November Edition of Above Board

The new edition of Above Board is available at http://www.flotilla4.org/Newsletter/AboveBoardNovember2009.pdf

This month's newsletter has articles about the ham radio special event, the loss of CG 1705, our flotilla election, the upcoming Inland SAR Planning Course and the Iowa DNR Boater Education Course instructors. Thank you to all of our contributors who made this month's edition possible. The submission deadline for Above Board is the first Friday of each month. Photos, narratives and information is always appreciated.

Flotilla 4 Elects New Leaders

After the election Norma Newton (left), Travis Daniels (center) and Trevor Henderson (right) talked with members of Flotilla 4.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)


During the October flotilla business meeting, elections for the 2010 leadership were held. Flotilla Commander Travis Daniels had held two terms as commander and was ready to pass the torch to new leadership. Norma Newton and Trevor Henderson were elected to be the flotilla commander and vice flotilla commander for 2010.

Norma Newton is currently the flotilla’s public education officer and has been in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for almost two years. She works for the USDA/ National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames as a Biological Laboratory Technician. Her husband of 26 years, Roland, is also in the Auxiliary. She has two grown children and one grandchild. She is AUXOP, boat crew member, PWC operator, vessel examiner and instructor qualified. Norma has also been awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device.

Trevor Henderson is currently the flotilla’s communications services officer and has been in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for almost two years. He works for West Corporation in Omaha as a Technical Supervisor. He is a qualified vessel examiner and RBS program visitor. His achievements include the Auxiliary Achievement Award with Operational Distinguishing Device, Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device and AUXCOM. Trevor lives in Omaha with his wife of 16, Janine, and their daughter Ashleigh.

Ham Radio Special Event Station K0G Logs 294 Contacts

Today eight members of Flotilla 4 participated in a ham radio special event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This station was located near Rippey, IA and is designed to accommodate events like this. The station operated primarily on two frequencies and, despite poor band quality, logged 294 contacts from 47 states and seven countries.

The station contacted 13 other special event stations during the course of the event. Operators talked to stations in six Canadian provinces, Argentina, England, Ireland, Spain and Brazil. The purpose of the annual event was to spread awareness about the Coast Guard Auxiliary and what it does for the community.

Photos of the event can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/flotilla4/sets/72157622606769498/



Auxilarist Roland Newton (left) makes contact with a station while John Halbrook (right) wraps up his contact at the ham radio special event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)



Auxilarist Gene Kellogg wraps up his contact at the ham radio special event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Flotilla 4 Hits the Air to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Coast Guard Auxiliary

On Saturday, October 17th, members of Flotilla 4 in Des Moines will join other Coast Guard Auxilarists to hit the airwaves to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. We will be one of over 60 other special event stations on the air. Our callsign will be K0G. We will operate from 1400 - 2100 Zulu (9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central).

Our assigned frequencies are:
• 7.240 Mhz
• 14.345 Mhz
• 21.405 Mhz
• 28.405 Mhz

The purpose of the event is to spread awareness about the Coast Guard Auxiliary and what it does for the community. We will be updating our Flickr photostream, Twitter account and our blog throughout the day on Saturday with updates.

Here are some photos from our special event station last year. To view the whole set go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flotilla4/sets/72157608201481830/

Flotilla 4 on Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/flotilla4

Flotilla 4 on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flotilla4



Roland Newton explains what he is doing to Jeff Towle during the Coast Guard Ham Radio Day in 2008.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By Doug Jansen)


John Halbrook waits for contacts after calling CQ during the Coast Guard Auxiliary Ham Radio Day in 2008.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By Doug Jansen)

October Edition of Above Board Newsletter

The new edition of Above Board is available at http://www.flotilla4.org/Newsletter/AboveBoardOctober2009.pdf

This month's newsletter has articles about the Fall Conference, Coast Guard Auxiliary Reorganization, our public education activities, three new members and the upcoming ham radio event. Thank you to all of our contributors who made this month's edition possible. The submission deadline for Above Board is the first Friday of each month. Photos, narratives and information is always appreciated.

Last Course of the Season

Jeff Towle explains what a type I life jacket does during the About Boating Safety course.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

A boating safety class is a great way to cap off an operational season. This weekend Flotilla 4 hosted an About Boating Safely class at the Saylorville Lake Oak Woods Learning Center. The class is an introductory course designed to meet the boating education needs of recreational boaters.

The benefit to a face-to-face class is the ability to answer questions, demonstrate equipment and further explain the application of boating procedures. "Students were able to learn about boating and navigation rules, parts of a boat, proper operator safety and emergency procedures." said instructor Doug Jansen. Instructors for the class were Jeff Towle, Norma Newton and Doug Jansen.

Flotilla 4 will offer the About Boating Safety class again in May of 2010 at Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.

Tomlinson Returns from ICS 341 Training

Auxilarist Ralph Tomlinson returned recently from ICS 341 training in San Pedro, California.

ICS 341 is an Incident Response Planning Workshop which is a four-day Coast Guard position specific course that presents the concepts, principles, and protocols of the Planning Section duties intended to familiarize students with the process mechanics of planning activities in support of an incident.

Tomlinson was the only Coast Guard Auxiliary member who participated in the training alongside 30 other active duty Coast Guard members and civilian employees. He participated in this training in order to work towards the Coast Guard qualification to be able to instruct the Incident Command System level 300 course.

About Boating Safely Class October 8th and 10th at Saylorville Lake

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering the About Boating Safely class to the public. This class will be held in two parts:

Thursday, October 8th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 10th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm


About Boating Safely includes a wide variety of information. Whether you choose a classroom boating class or your state's online course, you'll learn:

-General information about boats and maintenance
-Information on preparing for safe and enjoyable outings
-Navigation rules and aids to navigation
-Guidelines for operating your boat or PWC safely
-What to do in case of boating emergencies
-State-specific laws and regulations you must follow

In general, this information applies to all recreational watercraft (powerboats, PWCs, sailboats and boats which are paddled). PWC and Jet Ski operators often have additional laws and restrictions which apply to them.

