Intercom, Winter 2022

INTERCOM

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

Division 7 Elected Officers 2022

Div 7 Division Commander Daniel Helou, CMDR

Div 7 Division Vice Commander Dean Hoskin, VCDR

Div 7 Immed. Past Division Commander Anthony Novellino, IPDCDR

FL-72 Flotilla Commander Jack Lee, FC

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

Flotilla Vice Commander Dorothy Riley, VFC

FL-75 Flotilla Commander Gary Mull Jr., FC

Flotilla Vice Commander Eliezer Seda, VFC

FL-77 Flotilla Commander John Laurent, FC

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

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

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

Division 7 Appointed Staff 2022

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

We’re on the web!

http://A07007.wow.uscgaux.info

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

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

COVER: ORLANDO, Fla.— Second floor corridor at D-Train, Sept. 16, 2022. Frame: Photos by members,Valerie Fernandes and R. Michael Stringer in overlays. Iillustration and central photo by Dorothy Riley.

To navigate the pages, click on the article’s title at left. To return to the ‘Contents’ page, click on the ‘Home' button at the bottom of each page.

Helou Division Commander District Captain-West (elect)

Recent studies estimate that about a hundred million people volunteer annually, with an annual value of $150 billion. These figures inspire me to realize that we have a vast pool of potential members; we must be more proactive, invite them into service, and continue to make it worth their investment of time and treasure.

As I prepare for my role as District Captain West, I’m so encouraged that the energy, initiative, and commitment is truly present in the leaders I’ve met while attending and certifying flotilla and division elections. I am privileged to have been guided by my predecessor Toni Borman, DCAPT-W, and my predecessor as, Division Commander, Tony Novellino, DDC-L. Of course, in proper succession, I am pleased to announce my successor as Division 7 Commander, my former vice: Dean Hoskin. Dean will be joined on the Bridge by the brilliant Tony Hooper, newly elected Division 7 Vice Commander.

Trust your division and flotilla commanders and vice-commanders. They have taken on the mantle of leadership and the responsibility for encouraging you, teaching you, praising your efforts, supporting your goals, and recognizing your accomplishments.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of your flotilla. Therefore, strong programs are rooted in good leadership. Note that leadership is about more than just supervising volunteers. Successful programs plan for all stages of member involvement:

• Recruitment – Learning the language of acronyms

• Personal security investigation screening

• Discovering interests: boating safety, outreach, administration, and public affairs. (Listen to your people.)

• Member orientation and training

• Engaged supervision: “Inspect what you expect.”

Commemorative

My initial agenda for 2023 will be doubling the number of members serving with us in District 7. I hope to share foundational strategies for recruiting and retaining new members through the application of a few guiding principles: “Fun, Friendship, Mission, and Mastery.” Of course, I will be visiting all the stations in my area of responsibility in person, as we all appreciate the privilege of meeting face to face once again. “You cannot lead where you do not go; You cannot teach what you do not know.”

• Engagement and retention: “People will support what they help to create.”

• Member recognition and appreciation- REMEMBER THEIR NAMES. When you use someone’s name, it shows you see that person as an individual. When you remember it, it shows your interest in and respect for that individual. In business, knowing someone’s name can make a difference in how that person feels about you and your brand.

• Fun is the secret ingredient to

“You cannot lead where you do not go. You cannot teach what you do not know.”

Daniel

trophy presented to Daniel Helou to express appreciation at the Division 7 Change of Watch by division leadership.

It is a great honor to have been chosen this year as the Division 7 Commander. I am also honored to have Tony Hopper serving as our newly elected Division 7 Vice Commander. Our Immediate Past Division 7 Commander, Daniel Helou, has moved up to his new position as District 7 Captain West. Division 7, as well as District 7, has a tremendous fullness in its history of accomplishments throughout the years.

The last two years have been rough for the Auxiliary and yet we have prevailed in so many ways. Even during those rough two years, we have seen an increase in our activity hours. Additionally, operational activities with on-water training for new crew members have once again started. Recently we were asked to assist the Coast Guard with qualifying some of their crew and coxswains. One of our surface facilities, along with the Auxiliary crew assisted the Coast Guard with towing evolution, de-watering operations, and the transport of an Auxiliary crew member simulating a cardiac arrest. We are bringing more surface facilities into use to

aid with our new crew classes.

Our Radio Communications will expand again this year by reactivating some of our previ-ous radio facilities and our mobile radio units. Public Education and Boating Safety Classes are going strong, and I look forward to seeing those classes grow in the next year. Public activities will be coming back, with boat and air shows planned.

I am very excited about the possibilities of what we will be able to accomplish this coming year. New members will be joining us and providing opportunities for all our members to re-engage in the many avenues the Auxiliary has to offer.

Dean William Hoskin

Division 7 Vice Commander, Division Commander (elect)

new member engagement. Sure, it’s important to draft job descriptions and familiarize your volunteers with the internal communication system. Still, creating an environment where your members will have fun and enjoy their work is equally as essential.

• One of the ways to achieve this is to encourage an environment where members can quickly develop personal, emotional, and professional connections. Working as a team (boat crew, radio, public affairs events, photography, set-up,

culinary assistant.) Serving together will really solidify those crucial connections and relationships.

As we close the door on 2022, I am grateful for Commodore McMenamin’s leadership; and encouraged to have COMO John Holmes and Martin Goodwin, District Chief of Staff, leading us all into the future supporting the Coast Guard missions and the boating public.

Dean Hoskin Division Vice Commander Division Commander (elect)

"Happy holidays and Happy New Year! May 2023 be a stellar year!"

Daniel Helou, Commander Division 7

Daniel Helou, (continued)

Division 7 Begins New Boat Crew Training Class

Participants

Front

The 2022 Division 7 Boat Crew Training program started Thursday, Oct 6, at 7 p.m. at Flotilla 79, Tampa. George Papabeis, Flotilla 74, Brandon, initiated the class and enlisted Dean Bell, Flotilla 79, Tampa, and Tony Novellino, Division 7 Staff Officer-Operations. Papabeis made the calls that secured a commitment from trainees and recruited instructors, mentors, coxswains, and qualified crew. Once in motion, several members stepped in to offer assistance and resources. Seamanship Fundamentals, Boat Operations, and Rescue and Survival are taught Thursday evenings at Flotilla 79, with surface training offered on Saturdays.

