotilla 6-11s AUXPADET Miami member Vickie Aponte
addresses Spanish media during the Multi-Agency Mini Lobster Season Press Confer-
ence held at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commissions Miami Offce, July
23, 2013. Aponte stressed the importance of fling a Float Plan, getting a Vessel Safety
Check, and safe boating throughout the South Floridas Lobster Season. Aponte ac-
companied Lt. Michael Cortese, Commanding Offcer of U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami
Beach. Auxiliary photo by Nichole R. Betterson, FSO-PB 6-11.
FEATURE ARTICLES
24
WE ARE THE AUXILIARY - BUT WE BEGAN AS THE RESERVE
By Kathy Clatworthy, Flotilla 7-16 (Gulfport, Fla.), Breeze Contributing Writer
Prior to 1939, there was no United States Coast Guard Auxiliarynot
as we know it today. Instead, unorganized groups of volunteers who
owned yachts, pleasure craft and fshing vessels kept a watchful eye
on the coastal and inland waters while they worked or cruised. These
groups, mostly men, often looked for ways to assist the Coast Guard.
One thing that plagued these volunteer groups, and the Coast Guard,
was that most members had no formal training in boating safety or the
rules of the water. Accidents involving vessels, injuries and fatalities
were rampant.
Then, in the summer of 1934, Malcom S. Boylan, a yachtsman, and a
friend in the Coast Guard, Lieutenant F.C. Pollard, began a discussion
about ways to reach the boating community.
They drew up a letter outlining how a
reserve made up of community vol-
unteers could assist the Coast Guard
in teaching boating safety and helping
keep the waters safe. That letter made
it to the desk of Commander Rus-
sel Waeshe, Sr., in Washington, who
thought the idea was brilliant but lacked
the clout to push it through. A great
idea almost faded into history.
However, in 1936, CDR Waeshe was
promoted to Rear Admiral and appoint-
ed Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Taking advantage of a number of infuen-
tial friends, he
succeeded in persuading Congress to pass the Coast Guard Reserve
Act, on June 23, 1939. Briefy, it read, in order to: (a) Promote
safety to life at sea and upon the navigable waters, (b) Improve
efciency in the operation of motorboats and yachts, (c) Promote
a wider knowledge of, and better compliance with, the laws, rules,
and regulations governing the operation and navigation of motor-
boats and yachts, and (d) Facilitate certain operations of the Coast
Guard, there is hereby established a United States Coast Guard Re-
serve...which shall be composed of citizens of the United States and
its Territories and possessions...who are owners (sole or in part) of
motorboats or yachts....
Unlike the Army and Naval Reserves, which were made up of trained
World War I veterans, the Coast Guard Reserve would be made up
of civilian volunteers. They would not wear any uniforms, hold any
rank, or be vested with or exercise any right, privilege, power, or
duty vested in or imposed upon the personnel of the Coast Guard.
Rather, they were invited to place their private vessels at the disposal
of the Coast Guard and assist with parades and regattas, with the
understanding that, when their vessels were used, someone from
the Coast Guard would take over as coxswain until the exercise was
complete. This newly formed organization was not to be funded by
the United States government, however fuel was provided during use
of personal vessels.
Many were skeptical as to how efective these reservists would be
but, with war looming on the horizon, that would soon change.
(Continued on next page)
ADM Russell R. Waesche, Sr.,
USCG Commandant1936-1945.
USCG photo.
FEATURE ARTICLES
25
WE BEGAN AS THE RESERVE (CONTINUED)
On February 19, 1941, Congress restructured the Coast Guard Reserve
into the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Still basically called the Reserve, it was
broken into two categories. The active reserve, made up of members
who had to undergo stringent physical ftness demands, were paid
and often sent anywhere the Commandant deemed their presence was
needed. The temporary reserve (TR) remained community volunteers
between the ages of 17-64, had no physical requirement, stayed within
their communities, and did not receive any payment. Most of the new
auxiliary members were recruited for the temporary reserves.
By the summer of 1941, area Coast Guard commanders had many
Auxiliary vessels at their disposal for coastal patrols. With the coastal
waters in need of protection and half the Coast Guard vessels out to
sea, Auxiliary vessels made good patrol crafts. As a defense in case of
enemy attack, the Coast Guard provided Lewis machine guns, Thomp-
son sub-machine guns, rifes and pistols.
In 1942, several German U-boats
were sighted of the East Coast
and auxiliary and reservists
sailed into action. Soon the en-
tire eastern seaboard was dotted
with private yachts and power
boats of auxiliary and reserve
members. Each vessels registra-
tion numbers began with CGR.
With machine guns visible on
the bow and stern, they became
known as the Putt-Putt Navy,
Splinter Fleet and Corsair Fleet.
A USCG Petty Offcer and un-named Auxil-
iarist board a pleasure boat in NY Harbor, in
1942. Auxiliary photo.
Although commanded by reserv-
ists or Coast Guardsmen, reservists
often manned their guns. Although
the Auxiliary did not sink any U-
boats, they did help to keep our
shipping lanes free and our coast
safe.
Other Auxiliarists patrolled the
shores on horseback, others on
bikes, walking or in cars. Still oth-
ers sat upon hills overlooking the
water, watching for anything out of
place. They observed the oceans,
lakes, rivers, bridges and rail-
way linesany place a sabo-
teur could cause a problem.
During the War, the Auxiliary
began wearing uniforms and
developed a working relationship with the Gold Side.
Today, no matter what we do in the Auxiliary, we are a part of
Team Coast Guard. We reach out to our communities and support
the men and women who serve in the Coast Guard. You make a
diference.
Simply put, we are Semper Paratus.
PPP
Coastal Picket Force sailboats hunt
for German submarines off the East
Coast, 1942-45. Auxiliary photo.
FEATURE ARTICLES
26
CARBON MONOXIDE, THE SILENT KILLER IS PREVENTABLE THROUGH AWARENESS
Submitted by Bill Griswold, Branch Chief, Liaison to NSBC/NWSC, Recreation Boating Safety Outreach Directorate
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a silent killer in the world of
boating. The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) reminds boaters
about the danger of CO poisoning and how to prevent the potential
for poisoning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning causes a number of boating fatalities
each year, says Virgil Chambers, executive director of the NSBC.
Carbon monoxide can collect within, alongside or behind a boat,
and, whats scary is that the boat does not have to be in an enclosed
area for CO to be a danger to unaware swimmers or others in the
area.
Recently, a 22-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene from
carbon monoxide poisoning while boating on Bear Lake in Utah.