The cost of the course is $20 and includes the book and certificate. If a family wishes to come together a discount can be requested. The class will be taught at the Saylorville Lake, Oak Woods Learning Center just south of the Corps of Engineers Station.

Pre-registration is required. Please call 515- 681 - 1725 or e-mail us at boatingsafety @flotilla4.org to register.

August / September Edition of Above Board Newsletter

The new edition of Above Board is available at http://www.flotilla4.org/Newsletter/AboveBoardAugustSeptember2009.pdf

This month's newsletter has articles about our Labor Day and Des Moines River mission operations, our public education activities. Thank you to all of our contributors who made this month's edition possible. The submission deadline for Above Board is the first Friday of each month. Photos, narratives, and information is always appreciated.

Labor Day Weekend Activities Promote Boating Safety At Saylorville Lake

Auxilarists Norma Newton (left) and Phil Patterson (right) patrol on Saylorville Lake on Labor Day weekend. This was the first time that Flotilla 4 patrolled with just two PWCs.
(US Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)
Labor Day Weekend traditionally marks the end of the boating season in Iowa. This Labor Day Weekend Flotilla 4 made it a point to make an effort to push boating safety.

A First for Flotilla 4 was a two PWC patrol. Auxilarists Norma Newton and Phil Patterson and their PWC's performed a safety patrol on Saylorville Lake. Their patrol was to look for boaters in distress and encourage life jacket wear for children.

Flotilla 4 members visited local Recreational Boating Safety Partners in the Des Moines area to distribute boating safety literature.

Finally Flotilla 4 and Flotilla 6 provided free courtesy vessel safety checks at Big Creek Marina, Saylorville Lake Marina and the Lake View and Cherry Glen Boat Ramps. These vessel safety checks were a review of required safety equipment for local boaters. Because of the ongoing boater education we have conducted the vast majority of these vessels passed inspection.

Looking for boaters in distress is Auxilarist Phil Patterson.
(US Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Des Moines River Safety Patrol

Flotilla 4's boats and PWC line up to pass by the Birdland Marina as they get underway for a safety patrol on the Des Moines River. Auxilarist Norma Newton is on the PWC, John Halbrook and Ron Longnecker are on the Jon Boat, and Travis Daniels and Wendy Faganel are on the Lady Grace.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By Doug Jansen)

Flotilla 4 was asked to help with the 8th Annual River Run Garbage Grab event on the Des Moines River by providing a safety patrol of the river. This event allows volunteers the opportunity to remove trash from the river or along its adjacent trails. Paddlers, rowers, power boaters, walkers and hikers participate in the clean up effort.

Removing a large amount of garbage by boat can create safety issues on the river. Additionally, a few weeks earlier there was a boating accident in downtown Des Moines that resulted in a drowning. The Coast Guard Auxiliary patrolled the river to help boats in distress and help to prevent further accidents.

This year Flotilla 4 was able to provide four boats and 16 Auxilarists to support the patrol mission on the Des Moines River that day. The patrol area was from the Sycamore Ramp to downtown Des Moines. Two personal watercraft (PWC), a jon boat and the Lady Grace patrolled that day in order to aid boaters in distress. A few boaters were found that had problems and one of them required a tow to the nearest ramp.

At that same time a temporary radio base was setup at the Sycamore Ramp and also at the Birdland Marina to coordinate the patrol boats on the river. At Birdland Marina, Flotilla 4 conducted free courtesy vessel safety checks for boats going out for the day on the river.

Coast Guard Auxilarist Roland Newton runs the radios at the temporary AUX Base at Birdland Marina. He was standing radio watch for the Coast Guard Auxiliary boats on the Des Moines River.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By Doug Jansen)

New Bass Pro Shop in Altoona is Our Newest Recreational Safe Boating Program Partner

Auxilarist Jeff Towle at the Recreational Boating Safety Booth at the Bass Pro Shop

(Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Flotilla 4's newest Recreational Safe Boating Program Partner is the new Bass Pro Shop in Altoona. The store had its grand opening this weekend and Auxilarists from Flotilla 4 and Flotilla 6 were there talking to the public about water safety and America's Waterway Watch. Customers talked to Auxilarists about life jackets and boating safety on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Flat Bottom Coast Guard Auxiliary Facility

Auxilarist John Halbrook backs his flat bottom jon boat off of the trailer and heads to the dock as part of a patrol on the Des Moines River.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By Doug Jansen)

June / July Editon of Above Board

The new edition of Above Board is available at http://www.flotilla4.org/Newsletter/AboveBoardJuneJuly2009.pdf

This month's newsletter has articles about our mission operations, our public education activities and about Doug Jansen going to the Public Affairs C-School. Thank you to all of our contributors who made this month's edition possible. The submission deadline for Above Board is the first Friday of each month. Photos, narratives, and information is always appreciated.

A Fast Addition To The Flotilla Fleet

The newest addition to Flotilla 4's fleet of Operational Facilities

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Phil Patterson)

As of today Flotilla 4 has another Personal Watercraft (PWC) on the books as an operational facility to serve the missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Auxilarist Phil Patterson's PWC will be used to patrol local lakes and rivers. Its speed and manueverability will help with covering a large area quickly and effectively. Phil hopes to complete his qualification as a PWC operator by the end of the month.

Congratulations Phil!

A New Boat To Handle the River

Here is a before picture of the boat as John received it.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By John Halbrook)

Here is an after picture with the boat all decked out with Coast Guard Auxiliary ensigns and signage.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By John Halbrook)

After several months of refurbishment and hard work, Flotilla 4 has gained another Operational Facility. John Halbrook's 14' Jon Boat is now a facility and will be used to patrol the Des Moines River. It took sanding, scrubbing, painting and a lot of TLC to get the boat brought up to snuff, but it is now ready to hit the water. With its shallow draft it is an ideal platform for patrolling the Des Moines River where the river is not always suitable for the Lady Grace to patrol.

Coast Guard Auxiliary, Corps of Engineers and Iowa DNR Team Up to Make Water Safety Fun

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa DNR and the Coast Guard Auxiliary teamed up to make water safety fun by having a water safety beach party at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Lake. The event was aimed at families with children to learn about water safety in a fun way.

