Deployed Auxilarists Still Hard At Work

Our deployed Auxilarists are back at it again for another day of hard work with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Trevor Henderson is at the North Dakota State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) working with the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has brought a tremendous amount of assets to help North Dakota and Minnesota and Trevor gets to see it first hand.

Jeff Towle is back at the Minnesota SEOC working with the Coast Guard. With the winds following the snow storm all eyes are on the waves and levees today.

Nick Critelli is back at the Moorehead, MN Emergency Operations Center today. He had a very successful radio interview with Bradshaw on 98.3 WOW FM in Des Moines yesterday. He was able to explain why the Coast Guard is in North Dakota and Minnesota helping during the flooding and how the Coast Guard is there to help the states who are affected by this disaster.

The Coast Guard undertook its 95th rescue of this flood relief operation yesterday. Our Auxilarists are proud to be able to help in their way with this epic flooding.

Coast Guard Lieutenant John Ott (left) and Auxilarist Trevor Henderson monitor the weather conditions as a blizzard bares down on North Dakota from their post at the North Dakota State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC)
(Photo courtesy of Auxilarist Trevor Henderson)

Airboats Are Awesome

A boat that you would normally not see this year in Fargo, ND is playing a major role in the operation; the air boat. The Coast Guard is using airboats all over the flooded area because of their ability to float on water or ice. We have seen many pictures this week of our brave Guardians and the airboats that have been doing a lot of the hard work in the flood relief mission.

FARGO, N.D. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Wheeler, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, radios to the Coast Guard HH-6575 “Dolphin” helicopter during a search and rescue case here March 26, 2009. A Coast Guard air boat passes behind him.

(U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell)

A Coast Guard Station St. Clair Shores airboat crew prepares to deploy to a staging area in West Fargo, N.D. with a convoy of several Coast Guard and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service trailerable airboats at the Cass County Roads Department in West Fargo, Saturday, March 28, 2009. The Coast Guard and the USFWS deployed three airboat teams to neighborhoods in the North River City area. Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River coordinated a multi-agency response effort along the Red River March 24.

(U.S. Coast Guard/Photo by Petty Officer Bill Colclough)

A convoy of Coast Guard and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service airboats prepares to deploy to flooded communities in North Dakota along the Red River from the Harwood Community Center in Harwood, N.D., Saturday, March 28, 2009.

(U.S. Coast Guard/Photo by Petty Officer Bill Colclough)

A Coast Guard airboat crew rescues a woman from the 2009 Red River flooding.

(U.S. Coast Guard)

OXBOW, N.D. - In this photo by the U.S. Coast Guard, Petty Officer 1st Class Gabe Wilch stands watch on the bow of a Coast Guard airboat, Thursday, March 26, 2009.Wilch remained on the lookout for Oxbow residents needing evacuation assistance. Residents have been asked to place a red object in a highly visible location on their house to notify responders help is needed.

(U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Renee C. Aiello)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny McDorman from Coast Guard Station Sault Ste Marie, Mich., watches the rear view mirror for back-up directions from Duane Kashmark, a diver from the Valley Water Rescue in Fargo, N.D., before backing up a boat trailer on County Road 81 in Harwood, N.D., Mar. 30, 2009. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Valley Water Rescue joined the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, the Fish and Wildlife Service and Customs and Border Protection in the response efforts to the flooded areas around Fargo, N.D.

(U.S. Coast Guard photo/PA3 Annie R. Berlin)

Petty Officers 3rd Class Jeremy Sergey, front, Dan Fraley, right, and Danny McDorman stand in front of an 18-foot Special Purpose Craft-Air, a fan propelled vessel designed to be able to operate in a minimum of six inches of water. The three crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Sault Ste Marie, Mich., have been a part of the multi-agency response to the rising floodwaters in Fargo, N.D.

(U.S. Coast Guard photo/PA3 Annie R. Berlin)

Bravo Zulu to all of our Coast Guard Men and Women serving in North Dakota and Minnesota this week!

Coast Guard Support to Civil Authorities

From Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen:

Coast Guard Supports Local RespondersOriginally uploaded by uscgpressIn light of our current support to flood rescue operations in North Dakota we have received queries that prompted me to share some insights on the Coast Guard's roles and authorities in civil support.

The Coast Guard's core roles are to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways.

The Coast Guard provides unique benefits to the nation because of its distinctive blend of military, humanitarian, and civilian law enforcement capabilities. Most recently, you have seen this in play as the Coast Guard has worked so closely and effectively with local and state first responders to protect the citizens of North Dakota, accounting for 93 rescues so far. What the Coast Guard is able to do and what it does in support of civil authorities will always be based on our legal authorities, capabilities, and mission requirements as determined by the needs of the specific event or scenario, always based on consultation with local, state and Federal agencies.

