SPRING ICE BREAKING ON THE USCGC ALDER

Contents West Superior Area Division 14 Central Area Activities 15 The Auxiliary Skills Bank: 17 South Area Plans & Activities 18 Incident Management and Preparedness 19 Advanced Incident Command System Training 20 Sector Sault Ste. Marie 2015 Objectives 22 Spring Ice Breaking on the USCGC ALDER 24 Advertising the Auxiliary at a Higher Frequency! 25 Spring Conference Award Photos 26

Operationalize 2 The Coast Guard Auxiliary Today and Tomorrow 3 The power of Teamwork 4 Iinform Entertain Inspire 5 Marine Safety Training Opportunities 7 New Requirements for Public Affairs Officers 8 Structured and Dedicated Training 9 DIRAUX Community Safety Tip: 10 Program Visitors are Important 10 A Primer for Vessel Examiners in 2015 11 Order Replaces Chaos 12

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OPERATIONALIZE Commodore, Mark R Villeneuve,

As the operational season approaches, ice melting and water warming, the time is here for all Auxiliarists to consider our readiness both as individuals as well as team members. As part of the district operational plan, focus items have been developed in an effort to achieve commitment to excellence. These include the following: Ÿ

Increase the pool of members trained as boat crew or coxswain.

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Increase the pool of members trained using the SABOT initiative.

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Organize and optimize RBS-25 training in areas requiring Auxiliary support.

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Assess air operational readiness and implement programs to address deficiencies.

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Facilitate division-ready as well as cross division-ready operational teams.

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Facilitate UCSG station integration with USCG operational teams.

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Facilitate communication regarding successes and best practice models that promote operational readiness.

Many Divisions are currently engaged in boat crew and coxswain classes in an effort to train additional members but also to provide available training time for review and refresher exercises. Divisions have also identified goals that encompass achieving the Auxiliary Operational Excellence ribbon as part of their commitment to excellence. Divisions have offered and are offering training opportunities to their neighboring units as well as coordinated exercises to achieve optimal readiness and ability to provide cross coverage. There are therefore numerous opportunities to achieve qualifications, improve upon our skill sets, facilitate division-ready and cross division-ready operational teams and generally achieve heightened performance through a robust commitment to excellence. I encourage the operational leadership of the Auxiliary to integrate fully with their Coast Guard counterparts and to build optimal teamwork with them. I encourage all Auxiliarists to participate as fully as able in these activities as it embodies service to nation, duty to people and commitment to excellence, guiding principles of the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Safety is also important. It is important that we maintain situational awareness at all times. "Let's be safe out there" cannot be understated. We need to participate fully in TCT training and to consider GAR evaluations as an opportunity to mitigate risks, not simply identifying the risks regardless of a final score. These are tools that when used to their maximum capacity have the ability to maintain safety. They are not an impediment therefore to our desire to be operationally active. To all Auxiliarists in air as well as surface operational programs, bravo-zulu for the programs currently in place and those that are planned throughout the operational season. Auxiliarists, the time has never been better to achieve all that you can achieve in the area of operations.

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The Coast Guard Auxiliary Today and Tomorrow Robert W. Stauffer, District Chief of Staff The Auxiliary was established by an Act of Congress 75 years ago. Today, the auxiliary is the largest uniformed volunteer support group to any of this country’s military services some 30,000 strong. Always, answering the call to duty in performance of its missions, the Auxiliary embraces the Coast Guard Commandant’s core principles: Service to the Nation, Duty to People, and Commitment to excellence. The Auxiliary of today and tomorrow will find different ways to continue their efforts in educating the future recreational boater and paddle sport enthusiast in water safety through different means as we adjust to our user’s ever changing demands. We’ll look to continuing to create an environment where our members have the opportunity to receive up to date training and support in both their Auxiliary rolls as well as their private lives. This is accomplished by making the Auxiliary a more diverse group; bringing in the strength’s of others to help the future of the organization. The members we bring in today and tomorrow will someday be the leaders of the Auxiliary in the years to come. The ever changing dynamics of today’s economy is causing the United States Coast Guard to look toward the Auxiliary for more nontraditional support i.e. Skills Bank, AUXFS, Watch Standers, UPV Examiners, Commercial Fishing Examiner’s, Environmental Services. The list continues to grow. As the Auxiliary continues to meet the needs of our country today and tomorrow, a stronger, diverse, trained and talented Auxiliary force will allow the organization to become fully operationalized, actualized and recognized as the premier volunteer force that it is.

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=mandated-training

Build resilience – Prevent Suicide Take the Building Resilience and Preventing Suicide Course.

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The power of Teamwork: Commander Elmer Stone Commander Nathan Podoll, Director of Auxiliary, Ninth District Born in Livonia, NY, just south of Rochester in the Ninth District, Commander Elmer Stone grew up to be a Coast Guard legend. A century ago, in 1915, he first officially championed the use of aircraft for rescues at sea. In 1917 he became the Coast Guard’s first aviator, then commanded the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean non-stop. A true Renaissance Coastie, he also commanded two ships, and was coxswain during the rescue of the C.C. Wehrum’s crew under brutal conditions. He was pivotal in naval aviation development, test flying every kind of aircraft in military use. He assisted to perfect take-off and landing gear for shipboard aviation. He continued aircraft development until his death from a heart attack while observing new aircraft acceptance tests as Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Patrol Detachment, San Diego. Commander Stone’s life of accomplishments wasn’t the result of only his effort, courage, and intelligence. It resulted from teamwork. It took the ship or aircraft crew, working together towards a common goal. Teamwork requires trust. Trust requires relationships. He trusted his leaders to give him guidance, opportunities to try, opportunities to learn from failure, and opportunities to improve next time. Stone’s leaders trusted him to apply what he learned, perform better each time. and to be honest with them in every situation. His crew trusted he would put them and the mission before his accolades or comfort. He would be honest with them in all situations, no matter the personal discomfort. Trust is a feeling that leads to other feelings – such as safety and inclusion. Groups having trust – be it a family, a military unit, a company, or a country – allow members to do amazing feats. There is excitement and buy-in. Teamwork and trust drive the Auxiliary. You can observe this during District Training weekends, as Auxiliarists gather and share ideas and goals with each other. Teamwork is reflected in the sudden surge in performance, as members gel and focus their attention on meeting a shared goal. Suddenly, there is no limit to what they can do together. So wherever you serve – on the water, in the sky, in the classroom, in the galley, as Coastie Operator, or one of the many other authorized missions: Be the Leader you want to follow. Build the team. Be part of the Ninth District meeting our goals in Vessel Exams (15,000), Paddlecraft outreach (distribute 40,000 “If Found” stickers), and Public Education graduates (5,500) for 2015! Most importantly, make a difference in your community, the Coast Guard, and our country. As the sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and are a leader.” become more, Thank you for all you do, and have a blessed and prosperous 2015!