There were several stations that kids both big and small could enjoy. Kids and parents got to learn how to toss a throw bag to a person in the water at one station. At another station kids got to get fitted for a life jacket so that they knew what size they needed. Kids got to also try out a third station known as the "Sink Fast" station where they learned what to do if their boat is sinking and how to quickly react. Finally, the Iowa DNR provided t-shirts for kids to design and make up with water safety themes.

Flotilla 4 member Brandon Butters served as the Coast Guard Auxiliary Project Officer for the event. Auxilarists Mary Kimmich, Jim Berry, Steve Johnson, Vic Voskans and Francis Meyrat participated in the event.

Bobber and Baseball: A Home Run for Water Safety

Park Ranger Emily Coffin, Saylorville Lake, helps a young Cubs fan try on a life jacket and adjust the straps for proper fit.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Marty Robey)

That do you get when you mix Bobber the Water Safety Dog and baseball? A home run at the Fifth Annual Water Safety Night at the Iowa Cubs game in Des Moines, Iowa.

This Annual Water Safety Night at the Iowa Cubs game was a joint event with the Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Park Ranger Emily Coffin and Elyse Logan along with Coast Guard Auxilarists Doug Jansen and Marty Robey promoted water safety to kids and adults prior to and during the game.

Bobber threw out the first pitch for the packed game between the Iowa Cubs and the Memphis Redbirds. After throwing out the first pitch Bobber roamed the stands and met kids of all ages.


"Bobber helped us make some great interactions," said Park Ranger Emily Coffin. "He helped us to drive home some important water safety messages, including to always wear your life jacket."

Hundreds of baseball fans stopped by the water safety display at the park to learn about life jackets, boating safety and to meet Bobber. Bobber helped to inform young children about water safety to help them make the right choices when they are around water. Life jackets were available for children to try on to get sized for a proper fit. Parents were given slips to indicate the correct size so that they can purchase properly fitted life jackets for their children. There was also a water safety activity where kids were asked water safety trivia questions to earn prizes.

"Our partnership with the Corps of Engineers for this event helps us both to get out the message about water safety," said Auxilarist Doug Jansen.

Later that night, Auxilarist Jansen spent some time in the broadcast booth with Deene Ehlis and Randy Wehofer, Iowa Cubs broadcasters, to talk about water safety with the listeners. The conversation emphasized the importance of wearing life jackets and safe boating practices.

The water safety night was a success, as hundreds of children and their families were exposed to water safety education as they geared up for the busy 4th of July weekend.

Bobber the Water Safety Dog poses for a photo at the Water Safety Night at the Iowa Cubs Game.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Marty Robey)

Patterson and Butters are Flotilla's Newest Boat Crew Members

Auxilarists Phil Patterson and Brandon Butters completed their training and have become qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crew Members. Their training consisted of seamanship skills; knot tying, basic boating skills, first aid, etc. They also had hours of hands on training of how to rescue people from the water and to tow disabled vessels to safe harbor. To become qualified they were tested by a Qualification Examiner and had to demonstrate mastery of skills such as dealing with a Person in the Water, setting up a tow for a disabled vessel and also an cumulative exam.

Congratulations to Brandon and Phil!

WHO TV 13 Features Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol

Travis Daniels talking to WHO TV 13 Reporter, Emily Carlson, during a safety patrol on Saylorville Lake. For the whole report go to: http://www.tinyurl.com/flotilla4whotv

On the 4th of July, Flotilla 4’s boat crew was able to take out a news crew from WHO TV 13 in Des Moines. Reporter Emily Carlson interviewed the boat crew and was able to learn a little bit more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Iowa.

Like many others we encounter, she was surprised that there was a Coast Guard presence in Central Iowa. We were able to take and give her a little insight into our missions so that the public may better understand what we do.

First, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and law enforcement actions. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has existed in Central Iowa for many years. Recently our ranks have grown, thus enabling us to help go out into the public more to advocate for safe boating.

We conduct safety patrols on local lakes and waterways, assist the Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, as well as many other activities (including augmenting them during emergencies like the flooding up on the Red River).

Many Auxilarists choose to receive training from the Coast Guard and other agencies to be qualified to respond to an emergency similar to your local fire department. Our mission is different, but our volunteer lifesavers go through hours of classroom training and field experience before they are able to go out and help during an emergency. These professional volunteers have skills and capabilities from as simple as staffing a radio watch to operating on a patrol boat on a lake to help boaters in distress.

Even though the active duty Coast Guard facilities are located on the Mississippi River and Missouri River, we Auxilarists have a vital mission here in Central Iowa. We are here to help further the Coast Guard safety missions to promote safe boating. Whether it is teaching a class, doing a free vessel safety check for your boat, or patrolling the lakes and waterways to ensure your safety we are furthering this mission. By doing this it allows the active duty Coast Guard to focus their energies on missions elsewhere.

So yes, there is a Coast Guard presence in Central Iowa and we are Iowa’s Volunteer Lifesavers!

Coast Guard Auxiliary Brings Safety to Boaters on the Missouri River

The Coast Guard Auxiliary brought safety to the Missouri River Sunday towing a disabled boat to safety, and then helping a local boater learn about boating safety.

On a routine safety patrol on the Missouri River near downtown Omaha, a Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol boat discovered a boater and his family, drifting down river in a boat without power. The disabled boat would not start and was drifting towards a wing dike, positioned rocks in the river used to control the current of the river.

Coast Guard Auxiliary members Frank Reiss, Doug Jansen and Phil Patterson came to their rescue. The Coast Guard Auxiliary crew, in their authorized patrol boat, threw a line to the disabled boat and towed the stranded family's boat to safety.

"Had my crew not been there on patrol to help them," said Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer Frank Reiss of Omaha, "The disabled boat could have run into the wing dike, further damaging the boat, and injuring the people on board."

The Coast Guard Auxiliary crew secured the disabled vessel at a local marina with the assistance of a local boater. The local boater expressed interest in a receiving a Vessel Safety Check on his boat, from the Coast Guard Auxilarists.

