Our next business meeting will be Thursday, August 19, at 1930. It will be in the Simulator Facility at the USCG Aviation Training Center north of Mobile Regional Airport off of Tanner Williams Road. If you are coming out west on Airport Blvd., take a right on Schillinger and then a left at the Tanner Williams/Old Shell Road traffic light. The ATC entrance guard house will be on the left. Please remember that the ATC hasn’t seen us in a couple of years. Stop at the guard house; tell them you are going to an Auxillary meeting in the simulator facility; guests or new members that are asked for ID should show them a driver’s liscence; and if you are saluted return the salute. Follow the signs to the Credit Union parking lot and walk across the foot bridge to the simulator facility.

We’re still talking about the last time we met at the ATC. So, if this meeting is anything like the last one you won’t want to miss it. If you want to use the Exchange while you’re in the area, be aware that it closes at 6:30PM. You are welcome to wait for the meeting start in the Gator Lounge.

FC Patrick administered the New Member Pledge to the following new memebers: Ed Beachum; Alexander Grimes; Michael Grimes; John O’Donnell-Rosales; Brad Waters; Maryanne Worley; and Phillip Worley. MT Waters is working on qualifying our new Pilots and Boat Crewman. Brad Waters has already met the qualifications for Crew.

FC Patrick presented the Sustained Service Award to Michael Case during July’s Flotilla meeting.

On Thursday, Aug. 19, at 10:00 p.m. UTC (which is 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), new information tables will begin to be uploaded to the GPS satellites. These tables, known as almanacs, contain information that allow GPS receivers to predict which satellites are in view at an estimated location and time. These are used by the receiver to lock onto the correct satellites and to continue proper operation as satellites fall below the horizon and others rise into view. GPS receivers that are not fully compliant with the current standards may experience GPS receiver malfunctions when trying to use the new almanacs.

The last Boating Safely course of the year will start September 11 at the Alba Club. PE MacRae and the other instructors have had a busy year in Public Education. They would have taken a well deserved break, but arrangements are already being made to have a BS&S course at E&B Marine starting late October or early November.