Using the North Dakota floods as an example, the legal authority for these operations stems both from the Coast Guard's authority to conduct search and rescue and our ability provide assistance to other federal, state and local agencies when our personnel are especially qualified to do so.

14 U.S.C. 88 provides, in relevant part:

In order to render aid to distressed persons, vessels, and aircraft on and under the high seas and on and under the waters over which the United States has jurisdiction and in order to render aid to persons and property imperiled by flood, the Coast Guard may: (1) perform any and all acts necessary to rescue and aid persons and protect and save property...

14 U.S.C. 141 provides:
The Coast Guard, upon request, may use its personnel and facilities to assist any Federal agency, state, territory, possession, or political subdivision to perform activities for which the Coast Guard is "especially qualified." This does not extend Coast Guard law enforcement authority (i.e. the Coast Guard does not gain the LE authority of any agency to which it is rendering assistance). Assistance meeting the "especially qualified" standard would include the employment of drug dogs, specialized equipment or techniques, use of vessels or aircraft, and other unique Coast Guard capabilities, but would not authorize Coast Guard personnel to engage in law enforcement activities ashore beyond the scope of organic Coast Guard law enforcement authority.In this case, the capabilities at play are the Coast Guard's expertise in and resources for search and rescue operations, particularly in maritime regions, including inland rivers. The mission requirements are met by continual coordination with local and state officials facilitated by representation at their county and state emergency operation centers.

Now, let's move beyond current events in North Dakota, and look at other ways in which the Coast Guard can provide support to civil authorities. To start, here are some of the keystone Coast Guard law enforcement authorities:--

14 U.S.C. 89:
Authorizes the Coast Guard to go onboard any vessel subject to the jurisdiction or operation of any law of the United States, whether on the high seas, or on waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, in order to make inquiries, examinations, inspections, searches, seizures, and arrests for the prevention, detection, and suppression of violations of laws of the U.S. -- 33

U.S.C. 1221 et seq.:
Under the Ports & Waters Safety Act, Coast Guard Captains of the Port have extensive authority to control the anchorage and movement of vessels, establish safety and security zones in U.S. ports and waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction; control the entrance and departure of vessels from U.S. ports, and take other actions with respect to vessels, ports and port facilities to prevent or respond to various types of threats and hazards from terrorist acts to environmental hazards. --

46 U.S.C. 70118:
Authorizes limited law enforcement activities for Coast Guard personnel ashore at maritime facilities. While at facilities, Coast Guard personnel may make arrests without a warrant, but only for offenses against the United States committed in the presence of the officer. This also authorizes Coast Guard personnel to carry a firearm in the performance of their official duties - wherever located.--

14 U.S.C. 95:
Grants law enforcement authority for Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) special agents commensurate with special agents of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, in the enforcement of statutes under which the Coast Guard has law enforcement authority or under exigent circumstances. This authority is applicable to shoreside investigations & law enforcement activity.

When you take a look across the broad spectrum of Coast Guard authorities (the above being just a few of the more relevant), and then examine our capabilities, you are able to begin developing potential options for employment of Coast Guard support to civil authorities beyond our regular maritime safety and security operations. Examples include (these are neither definitive, nor all inclusive):

-- Command and Control (C2) - The Coast Guard could provide both qualified personnel and deployable and mobile equipment support to provide or enhance C2 capabilities.
-- Law enforcement technical support - This could include bomb and drug detection equipment, including canine teams.
-- Air operations - Coast Guard aircraft could augment and assist with surveillance, transportation, airlift, and other logistic support.
-- Intelligence - Coast Guard personnel, including CGIS Special Agents, could assist in intelligence collection and analysis.

It is important to understand that these operations are in addition to normal mission requirements and the Coast Guard is not staffed, equipped or appropriated to sustain these without additional support. In some cases, it may be necessary to call on our critical Coast Guard Reserve for additional capability and capacity. Attached is a table that describes who can call up Reservists, under what type and duration of recall, based on what events/declaration. /Reserve_Authorities.pdf

To summarize, our support to civil authorities will always be based on our legal authorities, capabilities, and the specific mission requirements as determined by consultation with other state, local and Federal partners and tailored to fit the situation at hand. Close adherence to this formula allows us to effectively and efficiently apply our broad authorities and unique capabilities for the best benefit of the American public, always consistent with Federal law and in close cooperation with local officials.

