You’ll be getting a draft of the 2010 roster next month and it’s your opportunity to make any corrections, deletions, or additions.

Please check all your qualifications and personal information. If you no longer qualify for any position or specialty please correct that as well.

Thanks

Denis Keyes
FSO-CS

Now that the fall season is approaching, I am trying to fill each weekend with two patrol boats.  If you need hours on the water as crew or coxswain, please get in touch with a coxswain and request permission to go on a specific patrol.  
We have six new members who are eager to get on the water to train and to go on patrol.   Please include these Auxiliarists in your plans.

Please read the reminder below carefully:

[[Section 10.A.12. of the Auxiliary Manual (Commandant InstructionM16790.1 series) states, "Auxiliarists may not wear any distinctive part of the uniform or official Auxiliary insignia with civilian clothing."  Coast Guard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is authorized for Auxiliary use while assigned to duty and that has Auxiliary markings (e.g. - "U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary" displayed on the back of a Coast Guard Type III life jacket) falls within the scope of, "...any distinctive part of the uniform..."  Auxiliary-marked PPE, including life jackets and float coats, are therefore only authorized for wear by Auxiliarists when in uniform and assigned to duty.  The Auxiliary Uniform Procurement Guide has also been changed to reflect this policy.]]

We will be ordering new 50mph life vests for boats that exceed 35mph, as required.  We have a limited number of them now so our stock will not be handed out on a permanent basis yet.

 The new address for submitting your 5132 is:

SECTOR ST. PETERSBURG
ATTN: PLANNING DEPT. - 5132
600 8TH AVENUE SE
ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701-5030

Don't forget to submit your travel to and from patrols and training on your 7029 forms.

 Judi Bidwick,
FSO-OP 

Public Education
Ruth Bruno, FSO-PE

 

 

Our BS&S Class began September 14th with 15 enrollees.   This is a good enrollment for a September class!  Our next BS&S will register on October 14th and we will also be offering a GPS class beginning in October.  We are appreciative of the members who instruct as well as those who come out to assist in the classes.  We look forward to a busy season.

Ruth Bruno,
FSO-PE

2009--2010   BOATING SKILLS AND SEAMANSHIP—MON, THURS, 6:30-9:00pm

Sept 10….Oct 15   Registration, pick up book, pay $55 or $65/couple sharing 1 book

Sept 14….Oct 19   Which Boat is For You……………………….Lou Magyar           

Sept 17….Oct 22  .Equipment For Your Boat……………………Lou Magyar

Sept 17….Oct 22  .Trailering Your Boat………………………….JD Harrison/Ed Stebner.

Sept 21….Oct 26  Handling Your Boat…………………………...Helen Sarvis

Sept 24….Oct 29   Your Highway Signs………………………….Judi Bidwick

Sept 24….Oct 29   Rules of the Road…………………………….Ron Hogarth

Sept 28….Nov 2   .Inland Boating………………………………...Judi Bidwick

Sept 28….Nov 2   .Powering Your Boat………………………….Lou Magyar

Oct 1…….Nov 5   .Navigation……………………………………..Denis Keyes

Oct 5…….Nov 9  .Boating and Weather…………………………Tom McGuire

Oct 5…….Nov 9  .Your Boat’s Radio…………………………….Juan Hernandez

Oct 8….....Nov 12  Lines and Knots……………………………...Judi Bidwick

Oct 8….....Nov 12  Rest of the Story……………………………..Juan Hernandez

Oct 12…...Nov 16  Exam

 

                       .......... GPS FOR MARINERS—WED, 7:00-9:00pm

 

Oct 14                            (07)     Registration  6pm, $40  Please read the chapters prior to class.

