Intercom, Summer 2022

Division 7 Tampa Bay USCG Auxiliary Summer 2022

INTERCOM

Newsletter for Division 7 Tampa Bay, District 7, USCG Auxiliary Summer 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 Woolsy,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 Communication Services Diversity Finance

Auxiliary Food Service Information Services

Human Resources Materials

Marine Safety Member Training Navigation Systems Operations

Public Affairs

Publications

Public Education

Partner Visits

Secretary Vessel Examinations

Auxiliary Scouting Program

Howard Bush , SO-CM Robert Witty, SO-CS John Kline, SO-DV Catherine Campbell-Heroux, SO-FN Patrick McAlvey, SO-FS John Robbins, SO-IS Rick Hockinson, SO-HR Anthony Hooper, SO-MA John Laurent, SO-MS Rollin Shouse III, SO-MT Anthony Hooper, SO-NS Anthony Novellino, SO-OP Daniel Helou, SO-PA Dorothy Riley J. , SO-PB James Fogle, SO-PE D. Terry Hershman, SO-PV Anne-Marie Woolsey, SO-SR Raymond Langley, SO-VE 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: American flag and Coast Guard Auxiliary ensign flying on a vessel’s stern taken from the photographer’s dock in St. Pete Beach. Photo by Valerie Fernandes, Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach

“If you want to move up – you should show up. And remember, of all the “abilities” the Auxiliary is looking for – the most critical need is “availability!”

Divi v sion Commander

Chhief f of Staff Districct 7, Breeze, S Spring 2021 –

As we approach the e upcoming flotilla, division, and disstrict election seaason, , we sh s ould all be asking ourselves ho h w we can usse our owwn personal exxperience, influencce, and edducatiion to help preserve e ouur r plaace as a true “force multipl p ier” foor the Coast Guard. As Joohn Holmes stated – ‘everyyth t ing staarts at the flotilla.’

beeaann-counterrs. All ll of f us are immpo p rtant and necessary y to c creeate and sustain the Auuxiliary in n our support mission.

Someetimmees, it t simpply cannot be e said betteer: r

“In my o i pi i nion, f for both our seasoned and new members, the mo m st influenti t al a positions ressidde in our ur flotilla leadership. Me Membber e in i vollvemenntt, moor l alee, and partici c patiion on within the Auxiliary y are ennti t re r ly l bas a d ed on the skkill and supp p ort of flotilla leadership. Leade ers ar a e reminded that mentoring, co c aching and ongoing outreach to membeers ha h ve never been more important t a and wi w ll define the future of the Auuxiliaary r ” – John Holmes

At the flotilla, you o quite liter e ally join the team m and begin n to define the roles you will l evven et tu l ally l pla l y in the “big picturre” of youur r Au Auxi x li l ary service. Some i will chohooosse e a addmini n sttrative paths: rec e orrdds, human reesourceess, pub u lications, websites, pubblic c affairs, finance; others cannot waait i to serve as vessel examineerrs, or prrogram m i vi i sito t rs; stilll ot othehers r wilill loook o to o the e sciences of f m marine e s f af t et e y y, poll t utiion controol, public edduccaation claassess, na naviiga g tion aidids; s; annd of course – o on the water er operatiions, ma marinne operationnss, search h and d rescue, , event security zones, coordination n with CGAS Clearwater for C-130 drops and rendezvous…the list goes on. Some of us are “action figures;” others of us are teachers, educators, and

M My sev e en years in the Au A x xiliary havve taught me one e verry y b basic rule – you must show up – to go up. Taking an “active” e” rolle e in your flotilla is the pathhwway y to o everything you hoped to o ga gain n by joining. Personalllyy, I simmply y tried to fill whatever er role the leadership p told me was s neeedd ed Thhiis s is whherre me m ntorrsh s ip p is criticcaal. Whahattevver you de desi s re to accoommplisshh, thhere are e shipmates w whho will l walk k with you, at every s e te t p p.

I had seaassoonned membeerrs walk me throuuggh h whate t ver p poosiittion

I waas s as askkeed to fill. Commbinneed with the e onnlinne training g thaat t was availaablblee, I was a givven morre an and moorre respons n ibbiilliittyy.

R Reeme m m mber, thheere is no o “r “raank” i in n thhe Auxiliaary…the h re e is o only seelflesss s serrvi v ce

If yoou u want t to o movove e up – you h sh s o ould d shhow upp. Annd d remmem ebeerr, of f a all the “aabbilliti t es” the e Au Auxiliary is l loooking fo f r – thhe mo m st s criticaal l need is “avvaaiilabbilityy!” Ω

Sempper r Paratuus Daniieel l Helou, , CMMDRDR, Division n 7

FROM THE HELM

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

Daniel Helou

D

It is s an abs b olute e privilege to b be a paart of f Divvisioon 7. We have e so many taleenteed pe p ople thhroughout the flotillas involved in doonating their time, talentss, and efforts to make this such a stroong and n resourcef e l ul divisionn.