Air Station Sacramento transports equipment to help ebb floods in North Dakota

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Coast Guard crews from Air Station Sacramento transported five dewatering pumps, pipes, and connectors from Casper, Wyo. to Fargo, N.D., March 27-29, 2009.

The two crews departed the air station aboard a Coast Guard C-130 cargo plane Friday morning. Once in Casper, the crews loaded the flood-control equipment onto the aircraft and transported it to Fargo. The aircraft made three round trips from Casper to Fargo to load and unload the equipment, accumulating more than 25 hours of flight time, and traveling more than 3,600 miles over the course of the weekend.

Each pump is capable of pumping 7,000 gallons of water per minute. Two of the pumps weigh more than 12,000 pounds each, while three weigh more than 4 tons each. The pumps are part of contingency plan in case the levees in Fargo are breached.

FARGO, N.D. - Coast Guard crews from Air Station Sacramento help unload flood-control equipment from a Coast Guard C-130 cargo plane, here, Sunday, March 29, 2009. The equipment was picked up in Casper, Wyo. and delivered here, as part of contingency plan in case the levees are breached. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Coast Guard continues rescue operations and urges caution to boaters

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

FARGO, N.D. -- Coast Guard crews recorded their 95th rescue today, March 30, 2009, after 6 days of flood response operations along the Red River.

The Coast Guard has become increasingly concerned with the number of recreational boaters attempting to transit the dangerous flood waters and has established a safety zone on the Red River from Wahpeton to Pembina that began Sunday, March 29, 2009. All vessel traffic, including canoes, are restricted from transiting the Red River except for search and rescue and law enforcement vessels. This order was placed in effect at 4:30 p.m. yesterday by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port.

"While we understand that some boaters may want to view their homes and communities," said Capt. Steve Hudson, commander of Sector Upper Mississippi and captain of the port, "our priority is the safety of those individuals and the integrity of the levies that protect the communities. Wakes from these boats can damage those structures."

The breakdown of Coast Guard assets is as follows:
5 helicopters on scene with 8 air crews
4 Disaster Response Teams (DART) onscene, 4 on standby
7 Airboats
2 Coast Guard Auxiliary communications trailer
119 Coast Guard personnel

For the latest Coast Guard news and imagery regarding the Red River floods, please visit:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/http://www.flickr.com/photos/36783873@N03/
http://www.uscgstormwatch.com/go/site/1769

BISMARCK, N.D. — Demolition crews blasted chunks of ice near a large ice jam in the Missouri River March 25, 2009, in an effort to open a channel so that water can be released downstream. Water backing up behind the ice jam has forced the evacuation of about 1,700 people from low-lying areas in North Dakota's capital.

(Coast Guard video/Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Swanson)

FARGO, N.D. – A U.S. Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin helicopter lowers a rescue swimmer into the Red River flood waters here during a search and rescue March 26, 2009. Rising flood waters surrounded the home, leaving residents stranded.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell)

Coast Guard in Iowa? Really?

With the deployment of Auxilarists near the Red River we have received a lot of inquires about the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Most of them center on the fact that most people do not know that their is, in fact, a Coast Guard presence in Central Iowa.

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.

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 answering phones at a desk to relaying information from a Coast Guard helicopter back to a command post miles and miles away.

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 patroling 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 your Iowa Volunteer Lifesavers!

Coast Guard Red River Flood Rescues Reaches 93

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

FARGO, N.D. -- As of March 29, 2009, Coast Guard crews have rescued 93 people since the commencement of flood response operations along the Red River on March 25. Today, Coast Guard air boats crews are conducting welfare checks of residents in areas isolated by the flood waters to confirm they are not in need of assistance. Those who do need help are being evacuated to safe, designated locations. In addition to the 93 people, 14 dogs, 14 cats and various other pets have been rescued.

"In this response, our primary mission is to save and protect the lives of those affected by the flooding," said Capt. Steve Hudson, commander of Sector Upper Mississippi River. "The Coast Guard will keep personnel and equipment in the area as long as necessary. But this is not a one-agency operation. We are part of a very skilled and highly-motivated team led by the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, including FEMA, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and numerous other agencies and volunteers."

The breakdown of Coast Guard assets is as follows:
5 helicopters on scene with 8 air crews
4 Disaster Response Teams (DART) onscene, 4 on standby
7 Airboats
2 Coast Guard Auxiliary communications trailer
106 Coast Guard personnel
For the latest Coast Guard news and imagery regarding the Red River floods, please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36783873@N03/
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/
http://www.uscgstormwatch.com/go/site/1769

FARGO, N.D. -- An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Mich., flies over the Red River March 28, 2009, in response to the flooding. Another Dolphin helicopter from Air Station New Orleans, accompanied them during the transit from Grand Forks to Fargo to stand by for rescue operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Swanson)

FARGO, N.D. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Wheeler, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, radios the Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter, from Air Station Traverse City, Mich., to pick up a stranded local man during a search and rescue mission here Thursday, March 26, 2009. The man was later hoisted into the helicopter and transported to safety. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell)

Flotilla 4 Deployed Auxilarists Report Progress

After another long day of operation our deployed team has reported back as bad weather is expected over the next 24 hours.

