Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Volume XXXVI Issue 1 Spring 2013
INTERCOM
Newsletter for Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7, USCG Auxiliary Volume XXXVI Issue 1 Spring 2013
Division 7 Elected Officers 2013 Div 7 Division Commander Div 7 Division Vice Commander Div 7 Immed. Past Division Commander
J. Michael Shea, DCDR James Newman, VCDR Amos Johnson, IPDCDR
FL-72 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-74 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-75 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-78 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-79 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander FL-7-16 Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander
Gene Keller, FC Bryan Cook, VFC Jeffery Gines, FC Leonard Chiacchia, Jr. VFC Oscar Kramer, FC Ray Stewart, VFC Jim Armstrong, FC Karen Cohen, VFC Paul Cooke, FC Linda Churchill, VFC Donald Hershman, FC Kelleigh Weeks, VFC
Division 7 Appointed Staff 2013 Communications Communication Systems CS Assistant Finance Information Systems Human Resources Materials Marine Safety Member Training Navigation Systems Operations OP Assistant Public Affairs Publications PB Assistant Public Education Program Visitor Secretary Vessel Examinations VE Assistant Division Liaison Fellowship
Gene Keller, SO-CM Robin Conn, SO-CS Terry Hickox Oscar Kramer, SO-FN Theresa Johnson, SO-IS Marla Short, SO-HR Ronald G. Matz, SO-MA Robert Starns, SO-MS David Langdon, SO-MT Marvin Bayles, SO-NS Clifford J. Martin, SO-OP Conrad Palermo, ASO-OP Timothy Teahan, SO-PA Dorothy J. Riley, SO-PB George Papabeis, ASO-PB Steven B. Plass, SO-PE Donald Rimel, SO-PV Judith Clapp, SO-SR David Perillo, SO-VE Glenn Dobos, ASO-VE Richard Short Open
We’re on the web! http://A07007.wow.uscgaux. info
You can contact any of our officers on the Division 7 web page! The 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: dottieriley1@verizon.net
Cover photo: The JosĂŠ Gasparilla with its pirate krewe prepares to dock at the Tampa Convention Center and invade the city on Jan. 26, 2013. The mayor will then surrender the keys to the city at this annual event, after which the pirates march triumphantly through the city. Photo by D. Riley
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
Page 3
From the Helm J. Michael Shea, Division Commander D Division Seven has been bbusy for the past few m months and that pace will continue into the near futture. Below are some efforts which are underway:
St. Petersburg Auxiliary Instruction Straw Manual,’ an outline of sorts for the SOPs. It follows national and district instruction manuals but goes into more detail for Sector commanders and is a living document, open to suggestions and changes. Each division may still utilize its own SOP.
Liaison Program: This program with Station St Petersburg is working well; we are now helping them more on a day-to-day basis and they are doing the same for us. The Auxiliary should continue to support Coast Guard stations but ensure that all activities are conducted efficiently due to fuel constraints. With that in mind, never compromise safety!
Auxiliary Skills Bank: Due to budget cuts, the Coast Guard plans to more fully utilize the Auxiliary’s Skills Bank to find qualified Auxiliarists to help augment CG missions. Division members are urged to complete or update their skills bank data before March 31. This can be accomplished on-line through AUX OFFICER.
Crew Training: Twenty-three trainees are in our boat crew training program currently underway at Flotilla 79, one of the largest classes in recent years. I am delighted to see the strong interest in the training and realize that it will take a lot of coordination over the next few months, as many other activities will take place during the training. Say So Long to POMS: The POMS program is on the way out and a new National Coast Guard in-house system, called Auxiliary Operations Management (AOM), will replace it. Ensign Shawn Antonelli of Sector St. Petersburg will be involved in initiating the program for Division Seven. The new web-based, user-friendly program is already in use in several other districts and will roll out here in mid-April. ENS Antonelli said “As long as there is transparency between the Auxiliary and the station, Auxiliarists will be able to activate orders.” One new requirement is when submitting a Form 5132; a picture of the fuel receipt must be included. This could present a challenge for coxswains who conduct several patrols using fuel from a single receipt, but a new procedure will allow coxswains to account for fuel used on subsequent patrols. A PowerPoint presentation demonstrating how to use AOM will be available soon for review. Active duty personnel will submit completed 5132s to the Finance Center and Auxiliarists will no longer have to submit on their own. Standard Operating Procedures: We are in the process of updating the Division’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). ENS Antonelli recently provided Division Commanders with a draft copy of the ‘Sector
Budget Issues: The Division is operating now on 50% of last year’s budget and our current operations tempo is down compared to last year because of budget cuts. We have been requested to maintain efficiency on patrols by using smaller facilities and saving larger facilities for SARs, night operations and special events. At present, only training missions are authorized. Sequestration: It is entirely possible that questions may be posed to Division Seven members during boating safety classes, patrols, at trade shows or in other situations about how the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary are managing sequestration issues. Sector St. Petersburg is relying on its active duty personnel, reservists, civilian employees and Auxiliarists to ensure that the Coast Guard message to the public is consistent, positive and clear. If asked, the best response is a positive one, such as: “essential Coast Guard missions are continuing – it is business as usual.” Please do not speculate (including offering an opinion, a feeling or an idea) about the issue. Another response might be: “We are proud to serve the citizens of Florida’s west coast and all normal operations are continuing.” Focused Lens: LCDR Gino Sciortino of Sector’s Response Department has introduced a survey, called Focused Lens, to help evaluate potential risk areas and risk management issues. Collected information will go into a database, called MSRAM, for evaluation. I have appointed Conrad Palermo as the Division Seven point of contact to coordinate with the Sector. This is a feaContinued on page 4
