View from the Deck plat e View from the Deckplate

A Conversation With Commodore John Holmes

Division 7

U.S. Congresswoman Anna Luna was a guest at the Madeira Beach location of Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach, on Feb. 13. Congresswoman Luna informed the flotilla members that she represented the Thirteenth Congressional district in her first term in Congress. Luna talked about her passion for supporting the Bay Pines VA hospital, their desperate need to hire more nursing and support staff, and her passion for supporting clean water and keeping our bays and waterways clean and healthy.

Left: Congresswoman Anna Luna holds up a Division 7 challenge coin presented to her by the members. To her right are Tony Novellino, District Directorate Chief-Logistics and Dean Hoskin, Division 7 Commander. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photo. Submitted by Anthony Novellino

Division 13

A VSC and a Small Gift Save a Life

Submitted by John Gilbarty, Flotilla 13-8, Upper Keys

Photo: Contestants brave the wind and foul weather during the Buckaneer Blast in Key Largo on Feb. 4, 2023. USCG Auxiliary photo

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, Flotilla 13-8, Upper Keys, participated in the telecommunications operations team for the Buccaneer Blast at the Key Largo Sailing Club located at Rowell’s Waterfront Park, Key Largo. Our team also examined the vessels participating in the various sailing races. We inspected the boat’s bladders, bailers, life jackets, and whistles, which we provided when needed.

The weather was severe, with winds of 15 to 25 knots, and as the winds picked up in the afternoon, the gusts were as high as 40 knots. Many vessels needed assistance or rescue, and some returned before the end of the race. Many vessels capsized.

On Sunday, February 5, we continued the vessel Examinations when someone approached John Gilbarty and said, “Sir, you saved my son’s life. You gave him one of these whistles. Yesterday, his boat rolled over on top of him, trapping him in the rigging. He yelled, but it was not until he blew the whistle that you gave him that a boat came to free him. You saved my son’s life, and we will always be indebted to you.”