Trevor Henderson spent today working alongside the Coast Guard in the North Dakota State EOC. It was another busy day full of operations and coordination. He has been excited to be able to work with the ground assets and air assets of the Coast Guard. He is very impressed by the helicopters and their crews as well as the air boats.

Jeff Towle served at the Minnesota State EOC in St. Paul, MN. He indicated that it was a busy day at his location. He said that concerns centered around ice jams on the river and the incoming winter weather.

Nick Critelli was as the EOC in Moorehead, MN and Fargo, ND and was able to be close to the activity. He said it was a busy day there as well. He met up with Robert Smekta who is the 8th Western Rivers District Chief of Staff. Robert is an Auxilarist who has been stationed at the Fargo EOC. Nick said that the air and surface operations have been very impressive.

All three Flotilla 4 Auxilarists will report back for duty at their respective EOC's Monday morning.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Wheeler, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, radios to a Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter during a search and rescue case in Oxbow N.D., March 26, 2009. A Coast Guard air boat passes behind him.

(U.S. Coast Guard photo / Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell )

A U.S. Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter hoists a stranded local man to safety during a search and rescue mission in Oxbow N.D., March 26, 2009. The man had been stranded near his home due to the Red River flood waters.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo / Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell )

Coast Guard establishes safety zone on the Red River

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

FARGO, N.D. -- The Coast Guard has established a safety zone on the Red River from Wahpeton to Pembina beginning Sunday, March 29, 2009.

All vessel traffic including canoes are restricted from transitting the Red River except for search and rescue and law enforcement vessels due to safety concerns and flooding. This order was placed in effect at 4:30 p.m. today by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port.

Auxilarists Spent Day Working With Coast Guard

As today winds down our deployed Auxilarists have reported back on their experience.

Trevor Henderson spent today working alongside the Coast Guard in Bismarck, ND. It was a busy day and he was glad to be of service to help with flood relief operation.

Jeff Towle served at the Minnesota State EOC in St. Paul, MN. He said it was a busy day and was he learning how the operation there worked. He is looking forward to an early day tomorrow to be back at it.

Nick Critelli was as the EOC in Moorehead, MN and was able to be close to the activity. He said it was a busy day there as well.

Auxilarist Trevor Henderson works at the EOC in Bismarck

(Photo Courtesy of Trevor Henderson)

Auxilarist Nick Critelli works at the EOC in Moorehead, MN

(Photo Courtesy of Nick Critelli)

Coast Guard continues rescue operations in North Dakota

FARGO, N.D. -- Coast Guard crews rescued 3 adults and one dog today, March 28. This brings a total of 85 people, 14 dogs, 14 cats and 3 birds rescued from the flood waters in 4 days of operations along the Red River.
"In this response, our primary mission is to save and protect the lives of those affected by the flooding," said Capt. Steve Hudson, commander of Sector Upper Mississippi River. "The Coast Guard will keep personnel and equipment in the area as long as necessary. But this is not a one-agency operation. We are part of a very skilled and highly-motivated team led by the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, and including FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and numerous other agencies and volunteers."
The breakdown of Coast Guard assests is as follows:
3 helicopter crews on scene, 2 additional helicopetrs enroute
2 HC-130 airplane on scene
3 Disaster Response Teams (DART) onscene, 1 enroute, 3 on standby
7 Airboats on scene
2 Coast Guard Auxiliary communications trailer onscene
107 Coast Guard personnel
For the latest Coast Guard news and imagery regarding the Red River floods, please visit:
http://www.uscgstormwatch.com/go/site/1769

Division 11 Mission Blog

Division 11 in Minnesota has a blog up regarding their flooding response at http://missions.8wrdiv11.org/

Central Iowa Coast Guard Auxiliary Members Deployed For Flood Relief

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Flotilla 085-33-04
Public Affairs

PRESS RELEASE

Date: March 28, 2009
Contact: Doug Jansen
Public Affairs Officer
515-291-9625
djansen@flotilla4.org
http://www.flotilla4.org

Central Iowa Coast Guard Auxiliary Members Deployed For Flood Relief

Des Moines, Iowa - Three local members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have been deployed by the Coast Guard to North Dakota and Minnesota to augment the efforts of the Coast Guard. Auxilarist Trevor Henderson, of Omaha, has been deployed to Bismarck, North Dakota to help represent the Coast Guard at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Jeff Towle and Nick Critelli, both of Des Moines, have been deployed to EOCs in Minnesota to perform liaison functions on behalf of the Coast Guard.

