Spirit of 76

By Diane Epstein

2010-03-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Shipmates:

I have volunteered to take over the management of this "Spirit of 76" blog to continue the fine work that Daren Lewis has started. I am excited about the possibilities this can offer our Flotilla. After discussion with the leaders of our flotilla and other members, it was decided that using this blog instead of going back to publishing a newsletter would better serve our members.

I would ask that you assist me in providing information that would be appropriate to post here for our members. Stay tuned for more info in the near future.

Diane Epstein, FSO-PB FL 76

New Division Blog

2010-01-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Blog posts here on Flotilla76.org have been a bit sparse over the past month as I have been ramping up our new Division blog - Division7.org

So what does this mean for the Flotilla blog? My intent is to continue to post Flotilla specific news as directed by our leadership Ron Marconi, FC and Tim Young, VFC. My general communications on issues relevant to the Auxiliary will mostly appear on the Division blog, with occasional reposts here for the most important items.

There has always been, and remains, an open invitation to other members to contribute. The blog is an excellent way to talk about your work and the programs you manage.

Division blog announcement:

Shipmates,

A number of you are likely aware of the new Blog we've developed for the Division to highlight news, events and activity. Now that we have two weeks of content up on the blog I'd like to formally invite the membership to visit the site.

http://www.division7.org

If you like what you see you can subscribe via email (see the right hand side for email subscription information) or by RSS feed if you use a feed reader (a tool we'll cover in an upcoming post).

I hope you find the blog a useful tool to find out what is happening in other Flotillas, the Division, the District and at "National".

If you have something to contribute, a topic, or a question you'd like to see answered on the blog please send me an email.

Thank you for your service,

Daren Lewis

Reporting your hours: A new 7029 for 2010

2010-01-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

FL76 Shipmates,
This is cross posted from our new Division7.org blog. If you have not already done so I suggest visit (and subscribe to) Division7.org for all the latest news from our Division.

Note: This is video content - if it does not display please visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VegL9ZiZSP8

Over the weekend the Auxiliary announced a replacement for our ANSC 7029 form. This form is the catchall form for hours not reported in other places and often accounts for the majority of hours reported by members. But it isn’t the form that is important rather it is the change in philosophy form represents. Personally I’ve been less than satisfied having so many of the hours I contribute to the Coast Guard lumped as administrative – it simply did not represent the complexity and value of some of the work undertaken, be it leading my Flotilla or studying to pass Navigation Rules.

This work is now broken into 5 categories.
99-A Auxiliary Leadership
99-B Recreational Boating Safety Support
99-C Marine Safety Support
99-D Training Support
99-E Auxiliary Administrative and Logistical Support

These categories give the Auxiliary a much better understanding of how we spend our time and gives the Coast Guard much better data to use when seeking funding for our activities from the Executive branch and Congress. Perhaps more importantly, this approach will give you as a member a better understanding of how you use the time you contribute to the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. In future you’ll be able to view your member record and see those 60 hours of class participation and study time it took to become crew qualified.

You can also list any non-reimbursed mileage and out of pocket expenses related to your Auxiliary activity.

The tradeoff could have been additional complexity in the record keeping… but the team on the National Staff did the opposite and simplified the reporting so you only report your total hours in each of the 5 categories rather than reporting each activity separately as on the previous form. This is a welcome focus meeting our organizational objectives while at the same time improving the member experience.

The leaders and staff responsible have my thanks, Bravo Zulu.

I encourage you to continue to track your time, by whatever method works for you. There is a second, optional page in the 7029 which looks similar to the old form. I have a simple alternate technique which I will share at some point in the near future.

As a Nation we are in a period where resources are tight. There is no better value to the Nation than the Coast Guard Auxiliary. We can’t prove that if you don’t submit your time. It’s easier than ever. If you regularly turn in your 7029s please start using the new form for January. If you’ve gotten behind on your reporting please consider the New Year and the new 7029 as an opportunity to get started.