Ou O r flottiilllla commmaanders, vice e commmaannders, staff officers, and memmbbeers are coonncceerned about wo w rkkining alongsgsidde e the Coast G Guuard for ouur r coommmunity and coouunntryy. I havve e h had the honor of beinng pa p rt of s suuch a wonderful organnization

Ou Our r flot o illas h have risen n abbove t thhe e pa p ndemmiic c and stayed s sttrong througghhout these last two y yeears. Worki k n ng g with outstanding leadership p throughout my care r er has tauaugh g t me that th t ere is s sttrength in n num u bers Each c flotilla brings to o the h tabablle itts own unniqquue set of taalleennts t thhat a can be shared to hellp p deevvelop p strength throoughouut our r divvisiioonn. Dan Heloou, Division Coomm m an andeer, , and I ar a e working wi w th eacach flotilla an a d spreading t thos o e m many t talennts across the boa o rd.

M My message for new w memmbebers rs jooininng us u is s to find an n area offerreed b by the Auxiliary that t innte t rest s s yo y u and get involvved d No one e sccorres points by y sittinng on o the sidel e i ines. Both Daan and d I staarte t d by y becoming ceertified

Vesssel Examiners. My interres e t th t en took me into Cr C ew T Trainingg, and I later r became a Coxswain. This s upcoming yearr, I aim to havve a more actively invvollved membership in all aspects of our flotillas. Therre e are a lot t of opporrtunities offered, an a d we are e loooking for people to step up p and take ownership of the programs we offer.

I am thankful for the maany y staff officeers within our flotillas and their haard worrkk, dedication, and leeadership We e are forrce multipliers for the Coast Guardd, and it takes teamwork to make e this division great!!

I am excited about the future and look forward to workking g wi w th you this yearr.Ω

“Each flotilla br b ings s to o the tablle itts s own unique set of talenntts thaat t can be shared to help develolop strength t thr h oughout ou o r diviisiion.”

Hoskin Division Vice Commander

Dean

De D an William Hoskin Vice Commandder Division 7

Division 7 National Safe Boating Week Activities

Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg

James Fogle, member of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg co-hosted the 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. “Reel Animals Fishing Show” on Sunday, May 22 to represent the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and discuss National Safe Boating Week. The radio show is broadcast live from WDAE, iHeart station, 95.3 FM, and 620 AM radio in Tampa. Fogle is a frequent guest on the show and promotes boating safety. Ω

Flotilla 74, Brandon nrt

Membbers s of o Flotilla 74, Brrandon con ducted their m j ajor r eveent n Sunday, May 22 at Williams Park booat ramp by condu d cting vessel examination o s and reemi m nd n ing all boaterrs to wear life jackets, brush up p on boating saafety skill l s s, and preeppare f foor thhe e bo t at a i ing season

Na Nati t onnal a Safe Boating Weeek is s the annnu n al kick-off of the e Safe Boatting Ca C mppaiggn, a glob o a al awareness effor that encououragges boaters to make t moost s of f t their r bo b ating adventtuure by b beinng responsiible. e

While e on o ly a few w memmbers s conducted vesse s l exxam a innattions n , other e s came m out t in ci c viliian a clothhiinng wearing g liife jackeets s to o help spr p ead the e “WWeaear r It” life f ja j cket t camampa p iggn n messagge e an and d to shoow w su supppport for r their fellow w mem e bers s

Charles Hayes, a member f of Flotiil

14-22, Arlilinngton was a also o preressent. Hayes, an Au A xi x l liaary y Pad a dle Craft innst s ructtor o , came from Jackksosonnv ville thhe e day before e to trai a n Clark k P Pitttmaman dlle craaft ft safety wiith his kay a ak and ayed d to particcipate in our u Naational Sa S f fe Boaating Week evvennt. t Thank you, Mrr. Hayes.

padd s sta Van t he la a

a Laangngle l y, Beac c

Participants inccluluded: Monty t Montanez, Chhaarlees Hayes, Dorothy Riley, Aug u usst t M Millerr, C Chharlotte Miller, Hilaari r o Be B niteez R Riveera, George Hum u phrey, Dugleles (DDJ) Peteers, Cllaark k P Pittman, Laurence ndeyarr, Chhri r s Alexan a deer, and n Ray ay a memmbe b r of Flo l tillla 755, Ap Apolllo o h. h Ω

Captions: August Miller and his wife (not shown) came out wearing a life jacket to show support for Flotilla 74, Brandon members conducting Vessel Safety Checks.