Bravo Zulu to everyone who assisted or participated in this endeavor! Contact Dean Bell if you can offer a vessel for use, a coxswain, or crew for the training. Ω

Top right: Boat crew class on its first on-the-water training mission Oct. 29. Dean Bell, coxswain, facing Steve Williams. Behind them are Miguel Marquez-Reines, August Miller and Clark Pittman. USCG Auxiliary photo by George Papabeis

Center: The crew of Auxiliary facility “Duty Calls” are thrilled to be on the water for crew training. Dean Hoskin, coxswain is at the helm with Charles Lambeth beside him and Division 7 Crew Class trainees.

Lower right: Flags waving on the stern of a vessel. USCG Auxiliary photo by Valerie Fernandes.

Lower left: Nautical lines. Unsplash free to use.

Contributors: George Papabeis, Howard Bush, Dorothy Riley

of the 2022 Boat Crew Training class include instructors, trainees, mentors, and members required to recertify to avoid 'Required Yearly, Not Met' (REYR) status. Back row: Tony Novellino, Staff Officer-Operations, Miguel Marquez-Reines and Dean Bell from Flotilla 79, Tampa; Clark Pittman and Steve Williams from Flotilla 74, Brandon; Jeff Agrall, Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach; August Miller, Flotilla 74, Brandon; Charles Lambeth, Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach.

Row: Dean Hoskin, Division 7 Vice Commander; Bill Ackerman, Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport; Joseph Silva, Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach; Tanner Piliego, Flotilla 74 Brandon, Jamy Agrall, Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach; Joe Primosh, Flotilla 76 St. Pete Beach. USCG Auxiliary photo by George Papabeis, Flotilla 74, Brandon.

Captions, facing page: Top left: Bill Ackerman teaches Tanner Piliego and August Miller how to plot. Auxiliary photo by George Papabeis

D-Train: What is it, and why I should attend in 2023?

By Dorothy Riley, Staff Officer-Publications, Division 7

“I smiled so much that my cheeks hurt!” That was how one member at “Fun Night” described the joy of seeing old friends and colleagues again at D-Train.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, District 7 held D-TRAIN 2022, District 7 Board Meeting and Training, Sept. 13 - 18, 2022, at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando.

Friday afternoon’s District 7 Board Meeting comprised addresses by Auxiliary leaders and Coast Guard guests, elections for district officers, and the presentation of numerous awards to units and members. The ceremony for sending off members who died the previous year was especially touching. The Coast Guard Pipe Band members played “Amazing Grace” as they exited the room, allowing the sounds to fade into the distance.

Coast Guard guests included Capt. Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of the Auxiliary and Coast Guard Office Boating Safety; Capt. Tina J. Pena, Commander, Air Station Borinquen; Cmdr. Navin L. Griffin, Director of Auxiliary District 7; and BOSN4 Hailie Browne, Operations Training Officer District 7. Capt. Glendye pointed out that during the pandemic, we lost approximately 2,000 members. Opportunities to serve our Coast Guard partners have expanded, making recruiting a vital mission.

Capt. Glendye authenticated the District 7 elections. John Holmes, District Chief of Staff (DCOS), was elected District Commodore 7. Martin Goodwin, DCAPT-North, will serve as DCOS beginning in 2023. The new District Captains (DCAPTs) are Daniel Helou, DCAPT-West; Doug Armstrong, DCAPT-East; and James Parker, DCAPTNorth. Information tables lined the main

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

D-Train: What is it, and why I should attend in 2023?

(continued from previous page)

corridor. Auxiliary specialists scheduled workshops all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Topics encompassed the Auxiliary Information System and Auxiliary Data, Communications, issues relevant to Recreational Boating Safety Partner Visits and Vessel Safety Checks, leadership topics, aviation and operational matters, Public Affairs, and Publications, to name just a few. In addition, the district materials store was open to the members. The best part, however, was seeing old friends and familiar faces.

Rear Admiral Brendan McPherson, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, delivered the keynote address at Friday night’s Commodore’s Banquet. The frocking of the new district officers was the evening’s highlight. The dinner included more award presentations. Saturday night’s “Fun Night” featured a wonderful dinner, dancing to a live band, and lots of laughter.

Division 7 members spotted at D-Train included Daniel Helou, Division 7 Commander; David Rockwell, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator St. Petersburg; Anthony Hooper, Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg; Gilbert Thomas, Flotilla Commander Flotilla 74, Polk County; Jose Diaz-Lizardo and Miguel Dumas, also from Flotilla 77; Brenda Burger, Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach, and Dorothy Riley, Flotilla 74 Brandon. Daniel Helou, Division Commander 7 is presently the District Captain-West (elect). We are very proud of him!

Division 7 “Intercom” earned first place in the District 7 Publications newsletter competition in the division category.

Attendance was down from pre-pandemic events. Many members were reluctant about attending group events. With Florida having the sixth highest COVID infection rate in the nation, district leaders took plenty of precautions, including requiring members to be vaccinat-

ed against the virus or presenting a negative COVID test. Face masks were made available to all members at registration. Members who did attend had a wonderful time and look forward to D-Train in 2023. Ω

District 7 D-Train, Sept. 13 - 18, 2022, Orlando, Fla.-

Facing page/top: Brenda Burger from Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach.

Facing page/mid-page: Anthony Hooper from Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg and Joe Erdman, Flotilla 44, Daytona Beach. No, they are not just playing withTonka toys. They are hosting an aids to navigation display that includes bridge lights.

Facing page/bottom: Toni Borman, current DCAPT-West congratulates Dan Heou, DCAPT-West (e).

Will the Real Three Amigos Please Stand up?

This page/top: Gilbert Thomas, Miguel Dumas and Jose Diaz-Lizardo from Flotilla 77 Polk County take a coffee break. This page/bottom: Daniel Helou, David Rockwell and Tony Hooper before the Commodore’s Banquet. USCG Auxiliary photos By Dorothy Riley and R. Michael Stringer

A Look at D-Train

Lower left: David Rockwell poses the question, “Are we having fun yet?”

Top right: A Marine Safety Information table set up in the high-traffic second floor corridor.

Mid-page right: Dorothy Riley accepts the Best Division Newsletter award from COMO Pat McMenamin, Cmdr. Navin L. Griffin, Director of Auxiliary District 7 (left) and Capt. Troy P. Glendye, Chief Director of the Auxiliary and Coast Guard Office Boating Safety. John Holmes, DCOS is behind them on the podium.

