FLOT LINES USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015
Flo lla 74 Celebrates Independence Day Members Par cipate in Brandon 4th of July Parade By D. Riley
gersbur on t e P . t tion S Brand nd Sta r the 2015 a 4 7 a fo Flotill rs prepare yParade. e a b D m e ce m enden Indep Members of Flotilla 74 and Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg pose in front of the 25-foot Response Boat-Small before the start of Brandon Independence Day Parade, July 4, 2015. From left, Cabell Vildibill, Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74; Carlos Velez, Flotilla Vice Commander 74; FN Karen De Jesus, USCG; Mark Jaqua; James David Fowler, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan M. Hemmingway, USCG. Photo by Zach Lessin, Flotilla 79
I
ndependence Day is a day for summer fun, family, barbeques, parades and fireworks to celebrate our nation’s birthday. For members of Flotilla 74, parades does not mean standing on curbs watching a parade go by, but rising early to prepare for the Brandon Annual Fourth of July Parade and walking its entire length in the soaring late morning heat. Participation in this annual parade, billed as the largest Independence Day parade in Florida, started months in advance. Len Chiacchia served as primary coordinator and planner
and worked with the Brandon Community Roundtable to file applications ahead of the June deadline and encourage participation by Auxiliary members. Invitations went out not just to flotilla members but also to all members of Division 7 and to Station St. Petersburg, United States Coast Guard. Participants arrived early at the flotilla while the two vessels exhibited in the parade, Ken Morningstar’s KAMSTAR and a 25-foot Response Boat-Small from Station St. Petersburg Continued on page 4
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FLOT LINES Newsletter of Flotilla 74 Brandon Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander Carlos Velez, Flotilla Vice Commander Jim Mulligan, Immediate Past Flotilla Commander
Flo lla 74 Staff Officers Communica on Services Christopher Alexander Diversity William Vildibill Finance Linda Brandt Human Resources Gilbert Thomas Informa on Systems John Robbins Materials Ron Matz Marine Safety Conrad Palermo Member Training Dus n Buxton Naviga on Systems August Miller
In this Issue.... From the Helm
3
Meeting News
6
Staff Reports
7
An Oblique Way into the History Books: A Single Coast Guard Cutter’s Influence on Military History By: Dustin H. Buxton
10
Auxiliary Mandated Training AUX LMS offers multiple options to complete mandated training.
12
Become a Vessel Examiner or Program Visitor
13
Mentoring: A Tool For Improving Satisfaction and Participation. By Dottie Riley
14
Advanced Coastal Navigation Class
15
Note: Each title links to the article. Just click on the title to read. At the bottom of each page is a ‘Home’ icon like the one at right. Click on the icon to return to this contents page.
Opera ons Kenneth Morningstar
Mark the date:
Public Affairs Lawrence McKinnon
District 7 Board Meeting and Training 2015 September 17-20, 2015 Orlando, Florida
Publica ons Do e Riley Public Educa on Galen Johnston Program Visitor Steven Hunnicu Secretary of Records Elaine Nabach Vessel Examina ons Mark Jaqua USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
We’re on the web!
FL 74 0n FB
www.cgaux74.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flotilla74/
FLOT LINES is a publica on of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flo lla 74, located at 3006 S. Kings Ave., Brandon, FL. The cost of publica on is provided by dues-paying members of the Auxiliary, an organiza on of unpaid, civilian volunteers whose mission is to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting boa ng safety. Ar cles may be reprinted only with the express consent of the author or photographer with proper credit given to same. For permission or for more informa on, please contact the editor: Do e Riley, FSO-PB, FL 74 at: do eriley1@verizon.net Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015
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From the Helm Auxiliarists, As we enter the bottom half of 2015, I would like to take a few moments to announce some new advancement opportunities to you. Please take a few minutes to review these opportunities to see if any of them appeal to you in the near future.
2015 Elections: While there will be an announcement about this at the meeting tomorrow night, the time has come for members who are interested in running for elected office to make themselves known. Members who wish to run for either Flotilla Commander or Vice Flotilla Commander must submit a Letter of Intent to Run for Office no later than 30SEP2015 so that the Election Committee and I can review and affirm each candidate’s eligibility to run before the October Meeting. Just to recap the requirements, a candidate must have completed all mandated training, including ICS 100 and 700. Likewise, a candidate must have completed the Flotilla Leadership Course or the Administrative Procedures Course and have served as a Flotilla Staff Officer for at least one year. FSO service is not limited to just Flotilla 74. Serving as a FSO in another flotilla meets this requirement. Again, if you are interested, please send in your letter of intent to me as soon as possible. If you wish to run for office and do not meet the above criteria, please speak with me regarding the matter. The training issue is easily remedied.