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Continued from page 3 ture we will be adding to our patrol missions. Look for plan and is a way of measuring attainment of our goals a Focused Lens Handbook very soon. using the district ‘dashboard.’ Accurately and regularly uploading operations and member training hours into Offer for Use Form: If you own an Auxiliary facility, AUXDATA on a timely basis, is critical. We will hold but are not a coxswain and cannot be aboard your vessel a leadership-training program in the next few months to for a patrol, you must specify on the form the name of train our Flotilla officers how to track data within each the coxswain who can operate your boat; otherwise the flotilla and division. ‘Offer for Use’ will be rejected. An updated instruction booklet will be available soon. . Awards Luncheon: The Division Awards Luncheon is set for Saturday, April 13 at the Rusty Pelican ResEmergency Operations Coordinators Meeting: To taurant, on Courtney Campbell Causeway, beginning at prepare for the 2013 hurricane season, an emergency 11:30 AM. Many Division members will be recognized operations coordinators meeting and exercise drills for their efforts throughout 2012; in addition, annual are in the planning stages. The watchword for these trophies recognizing the overall efforts of our flotillas exercises is: accountability. Sector St .Pete needs to in a variety of categories will be presented. This event know where its people are, including Auxiliarists, beis the highlight of the Division year and I am hopeful fore and after storms and includes all people in Auxilthat all members will be able to attend. Please keep iary member households, including visitors, etc. These submitting awards throughout the year. drills take place every May and include activation of our ‘telephone tree’ to contact every member in every Finally, I want to thank all who participated during flotilla to and determine their whereabouts. It is there- the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and for the recent Coast fore very important to advise your Flotilla Commander Guard Open House, especially Rick Short and David of any travel plans you have over the summer months. Perillo. Division Strategic Plan: We are working with Braxton J. Michael Shea, Ezell, District Captain-West, to develop the Division Seven Strategic Plan, a major undertaking. The Dis- Division 7, District 7 trict’s Strategic Plan serves as a guide for each division USCG Auxiliary
Division Commander
In this Issue.... The 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Invasion
5-7
Flotilla 72
8
Build a Better First Aid Kit
9
Flotilla 74 Flotilla 75 Water Safety is Elementary Flotilla 78 Flotilla 79 In Memoriam: Passing of COMMO Donald Frasch Flotilla 7-16 Auxiliary Assists With CLEAR Training Annual Frogman Swim Staff Reports and Program Updates Telecommunications Operator Training Sector St. Petersburg Open House Take Out That Smartphone! Big Bend Power Station’s Manatee Viewing Center Parting Shots (more member photos)
10-11 12 13 14-15 16-17 17 18 19 20-21 22-25 26-27 28-29 30 31-33 34
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
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The 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Invasion -One of the Safest Ever -- Again! By Tim Teahan, SO-PA
T
the eastern end of the Port Sutton Channel in the Port of Tampa. Auxiliary vessels with manatee watchers aboard, including Love @ 1st Sight, the manatee watch ‘mother’ boat, smaller Auxiliary vessels in addition to an EPC boat and a helicopter from News Channel Eight and all combined to keep a constant eye on the manatees and to control traffic. Kathi Kruczek, coxswain aboard Water Won Two, ably coordinated Auxiliary boat movements for the manatee watch effort. Fortunately, manatee movement towards the parade route appeared to be minimal, and the Gasparilla event was not appreciably delayed.
he annual Gasparilla Pirate Invasion, Tampa’s version of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, went off again smoothly again this year, thanks to the participation of 25 Auxiliary facilities and 85 coxswains, boat crew, trainees and radio watchstanders from three Auxiliary divisions: Seven, Eight and Eleven. The Auxiliary’s involvement in the January 26, 2013 event bested its 2012 efforts by a few facilities and crewmembers, making it the largest Division Seven mission in the 50-plus years the Auxiliary has participated in the In a departure from previous years, Auxiliary vesGasparilla event. sel movement during the event was coordinated from Auxiliary vessels monitored security zones in the Port aboard the Tampa Fire Rescue fireboat Patriot, together of Tampa, mostly along Seddon and Sparkman chan- with the Coast Guard Patrol Commander and law ennels, providing a security deterrent and safety presence forcement representatives and medical first responders. in several key locations along the parade route. In addi- The concept was for the Auxiliary to be right next to tion, Auxiliary facilities served as manatee watch boats, these individuals so to be able to more effectively comcoordinated by the Hillsborough County Environmen- municate any observed safety, security or medical emertal Protection Commission (EPC) representatives from gencies reported from Auxiliary vessels to the agency Ash Engineering. This year, winds and water tem- assets closet to the incident/situation. Dave Perillo, FL peratures combined to create optimum conditions for 72, Assistant Division Operations Officer, was aboard manatee movement from one of their favorite habitats, the Patriot and served as Auxiliary (AUXCOM) ComContinued on page 6
TAMPA BAY, FLA - The Luv @1st Site maintains position during the 2013 Garparilla Pirate Invasion. The Luv @ 1st Site, owned and coxswained by Gene Keller from Flotilla 72, was the designated mother boat for “Opertion Manatee Control.” The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provided vessels to protect Manatees from harm during the festivities. Photo by George Papabeis.
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USCG Auxiliary Auxiliar ay
Divisionn 77,, D District istr is tric ictt 7
Continued from page 6 m munications Control during the parade, manaaging movement of Auxiliary assets. A As has been the case for years, Flotilla 79’s T Tampa Radio One radio station provided the gguard for the 25 Auxiliary facilities entering T Tampa Bay and during their transit to assigned ppositions along the parade route and after rellease from duty stations. Watchstanders John Sanchez, FL 74, Len Chicaccia FL 74 and L Linda Barnard, FL 72 opened the watch at 6 aa.m. and stayed on the air until 3:30 p.m., provviding the radio guard for Auxiliary vessels een route to Tampa Bay from points north and south as well as during their voyages home aafter the parade. The communications compponent of the mission ran smoothly despite tthe very heavy traffic, including routine and ooperational reports, parade progress updates aand related traffic between Tampa Radio One, A AUXCOM Control, the Coast Guard Patrol C Commander, the 25 Auxiliary facilities, Eagle E Eight and law enforcement and Coast Guard bboats. F For the 2013 event, the Coast Guard and parrade organizers continued the practice begun iin 2011 to establish wider ‘No Wake Zones’ in aand around the parade route to better control pparticipating vessel speeds. The effort was aagain successful, due in large part to highlyvvisible “No Wake Zone” and “Slow Down” signboards created by Robin Conn, FL 79 and uutilized by crewmembers aboard Auxiliary vvessels. A Auxiliary Division Seven’s efforts in plannning and coordinating its involvement in the 22013 Gasparilla event and the dedication and ttime involvement of Auxiliary coxswains, ccrewmembers, radio watchstanders and opeerations officers from and its flotillas and othe divisions who participated were specially er r recognized by Capt. Sheryl Dickinson, Sector St. Petersburg Commander in a note to Division Commander Mike Shea following the e event.
Volume XXXVI
Captions page 6: Top of page: TAMPA BAY, Fla.- Coxswain Joe Lamb, FL 79, with a dab of sunscreen on his nose, maintains a a sharp lookout from the deck of the Catalina during the 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Invasion. The aft watch is maintained by Roger Sneden FL 74. Photo by George Papabeis. Mid-page: Linda Churchill, crewmember aboard the C Lover, with Larry Neu, coxswain, and Paul Cooke, crewmember, all from FL 79. Photo by Paul Cooke Lower photo: A “special edition” buoy marks the route of the 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Invasion. The photo was taken from the deck of the Catalina, with Joe Lamb, coxswain and Roger Sneden and George Papabeis, crew. Photo by George Papabeis.
To see more member Gasparilla photos in a fun, video format, click on this pirate hat.