This is the second case that I know of this year that was caused by
boaters occupying the rear of a ski boat while the engines were run-
ning, said Robert L. Baron, M.D., medical advisor at Glen Canyon
National Recreation Area located in southeastern and south cen-
tral Utah and northwestern Arizona. Everyone must know where a
boats exhaust pipes are and must not be near them, whether the boat
is stationary or moving. It seems impossible that someone could be
killed in the open air, but it will continue to happen unless boaters
get the message.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced any time a carbon-based
fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil burns. It is colorless,
odorless and tasteless. Sources of CO on your boat include gasoline
engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may
include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness
and dizziness. Sometimes it may be confused with
seasickness or intoxication. These symptoms ap-
pear in the early stages of CO poisoning, and may
last only briefy before unconsciousness and death
occur. Prolonged exposure to even low concentrations or very short
exposure to high concentrations of CO can lead to death.
Here are some potential causes for CO poisoning and how they can
be prevented:
CO incidents can occur within the cabin or other enclosed
areas. Exhaust leaks, the leading cause of death by carbon
monoxide, can allow carbon monoxide to migrate throughout
the boat and into enclosed areas.
Slow speeds or idling in the water lets carbon monoxide gas
accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in
an open area.
Swimming near or under the back deck or swim platform
when exhaust is coming from the engine or a generator can be
fatal. Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard engines,
outboard engines and generators builds up inside and outside
the boat in areas near exhaust vents.
Check your boats exhaust system (all pipes and hoses) for
cracks, holes or other deterioration. If you believe you hear a
leak (remember you wont smell it or see it if CO is leaking)
have it checked out by a qualifed marine mechanic.
(Continued on next page)
FEATURE ARTICLES
27
Have properly working carbon monoxide detectors on your
boat. Keep them supplied with fresh batteries.
Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness,
intoxication or heat stress. If someone on board complains of
irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, or dizziness, immedi-
ately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and take
corrective action. Seek medical attention, if necessary. Remem-
ber, CO poisoning can happen even when a person is sitting in
the open air.
This boating season, be aware of the potential causes of carbon mon-
oxide poisoning and the symptoms that people may exhibit when
exposed to CO. Ensure that your boat is in working order to diminish
the risk of CO poisoning.
If you or someone on your boat is showing symptoms of CO poisoning,
dont wait call 911 immediately. To learn more about CO poisoning
and prevention techniques, visit USCGBoating.
PPP
CARBON MONOXIDE, THE SILENT KILLER (CONTINUED)
Portsmouth, RI (July 29, 2013) A team funded with a USCG grant
seeks national input for a set of entry level, skill-based manually pro-
pelled boat operation standards. This is your opportunity to impact
the development of recreational paddling and rowing (canoes, kayaks,
rowboats, paddleboards, etc.) standards across the country by com-
pleting this on-line survey.
The National On-Water Standards Team wants input from recreation-
al paddling and rowing enthusiasts across the nation. Following the
survey, the standards will be updated to refect input from paddlers
and rowers nationwide.
WHERE: https://www.research.net/s/humanv1nationalcontentsurvey
WHEN: The survey will be conducted July 31 - August 30, 2013.
WHO: Recreational paddling and rowing enthusiasts -- especially
those with experience in On-Water teaching or training -- are urged
to participate. By completing this survey you will have a voice in the
design of a national set of HUMAN boating standards for recreational
paddlers and rowers in the US.
This efort is part of the US Coast Guards vision of a National System
of Standards for Recreational Boat Operation that will organize both
classroom and on-water standards within a comprehensive system of
recreational boating education.
In its fnal form, the system will address standards for three domains
of recreational boating: SAIL, POWER and HUMAN propulsion.
These standards will eventually be recognized (but not mandated) by
the US Coast Guard for incorporation in recreational boating training
programs nationwide.
PPP
NATIONAL ON-WATER TEAM SEEKS YOUR HELP
RBS - Alerts (http://bdept.cgaux.org)
FEATURE ARTICLES
28
RIDING OUT THE STORM
By Kathy Clatworthy, Flotilla 7-16 (Gulfport, Fla.), Breeze Contributing Writer
Living in Central Florida, we dont always know the weather condi-
tions on the Gulf Coast.
And its not unusual for my husband and me to wake up, toss a few
things into a bag and make the two-hour drive over to the marina
where our fxer-upper yacht is docked. Because we have no apart-
ment in which to stay while there, we often stay on our boat.
One day last fall, we woke up to a few clouds and slight wind. We
knew it was hurricane season, but neither of us thought to check
the weather as we headed out the door. All we were concerned
about was whether Id packed my uniform [Im a member of Flo-
tilla 7-16 (Gulfport, Fla.) which meets only a few blocks from our
marina], the airplane stripper, and engine parts. On the way to the
coast, we noticed a few clouds but thought nothing of it. We dis-
cussed what needed to be done to get her engine working and how
much nonskid I had to strip of before priming and painting the
decks.
When we arrived, weather at the marina was gorgeous. Blue skies,
sun was out, and just a few cotton-looking cumulus clouds in the
distance. What a gorgeous day. We set to work doing our usual
nautical chores. Electric hooked up, water turned on, check the
bilge, open the hatches and port holes, grab a few waters and begin
our assigned tasks.
Within a few hours, however, clouds began gathering, the wind
picked up and we began feeling a few sprinkles. It was time to
knock of for the day. After dinner, I headed of to my fotilla meet-
ingwhere I learned that tropical storm Debby was heading our
way.
Returning to the yacht, I found my husband monitoring the marine
radio; he had heard of the approaching storm from marina staf.
We discussed heading back to Central Florida but, after speaking
with our daughter at home, decided to ride it out in our 33-foot Ir-
win. She warned us that Central Florida was getting pounded and
that many roads were fooded.
So we set to work preparing for the worst. With no engine, we
quickly prepared our anchors in case our dock lines broke, and put
out every fender we could fnd. After battening down the hatches,
checking fashlights, batteries and wet weather gear, we were as
ready as could be.
As we took turns at
watch, we couldnt
help but notice just
how comfortable
our little yacht was.
Every vessel near
us was bobbing
up and down like
a cork, while ours
just gently rocked.

(Continued on next page)
Looking down from the deck of her Irwin 33, the author
fnds her dock a wee bit under water. Auxiliary photo by
Kathy Clatworthy.
FEATURE ARTICLES
29
RIDING OUT THE STORM (CONTINUED)
We played cribbage, ate snacks, put out six large buckets to catch wa-
ter leaks, and fell asleep.
Early the next morning, I lay in my rack, watching water drip into the
buckets, when I heard two very loud snaps. Thinking it was our lines,
I woke my husband, grabbed my wet weather gear and opened the
hatch, where I saw marina staf retying the lines on the yacht next to
ours.