Oct 21    Ch 1,2,3         History/Background of Global Positioning………....….Juan Hernandez

Oct 28    Ch 4,5,6         Using GPS To Navigate, Selecting, Using Charts……Al Bidwick

Nov 4     Ch 7,8,9,10    Chartplotting, Navigating, Practice Your Skills……......Juan Hernandez/Al Bidwick

Nov 11                           Practice Your Skills………………...........................…....Juan Hernandez/Al Bidwick

 

                                                        ON THE WATER COURSE

               Oct 8          Register in class, $45                                          Feb 1  Register in class
              
               Nov 12       Register in class, $45                                          Mar 8  Register in class

                                                       Other dates will be set according to need

                Nov 19-- 10am—2:30pm                                                       Apr 5—10am—2:30pm
                Nov 23-- 10am—2:30pm                                                       Apr 12—10am—2:30 pm

                                          

                                                     GPS FOR MARINERS—WED, 7:00-9:00 pm

Mar 10            (2010)          Registration  6pm, $40  Please read the chapters prior to class

Mar 22            Ch 1,2,3      History/Background of Global Positioning………….Juan Hernandez

Mar 25            Ch 4,5,6      Using GPS To Navigate, Selecting, Using Charts…Al Bidwick

Mar 29            Ch 7,8,9,10 Chartplotting, Navigating, Practice Your Skills……..Juan Hernandez/Al Bidwick

Apr 1                                    Practice Your Skills…………..………………………Juan Hernandez/Al Bidwick

 

If there are instructors who would like to teach a particular lesson, please let Ruth Bruno or Judi Bidwick know and we will assign accordingly.

 

Personnel Services
Paul Corcoran, FSO-PS

In one week, from the 28th of August to September 04, three new members were processed-- Charles F. Weede, Matthew C. Weede, and Roman E. Gzyl.  They have received their ID cards.

I also started the processing of enrollment of Daniel O' Connor.

In addition Mike Marmion and I began the enrollment process for  Francel Parker , Paul Alvarez and Richard Markwitz on the 15th and 16th of September.

Daniel O'Connor and Matthew Weede will be joining the Active Duty Coast Guard.

Apparently, the long drought is over!

 Paul Corcoran
FSO-PS

Mike Marmion
AFSO-PS

First Aid
Art Sperling, EMS

H1N1 Influenza

Note that all information is from CDC and some of it is changing on a regular basis as new information and new testing becomes available.   Everyone should get annual flu vaccinations as soon as possible, and the H1N1 Vaccination when it becomes available.

 Who will be recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

The Coast Guard and all other services have made getting the H1N1 vaccinations as soon as it become available mandatory for all personnel along with the annual flu vaccination.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

We do not expect that there will be a shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, but availability and demand can be unpredictable. There is some possibility that initially the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. In this setting, the committee recommended that the following groups receive the vaccine before others: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

The committee recognized the need to assess supply and demand issues at the local level. The committee further recommended that once the demand for vaccine for these target groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65.

Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?

It is anticipated that seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, we expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

Symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1 flu infection in humans are similar to classic flu-like symptoms, which might include:

• Fever above 100.4 °F                 Cough

• Sore throat                                    Headache

• Chills                                              Muscle aches

• Diarrhea                                        Vomiting

 Signs And Tests

     If you think you have been exposed to H1N1 influenza, call your health care provider before your visit. This will give the staff a chance to take proper precautions to protect them and other patients during your office visit.

If the H1N1 flu becomes widespread, there will be little need to continue testing people, so your health care provider may decide not to test for the flu virus.

Your doctor may perform the following physical exam:

• Auscultation (technical term for listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope to detect abnormal breath sounds)

• Chest x-ray

Your doctor can test for the H1N1 flu virus using a nasopharyngeal swab (a swab of the back of the inside of your nose), to grow it in a culture. However, this will likely happen only if:

• You are at high risk for flu complications.

• You are very sick.

Treatment

    Most people who get H1N1 flu will likely recover without needing medical care. Doctors, however, can prescribe antiviral drugs to treat people who become very sick with the flu or are at high risk for flu complications.