Right: Karen Miller, Division 11 Staff Officer-Publications assists in presenting a workshop on publishing newsletters. USCG Auxiliary photographs by R.Michael Stringer and Dorothy Riley

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

Pipers David Lairson, Michael Coonerty and Jack Mylott pipe a final farewell to the D7 members who crossed the bar.

Hurricane Ian Ravages Florida Tampa Bay Largely Spared.

By Dorothy Riley

Hurricane Ian made landfall in south Florida on Sept. 28 as a category-four hurricane. It was the ninth named storm, fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. Ian caused catastrophic damage in our state with losses currently estimated at $64 billion and over 150 lives lost. South Florida was devastated. What the 150 mph winds did not flatten, the storm surge demolished.

Aside from fallen trees and debris, some light structural damage, and loss of power in more than 900,000 homes, the Tampa Bay region was spared from Hurricane Ian’s harshest winds and surge. Several of our members remained without power until Oct. 5. Strong winds from the storm – even though its eye was about 200 miles away from Tampa Bay, pushed water out of the bays and bayous, including Hillsborough Bay along Bayshore Boulevard and the Intracoastal areas in Pinellas County. This resulted in damage to countless boats and docks.

Many Tampa Bay homes sustained wind damage. Hurricane Ian uprooted trees and strewed branches and shingles over yards and roadways. While we

sympathize with our neighbors who were in the path of Hurricane Ian and the storm’s surge, we dare be grateful that we were largely spared its worst effects. Ω

Evacuation route? Air and Marine Operations aircrews respond to affected areas along Florida’s coast after Hurricane Ian made landfall. Crews are ready with hoist-capable aircraft to assist anyone in need of emergency extraction. Photo by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ozzy Trevino.

Courtesy iStock

Hurricane Ian in South Florida

Hurricane Ian in Tampa Bay

“I lost several tree branches in my front and back yards, and it took me five days to clean up after the storm. My dog, Rosie, could not have been happier. She loves to play with twigs and branches and treated the debris in the back yard like a playground full of toys.

“I suffered two brief brown-outs on Sept 28 but no long-term loss of power. Many of my neighbors were not so lucky. While my development had power, I could hear the generators going on the street behind me for several days. My “Nextdoor/MyNeighborhood” app was sending notifications non-stop as people in nearby developments sought information about power restoration. More than a week after Ian, the last few messages were words of gratitude to the United Cajun Navy for restoring power in our area.”

Damaged boats are seen downtown after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S., September 29, 2022. REUTERS/Marco Bello

Below: Sanibel Island. Submitted by Daniel Helou

Dorothy Riley, Flotilla 74 Brandon

Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach: Ruskin Radio

Amber Porter Assists Sector St. Petersburg with Post-Ian Damage Assessment.

Amber Porter, a member of Flotilla 72 St. Petersburg and of the Auxiliary University Program, sends out a drone to assess damage to boats and boat ramps after Hurricane Ian passed out of the West coast area. USCG Auxiliary photo submitted by David Rockwell Note: seeing these photographs, we realize how lucky we were!

Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach Communications Center in E.G. Simmons Regional Park, Hillsborough County made it through the storm, but winds from Hurricane Ian pulled over the tree at the entrance. The trailer houses the flotilla’s radio station (Ruskin Radio) and materials and equipment. The tree will probably have to be cut down by park management and the flotilla will repair the skirting all along the bottom. Don Hebert, Flotilla Staff Officer-Communications took these photos on Oct. 6 when returning the radio and equipment that had been removed for safekeeping during the storm. Auxiliary photograph submitted by E. Elliot Seda

U.S.C.G. Sector St. Petersburg

Multiple Aids to Navigation teams responded to more than 250 navigational aids that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Their efforts were critical to ensuring the safety of thousands of mariners and directly contributed to the swift reopening of our ports, minimizing the economic impact on the maritime transportation system! Please give a big Thank you and BRAVO ZULU for the team consisting of crewmembers from Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) St. Pete, ANT Houston-Galveston, ANT New Orleans, ANT Sabine, ANT Dulac, ANT Morgan City, and ANT Mobile. We truly appreciate the support! Bravo Zulu! Credit: Sector St. Petersburg social media.

Even with the eye of Hurricane Ian making landfall nearly 200 miles away, Ian took down trees and blocked roads. Photos from Steve Browning, Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach on social media.

On Sept. 30, members of Division 7 conducted an observation mission to look for damaged aids to navigation (ATONS) in the Tampa Bay shipping channels post-Hurricane Ian. When Dean Bell, coxswain, a member of Flotilla 79, Tampa, called George Papabeis, Flotilla 74, Brandon, Papabeis had no electricity at his house, so he had a cold shower before the mission. Fortunately, Papabeis had the foresight to wash and press his uniform before the Hurricane struck. Other crew members were Patricia Stone, Flotilla 74, Apollo Beach; Steve Williams, Flotilla 74, Brandon, and Miguel Marquez, Flotilla 79, Tampa. The patrol located one range marker light out and one missing day board. United States Coast Guard photo by George Papabeis.

Left: George Papabeis found this warning buoy in Apollo Beach Nature Preserve on Oct. 15 and reported it to Sector St. Petersburg.

Auxiliary Election Results 2022 

National Elections

The National Leadership team for the 2022-2024 term was elected by the Auxiliary National Bridge on August 19 at the Auxiliary National Convention in Orlando, Florida.Terms of office begin November 1, 2022.

• National Commodore (NACO) - COMO Gus Formato

• Vice National Commodore (VNACO) - COMO Mary Kirkwood

• Deputy National Commodore - Atlantic Area East, Marine Safety (DNACO-MS) - COMO Allen Fredd

• Deputy National Commodore - Atlantic Area West, Response & Prevention (DNACO-RP)COMO Patrick Feighery

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

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

District 7 Elections

District 7 held elections on Sept. 16 during the District Taining Conference (D-Train) in Orlando.

Offices begin January 1.

• District Commodore 7 - John Holmes (current District Chief of Staff)

• District Chief of Staff - Martin Goodwin (Current DCAPT-North)

• District Captain-West - Daniel Helou Current Division Commander Division 7)

• District Captain-East - Doug Armstrong

• District Captain-North - James Parker

Division 7 Elections

Division 7 held elections on October 1 for terms beginning January 1, 2023.

