Spirit of 76

Photo of the Week

2012-05-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

Shipmate, this week's photo shows our new info holders at the local boat ramps. Thanks to Ed Karis for his hard work in getting these place.

PORTLAND, OR - Auxiliary flotilla 76 works on installing "TAKE ONE" pouches

at the local boat ramps and parks with Sports Utility Boat access. Safe Boating Week is upon us

and this is flotilla 76's way of promoting safe boating 24 hours a day.

U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Auxiliarist Ed Karis.

Photo of the Week

2012-05-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Post by Jonathan James, VFC

This week's photo was submitted by Ed Karis, FSO-PV.

Ed has put in countless hours in preparations for the open house events at the local Fisherman's Marine locations for the next 4 Saturdays. A BIG thanks to John Pulson, Diane and Matt Epstein, and Ed Karis for
putting on a great event this Saturday.

120507-G-0227J-001

PORTLAND, OR - Auxiliarist stand watch at the Open House booth hosted by Fisherman's Marine
in Delta Park. Auxiliarist offered free Vessel Safety Checks as well as a cold water tank demonstration.
Public Affairs booths are one of the biggest tools we have available to spread the word about Recreational Boating Safety and having great program partners like Fisherman's Marine help provide a platform for

Auxiliarist to spread the word.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Ed Karis. FSO-PV

Photo of the Week.

2012-04-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Post by Jonathan James, VFC

This week's photo was snapped by Todd Mains while conducting training evolution's with Coast Guard Station Portland. If you have any photos of us executing our missions, please send them to me so I may share them with our shipmates and people who follow our blog.

Clear to Port.

120427-G-0227J-001

PORTLAND, OR - Coast Guard Small Boat, 25430 makes a

hard turn to Port while executing a blocking maneuver to protect the high

value asset they are escorting in a training exercise. Auxiliary vessels and crews

are routinely used as platforms for the active duty to use in training. In this case,

Auxiliary OFAC 222051 was used as the high value asset.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Todd Mains.

2012-04-26T20:42:00.001-07:00

Post by Jonathan James, VFC

Shipmates, in the next few Saturdays flotilla 76 will be participating in some "open house" events at the Fisherman's Marine locations. We will be providing store patrons with an opportunity to learn about boating safety as well as get their Vessel Safety Check done.

These are the dates of the open houses:

05 MAY 2012 from 0900-1600 at the Delta Park store
12 MAY 2012 from 0900-1600 at the Oregon City store
19 MAY 2012 from 0900-1600 at the Tigard store

Members are needed to help man the booth. We will have boating safety literature as well as the cold water demo available. Officer Snook will be making appearances and members are needed to wear the costume. Officer Snook's appearance times will be 1100-1500.

Please contact Jonathan James if you interested in participating.

Some Photo Highlights.

2012-04-13T18:59:00.003-07:00

Post by: Jonathan James, FSO-PA/PB

Sorry Shipmates for a silent blog for the past while. Now that I'm starting to find a good routine (which I'm sure will change as the baby gets older) I am able to get posting again.

It's That Time to Roll Our Sleeves up.

The CO of MSU Portland has chose Tax Day (17 April) as our changeover from ODU sleeve down to ODU sleeve up. Here are a few photos to follow to properly roll your sleeves. If you have any question, please email Jonathan James with your question.

Here is a slide show of AUX in action this Winter.

Division 7 Member Training This Saturday

2012-03-07T21:59:00.002-08:00

Shipmates, please read the following from Ed FSO-PV, about our division training this Saturday at MSU Portland.

The combined VE/PV workshop is this Saturday, 10MAR12 at MSU. The start time is 0800 for the VE workshop with the PV workshop to follow. This is a great opportunity for new and seasoned VE/PVs to learn and freshen up on everything VE/PV related.

Remember for those of you who do not have an AUX ID, you will need to be escorted on base.

