The Auxiliary has a friend!! Well, I m sure the Auxiliary

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1 USCG Auxiliary Official Newsletter of the New Bern Flotilla Division 20, District 5SR Editor: David Fort FSO-PB (252) P.O. Box 305 Bridgeton, NC Approved for release: 2 July 2017 Volume 25 Issue 7 July 2017 The Auxiliary has a friend!! Well, I m sure the Auxiliary has many friends, but not one who has helped and this Flotilla Commander as much as BMC Kenneth Grande, OIC of Station Hobucken. I first met Chief Grande when he was the XPO (Executive Petty Officer) at Ft. Macon, where I was breaking in as Watchstander. Somehow he saw that this older man had what it took to be qualified at the position. He later persuaded me to conduct my watchstanding time at Station Hobucken. This later proved to be a rather brilliant move for both of us. Under Chief Grande s watchful management, has developed a top-notch on-water operation. We now have PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that is the same as our Active Duty compatriots. We also have a system to maintain the gear to the high standards expected by the Coast Guard. They can be assured that when we operate on the water under their orders, our PPE will do its job. Chief Grande also assisted our FSO-OP, Fil Pagano, and myself every step of the way in acquiring OPFAC This acquisition changed the course and future of our Flotilla in a profound way. The process ended up being a major task, as it seemed to fight us every inch of the way. Even registering the Guardians of the Neuse and Trent Rivers FROM THE HELM trailer had its own unique complications. Chief Grande stayed with us through the whole painful process providing assurance, and guidance. This Flotilla will continue to work hard to further develop and maintain the close relationship we enjoy with Station Hobucken under Bill Flynn FC the new command of Chief Jones and his XPO, BM1 Adams. BM1 Adams has already shown an understanding of the Auxiliary its abilities, potential, and, yes, its shortfalls. I find him quick to make himself and the Station available to us. As the FC, I will miss working with BMC Grande as OIC at Station Hobucken, but I am very much looking forward to working with AUXILIARIST Grande as we welcome him into our Auxiliary after his retirement on 29 June. Within this issue of The Channel Marker, I have included bios of both BMC Grande and BMC Jones. BMC Jones took command of the men and women of Station Hobucken on 29 June. I and all of look forward to continued close cooperation with BMC Jones and Station. Semper paratus Always Ready, since 1939 EVENTS & DATES July NO MEETING OF FLOTILLA IN JULY Operation Dry Water entire AOR 15 ABS Class , University of Mount Olive 22 Patrol Orientation 0900, E Dock (OPFAC) New Bern Grand Marina Flotilla Welcomes Nine New Members See page 5 John Cox Don Ingraham Mike Kent KathieKing Chris Maravelas Bud McClard Eric Reese Rob Weber Mark West This Issue From the Helm 1 Events & Dates: July 1 June 2017 Meeting Minutes 2 Suddenly in Command Class 3 FSO Reports for July 4-5 Meet Our New Members 5 The Bridgeton Blueberry Festival 6-7 Chief Grande s Big Day 8-9 Hobucken Chiefs Now and Then 10 Patrols R Us Rescue On the Not-So-High Seas 11 Crossing the Bar: Frank Kispert 12 Photos Needed! 12 Happy Birthday to Us 12 More Upcoming Events 12 1