Looking around, I noticed we had a diferent problem. Our yacht was
tied to a fxed dock, which was now a good six feet below our decks.
How were we supposed to get of? This was low tide, but tide was on
its way in, and we needed a plan quickly. To top it of, the docks elec-
trical plug and water hoses were both under waterand thats never a
good mix.
By hanging onto a piling and some line, my husband lowered me to
the dock, now six inches under water. My husband handed out our
cooler, clothes and valuables, and we quickly packed them into our
PT Cruiser before it, too, was submerged beneath the rising tide. The
water was already halfway up the tires.
Luckily I was able to drive to higher ground just in time. When I wad-
ed back to our boat, one of the men from the marina had managed to
unplug the electrical cord. Not sure how he managed to do that; its
not something I would have attempted.
This was defnitely a learning experience. One thing we learned was
how well our little Irwin can fare in a storm. The more important les-
son is that, in the future, before we jump into our car and head for the
water, we will take a few extra moments to check the weather station!
PPP
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL BOATING FEDERATION
Improved Safety Record
National Boating Federation, in its July eBulletin, reports that boat-
ing deaths hit a record low in 2012. According to just-released Coast
Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, boating fatalities last year
totaled 651, the lowest number of fatalities since records have been
kept. This was a decline of 14.1 percent from 758 in 2011. The total
number of reported boating accidents dropped to 4,515, a decline of
1.6 percent from 4,588 in 2011. Earl Waesche, Legislative Direc-
tor
USCG - Termination of Certain Distress Radio Guards
The Coast Guard issued a safety alert stating that, efective August
1, it will terminate its radio guard of the international voice distress,
safety and calling frequency 2182 kHz and the international digital
selective calling (DSC) distress and safety frequency 2187.5 kHz.
Additionally, marine information and weather broadcasts here-
tofore transmitted on 2670 kHz will terminate. The Coast Guard
will continue to maintain a continuous watch on VHF-FM channel
16 (156.8 MHz) and on existing voice and DSC frequencies in the
4/6/8/12 MHz bands Alert 06-13 (6/18/13).
BoatUS: Marine Planning Update
Planning is underway to balance converging ocean uses. That plan-
ning may change how U.S. coastal waters are managed, and how
boaters and others might be called upon to share their home waters
in the future. For details, see A Blueprint For Americas Coasts? -
BoatUS Magazine
PPP
FEATURE ARTICLES
30
He trained and studied at Oxford College of Emory University, Ox-
ford, Ga., the University of South Florida and, abroad, at the Univer-
sity College of Oxford University, in England, and Johannes Kepler
Gymnasium, in Vienna, Austria. Alex de Quesada may be one of the
most famous recorders of the Coast Guard in the annals of the Coast
Guard, and we are fortunate this recognized historian resides in Dis-
trict 7.
Alex serves as the Living History Interpreter of the Civil War Chicka-
mauga National Battlefeld, Ga.; the Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas Coun-
ty, Fla.; and has established history programs at several other battle-
feld sites and parks in Florida. He regularly consults on the Spanish
American War, World War I and many military battles. He is a mu-
seum consultant in military history for museums across the country
and for private industry groups. He consults on American history,
from the Colonial era to the present, including the social history of the
Cuban community and other ethnic groups, and on the Holocaust.
Alex can also claim a number of movie credits, appearing as an extra
in many flms, while serving as a technical military consultant. He
is an historical writer for various publications in the United States,
including Stars and Stripes, and the author of several books on his-
torical military matters and on the state of Florida. He even writes
about battles in Europe and Latin America, as well as those within the
United States, from 44 B.C. to the present. He fuently speaks Eng-
lish, Spanish, and German.
In the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Mr. Quesada excels as a communica-
tions specialist, is boat crew-qualifed, and serves in the Interpreter
Corps for the Spanish language.
SPOTLIGHT ON ALEJANDRO (ALEX) DE QUESADA: DISTRICT 7 HISTORIAN
By Caroline Westerhof, Ph.D., Flotilla 11-9 (Tarpon Springs, Fla.), Breeze Contributing Writer
He has received recognition from the Coast Guard and the Auxil-
iary, and has been awarded the German Sports Badge, the Canadian
Lifeboat Institutions Patrons Medal, and the Company of Military
Historians Miller Award for Best Historical Displays.
His writing includes several hundred articles in military and civic
journals and newspapers throughout the country. His books in-
clude Baseball in Tampa Bay, Bay of Pigs 1961, Chaco War, and
Complete Guide to United States Coast Guard Medals, Badges and
Insignia since 1945.
You can fnd hundreds of his chapters in other historical books on
topics such as Teddy Roosevelts Rough Riders, The Mexican
Revolution, The Royal Air Force over Florida, The Spanish-
American War and The Philippine Insurrection. The Florida
Department of State has awarded him several museum and histori-
cal grants.
In a phone conversation for this article, I asked Alex, As a histo-
rian, how do you defne leadership?
His answer was simple, direct, and to the point: Expertise, knowl-
edge, skills, and no stone left unturned.
As our District 7 Historian, Alex de Quesada continues to passion-
ately detail and archive every aspect of Coast Guard history, includ-
ing the stories of its men and women serving throughout the United
States. He is our Keeper of the Records, and there is none better.
PPP
FEATURE ARTICLES
31
EDITORIAL - PATONS AT THE GLEN
By Beth Gallagher, Flotilla 45 (Sanford, Fla.), Breeze Contributing Writer
Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Central Florida has a
pristine place branded by those in the know as The Glen. Ofcially,
it is Silver Glen Springs, a part of the Ocala National Forest and one
of the most popular waterparks in the area.
There, as elsewhere, an ongoing debate rages between recreational
boaters, environmentalists, law enforcement, and the parks. Each
constituency feels that they own the park, and they constantly de-
bate the impact of boats and boaters on the spring versus the right to
enjoy the park from the water.
The accompanying photos depict the confict.
Before the
private aids
to navigation
(PATONS)
at The Glen
were re-
placed last
year, there
were, as the
2011 photo
shows, some
discrepan-
cies.
Were not sure, the author writes, why the PATONS were so far out
of place in 2011... however...
How did the markers in the photo at left, from 2011, get so close
together? I still dont know.
However, I do know what has happened to the new markers. We,
who use the water, have caused the problem.
As we were
leaving The
Glen the
other day,
we watched
two kids
climb
onto the
PATONS,
pulling
them over
to use as
diving plat-
forms into
the shallow
water.
It seems that
we could
use a better
dialog between swimmers and boaters about mutual rights and
corresponding obligations.