Uniform of the day: ODU. (please inspect your uniform for correctness)

Facebook Page

2012-02-17T15:50:00.001-08:00

Shipmates, for those of you who do Facebook, we now have a flotilla facebook page. Thanks to Dave Baker for his working in getting this set up.

What we need from you is content, updates, dates of events and photos. Please send this info to Dave or myself and we will see that it get's posted.

https://www.facebook.com/flotilla76

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2012-01-26T20:42:00.001-08:00

Post by Jonathan James, FSO-PB/PA
The photo of the week demonstrates how important our Aids to Navigation program is. Without us to conduct our bridge verifications, these lights may not be operational or inappropriately lit. If you are interested in assisting in Aids verifications, please contact our FSO-NS for details.

Vancouver, WA. Lights on the Interstate Bridge show the way for commercial and recreational vessels navigating the Columbia River which is the boarder between Oregon and Washington.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts Private Aids and Bridge verifications for the Coast Guard to assure the information listed in the light list as well as NOAA charts are correct.
Photo by Auxilirist Jonathan James.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2012-01-19T17:05:00.001-08:00

By Jon James

The photo of the week is the slide show of our Change of Watch aboard the Portland Spirit. A great time was had by all with great food and fellowship.

Thank you Daren Lewis for offer your photography skills for the Change of Watch. Well Done.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2012-01-12T19:05:00.001-08:00

Post by: FSO-PB Jonathan James
Sorry, I haven't posted a photo in the last couple weeks. I'm going to start kicking this fender back up the hill with another fantastic photo from Paul Ploeger in AUXAIR piloted by FC Rick Williams.

Portland, OR - AUXAIR conducts an overflight of the Oregon City Falls.
AUXAIR conducts overflights of the Sector Columbia River AOR to augment
Air Station Astoria aircraft. AUXAIR can be used for SAR cases as well as
port security, pollution reporting, etc.
Photo by Auxilirist Paul Ploeger

Division 7 Change of Watch Photo Highlights.

2012-01-09T21:15:00.001-08:00

Post by Jonathan James

Shipmates, for those of you who could not make the Division Change of Watch, here are a few photo highlights of the ceremonies. In attendance was our Coast Guard 13th District Commander, Rear Adm. Keith Taylor who gave a very inspirational speech. Other speakers in attendance were, Chief of Staff Dean Wimer and MSU Portland Executive Officer, CDR. Micheal Zamperini.

76 came home with a couple awards from the division level and will be presented at the next flotilla Change of Watch this Sunday.

B.Z. to DCAPT Daren Lewis for an outstanding and memorable COW and congratulations to DCDR Brad Schults and VCDR George Sipes on your election to the division bridge.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Shipmates

2011-12-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

Post by FSO-PB Jonathan James

On behalf of FC John Poulson, FC elect Rick Williams and myself, have a safe and very Merry Christmas. And for our shipmates standing the watch tomorrow. Thanks you for your service.

Here is a Photo Gift from me.

Even senior officers can have a sense of humor
as demonstrated in the photo by District Captain Daren Lewis
at the flotilla holiday party.
Photo by: FSO-PB Jonathan James

December Meeting Highlights

2011-12-21T19:00:00.001-08:00

Post by FSO-PB Jonathan James

FC John Poulson, thank you sir for your outstanding dedication and hard work to this flotilla and your shipmates. You pulled us through some confused seas the last couple of years and the flotilla is stronger then ever and thriving because of your leadership.

Last Wednesday was your last meeting as Flotilla Commander and probably the quickest of all the meetings in which you were the Chair. Was this you, ready to give up the Gavel, or was it because you had something planned for after the meeting? Well of course you had something planned for after the meeting, it was a fun and non-violent gift exchange and party to allow us all to have some great fellowship and food. And what better way to go out than with a party.

Some quick highlights from the meeting before you get to see some pictures.

* If you plan on participating in the crew and coxswain academy this year, please contact John Poulson and Kevin Thiel FSO-OP 2012 with your intentions. They will work with you to see that your squared away for the academy.