Hilario Benitez Rivera and Charles Hayes supervised Clark Pittman in conducting the Vessel Safety Checks required to earn his Vessel Examiner qualification. Photos by Dorothy Riley

Jim Fogle, Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg with Captain Mike Anderson from “Reel Animals Fishing Show” on iHeart radio. (Photo from May 2019 provided by Jim Fogle)

Division 7 National Safe Boating Week Activities

Flotilla 77, Polk County

Gilbert Thomas, Flotilla Vice Commander 77, Polk County accepts a National Safe Boating Week Proclamation from Winter Haven city commissioners James Powell and Brian Yates, and Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong Jr. Photo source: Winter Haven Facebook page

Flotilla 777, Poolk Couunty con o ducted d Veesseel Sa S f fety y Cheheckks s at a Lake Shipp p Bo B at Rammp in Winteer r Ha H ven, Floridaa. Gi G lb l ert Thomas, Flotilla a Viice Co C mmandeerr, organizzed e and receeived at least haalf f a dozen Nattional Safe f Boat a ing Week e proocclamations from cities s and d go g vern r ment n age g ncies within n their area of o responsibility Theese include Polk l Countty y Board of County y Commisssionerrs Bartow, the City of Lake Wales, the e City of f Winter Haven, City y of Sebbriinng, City y of f Lakkeelannd, and Haaines City. Poolk k Co Coun u ty Fire Deepa p rtmeent deelivered a Pubbliic Serviice c Annououncem e ennt recognnizing g N Nationonaal l Saf a e Boating Week and V Vessseel Safety Checks k were pe p rformed on Pol o k C County Sheriff Department t vess s el e s. Ω

Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach

On O Saturday, May a 21, dururinng th t e first day y of o thhe Nattioonnal Boating Sa Safetty Weeek, k, Flotilla 78, St t Pette Beaach h paarticipated d in a Vessseel Exaaminers bliittz z event from m 8:00 a.m. to 11 11:000 0 a a.m. at t t the Veetteraanns’ Meemmorial l Booaat t Raammp loocated d in Made d i ira a Beeaach, h Flo i ridada. Flotilla 78 8 recceeivved two o N National Safe Booaating we w ek k letters of procla l ma m tiioons f from John B. Hendrrickks, M Mayor of the City of M Maade d ira Beach, and Al Johns son, Mayor of St. Pete Beach, Florida. Plus, our volunteers placed a dozen of Wear Your Life Jacket signs across our community ramps. Special thanks to Wally Behrendt, Flotilla Staff

Offic ceer–Vessel Exa i minations (VE)), who o or orgaanized the V VE blitzes, and Brenda Burgerr, Flootilla Staff Officer–Informattion Se S r rvices who organized the visit with the mayor. Many thanks to all the Flotilla 78 Vessel Examiners and members who participated in these notable events! Ω

Reprinted from Scuttlebutt, the newsletter for Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach, Anne-Marie Woolsey, editor

Left: Orrie Baffi, a member of Flotilla 78, St. Petersburg, staffs the Auxiliary information table set up for the May 21 National Safe Boating Week event at the Veteran’s Memorial boat ramp. Photo provided by Wally Behrendt.

Annene-M-Mar a ie i Woolsey

Division 7 National Safe Boating Week Activities

Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport

City of Gulfport council member presents a proclamation declaring May 21-27 National Safe Boating Week to Howard Bush, Flotilla Vice Commander; Martin Richardson, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Education; and William Zinner, Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport.

Division 7 Member, George Papabeis Photographs Division 8 NSBW Event.

Background photo: Stephane Aich-Unsplas, license free to use)

Photo provided by Howard Bush

George Papabeis’ photo videography skills are widely appreciated. Toni Borman, District Captain-West recruited him to photograph and film the visit by Captain Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of Auxiliary to Station Cortez June 27, 2022, as well as Division 8 National Safe Boating Week events on May 24 in Sarasota.

Flanked by Sarasota area law enforcement, members of the Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers are Toni Borman, District Captain-West, and Jonathan Laronge, Staff Officer-Public Affairs Division 8. Photo by George Papabeis, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs Flotilla 74, Brandon

Division 7 National Safe Boating Week Activities

Planning a Successful National Safe Boating Week:

NSBW 2023

Dorothy Riley

What? 2023? This year’s event is less than 60 days in our rear-view mirror!