Flotilla Staff Officer Positions: With the coming departure of the Polk County Detachment, along with other extenuating circumstances, there will be a large volume of openings in the Flotilla Staff from now until the establishment of the new administration in 2016. Anyone interested in the following staff positions are encouraged to notify me immediately so I can make you an Assistant Flotilla Staff Officer for training purposes. Human Resources Officer (FSO-HR): Gil Thomas has masterfully performed these duties for several years. As Gil is a member of the Detachment, he will be transferring over to the new flotilla, leaving this position vacant. This position is one of the most important positions in the Auxiliary as the HR is responsible for the recruiting, testing and in processing of new members. This is a complex position that requires a great deal of training. Anyone who would like to become the new Human Resources Officer needs to contact both Gil and myself to begin the process of learning this position. Public Education Officer (FSO-PE): Both Galen Johnston and Len Chiacchia have performed exceptionally as the FSO and AFSO, respectively. Our PE program is leadUSCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
ing the Division in terms of both courses conducted and the number of graduates produced. Flotilla 74 has won the Krogh Award multiple times due to their combined efforts. However, as these stellar auxiliarists have expressed a desire to move on, it is now time to find a new Auxiliarist willing to continue 74’s standard of excellence. The primary qualification for becoming the PE officer is that an Auxiliarist must be a certified instructor. If you are interested but lack certification as an instructor, contact me, Galen and Len so we can “bootstrap” you as quickly as possible. Public Education is the cornerstone of the Auxiliary and Flotilla 74. We need an aggressive and dedicated member to step up to this challenge and continue our program. Member Training Officer (FSO-MT): As I am currently serving as the MT, I will need to turn this over to another member as I will also be departing Flotilla 74 for the new Flotilla in Polk County in 2016. Member Training is a necessary function of the Auxiliary to ensure that we comply with both Auxiliary and Coast Guard requirements. As with the PE position, the MT must also be a certified instructor. If you would like to teach other auxiliarists and assist members in obtaining certifications, contact me so we can discuss this role. Operations Officer (FSO-OP): Ken Morningstar has performed beyond expectations as our Operations Officer. However, Ken has expressed a desire to step down at the end of this year. Operations is an integral part of the Auxiliary’s overall mission and we will need to stay the course. As with all operations-related positions, this officer will work closely with the Gold Side to assist with on-water missions. Ideally, the Operations Officer will be boat crew certified and coxswain either certified or seeking coxswain certification. Anyone who wishes to serve in this role needs to contact Ken and myself for more information. Program Visitation Officer (FSO-PV): Steve Hunnicutt has done well as our PV officer for 2015. However, as with all Detachment members, he will be transferring over to the new Flotilla in 2016. This means that we will need a successor for this position. The PV oversees the Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program, which manages all of our display racks with our trade partners and speaks with the public regarding the Auxiliary’s mission. The PV is our “sales rep” for communicating Background photo by Gil Thomas Issue #2
2015
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From the Helm Continued from page 2 the Auxiliary’s mission. The ideal candidate will be a certified Program Visitor, naturally. Anyone interested in this position may contact Steve or me for information. This is not a complete list, as other opportunities will arise before the year is out. It is imperative that we continue our mission as smoothly as possible. As we are a volunteer organization, individual members’ plans can change. We must be ready for such changes. With the coming changes comes
new opportunities. It is time for us to step up to the challenge of new opportunities and ensure that Flotilla 74 remains a strong, active flotilla from the top down. I look forward to receiving replies from interested members and will begin training for those who wish to advance. Semper Paratus
Dustin Buxton
Flotilla Commander 74 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
From our Cover Continued from cover took their position at the start of the parade route. Dustin Buxton and Len Chiacchia briefed the participants at the flotilla who then took their positions with the vessels at the start of the parade route. Terry Hershman and Gerald Hayward from Flotilla 7-16 made the drive from Gulfport to assist, Robert L Martelucci from Flotilla 75, as well as Zach Lessin from Flotilla 79 Tampa.
was smiling at the disbanding area and most members returned to the flotilla for hot dogs cooked on the grill. In short, they had fun!