New member note: Most of your activities as a new member will be reported on this new 7029 form. All your meeting attendance, preparation of membership forms, ICS training, and working with your mentor will be reported here. Please be sure to discuss time reporting with your mentor, it is critical to assure we get financial support for the Auxiliary and to assure your contributions are recognized.

Visit http://forms.cgaux.org/forms.html for two useful versions of this form.
New 7029 - with instructions
New 7029 - without instructions (recommended after you have read and understood the instructions)

Operational Excellence Award

2010-01-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

Shipmates,
Head on over to the Flotilla73 site and read FC Brian Rollins' excellent post on the Operational Excellence Award.

Brian has challenged his members to pursue this opportunity to demonstrate operational excellence. If you participate in surface operations please consider building a team to pursue this award.

Reading List: “I’ve been to where bad is, and this is not it.”

2009-12-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Shipmates,
Take a few minutes and read our shipmate Mario Vittone's article at Weekly Leader.

Mario relates an experience while serving as an Aviation Survival Technician which serves as a touchstone in his life and puts all the day-to-day challenges into perspective.

Mario's perspective has had a dramatic impact on my life in the months since it was posted. I've used the line in a number of circumstances... "Mario has been to where bad is, and [whatever the current challenge] is not it." My personal "been where bad is" is some 30 years old and dulled by my youth at the time and the intervening three decades.

When I was seven we were entering a remote harbor in the Marquesas (part of French Polynesia) and my mother Nancy (bio) was putting down the anchor. We had a bullet-proof mechanical anchor windlass with the entire mechanism exposed and she accidentally hit the lift cam which caused one of the windlass handles to catch, rise and catch her across her face. I recall her glasses flying into the clear water. Her nose was almost completely separated and it was a nine hour voyage back to the nearest medical care. With only three of us aboard my dad got us there and my job was to keep my mom awake. I was seven so I ended up asleep.

So I guess I can also say from personal experience "I've been to where bad is and this is not it."

I was lucky enough to meet Mario at the Innovation Expo last month. He is a force of nature. It is very much worth keeping up with his writings.

CG-6505 Investigation and the importance of mishap investigations

2009-12-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

Shipmates,
On Friday the Commandant posted the final investigation documents on the loss of CG-6505 off Honolulu in September 2008. I encourage each of you to review the final investigation document as it identifies a number of important issues related to Crew Resource Management (CRM), risks of fouled trail lines and hoist cables during hoist operations, and the "task saturation" that can occur in times of high stress. We will review the report as part of an upcoming member training.

While we do not operate helicopters with hoists, our surface operations members may be on the other end of the hoist cable, operating on non-standard facilities with significant potential for hoist cable fouling. Both our surface and air operations members can find themselves confronted with CRM challenges and task saturation in high stress situations. I can identify a number of times I've been task saturated during surface operations. When operating as a new aircrew member I was task saturated much of the time we were in the air due to the workload and the unfamiliar environment.

Admiral Allen's iCommandant post: http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/blog/2009/12/cg-6505-final-investigation-documents.asp

Investigation document: http://www.uscg.mil/foia/docs/6505Mishap.pdf

We can best honor the ultimate sacrifice of CAPT Thomas Nelson, LCDR Andrew Wischmeier, AMT1 Joshua Nichols and AST1 David Skimin by taking these lessons to heart, reviewing our own actions in light of the findings and looking to the safety of our shipmates.

These investigations, and the public and open way in which the Coast Guard leadership shares them, save lives of Guardians and those we serve. I am very thankful to work in a culture which rigorously examines mishaps for lessons which can be applied to prevent future mishaps. Our end of the bargain is to take the lessons to heart and apply them to our actions.

As you celebrate the holiday season please keep the families of CG-6505, CG-1705 and all of our Guardians who have given their lives in service to the nation in your thoughts.