• Division Commander - Dean Hoskin

• Division Vice Commander - Tony Hooper (Elected on Nov. 9 after Anthony Novellino was promoted to District 7 Directorate ChiefLogistics (DDC-L).

Division 7 Flotilla Elections

All terms begin January 1, 2023.

• Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg

Flotilla Commander - Gordon Hornby

Flotilla Vice Commander - Cathy CampbellHeroux

• Flotilla 74, Brandon

Flotilla Commander - Dorothy Riley Flotilla Vice Commander - William Sage

• Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach

Flotilla Commander - Elliott Seda Flotilla Vice Commander - Santiago Castrodad

• Flotilla 77, Polk County

Flotilla Commander - Gilbert Thomas Flotilla Vice Commander - Ron Ramos

• Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach

Flotilla Commander - Rollin Shouse

Flotilla Vice Commander - Anne-Marie Woolsey

• Flotilla 79, Tampa

Flotilla Commander - Richard Hockinson

Flotilla Vice Commander - George Bartuska

• Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport

Flotilla Commander - William Zinner

Flotilla Vice Commander - Howard Bush

New Uniforms Coming Soon.

By Hayes Davis, Coast Guard Military Uniforms, Source: MyCG

We’ve all heard the rumors, and some of us have seen the pictures. New operational uniforms – the Coast Guard working uniform (CGWU) – is coming soon! How soon, you ask? The rollout is tracking for the end of fiscal year 2023.

About the transition

Officially, the new CGWU will be available to the entire workforce in the latter part of the fiscal year 2023 and is expected to completely replace the operational dress uniform (ODU) in fiscal year 2025. Once available, you can expect to see the new CGWU in Coast Guard Exchanges – or by placing an order at ShopCGX. Bottom line, if you have just purchased new ODUs – don’t stress. Both sets of uniforms have a service life of about three years. By the time you are ready for an updated uniform, the new CGWUs should be available for your uniform transition.

To what are we switching?

For more than ten years, our members who have been assigned to some Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) positions, Port Security Units (PSU), and joint overseas operations have worn the Navy’s Expeditionary Working Uniform (NWU Type III).

Using these uniforms in these particular environments has demonstrated that this type of uniform is perfect for all Coast Guard missions. We’ve received positive feedback from those who have tested the Navy Type III uniform, and it makes sense for the Coast Guard to adopt that uniform overall as our new operational uniform.

A little bit about the uniform

There are a number of exciting benefits to the new Type III uniform you can expect:

• The Mandarin collar – allows for quick assimilation to General Quarters/Battle conditions;

• Rank tab – allows for easy replacement of rank upon promotion/advancement without requiring uniform replacement or tailoring;

• Additional pocket;

• Self-blousing trousers;

• Organizational patches for quick service identification.

We believe there are a lot of benefits to switching to this particular uniform. Specifically, when we can use a uniform pattern that our sister service is already using, our production costs are reduced, passing those savings down to you –the member and consumer.

Sizing

The new CGWU is a non-gender-specific uniform, unlike the odd/even sizing convention for the operational dress uniform (ODU) blouse, which historically has been confusing to our service population. Blouses are sized by chest measurement, and shirt length and trousers are sized by waist and inseam measurements. In order to know what your size is, take a moment to measure yourself or ask a friend to assist. Ω

This article is abridged from the original. Read the complete text and learn more about the new uniform at: https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2839899/ new-uniforms-coming-soon/

Division 7 Holds Change-of-Watch Ceremony at Sector St. Petersburg.

By Dorothy Riley

Division 7 held its annual change of watch ceremony Dec. 3 in the Windjammer Lounge at Sector St. Petersburg. COVID restrictions limited Auxiliary attendance to elected leaders and division staff officers, but for those who did attend, it was a wonderful opportunity to see old, familiar faces and to meet others for the first time.

Coast Guard guests of honor included CDR Navin Griffin, Director of Auxiliary; CAPT Michael Kahle, Commander, Sector St. Petersburg and Captain of Port Tampa Bay; CWO4 Gregg Pescuma, Auxiliary Liaison Officer, Sector St. Petersburg; and BM1 Thomas Reardon, Auxiliary Operations Coordinator, Station St. Petersburg.

Behind the presentation’s projected image,COMO Patricia McMenamin, DCO 7 and CAPT Michael Kahle Commander, Sector St. Petersburg and Captain of Port Tampa Bay, frock Dean Hoskin at the Change of Watch ceremony Dec. 3 at Sector St. Petersburg. USCG Auxiliary photo by Dorothy Riley

Auxiliary honorable guests were COMO Patricia McMenamin, District Commodore 7; Martin Goodwin, Chief of Staff (elect); David Rockwell, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Station St. Petersburg; Daniel Helou, current Division Commander and District Captain-West (elect); Anthony Novellino, District Directorate Chief-Logistics; COMO Donald Lloyd, Past Assistant National Commodore- Diversity; Charles Lambeth, Auxiliary Unit Coordinator, Air Station Clearwater; Terry Hershman, Auxiliary Unit Coordinator, Sector St. Petersburg; Dean Hoskin, Division Commander (elect); and Anthony Hooper, Division Vice Commander (elect).

Helou prepared a presentation honoring the contributions of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary members and announced the recipients of the

2021 flotilla and individual merit awards. COMO Pat McMenamin and CAPT Kahle swore Dean Hoskin and Anthony Hooper into office and performed the frocking ritual. Elected leaders and division staff took the oath of office.

Flotilla 77 Polk County earned the Flotilla of the Year award. Amber Porter, who was unable to attend, was named Division 7 Auxiliarist of the Year, and COMO Donald Lloyd, who is retiring this year, was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award, especially for his contributions to diversity and inclusion policies. (See page 33)

We congratulate all of this year’s winners. Hopefully, next year we will be able to resume change of watch banquets as we held in previous years. Ω

Annual Historical Flotilla Awards

OALMANN AWARD (Member Training)

Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg

Donated by William Oalmann, a past Division Staff Officer and member of Flotilla 78, this award is presented yearly to the flotilla that has achieved the most member training hours per qualified member.

MIKE AWARD (Membership Improvement)

Flotilla

77, Polk County

Donated by Mike Adams, a past member of Flotilla 77 and 79, this award recognizes a flotillas’ efforts to retain members and enroll new members. Presented to the flotilla with the best gain in membership.