Tooo ofteen, ouur memmbe b rs r do not think k abouut or p plan Naational Saafe e Boa o ting g Weeek acctivvities unnttil i Marchh, or possibbly l as late as April or early y Maayy. Conducting Vessseel S Safety Checks is a goood d ac a tivity y t to o includee, bu b t it i should d not be e the e only y fallback evvent. The secoond n moost poopular r ac a tivi v ty is s securing Naationnal al Saafe Booating Week k proclaammations s froom loccaal go gove v rnment agenciees. s This r requirees somme addvavancce plan a ning: conttactting g the h agency y a and often offering sample e ve v rbbiage g , scheduliing ng a d daate te to receive the e pr p o oclamaation, an a d innvvitinng the e agency to crreeate a medediia evvent to o innccrease visibility. A teemmplate proocclam a ation ca c n b be found at: https://safeboatingcampaign.com/resources/ national-safe-boating-week-toolkit/ T Thhe N Nationonal Safe Boatinng C Council suggests seve eral add d ittioonaal evennts: Weear a Your L Life Jacckeet t at a Woorrk k D Day, Readyy, S Set, Weear It 202022 Li L fe Jackckeet Saffeety, y, and bo b a ating saafe f ty messages foor each day duriing n the week.

In past years, some flotillas and divisions got quite creative. They scheduled media events that included the participation of Coast Guard and our law enforcement partners and arranged for the Coast Guard boat-

inng sa s fety officeer to bring theiir r v van. Passt t s speciaal activi v ties also included arrraanging g foor the Floorida De D partment nt of f Tr T ansppor o t tation n to flas a h b boaating g saafeety meessages ovver Flolorridda highwayys.

What t you can n accommplissh is s lim i ited d only to your imag a inatioon a and mooti t v vation! Include yo y ur Publiic c Affairs officeer r buut t don’t leave all of the wor o k to h him/he h r. Foorm a National Safe Boating Week coommmmit i t tee. After e braainnstorming ideas, set goalls, s d defin ne e an actition pllan, a d nd be clleaar r ab a ou o t who will l do whhaat.

Ready, Set, Plan It! Let’s make 2023 our best year ever for National Safe Boating Week activities. Ω

Explore https://safeboatingcampaign.com/ for National Safe Boating Week and other boating safety resources.

Chief Director of Auxiliary Visits Station Cortez Members of

Division 7 Participated in Event.

iliary; Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety, and Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety, toured Station Cortez within Division 8, and several members of Division 7 were invited to participate.

Capt. Troy P. Glendye, toured Station Cortez, on June 28 with Senior Chief William Flores, officer-in-charge of Station Cortez, David Rockwell, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator Sector St Pete, and Chris Juall, Auxiliary Unit Coordinator, Station Cortez.

The events included a visit with Auxiliary Watchstander Murry Price from Flotilla 84, Sarasota, a visit to the galley with cook Joe Silva, a Auxiliary Food Service culinary assistant from Flotilla, 75, Apollo Beach, a dockside demonstration of life jacket inspection by Peter Russell from Flotilla 81 Manatee, and a rescue and survival systems officer.

Capt. Glendye observed two tow evolutions; a long tow and side-byside tow with Auxiliary facility “Niche II” and a Coast Guard Response Boat-Small II (RB-S II). The coxswain and facility owner of “Niche II” is Zachary Tapp, a member of Flotilla 82, Longboat Key, with crew members Charles Mills Flotilla 87, Englewood, and Amber Porter, from Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg. Porter is an Auxiliary University Program cadet, and intern with sector Officer Candidate School. Also aboard the Auxiliary facility was George Papabeis, a member of Flotilla 74,

ffi

Background photo: Stephane Aich-Unsplas, license free to use)

George Papabeis, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Affairs, Flotilla 74

A distinguished guest visited St. Petersburg on June 28.

Captain Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of Aux-

Brandon the o

cial event photographer.

Amber Porter, from Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg and an Auxiliary University Program cadet, and Captain Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of Auxiliary listen to the pre-mission brief aboard the Auxiliary facility “Niche II”. Photo by Auxiliarist George Papabeis.

Coxswain Zachary Tapp from Flotilla 82, Longboat Key heaves a bow line during a “side by side” towing evolution as Captain Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of Auxiliary, tours Station Cortez, Florida. Photo by Auxiliarist George Papabeis.

(Continued from page 10).

After the completion of the towing demonstrations, the crew of “Niche II’ provided Capt. Glendye an area familiarization tour.

Capt. Glendye remarked, “I am continually impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the Auxiliarists every time I have the opportunity to visit flotillas around the Coast Guard. The Auxiliary is truly a force multiplier for the Coast Guard, and I am forever grateful for their contributions. It is clearly evident that Station Cortez has an amazing partnership with the Auxiliary and is always looking for ways to further integrate the Auxiliary into Coast Guard missions and support.”Ω

Captain Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of Auxiliary shakes hands with culinary assistant Joe Silva from Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach. Captain Glendye thanked Mr. Silva for his service and commented on the invaluable contribution that Auxiliary Food Service offers to the US Coast Guard. Photo by Auxiliarist George Papabeis.

