Communications Past and Present

As our flotilla has increased our presence through safety patrols on local waters we have sought to refine our communications capabilities. Our colleagues in Omaha have the benefit of a permanent base station known as AUX Station Omaha. The benefit to a more permanent and ready communications base for them is evident. It allows them to operate more quickly, with better reliability and in more comfort.

For our 2009 operational season we operated communications out of a tent that was shore-side to provide guard for the patrol boats on the water. After several weather events that hit us, it was clear that we needed something better.

Thankfully some donors thought so too and Flotilla 4 was able to receive a trailer to be outfitted as a mobile AUX Base for our operations. Auxilarists Roland Newton and Paul Faganel have provided much of the leadership and sweat to get it ready. After many hours of construction it was ready for its first test. On Memorial Day weekend it was rolled out for duty and was a vast improvement over the previous tent version.

Saylorville Lake AUX Base, Memorial Day Weekend 2009
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Gene Kellogg)

Saylorville Lake AUX Base, Memorial Day Weekend 2010
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Gene Kellogg)

Roland Newton, FSO-CS, stands watch in the Communications Trailer.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

AUX Station Omaha Ready for Duty

Auxilarist Roland Newton works on the antennas high on the communications tower at AUX Station Omaha.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Trevor Henderson)

Every year, prior to the start of surface patrols, Division 33 prepares AUX Station Omaha for duty.

This year, Flotilla 4 members Chuck Brudtkuhl, Roland Newton and Trevor Henderson, along with the Division 33 Vice Commander Frank Reiss, worked to prepare the station for operations.

This required the usual cleanup after winter hibernation for the station. There were equipment issues that required attention so these Auxilarists determined what the problems were and went to work solving them.

Division 33 Staff Officer for Communications, Roland Newton, braved the winds to skillfully scale the communications tower to repair cable and check on the antennas after a brutal winter.

After several hours of cleanup, repairs and setup for the season the station is now ready for duty.

AUX Station Omaha serves as a watchstanding facility for the Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels that conduct safety patrols on the Missouri River near Omaha. A watchstander monitors the operations of Auxiliary vessels and coordinates with Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River in St. Louis. The purpose of this is to monitor for boats in distress and to direct and communicate with Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol boats.

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.