Information and images gathered from: http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/StoneElmerApr2010.pdf and http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Onondaga1898.pdf

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INFORM

ENTERTAIN

INSPIRE

Paul Barlow, Auxiliary Affairs, Ninth District This is what I learned by reviewing the speech delivered by General George Patton to the 3rd Army in June 1944. General Patton wanted to INFORM, ENTERTAIN AND INSPIRE the troops before they headed off to retake Europe from the Germans. He wanted to INFORM them of his expectations. He wanted to ENTERTAIN them. If you remember the movie “Patton”, George C. Scott in the opening sequence used some pretty ‘colorful’ language to convey his message. Believe me when I say, his remarks were toned down from the original speech but I can imagine his motives. Patton wanted to make them laugh, especially knowing what they faced ahead of them. He also wanted to INSPIRE them. He knew his men believed in what they were doing and that they would die for their beliefs and their country. However, he wanted them to MAKE SURE the other guy…the Nazis…died for their beliefs and their country instead. So, I intend to follow Patton’s format as I discuss the Budget & the Commandant’s priorities & how they affect us. This year’s budget has finally passed but what the Commandant had to say at N-Train will affect future budgets that I think we all should be aware of as noted in his priorities below: COMMANDANT PRIORITIES: o Cyber Security-Awareness and utilization of existing communication methods. o Western Hemisphere Strategy-As DOD shifts focus to the Asian Pacific theatre, the CG needs to maintain presence in a layered defense against narco-trafficking, terrorism, mass migration in support of DHS. Justification is needed to replace the aging cutter fleet (210’ WMEC/ 378’ WHEC--50 years old). o Arctic-Increase U.S. presence in Arctic as it expands its commercial (cruise ship/bulk carrier) enterprises while China/Russia continues to encroach in the region. Justification for additional CG icebreakers. o Energy Renaissance-support inland rivers as commerce expands. Justification to replace aging buoy tenders (60 years old). The bad news is that none of these priorities directly point to D9 or CGAUX. The good news is none of these priorities directly point to D9 or CGAUX. Obviously, we are impacted to some extent and it shows trust in how we conduct business and that CGAUX is the master of RBS. The Commandant has utmost confidence in how CGAUX is handling its affairs. However, the need to replace the CG’s aging cutter fleet may impact us in the future. The recurring THEME from all of this is that EVERTHING OLD NEEDS TO BE NEW AGAIN. Don’t worry though; we’ve been there before as I’ll show you. In discussing OLD, you should know that I completed over 40 years with the Coast Guard in October 2014. I note this milestone so we can look back together 40 years, back to 1974. A quick internet search shows the following: Ÿ Gas was 55 cents a gallon. Back to Page 1

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Ÿ The Annual median income was $13,900. I should know because I was making $10,000 as a LTJG as the Assistant Director of Auxiliary for the Eleventh Coast Guard District. So, you see I’ve come a long way in 40 years! Ÿ Back then, Papillion and Blazing Saddles were the top grossing films. The hot songs were: Ÿ “I Shot the Sheriff” Ÿ “The way we Were” Ÿ “Hooked on a Feeling” Why do I tell you all of this? I hope it would entertain you but also to be thought provoking. You know, some things change and some things never change. Back in the 70’s, there was a lot going on just as it is today. Back then, the Coast Guard was changing into the "New Guard" as we lamented the end of the "Old Guard"; the end to "wooden ships and iron men". It then became necessary to convert to "Bender's Blues," that were implemented as part of the postwar transition to an all-volunteer force. Instead of looking like sailors, we now looked like aviators. In addition, the “stylish” new women's uniform was created by Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. We also witnessed the end of Ocean Station service which led to the steady if belated retirement of venerable but aging World War II cutters. As you can see, we’ve been here before! The Coast Guard needed to adapt to patrol the 200 nautical mile limit offshore with the Magnuson–Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1976. And who can forget, the 1971 National Recreation Boating Safety Act that would turn the responsibility for RBS completely over to the states. Again, I facetiously say we’ve come a long way in 40 years! However, just as it was back then in the 70’s, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is leading the way. With all this in mind, I would like to leave you with a quick story of a Coast Guard Rescue back in February 1952 off the coast of Cape Cod that I think you all can relate to. The rescue occurred during blizzard conditions when two 500 foot World War II tankers split apart in heavy seas stranding over 84 men clinging to their hulls. After being trapped at sea for over 12 hours in waves up to 80 feet, four men at Station Chatham Harbor were given orders to use their 36 foot long, wooden lifeboat to assist. As Petty Officer 1st Class Bernie Webber and the crew on board CG-36500 initially cleared the breakwater on what all considered on board a “suicide mission”, his boat encountered a wave that shattered the windshield, ripped the compass from its mount and embedded glass in the coxswain. But this didn’t stop them. They continued on with their rescue that has been chronicled in the book “The Finest Hours” that will soon be made into a movie scheduled for release later this year. What captured my attention was the epilogue that described a reunion 50 years later as viewed from the eyes of the daughter of one of the volunteer crewman, Seaman Ervin Maske. Although they all volunteered to go on this mission, Seaman Maske was the one member of the crew that really did not have to volunteer for this “suicide mission.” He was not a part of the Station Chatham crew. He had been waiting at the Station for a ride out to his permanent duty station on the Nantucket Lightship when he offered his services. Seaman Maske’s daughter said that until the reunion she hadn’t appreciated the significance of that fateful night. While growing up, her father never talked much about the case and if he did, his response was that “it was no big deal.” If pushed on the subject, he would just say that he was “just doing his job and he did what he had to do.” I’ve told you about this case not because I think you’ll be called out on a rescue case of this severity but because I think you can relate to a small boat rescue in deteriorating weather conditions. You can certainly relate to the extreme weather that they encountered during that nor’easter, especially after these past two winters. More importantly, you know what it is to be a VOLUNTEER and I would expect when asked why you do what you do, your response would be similar to Seaman Ervin Maske. You would say that “it’s no big deal”. You would also say “you were just doing your job, just doing what you had to do.” In short, you are an INSPIRATION to me and I invite you to learn more about this rescue and see where and how it applies to what you do. Use it to INFORM, ENTERTAIN AND INSPIRE your members. More importantly, use it to thank your members as I thank you and commend you for what you do and will continue to do as we navigate the way ahead. Back to Page 1