   If you need treatment for H1N1 flu, the CDC recommends that your doctor give you zanamivir (Relenza) or osteltamivir (Tamiflu). These drugs work best if you receive them within 2 days of becoming ill. You may get them later if you are very sick or if you have a high risk for complications.

    To prevent infection with H1N1 flu, people living in the same house as someone diagnosed with the virus should ask their doctor if they also need a prescription for these medicines. Careful respiratory hygiene and frequent hand-washing are also recommended steps for reducing the risk of getting H1N1 flu.

    Aspirin or products that contain aspirin should not be given to anyone 18 years old or younger.

Expectations (Prognosis)

   The outlook depends on the severity of the infection and the type of H1N1 influenza virus that caused it.

   The H1N1 flu outbreak in Mexico has resulted in 85 confirmed deaths thus far. At least 11 deaths had been reported in the U.S. at the time of this writing. Deaths have occurred in other countries as well. Officials were preparing for more.

Severe illness may occur along with:

• Pneumonia

• Respiratory failure

• Death

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may make other chronic medical problems worse.

    A vaccination used to treat swine flu in 1976 was associated with some cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disorder that leads to nerve inflammation that causes muscle weakness.

Calling Your Health Care Provider

   If you are ill and have any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children, emergency signs include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing

• Bluish or gray skin color

• Not drinking enough fluids

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Not waking up or not interacting

• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough

In adults, emergency signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough

Prevention

   People who work with pigs who might be infected should use protective clothing and special breathing masks.

  Other steps you can take:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after using it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You may also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, to avoid getting infected by germs.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you do get sick, consider staying home from work or school.

 Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books   and doorknobs)?
  Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
    Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

*What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed in my facility?
    Though the scientific evidence is not as extensive as that on hand washing and alcohol-based sanitizers, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful for killing flu germs on hands.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
    Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
    To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
   To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
    Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

 Art Sperling
Emergency Medical Services

DCS2GM Tracking System
Henry Reynolds,

One of the strongest features of the DSC2GM Tracking System (TC) is its ability to create route plans i.e. waypoints. The creation of these plans is extremely fast and easy due to the point and click implementation strategy. As a waypoint is created it is also placed into a route plan table. This table can then be printed and the coordinates of each waypoint manually entered into a chart plotter. 

With this release the TC system has been enhanced to enable the output of route plans to a local data set, Figure 1. A new field has been added to the control section of the TC internet page. This field is labeled “Export”. When the field is selected all of the waypoints that have been created are exported to the Route Plan file. These waypoints are in a format that is suitable as input to either the SEACLEAR¹ or GPSBABEL² programs. Figure 2 represents a route plan that was created in the TC system and exported to SEACLEAR

 Waypoints must be created in “DM” and “N/S” format. Any other waypoint TC system format generates an error in the Route Plan file.

 SEACLEAR can execute on a PC notebook. Attaching a GPS unit to this software makes an inexpensive chart plotter.  Flotilla 86 tested this configuration during a Safety patrol with a route plan created from the TC system. The auxiliary facility successfully navigated the route using the PC notebook as a chart plotter.

                                                                               DSC2GM TC
                                                                        Route Plan Export                                                                                                  

                                                             Figure 1

                Notes:

         1 SEACLEAR II can be down loaded free from the following website

             http://www.sping.com/seaclear

         2. GSPBABEL can be down loaded free from the following website

             http://www.gpsbabel.org                                                                                   

                                                                                    Figure 2

 The Route Plan file may also be used as input to the GSPBABEL program. This program

is used to convert one GPS sentence format to another sentence format. As an example, it may be desired to convert the TC system exported Route Plan file to the Garmin serial/USB protocol. This protocol supports the following Garmin units,

Supported Garmin GPS receivers with USB include

The output from the conversion routine, Formatted Route Plan File, is then used as input to the Vender Program. The Vendor Program then downloads the converted DSC2GM route plan to the specific GPS unit. GSPBABEL supports over 130 different GPS conversion routines. This program also has an extensive array of data manipulation functions.

