America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

            

Flotilla 86 Venice, FL             www.cgauxvenice.org           7th District

 Juan Hernandez PhD, Commander           James Sleichert, Vice-Commander

Flotilla Commander's Message

From the Commander

It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the year – most of you have already returned north for the summer; hurricane drills have already been conducted in our area and, we are now attending graduation exercises for the grandchildren!

You should feel very good about our level of performance for the first half of the year; thanks to your contributions the following activities were completed since the last report:

Held AUXWEATHER class (April 20 – May 18) and graduated 11 students;

Had a QE Mission April 30th – Re-qualified 1 coxswain, 2 crew members and   1 crew member from Flotilla 83;

Conducted ATON/PATON mission April 29;

Hosted FC Meeting May 9^th;

Received Proclamation from City of Venice May 15^th for National Safe Boating Week

Conducted DSC seminar for the Venice Power Squadron May 18^th.

Participated in Keep Sarasota Beautiful Awards dinner and set up a booth with Flotilla 84;

Conducted VE blitz the weekend of May 16^th and set up a booth;

Posted three NSBW signs in Venice.

In addition, we recently responded to two rescue missions where we were first responders—The Guardian on the first rescue and Sea Note II and The Guardian on the second one.

The first one occurred on Saturday, May 9^th while on safety patrol on The Guardian with Juan Hernandez as coxswain and Patrick Wheeler, Harry Bruno and Valerie Weede as crew members. 

We received an emergency call from Ruth Bruno, our radio watch stander about 1705 informing us that a small fishing boat overturned outside the Venice jetty and two people were in the water.  We were about 2 nm from the scene and immediately responded.  We were the first SAR responders to arrive on the scene, other than a couple of civilian boats and jet skis operators who were already there when we arrived.

We immediately pulled one person out of the water and the sheriff’s boat, which arrived shortly thereafter, pulled the second person out and towed the partially submerged vessel to a dock. No one was hurt and the operation went smoothly. We took the boat passenger to the Nokomis beach on the ICW side; the EMT unit was already at the scene. 

The crew performed extremely well during this mission and they deserve recognition for a job well done.

The second mission occurred during On-The-Water Training on Thursday, June 11^th while our two boats were en route to the Rum Bay restaurant as a planned charting exercise; Mike Marmion was the radio watch stander.  This case is noted by Lou Magyar later in this newsletter.

Juan C. Hernandez, FC.

 

 Juan Hernandez
 

 

Important Notice Best Viewed With Windows Internet Explorer Flotilla Staff Officers                CM - Juan Hernandez                CS -  Denis Keyes                FN -  Janet Heijens                IS   - Harry Bruno                MA - Richard Markwitz                MS - Roman Gzyl                 MT -  Lou Magyar                OP - Jim Sleichert                PA - Al Bidwick                PB - Judi Bidwick                PE - Judi Bidwick                PS - John Kandes                PV - Jerry Mitchell                SR - Ruthanne Bruno                                       General Meeting:               First Tuesday - 1930                  Training Center               On The Water Training               Every Thursday - 0830                Marine Max, Venice

Vice Commander
James Sleichert

 

       FROM THE VFC’S DESK:

Summer has arrived and many of our members have gone back North, but we were very busy in April and May.  In April we gave an Aux Weather class and also did an Aton, Paton and night bridge patrol.  We had a Qualified Examiner (QE) mission and re-qualified one coxswain and two crew members and also an initial qualification for one crew member from Flotilla 83.  

    We had members at the Venice train station ramp for the start of Safe Boating Week and did vessel examinations and handed out a lot of boating materials.  It is really nice when members step up to the plate and give a hand.  I just pray that more members will find time to help out in whatever way they can.

     On-the-water training has been a great success, thanks to Lou Magyar and his weekly classes and boating exercises.  I know we hope to keep the (OWT) going through June.  After that it may be just a few days a month, but you always can practice your skills on a safety patrol.

     Patrols are getting harder to fill with so few members around and fewer boats than normal.  We will do the best we can and that is all anyone can ask.   Crew and watchstanders are in demand, so if you can crew on a weekend or take a radio watch please let us know.

     It is also getting that time of year to start think about running for an elected office for the coming year.  Anyone qualified can run for office and I believe the more the better off the flotilla is going to be.  No elected officer’s job is guaranteed to anyone and that why there is an election.  If you feel you are qualified and can put in the hours needed and handle the position all year, then place you name on the ballot and may the best person win.  This is a win-win for the flotilla when there are a number of outstanding members running.   