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Marine Safety Training Opportunities Kim Cole, DSO-MS The past year has seen Marine Safety Dept. spreading in many different directions from our beginnings. We have many that have been trained now as (Asst.) Facilities Inspectors, Water Ways Management, Uninspected Towing Vessel Examiners, Uninspected Passenger Vessel Examiners, Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiners, Pollution Responders, Sea Partners, etc. Many now have earned the Marine Safety Training Ribbon and we now have a member that has earned the Conditional Trident Device. This training has spread thru all of 9th Central including MSU Toledo, MSU Duluth, Sector Soo and Sector Detroit. I want to extend my congratulations to all that have worked so very hard to achieve this status. We now are working at putting together teams from the trained specialists that we have. These teams will work in their specialized areas to assist the Coast Guard in whatever way that is needed. This is especially needed now with the many budget cuts we have seen the past few years. Getting this training is not easy, and there is no quick way of getting there. Anyone that is wishing to earn this type of Personal Qualification Standard must start with the specialized training that is offered in their AOR. There can be no shortcut on this. Once the educational portions are complete then the practicals must be completed. In many of the PQS this can be quite difficult and time consuming to obtain. We must always recognize the fact that practicals sometimes are put on hold when it comes to the good of the Coast Guard, but they will eventually be done. Even then when all is completed and a Letter of Designation is earned, the member must be approved to work with the Coast Guard (by the Coast Guard). Also, those who have earned the LOD's should also be sure to do the follow up classes to keep themselves current on all aspects of their training. This also is a good way to keep your qualifications current in the case of not being able to get out as often as liked working in your designated areas. We have many changes that are coming down from National in regards to our existing PQS with Marine Safety. We will see some that may be eliminated, some that will require more training before being able to work on their practicals, and some additional educational areas. All changes are to provide the Coast Guard with extremely qualified members that can assist wherever the need occurs. None of this is easy or quick to happen, but for the dedicated member it can happen. If you are interested in attending the training sessions (but not necessarily to do practicals) you are invited to attend. If you have any questions on how this process happens please contact your Flotilla Staff Officer for Marine Safety. They will help to direct you on how to start this process. Back to Page 1

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New Requirements for Public Affairs Officers Commodore Jerri Smith, DSO-PA

I was one of the DSOs that attended N-Train, our January national training conference, in St. Louis, Missouri. N-Train is a 3-day session of training, starting on Friday evening, going all day on Saturday, and until noon on Sunday. It's a marathon training session leaving your brain feeling like mush. So much information in so little time. But, it's so nice to meet all of the other DSOs from around the country -- to hear their stories -- to share best practices -- to learn from each other. It's also nice to spend a bit of social time with the National Board members, and even "rub elbows" with the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM), and perhaps even the Commandant! Spending time with people who have the same desire and passion as you have -- to spread the word on the Recreational Boating Safety mission. Sharing that passion, wanting to spread the word -- using newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and most recently, the Internet -- is what Public Affairs is all about. Yes, we've had web pages for several years now, but now we're branching out into social media. Both the National Commodore and the Commandant of the Coast Guard have Facebook pages! Social media is the way we're going to reach potential members -- dare I say -- younger members! They're on Facebook, they're on Twitter, the use Instagram and Linkedin. They're out there, and we need to speak their language in the arena they're familiar with. officer's responsibilities during a media event.

I challenge all of you to embrace social media, if you've not yet done so. Find your "inner geek" and branch out. Or, find that person in your flotilla, or in your division, willing and able to start a flotilla Facebook page. We didn't talk about using social media at N-Train. I wish we had. But, just because we didn't discuss it in St. Louis doesn't mean I won't discuss it here in Ninth Central Region, because I think it's important. My challenge to all the division commanders in 9CR is this: Survey your flotilla commanders. Find out if they have a Facebook page. If they do, give them a hearty Bravo Zulu for branching out into social media. If they do not, encourage them to do so. I'm hoping to see a 25% increase in the number of Facebook pages we have by the end of this year. I'd rather see 50%, but I know to not ask for too much. And, if you think the idea is just silly, think about this: If Facebook is good enough for the National Commodore and the Commandant, isn't it good enough for your flotilla or division? You bet is! See you on Facebook! The 2015 District Staff Officers for Public Affairs with their N-Train instructors. Back to Page 1

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Implementing Structured and Dedicated Training Richard C. Desmet, Jr., DSO-OP Commodore Villeneuve’s watch words for the future of the Ninth Central Region are “operationalize,” “actualize,” and “recognize.” When I was chosen as the new DSO-OP, I took these watch words into careful consideration, formulating a strategic plan for District surface operations. An important element of this plan, which we will be participating in, is structured and dedicated training. Before I begin, I would like to congratulate prior DSO-OP Don Pryjmak on his appointment to the national staff, and thank him for all of his years of service to the District in Operations. I look forward to serving the operational members, helping them be well-trained and successful. Structured training will consist of an increased amount of interaction between Divisions and Flotillas, as well as increased productivity of these interactions. Members will be gathered together to train for special skills, and these directed training efforts will result in an increased number of trained members. Additionally, proficiency among members in the area of Surface Operations will be improved. The first step in this process of implementing structured and dedicated training will be to work with CQEC and QEs, the leaders of the operations program. They will be trained in drilling SABOT and Operational Excellence, two solid training systems that are already in existence. Drills, called “Boat Camps,” will be carried out at least twice per month at each Order Issuing Authority. Each QE in the district will run one or two drill days during the season. This frequency of drills will result in a larger number of trained members, whether they be existing members or new members. The second step will be to involve Coast Guard personnel by inviting them to take part in our drills, leading and providing guidance to Auxiliary members during these training sessions, in cooperation and collaboration with the Operations Training Officer. Additional drills will be scheduled twice a year, between adjacent Order Issuing Authorities (OIAs). We will plan and schedule these drills once each OIA has successfully completed drills on its own. There will be a published schedule listing training sessions in all areas, so members can have the opportunity to know about and attend any events that they choose. With training plans being carried out in team environments across Auxiliary units and with cooperation of Coast Guard units, the implementation of structured training will result in a consistent level of proficiency and collaboration across the District. We will be seeking positive and negative feedback, to improve upon the execution of these plans, for the success of our members and of Surface Operations in general. I have sent out the full plan for Surface Operations, which includes a greater level of detail regarding other activities that we will be working on throughout the course of this year, and the next few years to come. Spring is arriving and the water is getting warmer, I’ll see you out on the water. Take care of your shipmates and have a safe and productive season. Securing the homeland is securing your work space. Take the Security Fundamentals Course.

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Program Visitors are Important Connie Mays, DSO-PV As part of the recreational boating safety program, the Program Visitor is an important asset. The program visitor is responsible for establishing and maintaining a relationship with local businesses, offices and marine dealerships (partners). Program visitors keep their partners supplied with the latest state and federal regulations and boating safety information. They also provide information of where to obtain a vessel safety checks or attend a boating safety class. Another important area to expand this program is in the paddle craft community. Kayaking has grown from 2 million users to over 14 million participants over the past 10 years. Last year there were more than 200 deaths and injuries for paddle craft operators alone (Coast Guard Compass, July 23, 2014). With the on-set of the spring/summer season rapidly approaching, consider joining our team of members to help get this important safety information out to the public. With 121 qualified members in 9th District, we accomplished 3,193 program visits in 2014. As a newly appointed DSO, it would be my goal to increase PV qualified members and raise the number of visits to at least 6,000 in 2015.

