Sector Miami Holds Training Conference

SECTOR MIAMI HOLDS TRAINING CONFERENCE (S-TRAIN)

By R. Michael Stringer, District Staff Officer-Publications, D7

The District 7 Eastern Regions, the first-ever gathering for all USCG Auxiliarists within Sector Miami, was held on August 6-7, 2022. The weekend’s schedule had sessions for all Auxiliarists, regardless if they just got their member number or received their hourglass for the Sustained Auxiliary Service Award. Plus, there was a U.S. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach tour, an opportunity to meet Active-Duty personnel, and lots of fellowship and food. The CG Exchange was open Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Every division in Sector Miami expressed gratitude to Jeff Barnes, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Sector Miami (ASC-SECMIA), Julie Bouchard, Nichole Betterson, and Jane Sabbagh for doing the hard work to make S-TRAIN a reality.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.— Coast Guard Station Miami Beach. USCG Auxiliary photo by Sheryl O’Neil, Flotilla 59, Stuart.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—Jeff Barnes, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Sector Miami (ASC-SECMIA) opens the ‘All Hands’ orientation at the fi rst Sector Miami, S-TRAIN in District 7. USCG Auxiliary photo by R. Michael Stringer. CG STATION MIAMI BEACH Leaving the Martin County area by car at zero dark 30 for the one-hundred- mile drive south to Miami, there is plenty of time to think about what was in store for the next two days. Being part of this “first time” Sector Miami Training Conference (S-TRAIN) is accompanied by a certain air of excitement. Every Auxiliarist attending S-TRAIN is in the same boat in that this is new ground to cover, and the CG Station Miami Beach is a new base to experience. The site maps distributed at registration were accurate, parking was simple, and the dining hall was easy to find. Coffee and pastries satisfied those who didn’t stop for breakfast, and there was plenty of conversation, fellowship, and laughter as the golden light of the morning sun filled the spacious dining hall. ALL HANDS-ORIENTATION Jeff Barnes, ASC-SECMIA, welcomed Auxiliarists from Divisions 3, 5, and 6 and thanked everyone for taking the time to attend this training weekend. Visitors from more than 50 miles away were offered berthing at the station, and food was available thanks to the Auxiliary culinary assistants. The first order of business was a tour of the base. The group meandered toward the docks for a close look at a 45- foot Response Boat-Medium. PO3 Kelly, USCG, stood squarely on the boat’s deck and, with that booming “ Petty Officer’s voice,” addressed the tour group explaining some of the finer points of this craft. It was an interesting sight

watching 45 Auxiliarists following one another along the deck of a 45- foot boat. That’s a sight you won’t see every day. During the base tour, there is plenty of time to network with fellow Auxiliarists, known only through emails or phone calls. An idle conversation often transitioned to a meaningful new relationship. The group then walked briskly to the administration building for familiarization with the classrooms and then back to the dining hall to meet BOSN4 Hailie Browne, District 7 USCG Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) Operations Training Officer (OTO). On schedule, BOSN Browne took the microphone and welcomed the group to Station Miami Beach. His personality became apparent through his words, and everyone had the feeling they knew this man personally. The major takeaway from BOSN Browne’s talk was the gratitude the U.S. Coast Guard has for the USCG Auxiliary’s dedication to duty and their cheerful, willing support. “With your help in our various mission sets, active-duty personnel are freed up to perform other critical missions. Your participation is an asset to the Coast Guard. Every CG Station in District 7 can utilize Auxiliarists in several mission areas, like telecommunications for watchstanding or in the galley as culinary assistants, not to mention Auxiliary aviation, which supports many of our marine observation missions ( MOM) and search and rescue (SAR) missions. I want you to know that we, on the Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) staff, are available to work out any logistical issues that may crop up, so feel free to shoot me an email or pick up the phone. We are here to make the system work.” TRAINING COURSES (Day One) The first block of three training classes began at 9:45 a.m. The Auxiliary and You, Uniform/ Protocol, and Introduction to District 7 Communications Program. The professional demeanor of the instructors for each of these classes engaged every student. Several of the Auxiliary missions were covered thoroughly and with precision. The second block of morning classes began around 11:00 a.m.: AUXDATA II Tips and Tricks, Recreational Boating Safety Resources, and Finance 101. Once again, the instructors captivated the

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—PO3 Kelly, USCG, discusses the capabilities of the 45-foot Response Boat-Medium to Auxiliarists attending S-TRAIN. USCG Auxiliary photos by R. Michael Stringer.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Resources training class with Scott Szczepaniak, RBS Civilian Employee of the Coast Guard. USCG Auxiliary photo by R. Michael Stringer

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—Veteran Auxiliarists prepare notes for the Career Fair. From left, Aviator, Fred Ross (Flotilla 69, Opalocka) and Rick Braswell, Auxiliary Chaplains Service (Flotilla 38, Plantation). USCG Auxiliary photo by R. Michael Stringer.