While the parade route is only 2 miles long, participants spent hours in the sun not just walking its length, but also taking their place in line, waiting for their turn to start, and sometimes halted along the route to allow those in front to move ahead. There was even one delay for an emergency vehicle to assist a person in distress- all in 90-plus degree heat with little or no shade! The flotilla was well prepared for the weather and conditions. One of the vehicles in the parade was a pickup truck that carried not only brochures to hand out to parade attendees but was also water to keep our members hydrated. No one complained. In fact, everyone
Th The Hill Hillsborough b hC County t Sh Sheriff iff’’s Office C Color l G Guard d opened the parade and proudly carried in the national and the state of Florida banners. Photo by D. Riley See more parade photos on page 5 USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Ken Morningstar stands in the stern of KAMSTAR patiently awaiting the start of the Brandon Independence Day Parade held July 4, 2015. Photo by Zach Lessin, Flotilla 79 Tampa Issue #2
2015
Left: Len Chiacchia and Dustin Buxton brief participants before the start of the Brandon 2015 Independence Day Parade. Below and mid-page: Members walk beside the two vessels, Ken Morningstar’s KAMSTAR and a 25-foot Response Boat-Small from Station St. Petersburg, and greet and pass out literature to parade goers. Photos this page by D. Riley
Brandon 2015 Independence Day Parade Participants FL74 Members Carl A. Bryant Dustin H. Buxton Leonard A. Chiacchia Jr David J. Fowler Jerey O. Gines Francis Goyco Steven M. Hunnicutt Mark A. Jaqua Ronald G. Matz Kenneth L. Morningstar James W. Mulligan Elaine B. Nabach James M. Mulligan Conrad J. Palermo III Dorothy J. Riley John R. Robbins Martin L. Seiden Gilbert F. Thomas James A. Urbanawiz Carlos J. Velez William C. Vildibill
FL79 Zachary R. Lessin
FL75 Robert L. Martelucci
FL716 Gerald M. Hayward Donald T. Hershman
Family and Friends of the Auxiliary Malin Gines Carina G. Gines Shantell Sullivan-Hayward Cabell Vildibill II
USCG Jonathan M. Hemmingway FN Karen De Jesus
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015
6
Mee ng News
Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander 74, swears in new members, Lucille Eitt and Charles Mills at the meeting on August 11, 2015. We welcome our new members! Photo by Gil Thomas
Welcome back, John Robbins! Before Robbins could grow any moss under his shoes, Dustin Buxton, Flotilla Commander, swore him in as Flotilla Staff Officer-Information Systems (FSO-IS) at the meeting on August 11. Robbins, previously served as FSO-IS but was on hiatus for personal reasons. Member, Len Chiacchia, who took over in his absence, was happy to turn the position back to his fellow member and friend. Photo by Gil Thomas
Flotilla 74 member, Galen Johnston was also on hiatus for a time. He has returned, and the flotilla’s Public Education program is ready for one of its favorite Instructors to resume his duties. Johnston earned Division 7’s “Most Instructor Hours” award, presented to him by Dustin Buxton at the August flotilla meeting. Photo by D. Riley
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015
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Staff Reports Finance-Linda Brandt
Logistics
Flotilla 74 has not approved our Finance report due to a lack of a quorum.
Logistics Section-Ron Matz-Chief Publications-Dottie Riley We published first issue of FLOT LINE for 2015 before the end of June. The second issue (this issue) should be distributed by the end of August. The Flotilla Staff Officer-Publications made routine posts to the Flotilla 74 Facebook page (3-4 posts weekly) in an attempt to keep that page current/attract traffic. Posts included Independence Day parade photos, boating education topics, link to FLOT LINES on ISSUU, etc. Note: Newsletter should be available on the Flotilla 74 website and I recommend that the Flotilla Staff Officer–Communication Services post the newsletter to our webpage. This way, we can link to our page rather than to an external source. For future issues of FLOT LINE, we need: •
Staff officer reports. I respectfully request each section chief copy their report to me.
•
Flotilla Staff Officers are encouraged to forward details of all past and future events. As I am new to this flotilla, I am not aware of scheduled Public Education, Vessel Examinations, Public Affairs, Program Visitor events. What days/dates do you routinely conduct Vessel Examinations and Public Affairs classes, etc.? What events have you scheduled that are not on the “routine” calendar? Where are these events?
•
Photographs! Smart phones take great photos and most members have them. All members are encouraged to take and submit photographs.
•
NOTE: Do not embed (insert) photographs in a document or email as this makes them too small to publish. Please send full resolution photos as separate attachments. If sending more than two or three high-resolution photographs, you may need to send them in several emails.