DIRAUX Community Safety Tip: As the Coast Guard’s eyes and ears out and about, you know what’s ‘normal’ for your community. The following resources are available to report should you see something abnormal: o For immediate threats/danger, call 911 or local law enforcement. o America’s Waterway Watch (Report Suspicious Activity 24/7): 877-24WATCH (877-249-2824) http://americaswaterwaywatch.uscg.mil/home.html o Environmental Spills: 800-424-8802 (24/7) o CG Counter Intelligence :202-615-3327 (personnel/personal security) o If you make a report to any of these entities, please report as well to your Local Order Issuing Authority.

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A Primer for Vessel Examiners in 2015 Mike Miski, DSO-VE and Mike Dziekan ADSO-VE In 2014 the Ninth Central Region performed a total of 5008 Vessel Safety Check. This is a drop of almost 10% over 2013’s data (5465 Total in 2013). Overall, the Ninth District Central Region had a great year of performance considering that there was still ice in the Great Lakes in June! Our 9th District DIRAUX sent an email via the Chain of Leadership, in January, outlining the goals for 2015. Our District Senior Leadership has agreed to pursue these goals. Our Goal is to maintain our momentum and to continue our success by performing 5,000 Vessel Safety Checks again this year. With the rise in Paddlesports we are being asked for an increased effort in Paddle Craft Vessel Examinations and the Paddle Craft “If Found” sticker distribution. On June 25, 2012, Michigan Governor Richard Snyder signed 2011 House Bill 5164: Revise government inspections of rental boats Public Act 249 of 2012. This Bill eliminated the requirement that rental boats that are non-motorized, including canoes, kayaks or rafts, must get government inspections. This is a perfect opportunity for the 9CR U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to fill the void and continue to inspect the paddle craft to help maintain public Recreational Boating and Safety for those who rent paddle craft. We couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to aid our mission goals for 2015! With the approval of our EXCOM, we aim to increase the Paddle Craft Vessel Safety Checks via Livery inspections. The 9CR District VE Staff is working on a plan to properly check and streamline this activity. Stay tuned, there will be more to come… August 2014, the V-Directorate released a new version of the VSC Manual, COMDTINST M16796.8A. Please note that the Coast Guard is only releasing this manual electronically. We realize that members would like to have hard copies. Hard copies are available, at the member’s expense, via the FedEx docstore: https://docstore.fedex.com/uscgaux/ . The user name is “uscgaux” and the password is “uscgaux1!” (do not enter the quotes). Scroll to the bottom folder and click on Vessel Safety Check, enter a “1” in the box on the right, then add to cart. Follow the prompts and you may either pick it up a local FedEx Kinkos or have it shipped to your house. – link: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=v-dept The National V-Directorate has released its 2015 Workshop. It is not a mandatory workshop unlike the 2014 VE workshop. The new workshop covers the changes to the 2015 VE policy. Topics covered are: The National RBS Program Mission Statement, The VSC Approach, The new VSC Manual, Uniforms, Wearing of Life Jacket while inspecting vessels that are in the water, Certification & Recertification of Vessel Examiners, Bell Carriage Requirements, Batteries, The New MARPOL Sticker (ANSC 4067), The Pollution Placard (ANSC 4064), The Navigation Rule book for vessels over 12M, and the backfire flame arrestor supplement. Please note, if you did not complete the 2014 Workshop then you have been placed into REYR and need to complete 2 supervised VSC’s and complete 5 VSC’s to regain your certification.

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Order Replaces Chaos Jack Broadhurst, DCDR -18 Failure to understand the organization structure and to follow the Chain of Communications can lead to disorder and chaos. Like any organization, there are Management and there are Staff. The Auxiliary has Leaders instead of Managers and a Chain of Leadership instead of a Chain of Command. For the Leadership, the Chain of Communications follows the Chain of Leadership. However, for the Staff, we have what is known as Parallel Staffing, which actually defines an additional Chain of Communications for the Staff Officers that is parallel to the Chain of Leadership. What this means is that, while Staff Officers report directly to Vice Commanders, they also communicate directly with Staff Officers above and below their respective Organization Level. The following Organization Chart illustrates these relationships. We are all Flotilla Members and, as such, we may communicate with our Flotilla Leadership and our Flotilla Staff Officers. Now, we all recognize that there is no such thing as a machine that does not break, a person who never makes a mistake, or a system that cannot be improved. If a member has a concern about an area where there is a Staff Officer, the member may communicate directly with the Staff Officer. It is the Staff Officers responsibility to escalate your concern to the next higher Staff Officer if it cannot be resolved at the local level, and to copy you and the Vice Commander. If a member feels that the concern is not being addressed, communicate with the Flotilla Leadership. Anyone, at any level, who goes outside the Chain of Leadership or the Chain of Communications creates confusion and leads to chaos. Another area where we create confusion is with electronic communication. If a communication is coming from National, District, or Division to the membership, and there is a Staff Officer for that area of responsibility, let the communication flow through the Staff Officers. National should send it to the DSO, with a copy to the DCOS and the person who sent it. The DSO sends it to the SO, with a copy to the VCDR and the person who sent it. The SO sends it to the FSO, with a copy to the VFC and the person who sent it, and the FSO distributes it to the Flotilla members, with a copy to the person who sent it. I assure you that I do not need to be copied on all the communications as they pass through each succeeding level. We are all Flotilla members and will receive the communication through the Flotilla Staff Officer. If this system fails, it must be dealt with by mentoring the responsible party. Back to Page 1

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Continued from page 11, A PRIMER FOR VESSEL EXAMINERS IN 2015 – link: http://bdept.cgaux.org/wp/wpcontent/uploads/2015/01/WestMarine_SafetyOnTheWater_2015Coupon.pdfThe Auxiliary’s Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) partner, West Marine, has once again provided discount coupons for 2015 that qualified Auxiliarists can hand out to members of the boating public. Distribution of these coupons should encourage boaters to purchase required and recommended boating safety equipment. There are conditions under which these coupons should be distributed to boaters. West Marine requests that qualified Auxiliary members distribute one coupon to each boat that completes a vessel safety check (VSC), and Each person who completes an Auxiliary safe boating course. - All Vessel Examiners must inform their Flotilla Commander and/or Vice Flotilla Commander when they intend to perform VSC’s or Program Visits. This is required to make sure that the member is covered in case of any accident while in performance of these duties. If the Commanders are not notified, then any assistance via the Coast Guard could be forfit. In closing I’d like to quote our National RBS Program Mission Statement: “To minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and the environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats through preventative means to maximize the safe use and enjoyment of United States waterways by the public.” I can’t think of a better reason to serve our boating community!