These Auxilarists were deployed by Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi because of their experience with representing the Coast Guard to help liaison with other agencies during flooding. These Auxilarists performed similar duties during the Iowa Floods of 2008.

The Coast Guard has played a role in the rescue efforts due to the Red River flooding. For more information on the Coast Guard operations please visit http://www.uscgfloodwatch.com/go/site/1769.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service's missions.

Henderson, Towle, and Critelli are members of Flotilla 085-33-04 based in Des Moines, Iowa. When these Auxilarists are not providing support during flooding they are active in the boating safety missions of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. For more information about Flotilla 085-33-04 and its activities visit http://www.flotilla4.org.

###

Coast Guard 3-day rescue total reaches 82

From the United States Coast Guard:

FARGO, N.D. -- On the third day of rescue operations, Friday, March 27, 2009, Coast Guard rescue airboat crews rescued 10 people from rising flood waters, for a three-day total of 82 people rescued. In addition to the people rescued, the Coast Guard crews have also rescued approximately 13 dogs, 14 cats and 2 bird.

Video of Friday, March 27, 2009 rescues can be found at the following links:



http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=506925

Photographs of pet rescues can be found at the following link:


http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=505569


http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=504429

Currently, there are four air boat crews from Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., St. Claire Shores, Mich., Marblehead, Ohio, and Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Two Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) from St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis are on scene with two additional DART teams from Cincinnati, and Huntington, W.V., enroute to the region this weekend. Three additional rescue helicopters and three more airboat teams are also enroute.

For the latest Coast Guard news and imagery of the Red River floods, visit:

http://www.uscgstormwatch.com/go/site/1769/

Flotilla 4 Members Deploying For Flood Response

Today orders were issued for three members of Flotilla 4 to deploy to North Dakota and Minnesota to help augment the Coast Guard at Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Trevor Henderson is deploying to North Dakota. Jeff Towle and Nick Critelli are deploying to Minnesota.

They will help augment Coast Guard personnel who will liaison with local and state officials to help with the response to the flooding in these areas. These individuals were called upon because of their experience in helping to provide a similar function during the Iowa Floods of 2008.

Captain Hudson Thanks Flotilla 4 For Flood Response

After attending the Iowa National Guard Change of Command, Captain Hudson was able to meet members of Flotilla 4 who helped during the flood response in 2008. He praised them for the good job that they did supporting the Coast Guard mission and hopes they continue to serve their community.

Sector Upper Commander Attends Iowa National Guard Change of Command

Captain Hudson
(Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard)

Captain Steve Hudson was in Central Iowa this week to attend the Change of Command Ceremony for the Iowa National Guard. The Iowa National Guard was pleasantly surprised to have the Coast Guard represented at this event. Captain Hudson was able to meet with new Iowa Adjutant General, Brigadier General Orr. He was also able to meet Colonel Hill, the Chief of the Iowa Joint Staff, and Colonel Free, the Chief of Staff for the Iowa Army National Guard.

Mike Beaman with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division met with Captain Hudson and discussed with him the participation of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary during the Iowa Floods of 2008.

Coast Guard Rescue Count in N.D. up to 72

From the Coast Guard Public Affairs website:

FARGO, N.D. -- On the second day of rescue operations here, Thursday, March 26, 2009, Coast Guard rescue airboat and helicopter crews rescued 48 people from rising flood waters, for a two-day total of 72 people rescued.

An HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter and crew from Air Station Traverse City, Mich., rescued 15 people, including a family of three and their cat and dog, a 78-year-old man and three teenagers. The helicopter crews' total rescue count for two days is 21.

Video of Thursday, March 26, 2009 rescues can be found at the following links:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=506292
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=506289
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=506286

Coast Guard air boats were once again tasked with assisting stranded residents. Total resuces for Thursday, March 26, 2009, for the three air boat teams staged in Fargo rescued 33 people. Their two-day total is 51 rescues.

Coast Guard Sector Sault Saint Marie, Mich., rescued 8
Coast Guard Station Marblehead, Ohio, rescued 10
Coast Guard Station St. Clair Shores, Mich., rescued 15
In addition to the four air boat crews from Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., St. Claire Shores, Mich., Marblehead, Ohio, and Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; two helicopters, one from Air Station Traverse City, Mich., and Air Station New Orleans; and two Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) from St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis; two additional DART teams have been activated, one from Cincinnati, and one Huntington, W.V., and will be reporting to the region this weekend. Two additional rescue helicopters and three more airboat teams are also on the way.