Auxiliary Youth Programs: Sea Scouts

The Coast Guard Auxiliary has adopted the Boy Scouts of America’s Sea Scout program as its official youth program. The Sea Scouts are a program for young men and women ages 14 (or 13 years of age and completed the eighth grade) through 20.

Sea Scouts provide a program for religious, fraternal, educational, and other community organizations to use for effective character, citizenship, and mental and personal fitness training for youth. As part of this training, Sea Scouts are expected to develop personal religious values, learn the principles of American heritage and government, and acquire skills that will prepare them to become successful adults.

All Sea Scouts and Sea Scout leaders are automatically Associate Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association. Any Sea Scout who is at least 14 years old or a Sea Scout leader may also choose to become full member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by following the normal application process.

The national Auxiliary-Sea Scout Youth Development (AUXSCOUT) Program Standard Operating Procedures outlines how Auxiliarists are to work with Sea Scout youth and adult members, whether or not they are also Coast Guard Auxiliarists. National program oversight is provided by the Auxiliary’s Youth Programs Division. Auxiliary Districts will have District Staff Officers - AUXSCOUT (DSO-AS), and divisions will have Staff Officers - AUXSCOUT (SO-AS).

Sea Scouts can join the Auxiliary at 14 and yes, they may have limited duties including some staff officer positions until they reach the age of 17.

Sea Scouts must follow the same recruiting process as any other Auxiliary member. Jim Roche, (BM1 USCG Retired), Sea Scout Ship 172 Skipper and District Staff Officer-Auxiliary Scouts, encourages flotillas, divisions, and districts to waive or sponsor the scouts’ dues until they attain 17 years of age.

For more information about the Auxiliary Sea Scout program visit the Auxiliary Human Resources page below. You may also contact Stephen Browning, Staff Officer-Auxiliary Scouts.

Source: Auxiliary Human Resources page: https:// wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=H-DEPT&category=auxiliary-youth-programs

If the link to the video does not open, go to: https:// youtu.be/pWbPloxqC8o

Independence Day Parade Gulfport

“YYou u have e to t lovve e a nattiioon that t ce celeebr b at a es itts s innddepennde d nce e ev e ery y July y 4, , n not t wiith th a parad a e of gununss, , taannksks, an a d sooldiers s who o file by y th the White Hoouuse e in n a shohow w of sttrreennggtth h and muscl c e, but t with h f faami m ly y piiccnnics cs whheere kidds s th thrroow w Friisbbeees, the e potato sallad a getts s iffy, a annd d the e flieies d die e f froom m hapappineness s . You may th t ink k yoou u h have ve ovveereaten, but t it is s patrriiootiissmm.” ” .

— Erma Bombeck c

Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport participated in the July 4th parade. Howard Bush’s vessel served as a float in the annual parade that celebrates our country’s independence. Pictured are William Zinner, Flotilla Commander; William Ackerman, Ellie Zinner, and Martin Richardson with flag waver Marlene Bush. Photo provided by Howard Bush

Phhoto o subbmitted by y How o ard Bussh, Flotillla 7--166, Gulfporort

FWC Approves Derelict Vessel Turn-in Program.

FWC Commissioners Approve Final Rule Establishing A Vessel Turn-In Program As Part Of Derelict Vessel Prevention Efforts.

At its July meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved the final rule establishing a statewide Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) as part of the Derelict Vessel Prevention Program. The new rule will create a voluntary program to remove at-risk vessels before they become derelict, which helps Florida’s environment and public safety.

The Division of Law Enforcement’s Boating and Waterways Section is spearheading a multi-year effort to dramatically reduce the backlog of derelict vessels currently on Florida’s waters. These vessels cause the destruction of valuable seagrass resources and endanger marine life. They also threaten human life, safety, and property as they drift on or beneath the surface of the water or block navigable waterways, posing a navigational hazard to the boating public.

Recent legislation enables the FWC to create a Derelict Vessel Prevention Program, and the VTIP is one component of the FWC’s approach to derelict vessel prevention.

“Commissioners receive numerous contacts from the public about derelict vessels and I know the establishment of this new program will really make a differ-

ence,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Thanks to the efforts of Senator Ben Albritton, Representative Josie Tomkow, Representative Jay Trumbull, and Senator Kelli Stargel, we’ve received the resources and the legislative support to make this program a reality.”