Captions this page: Brian Garry, crew aboard the Lucky Dog takes a break. Photo by Richard Rioles Mid-page right: The Jose Gasparilla prepares to enter the turning basin before the pirate’s final “assault” on the city. Photo by D. Riley Below: The Lynx, a private sailing ship dedicated to maritime and historical education, came to Tampa for Gasparilla this year. Photo by Richard Rioles
Issue 1 Winter 2013
Pag Page agee 7
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Intercom
USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg
Gene Keller, Flotilla Commander Several major projects two months: have kept Flotilla 72 extremely busy for the last a) We created a database of almost 3000 email addresses of local individuals who are involved with on the two months. water activities. 1) We decided to move beyond the mentor pro- b) We created a February and March “USCG Auxiliary gram for new members Flotilla 72 Boater Safety Bulletin.” We have transmitand established a new monthly program that we call “72 ted it twice and hope to grow our database to over 5000 New Member Boot Camp”. Every first Wednesday of names in the next year. each month, we ask our new members and experienced c) We created a new logo to go on all of our public commembers to join us and to participate in two Auxil- munications to support our branding efforts. We proiary functions. Each month, two Flotilla Staff Officers duced this logo in the form of a challenge coin as well. present an informative class on each area of Auxiliary programs and areas of activity. The program lasts six d) We have rewritten our public boater education and safety brochure in color bearing our new logo and links months then repeats. to our Facebook page and our web site. 2) We also decided to introduce a monthly Flotilla Staff Officer meeting. All members are invited to attend. e) We have begun the process of integrating our FaceThis is an in depth interactive program to encourage a book, web site, Boater safety bulletin and printed mategreater degree of cooperation between our leaders. For rial to have a sense of co-branding and an overall look. example, we are working on a higher level of integra- 3) We have also been working hard to improve our tion in the area of public relations. Our working group building. The meeting rooms are clean and neat and calls this effort “Operation Outreach” decorated with historical photos to enhance the experi“Operation Outreach” is our effort to be better at public ence of our visitors and prospective new members. relations and has reached several major goals in the past
While sailing aboard their 43-foot catamaran Vitamin Sea in the main ship channel in Key West a few months ago, Marla and Rick Short came upon this line floating on the surface at marker G-5. Marla told Rick, who was at the helm, “It looks like its is longer than 100 yards, which is a risk to boaters.” With that, Marla put on her sailing gloves and guided Rick to to the location “MOB style.” With the grasp of a boat hook, all of the line was brought aboard and later safely disposed of ashore. “That line was an accident waiting to happen,” said Rick. Photo provided by Marla Short.
FL 72 facility Miss Marla by George Papabeis
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
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Build A Better First Aid Kit to Help Save Lives By: Loren D. Reuter, FSO-PA 72 If you haven’t figured it out, you will -- things can go wrong on the water in a matter of seconds. A responsible boater is prepared for foreseeable problems, and one of the most foreseeable is that someone may become injured or seriously ill on a boat and require immediate medical attention. We are fortunate to have competent emergency response providers and are accustomed to nearly instantaneous help in most emergencies by simply dialing 911 – on land. However, boaters should be prepared to render medical assistance for a longer period than on land, and that can mean the difference between life and death. In addition to obtaining first-aid and/or CPR training, which is readily available from several organizations for a nominal fee, one of the best things you can have on a boat is a very good Basic first aid kits are readily available at most marine first aid kit and to know how to use it pharmacies and boating supply stores. Use properly. them as the foundation upon which to build a Basic first-aid kits are readily available at most good marine first aid kit . pharmacies and boating supply stores and in general, have all of the basic items needed to deal with simple injuries. I encourage you to use them as the foundation upon which to build a good marine first aid kit. Some of the items they contain typically include dressings, bandages – (a bandage holds a dressing in place over a wound and duct tape can be used very efficiently as a bandage), gauze, compresses, shears, splints, burn gel, latex gloves, alcohol wipes. However, to be truly prepared for an on the water emergency medical situation, you should also include the following items • • •
• • •
Stainless steel pliers with sharp cutters to remove embedded fishhooks Stainless or titanium knife or scissors or shears White Vinegar or hot fresh waterr to neutralyfish, ize marine life stings like jellyfi stingrays and fire coral g Tweezers or forceps for removing jellyfish tentacles Sunburn relief gel-aloe Clean or sanitized cloths or compresses to use as direct pressure
• • • • •
• •
Sea Sickness medicines and/or remedies Sanitized first aid solution, such as sterile saline to flush and disinfect wounds Dry blankets for warmth in the winter Shade if someone suffers from heat exhaustion or heat stroke Sufficient water, food, and personal medications (always take more water along than you think you will need.) Additional 4”x 4” dressings and bandages A large, fresh bottle of hand sanitizer which can be used very effectively for both cleansing a wound and for cleansing the first-aid provider both prior to and after treating an injured person. Stock your kit w well and gain the knowledge to pro use it properly! Share this information b with boaters when conducting Vessel Ex Examinations or Public Educat tion classes. It could help save a l life.
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Intercom
USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Flotilla 74 Brandon
Jeffrey Gines, Flotilla Commander Flotilla 74 conducts Vessel Safety Checks at both Riverview Park and Civic Center and at Williams Park in Riverview on alternating Saturdays. These two locations keep our Vessel Examiners busy and provide us many opportunities to interact with boaters and promote our boating safely programs. The Public Education team presents “Boating Skills and Seamanship” course modules on Monday nights but have also presented the “About Boating Safely” public education course this year. In addition to our facilities, coxswains and crew who assisted with Gasparilla on the water, Len Chiacchia and John Sanchez, two of our Auxiliary Telecommu-
nications Operators, staffed Tampa Radio One and provided radio guard to all of the Auxiliary vessels for the boat parade. Our members participated in, and were present during every major event and training within Division 7 this year. Flotilla 74 member George Papabeis provides Public Affairs/ Publications support in his roles as Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs and as Assistant Staff Officer-Publications. Papabeis took photographs during Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and Boat Parade on January 26, and he provides extensive photographic support for our many Coast Guard and Auxiliary missions including the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Open House on March 2, 2013. His work is found throughout this publication and contributes greatly to the Intercom’s overall look and presentation.
TAMPA, Fla.--Len Chiacchia, Linda Barnard, and John Sanchez (not shown), Auxiliary Telecommunications Operators, staffed Tampa Radio One and provided a radio guard for all of the Auxiliary vessels participating in the annual Gasparilla Boat Parade and manatee count on January 26 in Tampa Bay. Photo by John Sanchez
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist Len Chiacchia mans his post during the 2013 Sector St. Petersburg open house. Close to 60 Auxiliarists volunteered their time in order to assist the Coast Guard with the event. Photo by George Papabeis.
Williams Park, Riverview, Fla. by D. Riley
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Issue 1 Winter 2013
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- A rescue swimmer signals for a retrieval during the 2013 Sector St. Petersburg open house. Photo by George Papabeis
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- PO3 Ferguson looks thoughtfully over her shoulder on the deck of the USCGC Joshua Appleby during the 2013 USCG Open House at Sector St. Petersburg. Photo by George Papabeis.