MCKENDREE AWARD (Specialty Course Advancement)

Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach

Donated in memory of Lee McKendree by Guy Webert, Past Division Captain and member of Flotilla 72, this award is presented annually to the flotilla which achieves the highest growth in specialty course completions.

NETTLING AWARD (Operations)

Flotilla

77, Polk County

Mr. Nettling was a charter member of 7-16, Gulfport, very active in search and rescue, and instrumental in the construction of 7-16’s, present building in Gulfport. The Nettling Trophy is given each year to the flotilla with the best record in total operational hours per qualified member. It honors Bill Nettling’s service to the boating public.

NETTLING AWARD (Operations-USCG Support)

Flotilla

72, St. Petersburg

Mr. Nettling was a charter member of 7-16, very active in Search and Rescue, and instrumental in the construction of 7-16’s present building in Gulfport. The Nettling Trophy is given each year to the flotilla with the best record in total operational hours per qualified member. It honors Bill Nettling’s service to the boating public and the Coast Guard Auxiliary and includes hours in service to the Coast Guard.

PRESCOTT AWARD (Vessel Examinations)

Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach

Donated by Flotilla 7-16 members in honor of Mr. Prescott, an outstanding flotilla member and instructor, this award honors his memory by its annual presentation to the flotilla with the best ratio of Vessel Safety Checks per examiner.

SHINGLEDECKER AWARD (Partner Visitations)

Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport

Dwight Shingledecker, a Past Division Captain, and Past District Captain-West, was a founder and charter member of Flotilla 71. He donated this award that is presented annually to the flotilla with the best Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visitor performance of the year.

KROUGH AWARD (Public Education)

Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport

Ed Krough, Past Division Captain and a member of Flotilla 73, Madeira Beach, conceived and donated this award. This award is presented annually to the flotilla that has made the greatest contribution to our public education program.

RICHIE AWARD (Public Affairs)

Flotilla 78, St. Pete Beach

Donated by Charles Richie, this award is for Public Affairs. It recognizes Public Affairs, the “sales” function of the Auxiliary, as a special field that requires untold time and patience to accomplish.

CAPTAIN’S JUG

Flotilla 77, Polk County

Originating in 1959, the Captain’s Jug is the oldest of the Division 7 awards. “Fathered” by Auxiliarist Harry Bomford, an active member of Flotilla 79, the jug represents excellence in Member Services, Recreational Boating Safety, Operations and Marine Safety, and Fellowship.

★ FLOTILLA OF THE YEAR ★

Flotilla 77, Polk County

Bits ‘n Pieces

Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport

Members of Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport, and the Coast Guard set up booths every month at the Gulfport Tuesday market to recruit for the Auxiliary and for the Coast Guard. The market draws locals and tourists. Martin Richardson, Walter Melnyczenko, Bill Zinner, and Paul Walling, all members of the Gulfport flotilla, staff a booth on Nov. 8, 2022, to recruit and promote boating safety. Auxiliary photo submitted by Howard Bush.

Bill Zinner, Flotilla Commander 7-16, Gulfport, presents Gerard Gaudry, Flotilla Staff Officer-Materials, a certificate for completing the FEMA course ‘’ Introduction to Hazardous Materials’’. Gerard is an active sailor and recently qualified as Instructor. USCG Auxiliary photo submitted by Howard Bush

Bits ‘n Pieces

Flotilla 75, St. Apollo Beach

Members and friends of Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach, had great weather on the morning of Sept. 17 and a very successful beach park cleanup of the Apollo Beach Preserve. Member Steve Browning thanked flotilla members Santiago Castrodad-Rodriguez, Judy Clapp, Pat Stone, George Wightman, and friends Kay Lori, Amira, and Lori V for picking up more than eight large garbage bags of litter and waste. They were happily assisted by an English bloke named Ryan, who, along with his 5-year-old son, joined them, as well as an English mum named Claire and her sons, who also wandered by and volunteered to help. There was also a wedding being prepared on the beach for a couple of octogenarians which they assisted in setting up. It is always an honor and pleasure to get involved with the community and become an active part of its beautification. Bravo Zulu. (Job well done) Photo from Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach social media page.

Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg

Rachel Arndt, Communications Manager, and Molly Robison, Annual Giving Manager of Tampa Bay Watch, attended the Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg meeting on October 8 and offered the members an overview of their various programs, including the day programs available at their Discovery Center and eco-tours at St. Pete Pier. The president of Tampa Bay Watch promised to return in 2023 to offer additional program information. Auxiliary photo provided by Daniel Helou.

Division 7 Members Assist Coast Guard With Training.

Submitted by Howard Bush

USCG Auxiliary facility ‘’Duty Calls,‘’ with Dean Hoskin, coxswain; Gordon Hornby and Tony Hooper, crew (all members of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg); and Howard Bush (Flotilla 7-16, Gulfport), Telecommunications Operator, were requested to assist Coast Guard Station St. Pete with crew training on Nov. 30, 2022. The USCG 45foot response boat medium (RBM) responded to a mock distress call. The vessel in distress was ‘taking on water.’

A second mock situation involved a medical emergency with Gordon Hornby ‘suffering from chest pain.’ In addition, the RBM practiced long and side-by-side towing evolutions as well as a man overboard drill. Since no one volunteered to be tossed in the water, they used a float. A Coast Guard 29-foot response boat-small (RBS) assisted with an extra rescue pump. This was teamwork at its best. Ω

The 29-foot RBS brings more help- a pump.

Coast Guard Auxiliary photos by Howard Bush

Help arrives to assist the ‘vessel in distress.”

The station’s 45-foot RBM takes “Duty Calls” in a long-tow. (Will they tow us home, ya’ think?)

Mock medical emergency with actor, Gordon Hornby: “Help! My ticker is not tocking and it hurts!”

Fire aboard a ship has always been a dreaded and often fatal experience. For large ships, it is the second largest hazard for crew and passengers. For us small guys, it can be just as serious.

In this article, we are going to discuss steps we can take to prevent a fire.

Fire Prevention

There are actions to take or to avoid that can manage the risk of an onboard fire. First, let’s look at the boat’s actual fuel. Since most of our boats burn gasoline, we will address that issue. (Diesel is also flammable but not as easily ignited. Once burning, though, it creates an intense blaze.)