Derelict vessels are more costly and complicated to remove than at-risk vessels. A VTIP will prevent vessels from becoming derelict by removing them from the state’s waters when they are at risk of becoming derelict, which will result in cost savings for taxpayers and ultimately fewer DVs appearing on Florida waters. The VTIP is designed to allow owners of vessels at risk of becoming derelict the ability to voluntarily turn the at-risk vessel over to the state for removal and destruction.

“Derelict vessels are a priority for the FWC. Establishing the Vessel Turn-In Program provides a voluntary pathway for owners to remove at-risk vessels from the water before becoming derelict, thereby reducing future costs of removal. Removing at-risk vessels from Florida’s waterways before they become derelict is not only a win for the environment but also for public safety, taxpayers, and the vessel owners,” said Col. Roger Young, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. Ω

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission bulletin dated July14, 2022

Derelict and abandoned vessels are marine debris that blight and contaminate Florida’s marine environment. To surrender or report derelict vessels, the FWC can be contacted by phone at 850-488-5600 or by email through their website: http://myfwc.com/. Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Marine Debris Program.

Sector St. Petersburg Change of Command

Ann-Marie Woolsey

Coast Guard Sector St. Peterburg command staff commence change of command ceremony procedures to welcome Capt. Michael Kahle as the new commanding officer of the Sector, Jul. 08, 2022. The event ensures the continuity of leadership and operations within the sector’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ayla Hudson)

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg held a change of command ceremony on July 8, 2022, at the Port of Tampa. Captain Michael Kahle relieved Captain Matthew Thompson as the commander of Sector St. Petersburg. “The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition. It represents a total transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from one individual to another.” After the ceremony, Commandant Karl Schulz presided over Captain Thompson’s retirement ceremony who retired after 30 years of service. According to the USCG, “Sector St. Petersburg’s area of responsibility covers more than four hundred miles of Florida coastline from Apalachicola Bay to Everglades City and includes Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Sector’s crew conducts marine environmental protection, marine safety, and maritime security operations, while also providing logistical support and operational control for Coast Guard units conducting search and rescue and maritime law enforcement missions.”

Reprinted from Scuttlebutt, newsletter for Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach, May-July 2022 issue, Anne-Marie Woolsey, editor

Above: Dean Hoskin, Division Vice Commander, and Dan Helou, Division Commander 7 pose with retiring Sector St. Petersburg commander, Capt. Matthew Thompson.

Below: Admiral Karl Schutz presided over the St. Petersburg Change of Command ceremony. Photos provided by United States Coast Guard

Change of Command: USCG Air Station Clearwater

Anne-Marie Woolsey

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater held a Change of Command ceremony on June 29, 2022. The command for the air station was transferred from outgoing Commanding Officer Captain Joseph T. McGilley to incoming Commanding Officer Captain Scott S. Phy This ceremony represents “the transfer of absolute authority and responsibility for a military unit of the United States and its assigned missions.”

Rear Admiral Brendan C. McPherson, Coast Guard Seventh District Commander, presided over the event. Many Auxiliary members from Division 7 attended the ceremony or served as Auxiliary Food Service culinary assistants.Ω

Reprinted with edits from SCUTTLEBUTT, May-July issue, newsletter for Flotilla 78 St. Pete Beach, Anne-Marie Woolsey, editor

Top: RADM Brendan C. McPherson, Commander Coast Guard District 7 presents an award to CAPT Joseph T. McGilley, outgoing Commanding Officer Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater. Photo provided by Brenda Burger

Below: Auxiliary members attend the change of watch at Air Station Clearwater June 29, 2022. Pictured left to right are Dean Hoskin Division 7 Vice Commander; Murray Price Division 8 Commander; Dan Helou Division 7 Commander; Charles Lambeth, Auxiliary Unit Coordinator, Air Station Clearwater; Paulette Parent, Division Chief, Culinary Assistance Program; John Holmes, District 7 Chief of Staff, Toni Borman (District Captain-West; Kevin Wilcox, Auxiliary Air Coordinator, Air Station Clearwater; Tony Novellino Immediate Past Division 7 Commander; David Rockwell, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Sector St. Petersburg; Ron Howington, Immediate Past Auxiliary Sector Coordinaror, Tom Bamford, Immediate Past District Captain-West. Photo provided by USCG.

Background photo: Stephane Aich-Unsplas, license free to use)

and Deb Mallory (June 2022).

America’s Waterway Watch

John Robbins, Flotilla 75. Apollo Beach

America’s Waterway Watch (AWW), a combined effort of the Coast Guard, its Reserve and Auxiliary components, continues to grow, enlisting the active participation of those who live, work or play around America’s waterfront areas. All Coast Guard personnel concentrate on connecting with businesses and government agencies and building AWW awareness with recreational boating

Report Suspicious Activity

Always remember that people are not suspicious. Behavior is!

Am I witnessing a threat or a crime?