      Henry Reynolds

Meeting Minutes
Ruth Bruno, FSO-SR

                    U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 86, MINUTES September 1, 2009

  Commander Juan Hernandez called the meeting to order at 1930 with 17 members present and prospective member Roman Gyzl.  The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.  

Commander’s report:

·         Juan attended the National Conference and announced a few of our members received awards which will be forthcoming.  The Leadership Course is an alternative to APC and is available on blackboard and CD.

·         The SAR demonstration in coordination with Air Station Clearwater and hosted by Flotilla 86 and 84 will be held on October 3^rd at the 10^th Street Ramp in Sarasota.  The event will begin at 9:30 am. Members are needed to assist with booths and also to have their boats on station.  The actual rescue demonstration will be at 10am.

·         The D7 Conference will be in St. Petersburg 9/10 through 9/13.  Members should try to attend at least one day.  

MINUTES:  The Minutes of June and August were approved.

FINANCE:  In the absence of the Finance officer the report will appear in the Fore and Aft.

Jim Sleichert, VFC said we will be participating in the Sun Fiesta Parade on October 17^th and will need a boat on a trailer as well as members to represent the flotilla and carry the banner.  Our Flotilla will also have a booth at Home Depot on Oct 17^th from 10am to 2:00 pm and would like to have a boat on a trailer for that event also as well as at least two people to man the booth.  Mike Marmion has offered to assist Jim Sleichert at the booth.   Prospective member Roman Gyzl offered the use of his boat.  Jim Sleichert will coordinate these events.

STAFF REPORTS:  Staff reports appear in the current Fore and Aft.

FSO-MT:  Lou Magyar told members he recently graduated 12 AUXPAT students (one member of 86).  Lou will begin an AUXCOM next Tuesday that will be held 9/8, 9/14, 9/21 and 9/28.  He has 14 people enrolled.  An ACN course will begin 10/23 and run through December on Mondays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Lou will be looking for some instructors.  Any student needing to purchase plotting tools should notify West Marine they are with Flotilla 86 in order to receive a discounted price.  Lou will be publishing the Operational Training schedule next week.

FSO-PS:  Paul Corcoran stated he has met with three new candidates, two of which will be enrolled this evening.  He will have one other candidate who is presently working on his paperwork. 

FSO-PE:  Ruth Bruno said registration for BS&S will be on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.  Class begins September 14^th.  We are hoping for a good enrollment.  Al Bidwick has submitted the announcement to the newspaper. 

 AWARDS:    2008 Best Flotilla Publication Award for the “Fore and Aft.” –Judi Bidwick

SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS:  Charles Weede and Matthew Weede were sworn in.

NEW BUSINESS:  John Susek read the election eligibility requirements for the second time.  John Susek stated at present he has applications of Jim Sleichert, FC and Edward Stebner, VFC to date.  Elections will be held at the October meeting.  Guenther Hennig suggested we each remind another member to attend so we will be sure to have a quorum.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2000.  Our next meeting will be October 6, 2009.

 Respectfully submitted,
|Ruth Bruno, Secretary           

                     Monthly Calendar
                

                                                      CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MEMBER TRAINING--MARINE MAX                                             OCTOBER 1

BSS, NAVIGATION                                                                           OCTOBER 1

USCG SAR DEMO, EXHIBITS (10TH ST, SARA)                       OCTOBER 3

USCG CUTTER CROCODILE DEMO (CROW'S NEST)            OCTOBER 3

BSS, WEATHER. RADIO                                                                 OCTOBER 5

BSS, LINES & KNOTS, BOATING SAFETY                                  OCTOBER 8

DIVISION 8 MEETING                                                                       OCTOBER 10

MEMBER TRAINING:  AUXNAV COURSE                                   OCTOBER 12

BSS EXAM                                                                                        OCTOBER 12

GPS REGISTRATION                                                                    &n bsp;  OCTOBER 14

BSS REGISTRATION                                                                       OCTOBER 15

PA EVENT--SUN FIESTA PARADE                                              OCTOBER 17

PA EVENT--HOME DEPOT                                                            OCTOBER 17

BSS, CH 1                                                                                          OCTOBER 19

                      Report from Ed Stebner

Pictured:  Vocal soloist,MU1 Lisa Williamson, Steve Uglinicia, FSO-FN, 9WR 04-06, CWO3 Richard E. Wyman, Assistant Director, Ed Stebner, SO-NS, 09-086, CDR Kenneth W. Magan, Director  (photo by 9WR 04-06 member)