The chance of a fuel fire is heightened when refueling. There are some precautions we can take to prevent a fire during this process, realizing that it is the fumes from the gasoline that is highly flammable. So, let’s deal with fumes.

• If your boat has an enclosed cabin, close all of the windows and doors before refueling. That way no fumes can get into that part of your boat.

• Frequently check your fuel lines and connections for leaks and worn spots.

• Be sure all electrical devices are turned off, as well as your engine.

• When gasoline passes through the hose, it generates static electricity. If that ‘sparks’ with the fumes at the fuel tank fill point, an explosion can occur. To dissipate the static electricity, keep the metal nozzle of the hose in contact with the metal part of the refueling opening, hopefully grounding the system.

• Try not to spill any fuel during the process. Not only does this add to the danger of fire, but you are legally responsible for your fuel spills.

• Once fueling is complete, securely fasten the gas cap.

• Open up all windows and doors to ventilate.

• If you have an inboard or inboard/outboard engine, it is time to run the bilge blower. That is a fan located in the bottom of the bilge where gasoline fumes can accumulate, gas being heavier than air. Run the fan for four minutes. (It is also good advice to run this blower before ANY engine start since even a small leak can produce lots of fumes.)

Illustration by Dorothy Riley using images from various free-to-use sources including DVIDS and USCG Office of Boating Safety

• Obviously, no smoking anywhere near the boat is the rule when fueling.

Use your nose! Gasoline has a distinct odor and even a small amount can be smelled at some distance. If you smell gas, shut everything down and find the source.

Another fire hazard is cooking fires, either from propane tanks, stoves, or grills. Be sure all connections are tight. It makes sense to have one of your fire extinguishers close to the galley.

As to the proper number and size of the fire extinguishers on your boat, there are some laws on the subject. Boats less than 26’ must have at least one B-1 extinguisher. Boats between 26’ and less than 40’ must have two B-1s or one B-2.

When buying your extinguishers buy the ones that have “ABC” printed on them. They will put out combustible material and liquids (such as gasoline or grease) and electrical fires.

The number indicates the capacity – II is larger than I. As to how many and what size to buy, more and larger is the way to go.

Fire Response: Putting out the Fire Fire on a boat of any size is more of a threat than the same fire on land. On land, we can simply walk away. On boat away from land, we enter another potentially threatening environment – the water. In either event, the captain must make a fast and clear decision.

Fight or flee? If the fire is a fuel fire (that is, some part of the gasoline system has been breached), recognize the situation as very dangerous. If the fire is small and does not threaten the main or auxiliary fuel tanks, trying to put out the fire with your fire extinguisher might be advisable. However, be careful; gasoline fires can go from small to huge in a matter of seconds!

At the same time you are fighting the fire, have someone put out the anchor and everyone put on their life jackets. Most fires are in the mid-section or rear of the boat, and the anchor will keep the bow into the wind with the smoke and flame going astern.

If there is a gasoline fire aboard, you may choose to “get out of there!” Don life jackets and aban-

don ship. It’s now the insurance company’s problem. You must make your own decision; if you can make it in advance, that’s good, and then stick to it.

Propane fires are a close second. One might probably try to extinguish the fire IF they could shut off the propane tank without getting burned. Your call.

If the fire is gasoline or propane-fueled and you have abandoned the ship, be careful if the fire seems to have gone out of its own accord. Think twice before re-boarding. The fire may still be smoldering and could explode anew at any time.

If the fuel fire occurs when you are secured to the fuel dock, there are other things you can do if the fire starts from a spark where the filler hose is going into the gas tank. DO NOT pull the hose out of the tank! Stop the flow of gas and go for the fuel shutoff switch on land and the larger extinguisher on the dock. (Know ahead of time where these are located.)

Other fires, such as grease flare-ups on a grill or stove, present challenges but are usually more easily extinguished. First, turn off the flame. If you can smother the fire, that’s good. Otherwise, use your fire extinguisher and don’t stop until the extinguisher is empty. (That won’t be long with a B-I size.) DO NOT

TRY TO EXTINGUISH A GREASE FIRE WITH WATER!

To operate the extinguisher on any type of fire (Of course, you have already read the instructions on the extinguisher.), detach the extinguisher from its bracket, pull the safety pin and then squeeze the trigger. Spray the fire with a back-and-forth movement directed at the base of the fire.

If the fire is wood, paper, or other combustibles, your chances of putting it out are good. But watch out if the fire is close to fuel; it could spread and be uncontainable real fast.

We are going to assume that you are already wearing your life jacket while boating and before the fire started. If not, just as soon as you can after initial suppression efforts are underway, put on your life preserver in preparation for the last resort – abandoning the ship! Ω

Source: Recreational Boating Safety Directorate

FWC responds to red tide in Southwest Florida.

Oct. 21, 2022 https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/

The FWC is closely monitoring Southwest Florida, since Karenia brevis, also known as red tide, was detected in multiple samples in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties this week. Red tide is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s and occurs nearly every year.

As part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Center for Red Tide Research, USF-College of Marine Science and Mote Marine Laboratory have each deployed a glider equipped with sensors to better understand conditions offshore. The information collected will help direct future sampling and forecasting efforts. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, increased funding has been provided to enhance monitoring capabilities in offshore areas for signs of red tide in real-time.

In the FY 2022-23 budget, $4.8 million was invested for the Center for Red Tide Research at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). The center was created at the request of the Governor in 2019 to improve statewide red tide monitoring techniques and conduct research to better track, predict, and mitigate the effects of red tide on Florida communities. The Center for Red Tide Research brings together state and local governments, universities, private sector partners, and citizen scientists to enhance statewide red tide monitoring and conduct applied research on red tide.

The FY 2022-23 budget also includes a dedicated $5 million for the Department of Environmental Protection’s red tide emergency grant program which supports county governments in cleanup of biological debris to minimize the impacts of red tide.

The FWC recently created an animated video to help answer common red tide questions. This video is intended for residents and visitors and covers three main topics: what is red tide; is red tide dangerous to humans; and how do we track red tide. Available as a single video or as three shorter standalone videos focused on each topic, these easy-to-access resources can be readily shared to help provide important background leading up to and during red tide events.