     Here are the duties that an elected officer must fulfill and miscellaneous information of interest to those who want to run :

·        A basic administration class designed for elected Auxiliary Flotilla Officers and prior service as a Vice Flotilla Commander.

·        Flotilla Commanders (FC) are required to be qualified or certified in one of the 3 cornerstones of the Auxiliary: Member Services, Recreational Boating Safety, or Coast Guard Support.

·        A Flotilla Commander is elected by the Flotilla membership each year after Division elections.

·        The Flotilla Procedures Manual, COMDTINST M16791.5, the Auxiliary Member manual COMDTINST M167XXX will be the primary publications and resources of information.

·        The Flotilla Commander provides primary leadership and supervision to the flotilla.

·        The FC is responsible to assure that the overall Flotilla program conforms to the Coast Guard and Auxiliary Policies and Procedures, as well as provide the communications link with Division elected officers.

     Here are the duties that a Vice Flotilla Commander must fulfill:

·        Basic administration class designed for elected Auxiliary Flotilla officers would be a good start.

·        A Vice Flotilla Commander has the primary responsibility for administration and coordination of the flotilla staff and is essentially the Chief of Staff for the flotilla.

·        A VFC is also an elected office.

    Each year, upon the election of the Flotilla Commander (FC) and Vice Flotilla Commander(VFC), the FC will appoint Flotilla Staff Officers (FSO) for each of the following internal functions: CS, FN, IS, MA, MT, PS, PA, PB, and SR.  In addition, a Flotilla Staff Officer is to be appointed for at least one external program in Recreational Boating Safety or Coast Guard Support: AN, CC, CM, MV, OP, PE and VE.  Each flotilla should be involved in at least one external program. 

 VFC James P. Sleichert                                                                                                             

Communications Services
Denis Keyes, FSO-CS

     I would like to update the many outdated links on our website . If you find any problems, sites that are no longer in    use, especially outdated links, please contact me at deniskeyes@verizon.net.

     I also plan to contact each Staff Officer to arrange a review of their particular section on the web.

    Denis Keyes
    FSO-CS 

Materials
Ron Roth, FSO-MA

 

I will be out of town until October but feel free to contact me via email (rothpdm@yahoo.com), telephone (518-532-7470) or mail (456 US Route 9, Schroon Lake NY 12870).  I continue to place your orders for supplies from the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC) and will have them sent directly to you.  Be sure to give me your current address and let me know what and how much you need before you need it.

As you may have read in Juan Hernandez’s email, the 7th District Materials Center finally reopened and its new website, d7materials.org, is finally will be up and running.  You can see the Center’s offerings in person or online and can make purchases in person, online, and by mail, telephone or fax.  The Center’s hours are Monday and Friday from 10:00 am through 4:00 pm.

The Center is located in the Naval Annex building at the Clearwater Airbase on the north end of the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport.  Address: 15300 Fairchild Drive, Clearwater, FL 33762 (for directions, go to the website and click on Material News & Information in the menu on the left side).  Email: D7materialcenter@gmail.com.  Telephone: 727-535-2593.  Fax 727-535-2703.

Ron Roth
FSO-MA   

               Member Training
                              Lou Magyar, FSO-MT          

 

Rescue in the ICW

Our Operational Training plan for Thursday, June 11, was rather straight forward.  Two boats would leave our home base at Marine Max Marina and proceed on a Dead Reckoning Mission via the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico, terminating at Rum Bay. 

The weather was ideal.  The day was bright and sunny, winds were out of the northeast at 5 knots and seas were less than one foot.  It was going to be a good day for the DR mission. 

 When members arrived at Marine Max, I conducted a mission briefing and assigned crew to each boat.  Following a facility familiarization, the two boats (AUXFAC 86927 and 86570) got underway for the Venice Jetty.

 AUXFAC 86927 was the lead boat.  I was the coxswain on AUXFAC 86570, with Henry Reynolds at the helm, Ray Thompson as forward lookout and Patrick Wheeler as rear lookout.  The mission was proceeding as expected as we neared the Venice Inlet.  However, just as we entered the no wake zone by Snake Island, I glanced over the stern and off in the distance I saw a large splash of water with a small boat flipping over ejecting two persons into the water.  I immediately ordered the helmsman to reverse course and alerted the crew to the situation.  I took the helm and the rest of the crew started making preparations to recover the persons in the water (PIWs). 