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Intercom
USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Flotilla 75 Ruskin
Oscar Kramer, Flotilla Commander Flotilla 75 received some local recognition from a search that ended in a successful rescue late in 2012. Two days before Thanksgiving, two boaters battered by winds and waves that eventually overturned their vessel, were seen in the water by persons on shore who put in a call to Station St. Petersburg. They in turn notified Ruskin Radio, which was providing a radio guard for two Flotilla 75 facilities out on a training mission. Legal Limit, owned by Pat Costello, and Gulf Lady, owned by Walt Wagner, were engaged in training exercises near the large spoil islands. Both vessels were quick to respond and headed for the probable search and rescue areas. Legal Limit was first on the scene just off the shore at Apollo Beach and quickly and efficiently rescued the two men in the water. Once aboard and donning life jackets, the two men were secured while Auxiliary crewmembers Ted Cohen, Fred Kramer, Gary Mull and Joe Lamb secured the overturned boat to prevent it from sinking. “Helicopters dispatched by Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg and the sheriff’s department monitored the situation from above while Coast Guard boats, Air Force patrol boats from MacDill, and boats from the sheriff’s Department and Fish and Wildlife aided in the search and stood by to render any additional assistance. “ (SCC Observer, Dec. 13, 2012. Photos submitted by Ray Stewart)
E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin, Fla. by D. Riley
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
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For Corr First Graders, Water Safety is Elementary By Ray Stewart, VFC, FSO-PA 75
A
fter watching a brief video about the rescue ly and occasionally blown out of a boat. of a pygmy sperm whale called ‘Inky the A video of boating bloopers inWhale,’ 128 first graders at Corr Elementro troduced flotilla member Pat tary School in Gibsonton, Fla., enS Stone who showed the stuthusiastically demonstrated their indent d dents how important it is to terests and concerns regarding water n only o not have a life jacket, pollution and water safety. “Where bu ut but a properly fitting one as do whales go to the bathroom?” wel well. “Why do whales think plastic bags are food?” “If I can swim, do I reS She impressed upon the stually need a life jacket?” And the d dents the value of knowing how best question of all, “If you are in to swim and of being confident the water is there still gravity?” ar around the water, but most importan tantly; to always wear a life jacket Teacher Katie Seligson had invited the US w when around bodies of water and Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 to eduin boats. cate eight first grade classes on the dangers
and safety precautions when playing around beachi es, pools, and boats. Ray Stewart, Public Aff Affairs c explained the imporOfficer tanc of having a ‘buddy’ tan tance orr an adult with you at all tim m times around the water. Thh first graders were esThe p pecially interested in how m much garbage gets in the w water. Using a leaf blowerr, Stewart demonstrated er, w garbage is inadvertenthow
GIBSONTON, GIBSO ONTON N, Fla.Fla.Feb. 26, 2013 --Flotilla 75 member Pat Stone helped educate 128 pupils at Corr Elementary School about water safety and the importance of wearing a properly fitting life jacket. Photo by Judy Kramer
Th flotilla members stressed The that all children under the age of six must wear a weight-appropriate life jacket when aboard any boat less than 26 feet in length and while underway, and that even while wearing a life jacket, children and adults may not legally sit at the very bow of the boat. Supplied with ‘Inky the Whale’ coloring books and crayons, ‘Wear It’ life jacket stickers and Coast Guard Auxiliary beads, 128 first graders were better educated about water safety.
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Flotilla 78 Pass-a-Grille
JJim Armstrong, Flotilla Commander Flotilla 78 has conducted three patrols to date. We have checked all our PATONS (private aids to navigation) except for several in Bunces Pass and a small channel known as South Dent. South Dent has become non-navigable for our facility due to the shallow water at its entrance. We had three more patrols scheduled for the remainder of March, but they were cancelled due to sequestration. Luckily, we were able to complete a night navigation mission and most of our division training tasks. Because of the outstanding cooperation and camaraderie within the division, our boat crew qualified members have also been on patrols with other flotillas.
who have little or no experience. Last year, 2012, we started 43 students in our continuous Boating Skills and Seamanship and had 36 graduates. We also had two fewer than 17-year-old students enroll and graduate. Bravo Zulu to all of our Instructors! We also have one AuxChef in our flotilla, Karen Cohen, our Flotilla Vice Commander. She volunteers on the USCGC Joshua Appleby periodically to serve nutritious meals to the crew. ď ? (Submitted by Val Fernandes)
Three of our members participated in the recent Sector St Pete Open House. One of our members attended the Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator training at Flotilla 72 conducted by Gene Keller, and one member attended the recent Human Resources training conducted by Marla Short at Flotilla 72. We thank those involved for the excellent training opportunities they provided! ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Flotilla 78 member Karen Cohen, serves as Our Public Education pro- AUXCHEF aboard the USCGC Joshua Appleby in September, 2012. gram is going strong with Karen is the current Flotilla Vice Commander 78. Coast Guard Auxil15 students. We run a con- iary photograph tinuous Boating Skills and Seamanship program so our instructors are teaching a class every Tuesday of every month throughout the year. The only time they take a break and suspend class is during the Christmas holidays. We feel that the 13-week class, although more taxing on our members, is more educational and more in-depth than the eight-hour class for the boating public Flotilla 78 facility, Thin Blue Line, by Elizabeth Kreiter
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-Flotilla 78 members Keith Anderson, Amanda Davis and Valerie Fernandes on the USCGC Joshua Appleby during the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Open House on March 2, 2013. USCG Auxiliary photograph
Above: Valerie Fernandes caught Miss Marla owned by Rick Short (coxswain) from Flotilla 72 alongside a Coast Guard facility at the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Open House on March 2, 2013. Right: John Sanchez,Flotilla 74 checks for anchored vessels in the restricted zone under the Skyway Bridge from the bow of Gene Keller’s vessel. Flotilla 78 has several crewmembers who crew for other vessels within Division 7. Photo by Valerie Fernandes
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Flotilla 79 Tampa
Paul Cooke, Flotilla Commander
Tw e n t y e i g h t m e m bers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Divisions 7 and 11 and 23 active duty guardians from Sector St. Petersburg attended the Team Coordination Training conducted on March 9, 2013, at Flotilla 79 in Tampa. Amos Johnson facilitated the eight-hour training while Brian Garry, AUXCHEF graduate prepared lunch assisted by his wife, Phyllis, and Flotilla 79 members Tim Teahan, Brian Giacobbe and Kathy Curry. Taken from the course introduction, “Team Coordination Training (TCT) is a program that focuses on reducing the probability for human error by increasing individual and team effectiveness. Safety has long been the Commanding Officer’s responsibility and, until recently, was assumed to be the logical result of finely tuned technical skills. USCG mishap data suggests that while technical skills are an essential component of any job, they alone will not ensure safety.” The training modules include Effective Leadership, Effective Mission Analysis, Adaptability and Flexibility’ Situational Awareness, DecisionMaking, Effective Communication and Assertiveness.