For the latests Coast Guard news and imagery for the Red River floods, visit:
http://www.uscgstormwatch.com/go/site/1769/

Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Wheeler, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, assists a man in a hoist basket before it is lifted to the Coast Guard HH-6575 “Dolphin” helicopter March 26, 2009. The man had become stranded by the Red RIver flood waters at a residence here. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell)

Machinery Technician 3rd Class Dan Fraley of Coast Guard Station Sault Ste. Marie offloads the faithful friend of an Oxbow, N.D. woman, as both the dog and its owner required rescue from their flooded home along the Red River, Thursday, March 26, 2009. (U.S. Coast Guard/Photo by Petty Officer Bill Colclough)

North Datota Flooding

As information comes out our members, and the public are hungry for information on the Coast Guard Response to the flooding in North Dakota. Two sites have good information so far.

One is the iCommandant Blog provided by Admiral Allen:
http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/blog/

Another is the USCG Floodwatch 2009 site:

http://www.uscgfloodwatch.com/go/site/1769/







OXBOW, N.D. - In this photo by the U.S. Coast Guard, two airboat crews deployed from Coast Guard District 9 await the next search and rescue mission during the 2009 midwest flood response, Wednesday, March 25, 2009.The airboats are used in shallow water throughout residential areas. Numerous Oxbow residents were evacuated to dry ground.(U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Renee C. Aiello)

FARGO, N.D. – Lt. David Ober pilots a U.S. Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin helicopter during a search and rescue case when six people and two dogs became stranded due to the Red River flood in the Fargo area March 25, 2009. Four adults, one child, one infant and two small dogs were taken to safety by the Air Station Traverse City, Mich., crew (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Brendan Evans)

Lady Grace Work Night

Tuesday evening members of Flotilla 4 gathered to finish up work on the Lady Grace for the operational season. Travis Daniels, Paul Faganel, Phil Patterson, and John Halbrook put the finishing touches on the boat to prepare it to go in the water soon.

Flotilla 4 Members Recognized at the Division 33 Awards Night

Flotilla 4 was represented at the Division 33 Awards Dinner by Norma and Roland Newton, Ralph and Suzanne Tomlinson, and Trevor Henderson.

Leading off the awards for the night, Division 33 Commander Jean Goble began the evening with recognition of the National Water Safety Congress Award of Merit that will be presented to Flotilla 4 in April.

Flotilla 4 members who took part in the Des Moines River Clean-Up Safety Patrol event were recognized with the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device. This award was approved by Captain Hudson, the Commander of Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi, “for exceptionally meritorious service on 16 August 2008 while serving on the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 085-33 River Clean up Safety Patrol Team.” During a routine safety patrol, these individuals were part of an effort to rescue three boaters in the Des Moines River whose boat had capsized. The team brought the boaters to safety and secured the capsized boat.

Members from Flotilla 4 named for the award are:
Tony Crandell
Nick Critelli
Travis Daniels
Robert Ellis
John Halbrook
John Hawkinson
Trevor Henderson
Gene Kellogg
Norma Newton
Roland Newton
Ralph Tomlinson
Suzanne Tomlinson
Jeff Towle

For more information on this award go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritorious_Team_Commendation



The Flotilla 4 members in attendance were joined by Ron and Pauline Longnecker from Flotilla 3, along with Jose Medina representing Flotilla 6, to receive the award. Also joining in the picture are Frank Reiss, Division 33 Vice Commander, Jean Goble, Division 33 Commander, and Karel Kester, District Captain – West. (left to right, front row) Suzanne Tomlinson, Norma Newton, Ron Longnecker, Jean Goble, Karel Kester. (left to right, back row) Frank Reiss, Pauline Longnecker, Roland Newton, Jose Medina, Ralph Tomlinson, Trevor Henderson.

Presentation of the AUXOP device followed, recognizing the efforts of Nick Critelli, Suzanne Tomlinson, Norma Newton, and Roland Newton.

