Volume -- IV  Issue – 8                          District--8  Flotilla--39                                           August 2000

 

 

Commander’s Corner

Mike Case

 

The annual Coast Guard Day Event was well attended, but only three auxiliarists.  The company was great; it’s nice to speak with people you know in an informal setting.  The food ran short, but there was enough for all. The Bay Bears won and the fireworks at the end of the night were spectacular.

 

This month I am conducting an Auxiliary Procedures Course.  There are seven students who are gradually becoming less confused by all the forms, manuals and red tape.

 

ATC Security at Bates Field has become tighter.  If you don’t have a sticker, you will need a specific reason to be there, and you will have to show ID, Driver’s License, registration and proof of insurance.  Stickers are issued in the Personnel Office in the Admin. Bldg.

 

We have established a Flotilla account in the Coast Guard Credit Union.  No checking fees, all we have to do is maintain $20 in a savings account.  All Auxiliarists are eligible for membership in the Credit Union.  There are branches at ATC and at the Brookley Exchange.

 

Due to traffic overload, Marine channel 9 has been designated as the hailing frequency and channel 16 is for distress only.

 

Loran-C has been extended.

 

The National Board has decided that Districts should recognize members (in a manner to be determined later) who recruit 3 new members.  The NACO Growth Award is now awarded for those who recruit 5 new members, and the Recruiting Service Ribbon will be awarded to those who recruit a minimum of seven new members.

 

Ham radio operators, get ready for a special net event on Sat. Oct. 21.  They are trying to get radio people interested in being more active.

 

The next Division Meeting will be on Sept. 23 here in Mobile at the Clarion Hotel, next to Bel Air Mall.  We are the hosting Flotilla, so we have a lot of work to do.  To lend a hand call Deborah Shaw or me.  The Meeting and Banquet Rooms have been reserved for no cost, and we have locked in room rates at $48 a night.  The hospitality room will only be $125, but the DIV pays for that.  This is going to be the last Division Meeting for 2000, and it is important because it’s the annual election meeting, and there will be an Awards Banquet on Sat. evening.  Division meetings are open to everyone and are good exposure to how our organization works, and it’s an opportunity to meet and talk with our counterparts in other flotillas.

 

Since March 1999 our Flotilla has grown by 17 members, with two more taking the test this month.  These new members have become quite active.  Their accomplishments so far:  3 Vessel Examiners, 1 Marine Dealer Visitor, 1 Communications Watchstander, 1 Instructor, 5 Flotilla Staff Officers, 3 Division Staff Officers, and one National Branch Chief.  I want to thank all of you for your contributions to our Flotilla and the Coast Guard.

 

Dauphin Island Storm

Deborah Shaw

 

During the weekend of the Deep-Sea Fishing Rodeo, the usual afternoon thunderstorms were expected.  This dismal forecast didn't seem to hinder the fishing rodeo attendance this year.  It was on Saturday evening, July 22, when we were surprised by what we found when we arrived at the SARDET Dauphin Island.

 

Ron and I were planning to work on the "Dog House", to do some much-needed maintenance.  When we arrived, there was a man waiting for the Salvage crew to arrive to retrieve his boat…I thought it was nothing out of the ordinary, but today was going to be different!  The guys suggested we check out Ron's boat and I replied jokingly, "what's new?”  We weren't prepared for what we saw when we looked at the "Dog House".  Just minutes before our arrival, the bow line came off and the strong winds, 60 to 70 miles per hour, caused the boat to hit the pier several times on the port side motor.  It broke the housing and had wires hanging down from it.  The corner of the boat was also damaged, along with the trim.  OK, so it is not the most technical of terms but that is what I saw when I looked at the "Dog House".  We both had a sinking feeling in our hearts as we looked at the damage to the "Dog House" which was caused by the storm.

 

When I looked back at the SARDET, I saw several people working with the antenna and the flags.  The antenna was bent in the middle as if it were a toothpick.  I asked Ron if the camera was in the truck.  We found the camera and I began taking pictures of the "Dog House" before it got dark.  I also took pictures of the antenna.  The Forty-one was out on a call and it arrived just before dark.  They had to refuel and get prepared for the next call, which was sure to come in soon.  Ron suggested we get in our uniforms so we can be ready if they needed our assistance.  I knew that it was going to be a long night!

