Intercom, Fall 2022

Mangroves: Vital to Our Marine Environment

Division 7 Tampa Bay USCG Auxiliary Fall 2022

INTERCOM

Newsletter for Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7, USCG Auxiliary Fall 2022

Division 7 Elected Officers 2022

Div 7 Division Commander Daniel Helou, CMDR

Div 7 Division Vice Commander Dean Hoskin, VCDR

Div 7 Immed. Past Division Commander Anthony Novellino, IPDCDR

FL-72 Flotilla Commander Jack Lee, FC

Flotilla Vice Commander George Hornby III, VFC FL-74 Flotilla Commander William Sage, FC

Flotilla Vice Commander Dorothy Riley, VFC

FL-75 Flotilla Commander Gary Mull Jr., FC

Flotilla Vice Commander Eliezer Seda, VFC FL-77 Flotilla Commander John Laurent, FC

Flotilla Vice Commander Gilbert Thomas, VFC FL-78 Flotilla Commander Rollin Shouse, Jr., FC

Flotilla Vice Commander Anne-Marie Woolsey, VFC FL-79 Flotilla Commander J. Michael Shea, FC

Flotilla Vice Commander George Bartuska, VFC FL-7-16 Flotilla Commander William Zinner, FC Flotilla Vice Commander Howard Bush, VFC

Division 7 Appointed Staff 2022

Communications Howard Bush , SO-CM Communication Services Robert Witty, SO-CS Diversity John Kline, SO-DV Finance Catherine Campbell-Heroux, SO-FN Auxiliary Food Service Patrick McAlvey, SO-FS Information Services John Robbins, SO-IS Human Resources Rick Hockinson, SO-HR Materials Anthony Hooper, SO-MA Marine Safety John Laurent, SO-MS Member Training Rollin Shouse III, SO-MT Navigation Systems Anthony Hooper, SO-NS Operations Anthony Novellino, SO-OP Public Affairs Daniel Helou, SO-PA Publications Dorothy J. Riley, SO-PB Public Education James Fogle, SO-PE Partner Visits D. Terry Hershman, SO-PV Secretary Anne-Marie Woolsey, SO-SR Vessel Examinations Raymond Langley, SO-VE Auxiliary Scouting Program Stephen Browning, SO-AS

We’re on the web!

http://A07007.wow.uscgaux.info

You can contact any of our officers on the Division 7 web page!

Intercom is a publication of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division Seven, District Seven. The cost of publication is provided by dues-paying members of the Auxiliary, an organization of unpaid, civilian volunteers whose mission is to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Articles may be reprinted only with the express consent of the author or photographer, with proper credit given to same. For permissions or for more information, please contact the editor, Dorothy Joan Riley, SO-PB, email address: dottieriley@gmail.com

COVER: Paddling through the mangroves. Photo by Filip Mroz, Unsplash, royalty free to use

Helou Division Commander

“The impala, a member of the antelope family, can jump up to ten feet high and thirty feet in length. It’s an incredible feat and undoubtedly essential to its survival in the African wild. Yet, at many impala enclosures found in zoos, you’ll find that the animals are kept in place by a wall that’s merely three feet tall. How can such a low wall contain these athletic animals? It works because impalas will never jump unless they can see where they’ll land. The wall keeps the impalas inside the enclosure because they can’t see what’s on the other side. As humans, we’re not all that different. We want to know the outcome of a situation before we move forward.”

Highlighting Immense Possibilities:

Auxiliarist Amber Porter of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sector St. Petersburg.

This month’s missive is a shameless promotion of the Auxiliary University Program and the dedication and enthusiasm of the men and women meeting the challenge to encourage the “best and the brightest” to seek admission to the Coast Guard Academy or Officer Candidate School.

Two years ago, Russ Gasdia, Branch Assistant, New Unit Development, Auxiliary University Program (AUP), reached out to John Kline, Staff Officer-Diversity, and me with the challenge to launch the AUP program in partnership with the University of South Florida. We began preparations - then came the COVID shutdown. Once we had students back on campus, face to face, our first new member with an eye toward a career in the Coast Guard emerged. Amber Porter, a student at the University of Tampa was interviewed by Doug Colwell, National Division Chief, Recruiting, then referred to George Bartuska, then Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 79, Tampa. As the Staff Officer-Hu-

man Resources, her application came to me for completion, and soon after came the offer of an internship at Sector/Station St. Petersburg. Amber transferred to Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg.