Gandy Boat Ramp, Tampa, Fla. by D. Riley
Top: TAMPA, Fla.--Twenty-eight members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Divisions 7 and 11 and 23 active duty guardians from Sector St. Petersburg attended the eighthour Team Coordination Training conducted on March 9, 2013, at Flotilla 79 in Tampa. Photo by Paul Cooke Lower Image :TAMPA, Fla.--Brian Garry, a graduate of the Auxiliary Chef program (in white hat) prepared lunch for the course attendees. He was assisted by his wife, Phyllis (behind the counter), members Tim Teahan (not shown) and Barry Giacobbe. Linda Churchill (seated) assisted with service. Photo by Tim Teahan
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
Flotilla 79 Rolls Out New Challenge Coin For several years, Flotilla 79 planned a challenge coin. The process, from initial design to final distribution was a lengthy one. While the coin was designed when Tim Teahan was Flotilla Commander, it was Heleyde Aponte who authorized its minting during her term as commander. The coins were delivered late in 2012, and Paul Cooke, Flotilla Commander, was first to make these coins available to the members in January 2013. The coin commemorates our flotilla and its seventy-year history. Members and collectors alike are encouraged to obtain one. Flotilla 79 challenge coins are offered at the reasonable price of $5.00 each. See Paul Cooke, Flotilla Commander to obtain yours today!
In Memoriam Commodore Donald L. Frasch October 1, 1939 - January 13, 2013 Donald L. Frasch, 73, of Hudson Florida died on January 13, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, three children, eight grandchildren and his brother William. Don and Sandy recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on October 6, 2012. Commodore Donald L. Frasch most recently served the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary as Deputy National Commodore, Recreational Boating Safety and LANT Area East 2011-12. He previously served as District Commodore in the Seventh Coast Guard District Auxiliary in 2009-10, District Vice Commodore in 2007-08, and as Division Captain, Division Eleven in 2005-06. Commodore Frasch joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in May of 1985 in District Nine, Eastern Region. While in Rochester, New York, he served as Vice Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 42, Flotilla Commander, Vice Division Captain, Division Four and as Division Captain. He then served three successive District Commodores as Coordinator, Special Projects and as the District Awards Chairman. Upon his retirement in 2000, he relocated to Hudson Florida where he resumed his service to the Auxiliary. He has achieved qualifications as Coxswain, Vessel Examiner, Instructor, and Uninspected Passenger Vessel Examiner. ď –
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport
Donald Hershman, Flotilla Commander Flotilla 7-16 saw a substantial increase in membership in 2012 with the addition of 11 new members and transfers. Many of the new members became aware of the Auxiliary through the About Boating Safely courses they attended while others transferred to Flotilla 7–16 because of the flotilla’s proximity to where they live, and the excellent standards and fellowship set by the Flotilla. Terry Hershman, Flotilla Commander, wants to continue the trend of membership expansion for the next year. “It’s important to keep having new blood come into the flotilla so that 7-16 stays vibrant.” Hershman adds, “The About Boating Safely courses seem to be our number one recruiting tool.” On February 20, Bunny Johnson, Flotilla Staff Officer and Division 7 Staff Officer –Information Services, received her ninth Sustained Service Award. Bunny and husband, Amos Johnson, are new transfers to Flotilla 7-16. (Amos Johnson is, coincidentally, the Immediate Past Division Commander.) Bunny joined the Auxiliary in 1996, is crew qualified, and was the Staff Officer –Information Services when AUXDATA first came online. She also served as Flotilla Vice Commander of Flotilla 79 in 2011. By February, the Program Visitor team completed 92 visits. Our goal this year is 600 visits. In January the Vessel Examination team completed 235 vessel exams for the year. The Vessel Examination team’s goal for this year is 500 vessels. Kathy Clatworthy became 7-16’s twelfth vessel examiner. She received her certification in February.
Right: “New members” (transfers), Amos and Bunny Johnson, at the District Conference. Amos Johnson is the Immediate Past Division Commander 7 while Bunny was the Staff Officer –Information Services when AUXDATA first came online. Photo by D. Riley
Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport, Fla. by D. Riley
Volume V Vo Vol olu lume X lume XXXVI XXVI XX VI
Issue Iss ssue ue 1 Winter Win inte teer 20 2013 1 13
P Page a e 19 ag
Sub Submitted by James Newman, VCDR 7 (and member of Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport)
In 20 2012, Jim Newman and the Auxiliary vessel Laylow, participated in two Coast Guard Comprehensive Law Enforcement and Readiness (CLEAR) training events with cutter crews at Sector St. Petersburg. The images in this photo essay are of the Laylow working with the staff of the USCGC Nantucket. The Aux Auxiliary vessel acted as ‘bad guy’ (hence, no uniforms for Auxiliary crew) and was boarded by a Coast Gua Guard boarding team from the Nantucket. On tthe day of the scheduled training, Newman left Gulfport for Sector St. Petersburg in the wee hours of the m morning. The tide was very low and the Laylow picked up a ghost crab trap (a trap with no marker) in th the middle of the channel. Newman and his crew had to return the quarter of a mile back to his home dock and cancel orders. He then put on a wet suit; dived under the boat and cut the wire mesh trap off the prop prop, changed his clothes, and reopened the orders. Despite the delay and pea-soup fog that morning, the Layl Laylow and its crew still made it to sector on time for the training...and delivered the cupcakes made by spou spouse and Auxiliary member, Becky McCoy (a/k/a “The Admiral”), to the young guardsmen!
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Auxiliary Provides Safety Zone for the
2013 Annual Frogman Swim. By D. Riley, Photos by George Papabeis Like many things in life, the Tampa Bay annual Frogman Swim came about almost serendipitously. First, Sam Farnan, a senior at St. Petersburg Catholic High School who dreamt of being a SEAL, and Terry Tomalin, the outdoors-fitness editor for the St. Petersburg Times, got together with some friends from Clearwater Beach Safety and started making the annual crossing. Tampa Bay Watch, one of Florida’s leading environmental advocacy groups, heard about the swim and in the spring of 1997-1999, staged organized races along the same route. Retired Navy Commander Dan O’Shea, a former SEAL, had mentored Farnan since he was 10-yearsold. O’Shea had the idea to turn the swim into a fun-
draiser for Lt. Dan Cnossen, a SEAL officer who had recently been wounded in Afghanistan. O’Shea enlisted the help of Lt. Mark Lampman, an active duty SEAL, and together the four organized the first Tampa Bay Frogman Swim in 2010. Conditions were harsh – the water temperature hovered in the high 50s – but nearly 40 swimmers managed to make it across the bay and raise thousands of dollars in individual pledges for the injured SEAL and his family. Today, the Frogman Swim is a 5K Open Water Swim and fundraiser in support of the Navy SEAL Foundation. The course runs from Gandy Beach in St. Petersburg to Picnic Island in Tampa. The goal of the annual Continued on page 20
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
Continued from page 20 Frogman Swim is to build national awareness of the Naval Special Warfare community and to become a key fundraiser of the Navy SEAL Foundation by building a premier annual event that challenges athletes with weather conditions similar to SEAL training. They have issued the challenge, “Come swim with the Navy SEALs and help us to ‘never leave a man behind’.” (Read more about the Frogman Swim at: http://www. tampabayfrogman.com/ (Click on the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim logo on previous page for a quick link to their web page.)