PPP
...we do know what happened to this one. Left photo shows the
authors facility. Auxiliary photos by Beth Gallagher.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
32
Listen to a medley of Semper Paratus/God Bless Ameri-
ca performed by Coast Guard Auxiliarists during the Geor-
gia Lotterys Georgia Salutes America in Atlanta, Georgia.
The performance took place in downtown Atlantas Centen-
nial Park before 30,000 spectators and a state-wide televi-
sion audience.
PPP
VIDEOS (CLICK ON PHOTO TO PLAY VIDEO)
You are Part of Team Coast Guard
Video fom Zach Lessin, ADSO-PB-Graphics
Georgia Lottery Salutes the Coast Guard
and the Auxiliary
USCGAUX Public Service Video - Life Jackets
Produced in District 7, by FLotilla 14-8
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
33
On May 21, the general session of the South Carolina House of Rep-
resentatives presented Flotilla 12-1 (Lake Marion, S. C.) with House
Resolution 4089 (excerpts below) in honor of their contributions to
recreational boating safety:
WHEREAS, the members of the South Carolina House of Repre-
sentatives take great pleasure in commending the outstanding
work performed by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flo-
tilla 12-01 [sic] Lake Marion; and appreciates the skilled and
sacrifcial service of the members of USCGAUX Flotilla 12-01[sic]
that enables citizens and visitors to enjoy the waterways of the
Palmetto State in safety, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
by the House of Representatives: THAT the members of the South
Carolina House of Representatives by this resolution, recognize
and honor the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Inland Sea
Flotilla 12-01 [sic] Lake Marion for exceptional service to the citi-
zens of South Carolina as they ensure safe boating on Lakes Mari-
on and Moultrie and the Upper Cooper River.
PPP
Back Row, from left: Rep. Murrell Smith (House District 67-Sumter); John Owen, Flotilla
Commander; Richard Phillips, Flotilla Staff Offcer for Navigation Services; Joe Livings-
ton, Flotilla Staff Offcer for Operations; and Rep. Robert L. Ridgeway III (House District
64-Clarendon, Sumter). Front Row: Rep. David Meeks (House District 51.-Sumter) Larry
Odom; Ronald Cunningham, Flotilla Staff Offcer for Vessel Examinations; Coast Guard
Sector Charleston LTJG Michelle Rice; and Coast Guard Sector Charleston LT Ashonte
Franklin. Photo courtesy of South Carolina House of Representatives.
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNIZES FLOTILLA 12-1 (LAKE MARION, S.C.)
By Barbara Burchfeld, Branch Chief, Liaison for Recreational Boating Safety, Outreach Directorate - Atlantic States South
and Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
34
Class at the Cop Shop is the afectionate term for the About Boating
Safely (ABS) course presented to Bluftons Police Department (BPD)
on July 2, 2013, by Flotilla 10-11 (Hilton Head, S.C.)
Hal Blaisdell, Flotilla Staf Ofcer for Public Education, and instruc-
tor John Vargas presented the course to Police Chief Joey Reynolds
and eight police ofcers in their brand new classroom facilities at BPD
headquarters.
Chief Reynolds, who served eight years in the Coast Guard Reserve,
understands the importance of boating safety education. The depart-
ments Operations Division, which commands the Marine Patrol, has
acquired a new marine patrol facility and equipped it with safety,
search and rescue
equipment. Four
ofcers have
become certifed
police boat oper-
ators by attend-
ing South Caroli-
nas Department
of Natural Re-
sources Marine
Law Enforcement
course.
To ensure that BPD ofcers receive basic boating safety instruc-
tion, Chief Reynolds asked John Winarchick, Flotilla Commander,
about Coast Guard Auxiliary basic boating courses. This conversa-
tion developed into a broader plan. Mr. Blaisdell began working
closely with the BPD to coordinate the ABS classes into their own
established department training schedule. Since the ofcers work
12 hour shifts, scheduling was somewhat challenging. There are
currently 35 BPD ofcers eligible for the ABS training.
The ABS class is the frst class of the police ofcers fundamental
training as marine patrol ofcers. A Boating Skills and Seaman-
ship course is being planned for August, and discussions are under-
way about coxswain and boating crew training for the ofcers.
Ofcers who attended the July 2nd class had little or no previous
boat experience. Blaisdell said, They were very attentive and had a
lot of questions about laterals, buoys, channel markers and naviga-
tion. It was one of the best classes weve held, with a lot of group
interaction.
Best of all, Chief Reynolds has joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary
at Flotilla 10-11. So, Flotilla 10-11s very special Class at the Cop
Shop will not only provide boating safety education to BPD of-
fcers, but it will build a strong partnership between the Auxiliary
and the Blufton Police Department for promoting recreational
boating safety.
PPP
Standing, from left: Auxiliary Instructors Hal Blaisdell and John
Vargas present the About Boating Safely course to Bluffton Po-
lice Department offcers, the frst in a series of boating courses
for the marine patrol units. Photo courtesy of the Bluffton Police
Department.
CLASS AT THE COP SHOP
By Barbara Burchfeld, Branch Chief, Liaison for Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorate - Atlantic States South
and Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
35
COXSWAIN TRAINING
By Barbara Burchfeld, Branch Chief, Liaison for Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorate - Atlantic States South
and Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications
This is a drill This is a drill This is a drill on Channel 83A an-
nounced Auxiliary coxswain training exercises on July 7, at Lake Mur-
ray, S.C. Lake Murray is 41 miles long and 14 miles wide.
Coxswain candidates from three fotillas in Division 12 assembled
at the lake: John Owen, Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 12-1 (The In-
land Sea Lake Marion, S.C); Tommy Timberlake, Vice Flotilla Com-
mander, Flotilla 12-4 (Central Grand Strand, S.C.); and Al Crothers,
Commander, Division 12, who is also a member of Flotilla 12-6 (East
Cooper, S.C.).
A clear, sunny day en-
abled the Auxiliarists to
practice GPS positioning,
towing evolutions, boat
handling and enjoy fel-
lowship. Dubbed The
GPS Game, each boat
rendezvoused by navigat-
ing to a latitude/longitude
position on Lake Mur-
ray. The game is played
in friendly competition
and keeps everyones GPS
skills profcient. Working
together also standardizes
operations training and command communications within the divi-
sion.
Supporting the days training were Commodore Jay Dahlgren,
Flotilla Staf Ofcer for Communication Services, Flotilla 12-1,
coxswain on Master Chief, and Voyager coxswain Festus Burch-
feld with boat crew Barbara Burchfeld, both from Flotilla 12-6.
Auxiliary coxswains are required to demonstrate knowledge and
profciency in surface operations such as boat handling, crew super-
vision, communications, mission management and other special-
ized tasks. After completing all requirements and passing the Coast
Guard Navigation Rules proctored exam, the coxswain candidate
is authorized to be tested by a Qualifcation Examiner (QE) in the
district.