Russ Gasdia has continued to walk Amber through step by step, so it is a TEAM effort. Make no mistake – Amber has done the work and shines brightly for the Auxiliary, the University Program, and the US Coast Guard. She “jumped” not knowing where she’d land…. Read with pride her accomplishments to date:

Auxiliarist Porter completed the Auxiliary University Program Internship. In addition to being a University of Tampa rising senior, Porter earned the Pollution Responder qualification and four other pollution and Incident Command System qualifications. She completed the drone Performance Qualification Standard, organized an underway search and rescue drone training and demonstration event for 12 children of fallen Veterans,

FROM THE HELM

Background photo: Maxamilian Weisbecker, Unspash, License free to use

Daniel

I remember looking at information about the Coast Guard Auxiliary when I was back in New Jersey. My main reason for considering the Auxiliary was to have the opportunity to serve my community and country by devoting my skills and talents to the water. Most people join the Auxiliary primarily to get out on the water. Besides boating safety, operations seems to be one of the areas that most attract new members. Being an avid boater, this seemed to make a perfect fit for joining and serving in operations.

Division 7 needs surface facilities, new crew, and coxswains to answer the call for our active side. We must remember that we are force multipliers for our active counterparts, and what better way to help serve them than on the water? Most of us joined the Auxiliary because we love the water or are boaters. What a great opportunity to enhance those boating and safety skills, go through boat crew training, and be part of the onthe-water support for the Coast Guard.

As a crew member, you may be involved in the following areas: Marine Observation Missions, Search and Rescue, C-130 support operations, Safety Zone support for regattas and races, and support vessels for the active side of the Coast Guard as they go through their training. We will be starting up new classes for crew members. If you have ever considered being part of on-the-water operations, please speak to your Flotilla Commander or Flotilla Staff Officer-Operations. FYI: GeorgePapabeis, Flotilla 74, Brandon is presently organizing a boat crew training class to begin this fall.

Approximately one year ago, my wife and I were involved in rescuing nine people from a boat that had capsized in the water. Most were young children. I credit the Auxiliary for the training I was provided with to pull those people from the water. Surface operations are fun, educational, and a great way to be a vital part of the active-duty side of the Coast Guard. Ω

Hoskin Division Vice Commander

“What a great opportunity to enhance those boating and safety skills, go through Boat Crew Training, and be part of the onthe-water support for the Coast Guard.”

Dean

Highlighting Immense Possibilities:

Auxiliarist Amber Porter of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sector St. Petersburg.

(Continued from page 4, From the Helm)

and coordinated a 9/11 memorial stair climb event. Amber’s qualifications include:

• Completing over 32 training courses (including Advanced Medic Training)

• Weather Operations

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems Drone Pilot

• Pollution Responder

• Marine Safety Specialist

• Logistics Officer on many community-involved projects

• Aided in logistical efforts for environmental protection

• Promoted new recruitment as Flotilla Staff Officer-Human Resources Flotilla 72 for both the Auxiliary and active-duty side.

• Achieved Senior Cadet Status in the Auxiliary University Program (with intentions of graduating from the program with distinction)

• Named National Staff Division Leader and is planning to apply to Officer Candidate School upon graduation.

Auxiliarist Porter, thank you for being an outstanding member of our Coast Guard workforce and volunteering your time and efforts to complete vital Incident Command System qualifications, along with your valuable contributions to the community.

I challenge each of you to be intentional about looking for bright, energetic young people interested in serving our country through preparation in the Auxiliary and leading to a career with the United States Coast Guard. Ω

eff

Amber Porter, Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg assists in Coast Guard and Auxiliary recruiting

orts on Mar. 3 at the University of South Florida career day fair. Auxiliary photo by Dorothy Riley

Amber Porter, a member of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg, and a Auxiliary University Program participant shown on the water, and flying a drone with the Coast Guard Pollution Response team (mid-page). USCG Auxiliary photographs.