2 The meeting was called to order by W. Flynn, FC, at 1800 at Red Sail Park, Fairfield Harbor. The Pledge of Allegiance was given and a meeting quorum was established. In attendance were the following Auxiliary members and visitors: TJ Bendicksen; S. Genovese; E. Gillespie; G. Maravelas; W. Ott; F. Pagano; J. Phillips; K. Williams; E. Reese; L. Bonforte; B. Cooper; W. Cunniff; W. Flynn; R. Manning; H. McClard; B. Sjostedt; and R. Weber. Visitors included: Chris Maravelas, Wayne Mulligan, BM1 Adams and BMC Grande. A motion was made by L. Bonforte to adopt the May 2017 meeting minutes, it was seconded by F. Pagano and unanimously approved. A motion was made by J. Phillips to adopt the May 2017 Finance reports, it was seconded by R. Manning and unanimously approved. USCG AUXILIARY Flotilla MINUTES OF 01 JUNE 2017 REGULAR MEETING It was acknowledged that the group should be careful not to step on BMC Grande, since he is really short 23 days and a wake-up. Staff Officer Updates: Everyone was reminded of the upcoming training classes and the need for help. Clockwise from upper left: Flynn opens the meeting under armed guard; the Duty Crew is actually listening to him; the empty plates indicate that the Duty Crew and the Mannings worked up quite an appetite listening; and Mike Ott and Kip Williams receive their VE designations from Ken Grande. Photos courtesy of Roberta Flynn. 11 June, 1-4pm Suddenly in Command 15 July, 8:30am-4pm About Boating Safely 19 August, 9am-12noon Navigating Local Waters Old Business: The Bridgeton Blueberry Festival is scheduled for June and we will need support at our booth. New Business: No new business. Awards: W. Ott, K. Williams and W. Flynn were awarded VE certifications. W. Flynn was award Crew status. General Meeting Comments: R. Manning announced Division stats for 20-04, overall we were no.2 in the Division. We were in the top 3 for PE hours, PA hours, Operations, Watch Standing and Member Training. A motion was made by L. Bonforte to adjourn to the picnic; it was seconded by F. Pagano and unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted, W. Michael Ott FSO-SR 2

3 Suddenly in Command Another successful Public Education class was produced on 11 June by Bob Manning, FSO- PE. As noted in the FSO reports, the class was not large in numbers, but the attendees were very participative, with lots of questions asked and answered during the presentation. In addition, several of the newer members got an opportunity to attend (at no charge) and see how our Public Education classes operated. Lead instructor Mielenhausen was ably assisted by Manning and Fort. Photos and other assistance were again handled by T.J. Bendicksen. (Left) Manning responds to one of the many questions asked during the session. (Bottom Left) Mielenhausen reviews steps involved in being Suddenly in Command. (Bottom right) Fort discusses Man Overboard procedures. See something interesting while on patrol or traversing other waters? a photo to dfort@gmail.com to share with readers of The Channel Marker. Remember Your Lifeline to Auxiliary Info Click: or Log in to the website in the blue Members Only box in the left menu of the website. The Flotilla staff list is also available by clicking on About Flotilla and then Staff List. Post a photo and/or a message to auxiliarists across the U.S.! 3

