From the Helm: Anthony Novellino, Division 7 Commander

From the Helm

Greetings from the Division 7 Commander

Tony Novellino DCDR

First, let me start by wishing our members and their families a healthy and happy holiday season.

I would also like to give a special welcome to our new members and Welcome Aboard.

We started 2020 with a great set of plans and ready to go in our mission to teach and promote boater safety and in direct support of the Coast Guard.

In January and February, we participated to support to the Coast Guard and law enforcement with security patrols and radio watch for Tampa Bay’s biggest annual event, Gasparilla. We continued to support Clearwater Air Station with the C130 logistics support mission. We held radio watches at Station St. Petersburg. We worked on navigation systems at Sector St. Petersburg and held Public Education classes throughout the division. Vessel Examinations and Program Visits were on track to exceed 2019 numbers, and recruiting eff orts had us on track toward a 5% gain in membership, and well-- we all know what hit us in early March. Auxiliary leadership ordered us to stand down from almost every activity.

By the middle of the year, we realized this “Coronavirus” AKA COVID-19 would be with us for an extended time. Division 7 began virtual training starting with Team Coordination Training, virtual Public Education classes at Flotilla 79 Tampa, ZOOM meetings, and virtual certifi cation through online testing in areas of member interest that formerly needed a proctored exam for certifi cation. We have learned to adapt.

Auxdata II changeover during a pandemic shutdown has provided challenges. Still, our division Information Services leaders have done a Bravo Zulu job to help us learn the new tool and adapt-- a challenge for ALL of us.

We are still adapting and following smart safety measures and Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

We are back to performing logistics patrols with Clearwater Air station and supported the active duty recruiting arm of Sector St. Petersburg, and some Food Services requests are beginning to pop up. (See pages 28-29)

COVID-19 vaccines are on the horizon, so we may start moving toward the new normal as we transition into the new year. Let us pray for this pandemic to end so that we may not only resume a more normal lifestyle with friends and family but also with the Auxiliary and Coast Guard.

Again, Happy Holidays, and I wish everyone a safe and fruitful New Year! Ω