Current Red Tide status, conditions, and maps: https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/

For more information regarding red tide, visit: https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/

Immagge cour tesy NOAA

Background photo: Stephane Aich-Unsplas, license free to use) Ba Backckgrgroouund nd phhooto t : S Sttepphhaane ne Ai A ch c -UUnsnsplplass, li licens n e fr f ee e )

Water Quality Program: Is Your Water Clean?

Source: Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Oct. 18, 2022

Tampa Bay Waterkeeper (TBWK) tests and reports the bacteria levels of your favorite waterways bi-weekly. On our free app called Swim Guide, we make it easy for you to access all reporting agencies, including TBWK testing results, the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) Healthy Beaches testing results, and the City of St. Petersburg Environmental Compliance Division’s testing results.

Environmental Protection Agency has set the following standards for water considered safe for swimming, which is used by DOH and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper:

• 0-70 CFU/MPN per 100 mL enterococci per sample: Safe for swimming

• 70+ CFU/MPN per 100 mL enterococci per sample: Not safe for swimming

How do I find the latest water quality results?

Check out Swim Guide! You can download the Swim Guide app here or visit the website, or just keep scrolling.

Swim Guide is a popular tool for water lovers. Swim Guide will help you to identify at a glance which beaches are safe for swimming (Green) and which have current water quality problems (Red). Some sites are also in “special status” if pollution or safety events mean that you shouldn’t swim.

Water quality legend:

Current Status: Water quality samples were collected within the last 7 days.

• Green = Beach met water quality standards

• Red Circle = Beach failed to meet water quality standards

• Red Triangle = Beach has a special closure status

Historic Status: When a beach’s water quality data has not been updated within the past 7 days

it goes into historical status. This means that rather than displaying current data, it displays the beach’s average water quality for that year.

• Green = Beach passed water quality standards 95% of the time

• Red Circle = Beach passed water quality standards 60-94% of the time

• Yellow = Beach failed water quality standards less than 40% of the time

Heads up Tampa Bay! Post-hurricane Ian Sampling Results Are In!

Apologies for the gap in sampling, but we are back to our regularly scheduled program of monitoring Tampa Bay after Hurricane Ian.

Roughly 50% of our water sampling sites exceeded recreational fecal indicator bacteria limits.

According to the standards set by the EPA, we do not recommend getting in the water at the following locations based on these sampling results:

• William’s Park

• Davis Island Boat Ramp

• Rivercrest Park

• St. Pete Marina

• USF Beach

• Water Works Park

It’s important to check the Swim Guide app linked below before you go in the water!

https://www.theswimguide.org/affil.../tampa-bay-waterkeeper/

In addition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is conducting red tide (K. brevis) sampling. Per their report, dated October 7th, 2022: “The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed at background concentrations in one sample from Northwest Florida over the past week. Sampling in Southwest Florida was impacted by the passage of Hurricane Ian. Ω

Strengthening our Flotillas by Developing our Members

A new year is before us. In 2023 we will have a new set of leaders- both elected and staff officers. All of us hope to strengthen our flotillas, recruit new members, and encourage more seasoned members to take on staff offices. That is a huge goal in and of itself without considering our other goals and responsibilities, like our Recreational Boating Safety, Operations, and other missions. Fortunately, the help we need to achieve our goals of developing new leaders and members is already available.

Our new leaders may benefit from coaching, while new members will better become assets to our flotillas through mentoring.

Mentoring and coaching are fundamentally different processes despite frequently being grouped together.

MENTORING:

• Mentors offer advice grounded in expertise and experience.

• Mentors are sought by the mentee due to their expertise or experience in an area of interest to the mentee.

• Next sessions are scheduled according to the availability of both mentoring partners or may not be scheduled at all (leaving it to the mentee to contact their mentor when they have a challenge or need advice).

• Mentors help their mentees set goals for the overall experience, but these may shift over time.

• The start date of a mentoring relationship is clear, but the end may be open and fluid to accommodate the mentee’s needs or mentor’s schedule.

Find the Auxiliary Mentoring Guide at: https:// wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/AUX60/AUXILIARY_MENTORING_GUIDE_6_19.pdf

Additional Resources can be found on the District 7 website at: https://www.uscga-district-7.org/ hr_corner.php

COACHING:

• Coaches do not tell the Leader what to do nor dictate advice or suggestions. Coaches encourage Leaders to find their own answers through introspection and discussion.

• Coaches can be (and frequently are) peers to the Leader they are coaching.

• Next sessions are scheduled to occur as close as possible after the Leader has applied their skill.

• Coaches stay focused on the specific skills the Leader has selected to apply at work.

• The Coach has only four contacts with the Leader, each with a specific outcome and timeframe. The final contact is a defined endpoint in the process.

Find the Auxiliary Leadership Coaching Guide at: https://wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/AUX60/ AUXILIARY_COACHING_GUIDE_3_19.pdf

Dean Hoskin, member of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg and current Division Vice Commander, shows Steve Williams and Clark Pittman, both members of Flotilla 74, Brandon, how to plot a course on a nautical chart. The members are participants of the 2022 Division 7 Boat Crew Training program. USCG Auxiliary photo by George Papabeis, also from Flotilla 74.

November is Manatee Awareness

Month:

FWC reminds boaters to go slow; look out below.

Source: FWC https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/3357d24

Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers are on patrol in state waters to inform boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement actions. Boaters are reminded to abide by the regulatory signs they see on the water.

Remember, disturbing manatees at warm-water sites can cause them to swim out of protected areas and into potentially life-threatening cold water. Manatees are a protected species, and it is illegal to feed, harass, disturb or harm them.

November is Manatee Awareness Month, an important time for boaters to go slow and look out below to watch for manatees as they travel to warmer water sites around the state. From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being struck by motorboats or personal watercraft.

Manatees depend on water generally warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter, so in the fall, they travel to Florida springs, power plant discharges, and other warm-water sites. While manatees are large, they can be difficult to see in the water. That is why it is important to: follow guidelines and follow all manatee protection zones; look out while boating; wear polarized glasses and always give them space. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs, and maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps.”

During the colder months, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercraft. Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Physically handling a distressed or stranded manatee can cause more harm. Instead, report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or by dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone so trained responders can assist.

The FWC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continue to investigate and respond to an elevated number of manatee deaths along the Atlantic coast of Florida. The FWC and USFWS take manatee conservation seriously by actively implementing science-based conservation measures that are making a difference for manatees and their habitats. Learn more about how officials are responding to this event by visiting MyFWC. com/Manatee and clicking on “Learn More” in the banner at the top of the page.