4 FSO Reports for July Bill Nielson, FSO-CM Effective January 2017, the FCC has approved the use of portable VHF radios ashore. The use is limited to enhancing the usefulness of marine VHF radios without negatively affecting maritime communications. Usage is limited to areas adjacent to the water, such as docks and beaches. Communications must relate to the operation and business needs of the associated vessel. Minimum practical transmission time is required. T.J. Bendicksen, FSO-CS Updated website calendar with scheduled classes and activities. Posted updated newsletters to our website. Kip Williams, FSO-DV There was no activity in June. Kip Williams, FSO-FN Below is the financial statement as of 30 June Checkbook Balance as of 06/01/2017 $ 5, Deposits: ABS Class $ SIC Class $ OPFAC SAMA $ Picnic $ SIC Books $ Dues $ Total Deposits: $ Expenses: Facility Bottom Cleaning $ Picnic $ New Member Binders $ Facility Insurance $ Total Expenses: $ Checkbook Balance as of 06/30/2017 $ 5, Ed Gillespie, FSO-HR Two new members received numbers; one more is in process. Bill Neilson, FSO-IS All IS reports to be sent to Sandy Roberts, SO-IS, until notified otherwise. Mike Ott, FSO-MA Ordered forms and brochures for inventory stock. FSO-MS Vacant Karl Mielenhausen, FSO-MT We are experiencing a short summer break, but there will be numerous training opportunities aboard our Flotilla Operational Facility, , starting again in late July. Contact FSO-OP Pagano to get on the schedule. A New Member Bootcamp was held on Saturday, 17 June. Discussion topics were geared to address the questions being asked by our new members and to get them on the path for mandated training. Eight new members attended. Congratulations to Mark West, Bud McClard, Mike Kent, and Rob Weber, who have recently completed their mandated training. An Orientation to Patrols, covering the Table 8 Tasks, is offered to anyone who wants to get started in the Crew Training Program. This will be held on Saturday, 22 July, beginning at 0900, at our OPFAC, which is located on Dock E at the New Bern Grand Marina. Ralph Azersky, FSO-NS Nothing to report for June. Fil Pagano, FSO-OP The boat crew program is in full force now, with OPFAC readily available for patrols. Having the vessel at New Bern Grand Marina is a great asset for us being basically in the middle of our AOR (Area Of Responsibility). From August 2016 (when went into service) through the end of May 2017 we have been on the water for 154 hours of patrols and training (note that the Facility was out of water from 1 November 2016 through 31 March 2017). This represents approximately 616 hours of training. During this period, we have accumulated $ of SAMA. During June, we planned 11 patrols on AOM but had to cancel four due to weather. On 27 June, OPFAC will go by water 45 miles to Station Hobucken for the Change of Command on 29 June. On Saturday 24 June, after returning to our base, we were called out on an SAR mission by Station Hobucken. We had to locate a two boaters in distress, whose boat was tied to a log on shore. We found them and completed the mission safely and successfully as we towed them to safe haven at Union Point Park. (See story and pictures, page 11.) Beth Cooper, FSO-PA There are no additional PA events currently scheduled until Mumfest. A couple of class signups and a vessel exam signup were all that happened at the Blueberry Festival.

5 David Fort, FSO-PB Produced and edited July issue of The Channel Marker. Please consider submitting articles and photos. Bob Manning, FSO-PE We held our first area-wide Suddenly in Command class on 11 June at Mount Olive University. After extensive recruiting, we had eight attendees, three no-shows and one lastminute cancellation. Four of our students were new members of the Flotilla (admitted at no charge) that we had to recruit to have a sufficient number to reach our minimum of 10 per class. From this class, we got five sign-ups for Navigating Local Waters to be held on 19 August and one sign-up for ABS on 15 July. Dave and Karl did an excellent job instructing the class. Class response was better than that of most classes. Media coverage of the Flotilla s PE activities has been great. The June class for Suddenly in Command had minimum attendance but it did give us an opportunity to invite our new members. Four out of seven attended. Karl and I decided to streamline the class to focus more on the substance of the material instead of the redundancy. Summer class for ABS already has the minimum attendance of 10, and I expect more. The final class of the summer, Navigating Local Waters, will be held 19 August. Ed Gillespie, FSO-PV We have 15 PVs. Mike Ott, FSO-SR Minutes of the June meeting were submitted for publication. George Maravelas, FSO-VE Thanks to our recent events, we have picked up eight new vessel exams, and our examiners are wearing out their pens filling out forms and educating the boating public about boat safety! A big tip of the hat for a job well done to the Vessel Examiners of Let s keep on promoting safety on the water, no matter what craft is used Welcomes Our Newest Members On 17 June, Karl Mielenhausen FSO-MT [Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training, for you newbies!] ran a New Member Boot Camp; eight of the nine new members pictured were in attendance. All have been assigned mentors, and we look forward to their heavy involvement in the important work of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the very near future. Welcome! Beginning at the top, left to right: John Cox, Don Ingraham, Mike Kent, Kathie King, Chris Maravelas, Bud McClard, Eric Reese, Rob Weber, Mark West. Photos courtesy of Karl Mielenhausen. 5