Continued from page 12, ORDER REPLACES CHAOS From: Department Head

From: DSO

To: DSO

To: SO

cc: DCOS

From: SO To: FSO

cc: Dept. Head, VCDR

From: FSO cc: DSO, VFC

To: Flotilla members

Note: Please beware of proliferation of copies via email. It is not necessary to copy the world on every message! By copying the person who sent it to you, you not only let them know you received it but also that you forwarded it. Finally, when things don’t seem to be going right, remember our Core Value of Respect. We are all entitled to Respect, as shipmates and as fellow human beings. Follow the Chain, with patience and persistence, and we will get it fixed.

The “Mainstream” is published three times per year by the Ninth Central Region, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, John Socha, Editor, at no cost to the US Coast Guard or the Government. Mail articles to 7242 Flamingo, Algonac, MI 48001, E-mail [email protected] . Mark Villeneuve,District Commodore; Robert Stauffer, District Chief of Staff; Dan Getts, District Captain-South; Norm Raymond, District CaptainCentral; Richard Carver, District Captain-North. Confidentiality Notice: PRIVACY ACT OF 1974: The disclosure of the pers7onal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act of 194. The subject Act, with certain exceptions, prohibits the disclosure, distribution, dissemination or copying of any material containing the home address, home telephone number, spouses names, and social security numbers, except for official business. Violations may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanctions. Back to Page 1

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West Superior Area Division John T. Kraft, DCDR 28 Our area sprawls over two time zones and states. Although I think the whole area should be in the Central Zone. Marquette, at the east end of our Division, is directly north of Chicago. It is a very wild, beautiful area with some of the clearest water anywhere. The “navigable waters” as the Coast Guard defines it, consist mainly of Lake Superior and small parts of its tributaries. The relatively short boating season we have here demand that we are ready to get out as soon as conditions allow. Thus we do as much training as we can indoors. Open water training is done as often as weather and people’s schedules allow. We will often train along with the Coast Guard crews. They often have new people and appreciate having boats to ‘’rescue”. Our western most flotilla, Bayfield WI, has a very large paddle sports participation. Bayfield has partnered with the US Park Service to assure the safety of paddle sport boaters. Most of these people come from out of the area and have little knowledge or appreciation of how quickly Lake Superior can turn dangerous. Besides training, winter is the time for public education. Boater safety courses are conducted and public information booths are manned. Coastie is called upon for some of these and is well received. This summer should be a productive one, as some members are currently being trained to do UPV inspections, Assistant Pollution Responders, and QE’s. Much work remains to be done in the area of recruiting and retention. We need to do more PA and make ourselves more visible in order for this to occur. We can accomplish the most to help the Coast Guard by public education. This is not just in boater classes, but by our every contact with the boating public: VE’s, information booths, and talking to boaters, sportsman groups and paddle sport fans. And most importantly, we must reach out to our inactive members and encourage them to participate. Stand up for cultural differences. Address injustice, inequity, disrespect and exclusion. Take the Civil Rights Awareness Course. Back to Page 1

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Central Area Activities Norman (Norm) Raymond, DCAPT-Central Greetings to all and I hope this article finds you and yours in the best of health and ready to hit the ground running for the 2015 Operational year. Being a newly minted DCAPT I thought I would introduce myself. I am a person who wears or has worn a few hats in my time. I finished a 34-year career in Law Enforcement with the Ferndale Police Department retiring July 2007. I held a number of positions from my start in 1973 as a Patrolman until my finish as a Detective Lieutenant. Near the end of 2007, I became interested in the Coast Guard Auxiliary through knowing a couple of Auxiliary Police Officers who belonged to the CGA for several years. I went to a few meetings and it put the hook in me leading to my becoming a member in early 2008. I completed the Merchant Marine school in 2009 and hired on the Infinity-Ovation yacht as a Mate. I was later hired on at the Clinton River Cruise Company as Captain on their fleet of three boats. Since joining the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, I have thoroughly enjoyed the comaraderie and the dedication with the many Auxiliarists from all walks of life that I have had the pleasure to meet. I am humbled by the quality and commitment of the men and women that we attract to our service.

Division 20 North Metro - 10 Flotillas, 292 members Division 20 is commanded by Chris Stevens. This Division’s membership continues to be enormously active and engaged in almost every facet of Auxiliary service exemplifying the Commodore’s OAR drive (Operationalize, Actualize and Recognize). SO-MT Kristen Iglesias continues to organize and motivate members to provide PA booths at every opportunity. The division yearly staffs four popular boat shows; The Ultimate Fishing Show with an attendance of 29,000, OUTDOORAMA 35,000, the Spring Boating Expo 12,000 and the fall Lake St. Clair Metro Park Show bringing 11,000 in attendance for a potential exposure of 88,000 people. D20 members continue to partner with members of Division 18 in providing PA services at the Detroit Boat Show and worked together on the Shiver on the River Festival. D20 membership has a strong footprint in the Marine Safety program at Sector Detroit. Active in this Coast Guard Support program are 20-18 members Larry Fletcher and Mark Johnson, 20-12 member Mike Miski, 20-01 member Paul Guinnane, 20-04 members Sam Columbo, Karen Rochon, Neil Patterson and Ken Barron, and 20-19 members John & Doreen Lawrence. 20-12 member Chris Stevens DCDR is conducting numerous UPV Inspections in addition to his Marine Safety activities. The members plan to participate in the Coast Guard’s upcoming simulated oil spill contingency table top exercise. Division Commander Chris Stevens organized the 2nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet on 23MAY15. The Division has teamed up with Huron Metro Parks, the USCG Station St. Clair Shores and Sector Detroit to provide on the water demonstrations for the public and on the water training for the auxiliary. Also included are vessel exams, blessing of individual flags and pennants for boat owners followed by a fellowship barbeque and pot luck. Chris initiated this event last year and has been passionate in making the Blessing of the Fleet event a memorable undertaking. Back to Page 1