* Congrats to Lynn Easton. Your a Grandaddy to another Granddaughter . Another lucky one to spoil.

* DIRAUX notes are being sent once a month highlighting activities in DIRAUX's office. This is a great source of information from DIRAUX and the staff that helps keep the auxiliary running.

* Uniform of the day at the boat show will be Tropical Blue. Please see that your uniform is squared away when attending the boat show.

* The UDC has an excess of the untucked ODU which means you may now purchase more then 1 set of the ODU from the UDC.

*Commanders remarks were short due to the Change of Watch where FC Poulson will grace us with his last Commanders Comments before passing the Gavel to FC elect Rick Williams.

*If you have not sent your check in for the Change of Watch, please do so as soon as you can. Its going to be a memorable COW.

Stay tuned for more on the meeting in the December meeting minutes.

Here is a slideshow of the meeting and party.

Photos by FSO-BP Jonathan James

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-12-13T10:26:00.001-08:00

Post by FSO-PB Jonathan James

Christmas Ships on the Columbia River escorted by OPFAC 267 Coxswained my Lynn Easton.

Photo by FSO-PB Jonathan James
Portland, OR- Christmas Ship Breezy sails by AUX 267 on the Columbia River at the Interstate Bridge. Coast Guard and local law enforcement provide support to the Christmas Ship fleet by marking obstructions, Aids to Navigation as well as providing SAR assistance if needed.

Photo By FSO-PB Jonathan James

Portland, OR- Christmas Ship Rock Steady performs a maneuver

called a Cart Wheel by executing a 360 degree turn in unison with
all the other vessels in the Christmas Ship fleet.

Photo by FSO-PB Jonathan James
Portland, OR- Christmas Ship Branch Office

sails the Columbia River along Hayden Bay.

Photo by FSO-PB Jonathan James
Portland, OR- Coast Guard Cutter Bluebell participates in the Christmas Ship parade as the center piece of the evening. This is the second year that the Cutter Bluebell has participated in Christmas Ships. The Cutter Bluebell is charged with maintaining Aids to Navigation along 500 river miles and she is charged with maintaining more than 420 Aids to Navigation.

Photo by FSO-PB Jonathan James
Portland, OR- Christmas Ship Meant To Be sails into Hayden Bay for the final maneuver of the night. You will find many a Christmas ship with a play on words like CO HO HO HO.

For more information of the Christmas Ships and the schedule of parades, please visit their website at http://www.christmasships.org/

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Post by: FSO-PB Jonathan James

This week's photo was submitted by Paul Ploeger from AIXAIR piloted by Aircraft Commander Rick Williams on Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Portland, OR- AUXAIR conducts an overflight of an overturned vessel on the
Multnomah Channel. AUXAIR provided support to the Coast Guard RB-S from Coast Guard Station Portland, which including a check for possible people in the water as well as a check for pollution that my be leaking from the overturned vessel. AUXAIR conducts muliti mission flights to augment AIRSTA Astoria aircraft on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-11-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

Post by FSO-PB Jonathan James

Happy Holidays shipmates. I hope you all had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving with family and friends this past week. With Thanksgiving behind us brings our next big operation, Christmas Ships.

I just want to remind all our members underway for these parades to remember risk management, situational awareness and watch out for the safety of their fellow shipmates while underway.

Coast Guard Cutter Bluebell underway for Christmas Ships.USCGC Bluebell participates in the Willamette Fleet of Portland Christmas Ships
AUX Daren Lewis, USCG. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-11-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

Today is a day to honor our veterans of our armed forces and thank them for their service.
Some of us did that this last weekend in the Veteran's Day Parade held at the Historic Reserve at the Vancouver Barracks.

Coast Guard Color Guard Leads the Guardian Group.

Photo by: Jonathan James

Truck Towing 25430 from Station Portland.