Thank you for your service and commitment to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

Reflections on our families

2009-12-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

I've been an Auxiliarist for six years now. I've joked with my kids, Tim and Charlotte, since fairly early in my Auxiliary career that I can't wait until they can join up too, but they were little and it was a long, long way off.

Last night I was gearing up for a Christmas Ships patrol and Tim is hanging out with me. He asked with anticipation in his voice to remind him, "When can I start going out with you?". I stopped, staggered realizing that he is only three years from 17. He just turned 14 last week but it had not really hit me until that moment.

Congrats boyo! I am so very proud of you.

Tonight I attended the Flotilla 73 Change of Watch. Brian Rollins' son was there to watch his father be sworn in as Flotilla Commander, as was his wife Elizabeth. My dear friend Peter Kirschner's wonderful wife Mary, his daughter and granddaughter were on hand for Peter's retirement from the Auxiliary. We were surrounded by those who sacrifice weekends and evenings so we can serve.

I simply could not do what I do without the incredible support of my wife Sarah and my children. On the flip side I think I am a better husband and father because of the opportunities the Coast Guard and my shipmates have given me to serve and to lead. Today when I look at myself I have no doubts about who I am. I am a husband, a father and a guardian....

...and perhaps soon to be a father of guardians too.

Be safe out there shipmates.

ALCOAST 657/09 - Auxiliary Vessel Salvage Funding Procedures

2009-12-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

This one is a bit obscure but very important to those members who generously offer their facilities for use in as operational facilities. The ALCOAST clarifies the salvage funding for Auxiliary facilities operating under orders. Previous policy addressed damage but did not clearly address salvage funding potentially exposing members and their insurers to liability for salvage.

The policy can be found here: http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/ALCOAST/657-09_alcoast.txt

This was only a potential issue and once the gap was identified the Coast Guard acted to address the issue. We operate by policy in the Coast Guard and policies do not always anticipate every eventuality. I am heartened and I very much appreciate the commitment shown by our leadership on both the gold and silver sides to assure our members are protected in a salvage situation.

As operators (pilots and coxswains) and facility owners we have an obligation to operate our facilities with care and to operate within the capabilities of the crew and the facility. Most incidents which would require this policy are preventable and we all need to do our part in the prevention of salvage incidents.

The formal roles of the DIRAUX, Order Issuing Authority, facility owner, facility operator and Auxiliary staff/leaders are set out in the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual. Broken down to everyday practice there are a number of steps we can take to prevent facility incidents:

Talk about the potential risks and make such discussions part of a continuous ongoing dialog aboard, in the cockpit and ashore.
Practice risk management in all aspects of the operations program.
Use the TCT model and encourage all members of the program and your crew to participate through proper application of the model.
Update your GAR as conditions change.
Understand the capabilities of the crew and facility - don't ask more than can be given.
Slow down or stand down. At times the pace of operations begins to exceed our ability to apply risk management. Learn to recognize these times and slow down or simply stand down for awhile. This applies to individual missions, to a multi-asset mission, an event and our whole operations program.
Train, train, train.
Do not discount crew comfort. Fatigue is a major cause of incidents. We do not need to maximize the hours we spend on the water, in the air or on the road. We want to do what can be done safely.
Our responsibility extends well beyond the time the mission is complete until everyone is home safely and rested. We are not taking care of our shipmates if they drive home to four hours of sleep and work the next day after eight hours on the water.

What other steps would you propose?

[Hat tip to Brian Rollins of Flotilla73.org for the reminder to post on this topic]

December 7th 1941

2009-12-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

Shipmates,
I spent a fair bit of my youth in sight of the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Last year I posted the following on cgblog.org and I wanted to share it with you today.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Remembrance

Posted by Daren Lewis

In August I took my son Tim, 13 and daughter Charlotte 10 to the Arizona Memorial for the first time. As a teenager growing up on Oahu I'd been a number of times but there is something particularly poignant about returning with my children who may yet be called upon to make serve their country. I can only imagine the pride and fear I will feel when and if that day comes.