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Division 22 South Central - 5 Flotillas, 89 members. D22 is commanded by Diane Campbell and is the only landlocked Division in 9CR. However, the scope of the membership’s commitment to excellence and determination to make good on the Commodore’s Initiatives is without limits. D22’s Flotillas include Fort Wayne Indiana, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Jackson and Adrian, Michigan. Members from the Fort Wayne area must travel over 100 miles one-way to reach their Division meeting in Jackson, MI. D22 does not meet during the summer, as they are busy with operations, RBS and PA activities. DCDR Diane with the help of Johnathon Ahlbrand has arranged and successfully completed a division meeting via webinar in February this year. Based on the success of that trial meeting, Diane expects to conduct webinars to provide the communication necessary to stay in touch with the division’s flotillas during the summer months. Using technology, Jonathan has updated the divisions monthly report system so that reports are submitted online and transmitted to an ongoing spreadsheet. This method will also help the DCDR to create Quarterly Reports more efficiently. Division 22 members are ready to engage in RBS activities fully and have established training schedules at the flotilla level. Four of the five flotillas have new memberships in process for four new members with an additional eight possibilities. This is an increase over last year at this time. Boat Shows at Fort Wayne and Lansing gave needed exposure to a large number of the boating public resulting in several leads to new members. In addition to the static displays, short classes were held on knot tying, the proper wearing of life jackets, and marine safety. Plans are being made to take the presentation into several Kindergarten and first grade classes. Division 22 attended a Quiet Water Symposium and Cabela’s Captain’s Weekend affording another PA opportunity to interface with the public. Several members from Jackson 22-05 supported the Shiver on the River held at Belle Isle. Rio Annis 22-06, is spearheading the challenge of performing 700 VSC’s. Several weekends are scheduled to meet that challenge. Division 22 conducted 338 VSCs and more than 6 with Paddle Craft inspections in 2014. In addition, a division wide VE blitz is planned that includes a PA booth and cookout. Division 24 Saginaw Bay - 5 Flotillas, 77 members Division 24 is commanded by former Commodore David Pottinger. Commodore Pottinger came to the Great Lakes from Tucson Arizona. He served as Commodore in 2001 and 2002. The flotillas of Division 24 include One Bay City, Flint, Saginaw, Sebewaing and Tawas. Division 24 reports that they have not had much activity due to the cold weather. Members conducted some ice recon patrols this past winter/spring for Station Saginaw River. COASTIE training is scheduled which will include four members and one Active Duty Coast Guard member. The Oscoda Fun Fair is approaching and usually draws about 800 to 1000 people. The Division 24 members training for COASTIE use are going to do the practical training at the Fun Fair. The ANT Team from Saginaw River is going to do a refresher class for the division’s ATON Verifiers. The Tawas flotilla is going to host a division wide BBQ and Raft-up on June 6th in Au Gres.

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The Auxiliary Skills Bank: An Opportunity for Service Richard Carver, DCAPT - North

A recent initiative at all levels of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has been the “Skills Bank”. We have all been asked to participate in the Skills Bank but, so far, participation is not widespread. It may be useful to understand the Skills Bank better. We have all been asked to utilize ANSC Form 7028 to offer services by entering our Skills into a numerically coded record that is available and searchable by Station OICs, Sector Commanders and the Ninth Coast Guard District. The Skills entered are not in the mainstream of our “traditional” services to support Recreational Boating Safety. But, Station OICs with very tight budgets can make very good use of “non-traditional” skills and volunteer efforts. Actually, the Skills Bank is an opportunity for Auxiliary members to offer badly needed services to our friends and associates in the United States Coast Guard. All of us brought skills, specific training and experiences that may be very useful to the Coast Guard; especially in these times of significant fiscal constraints. Where we have the skills and expertise, we have an opportunity to assist our Coast Guard friends. But it’s an opportunity, not a mandate. If you do not desire to offer up your specialized skills, you have that choice. We hope that you will want to offer these services. But, putting in “random codes” does not help the program and provides no useful services to the Coast Guard. In effect, it is sending our Coast Guard friends off on a “wild goose chase”. A few of us, for whatever reason, have done that and we need to go back and correct the record, and it needs to be done soon. “No Entry” is ok. Wrong entries are not ok. So, how do you go about adding to or correcting your Skills Bank Record? First, go to the “national site” at www.cgaux.org and click on “Auxiliary Members”. Then select Forms Warehouse and, under PDF forms (in the left column) select Form 7028. You will be asked to enter your member number and password. It is a “WEBFORM” and, when you bring it up you will have your personal record displayed. Selecting the button for “correct this information” (upper left) will open your access. The Skills Bank codes are virtually all of the listings from the National Department of Labor occupation codes and, please note, they all have several “sub-codes” that allow you to be very specific about the Skills you possess and those that you may desire to offer. Throughout 2015 we will be initiating several actions to encourage Skills Bank participation, to introduce and encourage United States Coast Guard utilization of our skills and to correct any records that do not depict reality with regard to our skills. You will hear more about this important element of being “Auxiliary” and I request that you participate to the degree necessary to make this a viable service to our friends in the Coast Guard.

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South Area Plans & Activities Dan Getts, DCAPT -South I have been an Auxilarist since April 2003, and am from the Livonia, MI, Flotilla 091-18-05. I have been afforded many opportunities to service my local flotilla in many capacities, as most of us have (member, FSO(s), VFC, FC), moving up to Vice Division Commander 18 and then on to Division Commander. At our memorable Ninth C/R Fall Conference in Bellaire, MI, I was elected to serve as the District Captain-South. My geographic responsibilities include the Toledo, OH / Division 16 • DCDR John Bresnan & VCDR Chris Nelson; and, Detroit, MI / Division 18 • DCDR Jack Broadhurst & VCDR Tom Chalifoux. As of the most recent counts, our member base consists of 322 members between the two divisions. The two Divisions Area of Responsibilities range Marblehead, OH to East of Detroit, MI (Belle Isle). The Commanders and I have discussed a game-plan for 2015 to see how we can better utilize the resources and talents of our members & to utilize the Ninth Central Region Commodore Villeneuve’s Operational Plan. * O = Operationalize * A = Actualize * R = Recognize a) Reintroducing ourselves to the respective Stations / Sectors we work with. Division 18 Command and I met with the command staff of Station Belle Isle, and asked where we can assist, and whom to contact. One of the members of the transition team, stayed “after class” to instruct us on to how to use our Skills-Bank system and we will be working to make it easier and less complex to employ! b) The continued efforts of members of Divisions 16, 18 & 20 continue to be active with the local community with participation and support in the CG / Sector Detroit “Community Outreach Program”. This helps those civilians in need with such items, as a hot meal, backpacks, socks, underwear, etc. It has been a very successful program and well accepted by the Detroit Community. c) Continue to offer an unsurpassed Public Education Program. We are able, and willing; the problem we are experiencing is that we suffer from lack of students. On Line education seems to be preferred to physical classroom attendance education. We are working to introduce a newer, up to date program. d) Continue to support the Dept. of Defense-PSU (Port Security Unit-309) in Port Clinton, OH. One of eight such units in the U.S. and reporting directly to the Department of Defense vs the Department of Homeland Security. We support areas as Engineering, Logistical Areas, Chart Updating, Food Services, Navigation, Trailering / Vehicle moving. Etc. e) Recognize members’ activities, and talents. While a more formal framed award may not always be available, a “Good Job – Bravo Zulu” mailed card may be more appropriate. 1) Detroit Boat Show, CGAux Booth hosted by Division 18 (and p.o.c. Tony Mallia & staffed by members of Divisions 20 and 26 – THANK YOU!) Communication from the Shows Sponsor MBIA is that this is in the top ten of freshwater shows in the U.S. Attendance was at over 70,000, and ran from 14 – 22 FEB 2015 in Detroit. Coastie the Safety Boat had been requested and approved to make appearances, however the entire unit was “buried” under snow at SANGB and not accessible. 2) Boat Crew Classes are underway in Division 16; and started on 28 FEB in Division 18. 3) Public Affairs classes. Used as a means to instruct newer, less seasoned members to staff booths at the Boat Shows. Our instructors include members from: Coast Guard, & Auxiliary, Canada, Homeland Security / Border Patrol, local Sheriffs Depts., etc. We touch base on any question the member’s presents. Back to Page 1