 While enroute to the distress area, I called Venice Radio and alerted the watch stander, informing him of our intentions to rescue the boaters, and asked him to call St. Cortez.  Next, I contacted AUXFAC 86927 and requested their assistance. 

 When we arrived on scene one PIW was holding onto the bow and the other PIW was holding onto the side of the overturned boat.  The PIW at the bow was in extreme distress.  He informed us that he could not breathe and would not be able to hold on any longer.  Neither man was wearing a life jacket. 

 I informed the man hanging on to the bow that we would throw him a tethered floatable cushion and instructed him to put his arms through the straps and we would take him aboard our vessel.  As I maneuvered the boat upwind, Henry made ready to toss the cushion.  At just the right moment, Henry made a perfect throw to the PIW, who followed my instructions, and was pulled to the swim platform and taken aboard by Ray and Patrick.  Even when onboard, the man still gasped for air and indicated that he needed his nitro glycerin pill for a heart ailment.   While we retrieved his pills, I used the cell phone to contact Station Cortez and asked the watch stander to call EMS and ask them to meet us at the Crow’s Nest Marina in ten minutes.  Enroute to the Crow’s nest, we continued to monitor the condition of the man, who struggled to breathe even after taking two nitro glycerin pills. 

 While we administered to the boater who had trouble breathing, we brought the other boater aboard just as AUXFAC 86927 arrived.  I informed the crew that I would proceed to the Crow’s Nest and asked them to pick up any floating debris and tow the boat to the Higel Park Ramp.  We departed the scene at high speed to meet EMS at the Crows Nest fuel dock.  EMS arrived shortly after we moored at the fuel dock.  The EMS personnel evaluated the man, and we lifted him onto a stretcher for transport to the hospital.

 The other man stayed with us when we departed the Crow’s Nest enroute to a rendezvous with AUXFAC 86927.  On our way, we picked up more floating debris.

 When AUXFAC 86927 arrived at the Higel Park Ramp, they righted and dewatered the boat.  When we arrived, we put all the other recovered items in the boat and turned it over to the man we had on board.

 After completing a SAR report, both crews returned to the Crows Nest for lunch, and then headed back to Marine Max.  On our way back we stopped at the accident scene and recovered more of the items from the overturned boat.  I called the number from the SAR report and left a message that we recovered more items from the overturned boat and left my cell number.  Later that afternoon, I received a call from the owner of the overturned boat who came by to pick up the items.  He thanked me and my crew for our very timely and professional assistance.  He said that he had spent many years in the Navy and never thought he would need to be rescued.  He also said that he was ready to let go of the bow of the overturned boat because he could not hold on any longer and could not breathe.  When he heard us arrive on scene he mustered all the strength he could to hold a little longer.  He said that if we had not arrived when we did he would have drowned.  I asked him what happened and he said the tiller on the outboard motor broke off and when it broke the engine went to full speed and turned to one side causing the boat to flip.  As to his heart problem – he was having an angina attack and once he was stabilized at the hospital he was released.

 A serious accident ended up with a happy ending.

 Both AUXFACs and crews worked smoothly and efficiently as if they had been doing this for years even though most of the crews had never been on either AUXFAC before.  That’s why I have pushed and will continue to push for standardized training. 

 Bravo Zulu to both crews.

Lou Magyar
FSO-MT

 

        

Operations
Judy Bidwick, FSO-OP

 

 

Standard Auxiliary Maintenance Allowance (SAMA)

What is SAMA?

SAMA is a program intended to reduce the maintenance costs incurred by Auxiliarists.

Why is the Coast Guard interested in the maintenance of my vessel?

Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure the safe operation of all vessels.

How much will I receive from the SAMA program?

SAMA reimbursement is based on the length of your vessel, the number of engines and the horsepower of each engine. The table at the bottom of this page shows the hourly rate of reimbursement. Because SAMA rates differ between single engine and twin engine vessels of the same size, a calculation is required to identify the amount of time both engines were operated to ensure fair distribution of SAMA funds. To find out how much SAMA you will receive combine the hours of both engines and divide the total hours by two.

Why did my SAMA Rate change?