Vessel Safety Checks are conducted by qualified members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This is a way for boaters to have their boating equipment inspected, insuring compliance with Federal and State regulations. These examinations also provide learning about problems that might be in violation of the laws, and provide the boating public with additional safety tips that could possibly mitigate or eliminate preventable danger on the water.

Frank Reiss conducted a Vessel Safety Check for the local boater and was able to explain various safety features on his boat.

A Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue boat tows a boat that was in distress to a safe location on the Missouri River on June 21st.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Coast Guard Auxilarist Frank Reiss conducts a Vessel Safety Check for a boat owner at the Sandpiper Marina in Omaha. The Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts these voluntary checks so that boaters know what safety equipment they need to go on the water safely.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

70TH Anniversary of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Admiral Thad Allen
Coast Guard Commandant
(U.S. Coast Guard Photo)

June 23, 2009, is a significant date for the Coast Guard as it will mark our Auxiliary’s 70th year of dedicated service to the nation. We take tremendous pride in calling these volunteer guardians our shipmates, knowing that their selfless devotion to duty and unwavering pride have given us invaluable support throughout our daily routines and greatest challenges.

For seven decades, Auxilarists have nobly offered their time, efforts and resources to support the Coast Guard. Specifically during the past ten years, a period of unprecedented challenge to our national safety, security and spirit, Auxiliary contributions have been staggering in their breadth and scope. These undaunted volunteers have performed over 1.2 million recreational and commercial fishing vessel safety checks, over 980 thousand hours of boating safety course instruction, and more than 7.7 million hours of operational support and patrol missions. The costs of such performance have also been overwhelmingly borne by Auxilarists as they have logged over 23.7 million hours of staff work, travel, preparation, training, and self-administration. This has all been unselfishly delivered as Auxilarists have stood side by side with their Coast Guard counterparts to confront and overcome a roll call of challenges: Y2K, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and many other natural and man-made disasters.

The Auxiliary continues to align itself with the Coast Guard, modernizing its organization across all Sectors, Districts, and Headquarters Directorates to shape optimal support of Coast Guard missions today and into the future. Moreover, the Auxiliary has gained even greater headway as it has progressively broadened its ability to comprehensively address more and more non-traditional mission areas such as interpreter, vessel documentation, legal, and health services support. I greatly admire the organizational courage and determination of all Auxilarists as we make our final approach on achieving a fully modernized and integrated Coast Guard.

Auxiliary performance has been nothing short of stellar, and its greatest impacts are readily reflected by Auxilarists spirit of patriotism and dedication to the Coast Guard men and women with whom they service. I therefore intend to duly recognize the Auxiliary with an award of the Coast Guard Unit Commendation as part of its 70th Anniversary Celebration at Coast Guard Headquarters on June 23. Please join me in setting aside time to recognize the exceptional honor, respect, and devotion to duty so consistently displayed by our Coast Guard Auxilarists, and thank them for their service.

Admiral Thad Allen
Commandant

ALCOAST

Auxiliary's 70th Anniversary

On June 23, 1939, Congress established the Coast Guard Reserve, a volunteer civilian organization, to promote boating safety and to facilitate Coast Guard operations. Initially, members conducted safety and security patrols and helped enforce the provisions of the 1940 Federal Boating and Espionage Acts. In February 1941, the Coast Guard military reserve was established and the volunteers renamed the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

As the U.S. entered World War II, recruits flooded Auxiliary flotillas in a burst of patriotic fever. In 1942, some 50,000 Auxiliarists became the core of the Temporary Reserve performing coastal defense and search and rescue duties, patrolling bridges, factories, docks, and beaches. They fought fires, made arrests, guided naval vessels, and conducted anti-submarine warfare. As their ranks grew, thousands of active duty Coast Guard personnel were freed for service overseas.

By 1950, the four Auxiliary cornerstone missions - public education, operations, vessel examination, and fellowship were established. In 1996, legislation expanded the Auxiliary’s scope to allow members to assist in any Coast Guard mission authorized by the Commandant. The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the world’s largest volunteer marine safety organization, has kindled and interest in to create similar groups in other countries. Today, Auxiliarists can be found examining commercial fishing vessels; flying in C-130’s, working in Coast Guard offices, and crewing with regulars. Active Duty, Reservists, Civilian Employees, Retirees and Auxiliarists,–truly constitute TEAM COAST GUARD.

Auxiliarists have a great deal to be proud of. Over the past ten years, Auxiliary members have:

• Contributed 44,417,850 hours
  
• Taught 1,678,946 people with 980,000 hours of classroom work.
  
• Spent over 869,000 hours in community relations and media events
  
• Conducted 1,170,535 Vessel safety Checks (VSCs) over 579,000 hours, including more than 167,000 first time VSCs and over 158,000 high risk VSCs
  
• Made over 418,000 visits Recreational Boating Safety Program Visits spending more than 279,000 mission hours
  
• Served 4,297,312 hours underway on safety patrols
  
• Worked 56,188 hours on 25,377 missions, verifying 138,867 ATONs
  
• Spent over 19,475,000 hours on administrative tasks
  
• Examined over 10,223 Commercial Fishing Vessels
  
• Provided 1,587,646 hours of Coast Guard Operational Support on over 197,000 Support missions
  
• Supported the Coast Guard administratively with 770,554 hours & 115,292 missions
  
• Trained over 1,125,019 hours
  
• Performed Search and Rescue for over 723,000 hours, resulting in 5,083 lives saved, 141,980 persons assisted, & $1,460,055,940 in property saved.
  
• Recruited for The Coast Guard Academy, Active Duty & Reserve Officer and
• Enlisted programs for over 105,000 hours
  
• Spent more than 700,000 hours on Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Missions
  
• Contributed more than 22,000 hours in medical support to the Coast Guard
  
• Worked more than 39,000 hours in the International arena
  
• Consulted with state legislatures for over 5,483 hours
  
  
  

  Since 1999, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has participated in events, including but not limited to:
  
  

• OPSail 2000 & USCGC Eagle visits to U.S. ports
  
• 9/11 attacks response
  
• Hurricanes Charlie, Rita, Katrina, Ike
  
• The California Delta Whale Rescue
  
• Several oil spills in the gulf coast, Alaska and in California.
  