•
Descriptions of scheduled events and activities. If you do not like to write, sending a copy of a flyer or program of an event will usually give me all of the info that I need- except the names of participants! Tell me who was there/who is in the photos you send. Submitters always receive the byline.
•
Articles of interest are always welcome! What you find curious or interesting will likely appeal to others as well. Preferred topics include anything maritime related.
Linda Brandt, Flotilla Staff Officer-Finance attends the Flotilla meetings via Skype, approved by D7 leadership due to medical/health reasons. While she may sit at her desk at home, Brandt fully participates and even wears her uniform while attending the meeting! Photo by D. Riley
Human Resources-Gilbert Thomas Dustin Buxton, Gil Thomas and Steve Hunnicutt attended Diversity Microaggression Awareness Training for Instructors in Ft Myers. The new Diversity Course on Microaggression and Microinequities with an original mandated completion deadline of Sept. 30, 2015, is on hold until the Coast Guard and Diversity department release further information.
Microaggression
Footage Firm/GraphicStock.com license paid image
Materials-Ron Matz All orders placed to date were submitted and received. Continued on page 8
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015
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Response Operations- Kenneth Morningstar Operations performed one mission in June for Personal Aids to Navigation (PATON) verification and training for Coxswain Trainee, Frank Goyco doing towing evolutions.
Mark your calendars!
Flotilla 74 currently has 12 qualified crew persons, one coxswain, and two facilities (one vessel and one mobile radio).
Member Training- Dustin Buxton George Kremer completed required workshop to remove REYR status. Dustin Buxton, Gil Thomas and Steve Hunnicutt attended Diversity Microaggression Awareness Training for George Papabeis takes the helm of the Instructors in Ft Myers. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary facility CHANavigation Systems- Au- SIN’ TAIL, during a patrol Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015. Photo by John Simone gust Miller Performed private aids to navigation (PATON) verification mission and all 18 private aids in our assigned area were checked and documented with discrepancies noted. The reports were sent to appropriate persons. This completes the PATON verifications for the year.
District 7 Annual Training Conference Sept. 17-20, 2015 Florida Mall Hotel Orlando For more information visit the D7 website: http://www.uscga-district-7. org/index.html 2015 D-Train Information
Prevention Vessel
Jaqua
Examinations-Mark
Flotilla members completed 36 Vessel Safety Checks in July and 185 year to date. Brandon members completed 7 examinations and 82 year to date, and the Polk County Detachment completed 29 Vessel Safety Checks and 103 year to date. (More from Prevention on next page.) PORT OF TAMPA-- July 3 fireworks from the deck of the Auxiliary vessel CHASIN’ TAIL, John Simone, Flotilla 79 coxswain. Photo by George Papabeis (crew)
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
PROOFREADER WANTED! For FLOT Lines. Interested persons should contact Dottie Riley. Issue #2
2015
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Staff Reports Prevention Public Education-Galen Johnston Public Education participation For Flotilla 74. Note: PCD denoted Polk County Detachment.
Course Title Boa ng Skills and Seamanship Sailing Skills and Seamanship About Boa ng Safely About Boa ng Safely (PCD)* How to Read a Nau cal Chart GPS for Mariners
No. of new students
No. of graduates
No. of Students YTD
Graduates YTD
1
1
7
1
0
4
6
4
1
1
45
48
0
0
22
21
0
0
3
3
0
0
0
0
GPS for Mariners (PCD) Weekend Navigator
0
0
11
11
0
0
13
13
Paddlecra
0
0
2
2
Program Visitor-Steven Hunnicutt Flotilla 74 members completed 17 partner visits in June with 175 year to date. (July report.) • Brandon flotilla completed 7 partner visits this month and 71 year to date. • PCD* completed 10 partner visits in June and 104 year to date. •
We have seen little interest in our Paddlesport, GPSFM, and HRNC classes in the past quarter. We have no plans to remove them from our program.