Most of us have found ourselves wondering this at some time or other. However, because we are not sure, we tend to ignore what we have just seen, and, hoping it wasn’t so, we continue about our business. Before September 11, 2001, this would have been an acceptable reaction. But times have changed, and we no longer have that luxury. Keeping in mind that “People aren’t suspicious, behavior is,” here are some situational examples of behaviors and activities that may help you determine what is suspicious and, thus, what should be reported:

• Unusual operations of a vessel, small boat, or a boat and vehicle on land

•People taking still photos or videotapes of bridges, trains or tracks, U.S. buildings, government vessels or facilities, or other activities that might lead to harm in the U S

•A person running away from an area close to a secure facility.

•A person engaged in what looks like surveillance

• Suspicious conditions or physical breaches of security

Reprinted from SIGNAL 72, April 2022, newsletter for Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg, Sharon Hartley, editor

What should I do?

First, call the National Response Center at 877-24WATCH. For immediate danger to life or property, call 911, or call the Coast Guard on Marine VHF-FM Channel 16. NEVER approach someone you fear may be about to commit an illegal act or crime.

Make some notes, such as the person’s appearance, clothing, car license plate, and the type of boat, vehicle, or aircraft involved. Take a picture if you can, but keep your distance if the situation seems hostile.

Provide details:

Be specific when you report something amiss to authorities. Generalized descriptions and concerns (e.g., “That guy looks shifty to me...”) don’t provide sufficient information and may not carry the appropriate sense of urgency

Details carry weight:

“I’m at the Safe Haven Marina and just saw [something dangerous] loaded from a silver SUV into a white Boston Whaler with the registration number of CF1234YZ. I can’t read the SUV’s plate number, but I think it’s an out-of-state plate. The boat operator seems intimidated by his passengers, and the passengers seem to be trying to keep out of sight. I think something bad is about to happen.”

Pay attention to height, weight, gender, clothing, or other identifiable traits of the people engaged in suspicious activity – you may be asked for this type of information. Ω

To Report Suspicious Activity:

Call the National Response Center at 877-24WATCH. If there Is an immediate danger to life or property, call 9-1-1 or the Coast Guard on Marine Channel 16. (Article edited and condensed.)

It’s Raining Fish!

(No kidding. This headline is for real!)

SAN FRANCISCO-JUNE 2022— Thousands of fish are falling from the sky in San Francisco. Residents across the city reported hearing loud splats on their roofs, only to find out it was raining anchovies. Thousands more have washed up along the San Francisco Bay Area’s shore.

One theory for the fish falling from the sky is that large seabirds like seagulls and pelicans are dropping these fish at random locations across the city, but that explanation does not account for the sheer number of anchovies raining from the skies.

Anchovies are spawning in unusually large numbers in Lower San Francisco Bay Area. The anchovy population has exploded from just 29 in April to over 2,600 in June.Ω

(Source: timesnownews.com)

Thousands of anchovies line the shores in Lower San Francisco Bay. Photo: National Park Service

Reprinted from FLOT Lines, issue 3 2022, newsletter for Flotilla 74, Brandon, Dottie Riley, editor

Tampa Bay Coast Guard Auxiliary Helps Set Students Up for Success.

By Alese Underwood, Spectrum Bay News 9 online

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/05/10/coast-guard-auxiliary-helps-set-students-up-for-success-?web=1&wdLOR=cEDAB7191-0D39-448A-B122-BBA9158E69B5

Since 2007, a special opportunity within the United States Coast Guard has helped pave the way for college students to serve their country.

For the first time, the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program is setting up a new unit in the Tampa Bay Area.

“I think a lot of students need to think of this as a longer term opportunity. They have their undergrad degree, they can then commission as an officer, get real world leadership experience, go for an advanced degree that’s paid for by the government,” branch chief of development for the Auxiliary University Programs Russell Gasdia told Spectrum News.

Spectrum News caught up with program participant and University of Tampa student Amber Porter as she headed out onto the water for a lesson with Auxiliary member Tony Novellino, and the team.

“You can’t minimize the amount of opportunity

there is in the Coast Guard, and the Auxiliary, for training for specific work assignments,” Novellino said For the past year and a half, in addition to her regular studies, Porter and 170 other students from across the country have been meeting virtually once a week as part of the Auxiliary’s University Program Remote Collaborative Unit.

“I think it’s been a really great opportunity,” Porter said. “I was really interested in going into the Coast Guard, but I also wanted to pursue my degree — I wanted to get the whole college experience.”

As the Auxiliary works to set up a unit at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, Porter said she is excited to help by sharing her story

“My brother-in-law is a Navy helo (helicopter) pilot, my father was a former cop, and both of my grandparents served in the military,” she said.