With profound respect and gratitude for those who have served, now serve and will serve in the years to come I offer three photos from our trip to the USS Arizona.

- Mainmast of the USS Arizona, flag pole USS Arizona Memorial, USCGC Rush

- The fallen of a grateful nation whom we would be proud to be allowed to call shipmates

- Flying proud over the USS Arizona

Effective staff reports

2009-11-27T23:38:00.000-08:00

I've been giving considerable thought to how to craft an effective staff or leadership report over the last few weeks. We place a great emphasis on reporting in the Auxiliary with little guidance on what a staff report should contain. An effective staff report needs to contain more than simply a record of accomplishments. I believe we can positively influence our staff to think in big picture terms by asking them to report on a broader set of activities.

I have identified six components of an effective staff report and I would appreciate critique and additions.

Execution: What has been accomplished in my area of staff responsibility including my own efforts, those of my reporting staff and those of the membership?
Expected execution: What accomplishments/missions are expected in the near term?
Execution opportunities and planning: What accomplishments/missions are in the planning stages? What is on the horizon? What are our opportunities?
Program development execution: What have I and my team done to build program capacity? Who has been trained? What partnerships have been developed? What materials have been developed or are now available?
Program development planning: What is planned to build program capacity?
Needs/gaps: What is missing that I need and/or needs leadership attention or action to resolve?

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

Shipmates,
As I reflect upon the many things I am thankful for the privilege to serve with each of you ranks high on the list. Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Daren

Reflections on the Coast Guard Innovation Expo

2009-11-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

Shipmates,

I'm back in Portland after a very exciting four days in Virginia Beach for the Coast Guard Innovation Expo. There are always benefits to a hot wash after an operation, here are mine:

1) When holding a camera and the Headquarters Command Master Chief comes up to you and asks what you are the appropriate answer is not what I said, "I'm an Auxiliarist" (he knows that), but rather, "Master Chief I am whatever you want me to be!" Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Bowen, Master Chief Isherwood (the aforementioned CMC questioner) and our D13 Command Master Chief, Master Chief Dunn bestowed honorary Master Chief status on VADM Currier, our former District Commander and the current Chief of Staff. As PAC Paul Roskowski notes on the D13 Blog:

The title of Honorary Chief is bestowed on individuals by the Master Chief of the Coast Guard as a way to recognize people who have demonstrated a significant commitment to Coast Guard Chiefs, the Chief's Mess and the enlisted corps.

1a) Being Semper Paratus applies when at a social event too.

2) The three D13 booths, External Affairs, Citizen's Action Network and Web Resources each included Auxiliarists on the team. We have an extraordinary working relationship here in D13 which is, in itself, innovative.

3) The Commandant is even more impressive in person.

4) It really makes a difference to be there in person. The Expo is a great opportunity to meet the current leadership of the Coast Guard and also the officer and enlisted leadership. Some of the best conversations were had on the bus as I found myself seated next to outstanding members of our community who I would never have otherwise met.

5) We all innovate in ways large and small. I'd like to make the effort to identify at least one innovative project to submit for consideration next year and it would be great to see two or more of you to Tampa for the 2010 Expo.

I have a number of additional videos and photos I'll post over the weekend including 12 Guardian Innovator videos we did highlighting just a few of the many innovations at the Expo.

2009 USCG Innovation Expo Field Reports

2009-11-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

Report 5: I had a great day discussing social media with fellow Guardians I had previously met only in the virtual world. Participants included (by Twitter handle) @xpconcept, @petermello, @benjaminstrong, @katiehood, @pastinson, @simplydan, @MVittone, @uscgd13 and many more. You can see some of the highlights here: PodcampUSCG We've a number of initiatives that will emerge in the coming days and weeks including a Wiki, a code of conduct for Guardians when participating in social media unofficially (because there is one when participating in the course of our duties), plans for PodcampUSCG2010 and an ongoing community between now and the 2010 Podcamp. If you are interested in social media and the Coast Guard please join the conversation.