•
PE Challenge has concluded and outcome is pending. Number of Certified PVs (less REYRs)
12
Number of PV Certifications in REYR
4
Number of Active PVs
4
Number of Program Partners
61
Number of Program Partners Lost/Gained this 0 Reporting Period Number of Visits this Reporting Period
35
Number of Visits Year to Date
175
Yearly Goal - Visits
375
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
We welcome back Flotilla 74 member, Galen Johnston, Flotilla Staff Officer 74. The flotilla’s Public Education program sorely missed him. Photo by D. Riley Issue #2
2015
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Ar cles of Interest An Oblique Way into the History Books: A Single Coast Guard Cu er’s Influence on Military History By: Dus n H. Buxton
W
hen one thinks of the Coast Guard and her ships, one easily conveys images of rescues on the coastal waters and cutters chasing down and busting drug runners trying to get into American waters. For the most part, the Coast Guard really enjoys little publicity or renown unless the service is needed. However, when one explores the history of the Coast Guard, its presence and efforts are surprisingly deep and diverse. World War II proved to be an opportunity for the Coast Guard to engage in more than simple safety patrols, rescue operations and general harbor duty. Participating in the Lend-Lease program, Coast Guard vessels transferred their flags to Great Britain to act as escorts for convoy duty. While most historians only give a passing glance to the Coast Guard’s assistance to the Royal Navy, one singular experience rescues the Coast Guard’s assistance from being a nigh-forgotten footnote in such a massive conflict. The USCGC CHELAN, later renamed HMS LULWORTH, had an encounter with a German U-boat that would, after the fact, prove unique enough of an experience that it would find its way into the history books in its own way and, at the same time, find its way into popular culture. The CHELAN’s life in the United States Coast Guard was routine, in terms of general service. The CHELAN was a Lake-class cutter built during the Interwar Years as part of the modernization of the Coast Guard after World War I. Lakeclass cutters were 250-foot, 2000-ton vessels designed for stability on long-term patrols in cold waters. While the Lakeclass cutters could undertake a vast number of operations, the CHELAN spent a vast amount of her Coast Guard Service as a patrol craft for special events not unlike the same function performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, such as Tampa Bay’s annual Gasparilla Festival. When not on patrol, the CHELAN engaged in training cruises and other standard operations. The rescue of the crew of the SS BJERKLI in 1937 proved to be the high point of her service to the United States Coast Guard. With the threat of World War II closing upon the United States, President Roosevelt authorized the Lend-Lease Act to aid Great Britain in resisting the guerre de course performed by the U-boats of the Kriegsmarine. The CHELAN became one of the cutters selected for Lend-Lease trade and entered service into the Royal Navy in 1941. Rechristened HMS LULWORTH, the ex-CHELAN’s first few weeks of service as a British ship of war were spent in dry-dock for repairs and refits to perform service as a convoy escort. As with her American service, the LULWORTH did not enUSCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
The USCGC CHELAN at work in 1939 participating in weather forcasting with the U.S. Weather Bureau. Coast Guard historical imagery. counter anything beyond routine patrol events, splitting her service between light patrols, training and retrofitting. This would change in October 1941. The LULWORTH received assignment orders to serve as escort for Convoy OS10, which ran to North Africa on Oct. 25. The LULWORTH would find its way into the limelight on Oct. 31. As Convoy OS10 steamed away from the North American trade routes and began its turn toward the African routes, it encountered U-96, under the command of U-boat ace Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Lehman-Willenbrock. The LULWORTH quickly spotted U-96 after the latter fired all four of its forward tubes at the convoy. Lehman-Willenbrock, already aware of the LULWORTH’s presence, immediately dove to avoid the cutter’s attacks. After the dive, Continued on page 11 Issue #2
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Ar cles of Interest Continued from page 10 the LULWORTH began to depth charge U-96. While the LULWORTH proved fast on the draw, the attack did not fare well. Lehman-Willenbrock reported in his logbook that the LULWORTH performed poorly. LULWORTH’s gunnery, while on bearing, overshot the submarine. LULWORTH’s depth charge attack was also inadequate, as Lehman-Willenbrock recorded 18 dropped charges that were nowhere near U-96’s position and fell far too shallow to be of any appreciable affect. As disappointing and ineffective as this counterattack was, the LULWORTH did make an impact in a wholly different way, which assured that she would make history. At the time of this attack, war correspondent Lothar-Günther Buchheim was attached to the U-96 crew as a photojournalist tasked with writing an article about life on a U-boat. Experiencing LULWORTH’s attack left sufficient impression upon Bu- Rechristened the HMS LULWORTH, the former USCGC CHELchheim as to make it a prominent feature in the epic AN becomes part of the British fleet protecting the Atlantic. war novel, Das Boot, which he wrote 32 years later. Royal Navy official photograph via Wikimedia Commons Unlike the utter failure of the LULWORTH’s assault, its fictional counterpart was far more competent and should remember the CHELAN’s service as the LULWORTH menacing. While lackluster depth charge attacks were nothing new to Lehman-Willenbrock and the veterans as proof that not only can the Coast Guard make a differon his crew, the experience must have been mortifying for ence, but the Coast Guard can matter in the unique and ina journalist with no expectations