students with their knowledge of the material and the ability to engage. CAREER FAIR (Day One) At noon, everyone assembled in the dining hall for a Career Fair. Each Auxiliary mission set was represented by experienced Auxiliarists prepared to share their knowledge and expertise. Browsing the table displays, talking with the experts, and evesdropping on conversations about Incident Command Management or Vessel Examinations piqued the interest of even the seasoned Auxiliarist. The Culinary Assistants (CA), Auxiliary Aviation (AUXAIR), and Auxiliary Chaplains Support (ACS) programs shed new light on areas previously not considered. There was a wealth of knowledge and

information at this Career Fair, and sharing that knowledge was a personal goal of each mentor present. LUNCH Auxiliary Culinary Assistants prepared a barbecue lunch at the station’s Tiki Hut outside the dining hall. Relaxing with friends or new acquaintances over a meal had its own merits. It was a great morning of learning accompanied by fellowship and the next day had the promise of more. DAY TWO At 7 a.m., there was coffee and pastries for early arrivals, at least for those who didn’t grab a bite before muster time. Once again, there was plenty of time for fellowship before the day’s work began and the morning sun came streaming through the eastern windows brightening the day. By now, new acquaintances felt like longtime friends, and conversation was easy. The hard work done to make S-TRAIN a reality had paid off. CAREER FAIR Sunday’s Career Fair is more intense. If you sat at a table and asked a question, you got the answer and understood the process. Every Auxiliarist who staffed a table display was an expert in that field. These men and women were recruiters in their areas of expertise .

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—Career Fair experts (on the right) discuss Auxiliary mission sets with attendees at S-TRAIN. USCG Auxiliary photos by R. Michael Stringer.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—Lunch is prepared and served by Auxiliary Culinary Assistants at the Tiki Hut. USCG Auxiliary photo by R. Michael Stringer.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—Edward Dickson, a culinary assistant from Flotilla 61, Homestead, gives members a tour of the Station Miami Beach galley. USCG Auxiliary photo by R. Michael Stringer.

TRAINING COURSES (Day Two) On the second day, I was uniquely able to audit all the classes. Each instructor was personable and engaging, and I watched them captivate the classroom with their knowledge of the subject. There are only so many photographs one can take of a classroom, so I had time to roam the halls and watch the various training techniques. After monitoring the first three morning classes, I returned to the dining hall. The event coordinators were chatting about how to improve the process for next year’s S-TRAIN. My attention was drawn to the galley. Ed Dickson (Flotilla MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—CAPT Christo61, Homestead) was taking the pher Cederholm, Commander, U.S. culinary assistant class through the Coast Guard Sector Miami, addresses galley, “We call this the back of the house,” he explained. Watching Auxiliarists attending S-TRAIN. USCG Auxiliary photos by R. Michael Stringer. Ed talk these students through the steps involved in becoming a culinary assistant was beyond impressive. His explanation of the responsibility and liability of a culinary assistant was eye-opening. It reminded me of the depth of knowledge required to become boat crew qualified. There was so much to know and remember that one must be serious before embarking on this path. There were six classes on the second day, and all six instructors positively impacted everyone attending. PAY OFF We had the honor of meeting CAPT Christopher Cederholm, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Commander, and listening to him speak. “Some people are walking the earth today because of what the Auxiliary does, so thank you for giving your time, your facilities, and your blood, sweat, and tears.” He mentioned some of the more traditional missions, like doing recreational boating safety while underway and boating safety classes. “If you are interested in those things, please keep doing them. We are doing some new things with the Auxiliary- the Auxiliary Chaplains Support (ACS) program, the Auxiliary Culinary MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—BOSN4 Hailie Browne, District 7 Operations Assistant program, and some of the marine Training Offi cer, encourages Auxiliarists to continue doing the work to support the U.S. Coast Guard. safety prevention work. There are so many opportunities, so find your niche and keep doing that.” CAPT Cederholm touched on some long-range plans for Sector Miami. Because 54% of Sector mission sets are Broward County and north, and 46% of the mission sets are around Miami, a study is in place to determine the feasibility of moving the station to Port Everglades and renaming it “Sector Southeast Florida.” Miami is growing, but all other places are growing even faster, and this gap will only increase in time. “For the short term (within three months), we will send a dozen or so folks north, so they don’t have to drive and lose that time. Longer-term (within 10 years), we’re looking at moving Sector off this island and up to Broward County.” The study will determine if the Sector remains in Miami with a significant detachment at Port Everglades or move the Sector north and keep a considerable detachment here. The Miami Beach facility is vulnerable to hurricanes and has its own set of problems. “Please be safe in whatever you are doing. Safety is everything. Hopefully, you are fulfilled with what you are doing with the Auxiliary, so have fun whatever you do. “Thank you.” Ω