SAMA Rates have been adjusted to reflect the commercial out of pocket expenses incurred by the member. A survey of commercial repair / maintenance shops, throughout the country, was conducted to determine the average cost of maintaining a vessel in accordance with the manufacturer's suggested 50 hour and 100 hour maintenance schedule. The survey was based on having the following maintenance performed:

RECOMMENDED MANUFACTURER'S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
50 Hour Maintenance	100 Hour Maintenance
Change Engine Oil	Check Cooling System Hoses & Connections for Leaks
Replace Oil Filter	Tighten Engine Mount Fasteners
Lubricate Propeller Shaft	Lubricate Throttle & Shift Linkage Pivot Points
Check Water Pump & Alternator Belts for Tension	Check for Loose, Damaged or Missing Parts
Check All Electrical Connections for Tightness	Change Water Separating Fuel Filter
Replace Carburetor Fuel Inlet Filter	Check Battery Electrolyte Level
Inspect Propellor for Possible Damage	Inspect Zinc Anodes, Replace When Necessary
Check All Electrical Connections for Tightness	Check Exhaust System for Leaks
	Inspect the Fresh Water Pump & System

Why do the SAMA Rates change?

SAMA Rates are adjusted based on the amount of funding available for the program at the time. As additional funding is provided, the rates are increased to ensure all of the funding for the program is disbursed to Auxiliary Members by September 30th.

 

Why are the rates lower than last year?

The rates have been set based on the known budget (current and anticipated). If additional funding is provided by other sources or supplements then the rates will change again in order to ensure all of the new funds are expended by the end of the SAMA cycle (October 1st-September 30th). In FY06 we recieved an additional 40% budget increase in the middle of the year. Because of the timing of the increase we drastically increased the rates to make sure all of the new funds were used before the 30 September deadline. This supplement has been promised again this year and has been included as part of our known budget.

Why didn't I receive SAMA?

SAMA payments may be suspended if funding for your region is exhausted prior to September 30th. Payment of SAMA may resume with the next patrol processed if additional funding can be obtained during the same SAMA cycle. Once funding is available for the next SAMA cycle, on or about October 1st, payments will begin for patrols conducted during the new SAMA cycle.

AUXILIARY VESSEL MAINTENANCE REIMBURSEMENT SCHEDULE
Category	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I
Length	<= 16’*	>16’, <=26’	>16’, <=26’	>16’, <=26’	>16’, <=26’	>16’, <=26’	>16’, <=26’	>26’, <=40’	>40’
Engine/HP	All**	One, < 180 HP	Two, < 180 HP	One, 180 HP – 230 HP	Two, 180 HP – 230 HP	One, > 230 HP	Two, >230 HP	All	All
Current Rate/Hr	$2.50	$2.85	$4.75	$3.75	$6.00	$3.85	$6.65	$6.15	$7.50

*Includes PWCs
**Paddlecraft are not eligible for SAMA

Reprinted from Chief Director of Auxiliary, Surface Operations site 

 

US Department of Homeland Security

US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Maritime Domain Awareness

 

 

Operations Check List

Complete prior to each operational mission.

        􀂈 Check the status of cell phone functionality and radio communications.

        􀂈 Maintain Situational Awareness at all times.

        􀂈 Maintain a safe distance from any and all threats to ensure crew safety.

        􀂈 Take no aggressive action against any threat you encounter.

        􀂈 Observe, document on Patrol Log and report to appropriate person or agency.

        􀂈 Call “911” and/or CG Station Duty Officer if you encounter immediate threats.

        􀂈  Contact National Response Center at 1-877-24-WATCH for non-immediate threats.

        􀂈 Maintain a safe perimeter around a threat to protect any civilian boaters/ pedestrians/vehicles.

        􀂈 Photograph the threat, if you can do so safely.

        􀂈 Request additional assets to insure the safety of both crew and public.

lookout duties include spotting:

        􀁇 Loitering in or around sensitive installations

        􀁇 Unusual modifications to vessels

        􀁇 Persons acting suspiciously

        􀁇 Persons seeking to avoid your attention

        􀁇 Unusual photography in or around sensitive areas

        􀁇 Scuba diving around government installations and vessels

        􀁇 Dumping objects near sensitive installations

        􀁇 Concerns expressed by boat rental agents or other credible sources

        􀁇 Review actions to follow in case of security threat:

        􀂃 Take photographs from a safe distance

        􀂃 Contact the order issuing authority via cell phone or designated VHF channel

        􀂃 Seek amplifying information from reporting sources if doing so will not place them in jeopardy

 

Coast Guard Contact Information

Controlling Station_________________________________

CG Duty Officer___________________________________

Operations Center Phone__________________________

 

Judy Bidwick
FSO-OP   

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

 

Greetings from Ocean City—it’s time for R&R (rest and relaxation)!