Amber Porter, above right, in the cockpit of a C-130 Hercules, and left, shown with the members of the Coast Guard Pollution Response team. USCG photographs.

STATION CORTEZ, Fla. - Auxiliary University Program cadet Amber Porter (Flotilla 72) and Captain Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of Auxiliary listen to the pre-mission brief aboard the USCG Auxiliary Facility “Niche II”. Photo by Auxiliarist George Papabeis.

Spreading the Joy of Paddlesports: Charles Hayes Teaches Paddlesports One Member at a Time.

By Dorothy Riley

For Charles ‘Chuck” Hayes, spending a weekend across the state from his home to teach paddlesports is not an uncommon thing to do.

A member of Flotilla 14-2, Arlington (in the Jacksonville area), Hayes spent the weekend of May 21 in Tampa Bay teaching Clark Pittman from Flotilla 74, Brandon, how to safely operate a kayak. That date also coincided with the opening of National Safe Boating Week, so Hayes participated in Flotilla 74’s activities.

Hayes retired from the Navy after twenty years. An engineer, he specialized in on-thewater propulsion systems in everything from canoes to cruisers. But, before he joined the Navy, young Chuck Hayes was a member of the Boy Scouts who, at the age of 13, was a camp counselor-in-training working towards his scout badge in water sports. The badge included every water-related sport, from swimming to canoe.

Between Navy duties and family, Hayes spent little time with paddle sports until after retirement. Hayes joined the Auxiliary in 2006. Beginning in 2015, he put his American Canoe Association Level II Kayak training to use within the budding Auxiliary Paddle Craft (AUXPAD) program, teach-

ing paddle craft safety to both Auxiliary members and recreational boaters. One can hear Hayes’ passion for paddle sports and safety when he talks about the AUXPAD program. Additionally, Hayes is an Instructor for Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety Public Education programs and teaches ‘Boat America’ in his flotilla.

The need for paddlecraft safety is growing, primarily due to COVID. Paddle sports are an ideal activity for people to get outdoors while still maintaining a safe social distance.

Hayes reports that about 21% of all boating fatalities are paddle craft accidents and that the three top reasons are 1.) not wearing a lifejacket or wearing it incorrectly, 2.) lack of training in paddlecraft operation and safety, and 3.) inattentiveness to surroundings (situational awareness).

Hayes has trained approximately 50 Auxiliary members in paddle sport operation and safety. District 7 has twelve certified AUXPAD operators and three AUXPAD qualified instructors. AUXPAD Qualifiers (AQ) must have achieved at least Level II kayak instructor certification from the American Canoe Association as well as being First Aid and CPR certified.Ω

Charles Hayes from Flotilla 14-2, Arlington, with Hilario Benitez Rivera, Flotilla Staff Officer-Vessel Examiner, Flotilla 74, Brandon, May 22 at Williams Park in Riverview. Hayes, who came to Tampa Bay to train Clark Pittman, also a member of Flotilla 74, Brandon, in how to safely operate a kayak, participated in Flotilla 74 National Safe Boating Week activities. USCG Auxiliary photo by Dorothy Riley

ILEAD: Inclusive Leadership, Excellence, and Diversity

WHAT IS ILEAD?

ILEAD is an all-Coast Guard Initiative, which was initiated by the Commandant. It stands for Inclusive Leadership, Excellence, and Diversity. It provides our members the opportunity to share concerns and best practices. The Auxiliary has a seat at the table.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Diversity, Inclusion, Leadership, and Excellence are priorities of the U.S. Coast Guard and our leadership at the highest levels.

WHAT IS AN LDAC?

LDAC stands for Leadership Diversity Advisory Council. It is the “local” unit. Its goal is to create and maintain a positive environment where everyone is encouraged to use their unique talents and skills.

HOW IS MY DISTRICT INVOLVED?

Auxiliary LDACs at the District level invite input from members, share with leadership and pass trends up to Auxiliary leadership and the National ILEAD Council for review and possible action. (Districts may take action to solve problems and implement best practices.)