 

We were informed they didn't have any power so I called Alabama Power Company, Alan Upchurch, to inform him that the SARDET was without power and several reports were coming in requesting assistance by the Coast Guard.  He said he would see what he could do to restore the power to the SARDET for us but some lines were down.  As calls were coming in, a man walked up with two women, stating how both of their husbands were missing.  Sam Padgett took them to the office to record the information about the overdue boat.  Ron and I observed boats heading out even after the storm.  It looked as if another storm was heading our way.  Why would anyone take a chance like that, with their own life and the life of others?…we asked ourselves.

 

The crew of the Forty-one was tired and hungry.  The guy taking the phone calls was using a little flashlight so he could record the information about the SAR cases.  The generator was running right next to the office, which didn't make it any easier for him.  I gave him all the Tylenol I had with me to help get him through the night.  I volunteered to get the guys cheeseburgers but one of them said they wouldn't be here when I returned because they would be out on another SAR case.  I told him "Well, the cheeseburgers will be here when you get back!"

 

So Ron and I got the cheeseburgers for everyone and when we returned the power had been restored.  The guys were finishing the work on the damaged antenna.  Of course, the crew of the Forty-one was out on a call so their cheeseburgers were put up for them when they returned from the SAR.  The atmosphere was not as tense now and most of the SAR cases were closed.  We ate the cheeseburgers and watched as a boat towed another boat safely into the marina.  Ron and I went to find out the name of the boat to close out the open SAR case but didn't have much luck locating it.  Everyone we spoke with that night was very thankful for the work the Coast Guard does for everyone.  It made me feel proud to be associated with such a fine group of people!  Finally, the call came in to let the Coast Guard know which boat was in safely.  We didn't leave until after 11PM and all but one SAR case was closed.

 

We didn't feel like we did much but all the guys were very appreciative for the food and the support we provided that night.  It makes me appreciate the job they do on a "routine basis" after experiencing it that night! 

 

Coast Guard Swim Team 1^st Place Division II

 

The Coast Guard Swim Team won the 1^st place trophy for Division II this year and coach Susan Schuster was voted Coach of the Year.  Emily DeVoe represented Flotilla 39 on the team again this year.  If you are interested in having your child or grandchild swim on the Coast Guard team next year, contact Mark DeVoe.

 

Wear Proper Aux. Insignia While Serving with Active duty CG Personnel

By Harry M. Jacobs, Division Chief, Recruiting and Retention

 

Part of the success pattern for civilians to get along with and “fit” into any type of military-style organization is to learn its “culture”. This includes the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, other military forces as well as local fire and emergency medical units.  When we in the Auxiliary are on duty with Coast Guard people, part of that “fitting in” process requires our wearing of the proper Auxiliary insignia.

 

In the Coast Guard, the insignia of rank or rating is earned through such factors as performance, time in grade and extensive oral and written examinations. In the Auxiliary, our insignia is that of Coast Guard officers, but reflecting the position to which we have been elected or appointed. With the exception of the Auxiliary “A” which appears on our insignia, a Flotilla Commander wears the same “railroad tracks” as a Coast Guard Lieutenant. A Division Captain wears the same silver leaf as a CG Commander. It’s therefore not hard to understand why the wearing of our insignia can and has caused problems among active duty personnel.

 

The Auxiliary Manual clearly states that “Members, when serving as crew on a CG vessel/boat, shall wear only the member device (Auxiliary emblem) as collar insignia.” (Page 10-2, sub par. h.) The next revision of the Manual will extend this requirement to include duty at shore stations, the wearing of shoulder boards and the placement of insignia on ball caps and garrison caps.

 

Observing these requirements is essential to maintaining the cultural balance and good relations between active duty and Auxiliary personnel. This is not an insignificant concern. It is one that active duty people (particularly enlisted personnel) often are uncomfortable about addressing. They simply don’t want to offend or otherwise hurt the Auxiliarist’s feelings.  Readers of “The Interchange”, and Personnel Staff Officers in particular, should encourage all members to adhere to the stated policies. Thanks for your help.

Questions can be addressed to Mr. Jacobs at 562-696-6096, or at [email protected].

 

 

12 August	BC Training, Dauphin Island SAR Station
17 August	Flotilla 39 Meeting, Base Mobile, 1930
22 August	BS&S Course Starts,
26 August	VE, Dauphin Island, 1000 - 1400
21 September	Flotilla 39 Meeting, Base Mobile, 1930
23 September	Division Elections, hosted by Flotilla 39
30 September	VE, Fowl River, 1000 - 1400

 

Driftwords on Web

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