Thanks to everyone who helped us enhance the image of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary over the past year.  You are the best!

We have one Public Affairs event this month at Walmart.  Jim Sleichert is coordinating our involvement and may need some help.  When I left, Patrick Wheeler and JD Harrison were considering displaying their vessels at the store.

We have accumulated 265 hours already this year toward Public Affairs—

·         55 hours of lectures and community outreach

·         162 hours of internal communications (newsletters, etc.)

·         23 hours of website maintenance

·         22 hours of boating safety (external communication)

·         4 hours of other PA projects (construction signs, etc.)

Let’s continue our support of the flotilla and our Public Affairs Program.

Have a great summer!

 

Al Bidwick
FSO-PA

Public Education
Ruth Bruno, FSO-PE

. 

 Public Education Program Schedule

                                           DRAFT (Assignments are tentative)

 

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………………………………..Bud Beeman 

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……………………………...Henry Reynolds 

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   

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….. Hernandez/Al Bidwick 

Nov 11      Practice Your Skills…………..………………………………….….. 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, 7:00-9:00pm

Mar 10 (2010)    Registration  6pm, $40   

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……..Hernandez/Al Bidwick 

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

 

Ruth Bruno
FSO-PE

 

Vessel Examiner
Mary Wagner, FSO-VE

 Over the past few weeks we have performed thirty-nine vessel safety checks. 

Three vessel examiners, the FSO-PA, and other helpers turned out to promote National Safe Boating Week at the blitz held at the Venice Boat Ramp.  All had fun and look forward to next year’s event.

Our primary concern is to increase the passing of inspections by continuing to promote boating safety education in the classroom and at the boat ramps.   Sometimes it is hard to inspire the boater’s motivation at the boat ramp since they are so eager to get on the water.

Veteran or novice, sometimes the job is discouraging and thankless; however, we remain dependable in participation and continue to present a positive attitude. 

Our current statistics show that more Boating Safety Class graduates are passing than those who haven’t taken a class.

The check-off areas where most boaters fail are in three significant areas: 

• state/local rules,
• VDS (outdated), and
• NAV lights (corrosion, wiring).  

These problems are easily solved, and most likely, these vessels will be re-checked.  

Two vessels in a recent check continued with their boating plans despite failing  This failure was due to unusable or unavailable life jackets on board. 

Someday I wonder if boating will become a privilege and not a right.   

Regarding regulations on Inflatable vests

After special consideration for our Auxiliary members safety by the Coast Guard, the inflatable vests listed in the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual, COMDTINST M10470.10F will continue to be authorized after 01 JUN 2009 for use on facilities that can exceed 35 MPH in lieu of Type III dynamic strength tested vests rated for 50 MPH.

Specifically, the vests as listed in the R&SS Manual are:

* LSC 485CG INFLATABLE
* LSC 481CG/481CGM INFLATABLE
* MUSTANG MD3183 INFLATABLE
* MUSTANG MD0450 22 INFLATABLE

In addition to inflatables, Mustang Survival, Inc. has independently certified their MJ6214 (Type III Float Coat) to the 50 MPH Dynamic Strength Tested standard.

For any facility (including PWCs) that are capable of exceeding 50 MPH, it is recommended that an appropriate speed dynamic strength tested vests be used.

Mary Wagner
FSO-VE

   

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE

      With hurricane season upon us, I would like to encourage each of you to set aside some time to prepare.

       There are two items I would like to suggest to everyone:

 1.    If anyone has

•         any medical conditions such as diabetes, heart condition, allergies,

•          takes any medications on a regular daily basis

•          has a family member with any signs of early stage Alzheimer’s,

he/she should strongly consider getting a Medical Alert ID bracelet or dog tag type ID with a wallet card that gives all the needed information in case of a emergency.

There are different types available from drug stores and from computer online sources one such location is www.identifyyouself.com  or just do a search for Medical ID tags. This may save your life or if you get it for a loved one it may save a life by alerting medical personnel to any known allergies to medication or to any known medical condition if the wearer is unable to speak for him/herself.