The QE session requires both a dockside oral exam and an under-
way check ride, which includes anchoring, towing evolutions, use
of GPS, man overboard drill, safety management, boat handling,
etc. Successfully passing a QE session qualifes the candidate as an
Auxiliary coxswain.
PPP
Coxswain-in-training John Owen maneuvers
Master Chief toward disabled vessel Voyager
for a towing exercise, under the supervision of
OFPAC owner COMO Jay Dahlgren. Coxswain-in-
training Al Crothers (DCDR 12) throws a tow line
to the disabled vessel. Auxiliary photo by Barbara
Burchfeld.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
36
ON THE WATER TRAINING: WORKING AT GETTING IT RIGHT
By Jack Margolis, Flotilla 12-4 (Central Grand Strand, S.C.), Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications (ADSO-PB)
Discussing Search and Rescue (SAR) procedures in a classroom is one
thing, but doing them underway, in a two-boat training exercise, is an-
other. A day of on-the-water training lets future coxswains practice the
procedures and hone the skills they have studied and discussed.
On-the-water training also fosters crew coordination, and allows crews
to realize what works and what doesnt work in an emergency. As they
practice, future coxswains learn the unique characteristics and han-
dling of diferent Auxiliary patrol facilities (AUXFACs or OPFACs).
We in the Auxiliary have to learn to work with the variety of facility
confgurations made available by our members. While the Gold Side
can practice a set of specifc procedures developed for each standard
class of vessel, there is
not much that is standard
among AUXFACs.
On Sunday, July 14, 2013,
Division 12, at the north-
ern-most part of District
7, conducted a two-boat
training evolution with
Cappy and Dolphin, fa-
cilities from Flotilla 12-4
(Central Grand Strand,
S.C.) and 11 Auxiliarists.
Man overboard practice
and towing drills help each
crew member learn to work
Crewman Eric Hurlin walks the bow line forward, down
the port side, during a Vessel in Distress training
exercise for future coxswains. Auxiliary photo by Tony
Presson.
as a team with
the apparatus
and confgura-
tion of each
facility.
On this day,
through mul-
tiple towing
evolutions, we
learned what
would work
within the
limitations of
one particular
OPFAC adjust-
ed, and then did
it over again,
and again. In
between, we
evaluated each evolution and discussed how to correct any defcien-
cies in our procedure.
An evaluation was conducted on 15 & 16 August for the Coxswain
and Boat Crew pictured, along with 4 additional boat crew, all of
whom passed as a result of on-the-water and shore-based training
within Flotilla 12-04.
There are no shortcuts in coxswain and boat crew training.
PPP
Coxswain Jack Margolis and tow watch Ollie Leimbach, Jr., discuss
their connection during a Q.E. training exercise. Eric Hurlin, not
pictured, maintains the forward watch. Auxiliary photo by Tony
Presson.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
37
LOW COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: THE MISSION IS DIVERSE
By Rick Leary, Flotilla 12-6 (East Cooper, S.C.), Breeze Contributing Writer
Low Country is the local name for the near sea level area from the
Sandhills of South Carolina (east of Columbia) to the East Coast. Its
name evokes the sound of the ocean, the smell of seafood, the south-
ern lifestyle and the beauty of its lush marshes and historic com-
munities. Originally an area of large-scale farming, today it is known
for tourism (think of Sea Pines at Hilton Head, the Isle of Palms,
and Charleston), commercial trade (the Port of Charleston is one of
the ten busiest in the United States) and its military presence (Naval
Weapons Station, Charleston Air Force Base, Paris Island and the
Coast Guard).
Its Coast Guard Station inherits a diverse mission, as dramatized at
this years Low Country Splash on June 1.
For 10 years, the Logan Rutledge Childrens Foundation has spon-
sored the Low Country Splash to raise funds for the Neonatal Unit
at the Medical University of South Carolina. In 2011, proceeds also
went to the Charleston School District to support swimming lessons.
The Splash attracts swimmers from 30 states and boasts registration
of more than 500 people, ages 9 to 89.
The Coast Guard patrol had two missions that day serve as com-
mand vessel for the race and provide port operations support. Its
vessels joined area law enforcement and fre response boats in patrol-
ling the race routes for swimmers, who signed up for either a 5- or
2.4-mile distance.
The race was set to begin at 0700. The 5-mile course began at Daniel
Island, proceeded south along the islands shore and crossed the main
shipping channel to the Hobcaw Yacht Club. At this point, the
distance swimmers met those who chose the shorter 2.4 mile
event to Charleston Harbor Marina.
Auxiliary members Frederick Leary, Ann Graham and Jennifer
Heisler (all from Flotilla 12-6) joined Station Charleston, S.C.,
USCG, as additional crew on their 45-foot Response Boat Medium
(RB-M see vessel details here) and two 25-foot Response Boats
Small (RB-S see vessel details here).
(Continued on next page)
Sunrise on the Wando River in Low Country, S.C. Auxiliary photo by Rick Leary.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
38
The mission aboard the command vessel began at 0530 with an in-
spection of the boat and a pre-underway check. It departed the dock
at 0630 and proceeded to the Ashley River, into the South Channel of
the Intercoastal Waterway, past the Battery, and north on the Cooper
River.
As the patrol turned up the Wando River, it passed the Wando Welch
containership terminal, where three 900-foot containerships were
berthed. At the terminal, the crew noted two tugs being positioned
against one of the containerships. The coxswain contacted the harbor
pilot, who confrmed that the ship was about to get underway. The cox-
swain radioed all involved in the race that a hold was on the start of the
race until the container ship had been positioned in the channel and
was underway.
A few minutes later, the lines were slipped from the dock and the tugs
slowly maneuvered the containership into the turning basin.
Once the containership was underway and the area cleared of trafc,
one-hundred swimmers began the 5-mile race, at Daniel Island. The
patrol discouraged any curious boaters from maneuvering too close
to the course of the race. At the Hobcaw Yacht Club, another 400 plus
swimmers joined the race.
In all, 503 swimmers were in the water, with all but one (who decided
to stop) completing it. With the mission successfully completed, the
patrol returned to its berth by 0930.
Tourism, boating safety, and commercial shipping during this mis-
sion, the Coast Guard handled it all. Meanwhile, the Auxiliarists gained
an enhanced appreciation for the diverse scope of the Coast Guards
missions and for the RB-M and the RB-S vessels.