Porter is a marine science biology major with a minor in environmental science and chemistry.

It may not be the type of career that comes to mind when you think of the Coast Guard, but Porter said the jobs exist and some are even in very high demand.

“With atmospheric and oceanic convergences, it’s been really cool to learn how everything works together and also just seeing that in the field coming out and being on the water,” she said. “It’s really cool to put those things together.”

If accepted, next summer she will be heading to the 17-week Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Once she is commissioned as an officer and begins service, Porter wants to eventually pursue a master ’s degree in physical oceanography.

“I’m excited for what’s ahead and I’m excited to see where can I go a year from now,” Porter said.

Sector St. Petersburg Welcomes Fast Response

Cutter Pablo Valent.

George Papabeis

Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent, a 154-foot Sentinel-class vessel, is homeported at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. Pablo Valent will operate throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Keys conducting drug and migrant interdictions; ports, waterways and coastal security operations; fisheries and environmental protection patrols; national defense missions; and search and rescue

The Cutter Valent is the 48th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) and is the first to be homeported in St. Petersburg with missions including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, coastal security, and living marine resources. There are 12 other FRCs in Florida, which operate throughout the Caribbean Sea. Ω

Families of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent crewmembers welcome the cutter and crew to its homeport at U.S. Coast Guard Sector St Petersburg. The cutter was formally commissioned in a ceremony on May 11. Photos by George Papabeis

“Life changes fast, so you never know.”

As she tells other students about the program, she wants them to know that while the online remote collaborative has served her well, having a home base in St. Pete is a game changer.

“A lot of people just don’t know about the Auxiliary and it’s a great way to meet with people — connect with students, especially my age, and it’s an awesome opportunity to meet them,” she said.

The program at USF St. Pete will be one of 14 others being offered on campuses across the country.Ω

Watch Bay News 9 video at: https://www. baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/05/10/coastguard-auxiliary-helps-set-students-up-for-success-?web=1&wdLOR=c22540BC1-440D-4506A2D1-E58ECF0903A4

A Safe Way to Monitor Pollution from Storms and Other Hazards: Coast Guard Develops Drone Program as part of Pollution Responder Team.

Article and photos

by Howard Bush

The United States Coast Guard Drone team headed by Lt. j g. Blacklaw met June 1-2 at Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport. This was the team’s fifth visit to the flotilla.

Coast Guard Pollution Responder drone team members hold up the decals displaying their honorary membership in Flotilla 7-16 Gulfport.

open the facility for their use.

Howard Bush took this shot of Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport during his turn ‘at the stick.’

Howard Bush presented the Coast Guard drone team members “official” decals making them honorary members of Flotilla 7-16 June 2 during their second day of training at the facility.

Amber Porter, an intern in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program and member of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg accompanied the team. Both Porter and Howard Bush, Flotilla Vice Commander Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport were given some stick time. Bush feels that it’s quite an honor to be involved with this team. As a courtesy, the team contacts Bush each time they come to the flotilla which gives Auxiliary members the opportunity to

The drone team is part of the pollution responder team of the United States Coast Guard. Drones can be safely deployed in otherwise hazardous areas to monitor environmental catastrophes such as floods or after storms. Drones may be deployed with cameras, thermometers, humidity and pressure sensors, wind gauges, and other sensors, allowing them to collect vital environmental data.

The aerial photos provided were taken by Howard Bush. This is the third time the drone team offered Bush a chance to fly one of their drones which he regarded as quite an honor. Amber Porter from Flotilla 72 is also a member of the Coast Guard drone team.Ω

From the Editor...

Dorothy Riley, Staff Officer-Publications Division 7

As another issue of INTERCOM is published, I wish to thank those who contribute regularly, those without whom this newsletter could not go to print. These significant donors include but are not limited to Anne-Marie Woolsey, Howard Bush, George Papabeis, Dan Helou, and David Rockwell Dave keeps me apprised of what is happening within the division, which points me in the direction of the events about which we should write. Thank you very much!

The INTERCOM needs member input to stay interesting and relevant. Contributors need not be officers or seasoned members. Anyone may contribute.

You can write about anything from why you joined the Auxiliary to your reactions to a recent activity or event or even a recent sea-related book that you read. You need not worry about grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. It is my job to edit text, and photographs are always appreciated.

We need your submissions. I repeat: We need your submissions. “The satisfaction you derive from your Auxiliary membership will be in proportion to your level of participation in the organization‘s activities.”

A newsletter is like everything else in the Auxiliary: your satisfaction is commensurate with your level of contribution.

Submission deadlines for our remaining quarterly issues in 2022 are Sept. 15 for the fall issue and Dec. 15 for the winter issue.Ω