   2.    There is a web site from FEMA with good information on preparing for a hurricane. The site address is           www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=48629  and is titled Grab And Go:  Packing An Emergency         

          Preparedness Kit Is Easy - And Essential 

 Arthur Sperling
Health and Safety EMT 

2009 CHANGE OF WATCH LUNCH

Flotilla 86

WHEN: 14 November 2009

WHERE: Pelican Pointe Club House

TIME: 1130-1530

PRICE: $23.00 per Person (Buffet Lunch)

Cash bar available

SEND PAYMENT TO:

JANET HEIJENS

525 S. SHORE DR.  OSPREY, FL  34229

Join us for an afternoon of fellowship and celebration!

Buffet Lunch

•       11:30- 12:00- Passed Hors d'œuvre - Shrimp on puffy pastry with dill crème fraise, pork egg rolls.

•       12:00- Buffet opens

Chef’s Broccoli Cheddar soup    Carved Roast Beef

Green bean medley                     Warm rolls and butter

Rice pilaf                                       Oriental salad

Coffee, tea, iced tea                    Grouper piccata

Assorted desserts                         Chicken a’la Francais

                  UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY HITS 70^TH BIRTHDAY

On June 23, 2009, the Auxiliary will have completed its 70^th year of dedicated service to the nation.

For seven decades this group of volunteers has given it’s time and resources to aid the Coast Guard.

“THESE UNDAUNTED VOLUNTEERS HAVE PERFORMED OVER 1.2 MILLION RECREATIONAL AND
COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS, OVER 980 THOUSAND HOURS OF BOATING SAFETY COURSE INSTRUCTION, AND MORE THAN 7.7 MILLION HOURS OF OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AND PATROL MISSIONS. THE COSTS OF SUCH PERFORMANCE HAVE ALSO BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY BORNE BY AUXILIARISTS AS THEY HAVE LOGGED OVER 23.7 MILLION HOURS OF STAFF WORK, TRAVEL,
PREPARATION, TRAINING, AND SELF-ADMINISTRATION. THIS HAS ALL BEEN UNSELFISHLY DELIVERED AS AUXILIARISTS HAVE STOOD SIDE BY SIDE WITH THEIR COAST GUARD COUNTERPARTS TO CONFRONT AND OVERCOME A ROLL CALL OF CHALLENGES: Y2K, 9/11, HURRICANE KATRINA, AND MANY OTHER NATURALAND MAN-MADE DISASTERS.”

“AUXILIARY PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF STELLAR, AND ITS
GREATEST IMPACTS ARE READILY REFLECTED BY AUXILIARISTS SPIRIT OF
PATRIOTISM AND DEDICATION TO THE COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN WITH
WHOM THEY SERVE. I THEREFORE INTEND TO DULY RECOGNIZE THE AUXILIARY
WITH AN AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD UNIT COMMENDATION AS PART OF ITS
70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT COAST GUARD HEADQUARTERS ON JUNE
 PLEASE JOIN ME IN SETTING ASIDE TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE EXCEPTIONAL HONOR, RESPECT, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY SO CONSISTENTLY DISPLAYED BY OUR COAST GUARD AUXILIARISTS, AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE.”

 ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN, COMMANDANT USCG

U.S. Coast Guard: America’s Maritime Guardian

Coast Guard Publication 1

May 2009

This publication and the letter following are excerpted from the U.S. Coast Guard Publication 1

In 1790, the First Congress of the United States established a small maritime law enforcement agency to assist in collecting the new Nation’s customs duties. For the next eight years, this Revenue Marine (later called the Revenue Cutter Service) was the Nation’s only naval force and thus was soon assigned military duties. Over time, the Revenue Cutter Service either merged with or absorbed other federal agencies.  

The Service acquired new responsibilities based upon its ability to perform them with existing assets and minimal disruption to its other duties. In some cases, the Service absorbed other agencies because their maritime responsibilities were seen as intersecting with or complementing its own. The result is today’s U.S.Coast Guard—a unique force that carries out an array of civil and military responsibilities touching almost every facet of the maritime environment of the United States.  What makes the Coast Guard unique is that in executing our diverse missions we harmonize seemingly contradictory mandates. We are charged at once to be police officers, sailors, warriors, humanitarians, regulators, stewards of the environment, diplomats, and guardians of the coast.  Thus, we are military, multi-mission, and maritime.   