of what to experience from direct circumstances. naval combat. One can argue easily that the LULWORTH would have fallen into absolute historical obscurity, were it not for the impression the assault left upon Buchheim during his tour on U-96. In this oblique manner, the LULWORTH Bibliography makes its way into the history books. Lehman-Willenbrock, Heinrich. Kriegstagbuch U96 BeIn the aforementioned roundabout manner, a relatively unginning 12.9.1941 Ending 6.12.1941. Berlin: Deutschen remarkable Coast Guard cutter makes its way into history. Kriegsmarine, 1941. Retrieved from U-boat Archive. The CHELAN served a typical career in the United States Translated by Jerry Mason, Ken Dunn and Krockrow. Coast Guard, only becoming prominent in one major rescue http://www.uboatarchive.net/KTB96-7.htm operation. The CHELAN would achieve fame in a rather bizarre manner during her service as the HMS LULWORTH for the British Royal Navy. While hardly ideal for anti-submarine Mason, Geoffrey B. “Service Histories of Royal Navy warfare, she served as best as she could against one of the Warships in World War II. HMS Lulworth (Y60) -exmost competent German U-boat commanders of the war. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Including Convoy Escort Despite the LULWORTH’s poor performance, she instilled Movements.” Naval-History.net. Edited by Gordon enough dread to inspire her immortalization in a war novel Smith. 2005. http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chronothat would secure itself in the literary world. The CHELAN/ 16CGC-HMS_Lulworth.htm . Revised May 25, 2011. LULWORTH would be nigh forgotten were it not for this one, singular wartime experience. In retrospect, one realizes that the Coast Guard can make a difference. While such effects are not necessarily direct or immediate, the effect is decisive. It is important to remember that the Coast Guard’s efforts go beyond her basic mission of protection. When called upon, the Coast Guard’s mission reaches well beyond simple patrols and rescues. National defense and allied defense are equally important. One USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
United States Coast Guard. “Chelan 1928, Later-HMS Lulworth, Y-60.” United States Coast Guard Historian’s Office. http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/chelan1928.asp . Revised Nov. 17, 2014.
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Ar cles of Interest Auxiliary Mandated Training AUX LMS offers mul ple op ons to complete mandated training. Intro to National Incident Management System course IS-700.a
This bears repeating! It is vital that all members complete these training modules!
I
n October 2014, ALAUX 022/14 announced an extension for members to complete their Auxiliary Mandated Training (AUXMT) requirements and announced a series of policy changes designed to achieve AUXMT completion throughout the Auxiliary.
Auxiliary Mandated Training Course Requirements All members must complete the following courses. New members must successfully complete these by the end of the first full year of enrollment and then once every five years thereafter: Building Resilience and Preventing Suicide in the CG course 502379 Security Fundamentals - course code 810030 Privacy at DHS: Protecting Personal Information – course 810015 Sexual Harassment Prevention - course 81000 Sexual Assault Prevention / Response - course 810045 Civil Rights Awareness - course 502319 All members must complete the following courses only once (new enrollees must complete them by the end of the first full year of enrollment): Ethics 1 / Personal Gifts - course 502306 Influenza Training - course 502290 All members must complete the following courses only once (new enrollees must complete them by the end of the first full year of enrollment - they can only be taken on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website, https://training.fema.gov/is/nims.aspx . They require registration on the site for a Federal Emergency Management Agency Student Identification Number (SID) in order to take the associated end-of-course exam): Intro to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 course IS-100.b USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
The Auxiliary Training Directorate Mandated Training portal provides all Auxiliarists convenient opportunities and multiple options to complete their AUXMT requirements. Auxiliary Learning Management System (AUXLMS) online courses with automatic AUXDATA recording (direct link to AUXLMS website) is the fastest and easiest option for an individual to complete the training. (http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=mandated-training) Incentives and consequences for not completing the Auxiliary Mandated Training Courses: All members are encouraged to complete the mandated training as soon as possible. The Auxiliary offers both incentives and consequences for not completing the training before Jan. 1, 2016. • All Auxiliarists who have a Base Enrollment Date (BED) before Jan. 1, 2016 must complete AUXMT by Dec. 31, 2016 to qualify, re-certify and avoid REYR status, as applicable, in any competency. • All Auxiliarists who have a BED after Dec. 31, 2015 must complete AUXMT by the end of the first full calendar year after their BED to qualify in any competency. For all Auxiliarists, events occurring after Jan. 1, 2016 such as eligibility for certain awards, elections, Auxiliary ID cards, C-Schools, and augmenting the Coast Guard will require AUXMT to be completed before those events regardless of their BED. • Elected or Appointed Office: Initial AUXMT completion and currency maintenance will be required as eligibility criteria for any elected or appointed office. This requirement may not be waived for Auxiliarists in AP status. Sections 4.F. and 4.G. of the Auxiliary Manual will be amended accordingly. Continued on page 11 Issue #2
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Ar cles of Interest http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=auxlms and complete the mandated training now!