Report 4: At PodcampUSCG
I'm participating in the inaugural PodcampUSCG hosted here at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. It is great to meet so many fellow Guardians and associated shipmates who I have only met online.

Ben Strong of AMVER (if you are not following AMVER on Twitter, Blogger and/or Facebook you should).

Report 3: Sunrise opening day

The sun rises over the water here, go figure.

Report 2: From Virginia Beach

First video from Virginia Beach kicking off the Innovation Expo

Report 1: Intro and PDX
Shipmates,
I'm on my way to Virginia Beach for the 2009 Coast Guard Innovation Expo. I'll be posting field reports during my trip so you can join me "virtually".

Rather than a new post each time I will update this post with notes and new videos so check back from time to time between now and Thursday.

[Update - Intro Video]

Best,
Daren

Disaster Recovery Working Group

2009-11-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

If you have been impacted by a Federally declared disaster or have been deployed to assist with disaster recovery, this is your opportunity to voice your thoughts, insights, and observations to assist in the development of a better national strategy for an effective approach to long term disaster recovery.

On October 28, 2009, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the launch of DisasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov - a new interagency website that will allow federal disaster recovery officials to solicit public comments from state, local, and tribal partners and the public.

The full text of the press release can be found at: http://www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov/releases/pr2009-10-28.cfm

The Questionnaire to Strengthen Disaster Recovery in Our Nation can be found at: http://www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov/questionnaire/

Disaster Recovery Working Group.gov’s home page is located at: http://www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov/index.html

Remembering Rescue 1705

2009-11-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

Shipmates, Please take a few moments today to remember our seven shipmates and two Marines.

This video is a moving tribute to 9 brave souls.

Why the Coast Guard Needs CAN

2009-11-03T19:42:00.001-08:00

Shipmates, This is the slide deck Pat Easton is using in his outreach to develop the Citizen's Action Network. As mentioned previously Pat can use help in many aspects of this program.

Why The Coast Guard Needs Can

View more documents from eastmech.

Loss of CG-1705 and a Marine Corps AH-1 Cobra

2009-10-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Shipmates, By now you have likely seen the message traffic related to the collision of CG-1705, one of our C-130s, and a Marine Corps helicopter. Please keep the crew of CG-1705, the crew of the Marine helicopter and their families in your thoughts. Our people, Guardians and Marines, go into harms way every day in service of our country to protect us, save lives and preserve our liberty. All of them, no matter where in the world they serve, are in my thoughts tonight.

Please be safe in all your activities and look to the safety of your shipmates.

From: Allen, Thad Admiral

Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 1:50 PM

Subject: ALL HANDS - Loss of Coast Guard C-130 and Marine Corps Helicopter

To the Men and Women of the United States Coast Guard:

I am deeply saddened to report that one of our C-130 aircraft, CG-1705 out of AIRSTA Sacramento, crashed last night about 15 miles east of San Clemente Island off the coast of San Diego. CG-1705, with seven Guardians onboard, was searching for an overdue 12-foot pleasure craft when there was a collision with a Marine Corps AH-1 Cobra helicopter at 1915 Pacific local time. There were two personnel on the Marine Corps helicopter which was conducting a separate training exercise.

The Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy have been working collaboratively overnight and throughout today in response to this tragedy. I want to ensure our workforce is kept fully apprised as well.

We have been and continue to actively search for survivors. Two Navy surface vessels were on scene almost immediately after the accident. Several Navy and Coast Guard aircraft, along with a Customs and Border Patrol helicopter, are flying sorties in the area while multiple cutters including the BLACKFIN, BLACKTIP, EDISTO, PETREL, GEORGE COBB, and JARVIS are conducting surface searches. One of the Navy ships is remaining on-scene as well. No personnel have been found at this time but we will continue to work with our Marine Corps and Navy partners in this massive effort.