PPP
LOW COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT (CONTINUED)
SAFE BOATING PROCLAMATION
Titusville, Fla., Mayor Jim Tulley presents a 2013 Safe Boating Week Proclamation to
Mike LeBlanc (left), Flotilla Staff Offcer for Public Affairs and Vessel Examiner, and Gary
Powers, Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 17-9 (Titusville, Fla.). Gary and Mike have each
set a goal of conducting 100 vessel safety checks this year in North Brevard County.
Auxiliary photo.
D7 MATERIAL CENTER
For All Your Auxiliary Needs!!!
The center is now open:
Monday & Thursday 1000-1600
You can reach the center by phone during these hours at:
(727) 535-2593
www.d7materials.org
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
39
When Flotilla 15-3 (Ocala, Fla.) decided to hold a special radio com-
munications course, they didnt realize how special it would be. The
original plan was for two fotilla members who hold amateur radio
licenses my husband, Randy, call sign K3GRP, and me, call sign
K3MBP -- to conduct a course for Auxiliarists interested in earning
their Technician Class Amateur Radio license, on four consecutive Sat-
urday mornings, for four hours each, beginning in mid-February.
The Technician Class license is an entry-level ticket to the wide world
of amateur radio, granting operating privileges primarily in VHF and
UHF bands. The exam itself is administered by a volunteer exam-
iner team consisting of at least three higher-class licensees who also
have special training in the volunteer examiner program. The na-
tional organization for amateur operators in the United States is the
American Radio
Relay League
(ARRL), which
provides a
variety of
training manu-
als and other
resources for
persons who
want to acquire
or upgrade
an Amateur
license.
The standard course materials and syllabus from the ARRL for the
Technician license calls for 30 hours of class time. We had allo-
cated 16 hours, minus an estimated two hours for exams, leaving 14
hours to try to teach a course designed for 30.
Then the suggestion was made at a fotilla meeting to include the
information Auxiliarists need to pass the Auxiliary Communica-
tions Specialty (AUXCOM) course exam, one of the required cours-
es for members wishing to attain Operational Auxiliarist Program
(AUXOP) status. For reasons that can only be chalked up to tem-
porary insanity, we agreed.
As the frst class approached, a good number of Auxiliarists from
two divisions in Florida, and one snowbird from Flotilla 26-3
(Roscommon County, Mich.), registered for the course. Panic set
in. We worked feverishly, eliminating PowerPoint slides from the
standard ARRL course and overlapping material from the AUX-
COM course. Obviously, the only way the course would succeed
was to count on the content overlap between the two courses to
reinforce material and to rely upon the students to study diligently
each week.
Randy took the Amateur Radio sections during part of each class
and Mary presented the AUXCOM-specifc material in the remain-
ing part. The fourth and fnal class was dedicated to review and
testing. An ARRL examining team agreed to come to our classroom
and administer the Technician Class exams. Andy Render, AUXOP
and exam proctor from Flotilla 15-3 (Ocala, Fla.), agreed to oversee
the paper AUXCOM exams.
(Continued on next page)
UNUSUAL COMMUNICATIONS COURSE
By Mary Patton, Flotilla 15-3 (Ocala, Fla.), Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications (ADSO-PB)
Instructor Randy Patton teaches the ARRL Amateur Radio Technician
radio course to Flotilla 15-3 (Ocala, Fla.). Auxiliary photo by Mary
Patton.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
40
COMMUNICATIONS COURSE (CONTINUED)
We were very pleased when fve out of seven members passed the
Technician exam and received their new Ham radio call signs, and
four out of fve passed the AUXCOM exam (some participants only
tried for one qualifcation).
We owe many
thanks to the
seven ARRL
volunteer exam-
iners, includ-
ing Auxiliarist
Guenther Noder
from Flotilla 43
(Lake County,
Fla.), who made
the amateur ra-
dio testing pos-
sible. This efort
was coordinated
by Ed Bieder-
wolf, W9CHA,
ARRL VE liai-
son for Marion
County, Fla.
PPP
Instructor Mary Patton employs fash cards for the fnal review of
the AUXCOM class. Auxiliary photo by Randy Patton.
TAMPA, Fla.--Dean Hoskin from Flotilla 72 stands at the bow of Miss Marla and
watches as the crew and trainees on Sandy Kay attach the tow line. They are Tony
Hooper, Jim DeSanto, David Perillo, Cliff Hollingsworth and Mike Marino, all from
Flotilla 72. Auxiliary photo by Valerie Fernandes, Flotilla 78.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
41
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, There is nothing permanent
except change. Auxiliarists recalled those words of wisdom this sum-
mer when the Coast Guard Auxiliary announced that the Auxiliary
Food Service Specialty Program (AUXFS) would replace the Auxiliary
Chef Program (AUXCHEF). What does this change mean and how does
it afect the current and future members in the program?
Basically, there are no changes to the program per se. There is a
change in nomenclature to align the former AUXCHEFs with the Coast
Guard Food Specialist rating. So AUXCHEFs will now be referred to as
Auxiliary Food Service Specialists.
As distinguished as this new position may sound, it will come as no
surprise that there is no pay raise (that joke is really getting old but we
all still laugh!). The biggest change is that all certifed AUXFS will now
have their qualifcation and pertinent health records entered into the
national Coast Guard data base (Medical Readiness Reporting Sys-
tem). This will enable an AUXFS to help in any Coast Guard location,
including areas outside the continental United States. Their records
can only be accessed through a secure Coast Guard system, where all
privacy standards will be maintained. Without this system, the in-
creasing popularity of this program would make the logistics of main-
taining this vital record base untenable very quickly District 7, alone,
already boasts 80 certifed AUXFS members.
What has not changed is the level of enthusiasm of the members who
have become involved in the program. They take on whatever tasks are
asked of them. Currently, AUXFSs work aboard Coast Guard cutters at
sea and at home, assisting with everyday meals and Changes of Com-
mand at more than 14 Coast Guard locations throughout District 7, in
South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
In the frst half of 2013, District 7
ofered fve AUXCHEF/FS courses.
AUXFS Instructors Paulette Parent
and Toni Borman traveled to Station
Fort Lauderdale, Air Station Clearwa-
ter (twice), Sector Key West, and Sta-
tion Yankeetown to teach and certify
60 students. Presenting the class as
a roadshow, where the instructors
traveled rather than the students, made
the course available to all D7 Auxil-
iarists. Even so, one student chose
to travel from Alabama to attend the
course (just slightly outside of District
7).
Another recent change was the ap-
pointment of Don Hunt as editor of
the District 7 AUXFS newsletter. Its premier issue was recently
electronically published, with another edition in July.
Are more changes coming for the AUXFS program? Without a
doubt. This program is still developing and improving with every
class and every student who becomes involved. New ideas, new
techniques, even new or modifed recipes continue to beneft the
program.