Continued from page 10 • Other consequences may include inability to attend Coast Guard funded C-Schools and travel, limited participation in Coast Guard Augmentation and Coast Guard Public Affairs Events and more. Go to:
More options to complete the mandated training are offered and described on the web page
Become a Vessel Examiner or Program Visitor Source: h p://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=job-aid-kits
A
s a certified Vessel Examiner you will have the unique opportunity to work with and educate the recreational boating public. This one-on-one interaction will provide a vital opportunity to enhance a boater’s knowledge, and help ensure they have a safe, fun filled day on the water.
pervised visits scheduled. Program Visitation and Vessel Examinations are both programs in the V-Directorate and naturally complement each other. Consider earning both qualifications!
The process of qualifying as a Vessel Examiner is quite simple. Links to the Vessel Safety Check Manual, forms used to conduct Vessel Safety Checks and the link to the Auxiliary National Testing Center are located at: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=become-a-ve Once you successfully pass the online Vessel Examiner Exam, you should contact Mark Jaqua, Flotilla Staff Officer-Vessel Examinations to schedule the five supervised Vessel Safety Checks required to complete your qualification.
R
ecreational Boating Safety Program Visits, also known as marine dealer visits, are not only a great way to pass on boating safety information to boaters, but can be fun way to get to familiarize yourself with the marine dealers and sporting goods outlets in your local area. Becoming Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visitor qualified involves a little study, taking an online test and performing two supervised Program Visits with a qualified Program Visitor. Download the RBS-PV manual from here: http://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/RBSVP_ManualWeb. pdf Once you complete the test, contact Steven Hunnicutt, Flotilla Staff Officer-Program Visitor to get your two su-
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015
14
Ar cles of Interest Mentoring: A Tool For Improving Sa sfac on and Par cipa on. By Dottie Riley
S
easoned members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary know that change is a constant variable as are fluctuations in attendance and member activities. Our goal is ever to outperform our previous year’s activities. Ideally, that should always be our goal, but these are goals, and then there are realities, which takes us back to the ‘fluctuations’ previously mentioned.
Mentoring relationship benefit the mentor as much as the mentee. Mentors develop new friendships, enjoy increased levels of personal satisfaction and recognition thereby re-energizing them. The flotilla also benefits by having happier, more productive members, increasing skills and certifications and improving fellowship. A buddy system is similar to a mentoring program. We can have ‘buddies’ and still mentor other members. ‘Buddies’ are the members with whom we work most closely or who we simply like and enjoy spending time with, but some of the functions remain the same. We encourage and challenge each other. We maintain contact by phone or by attending events and activities together. We motivate each other. Every member should be able to name at least one ‘buddy’ – and we can have more than one!
Fluctuations may include anything from our statistics in Recreational Boating Safety activities to member hours logged in Auxiliary Data System or meeting attendance. There are many reasons for fluctuations and some of them are normal and predictable. Rest must always follow a period of high activity, but after that, it is time to get back to work again.