While we continue the search, we will fully support the men and women of AIRSTA Sacramento and their families. We are actively assisting the local field units to respond to this tragic event so they can focus on the ongoing search. This includes flowing resources and critical incident stress management teams where they are needed, supporting our fellow families and Service members, coordinating a joint military investigation, and working with our Department, the interagency, the Congress, and the media to keep people informed.

I know many of you want to know the names of the people who are missing. We are following the appropriate notification procedures and working closely with our sister Services and the impacted families to ensure the proper steps are followed. We will release that information as soon as possible.

I will provide further updates as they become available. I encourage all Coast Guard members to keep these missing Guardians and Marines in your thoughts during this difficult time and to continue looking after your shipmates.

Admiral Thad Allen

Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

Operations Safety: Ejections from boats - an update

2009-10-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Shipmates, The following appeared on MCPOCG Bowen's blog and, as we posted the initial message on boat ejections from Captain Harrop, I wanted to also post the follow-up message.

To all those who operate our boats:

On 12 June, I issued the attached Cause for Action and sought help distributing it to every coxswain in the Coast Guard. I was pleased with how many people helped in this effort. While I know not everyone has seen it, I do believe many have. It is still being used at BM school and at the Boat Force Command Cadre course and other schools and venues. It has been circulated widely throughout the Auxiliary and even in the Canadian Auxiliary. But more importantly, I want to thank every coxswain who has gotten a Coast Guard boat underway during the past 3 months.

The last ejection from a Coast Guard boat occurred on 22 July, exactly three months ago. Our coxswains have safely operated their boats for 90 straight days without throwing anyone out. They have logged over 170,000 hours of safe and effective boat operations in support of all Coast Guard missions. That is impressive. Next time you see one, please pass on my heartfelt thanks for a job done well. Bravo Zulu! Thanks.

Now is not the time to let our guard down. Please continue to encourage our coxswains to be vigilant. The Office of Boat Forces goal is to complete 2010 without a single boat ejection. Coast Guard coxswains operate in a very dangerous environment and we must do everything in our power to ensure they are enabled to bring their crews back safely. Please continue to do your part.

Sincerely, Capt Ted Harrop

Chief, Office of Boat Forces.

PS: To those who oversee or manage others who operate boats, I also thank you for your help and request you pass this along to those who do operate boats for you.

Captain Harrop is reporting good progress. I'd encourage all of our Coxswains and Crew to remain vigilant and watch out for each other. As a reminder here are a few strategies to manage the risk of ejection:

Communicate, communicate, communicate - Call and get a response to wakes, maneuvering, changes in speed, going out of the cockpit or going forward, etc.
Slow down: Operate at prudent speed for the conditions, situation and the capabilities of the vessel
Remind your crew to hold on and if possible sit down - seated is almost always better when at higher speeds
Keep crew off the bow except when operating at low speeds and only then when operationally required
Assure PPE is properly donned at all times including all buckles and zippers
When you find yourself loosing your balance or see a shipmate doing so bring it to everyones attention - this is an indicator that action needs to be taken

Required reading: Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowing

2009-10-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Our fellow Guardian, Mario Vittone, has an article on gCaptain about how drowning can be a deceptively quiet event. Please read the article - we will be incorporating this as a training topic.

To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening(source: CDC).

http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/drowning/

Qualifications: Public Affairs Specialist I & II and Coast Guard Public Affairs Support Specialist

2009-10-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

We are all Public Affairs specialists in the Auxiliary. Each of us, in the course of our duties, interacts with the public and represents the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. We rely on the skills we've picked up over the years to make these interactions successful. Few of us have any formal PA/PR training or significant PA/PR business experience. Over the last few years the Auxiliary leadership has recognized the need to provide training for, and formal recognition of, our public affairs specialists.

There are three levels of Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist (+1 since we are all PA)

Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist
Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist II
Coast Guard Public Affairs Support Specialist

Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist (I)
There are two tracks to gain recognition as a PA Specialist (I).