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Incident Management and Preparedness Thom McQueen, BA-QITA Incidents requiring a Coast Guard response, therefore an Auxiliary response, happen often, and sometimes without warning. From the Ohio River spill, to Deepwater Horizon, floods, hurricanes, manmade disasters and even terrorism, the Auxiliary is needed. Managing critical incidents puts much strain on incident staff and responders. To effectively respond to incidents and manage them, it is critical that prior planning and training take place among responders. The Incident Management and Preparedness Directorate (Q) assists the Coast Guard by establishing processes for selecting, notifying, and deploying Auxiliarists for joint activities with the Coast Guard. Q also provides a means of sharing data, offering training, communicating through sectors, evaluating events, creating contingency plans, and elevating preparedness. Under the watchful eye of John Ellis (Director) and Robert Tippett (Deputy Director), the Directorate helps determine what is needed for augmentation and how it can be provided. Q also provides the tools and resources to meet the objectives of preparedness for events requiring Coast Guard augmentation. Through the Q Directorate website, Auxiliarists can find Skills Bank Information, a resource data base and search tool for locating Auxiliarists who possess specific skill sets, hold a particular office, or a current PQS. It is designed for Coast Guard and Auxiliary use in Contingency Planning, Support, and Augmentation. The "What's New" section of the site contains articles and items to keep the Auxiliary current, interested and informed. It contains information such as training, Coast Guard Publication 328 (Incident Management and Crisis Response), the Incident Management Handbook and more. The Auxiliary stands ready to provide augmentation and direct support to the U.S. Coast Guard; however, lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon response, show complications in vetting processes, resource tracking, and proper follow up with demobilized Auxiliarists. The Incident Management and Preparedness Directorate stands ready to help them be prepared. To aid in overcoming planning, membership changes, and Auxiliary augmentation challenges, the position of District Staff Officer – Incident Management (DSO-IM) has been developed The DSO-IM needs to have a full understanding of the ICS system. They must also understand the needs of their District and understand how to fill those needs. They must understand the training requirements and PQS requirements for the various ICS positions and, working in conjunction with other District Auxiliary staff, insure that Auxiliary members are properly vetted for qualification, equipped and trained. This would include maintaining lists of qualified Auxiliarists, communicating availability of training to interested Auxiliary members. When future Critical Incidents arrive, we can use your help. Check out the Incident Management and Preparedness Directorate website and with your DSO-IM to see how you can join us. Back to Page 1

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Advanced Incident Command System Training Mitchell T. Kamlay ADSO-IM & PB, VFC 20-19. Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to attend Incident Command Systems 300 and 400 courtesy of Mr. Richard Loster, Security Specialist (Port), Coast Guard Sector Detroit. I have been serving as Sector Detroit’s Liaison to the Macomb County Local Emergency Planning Committee and I have been appointed as ADSO-IM (Incident Management), a new Directorate. As I learned after five days of being immersed in the system, one gets a real appreciation of the complexities of orchestrating a large incident response. These IC Systems are used when an incident requires more emergency responders and command personnel than a typical small scale incident. ICS 300 and 400 prepare the responder for Type III to I incidents. Examples are Hurricane Katrina and the Deep Water or Gulf Oil Spill, multi-agency and jurisdictional. Incident Command Systems training becomes interactive and participatory at this level. The courses are similar to Boatcrew and Coxswain training. Trainees are assessed on their knowledge and performance. But unlike Operations training, there are short time constraints on each activity. ICS 300 is four days and ICS 400 one day. Both courses were led by instructors from USCG Training Center, Yorktown, Virginia. It is on an individual level that the relationships between members of the Coast Guard and other governmental agencies are fostered. Better to meet and train together than make first contact at a real incident. These are the people that one would have to interact with should a catastrophic incident occur. On the first day, upon arrival, I signed in and was given an assignment to Team 3.Team 3 consisted of three active duty CG, one Reservist, one person from the Detroit Armory and me. To assist us, each Team had its own instructional aide; ours was PO Michael Mueller of MSD Toledo. Without his assistance we would definitely been lost ciphering through a one inch binder and a response guide book. So, on the first day we began promptly at 0800. Each person introduced themselves, first names only, to the whole class. We were dressed in civilian attire so that there would be no influence of rank or jurisdiction, only our personal skills and interactions counted. The training began slowly with a quick review of the ICS system. Then we began Response Management and more. Subsequent days were spent on the Planning “P”. We learned and practiced the process that follows a logical progression that is aided by using the standardize forms. There are many. This is important because using standardized paperwork allows for effective communication between everyone. This is outlined in a guidebook from DHS, the Incident Management Handbook. There are scripted meetings in the Planning, “P” Cycle. We had to prepare “Story Boards” according to specific layout and directions for each meeting. The Operations Planning Chief, in a red vest, leads each meeting. Who can attend each meeting is also predetermined. They are not open to all responders. This is to minimize confusion at a response. Were we all confused? I would say yes. But we learned to work together to accomplish the tasks. Whoever determined Back to Page 1

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Continued from page 20 what we were to do shared and taught the other members. In this way, we worked through each step of the Operations “P” cycle. Together, we studied the directions in the guide books. The Team then made various presentations using our “Story Boards”. These are what are used in a real event. The instructors played the parts of the command structure. This includes seating and how the presentation panels are prepared. This is how we are assessed in the course. An entire Team either passes or fails. After the first day, each other new day began by tossing a soccer ball to trainees that had questions written on it. The catcher had to answer the review question then toss the ball to someone else. Then a short presentation was required with more hands on activity. During breaks we also got to know each other, our backgrounds and experiences. On Team 3, Mike and I are both educators in civilian life. Landon and Vito are from a similar area of New Jersey. Vito lived near me so he provided transportation. Eric is from the Detroit Arsenal fire department. We only used first names. Break time and lunch also allowed for us to become familiar with the other attendees. The ICS 400 course, being a single day allowed for less interaction. Both courses explained to me what occurs at a complex incident, behind the scenes. Finally, as a personal bonus, I have had to review the courses while I wrote this article. Could I participate in the complex planning process? It would certainly be much easier for me to integrate into the Command Structure if called.