• Annual support for AIM week(s) at the USCGA
  
• Annual support for the International Boating and Water Sports Symposia
  
• National Association of State Boating law Administrators events
  
• Boating Safety Advisory Council
  
• Training various waterborne police agencies
  
• Support the Coast Guard with Interpreters throughout the world
  
• Support as Chefs on CG vessels and stations.
  
• Augmenting by Auxiliary Health Professionals at Coast Guard clinics.
  

We provide the biggest bang for the buck for the American taxpayer. Each of us should take pride in knowing that we are special group, making a unique contribution to the Coast Guard and our Nation. Thank you for your service.

Happy Birthday and Semper Paratus.

COMO Nicholas Kerigan
National Commodore
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

The Multi Mission

Auxilarist Frank Reiss conducts a Vessel Safety Check for a boater

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Auxilarists Norma Newton (left) and Wendy Faganel (right)
conduct a stern tow during a patrol
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Halbrook)

Flotilla 4 has a lot of members who are relatively new to the Auxiliary. They bring with them a variety of business, public safety and volunteer coordination back grounds. As many of us have learned about the Auxiliary, we have become very surprised at how such an organized and coordinated program had been so disconnected.

When many of us joined the flotilla, boating safety classes were considered separate from, and in no way related to vessel safety checks, which were not related to marine dealer visits or safety patrols. Reading the manual, and going through the training you would have thought that no one had ever pulled these unique programs together. Certainly other flotillas and divisions across the country have done similar, but since no one in our area had approached these programs as a coordinated effort we will pass along the concept of the “multi mission”.

Multi missions are a Flotilla 4 concept that has helped us to optimize our time, energy and experience to ensure that we are doing the most good for our boating safety community. This plan allows each discipline to feed the others.

Prior to the start of our operational day, our Program Visitors will visit marine dealers in the area to make sure that they have boating safety materials available for the weekend. We converse with our boating safety partners about upcoming classes and at what ramps we intend to do Vessel Safety Checks at that day. That way when customers come in, the boating partner can chat up our upcoming classes and safety checks.

The Vessel Examiner is in many cases the public’s first encounter with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. In our relatively land-locked area, most of our recreational boating takes place on federal reservoirs or inland rivers. These waterways have limited access points. During busy periods, specifically holidays and weekends, our Vessel Examiners set up displays and actively offer Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs) at ramps and marinas. While conducting VSCs a few things take place.

First, we record the boaters contact information. If interested, we put the boat owner on our e-mail list for notification of future VSCs and upcoming boating safety classes. This gives us a focused marketing avenue for boater safety and education programs. As an additional incentive we are able to offer those that register with us, in a drawing for an access pass to the federal reservoirs for the following year.

Second, if the boater does not have all of the equipment to pass the VSC, we offer them information on retailers who have agreed to give discounts to customers who show that they are purchasing equipment to make their vessel compliant. This encourages the boater to correct those deficiencies and be a safer vessel on the water.

With active VSC at the boat ramps our patrol presence on the water conducts a standard safety patrol. What’s nice about the integration between VE’s and boat crews is the chance for multiple Auxiliarists to spend time getting VSCs done and patrol hours under their belt. A well coordinated afternoon can help maximize efficiency.

Finally, we have communications. Setting up a temporary Auxiliary communications station allows all of these elements to work together. The Vessel Examiners can provide eyes on the water for the patrol, and the patrol can let the VE’s know which ramps are active.

When all three components work together, the general public hears us on the marine radio, they see us on the water, and they interact with us on the shore. If all three of these encounters are positive we can build an excellent program for the Auxiliary.

New Eighth Coast Guard District Command Cadre Discuss Command Philosopy

The new Eighth Coast Guard District Command Cadre have created a video message to all of the members of the Eighth District to discuss their command philosophy:

http://www.d8externalaffairs.com/clients/uscghouston/127785.wmv

The Eighth Coast Guard District Command Cadre, (from left), Master Chief Petty Officer Lloyd Pierce, Eighth District command master chief, Rear Adm. Mary E. Landry, commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District and Capt. James Tunstall, Eighth District chief of staff, discuss the command's philosophy, Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

Who's Jealous of Doug?

A Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Lands at Air Station San Diego

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

If you have been following our Flotilla4 blog, Facebook feed, or Twitter profile you know that Doug Jansen is attending the AUX-12 Public Affairs C-School in San Diego. This trip has been completely coordinated by the active duty Coast Guard.

What Does the Active Duty Coast Guard Think of its Auxiliary?

One of the most common questions associated with being involved in the volunteer Auxiliary involves the treatment of volunteers. Does the active duty component support, respect, and most importantly appreciate its Auxiliary? The Coast Guard is very unique in this regard. Not only are Auxiliary members given the chance to directly support the active duty, they are given real jobs to do and their work is acknowledged.

Doug Jansen of Flotilla 4 is in San Diego this week attending Public Affairs C-School. While there, Doug found that the volunteers get their own reserved parking space.

Check it out...

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Travis Daniels Talks About The Auxiliary on Mac's World Live

Auxilarist Travis Daniels (left) talks about the Coast Guard Auxiliary with
host, Rooster McRoberts (right).
(Photo Courtesy of Mac’s World Live)

Today our Flotilla Commander, Travis Daniels, was able to spend an hour on Mac's World Live talking about the Coast Guard Auxiliary. During the program the video and audio was broadcast live on the internet while he spoke with hosts J. Michael McKoy and Rooster McRoberts.

The primary conversation was between Rooster and Travis, who discussed how Rooster’s boat had been disabled at Saylorville Lake and Travis and his boat crew helped to tow Rooster and his family in to safety. Rooster had been previously unaware of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and was very interested in who the Auxiliary is and what it is that we do.

Mac’s World Live is a local, daily Internet radio show broadcast live Monday through Friday on Talkzone.com. Podcasts of the show can be found at www.macsworldlive.com.