Then the 8th Western Rivers District Award presentations were done. Below is a summary of those awards.
Apple Award - Ralph Tomlinson - 15 or more but less than 100 hrs as Head Instructor in Public Education/Member Training missions.
Publicist Award – Doug Jansen
Jeff Towle
- 25 or more Public Affairs hours
2500 Club – Doug Jansen
Jeff Towle
- 250 or more but less than 500 weighted points
Marine Environmental Protection Award – Jeff Towle - 25 or more hours of Marine Safety.
Outreach Award – Nick Critelli
Travis Daniels
Robert Ellis
John Hawkinson
Jeff Towle
- 25 or more hours of Government Support, International Affairs, Legislative missions.
Best Flotilla Scrapbook Runner-Up – Flotilla 4, Suzanne Tomlinson
Best Flotilla Photograph Honorable Mention – Flotilla 4, S. Tomlinson
Best Flotilla Photograph Runner-Up – Flotilla 4, Doug Jansen

Lastly were the Division 33 specific awards. By this time Flotilla 4 members, especially Mr. Tomlinson representing Flotilla Commander Daniels, were busy walking off dinner working to the front of the room to receive awards.

Program Visitations – 1st Runner Up – Flotilla 4
VE’s 20 or more recognition – John Hawkinson
VE’s 2nd runner up Top Performer – Jeff Towle
VE’s Top Flotilla 1st Runner Up – Flotilla 4
Member Training 20 hrs or more recognition – John Hawkinson
Ralph Tomlinson
Public Education/Member Training Top Flotilla 2nd Runner Up – Flotilla 4
Harry Hartley Recruiting Award – Flotilla 4

BRAVO ZULU to ALL!

Ralph Tomlinson, 33-04 VFC, delivers the activity report for the Flotilla at the Division 33 Board/Staff Meeting. 21 Mar 09, Mahoney S.P. Ashland, NE.

Iowa DNR Boating Education Course

In conjunction with the Corps of Engineers, Flotilla 4 will be conducting the Iowa Boater Education Course on May 18-20, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. This is during National Safet Boating Week. This safe boating course lets you get your Iowa boating safety certification card so that you can comply with Iowa boater education law.

Students must attend all three sessions for certification. To register for this course contact Jeff Towle at jtowleATflotilla4.org.

Boat Crew Training Continues

Phil Patterson practices handling a line on the Lady Grace
during Boat Crew Training in March.


Members of the flotilla are continuing their training to prepare them for qualification as boat crew members. On March 14th members practiced knot tying and line handling procedures. Drills were conducted practicing different towing, man overboard, and anchor evolutions.

Instructors Jeff Towle and Travis Daniels worked with students during the March training weekend. Students included Chuck Brudtkuhl, Brandon Butters, Paul Faganel, Wendy Faganel, John Hawkinson, Doug Jansen, and Phil Patterson.

Work continued on the Lady Grace as it was made ready for inspection to become a Coast Guard Auxiliary Facility.

Work on the Lady Grace Almost Complete

Chuck Brudtkuhl solders a coax connection to prepare a radio on the Lady Grace

On March 15th more work was done on the Lady Grace to prepare it to become a Coast Guard Auxiliary Facility. Flotation devices, lines, tow equipment, lights, radios, GPS, and odds and ends in between have been added to the 23' center console boat to prepare her for service. Just a wash and a coat of wax and she will be put in the water for a shake down prior to the operational season. Look for the Lady Grace on patrol on Saylorville starting in May.

Follow Flotilla 4 on Twitter

Flotilla 4 is now on Twitter (search for flotilla4). Twitter is a social media application that allows users to share information through quick, frequent status updates to let others know what you are doing.

Flotilla Staff Officer Going To Alameda, California for Training

John Hawkinson, Flotilla Staff Officer for Information Systems, will soon be leaving for Alameda, California for the Coast Guard Auxiliary Information Systems (AUXDATA/AUXINFO) Staff Training.

This program is designed to provide district, division and flotilla information systems personnel with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to exercise responsibility for all matters pertaining to the collection, recording, and forwarding of the flotilla’s AUXDATA information, and keep members informed of all developments in this area. Report generation and creation of ad-hoc queries using AUXINFO will be reviewed using in-depth classroom hands on exercises.

As the Flotilla Staff Officer for Information Systems, Mr. Hawkinson is responsible for helping to manage data regarding qualifications, participation, and training for the flotilla.

March 2009 Above Board Newsletter

The March edition of Above Board is now available at www.flotilla4.org/newsletter.


This month we increased the size of our newsletter to six pages full of news and information. This month's article features the 8th Western Rivers District Spring Conference, a patrol in Florida with Gene Kellogg, and an update on the Lady Grace.

Spring Conference Wrap-Up

Eight members of Flotilla 4 travelled to the 8th Western Rivers District Spring Conference in Peoria, IL. This two day event focused on changes to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and continuing education.

Friday’s activities focused on presentation by various Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary leadership.