Photo by: Sandy Carpenter

Auxiliary Boat 181173 Flying the Auxiliary Flag.

photo by: Jonathan James

Here is what the correct answer to the Photo of the Week was.

I asked to have you guys respond via email to my question of what was wrong with the picture. It had something to do with the uniform and many of you hit to the pen in her pocket. This was not it. The pen was in her pocket correctly and did not violate any uniform policy.

In this photo I highlighted what was different about her uniform.

SN Hanna had a rip in her sleeve and had to sew the rip. For most, the only way to tell this difference was to hold your uniform up to the monitor and compare the picture.

Congrats to Todd Mains who was to closest member to pointing out the difference. He received some nice hangers to keep his uniforms from wrinkling or falling off the hanger and a three drawer container to store all his auxiliary uniform items when not on his uniform.

If you have any photos with an out of place something, please send it to me. I would like to start doing one of these a month and recognizing the member at the monthly flotilla meeting with something that has to do with the photo.

Stay Tuned for the November Flotilla Meeting Highlights Coming this Weekend.

November Flotilla Meeting Highlights.

2011-11-11T21:36:00.001-08:00

We had a great turn out for our November flotilla meeting with 32 members and 4 guests present. It was a packed house with some great food and fellowship.

The big highlight of this months meeting was the election of you new Flotilla Commander and Vice Commander for the 2012 year.

Rick Williams was elected as Flotilla Commander. Photo by Peggy Steven

Jonathan James was elected as Vice Flotilla Commander.
Photo by Daren Lewis

Heads up on the COW. Payment for the COW is due no later than 15 DEC Please send or hand your payment to Rick Williams. The 15th is the day after the December flotilla meeting.

A Uniform reminder:
ODU sleeves are to be worn down during the winter months.
The Passed Officer device is not authorized for wear on the ODU.

Brad Schuldt is presented with an RBS (Recreations Boating Safety) device. This device is awarded to members who complete more than 240 points in 2 years.

Photo by FSO-PB Jonathan James

1 point for every hour as lead instructor for a Public Education class.
1 point for every 2 hours as an assistant instructor for a Public Education class.
1 point for every hour of Public Affairs work. (prep time and travel not included)
1 point for each Vessel Exam completed.
1 point for each Recreational Boating Safety Visit.

B.Z. Brad for being awarded this hard earned device. You are part of an elite group of members who have excelled in our primary cornerstone of RBS.

Ed Kairis was named District 13 Auxiliarist of the Week for his growth in the auxiliary in his first year of service. Ed has been in the forefront of RBS and it has shown, not just in our flotilla but the division and district as well.

Photo by Peggy Stevens

Mary Megrant has exepted the position of FSO-PE (Public Education) for the remainder of the 2011 year and will be staying on the staff roster for the 2012 year. Congratulations Mary and thank you for you dedication to the flotilla and the boating public you teach.

Photo by Peggy Stevens

PHOTO OF THE WEEK (with a twist)

2011-11-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

Post by FSO-PB Jonathan James

This week I decided to use the photo of the week to quiz you on how well you know your uniforms. We as members need to be able to point out BIG and little issues with our uniforms and correct them. We also need to be looking out for our fellow shipmates who my need a heads up on a uniform error.

In this photo there is something astray about this uniform. Can you pin point the difference?

Hint: Take your ODU out and compare the picture.

The first 3 members to email me the difference in this uniform will receive an item to add to your uniform care kit at the next flotilla meeting.

Semper Paratus Shipmates.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-10-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

Post by FSO-PB J. James

Sorry for not posting a photo of the week last week. I'll get the ball rolling again this week with a picture of our very own Elisabeth Hanna who is a member of 76 and a LE boarding member for Station Portland.

In this photo, Seaman Hanna is underway on 25470 as a LE boarding member in her Active Duty capacity. .
photo by: Todd Mains.

October Flotilla Meeting Highlights.