6 The Bridgeton Blueberry Festival 24 June 2017 Team Blue made a strong appearance before and during the Bridgeton Blueberry Festival on Saturday, 24 June. Mike Ott s picture was in the New Bern Sun Journal (right) as part of the promotional publicity for the Festival. We then had a large turnout of members working the tent: educating adults and children on boating safety, life jacket use and keeping our waters clean and unpolluted; plus, signing people up for Public Education classes and vessel examinations. Despite the windy and low water conditions, OPFAC was present for viewing on the dock, and Station Hobucken had a wellattended static display of their 24-footer. (Due to low water levels, they were unable to launch). As usual, T.J. Bendicksen has supplied a variety of photos of the proceedings. Note that the cute picture of the little girl on the 24 is used with the permission of her proud Coastie father (who also happens to be in the picture). T.J. Bendickson, Kip Williams, Bill Flynn, George Maravelas, Ed Gillespie, Beth Cooper. Five points to whoever can figure out who s hiding behind Kip Williams. 6 Signing up for a class...or a vessel exam?? Either way, it s a win for everyone. It was great to see new members Bud McClard and Mike Kent pitching right in.

7 The Bridgeton Blueberry Festival June 2017 (continued) A future Coastie with her Dad gets a better view of the Festival. The 24 Crew. The weather looks great, but high winds meant too-low tides for the boat to launch. Pirates appear somewhat stymied as to how to capture a boat that s not in the water. They wouldn t have gotten far, anyway, with all the Coasties around. So you couldn t guess who was behind Kip in that other photo? It s Karl Mielenhausen, who in this photo is emcee of The Pollution Quiz. Grand prize: a whistle! Have you come across a boat with an interesting name, such as Runaground Sue or Inheritance Spent? a photo to dbfort@gmail.com to share with readers of The Channel Marker. 7

8 Chief Grande s Big Day On 29 June, Chief Grande officially retired from the Gold Side after 23 years of dedicated service. Auxiliary representation at the event almost outnumbered the Gold Side. (Photos will be identified within the text by number.) The Change of Command was terrifically emceed by Station Hobucken XPO, BM1 Jonathan Adams (1). After the National Anthem, our own Fil Pagano (2) gave the Invocation (and also closed the ceremony with the Benediction). The Change of Command Ceremony was then held. This included an inspection of the Station Personnel (3) by both the outgoing and incoming Officer in Charge. Captain Barnes, Commander of Sector North Carolina (4), recognized the Chief for his many accomplishments and strong leadership and presented him with a variety of awards and recognitions (5). After making his parting remarks, Chief Grande and Chief Jones formally read their orders and transferred Command (6). Chief Jones (7) then made his introductory remarks and noted that he was coming home, as he had enlisted in New Bern. Fil s Benediction ended the formal ceremony. A very moving Retirement Ceremony followed, which included even more recognitions and awards for the Chief. The Station members presented him with a beautiful oak Ship s Wheel (8) that contained numerous mementos of his service. An honor guard of Station 1 members presented him with an American flag (9) and certificates of appreciation and recognition were presented by Captain Barnes to Chief Grande s entire family (10). The ceremony concluded with Petty Officer Nofsinger reading the tribute I Have the Watch. (11) The Auxiliary was again highly visible as members George and Chris Maravelas and member Steve Mathusek (12) prepared and served lunch to all assembled and now retired Chief Grande cut the cake. (13) Pictures courtesy of Fort except ##12 and 13, courtesy of Mathusek