Social Media, 175+ Tweets, 100+ followers and 1 Commandant

Less than a year ago Flotilla 4 embarked into the world of Social Media feet first following the lead of Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen. Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Google Calendar and Blogger, just to name a few, have been our applications of choice.

After trial and error we have been pleased to have grown quite a following through these outlets. So what have we done?

With Facebook we were able to begin social networking and communications between flotilla members with various members of the public. We have been socializing to build fellowship in our flotilla on Facebook and it has been a very important part to our growth. We generated a Flotilla 4 page that ties in to our news blog, Twitter feed, Flickr account and Google Calendar. This page allows other Facebook users to find us and get a source of information on the flotilla.

Blogger was somewhat familiar to us before we implemented it. We decided to use it as a virtual news area to keep our members and the public up to date between publishings of our traditional newsletter "Above Board." Our news blog also links in to various RSS feeds from Coast Guard sources, our Flickr photostream and our Twitter feed. It automatically publishes new posts to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Flickr has allowed us to create our own visual imagery location on the web to let Auxilarists and the public see what the Land-Locked Auxies of Flotilla 4 are up to. By tagging our photos, it has enabled search engines to help people find us quicker. The Flickr photostream feeds the front of our static website at http://www.flotilla4.org/ with pictures and also feeds our Facebook page.

Google Calendar was implemented to let us display our calendar in an organized fashion. We have a layered calendar that displays our public education and general flotilla activities with information including mapping. It is publicly searchable and we have used it to advertise our Public Education Courses. It feeds into our Facebook page as well.

Twitter was a big mystery when we started. Initially we couldn't find any Auxiliary presence to speak of on Twitter but we jumped in. Now we have over 100 followers, including Admiral Thad Allen (we are just one of a little over 50 people that he follows), and we have posted over 170 updates. We are able to update our Facebook page status via Twitter and "Tweet" from the field in real time regarding the happenings of the flotilla.

Finally, we did a complete overhaul on our static page at http://www.flotilla4.org/. A new design, a new feel, and integration with our social media applications have helped us to increase our presence. We utilize Google Analytics to track our viewers and see what it is about our site that they are interested in and how they found us.

It has been an exciting first year into Social Media for our flotilla. Thanks to Auxilarists John Halbrook, Trevor Henderson and Doug Jansen for spearheading this project and helping to put Flotilla 4 on the Social Media map.

Despite Bad Weather, 15 People Complete Safe Boating Course

Auxilarists Jeff Towle (left), Norma Newton (center) and Ralph Tomlinson (right) speak with students during the Safe Boating Course at Lake Red Rock.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

Severe weather warnings did not deter 15 future mariners from attending the State of Iowa Safe Boating Course taught by members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 4.The class was held at the Lake Red Rock Visitors Center near Pella.

The class covered topics that included navigation rules, fueling, trailering, Iowa boating laws, the proper wearing of life jackets and the handling of boating emergencies. By completing the course, students earned the Iowa DNR Safe Boating Card.

Under the guidance and leadership of Auxilarists Norma Newton and Jeff Towle, all 15 future boaters passed the final exam.

Meanwhile, Auxilarists Ralph and Suzanne Tomlinson conducted voluntary Vessel Safety Checks at Lake Red Rock for local boaters. Despite a very poor forecast, six vessels were inspected by the duo.

Auxilarist Ralph Tomlinson (left) prepares to inspect a PWC at Lake Red Rock.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

Jansen Selected for AUX-12 Auxiliary Public Affairs C School

Auxilarist Doug Jansen, Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs, has been selected to attend the Auxiliary Public Affairs C School at Coast Guard Air Station San Diego.

AUX-12 Auxiliary Public Affairs C School is basic training for Auxiliary Public Affairs officers. The course teaches the students how to correctly prepare and distribute Press Releases, manage Media Relations, Media Interviews, Photography, Copy Editing/News writing, Article submissions to local, national level and other public affairs matters of special interest to the Auxiliary.

Auxilarist Doug Jansen serves as the Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs and is responsible for public relations for Flotilla 4.

Flotilla 4 Auxilarists Stand Communications Watch at AUX Station Omaha

Auxilarists Roland Newton and Trevor Henderson stood watch at AUX Station Omaha this weekend. The watchstanders maintain a communications watch with the Auxiliary Vessels on the Missouri River to relay information to Sector Upper Mississippi in St. Louis.

Auxiliary vessels were able to assist two boaters in distress and make sure that they made it back to port safely.

It was also time for some spring cleaning at the AUX Station as well as the installation of a new air conditioner for the season ahead.

Phil Patterson Becomes A Vessel Examiner

Congratulations to Phil Patterson, Flotilla 4's newest Vessel Examiner! He completed the Vessel Examiner Course and his trainee Vessel Safety Checks and has been approved by the Coast Guard to complete Vessel Safety Checks!

May 2009 Above Board Newsletter

The new edition of Above Board is available at http://www.flotilla4.org/newsletter.htm



This month's newsletter has articles about the new boat crew qualifications, the DNR ramp painting project, vessel safety checks, and the Certificate of Recognition for our flotilla from the Iowa House of Representatives.

Thank you to all of our contributors who made this month's edition possible.

The submission deadline for Above Board is the first Friday of each month. Photos, narratives, and information is always appreciated.

Memorial Day Weekend Wraps Up With Vessel Safety Check Day at Big Creek State Park

On the Memorial Day Flotilla 4 went to Big Creek State Park near Polk City, IA and had a Vessel Safety Check Day at the Lake. Four Auxilarist Vessel Examiners participated in the activities. Vessel Examiners, Chuck Brudtkuhl, John Hawkinson, Doug Jansen and Phil Patterson, conducted over 20 Vessel Safety Checks throughout the day, educating many boaters on boating safety issues. This was the first time this season that Flotilla 4 was at Big Creek and probably not the last time.

The next schedule Vessel Safety Check Day is at Lake Red Rock on June 7th in conjunction with a Boating Safety Class at the Red Rock Visitors Center.