Getting back to work can sometimes be a challenge. When we lose our momentum, our motivation may also evaporate. How can Footage Firm/GraphicStock.com license paid image we get back that lost incentive? All of this presupposes that you Mentoring and coaching or developing a ‘buddy system’ is want to be an active member of the Auxiliary. When you took one answer. We may think of mentoring and coaching as your membership oath, what did you envision? What where something that only our new members require but that may your goals? If you completed the new member involvement not be true. Mentoring and coaching builds relationships, plan, take it out and look at it again. Are you on track? If not, thereby increasing participation. why not? Were you assigned a mentor? Was that relationship a good fit? (Yes, sometimes personalities can get in the Statistically, the largest percentage of persons who leave the way and we must acknowledge that reality.) Auxiliary are between 18 months to two and a half years into their membership. That is well beyond the six month to Your personal level of satisfaction with the Auxiliary depends one-year new member mentor program recommended by upon your level of participation. You were reminded of this the Auxiliary’s Human Resources directorate. A longer men- before you took the membership oath and it never stops betoring program or a buddy system might increase member ing true. Reach out to your mentor, reach out to your menretention. While we have no statistics to bolster this claim, tee, reach out to your Auxiliary ‘buddy,’ and if you don’t have common sense tells us it would. one, form that relationship today! You will benefit as well as your flotilla. Mentoring is guiding, coaching and supporting the new member. Mentors assist the mentee in setting goals by of- For more information on mentoring, go to: fering feedback and providing information and suggestions. Most importantly, they show an interest in the mentee and http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=H-DEPT&categoare there for them not just as a guide, but also as a sounding ry=new-member-packet board. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015
15
Ar cles of Interest
Advanced Coastal Naviga on Class H
ere is a great opportunity to expand your seamanship knowledge. Flotilla 74 will be offering an Advanced Coastal Navigation class. The class will prepare the member student for the Auxiliary Navigation (AUXNAV) part A and AUXNAV Part B exams, which comprise the AUXNAV course that counts two points toward the Operational Auxiliarist Specialty Program (AUXOP) award. A description for each Part is provided below.
direction - and three basic disciplines - dead reckoning, piloting and electronic navigation. You will achieve success as an Auxiliary Advanced Coastal Navigation (AUXACN) Specialist by passing a two part, closed book, proctored examination with a score of 75 percent or better. The first half, Part A, covers the theory behind the three basic forms of navigation.
The class will span 5 sessions and two exams. One option is to conduct a cram session – Thursday and Friday nights, all day Saturday, and half day Sunday with exams on the second half of Sunday. Another option is a more deliberate approach over seven consecutive Thursday evenings from 1830 to 2130 (three Part A sessions with the Part A exam on fourth session; then two Part B Thursday sessions with the Part B exam on the seventh and final Thursday session). Student materials are available for download from the Auxiliary website also provided below with the course descriptions.
Description: The Auxiliary Advanced Coastal Navigation Specialty course (AUXACN), prepares a member to become a genuine asset to the flotilla’s operations activities. The AUXACN course covers coastal navigation and embraces two basic concepts - location and direction - and three basic disciplines - dead reckoning, piloting and electronic navigation. You will achieve success as an Auxiliary Advanced Coastal Navigation (AUXACN) Specialist by passing a two part, closed book, proctored examination with a score of 75 percent or better. The second half, Part B, is performance based and requires the candidate to perform actual chart work demonstrating that the student has a sound understanding and firm grasp of basic coastal navigation principles. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite to attending the Auxiliary Search Coordination and Execution AUXSC&E or Auxiliary Search Coordination and Execution Train the Trainer (AUXSC&E/TTT) courses.
Navigation tools and chart will be provided. The tools are available for in-class use only. You are encouraged to purchase your own tools. This is an intense class and it will most certainly challenge you. However, the successful completion of this class will bring both personal and professional reward. You will not regret the time and effort. If you are interested in taking the class, please contact Len Chiacchia at lchiacch@verizon.net or 813.362.5704. Course: Auxiliary Navigation Specialty Course (AUXNAV) Part A Description: Auxiliary Advanced Coastal Navigation Specialty course (AUXACN), prepares a member to become a genuine asset to the Flotilla’s operations activities. The AUXACN course covers coastal navigation and embraces two basic concepts - location and USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Courses are available online, at a division or flotilla training session or Auxiliary C-School: Proctored: Yes Prerequisites: Auxiliary Navigation Specialty Course Part A Study Material: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=T-DEPT&category=auxop-courses Interested persons should contact Len Chiacchia. Issue #2
2015
16
FLOT line is a military acronym meaning “Forward Line of Own Troops” (FLOT). FLOT line, or Forward Edge of Ba le Area (FEBA) are technical terms used by all branches of the U.S. armed services to designate the forward-most friendly mari me or land forces on the ba lefield at a given point in me during an armed conflict. We are not a military force engaged in armed conflict. We are, however, the front line of the struggle to save the lives of recrea onal boaters, and we face this great endeavor armed with vessel safety checks, public educa on classes and all of the all other Recrea onal Boa ng Safety programs in our arsenal. Our newsle er banner serves as a reminder of this mission. PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT The Privacy Act of 1974 protects names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses of Flotilla 74 members which may appear in this or other USCGAUX publications. As a matter of policy, information described above is not made available to the general public or outside groups without that member’s expressed and/or written consent. When such information appears, its privacy shall be safeguarded and the information will be clearly labeled. Publication of this information by the general public and/or outside groups is prohibited by the Privacy Act. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2015