Resources for boaters, educators, and other interested members of the public are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee. What should you do if you see a manatee? The Viewing Guidelines page provides helpful tips on respectfully viewing manatees, additional guidelines for boat and personal watercraft operators, and information on what you can do to help these amazing aquatic mammals. Ω

USCGC Douglas Munro Commemoration Ceremony Honors Cutter and Veterans.

By Dottie Riley

ing were members of USCG Station Yankeetown, USCG Auxiliary Division 15 members, COMO John Holmes, District Chief of Staff

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

Linda Jones, Division Commander 15, hosted a commemoration ceremony on Nov. 7, 2022, at Little Springs Park in Crystal River, Florida, to honor the USCG Douglas Munro. Division 7 members attending the ceremony included Daniel Helou, Division Commander 7; Tony Novellino, Immediate Past Division Commander 7; Dean Hoskin, Division Vice Commander 7; Kevin Wilcox; and many others. Also attend-

The USCGC MUNRO Memorial at Little Springs Park in Crystal River, Florida, came about through the efforts of personnel at the USCG Station Yankeetown and Ken Harrington, who spear-headed the project. Mr. Harrington was a Crystal River resident and member of the Crystal River Fraternal Order of Eagles. Below: Members of Coast Guard Station Yankeetown and the Coast Guard Auxiliary salute the flag during the USCGC Munro commemoration ceremony on Nov. 7, in Crystal River. In the center is Joe Meek, Crystal River Mayor. To his front-row right is COMO John Holmes, District Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect. USCGAUX photo by Robert Fabich, Sr.

(Continued from previous page)

COMO

From right are Tony Novellino, Immediate

Dean Hoskin, Division Vice Commander 7; and Daniel Helou, Division Commander. Top right COMO John Holmes, District Commodore-elect, delivers opening remarks at the MUNRO commemoration ceremony.

Below: The Inverness, Florida, Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard provided a rifle salute and played of Taps. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photos by Robert Fabich, Sr.

armed forces and who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 15 continued the efforts of Ken Harrington, creator of the local monument.

and District Commodore-elect District 7; Joseph Meek, Crystal River Mayor: Robert Holmes, Crystal River City Councilman; the Inverness VFW Honor Guard, and the Citrus County Cruisers, antique car club.

This year’s event was dedicated to all the men and women who served in the United States

The presentation began with the Honor Guard presenting the flags and a moment of silence. Mayor Meek and COMO John Holmes delivered the opening remarks. The background of USCG Douglas Munro’s heroic actions at the battle of Guadalcanal and the history behind the monument was presented by Linda R. Jones, Division Commander, Division 15. Ray O’Connell, Immediate Past Division Commander 15, read the poem “Freedom Isn’t Free.” A Rifle salute and the playing of Taps were provided by the VFW Honor Guard to conclude the program, followed by a rendition of the Armed Forces Medley honoring each branch of service. Ω

John Holmes, District Chief of Staff and District Commodore-elect, is seated with Auxiliary members from Division 7 attending the Coast Guard Cutter MUNRO Commemoration Ceremony on Nov. 7 at Little Springs Park in Crystal River.

Past Division Commander;

History of the USCGC Douglas Munro.

On March 31, 2021, after 49 years of faithful service to our Nation, USCGC DOUGLAS MUNRO transitioned to In-Commission Special status. This status began the decommissioning process.

Throughout the cutter’s service, MUNRO crews embodied the cutter’s motto – “Honoring the Past by Serving the Present.”

MUNRO was named in honor of Coast Guard Signalman First Class Douglas Albert Munro, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of extraordinary heroism in World War II. As the Officer-in-Charge of an eight-craft amphibious landing force during the Guadalcanal Campaign, Munro bravely used his landing craft and its 0.30 caliber machine gun to shield and protect several

hundred Marines who were under heavy enemy fire. He was mortally wounded during this effort, but his actions allowed the extraction of Marines by other landing craft.

Commissioned on Sept. 27, 1971, as the 10th cutter in the Hamilton Class MUNRO was initially homeported in Boston, Massachusetts, but quickly moved to its Seattle, Washington, homeport in 1973. MUNRO shifted homeport to Honolulu in 1981 and then to Alameda, California, in 1989. MUNRO made a final homeport shift to Kodiak, Alaska, in 2007.

Throughout the cutter’s distinguished career, those who sailed aboard MUNRO served in a multitude of domestic and international theaters,

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

Abridged and reprinted from “Signal 72,” April 1, 2021, the newsletter for Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg, Sharon Hartley, editor.

U.S. Coast Guard

including the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, the Persian Gulf and the Horn of Africa, and Southeast Asia and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

During the cutter’s last year of service, MUNRO completed 159 days away from homeport patrolling over 23,000 nautical miles in the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and the Pacific Ocean. The Munro enforced laws, treaties, and regulations critical to detecting and deterring Illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing. This included an operation NORTH PACIFIC GUARD deployment and two Alaska patrols, concluding the cutter’s long legacy of safeguarding mariners in some of the world’s most perilous waters. Ω

Division 7 Auxiliarist of the Year

Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Munro fuel up the ship before getting underway in Kodiak, Alaska, June 10, 2015. The Munro is a 378-foot high endurance cutter homeported in Kodiak. Photo courtesy Coast Guard District 17 PADET

Lifetime Achievement Award

Division 7 presented Commodore Donald Lloyd a Lifetime Achievement Award for superior performance of duty while serving as a volunteer member of the USCG. Auxiliary for 22 years. He was appointed Assistant National Commodore Diversity Directorate and created the Diversity curriculum for both the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. He is a member of Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg, where he is recognized as a mentor, counselor, educator, leader, and friend.

He will be missed by many after his retirement. Ω USCG Auxiliary photograph

Captain Mike Kahle, Commanding Officer, Sector St Petersburg and Captain of the Port of Tampa, presents a well-deserved Auxiliary Achievement Medal to Amber Porter, Flotilla 72, St. Petersburg, for her dedication to the marine environmental response mission while working as an Auxiliary University Program student with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Incident Management Division. In addition, Porter was names Division 7 Auxiliarist of the Year at the Change of Watch ceremony held Dec. 3 at Sector St. Petersburg. Bravo Zulu, shipmate! United States Coast Guard photograph.