2011-10-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Post by FSO-PB Jonathan James

This months flotilla meeting was outstanding. We had close to 30 members and 3 guests which made for a great time for fellowship and to conduct the flotilla business.

First off, I would like to thank our visitors for joining us Wednesday night. It was nice to meet you all and I hope it was a good experience for all of you. Flotilla meetings are usually the most nitty gritty function of the auxiliary but it is vital to the success of our unit. It allows us as members of a flotilla to come together and plan for the months ahead. It also allows us to get together as friend and catch up on the going on's for the month and recognize members for their hard work.

Speaking of awards.
Paul Ploeger was awarded his 2nd Operational Service Award for more then 341 hours underway this year. That is just outstanding.

Rebecca Easton was awarded her1st Sustained Service Award for 5 years of service in the Auxiliary.

Matt Epstein was awarded his 4th Sustained Service Award for 20 years of service to the Auxiliary. BZ Matt, I know your looking forward to another 20 years of service.

Daren Lewis was officially introduced to the flotilla as District Captain elect and now represents the southern divisions. The District Captain is also responsible as a liaison for the Coast Guard Units in his area. The District Captain delegates some of this to the ASC (Auxiliary Sector Coordinator)BZ Captain Lewis on your new position.

For the program visitors, we have some PV specific materials that you may not be aware of. The most important is the CG-5093 Manufacturer ID Code System, which is the form to sign up the marine dealers as a program partner. The biggest thing this can can do for the dealer is provide them with the quickest recall updates available. There is no yearly renewal unless the business name or location changes.
ANSC 7048 PV Activity Report is another must have. You don't get credit for your visits unless this form is filled out and SENT TO THE FSO-IS.
A program partner sticker is also available for our partners to show their customers at the front door that they care and participates as a program visitor.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER: MEMBER DUES ARE PAST DUE. PLEASE GET YOUR DUES IN TO THE FSO-FN

The Flotilla COW has changed the date to 15 January 2012 due to the Division COW being held on the 7th and would require a good number of flotilla members to participate in 2 COW that weekend. Boarding time and meal cost will be available via email soon.

We voted on a couple VERY IMPORTANT motions at the meeting this month. The first of the two motions is as follows.............. Sorry I can't tell ya on the blog what the motions were. I will have the motions available soon in the flotilla meeting minutes.

Mary Magrant conducted our member training session at the meeting which covered the steps/process to becoming an instructor (IT). The first step to gaining your qualification is to study the Instructor Development Course located at http://www.cgauxed.org/elib/idc.htm
Once finished with the course you need to log onto the E-Learning site and take an openbook, none proctored test.
Once the course and test is completed you can move onto the Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) which is a book that has tasks that must be complete in the presence of a mentor. Once this is completed, your paper work is sent to district and walla. Please call Mary for a more in depth discussion on the steps required.

VE's please remember to submit any Vessel Exam paperwork that has not been entered. The leadership would like to see your numbers accounted for this year.

EVENTS TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDER:
22 OCT Sat: ECP Training Session at MSU.
02 NOV Wed: Division Meeting
09 NOV Wed: Flotilla Meeting. Elections will be held.
12 NOV Sat: HAZWOPER Training and Exercise.
19 NOV Wed: ABS Class. Contact FSO-PE for details.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-10-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

This weeks photo of the week is highlighting the division meeting we hosted last Wednesday. Thanks to all of the 76ers that supported the leadership in hosting an outstanding meeting.

This Ain't no Cookie and Cold Coffee Line!!!

Photo by Peggy Stevens

Gary Bell working his Stainless Steel Edible Art Storage Apparatus.
What fantastic food Gary. BZ as usual.

Flotilla Body Guards Manning the Gate!!!!

Photo by Area Captain elect Daren Lewis

Thanks to Chris Roosevelt and Paul Plouger for standing Gate Watch
and maintaining a heighten sense of Situational Awareness.
Watch out for these two, they may pounce and bust some
Gummbie Suit Ninja stuff if they sense something odd.