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The safety of swimmers is of paramount importance. While the event coordinators provide kayaks to trail the swimmer as well as power vessels along the route, the Coast Guard Auxiliary maintains a safety zone to prevent swimmers or kayaks being run over by recreational boaters. During the 2013 event held on Jan. 13, 2013, the Endurance, was one such vessel. The crew of the Endurance consisted of Joe Lamb, coxswain from Flotilla 79; boat crewmembers Roger Sneden and George Papabeis from Flotilla 74; and Bob Easterday, member of Flotilla 79.
Right: TAMPA BAY, Fla.--Coxswain Joe Lamb prepares to retrieve a floating camera from the bow of the Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel Endurance at the end of the Fourth annual Frogman Swim held Jan. 13, 2013. The crew of the Endurance consisted of Joe Lamb, coxswain, from Flotilla 79; boat crewmembers Roger Sneden and George Papabeis, members of Flotilla 74; and Bob Easterday, member of Flotilla 79. All photos by George Papabeis.
Below: A kayak escort keeps a close eye on his designated swimmer during the 2013 Fourth annual Frogman Swim. The five kilometer endurance swim is conducted every year to build national awareness of the Naval Special Warfare community and acts as a fundraiser for the Navy Seal Foundation.
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Staff Reports Gene Keller, Staff Officer-Communications In February We had a successful radio operator training at Flotilla 72 with over 30 members in attendance. The Division will be taking over radio guards for Auxiliary patrols, including security patrols in the future. See photos and a brief article about our most recent Telecommunications Operator Training in this issue.
Robin Conn, Staff Officer –Communication Services Flotilla 72 delivered a presentation to members on the use of social media to promote interest in their Boating Skills and Seamanship program and to reach out to their members. Gene Keller, Flotilla Commander, discussed the use of Social Media and Standards of Ethical Conduct by Auxiliary members when it comes to Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Flotilla 72 sent out their first “Safe Boating Update” email to about 1,600 email addresses in the flotilla database. Conn is exploring the email program to see if this would be useful to Division 7 and other flotillas Communication Services and Operations are working out a procedure to send password protected mission info in emails to Sector. Examples would include the Rapid Deployment Roster and Monthly Patrol Schedule forms. (Reported by Terry Hickox, ASO-CS)
TAMPA, Fla.--Linda Barnard, Telecommunications Operator from Flotilla 72, and Len Chiacchia , Telecommunications Operator from Flotilla 74 provide radio guard during Gasparilla on January 26, 2013. Photo by John Sanchez, Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator from Flotilla 74, who also staffed Tampa Radio One for the boat parade.
Bunny Johnson, Staff Officer –Information Services Flotilla 72 held a boot camp for new members on Feb 6, 2013. Clifford Holensworth, Flotilla Staff OfficerInformation Services, presented a program for new members on “how to access and fill out commonly used forms”, namely, the 7029 and 7030 forms. Over 35 members attended. Flotillas 75 and 7-16 report all data entered; Flotilla 74 is having some issues with updating 7028 form. This has been reported to District.
Ronald Matz, Staff Officer –Materials Received update on ANSC items of interest and forwarded to All Division 7 flotillas.
David Langdon, Staff Officer –Member Training Member Training initiatives are published throughout this issue.
Clifford Martin, Staff Officer –Operations Division 7 conducted 24 Patrols in January, 13 of which were security patrols. Also included was one qualifying examination mission, which up-graded two
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
Page 23
Staff Reports crewmen to coxswain and recertified one coxswain. On January 24, a coxswain brief was conducted for coxswains and crew that participating in 2013 Gasparilla. The event included facilities from this division as well as from Divisions 8 and 11. The Gasparilla event went well this year with no major problems. Martin thanks all involved who participated.
Tim Teahan, Staff Officer –Public Affairs Prepared and sent news release about Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check Blitz on Sat. and Sun. Jan. 19-20 at Gandy Boat Ramp to help prepare boaters participating in the 2013 Gasparilla Pirate Invasion on January 26. We had three radio interviews promoting the event. Worked with Sector St. Pete Public Affairs Detachment and Response Department to plan and deliver a very successful news conference on Friday Jan. 25 promoting boating safety and vessel checks. Participating agencies included the United States Coast Guard, Auxiliary, Florida Wildlife Commission, Tampa Police Department. and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The Auxiliary provided a boat as background, along with other agency boat. Prepared and sent news release promoting Divisionwide Boating Skills and Seamanship and About Boating Safely courses. Now doing follow-up.
V Directorate Workshops Workshops for either Program Visitors or Vessel Examiners are not mandatory in 2013 but are encouraged to keep our members up to date in the PV and VE areas. Training materials for 2013 may be downloaded at: http:// wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=VDEPT&category=WORKSHOPS or you can also order the V-Directorate Training CD: ANSC No. 2001 A.
Vessel Examiner and Program Visitor Workshops 2013 The following are parts of the 2013 Vessel Examiner Workshop / Program Visitor Workshop and require Microsoft PowerPoint: • 2013 VE/PV Workshop Module 1 - Introduction (PowerPoint 941KB)
Planned Auxiliary involvement in Tampa Boat Show at Tropicana Field March 8-10.
• 2013 VE Workshop Module 2 - VSC Best Practices (PowerPoint 1,213KB)
Worked with Staff Officer–Human Resources and Flotilla 79 command staff to plan and deliver a New Member Boot Camp on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Flotilla 79. Fifteen new and/or prospective membvers attended.
• 2013 VE Workshop Module 3 - OPFAC (PowerPoint 2,632KB) • 2013 VE Workshop Module 4 - PaddleCraft (PowerPoint 4,223KB) • 2013 PV Workshop Module 5 - Visitations (PowerPoint 5,095KB) • 2013 VE/PV Instructor Guide - Instructor Guide (MS Word 46KB) • 2013 VE/PV Workshops - Single Download All Files (ZIP File 10,706KB)
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Staff Reports Tampa Bay Boat Show a Huge Success. Some weekends are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our members to the Auxiliary, and the weekend of March 8, 9, and 10 definitely counted as one! With so many major activities going on simultaneously, one might expect participation at one or more to lag, but each of these events turned out quite successfully. First, there was the Team Coordination Training held on Saturday, March 9 at Flotilla 79. Over sixty active duty and Auxiliary members attended which included trainees, Instructors and other assistants. Also at flotilla 79 as the Information Services Workshop conducted
by Bunny Johnson. On the other side of the bay, Marla Short conducted he Human Resources Workshop. If that were not enough, the Tampa Bay Boat Show was going on at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg Mar. 8-10, 2013. Promoted as “the boating sales event of the season”, this three-day event attracts hundreds of boaters and is a great opportunity to expose them to our boating safety message. The event was organized by Tim Teahan, Staff Officer-Public Affairs, who coincidentally, was also in Tampa for the Team Coordination Training- and, we hear, put in an appearance at the HR Workshop.