1) Take the Auxiliary C-School AUX-12. [Definition: C-Schools are resident classes of 2-4 days with travel, food and lodging provided by the Coast Guard] The current C-School schedule can be found here: http://cschool.auxservices.org/

For 2010 these classes will be held in:

CGAS Clearwater - February
CGAS Mobile - March
CG Yard-Baltimore - April
ISC Alameda - June

2) Use the self-study method with online courses through followed by an oral board. Full details of this approach can be found at http://www.auxpa.org/parecog.html. There are four Auxiliary classes and you must also take ICS-100 through FEMA. The Auxiliary classes are:

Introduction to Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs (AUX-20)
Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist 2nd Class (AUX-22)
Journalism Basic (AUX-24)
Introduction to Digital Photography (AUX-26)

Links to these classes can be found on the National Testing Center website (you will need to create and account to take the classes): http://ntc.cgaux.org/TrainingCourses.htm

For ICS-100a see this post: http://www.flotilla76.org/2009/08/member-training-fema-incident.html

There is a study guide and a Personnel Qualifications Standard (PQS) for the PA Specialist qualification [Definition: A PQS is a manual which lays out the requirements for a qualification and tracks mentoring and your progress - this is the standard Coast Guard approach to qualifications and is being increasingly adopted by the Auxiliary for our qualifications]

Beyond PA(I)
Once you have completed the Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist qualification you may pursue the Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist II qualification followed by the Coast Guard Public Affairs Support Specialist qualification. These are also detailed at http://www.auxpa.org/parecog.html

These are great programs and I encourage you to consider pursing the first, or all of the qualifications. Attendance at AUX-12 would be particularly useful as this prepares you to participate as a mentor and oral board member for future members seeking the qualification.

District Store in our own backyard

2009-10-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

The District Staff Officer - Materials, Matt Epstein, is a member of Flotilla 78 and maintains the District store here locally.

My inventory includes garrison hats, shoulder boards, most of the ribbons, medals, D13 logo shirts, patrol signs, patrol & Aux ensigns, various metal insignia, the new black A sew-on insignia for ODU's, and various other items. You can include this link to the D13 Store on the web http://a130.uscgaux.info/dso-ma/index.htm that includes info on how to contact me to order.

Matt's contact information is on the D13 site and in our directory. Matt is often willing, with some reasonable notice, to bring materials to the Division meetings.

Oregon State Marine Board post-season Law Enforcement Conference

2009-10-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Many of our Oregon law enforcement recreational boating safety partners were recognized by the Oregon State Marine Board last week.

The Oregon State Marine Board recognized marine law enforcement officers from around the state for their outstanding performance and contributions during the 2009 boating season at their annual post-season conference on October 13, in Bend.

The day-to-day efforts and outstanding heroism of the Officers, Deputies and OSP Troopers recognized comes as no surprise to those of us who work with them on the ramps and the waterways of Oregon.

Bravo zulu to those recognized and all our Oregon and Washington LE partners.

Press releases describing the contributions and awards, by county, can be found here: http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/news/OSMBnews.shtml#October_2009

Future Guardian

2009-10-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Naval Vessel Protection Zone PSA

2009-10-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our shipmates in D13 Public Affairs have prepared a public service announcement on Naval Vessel Protection Zones.

If the video does not display please see this YouTube link.

2010 Flotilla 76 Leadership: Ron Marconi and Tim Young

2009-10-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ron Marconi, elected as Flotilla Commander, and Tim Young, elected as Vice Flotilla Commander at our meeting last night. Ron has served as an outstanding VFC and Tim has brought great energy to a number of programs.

Flotilla success has two critical components, your personal dedication to duty and the quality of the leadership you elect. You prove your dedication to duty every day to fulfill the first critical component. The election of Ron and Tim we fulfills the second critical component with very high quality leadership. With this election and your continued work the Flotilla will continue to grow and prosper.

Thank you Ron and Tim for your willingness to serve!