Edd Kairis is Number One.........

Photo by FSO-PB Jonathan James

Edd Kairis was awarded the Division 7 Auxiliarist of the month
for October. Edd is the first to be awarded the Aux of the month sense
the division voted to start recognizing an Aux each month.
Edd's name will now be sent to district as a candidate for
District 13 Auxiliarist of the year for 2011.

Frocking???? Yup That's What's Happening.

Photo by Peggy Stevens.

Division Commander elect Brad Schuldt was frocked at the division
meeting after being elected as the Division Commander for 2012.
MSU XO, USCG CDR Michael Zamperini and Brad's son preformed the
frocking ceremony. For those of you who don't know what a frocking is, it's
a ceremony which changes the officers insignia from his or her current rank (office)
to his or her promoted office before they actually take office.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-10-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

Post by FSO-PB J. James
Member training is the highlight of this weeks photo of the week. Without this most important program, we couldn't serve the boating public or the Coast Guard. A BIG thanks to Jon Polimeni for some outstanding training offered at the division level this year and his support to the flotilla's who have offered training to members in the division.

Damage Control Trailer
Photo By FSO-PB Jonathan James
Area Captain elect Daren Lewis (left) and SO-MT John Polimeni (right) work on repairing a leak in the Damage Control Trailer. This trainer is used to train Coast Guard personnel and commercial fishermen on the methods used to patch leaks due to cracks, holes, splits and leaking seals. This is also a great piece of equipment to show what TCT is all about.

Flotilla 73 Crew Academy With 76 OPFACs

Photo by Area Captain elect Daren Lewis
In this photo, 051 Coxswained by Todd Mains is practicing the side tow evolution with 173 Coxswained by Ken Babick who is the academy lead officer. In the background 267 Coxswained by Lynn Easton stands off while the crew observes the process of a side tow evolution.

Training With The Active Duty
Photo by Area Captain elect Daren Lewis
The station often asks the auxiliary to participate in training of the station boat crew and coxswains. In this photo an auxiliary OPFAC is being used as an escorted vessel to allow the active duty to practice their escorting procedures.

Classroom Instruction

Photo By Area Captain elect Daren Lewis
In this photo Todd Mains teaches the Boat Crew candidates of an easy method to remember the sound signals when approaching or passing a vessel. We are lucky in our area as we have a bus load of outstanding instructors who have a wealth of knowledge.

Note: Wednesday we will be hosting the division meeting which is also the division election. Lets have a great turn out and support or members running for higher office. I would like to say thank you to Matt Epstein who is running for Division Vice Commander and Brad Schuldt who is running for Division Commander. Good luck to you both on Wed.

Davy Crockett owner indicted on two felony charges

2011-09-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Photo by Steven Lane

The Davy Crockett, shown in an aerial view last March, was surrounded by a cofferdam and dismantled in place.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Columbian News Paper reported today that the owner of a broken barge that polluted the Columbia River and triggered a $20 million cleanup has been charged with two felony crimes, which was announced Thursday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Western Washington district.

Check out the full story at http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/sep/29/davy-crockett-owner-indicted-two-felony-charges/

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

2011-09-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

This weeks "PHOTO OF THE WEEK" I am highlighting our flotilla's public affairs activities.
Bu: FSO-BP J. James

Lynn Easton at the Portland Boat Show. This is a great opportunity for us to talk to the boating public. Especially the new or soon to be new boat owners

LEFT: Area Captain South elect Daren Lewis fitting kids at the Oregon Zoo Safety Fair. This is a great example of our working relationship with other agency's like AMR Ambulance. RIGHT: A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk from Astoria lands in a field at a school for a safety fair. We had a tent with the cold tank so kids could see how hard it is to function in the cold water.

This is what a table at an event could look like. We have literature
and exhibits for specific aspects about boating. This allows us to customize
our booth to each PA event. This was a picture taken from the Columbia
Slew Regatta. The information provided was specific to the paddling community.