                     General Announcement

To:   ALAUX
From: CHDIRAUX
Subj: OPERATIONAL DRESS UNIFORM (ODU) ORDERING -026/09

1.  The supply of untucked Operational Dress Uniforms (ODU) for Coast Guard
consumption has been subject to several different challenges since its
beginning last year, and this has posed uniform procurement problems for all
elements of the Coast Guard workforce.

2.  These challenges are being aggressively addressed between the Coast
Guard and the provider, but expected resolution to a point where the supply
of untucked ODUs will be able to meet not only active duty/reserve but also
Auxiliary demands is not expected to be reached until late this summer
(August-September).  Also of note, new recruits at Tracen Cape May are still
being issued the tucked ODU version, and there are still some substantial
stocks, albeit of limited sizes, of tucked ODUs.

3.  Working with the Coast Guard Uniform System Manager and the Coast Guard
Uniform Distribution Center (UDC), and in the interest of minimizing
Auxiliary orders to new members who need them most, the following process
has been put in place to fill orders for new Auxiliarists for one (and only
one) untucked ODU until they can open up sales for all Auxiliarists later
this summer:

        a.  The Auxiliarist must fill out the UDC Standard Uniform Order
Form (attached, and it can also be found on the UDC web site:
http://www.uscg.mil/uniform/)

        b.  The Auxiliarist's Flotilla Commander must fill out the attached
authorization memo (preferably on Flotilla/Auxiliary letterhead)

        c.  The Auxiliarist must then fax the UDC Standard Uniform Order
Form and the Flotilla Commander's endorsement memo to the UDC at (609)
861-7930 (no phone or web orders).  

4.  ODU orders received and processed this way will be shipping via USPS
priority mail (not FEDEX).

5.  Though easy to regard these as significant hurdles to jump in order to
get an untucked ODU uniform, please regard it in the context of knowing that
the Coast Guard is trying to protect a limited supply for at least another
2-3 months and has to make sure all orders are bonafide.  

6. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other
interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc.
All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and
information.

 

                     General Information

GAR Worksheet

A GAR Worksheet has been developed and is recommended by National Surface Operations Division and Surface STAN Team. This GAR Worksheet is for use where local commands have not already provided one. The GAR Worksheet may be found on the "What's New In Surface Operations?" page, or by following this link. http://www.cgaux.org/response/_documents/GAR%20Model%20Surface%20Ops.pdf

 

FY10 C-School Schedule

C School class dates are available on the new C School Portal: Follow link below to view

C School Portal http://cschool.auxservices.org/

There are many open seats for the Nov convening of AUXSCE to be held in Seattle.

 

Armed Forces Vacation Club

The Armed Forces Vacation Club, offers DOD and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel the opportunity to book a seven-night luxury vacation, on a space available basis. Contact your Directors office for your MWR access number for your District. The club has locations around the world, as well as the United States for super vacations. As authorized Coast Guard MWR patrons, you and your family members are eligible for the benefits of the Armed Forces Vacation Club. AFVC has now expanded the service to offer nightly rental opportunities. In efforts to enhance the AFVC benefits, customers may rent a vacation condo in seven-day increments or now, choose to stay for one night or more to better suit the needs of your vacation time. "Nightly Getaway" rates start as low as $75 per night during peak season. Seven-night stays are still available for only $264. Nightly Getaway reservations must be made within 60 days of travel. Weekly rentals may be made up to 12 months in advance.