AUXFSs take these changes in stride because, as taught in class,
our motto is Semper Gumby (Always Flexible).
PPP
AUXCHEF NOW AUXFS
By Paulette R. Parent, Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Human Resources (Auxiliary Food Service Specialist Program)
Paulette Parent breaks from
preparing meals to display the
AUXFS new mascot. Auxiliary
photo by Charles E. Truthan.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
42
Lake Chatuge in North Carolina is a busy place on weekends. That
should be normal for one of the main tourist attractions in the moun-
tains of North Georgia. So thats where Robert Garrott, Flotilla Com-
mander, and Darrell Scott, Flotilla Staf Ofcer for Operations (both
certifed vessel examiners) and members of Flotilla 23 (Northeast
Georgia), recently joined Georgia Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) Ranger Jessie Cook to do courtesy vessel checks.
By 0800 rows of empty boat trailers in the parking area at the Georgia
Mountain Fairgrounds boat ramp indicated that many people were
already out on
the lake try-
ing to beat the
frequent after-
noon rain show-
ers. As others
pulled in, ready
for a day on the
water, they may
have wondered
what was go-
ing on when
approached by
the casual, but
uniformed men,
clipboards in
hand.
When told that this was a courtesy (free) Vessel Safety Check (VSC),
they seemed relieved and happy to answer questions. It was surpris-
ing to hear some of the answers though.
Where is my boat registration?
The fre extinguisher has to be full?
Yeah, a frst aid kit is a good idea, but we dont have one.
No horn or whistle; guess Ill go get something.
Something to bail with? Yes, and we used it during the downpour
yesterday.
The team provided VSCs to eight boats during their four hours at
the boat dock; fve passed on the original check, and the other three
corrected what was needed and were successfully rechecked. All
boats did have the proper personal foatation devices (PFD) on
board. The examiners also reminded the boaters that having their
boats checked annually usually, results in a lower insurance pre-
mium.
All the boaters examined agreed that it was better to have this free
check in the parking lot than to have a ticket written out on the wa-
ter. They also appreciated the freebies given out by Ranger Cook, in-
cluding waterproof document bags, gun locks, and wristbands with
Hunter Education on them for the kids. Perhaps most valuable was
the new Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws & Responsibilities.
(Continued on next page)
VESSEL EXAMS WAKE UP BOATERS
By Joan Crothers, Flotilla 23 (Northeast Georgia), Breeze Contributing Writer
Bob Garrott, Flotilla Commander, and Darrell Scott, a certifed ves-
sel examiner, check boat manufacturers hull numbers at Georgia
Mountain Fairgrounds boat ramp. Auxiliary photo by Joan Croth-
ers.
THE AUXILIARY IN ACTION
43
VESSEL EXAMS (CONTINUED)
That book lists Georgias new boating laws: All children under 13 must
wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD while on board any moving vessel;
Boating Under the Infuence (BUI) alcohol blood level for an adult is
now set at 0.08 percent, and charged with driving under the infuence
of alcohol or drug use which carry fnes up to $1,000 and/or prison
time for up to one year. (See related article in the Spring issue of RBS
WAVES).
Everyone in the Lake Chatuge area is excited about the Carhardt
Bassmaster College Series National Championship being held there
from August 1-3, 2013. Several of the boats examined contained young
college students who will be involved in the event, including the Young
Harris College Bass Club team of Brad Rutherford and Mathew Peeler,
who only recently earned the right to compete. Auxiliary Flotilla 2-3
members will work on the lake with the DNR and the local fre depart-
ment during the bass tournament.
PPP
Darrell Scott
shows a boater
that his fre
extinguisher
is not in the
green area and
needs to be
replaced. The
University of
Georgia stu-
dent replaced
the extinguish-
er and received
his 2013 decal.
Auxiliary photo
by Joan Croth-
ers.
Obtain free NOAA nautical products from NOAA Ofce of Coast Sur-
vey. Coast Surveys mandate is to provide nautical products that help
make maritime transportation safe.
All of the products listed below are available as free downloads.
BookletCharts are nautical charts in booklet form, download-
able for printing from home computers. NOAA suggests putting
each page into a sheet protector and keeping the updated note-
books on your boat.
For the multitude of useful information that cant be put on the
nautical charts, check out the United States Coast Pilot, nine
volumes of supplemental information important to safe and en-
joyable navigation.
Whats happening on the water? nowCOAST is a web map-
ping portal to real-time coastal observations and NOAA forecasts,
helping boaters stay aware of the ever-changing marine environ-
ment.
Learn the history of where youre sailing by studying old charts.
It sometimes reveal histories you never suspected. NOAA His-
torical Map & Chart Collection has over 35,000 images, covering
ofshore and onshore sites. They include some of the nations
earliest nautical charts, bathymetric maps, city plans, and even a
special collection of Civil War maps, charts and sketches.
NOAA ofers a beta test of a new app for the Android tablet,
MyNOAACharts. It allows users to download free NOAA nautical
charts and editions of the U.S. Coast Pilot.
To teach kids about nautical charting, explore NOAAs educa-
tional activities and videos, including the animated primer on
nautical charts, Travel the Seas.
PPP
FREE NOAA NAUTICAL PRODUCTS
VIEW FROM THE GOLD SIDE
44
What Auxiliarists call Change of Watch is known in the Coast Guard as
Change of Command (COC).
The Seventh Coast Guard District Change of Command ceremony
took place on Wednesday, June 26, at Coast Guard Air Station Miami
in Opa Locka, Fla. Rear Admiral John H. Korn (click here for his biogra-
phy) assumed the responsibilities as the Seventh Coast Guard District
Commander and Director of Homeland Security Task Force-Southeast
from RADM William D. Baumgartner.
The Change of Command ceremony is a time-honored event in the rich
heritage of naval tradition. The Ceremony, which follows formal
RADM Korn relieves RADM Baumgartner while VADM Parker observes. USCG Photo-
graph extracted from U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Offcer 3rd Class Jon-Paul Rios.
CHANGE OF COMMAND SEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
By Jack Margolis, Flotilla 12-4 (Central Grand Strand, S.C.), Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications (ADSO-PB)
military protocol, reinforces
the respect for the continuity
of command that is vital to
any military organization.
The culmination of the cer-
emony occurs when both
ofcers read their orders,
face one another, salute, and
transfer responsibility of com-
mand. This procedure demon-
strates to the entire organiza-
tion that the ofcer directed
by proper authority is taking
command.
Vice Admiral (VADM) Robert
C. Parker, Coast Guard Atlantic
Area Commander, presided over the ceremony. The Coast Guard
Commandant, Admiral Robert J. Papp, attended the change of
command and participated in the retirement ceremony for RADM
Baumgartner immediately following.