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO MY DISTRICT, DIVISION, FLOTILLA?

Improved Recruiting; Member Retention; Re-engagement of members thinking of leaving, as well as Improved efficiency and morale.

These are not pie-in-the-sky goals. They are statistically proven.

Have a question about the ILEAD Program? Please contact your Division Commander or Flotilla Commander for additional information.

Program resources are available at: http://wow.uscgaux.info/ content.php?unit=070&category=d7-uscg-ilead-program Ω

Right: USCG Auxiliary photos of members.

Bits ‘n Pieces

Division 7 Members Support Coast Guard C-130 Missions

Submitted by Dean Hoskin

Members of Division 7 participated in a C-130 drop support mission on Aug. 7, 2022. Pictured top right are two Coast Guard line men from Air Station Clearwater, Amy McPherson and Dean Hoskin, members of Flotilla 72 St Petersburg. Paul Ruckert, a member of Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach also participated and is depicted in the lower group shot second from right. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photographs by Paul Ruckert

Bits ‘n Pieces

Flotilla 79, Tampa resumes in-person Public Education classes.

George Bartuska, more fondly known as ‘The Weatherman,’and member of Flotilla 79, Tampa, teaches the weather segment of the boating safety course Aug. 17, 2022, at the Tampa Flotilla. Bartuska presently serves as the flotilla’s vice commander. USCG Auxiliary photographs

Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport was glad to host the USCG Pollution Response drone team on Aug 18. led by Lt.j.g. Blacklaw. Auxiliary member Amber Porter from Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg participates with the team. William Zinner, Flotilla Commander, and Howard Bush, Flotilla Vice Commander, opened the flotilla building, which turned out to be a good thing. The weather turned to a sudden downpour, but once it cleared, training resumed. Photos left and center are Petty Officer Hanson and Amber Porter. The right image is of the team. USCG Auxiliary photographs submitted by Howard Bush.

Gulfport flotilla hosts USCG Pollution Response drone team.

Mangroves: Vital to Our Marine Environment

By Dorothy Riley

Mangroves are several species of trees that grow in brackish waters and stand between six or more than 30 feet tall. They most often have elongated or oval-shaped leaves and long aerial roots that originate from the trunk and branches but reach deep into the marsh or water. They are frequently partially submerged by tides.

Mangroves are too often destroyed by developers and treated like impediments to development, especially in high-income areas. The mangrove forests, often in desirable coastal areas, appear to be ugly, foul-smelling, and commercially non-viable. They pose visual barriers to coastlines, and the sulphury “rotten eggs” smell in spring and summer is not welcome either.

Many private and governmental organizations are attempting to restore swaths of lost mangrove forests. Mangroves are in fact, protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. While mangroves may not possess the striking beauty of coastal beaches, they are extremely

important to the coastal ecosystems they inhabit.

Mangroves serve as buffers between marine and terrestrial communities and protect shorelines from damaging winds, waves, and floods. Despite their seasonal foul odor, mangrove thickets improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments from the land, and they reduce coastal erosion. The underwater habitat their roots provide offers critical nursing environments for thousands of fish species, from 1-inch gobies to 10-foot sharks.

Ecologically, mangroves provide a habitat for a diverse array of land-based organisms, and many species of coastal and offshore fish and shellfish rely exclusively on mangroves as their breeding, spawning, and hatching grounds.

Mangroves prevent soil erosion. The thick growths prevent storms from pushing saltwater onto coastal shores and dissipate the force of storm waves. This makes mangroves a living

License-free to use photo by Timothy K from Unsplash

natural breakwater.The foul smell is from fruit dropped by mangroves which produce hydrogen sulfide gas when decomposing - the same ‘rotten egg’ smell gas which is given off by sewage. Mangrove root systems filter and trap pollutants. Their trunks and branches are as important to terrestrial wildlife as the roots are to aquatic forms.