Second Day of Memorial Day Weekend Keeps Flotilla On Its Toes

On the second day of Memorial Day Weekend Flotilla 4 had another busy day. Twelve Auxilarists participated in the activities. Vessel Examiners, Ralph and Suzanne Tomlinson and Phil Patterson, conducted over 25 Vessel Safety Checks throughout the day, educating many boaters on boating safety issues. Vessel Examiner Steve Johnson of Flotilla 6 also conducted over five Vessel Safety Checks.

Finally the Lady Grace and its crew conducted eight hours of Safety Patrol on the lake. The crew located one boat in distress and helped to tow them back to the Saylorville Marina. To support the operation radio watchstanders, John Hawkinson, Roland Newton and Trevor Henderson, kept track of the operations of the day.

Vessel Safety Checks will continue on Monday at the Marina at Big Creek State Park.

First Day of Memorial Day Weekend Busy for Flotilla 4

On the first day of Memorial Day Weekend Flotilla 4 had a flurry of activity. Fourteen Auxilarists participated in the activities. To start the day the Auxilarists conducted eighteen Recreational Boating Safety Partner Visits at various marine dealers and boating supply vendors across Central Iowa. Five Vessel Examiners conducted over 35 Vessel Safety Checks throughout the day, educating many boaters on boating safety issues.

Finally the Lady Grace and its crew conducted seven hours of Safety Patrol on the lake. Even though the patrol day ended early due to weather, the crew located one boat in distress and the crew assisted another distressed boater on the lake and helped to tow them back to the Saylorville Marina. To support the operation two radio watchstanders kept track of the operations of the day.

Operations and Vessel Safety Checks will continue on Sunday at Saylorville Lake.



The Lady Grace returns from a patrol to the Marina at Saylorville Lake on Memorial Day Weekend. Crew included Coxswain Travis Daniels (left) and crew members Norma Newton (center), Chuck Brudtkuhl (right) and John Hawkinson (not in the photo)

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Doug Jansen)




Auxilarist Jeff Towle peforms a courtesy Vessel Safety Check for a boat owner at Saylorville Lake on Memorial Day Weekend.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Brandon Butters)




Auxilarist Chuck Brudtkuhl monitors a disabled vessel that is in a side tow during a patrol at Saylorville Lake on Memorial Day Weekend.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Doug Jansen)

Spring Into Safe Boating Results In Over Ten Vessel Safety Checks

On May 17th Flotilla 4 and Flotilla 6 collaberated with the Corps of Engineers for the "Spring into Safe Boating” activity at Saylorville Lake. This activity was in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week.

Despite inclement weather, Flotilla 4 and Flotilla 6 conducted over ten Vessel Safety Checks at the Lakeview and Cherry Glen Boat Ramps.

A Vessel Safety Check is a free courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.

This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

If you are interested in a free Vessel Safety Check please contact us at fso-ve@flotilla4.org.

Safe Boating Course Begins

As part of National Safe Boating Week, Flotilla 4, the Iowa DNR and Corps of Engineers are hosting a free Boater Education Course. The course is being held over three consecutive evenings at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center on May 18, 19, and 20 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. The course currently has five students participating.

The course is designed to promote safe and responsible boating practices and to instill a sense of responsibility while making the students aware of their actions and potential consequences of these actions. This course meets the State of Iowa requirements for any person 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age to operate any vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower.

Our next course will be Sunday, June 7th at Lake Red Rock. E-mail boatingclass@flotilla4.org for details.

New Vessel Examiners

Congratulations to Chuck Brudtkuhl and Doug Jansen, Flotilla 4's newest Vessel Examiners! They both completed the Vessel Examiner Course and their trainee Vessel Safety Checks and have been approved by the Coast Guard to complete Vessel Safety Checks!

National Safe Boating Week Activities

May 16-22 is National Safe Boating Week this year and Flotilla 4 has a variety of events planned to kick off the boating season.

"Spring into Safe Boating” is scheduled for May 17th at Saylorville Lake in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week. The event will consist of Vessel Safety Inspections by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and WS games by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The event will be hosted at the Lakeview Boat Ramp from 10am-2pm with prizes for active participants. Vessel Inspections will be available at Lake View Ramp and Cherry Glen Ramp.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be conducting Vessel Safety Inspections around the lake on Saturday, May 16th.

As part of National Safe Boating Week, the three agencies will also host a free Boater Education Course. The course will be held over three consecutive evenings at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center on May 18, 19, and 20 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. If you would like a completion certificate following the course there will be a $5 cost incurred. Attendees will also be eligible for boating safety equipment giveaways.

The course is designed to promote safe and responsible boating practices and to instill a sense of responsibility while making the students aware of their actions and potential consequences of these actions. This course meets the State of Iowa requirements for any person 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age to operate any vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower.

These events are geared to prepare boaters for the Memorial Day Weekend and to kick off the boating season.

In addition to these events, Flotilla 4 members will visit their Recreational Boating Safety Partners such as boat dealers, bait shops, and outdoors stores to offer free literature to customers on a variety of water safety topics.

Iowa House of Representatives Honors Flotilla 4

Many leaders from the Iowa National Guard first became aware of the existence of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary when we were providing protection for the public at the scene of the spillway to Saylorville Dam which they happened to pass on their way to the Joint Forces Headquarters. Later they saw us again when we helped staff the State Emergency Operations Center with LTJG Townsend from Sector Upper Mississippi. They were astonished to learn that we were volunteers who were donating our time and talent without expectation of compensation.
Representative Tymeson, who sponsored a resolution in the Iowa Legislature recognizing Flotilla 4 for its service during the Floods of 2008. She is also Brigadier General Jodi S. Tymeson of the Iowa National Guard. We appreciate the continued support of General Tymeson for our activities.

The certificate reads:
“It having been made known to the House of Representatives by its Honorable Representative Jodi S. Tymeson, that the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 085-33-04 (Flotilla 4) deserves recognition for its voluntary service, staff, support and assistance to the United States Coast Guard, the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division at the State Emergency Operations Center during the Floods of 2008.

