Chief of Staff's Luncheon

(l to r) John Halbrook, Ralph Tomlinson, and Roland Newton discuss their experiences prior to the luncheon.

After the morning seminars the Chief of Staff's Luncheon is up next.  

Operational Facility Seminar

During the conference a seminar was helped to answer questions regarding the specifics of examining a member-owned vessel for use by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.   Lots of best practices and explanations were offered by the District Staff and the OTO.  

OTO Briefing

CWO Leavell Speaks to Participants At The 8WR Conference in Peoria, IL

The Operations Training Officer (OTO) CWO Leavell held a seminar regarding recent operations updates and a Q&A for members to ask the OTO and the District Director of Response.  Members attending the seminar were also treated to a small first aid kit from the OTO to help them with their mission for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Special emphasis was placed on safety and following procedures to ensure a safe mission for all involved.  The OTO was able to help others understand how to smooth out the operations paperwork process.

Materials Center at the District Conference

Chuck Brudtkuhl sees what is on sale in the Materials Center Store

The District Materials Center has setup shop at the District Conference to help Auxiliarists find items they need such as uniform items and uniform insignia.

Team Coordination Training Refresher Course

Mike Stanley discusses situational awareness with the Team Coordination Training Refreshers Students

(l to r) Norma Newton, Roland Newton, and Doug Jansen work on a scenario during TCT at the 8WR District Conference

Every year the Coast Guard Auxiliary requires its operational personnel to participate in Team Coordination Training.  Initially a member completes the 8 hour course and then annually a one hour refresher course.  Today Flotilla 4 Members Norma Newton, Roland Newton, John Halbrook, and Doug Jansen participated in the refresher at the 8WR Conference.

Spring Conference

Today was the first day of the 8th Western Rivers District Spring Conference in Peoria, IL.  Members of Flotilla 4 attended meetings and learned about new developments in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Saturday Auxiliarists will learn about updates in various facets of Auxiliary programs during breakout sessions.  There will be an awards banquet Saturday night as well.

Flotilla 4 members at the conference so far include; Travis Daniels, Ralph Tomlinson, Suzanne Tomlinson, Roland Newton, Norma Newton, Chuck Brudtkuhl, John Halbrook, and Doug Jansen.  

More information will be posted as the conference continues tomorrow.

After Recent Boating Tragedy, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Focuses On Public Boating Safety

After the tragic boating accident involving two NFL players and their friends off of the Florida Coast this week, many boaters may have boating safety on the mind. Are you prepared for the worst?

Flotilla 4 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is here to help local boaters through our Boating Education and Vessel Safety Check Programs.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Education courses provide instruction to boaters at all levels, from the fundamental to the advanced. Our courses are taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors committed to the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guard.

A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by State and 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.

To learn about upcoming Boating Education Classes in your area or to request a Vessel Safety Check go to www.flotilla4.org.