RADM Baumgartner will retire on September 1, after 33 years of
honorable service to the Coast Guard. He assumed command of
the Seventh District on May 14, 2010. He previously served as the
Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard from
April 2006 to April, 2010.
(Continued on next page)
RADM Korn delivers his frst address as Com-
mander of District 7. USCG Photograph.
VIEW FROM THE GOLD SIDE
45
CHANGE OF COMMAND (CONTINUED)
RADM Baumgartner began his Coast Guard career in surface opera-
tions and served as the Commanding Ofcer of the Coast Guard Cut-
ters Point Verde and Penobscot Bay.
The Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami, is a
1.8 million-square-mile area of responsibility that encompasses
the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean basin. The district
comprises six sectors and three major air stations. The district is also
home to the two busiest ports in the nation, with more than 4 million
visitors per year.
As the new District Commander, RADM Korn is responsible for all
Coast Guard operations in the Southeast United States and the Carib-
bean Basin including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico,
the U.S. Virgin Islands and over 15,000 miles of coastline. In addition,
the Seventh District shares operational borders with 34 Foreign Na-
tions and Territories.
PPP
CHANGE OF COMMAND SECTOR CHARLESTOWN
By Jack Margolis, Flotilla 12-4 (Central Grand Strand, S.C.),
Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications (ADSO-PB)
On July 12, Captain (CAPT) Ric Rodriguez relieved CAPT Michael
F. White, Jr., as Sector Charlestown Commander aboard U.S.S Yor-
ktown in Mount Pleasant, S.C. Seventh District Commander Rear
Admiral (RADM) John H. Korn presided over the Sector Charles-
town Change of Command ceremony.
CAPT White served as the Sector Charleston Commander for three
years.
PPP
CAPT Ric Rodriguez, right, relieves CAPT Michael F. White, Jr., left, as the Sector
Charleston, S.C., Commander during the Change of Command ceremony aboard
the USS Yorktown. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Offcer 3rd Class Anthony L.
Soto.
FARALLON TOURS
Crew members of the
Coast Guard Cutter Far-
allon provide boating
safety educational tours
during National Safe
Boating Week in May,
at the Frederiksted Pier,
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
Islands. Auxiliary Photo.
VIEW FROM THE GOLD SIDE
46
Coast Guard Boarding Ofcers came aboard our fshing boat and
produced a domestic violence arrest warrant for one of our buddies.
I knew Mike wasnt going to cooperate when I saw the gun..
This was one of the scenarios for Auxiliarists training with Coast
Guard Boarding Ofcers at the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center (FLTC) in Charleston, S.C., during the week of June 24-28,
2013. FLTC (pronounced Flet-see in the local area) instruction for
law enforcement ofcers includes Judgmental Use of Force Exercises
(JUFE) as a way of developing the best possible response to each
challenging situation and to limit the potential danger to all parties.
Auxiliary operational facility vessels were disguised as private boats,
with all patrol signs and ensigns removed. Dressed in hot, summer,
civilian clothes, Coast Guard personnel and Division 12 Auxiliarists
played a variety of roles, as civilian recreational boaters, with scenar-
ios that required law enforcement activity boardings. Auxiliary actors
included Al Crothers, Festus Burchfeld, Bob Gerber, Ann Graham,
Ron Foreman, Rick Leary and RuthAnn Schwinn, all from Flotilla
12-6 (East Cooper, S.C.); Tommy Timberlake from Flotilla 12-4 (Cen-
tral Grand Strand, S.C.); and Be Moore, Karen Andrews and James
Andrews from Flotilla 12-12 (Edisto Island, S.C.).
Former policeman Bob Gerber readily accepted the role of bad guy
and was really good at it. Ann Graham didnt hesitate to play a wom-
an wanted for domestic violence and abuse to her husband. Al Croth-
ers became quiet but stealthy when he slowly pulled a fake gun on a
boarding ofcer.
JUFE teaches the ofcers communication skills, a heightened sense
of situational awareness, attention to body language, how to inter-
pret mannerisms, and how to prepare for all kinds of encounters.

Coast Guard personnel, like all law enforcement authorities, can
jeopardize their own lives when serving as boarding ofcers. They
enter situations that put themselves in danger, because any individ-
uals response to a boarding is unknown and unpredictable. Since
an ofcers actions and reactions often determine the outcome of
a confrontation, JUFE creates scenarios that let ofcers practice a
range of situations and observe some of the most likely responses.
For example, does the person being arrested come willingly or
chose to resist arrest? Do the others onboard respond favorably or
do they react in a hostile way? Are there weapons involved? Are
there options to remove hostages from the boat?
(Continued on next page)
JUDGMENTAL USE OF FORCE EXERCISE
By Barbara Burchfeld, Branch Chief, Liaison for Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorate-Atlantic States South and
Assistant District 7 Staf Ofcer for Publications
An Auxiliary
volunteer acts
the role of a
woman want-
ed for assault
in a training
exercise for
USCG board-
ing offcers.
USCG photo
by Petty
Offcer 3rd
Class George
Degener.
VIEW FROM THE GOLD SIDE
47
Supporting the Coast Guard as actors in a realistic drill can be a per-
fect role for the Auxiliary in its mission as the non-law enforcement
component of the Coast Guard. A video of the JUFE training exercise
is in production and should provide a valuable tool for training other
boarding ofcers. A release date has not been announced, but were
looking forward to seeing the fnal production with our fellow Auxilia-
rists, complete with popcorn.
PPP
USE OF FORCE (CONTINUED)
An Auxiliary facility maintains a safety perimeter around the USCG Cutter Eagle. The Eagle
is a 295-foot barque used as a training cutter for future offcers of the United States Coast
Guard. USCG photo.
TAMPA, Fla.--Joe Lori teaches Flotilla 75 members Fred Kramer and
Terri Modica how to operate a PWC in Tampa Bay. Auxiliary photo.
TAMPA BAY, FL, 26 JAN 2013: Barry Porter on port watch as the
privateer sailship Lynx maintains a parallel course during the 2013
Garperilla Pirate Invasion. Barry Porter joined the Auxiliary in 1958,
and is a member of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg, FL. Auxiliary photo by
George Papabeis.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Jim Troiano, a member of Flotilla 78 Pass-a-Grille, Fla.,
watches as members of Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg load their weapons and
gear in preparation for a tactical training mission on May 9, 2013. Members and their
facilities from throughout Division 7 assist in the on-going training of active duty and Re-
serve Coast Guard at Station St. Petersburg by providing actors, vessels for boarding
practice, towing evolutions, etc. Auxiliary photo by Valerie Fernandes.