The three species of mangroves native to Florida are Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “The trimming and alteration of mangroves is governed by sections 403.9321-403.9333, Florida Statutes, Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act. The mangrove program is implemented by the department as well as several delegated local governments. Mangrove trimming and alteration may be done by property owners under certain exemptions, as specified in section 403.9326, F.S. The trimming will require the services of a professional mangrove trimmer and may require a permit. Ω

Red mangrove. Photo by Tim Calvert, Nature Conservancy

Birds nesting on mangroves. Nature Conservany.

Crab in Red mangrove. World Wilflife Federation.

Mangrove Cuckoo. Wikipedia CC License

The National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC)

https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species

The Tampa Bay area and the rest of the state of Florida have become infested with exotic species of flora and fauna. Most of these were brought over here from other countries on purpose in the landscaping and pet industries.

Since Florida’s environment is so close to the tropical or semi-tropical areas these species came from; they have flourished. Due to Florida’s hospitable climate, our state hosts a greater number of invasive species than most other U.S. states.

With the absence of these species’ natural predators, these plants and animals have overtaken many of our native species and have spread unchecked.

Aquatic Invasive Nuisance Species include the walking catfish, the bullseye snakehead, and lionfish. The most inva-

Answer to the ancient question, “Why did the catfish cross the road?”

sive fish in Florida, the bullseye snakehead is native to Asia. These vicious predators rapidly consume fish and out-compete them for food.

With a large mouth and sharp teeth, these fish threaten the aquatic ecosystem and the state’s recreational fishing industry. They can breathe out of the water and can move on land.

Native to Asia, the walking catfish appeared in Florida in the 1960s due to a breach in aquaculture facilities. This tropical freshwater fish can walk on land and survive 18 hours out of water. These black, slippery, snakelike creatures with fins and whiskers enjoy stagnant waters, canals, and ponds. They invade aquaculture facilities and destroy fish stocks. They also disturb Florida parking lots. Ω

Bullseye Snakehead: While these fresh-water fish found in many canals are invasive, they are a popular sport fish due to their great size and reported good taste. Photograph by FWC on Flickr

Walking Catfish, Photo courtesy FWC

National Auxiliary Elects New Leaders.

For many Auxiliary members, the national offices and directorate leadership seem far removed. Our division has several members who hold national offices, so it is not as distant as it seems. We encourage members to attend both the national and district training conferences to take advantage of the learning opportunities and to get to know our leaders. National leaders were elected Friday, Aug. 19, with terms of office beginning November 1.

District 7 will hold elections Friday, Sept. 16, at the District Training Conference in Orlando. We will post the results of our district, division, and flotilla elections in our next issue and invite everyone to attend D-Train in September.

Our national officers:

National Commodore (NACO) - COMO Gus Formato

Vice National Commodore (VNACO) - COMO Mary Kirkwood

Deputy National Commodore - Atlantic Area East, Mission Support (DNACO-MS) - COMO Allen Fredd

Deputy National Commodore - Atlantic Area West, Operations (DNACO-O) - COMO Patrick Feighery

Deputy National Commodore - Pacific Area, Recreational Boating Safety (DNACO-RBS)COMO Tiney Singler

Deputy National Commodore - Information Technology & Planning (DNACO-ITP) - COMO Linda Merryman

See you at D-Train, and don’t forget to attend your flotilla’s election meeting to vote for your flotilla commander and vice commander!

COMO Gus Formato, NACO

Mary Kirkwood, VNACO

Patrick Feighery, DNACO-O

Dave Rockwell Honored at NACON

U.S. Government Shared Resources High-Frequency Radio Program. Rockwell’s efforts achieved unprecedented levels of Auxiliary participation in these programs.

Bravo Zulu, Dave! We are so proud that you are a member of Division 7! Ω

Commodore Alex Malewski, National Commodore (right), presents David Rockwell an Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation on Aug. 19 at the National Conference (NACON) in Orlando. Rockwell, a member of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg, serves as the current Auxiliary Sector Coordinator Sector St. Petersburg. The award commended Rockwell’s contributions to the Auxiliary Augmentation and Communications program, the leadership of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications and

We coudn’t be any prouder!