9 Chief Grande s Big Day (continued)

10 Station Hobucken Chiefs, Now and Then Chief Boatswain s Mate Nathan Jones U.S. Coast Guard Chief Boatswain s Mate Kenneth Grande U.S. Coast Guard Chief Boatswain s Mate Nathan L. Jones enlisted in the Coast Guard out of New Bern, NC, in September Following basic training, he reported to Coast Guard Station Hobucken, NC, where he struck BM. Upon advancement to BM3 in 2003, he fleeted up and served as the Operation Petty Officer at Station Hobucken until he transferred to Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle, NC, in After four years there he transferred south to serve in the Operations and First Lieutenant position aboard the CGC Pea Island, homeported in Key West, FL. In 2011 he moved back north to serve as the Training and Operations Petty Officer at Coast Guard Station Brunswick, GA. He transferred out three years later upon advancement to Chief Boatswain s Mate and reported to Coast Guard Station Portsmouth, VA, as the Executive Petty Officer in BMC Nathan Jones personal awards include the CG Commendation Medal, two CG Achievement Medals, and Commandant s Letter of Commendation Ribbon, all with the operational distinguishing device. His other awards include five CG Good Conduct Medals, CG Sea Service Ribbon and various other unit awards. He has earned the Officer in Charge Ashore device, Permanent Coxswain Pin and the Advanced Boat Forces Pin. He and Bethany, his wife, have three children: Emerey, Jordan and Jaden. Chief Boatswain s Mate Kenneth W. Grande enlisted in the Coast Guard in July 1994 and after graduation he was assigned to USCGC Bristol Bay homeported in Detroit, MI. Upon advancing to BM3, he was transferred to Station Brant Point Nantucket, MA, in 1997, where he certified as a 44 MLB, 41 UTB, 22 UTL, 21 RHIB Coxswain and Boarding Officer. Upon advancement to BM1, his next assignment was as Station (SM) Supervisor of Townsends Inlet and Station Cape May, NJ in In 2008, he transferred to USCGC Block Island, homeported in Atlantic Beach, NC. Onboard the USCGC Block Island, he certified as an underway OOD and CB-M coxswain. In 2008, he transferred to Station Fort Macon, and upon advancing to BMC, fleeted up to the Executive Petty Officer position. Upon completion of his tour in 2013, he received orders to Station Hobucken, NC as the Officer in Charge. Through his years of service, BMC Grande has earned two CG Commendation Medals, two CG Achievement Medals, the CG Letter of Commendation and various unit specific awards. BMC Grande is married to the former Tina S. Gauthier of Berlin, New Hampshire. They have two children: Tyler, age 21; and Mariah, age 17. The month of June was replete with MOM (Maritime Observation Missions) patrols on OPFAC (Operational Facility) Virtually all involved a significant amount of on-water training and there was one SAR (Search and Rescue) mission see story, page 11. We are very fortunate to have Fil Pagano as our FSO-OP (Operations) he is also the ADSO (Assistant District Staff Officer for North Carolina) and a QE (Qualifications Examiner). He is an excellent instructor as well. This has allowed our Coxswains and Crew to stay current and/or to recertify and Coxswain candidates and Crew candidates (including members of other Flotillas, such as s Amy Leuschke, shown in the pictures) to receive top-notch training. Each of our patrols normally include some or all of the following training evolutions: anchoring, MOB (Man Overboard), charting, helm watch, towing (stern and side), docking and undocking. This is in addition to the normal gettingunderway procedures involving GAR scores, TCT discussions and locating all the equipment on the OPFAC. Several night patrols have also been scheduled but so far the weather has not cooperated for these has become extremely visible both at its berth 10 Patrols R Us (Top) Leuschke and Mielenhausen discuss the upcoming MOB evolution. (Right) Leuschke acts as pointer and informs Pagano of Oscar s location.