Right: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--James Newman, Division Vice Commander and Peter Lore, both from Flotilla 7-16 and Bob Martellucci, Flotilla 75, share boating safety information with members of the public attending the Tampa Bay Boat Show at Tropicana Field, Mar. 8-10 in St. Petersburg. Photo by Franco Ripple, Flotilla 72
Left: Franco Ripple, Flotilla 72; Bob Martellucci, Flotilla 75; Rebecca Mc-Coy, James Newman and Peter Lore, all from Flotilla 7-16, pose for a photo at the Tampa bay Boat Show. Coast Guard Auxiliary photograph
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Volume XXXV
Issue 2 Winter 2012
Staff Reports
Page 25
2013 West Marine Vessel Safety Check Discount Coupons
Information Services Workshop and Update Bunny Johnson, Staff Officer –Information Services Bunny Johnson, Staff Officer-Information Services, held a four-hour Information Services Workshop on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2013. Many topics were covered and all Information Services missions were entered. With the current changes to the form 7028, changes can be entered immediately into AUXDATA. All Flotilla members are asked to update their 7028 forms (login to Auxiliary Directory at https://auxofficer.cgaux.org/, search your name, then select your record to update the “Skills Bank Details” at the bottom of the web form 7028). The Officers from each Flotilla are having difficulty getting people to report hours on 7029. This will be mentioned at next Flotilla meetings and hopefully in publications. The 7029 form is so simple to use and if kept as a favorite, can be updated very easily. Please stress this to all the Division Officers and Flotilla Commanders and Vices. Countless hours were not reported last year, COUNTLESS being the opportune word here, because that is a loss for all the Division. All of us fall under the same set of rules and the hours are to be reported monthly; this is a mission directive. If you have not reported this year, your Information Services officer may still accept your hours, so submit them. An Information Services meeting with Flotilla Commanders and Vices was discussed and a date will be forthcoming. Clifford Holensworth has accepted the job as Assistant -Information Services (ASO-IS). Len Chiacchia, Flotilla Staff Officer-Information Services Flotilla 74, has developed some great training tools for member training, and organizing steps for new members in clear and precise language. I will send up the chain. Great work on his part.(Note: Len Chiacchia's tools were shared by Mike Shea, Division Commander, with other members on March 12, 2013. Ask, if you would like to receive copies.
Great News, the West Marine Vessel Safety Check discount coupon will be continuing in 2013. While this is not an endorsement of West Marine, they do provide a great service to the boater. As in the past, the coupon is only for safety items to pass the Vessel Safety Check. West Marine requires the boater to present a copy of the coupon and the 7012 or 7012A to receive the discount. The coupons can be printed by the Vessel Examiners from the Adobe Acrobat file found at: http://bdept.cgaux.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/westmarine_color.pdf
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Telecommunications Operator Training
“Raddio communicationns in the US Coastt Guard Auxiliarry have unndergonne extensive chhanges in recent years, and continue to evolve. The advent and use of new technologies, the implementation of Rescue 21, the impllementation of GMDS SS (Globbal Maritime Distress and Saffety System), and new roles for the Auxiliary post 9/11, have driven many of these changes. In many areas of the country Auxiliary com mmunicators are functioning as Watchstanders from their fixed or mobile Auxiliary stations, either as a regular shift activity or as ad hoc communicaatorrs. When functioning in this manner, these Auxiliarists arre the voice of the Coast Guard to the boating public.� Frrom the Introduction to Auxiliary Telecomm mm munnic i at a ions Qualification Standard
Volume XXXV
Issue 2 Winter 2012
Right: Tim Teahan, Flotilla 79 and David Rockwell, Flotilla 72 go over a PowerPoint presentation for the Telecommunications Operator Training program. All photos by T. Devilin Parrish, Flotilla 79
For the second consecutive year, Gene Keller, from Flotilla 72, presented the Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator Training program. When he assumed the office of Staff Officer-Communications, he noted the number of members who held only the Radio Watchstander qualification- or no radio communication skills at all, and organized the first Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator Member Training program to remedy the situation. Keller invited members from all Division 7 flotillas to attend and encouraged qualified members to assist as Instructors and Mentors. On Saturday, Feb. 16 all of the course material was presented. The following Saturday, Feb. 23, the students were certified after completing all of the tasks outlined in the Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator Qualifications Standard. This program is quickly becoming a Division 7 “staple�, much as our annual Boat Crew Training Program. Students in the Telecommunications Operator Training Program study the course material.
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2013 Division 7 Telecommunications Operator Training Program Participants Students Jack Satterfield Rick Smith Mark Jaqua Jack Lohman David Perillo Suzanne Hooper Tony Hooper Valerie Fernandes William Zinner Kathryn Clatworthy Dean Hoskin Jim Nelson Gordon Hornby Heleyde Aponte Philip Fronce Alexander Rigby John Mcloughlin Mike Massimini Allan Pinkerton Glen Leroy Gorden Kendrick T.D Parrish T. Devlin
Mentors Oscar Kramer John Sanchez Marvin Bayles Tim Teahan Stan Clark Rick short David Langdon Gene Keller David Rockwell
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Volume XXXV
Issue 2 Winter 2012
Page 29
Sector St. Petersburg Open House Photos
O
n Mar. 2, 2013, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., hundreds of Tampa Bay residents “experienced a day in the life of local Coast Guard members” when Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg held its annual Open House and invited the public to witness aerial and on the water demonstrations and tour its vessels. The day of events was sponsored in part by the Tampa Bay Navy League and supported by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary including members of Division 7. From Captain Dickinson: “I want to thank all of you who had a hand in making our second annual Sector St. Petersburg Open House a huge success! ... All of the involved units showcased their units, their assets, and their operations with pride, giving tours, conducting demonstrations, answering questions, and providing information about the Coast Guard to nearly 900 visitors…. “We would not have been able to put on this event without the tremendous support from our Auxiliary shipmates. Nearly 60 Auxiliarists worked for weeks to coordinate safety and security for the event, and they stood their posts throughout the base, exhibiting great pride and professionalism. Keeping the event safe for the public and our personnel was my highest priority, and we opened our doors for over 5 hours without a single incident. Well done! I also appreciate the determination and dedication of our auxiliary facilities that were out on the water all day, maintaining a secure perimeter to allow the demonstrations to be conducted safely….” May the photographs on these pages convey in images what we fail to commit through text.