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing, the House of Representatives does hereby extend its appreciation and thanks them for their professionalism, dedication, and outstanding performance of duty.”

Nick Critelli presents the certificate of recognition to Travis Daniels from the
Iowa House of Representatives
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Doug Jansen)

Boat Crew Trainees Hit the Pool

Brandon Butters enters the water for his PFD Swim. Brandon demonstrated how a manual inflating PFD works for the group.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Doug Jansen)

The group of boat crew member trainees float for fifteen minutes during their training. (Left to right) Phil Patterson, Wendy Faganel, John Halbrook, Chuck Brudtkuhl, Brandon Butters, and John Hawkinson)
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Doug Jansen)

As their training winds down Flotilla 4's new Boat Crew Member trainees hit the pool to perform their PFD Swim. Trainees must enter the water properly, float on their own, and swim in their PFD as part of this training evolution.

Coast Guard Auxiliary and Iowa DNR Promote Wearing Your Life Jacket

Auxilarists Wendy Faganel (above) and Phil Patterson (below) paint the yellow base for a "Life Jacket Zone" sign at Big Creek State Park.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary have partnered in a program to increase public awareness of boating safety. This spring, signs are being painted on all DNR maintained boat ramps reminding boaters that life jackets need to be worn when boating.

The signs declare the ramp to be a "life jacket zone". The first set of Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, Flotilla 4 of Des Moines, joined Susan and Donise of the Iowa DNR at Big Creek State Park to begin the painting project. After dividing up the paint, templates, food and other essentials, two groups set out to various State Parks. Susan pointed out which parks and where each boat ramp was located in the park.

When painting just the third sign of many, a boater and his son appeared at the ramp for a little fishing. They both donned their jackets and Alex Whitney modeled his for the group. Remember that Iowa's new law is that any child 12 or younger is required to wear a life jacket.

The painting lasted until nightfall, with over 24 ramps being painted today with more to come at a later date.

Susan Stocker of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (left) and Auxilarist Paul Faganel (right) lay the template for the "Life Jacket Zone" sign at Big Creek State Park.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

A completed "Life Jacket Zone" sign at Big Creek State Park
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

A painting team finishes a "Life Jacket Zone" sign. Susan Stocker of the Iowa DNR (upper left) with Auxilarists (left to right) Paul Faganel, Wendy Faganel, and Ralph Tomlinson.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

April 2009 Above Board Newsletter

The April edition of Above Board is available at http://www.flotilla4.org/newsletter.htm



This month's newsletter has articles about the North Dakota Flooding, John Hawkinson's completion of the AUX-10 Course in California, and members receiving the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Award.

Thank you to all of our contributors who made this month's edition possible.

The submission deadline for Above Board is the first Friday of each month. Photos, narratives, and information is always appreciated.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Works With Iowa DNR To Promote Life Jacket Safety

This weekend members of Flotilla 4 will hit the road to begin a water safety project with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These Auxilarists and DNR personnel will travel to various state boat ramps throughout Central Iowa to help paint stencils onto the ramps to encourage boaters that they are entering a “life jacket zone.”

"As part of this state-wide project, there are approximately 140 boat ramps located within 45 different state parks. Painting a large 'Life Jacket Zone' sign directly on the ramps will help to remind boaters to protect everyone aboard their boat by wearing life jackets.” says Auxilarist Wendy Faganel, Auxiliary project coordinator.

The project is expected to last over a month and involve several Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas in Iowa.

Auxilarist Jeff Towle shows the stencil for the boat ramp painting project to
members of Flotilla 4.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / Photo by Doug Jansen)

One of the stencils for the boat ramp painting project with the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo / Photo by Doug Jansen)

Hawkinson Completes AUX-10 Course in California

John Hawkinson showing a fellow Auxiliarist how to set up a “field query” in Oracle during the AUX-10 Course in Alameda, CA.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 085-33-04 photo / Photo by Mr. Harry McBain, ADSO-PAP, Division 11N)

Flotilla 4 member John Hawkinson attended the Coast Guard Auxiliary AUX-10 course at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, CA. The course is designed to take new staff officers in the Information Systems (IS) field and give them some exposure to the mechanics of the AUXDATA and AUXINFO systems used to manage people and facilities in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This class had every range of experience from brand new to experienced Auxiliarists who had been recently appointed to Auxiliary information systems positions. Some of these appointments ranged from being part of a flotilla job rotation, to a staff member of a DIRAUX office, to the then Department Chief-Information Technology (DC-I), now the Deputy Chief Technology Officer from the National Staff. (The DC-I was there to get oriented on how training and system operations look like to someone serving at the flotilla or division level).

Training ran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until noon on Sunday. The training was fairly fast-paced, as there was a lot of material to go through, learning how to enter personnel, activity and facility data into AUXDATA, how to run various queries into AUXINFO, and how to run a variety of reports. Students also received an orientation to the Patrol Order Management System (POMS). It was quite clear why the Auxiliary prefers to have its new information systems officers go through the AUX-10 course early on; there’s a lot of process knowledge involved in running the different databases and reporting tools effectively.

Dining was at a Coast Guard mess hall for lunch. At night students dined off-site at seafood restaurants around Oakland on Friday and Saturday evenings.

John Hawkinson is now a graduate of the AUX-10 course, and is now in the “practicum” portion of his training. He is still reviewing Flotilla 4 forms and forwarding the approved ones to the Division 33 IS Officer for data entry as before, but he is also keying in the information into an AUXDATA Training Database. This “dual data entry” will continue for awhile (potentially up to 60 days), while the Division IS officer reviews Hawkinson’s work and provides needed feedback and “course corrections”, before he is approved to officially key records into the “live” production database.

“The AUX-10 course was a very worthwhile experience,” said Hawkinson, ”one that I would encourage new Information Systems officers to apply for as early in their careers as possible.”

John Hawkinson (center) is figuring out one of the data entry assignments, entering in a simulated Boat Crew mission. Course Director McBain (standing) is making the rounds to see if we’re “getting it”.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 085-33-04 photo / Photo by Mr. Harry McBain, ADSO-PAP, Division 11N)