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Sector Sault Ste. Marie 2015 Objectives Richard L. Carver, ASC, Sector Soo Have you ever wondered what goes on for our Auxiliary in the Far North of the Ninth Central Region? Well, when we are not avoiding Black Bears or swatting at black flies or mosquitoes, we are very active on the water and in classrooms promoting Recreational Boating Safety and patrolling the expansive waters of Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior, as well as many inland lakes. By my estimates, about 67% of the geographic area of Ninth Central Region is up here in the North. That much activity requires some significant planning, so annually, we develop a strategic plan with direction from our Sector Commander and guidance from National, District and Regional Objectives. The National and District Nine objectives are directly applicable to things up North. Paddle Craft enthusiasts are increasingly exerting a presence on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes. Our obvious challenge is to train, conduct courtesy vessel safety checks and patrol to maximize our ability to respond to the challenges of Kayaks, Canoes and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUBs). In order to accomplish that goal, we must increase Public Education on Paddle Sports safety. That also requires that, notes our Sector Commander, Public Education Instructors, VEs, RBSVs and ATON Inspectors be highly qualified. As he says, we are the “Varsity Team.” In order to meet the needs of the Coast Guard, we need to maximize the use of the Skills Bank. That involves 1. Cleaning up the Data Bank, 2. Encouraging (not mandating) Auxiliarists to accurately participate, 3. Maximizing interaction between Station OICs and Flotilla Commanders with regard to the Skills Bank, as well as patrol and other traditional activities and, finally, 4. We need to promote the use of the Skills Bank on a local level. Finally, in order to maximize available Member Training funds and hours, we need to remove unused and inactive qualifications so that we can focus on the Varsity Team. We are currently engaged in a major Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) rollout to every qualified Coxswain and Boat Crew Member, as well as our AuxAir flight crews. A watchword is “preventive SAR” and, along with quality Public Education and Member Training classes, we need to encourage appropriate equipment for protection from the elements, particularly in the Northern Back to Page 1

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Continued from page 22 Great Lakes. Effective use of the Rescue 21 System and of SARSAT availabilities, emphasizes the need for boaters of all stripes to purchase affordable EPIRBs and VHF-FM radios. Current electronic resources vastly improve our ability to find a boater in distress and virtually removes the “S” from much of the Search and Rescue evolution. Again this year, Sector Sault Stations and Auxiliary Flotillas will conduct SABOT based boat camps that streamline training and reduce reliance on purely Coast Guard financing. Increased use of the WEB helps bring the sometimes enormous distances under control in the North. This, and the Boat Camps also respond to the sometimes “thin ” staffing for available instructors. Providing appropriate recognition of our Auxiliary boat crew members, the Operational Excellence program is a direct result of SABOT training and improved boat crew performance. Having thoroughly responded to these National and District Objectives, the Sector Sault Commander has established objectives very specific to the operational needs and environmental conditions in the Northern Great Lakes. An AUX Paddle Craft Instruction is in final routing and will place great emphasis on Public Education, Community Outreach and timely vessel safety checks. We will increase our interaction with the public at major recreational vehicle and paddle craft events, as well as approaching Kayak Outfitters in the Great Lakes, where the threats from hypothermia and unfavorable weather are the greatest, encouraging proper equipment, electronic means of locating vessels in distress, and on affordable PPE. The Sector Commander has also directed continuing the recent qualification programs in Uninspected Passenger Vessel (UPV) examiners, improved Vessel Safety Check examinations and Pollution Control efforts (Aux Asst. Pollution Responders). This involves a lot of interaction with the boating public, dock walking to avail Charter Operators of these services and close interaction between Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. Finally, the Sector Commander emphasizes the need to appropriately match Flotilla and Auxiliary member strengths with opportunities to support our Stations and Coast Guard counterparts. As we are becoming increasingly aware, our Ninth Central Region Commodore has established key “watch words” as support for his vision and objectives for the next five years. They are Operationalize, Actualize and Recognize. Through the Sector’s objectives and this Strategic Plan, we will be more pertinent and better performing Operationally, can Actualize to our greatest potential and we will, through all of our supporters “up line”; excellent OTOs, supportive Sector Commanders and timely District and National support, exercise our strategic objective to Recognize our hard working volunteer members.

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Spring Ice Breaking on the USCGC ALDER Elmer Engman, FSO-PB, FSO-PA The Auxiliary along with member of the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association were invited on the USCG Alder during an ice breaking mission. We left on March 12th around 0900 after a safety briefing on the buoy deck. The weather was pretty good for March with temps in the mid 30’s but we had an off lake wind which created a very cold wind chill. The ice was thick and you could feel the ship vibrate as it went through the ice.

We had 11 Flotilla members on board. They were Steve Daniel, Steve Farrell, Dave Hooey, Steve Rannenberg, Diane Martinek, Eloyes Hill, Austin Basil, Barry Andres, Marcus Sowl, Jon Shenett and me. The Alder did encounter an ice ridge that slowed her down and did bring her to a full stop. She backed up and made a run at the ridge and broke through. The trip was cold going into the wind and a few brave people were on the bow for most of the trip. We did hit open water and made a turn back to Duluth. The wind was now at our back and with the ship now traveling with the wind it felt a lot warmer to be on deck. They made the track a little wider going back, and in the harbor, made sure the ice was broken up for the vessels leaving the harbor next week. This is nothing like the ice we had last year, and with another week or two of warm weather most of it could be gone. We were back at the dock just before 1200 after a very enjoyable experience. Thanks again to the officers and crew of the Alder.

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Advertising the Auxiliary at a Higher Frequency! Mike Dziekan, FC 20-12 Near the end of September 2014, I received an email from my father, Lee Dziekan(N8LJ), stating that he saw an article in one of his Amateur Radio magazines advertising a special event day where the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be operating “Special Event Stations” commemorating the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s 75th Anniversary. He then asks if our Division 20 was setting up an Amateur Radio Station for the 75th Anniversary and said he would be glad to assist if we needed operators. Of course, I took this opportunity to have him open his home and amateur radio “shack” to whoever wanted to operate the stations for the event. When I suggested that there may be more than one operator coming, he decided to set up a second station to allow more radio operations time. While my father was building the second station, I went to the FCC and applied for and received our special call sign for the day: K8T. Our goal was to contact as many Radio Amateurs, other “Special Event Stations”, get members and nonmembers involved with radio communications, bring new members into the Auxiliary, enjoy Auxiliary fellowship, and generally spread the word, during the event, of the purpose of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Station 1: Elecraft K3, SB220 Amplifier, 3 element SteppIR at 50 feet. Station 2: TenTec OMNI 6, Hercules Amplifier, Cushcraft AP8 vertical. Total Contacts 421; Total States 43; Totals Provinces 4;Total Countries 9; Total Special Event Stations contacted 22 Present at the event were: Lee Dziekan-N8LJ, Karen Rochon (20-04), Mike Dziekan-KB8ELW (20-12), Joe Kennedy-N8OZ (20-03), and Bill McDonald (20-18). In summary, I would say that we met each of our goals and a great time was had by all. I would like to take the opportunity the thanks those that attended, especially my father, for without him, this event would have not happened. Thanks a ton!

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Spring Conference Award Photos COMO Jerri Smith, DSO-PA

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