Top left: Visitors checking out an HH 65 C Dolphin from Air Station Miami. Top right: Darren Hart with CAPT. Dickinson, Commander, Sector St. Petersburg. Photos provided by Darren Hart
Above: Miss Marla comes alongside a Coast Guard Response Boat-Medium during the Open House at Sector. Photo by Valerie Fernandes Photos in collage: HH 65 C Dolphin by Valerie Fernandes Miss Marla smoke demonstration by George Papabeis USCGC Joshua Apply by george Papabeis ; Dean Hoskin, Flotilla 72 by George Papabeis, Allure from Flotilla 72 by Valerie Fernandes. Background: Deck of the USCGC Joshua Appleby shot from above by Val Fernandes
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
No Camera?
Take Out that Smartphone! By D. Riley
W
hat do camera phones have to do with to well-known organizations and publications like Digital Photography School, Outdoor Photographer, New York Institute of Photography, and National Geographic? These institutions publish photographs taken with camera phones and print articles on how to improve photography using camera phones.
mo your photos to a PC often.) move Just like with a regular camera, three of the mos most important considerations when taking p photos with a camera phone are focus, lighting, aand composition.
• Focus: Don’t move when taking the photo. Experiment with how best to hold the phone when taking pictures. Because camera phone sizes and the size of hands differ vastlyNational Geographic, known the world over for and because people are both left and right handed, there its stunning photography states, “In capable hands, a camera phone—the most widely used kind of camera in is no “right” way to hold the phone. What is important history—can produce compelling images”. They even is that you are able to hold the camera still while tapping the shutter button. publish tips for how to take pictures with a camera phone and have pub• Lighting determines how much lished an entire book on the subject. d detail the camera captures. Camera p phones have built-in flashes, which Whether you use an iPhone or Anw work best at close range but produce droid, smartphones now take pictures l limited light. Unlike with a camera, up to eight megapixels, but just like o one cannot increase the ISO to ina regular camera, the final image is c crease sensitivity to light, so it is best considerable less that size. This is bet to make sure that the available light is cause a JPG is a compressed image, s cient. suffi and because the image size is dependent upon the amount of detail captured by the camera. Some third-party photo applications also affect the size of the photograph. The best way to get good, detailed pictures is to check the phone’s photo application and adjust the settings. Change the output resolution to full resolution-or the largest size available.
• Composition is often the most n neglected aspect of picture taking. H Hint: when shooting a person or group o people, do not place faces in the of c center focus ring. Depending upon d distance, the center focus ring should b be lower- somewhere between your subject’s upper arms and belt lines. This eliminates the ‘dead’ space over your subject’s heads. Also, apply the rule of thirds. A good article about the rule of thirds and how to use it is available on the Digital Photography School website.
How the photo is shared also affects the image size. With an iPhone, you can send photos via email or multimedia message (MMS). (MMS is not available with first generation iPhones.) When you send photos through MMS, you cannot choose the size; your iPhone automatically The important thing is to take that photograph! Photo resizes and optimizes your photo. For this reaon, shar- editing programs can adjust lighting and composition. ing/sending photos via email is preferred. Focus on just getting the photo… and have fun! Whether you use an iPhone or an Android, when you share an image using email, some email programs automatically resize images as well. Some email services like Gmail and Yahoo do not automatically resize images. (By the way, storage on cell phones is limited, so to be sure that you have enough room on your camera,
National Geographic on Photo Gallery: How to Take Camera Phone pictures: http://photography.nationalgeographic. com/photography/photo-tips/camera-phone-photos/ Digital Photography School on Rule of Thirds: http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds
Volume XXXV
Issue 2 Winter 2012
Page 31
Big Bend Power Station’s
Manatee Viewing Center
Education Center
Manatee Observation Deck.
Coastal Habitat Trail
Butterfly Garden Story on page 32
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Big Bend Power Station’s Manatee Viewing Center Text and photos by D. Riley perience viewing the manatees, but also to offer increased environmental education about Florida coastal areas. Since its opening nearly thirty years ago, over two million visitors have passed through the Manatee Viewing Center. Come see Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station and the Manatee Viewing Center from the “other” side and learn about Florida’s coastal environment. Best of all, parking and admittance are free.
Big Bend Power Station, Apollo Beach, Fla. -- The only view that most Auxiliarists ever have of the power plant is from the water. (Wikimedia Commons image. Permission granted to copy, distribute, and/or modify this
Tampa Electric Big Bend Power Plant
document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.)
APOLLO BEACH, Fla.--Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station is a familiar sight to Auxiliary members who conduct security patrols in Tampa Bay. The plant is a well-guarded security zone, and from the water, one sees only the stacks and scrubbers, the docks where the barges bring in the coal, the coal unloading facility, and the mounds of limestone that will be converted into gypsum during the combustion process. In short, the only view most Auxiliarists ever have of the power plant is the industrial side, but there is another side to the Big Bend Power plant that is best reached by land. By land, one still sees the stacks and scrubbers, but what cannot be missed are the buildings housing the gift shop and education center. Boardwalks and decks connect the buildings to the observation deck from which the manatees are viewed. There is a picnic shelter, rest rooms, and the South Shore Café. There is also a butterfly garden, a 900-foot tidal flat walkway, and a habitat trail which passes through three distinctly different types of coastal ecosystems. In the winter months, when the water temperatures drop below 68 degrees, the manatees flock to the warm water discharge canal beside the power plant. This has always drawn people curious to see these magnificent creatures, and in 1986, Tampa Electric Company opened the Manatee Viewing Center. Today, Big Bend’s discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold and allows visitors to watch these unique, gentle animals. The center is continually being improved not only to provide the public a more enjoyable ex-
Manatee Viewing Center Address: 6990 Dickman Rd. Apollo Beach, FL 33572 Phone: (813) 228-4289
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Open: Nov. 1 through April 15 (closed Thanksgiving, at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter)
Admission: Free Parking: Free Use the interactive Manatee Viewing Center Web cam West: http://tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/webcamwest/
Volume XXXVI
Issue 1 Winter 2013
The “other” side of Big Ben Power Station Top: Boardwalks connect the Gift Shop and Education Center to the Manatee Observation Decks. Right: The observation decks are filled with visitors every day that the Manatee Viewing Center is open to the public. Below: One of the three coastal habitats through which the trail passes is a “saltern” or salt flat, characterized by low growing vegetation.
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USCG Auxiliary
Division 7, District 7
Parting Shots...
Top left: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--A young visitor sits in the captain’s chair of the Coast Guard Cutter Joshua Appleby during the 2013 Sector St. Petersburg open house. Photo by George Papabeis Top right: Tampa waterfront. Josh Dargoltz from Flotilla 79 is a frequent camera phone user. See article on page 30. Right: The Coast Guard Cutter Alligator passes the privateer sail ship Lynx during the 2013 Gasparilla Pirate invasion. Photo by George Papabeis. PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
The Privacy Act of 1974 protects names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses of Auxiliary 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 express 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.