Coast Guard members and the units in which they serve are always ready to act across the entire range of Coast Guard missions. But as a practical matter, some responsibilities demand more time, effort, and resources than others. Emphasis on specific missions should not, however, cause us to lose focus on the broad roles of the Coast Guard and the way in which these roles affect how our Service is organized, equipped, and conducts operations.  Indeed, it is the fluid multi-mission nature of the Coast Guard that is our greatest strength and our greatest value to the American people.  Each Coast Guard member must understand our Service as a whole.

This document is designed to provide context for that understanding.

 •        Publication 1 (Pub 1) explains what we do and who we are.  It describes the fundamental roles and forces of today’s Coast Guard. In keeping with our military nature, Pub 1 is consistent with Joint Publication 1 (JP 1), which is the capstone doctrine for unified action by the Armed Forces of the United U.S. Coast Guard Publication 1 States.

 •        It also aligns with Naval Doctrine Publication 1 (NDP 1), which describes how the U.S. Naval Services operate as an integrated force across a range of military operations. However, while we are a military service at all times, defense readiness is only one of the Coast Guard’s 11 missions.  Thus, Pub 1 describes the full military, multi-mission, and maritime nature of our Service. 

 •        This document traces our history to explain how the Coast Guard acquired its diverse mission set.  It explains the unique characteristics and qualities— derived from our history, roles, and missions—that collectively define who we are.  

 •        Finally, it lays out principles of operations that flow from our particular organizational nature and identity. In other words, it also describes how we do things. The principles of operation discussed in this publication are Coast Guard doctrine; that is, they are fundamental concepts that guide our actions in support of the Nation’s objectives. Rooted in our history and distilled of hard won experience, they provide a shared interpretation of that experience.

This, in turn, provides a common starting point for thinking about future directions. Together with training and experience, this shared outlook leads to consistent behavior, mutual confidence, and more effective collective action—without constraining initiative.

Because this doctrine is rooted in history, it is enduring. But it also evolves in response to changes in the political and strategic landscape, lessons from current operations, and the introduction of new technologies. Doctrine influences the way policy and plans are developed, forces are organized, trained and employed, and equipment is procured and maintained. It promotes unity of purpose, guides professional judgment, and enables Coast Guard active duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary members to best fulfill their responsibilities. Pub 1 tells us how we became—and why we are—

America’s Maritime Guardian.

THE COMMANDANT OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

Washington, D.C. 20593-0001

May 1, 2009

Commandant’s Letter of Promulgation:

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For over two centuries the U. S. Coast Guard has safeguarded our Nation’s maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe. We protect the maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as America’s Maritime Guardian—Always Ready for all hazards and all threats.

 I am proud to introduce the first revision of Coast Guard Publication 1,

U.S. Coast Guard: America’s Maritime Guardian (Pub 1). Since its original printing in 2002, Pub 1 has served as our capstone doctrine. It defines our principles and culture. It describes our history, our missions, our purpose, and our Guardian Ethos. It communicates who and what the Coast Guard is, what we do, and how we accomplish our missions.

I expect all Coast Guard members to read and become familiar with Pub 1.Embrace the lessons from the past so you can adapt to our dynamic environment and improve our future mission performance. Discuss it with your shipmates and use it as a fundamental building block to educate our newest members just entering the Service. A common understanding of our guiding principles and beliefs will strengthen us as an organization.

For anyone curious about the Coast Guard, this one document will give you a sound understanding of our unique organization and what we offer to our Nation and the world. This document belongs to every member of the Coast

Guard family—active duty, reservist, civilian, and auxiliarist. I am confident it will help us meet the maritime challenges of the 21st century.

Semper Paratus!

THAD W. ALLEN

Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard Publication 1 iii

All Auxiliarists should read the entire publication.

                  THINGS TO REMEMBER

    PUBLIC AFFAIRS EVENT AT WALMART…………………….JUNE 27

 WORLD KILO RECORD RUNS……………………………………..JULY 3

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS……………………………JULY 4

OFFSHORE BOAT RACES………………………………….……….JULY 5

NO FLOTILLA MEETING IN JULY

FLOTILLA GENERAL MEETING…………………………….AUGUST 4

AUXPAT COURSE BEGINS, 0930—1300……………….AUGUST 17

FLOTILLA GENERAL MEETING………………………..SEPTEMBER 1

Meeting Minutes

 

 

U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 86, MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009

 

In the absence of the Commander, Vice-Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1930 with 16  members present.  The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.   