Eight Boating Safety Tips and Tools You Can Use

Protect yourself and nature while enjoying the water.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce

May 24, 2021, during National Safe Boating Week, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) partnered with the National Safe Boating Council, an NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, to make it easy to remember what to do when you’re out in a sail- or motor boat, canoe, kayak, or another sea-worthy vessel this summer. Their words of caution apply to boaters, especially paddlecraft users year-round.

Here’s our checklist for anyone going out to sea, lake, or river:

1. Will a storm move in while you’re on the water? Check NOAA’s marine forecast and be in the know before you go. Use your NOAA Weather Radio to stay alert to weather hazards in the area.

2. Wear your life jacket. Always. Every passenger.

3. Recreational boaters: Know what you’re getting into, literally. Check these nautical resources, such as the latest tide and current predictions.

4. Understand the danger of cold water and how to prepare for and survive in it should you accidentally go overboard.

5. Know wildlife-viewing or fishing regulations, guidelines, and tips for the location you’ll be enjoying. And boat responsibly while enjoying our nation’s pristine and protected underwater parks.

6. Using a mooring buoy? Make sure you are using it correctly.

7. Boat clean and green. Secure all trash onboard, and don’t dump it overboard. Help prevent small oil spills if you have a vessel with an engine.

8. “See A Spout, Watch Out.” It’s so exciting to encounter a whale when you’re out on the water. Know how far away you must stay from these beloved marine mammals for their and your safety. Boat strikes can kill whales and seriously injure passengers. Ω

NOAA NOAA

2021 Recreational Boating Statistics

The U.S. Coast Guard has released its 2021 Recreational Boating Statistics Report, revealing that there were 658 boating fatalities nationwide in 2021, a 14.2 percent decrease from 2020.

Every year, the U.S. Coast Guard compiles statistics on reported recreational boating accidents. These statistics are derived from accident reports that are filed by the owners/operators of recreational vessels involved in accidents. The fifty states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia submit accident report data to the Coast Guard for inclusion in the annual Boating Statistics publication.

The latest Boating Statistics publications are available here for you to download: https://uscgboating. org/statistics/accident_statistics.php

At right are highlights from the 2021 Recreational Boating Statistics report. Ω

Help Our Shipmates In Need.

D-Train:

Aug. 4, 2022

The Coast Guard Celebrates 232 Years of Service.

By Adm. Linda Fagan, Coast Guard Commandant, message to the workforce.

Today we celebrate the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard; our theme for 2022 is: “Honoring our Past… Shaping our Future.”

Since our inception in 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service, the U.S. Coast Guard has evolved to serve our nation by executing missions that only we can uniquely perform. Each time a new challenge or threat emerged; the Coast Guard responded to meet our country’s need. From domestic icebreaking and natural resource protection to drug interdiction and marine safety, our missions have broadened to firmly entrench our service as a vital element of national defense and international security.

Just as the U.S. Coast Guard steadfastly met these challenges in the past, we will continue our legacy of mission excellence to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow. The Coast Guard will be a leader in global maritime governance, enforcing the rule of law, facilitating safe and secure maritime commerce, and protecting people and natural resources in a dynamic geopolitical landscape. We will explore and employ innovative ways to optimize our people, assets, and authorities to deliver security to the American public. The Coast Guard will continue to cultivate partnerships domestically and internationally to strengthen the fabric of homeland security.

We will also continue to proudly tell our story and connect it to the communities we serve. Two hundred years ago, U.S. Revenue Cutter Florida deployed to Key West to defend our southern border against illegal imports of sugar, molasses, tobacco, and enslaved people. Today, Aug. 4, 2022, Key West will become the newest Coast Guard City, recognizing the enduring support the city has shown for Coast Guard members and their families who call the lower Keys home. Later this month, we will also conduct a “Keel-Laying” at the future site of the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut. This state-of-the-art facility will be an interactive time capsule that makes our “1790 to No”’ evolution story even more accessible for generations to come. Our service’s history and its future exist because of your commitment to readiness and mission execution. You are the heartbeat of the Coast Guard, and every one of you adds to our legacy every day. I am extreme I proud of your collective accomplishments. As we commemorate this day and celebrate our shared history, I want to thank you and our families for your service to our country.

Semper Paratus!