11 Patrols R Us (continued) at the New Bern Grande and on the waterways around New Bern (Neuse and Trent Rivers, Brice s Creek, River Bend and Old Town especially). On 27 June, it went by water back to Station Hobucken for scheduled maintenance. It also was prominently displayed at Chief Grande s Change of Command and Retirement (see photo, page 8). Photos of the 16 June patrol courtesy of T.J. Bendicksen. (Left) Leuschke shows proper Oscar recovery technique. (Right) Pagano instructs Leuschke at the helm. Rescue On the Not-So-High Seas, aka The Neuse Saturday, 24 June, was hot and humid with thunderstorms threatening. At 1400, Pagano, Neilson and Fort had just completed a 4.5-hour stint at the Bridgeton Blueberry Festival on board OPFAC and called in to Station Hobucken advising that they were securing. Much to their surprise, they were advised that two fisherman in a jon boat in the vicinity of Sandy Point (just north of the eastern side of the Neuse River Bridge) were requesting assistance. They had lost the propeller on their trolling motor and could not return to Union Point Park, where there truck and trailer were based. OPFAC was again readied for duty and, with Pagano at the helm, Neilson on lookout and Fort on comms and lookout, they proceeded to Sandy Point to find the distressed boaters. After a brief search, they were located about a half mile north, tied to a log on the beach. Due to the very low water (about four feet below normal due to strong southwest winds), the OPFAC was only able to approach to within about 50 yards of shore. The boaters were asked to paddle near enough so we could send over a heaving line, and they were then pulled close so they could be asked a series of questions and given life jackets and a handheld radio before being put into a stern tow. The jon boat was towed to the launch ramp at Union Point Park and, after docking the Facility, Pagano and Neilson went to get the necessary information for their report while Fort stood radio watch. A severe thunderstorm alert was issued over NOAA radio just as Pagano and Neilson were returning. Fort had the engine running and the boat prepared for departure as they got on board. They made a quick trip back to the New Bern Grande Marina, the OPFAC was again docked and again advised that they were securing. Fortunately, at that point, Station had nothing further because as the Crew were getting into their vehicles at 1530, the storm hit. The area experienced 40-plusknot winds and four to six inches of rain. Had any part of the mission been slightly delayed, the results could have been very different. The constant training on paid off, with a quick and flawless retrival, no damage and no injuries. Photo top left courtesy Fort; other photos courtesy Pagano. 11

12 Frank Kispert Crosses the Bar Former member Frank Kispert crossed the bar on 26 June, According to his obituary, he served in the Auxiliary for 20 years. He was also a Navy veteran. Services were held at St. Paul Catholic Church on Friday, 30 June. Our condolences go to the Kispert family. Pictures Needed The District is creating a slide show to showcase activities throughout the 5th Southern District (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina). Any member can submit photos let s show off 20-04! To submit, simply click on the address in blue under the first bullet. Here s the information we received: Help us celebrate the Fabulous Fifth Southern! Calling all Auxiliarists to submit images for the D5SR slide show to be shown at D-Train Please submit images for the D-Train slide show to the D5SR Dropbox: d5s.submit.photos@gmail.com Password: D5SAuxiliary Images are not limited to Auxiliary activities. Deadline: 15 July Photos: Please be mindful of proper uniforms: covers out-of-doors, no mirrored sunglasses, women s hair in proper bun, etc. HAPPY BIRTHDAY USCG AUXILIARY! 23 June 2017 marked the 78th anniversary of (from the National Auxiliary press release)...outstanding service to the U.S. Coast Guard, the American public, and recreational boaters and professional mariners around the world. August 03 Flotilla Monthly Meeting, University of Mount Olive 1900; Member Training TBD 05 Division Meeting/Picnic 19 Local Waters Class, University of Mount Olive September 07 Flotilla Monthly Meeting, University of Mount Olive 1900; Member Training TBD October 05 Flotilla Monthly Meeting, University of Mount Olive 1900; Member Training TBD 07 Division Meeting, River Bend Town Hall 1000: Elections MumFest Trawler Fest, New Bern Grand Marina TBD MORE IMPORTANT EVENTS & DATES IN 2017 Seaplane Fly-In, Bridgeton Harbor November 02 Flotilla Monthly Meeting, University of Mount Olive 1900; Elections; Member Training TBD December 02 Division Meeting, River Bend Town Hall New Bern Christmas Parade 03 Fairfield Harbour Christmas Parade 07 Flotilla Monthly Meeting, University of Mount Olive 1900; Member Training TBD The University of Mount Olive is located at 2912 Trent Road in New Bern. 12