 

VFC Jim Sleichert reported:

* Fl. 86 hosted the FC meeting on May 9^th.

* We received a Proclamation from the City of Venice May 15 for National Safe Boating month.

* FC conducted a DSC seminar for the Venice Power Squadron on May 18.

* Two of our members in conjunction with Fl 84, attended and manned a     booth at the Keep Sarasota Beautiful Awards dinner.  

* Flotilla conducted VE blitz the weekend of May 16 and set up a booth.

* Signs were placed around Venice for NSBW by our members.

* Announced VFC will assume responsibilities of FSO-CM with the assistance of Mike Marmion to replace Art Sperling who recently has moved.

 

MINUTES:  A motion was made, seconded and all voted in favor of approving the May Minutes as they appeared in the Fore and Aft.  Copy available on the table at the door.

 

FINANCE:  Janet Heijens presented the Finance Report.  A question was raised by Guenther Hennig and discussion followed regarding possible options for our funds.  Janet Heijens will investigate and report in the future.  A motion was made, seconded and all voted in favor of accepting the May Finance report subject to audit.

 

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

FSO-IS:  Harry Bruno reminded everyone to submit a 7028 form for any change of personal information.  Auxdata will only be updated if the form is submitted. 

FSO-MT:  Lou Magyar announced upcoming classes:  AuxPat beginning 8/17 –Mondays 9:30 -1:00;

AuxCom beginning in September and AuxNav A&B in October.  The weather course recently given graduated all students.  Lou expressed his appreciation to Janet Heijens and J.D. Harrison for their assistance as instructors.  He also stated that Operational training would be cancelled for May 4^th.   On May 11 there will be DR voyage planning and DSC and then a DR trip with lunch included.    On May 25 there will be a DSC/SAR execution. 

FSO-OP:  Judi Bidwick reported that the ICS 210 requirements are changed.  A coxswain can go before a QE if he/she has not completed the 210, however until the ICS 210 is passed and entered into auxdata the coxswain cannot be certified.  In reference to patrols there are presently three scheduled June 13, 20 and 27.

FSO-PA:  Al Bidwick told members we had a very successful safe boating week.  A booth was set up at the Venice train station where vessel exams were given and information was distributed.  Al said he and Judi had attended the Keep Sarasota Beautiful Awards dinner with Flotilla 84 and assisted in a booth.  Al

stated he participated in a public affairs event with other groups at the Imagine School in Sarasota.  Safe boating activities were taught and Station Cortez and St. Petersburg also participated with demonstrations.

U.T. Gokbudak reminded members to read the article that Al Bidwick wrote in the “Breeze” about the kayakers who towed one of  Flotilla 86 patrol boat. 

 

FSO-PB:   Judi Bidwick asked that officers submit their reports for the next Newsletter by June 12.  This will be a June/July issue.   Judi thanked members for their excellent articles and mentioned that we had placed 3^rd nationally for the Fore and Aft.

FSO-PS:  Paul Corcoran said he received an eresponder referral, however the person never kept their appointment.

 MAINTENANCE:  Jim Sleichert stated he Harry Bruno and Mike Marmion will be doing the lawn this Wednesday and would welcome some assistance.

EMS:  J.D.Harrison inquired about the first aid kits that Art Sperling was assembling.  After some discussion it was decided that Lou Magyar and Janet Heijens will complete the task this fall.

 

AWARDS:

Qualifications:  Ron Roth, Janet Heijens and Roland Couture.

Service Performance:  Judi Bidwick, James Sleichert, Al Bidwick, Charles Dulany, Art Sperling, Ruth Bruno, Garland Russ, Henry Reynolds, Harry Bruno, Walt Jennings, Jerry Hopfengardner,

Juan Hernandez, John Harrison, Joe Floyd, Diana Floyd, Patrick Wheeler, Ed Stebner,

Guenther Hennig, John Susek, Lou Magyar and Mike Marmion.

 

Old Business:  VFC, Jim Sleichert spoke about the recent automated calling tree by the Coast Guard. Once the kinks are out of the system the Coast Guard will utilize, however, at present we will continue our Flotilla calling tree.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2027

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Ruth Bruno, Secretary