Saturday had a variety of breakout sessions focusing on a wide variety of topics. Annual refresher training such as the 1 Hour Team Coordination Training Refreshers, Instructor Workshop, and Operations Workshop were offered. New training was also offered like the ICS 210 training. Members were also able to take the Initial Indoctrination to Marine Safety exam. This exam is a test to prepare an Auxiliarists to support Coast Guard Marine Safety missions and is proctored by an active duty member of the Coast Guard. Five members of Flotilla 4 took this exam including Chuck Brudtkuhl, Norma Newton, Roland Newton, Suzanne Tomlinson, and Ralph Tomlinson.

There were also seminars for continuing education such as how to create a newsletter, the OTO Briefing from CWO Leavell, Basic Navigation, and a session to “Meet the Brass” and ask questions.

Members who attended the conference included Chuck Brudtkuhl, Travis Daniels, John Halbrook, Doug Jansen, Norma Newton, Roland Newton, Suzanne Tomlinson and Ralph Tomlinson.

Flotilla 4 members were recognized with a variety of awards for their service in 2008. For members who missed the banquet their awards will be presented at the Division 33 Awards Banquet on March 21 at Mahoney State Park in Nebraska.

The Fall Conference will be September 25 and 26 in Branson, Missouri. Additionally the National Conference (NACON) will be very close this year. It will be in Chicago, Illinois in August. More information will come out later this year on both events.

Social Media and the Spring Conference

This past weekend several members of Flotilla 4 attended the 8th Western Rivers Spring in Peoria, IL. Unfortunately many of our members were not able to make the trip. In years past those who did not attend a conference were left in the dark, and were never able to capture the experiences, and lessons learned at these events. Fortunately this conference was different. Members of Flotilla 4 equipped with laptops, internet capable cell phones, and cameras captured their experiences and shared them with those not in attendance at the conference. Flotilla 4's website hummed with nearly a dozen web posts generating over fifty page views in one day. The site became so popular that Flotilla 76 from Portland , Oregon referenced us on their web site.

The experience of "blogging" from a conference was a new one for the members of our flotilla, but we have received such positive feedback that we plan on capturing more of our experiences, and showing them on our various web presences. If you are interested in seeing what we are up to today you can go to www.flotilla4.org, and check out our Blog, our Facebook page, and our Flickr page.

- John Halbrook

8WR Awards Banquet

The St. Charles High School Dance Team entertains the banquet

Tonight's after dinner entertainment was provided by the St. Charles High School Dance team who is in town for State Competition.

Awards for Flotilla 4 received at the banquet included:

a. Runner Up ScrapBook Contest

b. Runner up Best Flotilla Photo

c. Photo Awards Honorable Mention Category:

a. Fellowship

b. Member Service

c. Public Education

Basic Navigation

Marvin Butcher Teaches Basic Navigation

Students are learning about Basic Navigation from Marvin Butcher.  We are learning about vectors such as the Dead Reckoning, Time Made Good/ Speed Made Good, and the Set/Drift Vector.  

Afternoon Conference Sessions

For the afternoon there are a variety of seminars that Auxiliarists have to choose from including: 

1. Operations Workshop

2. Creating a Newsletter

3. AUXDATA & POMS (Auxiliary Information Services)

4. Navigation Basics

5. Ask the Brass

This evening is the Commodore's Banquet and Awards Ceremony.   It has been a busy day at the Holiday Inn City Centre and further posts will continue.

Initial Indoctrination to Marine Safety (IIMS) Course

Five members of Flotilla 4 sat for the Initial Indoctrination to Marine Safety (IIMS) Course Exam this afternoon.  This exam is proctored by the active duty Coast Guard.

The purpose of the IIMS course is to provide entry-level education in Marine Safety to Auxiliarists.  The course consists of six lessons including; Marine Safety Programs and Organization, Marine Safety Missions Overview, Legal Authorities, Reference Sources, Occupational Safety and Health, and Conduct and Ethics.

The flotilla members that took the exam included Chuck Brudtkuhl, Norma Newton, Roland Newton, Ralph Tomlinson, and Suzanne Tomlinson.

Chief of Staff's Luncheon After Actions

Auxiliarists enjoy the Chief of Staff's Luncheon

The Chief of Staff's Luncheon was well attended.  Besides an agreeable lunch, Division 33 and its members went home with numerous awards.  Over 400 people throughout the District were presented certificates for contributions to the mission of the Coast Guard. 

Flotilla 4 members who attended the luncheon included Ralph Tomlinson, Suzanne Tomlinson, Norma Newton, and Roland Newton.

All of the Division 33 recipients will receive their awards at the Division 33 Banquet at Mahoney State Park on March 21, 2009.

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.