Volume XLV I Issue 5

Transcription

1 UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY - FLOTILLA 98 - CHARLOTTE HARBOR - FLORIDA Volume XLV I Issue 5 MAY 2014 Member Services - Recreational Boating Safety - Operations and Marine Safety - Fellowship Members of Flotilla 98, Flotilla 92 and Flotilla 99 attended the Charlotte Stone Crabs baseball game on April 23 rd at the Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte. This was a joint fellowship activity made possible by Flotilla 99.

2 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 2 FLOTILLA COMMANDER BRIEFING PERSONNEL AN- NOUNCEMENTS USCG Captain G. D. Case, Commanding Officer of CG Sector St. Petersburg, has designated Mitch Schlitt as a USCG Sector Liaison Officer to the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center. In this capacity, Mitch will be the contact point for USCG representatives during incidents that are multijurisdictional and require the establishment of a USCG Liaison Officer. Also, he is expected to participate in agency meetings and provide updates to Sector St. Pete relative to USCG issues and responsibilities. Virginia Bryant has accepted the position of Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs replacing Mitch Schlitt who recently resigned. Mitch s contributions to the Auxiliary and Flotilla 98 have been exceptional and have set a very high standard for Public Affairs activities throughout the Division. His many accomplishments are appreciated and will continue to serve the Flotilla well for years to come. Assisting Virginia as a Public Affairs Aide will be Renee Plant. Mary Martin has accepted the position of Fellowship Chairman. Please give all of them your utmost cooperation as they carry out their responsibilities in representing our flotilla. HURRICANE PREPAIRDNESS CALLING TREE Hurricane season is approaching and that means it is time again to update our Emergency Calling Tree. For the new members, if a hurricane is about to make land fall, or another disastrous event occurs, the Coast Guard will ask us to determine the status of our members. This information is used to identify who is here, are they OK or do they need help, and assess our ability to respond if requested. We need answers from you to the following questions: 1. Will you be here during the hurricane season (June 1 through Nov. 30)? If the answer is NO, you need not answer question Do you want to be included in the calling list? You have an option to opt out and we will not call. If you answer yes to both questions and will be gone for short periods during this time, please advise Mike English and me by when you leave and return. It is extremely important that you keep us advised of your whereabouts so we will not waste time (even days) looking for you during an event. Also, please provide the name, address and phone number of a contact who does not live in this area. Please note - every member needs to respond! Frank Wondolkowski, FC CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 7 th Flotilla Meeting: PGI Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda. at 7:00p.m. May 14 th Fellowship Breakfast: IHOP Restaurant, 1789 Tamiami Trail, Pt. Charlotte at 8:00a.m. May 22 nd Happy Hour Fellowship: Goal Post Restaurant, 3575 Tamiami Trail, Pt. Charlotte at 5:00p.m. May 28 th Staff Meeting: PGI Civic Association; 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda at 7:00p.m. See all events at: unit= &category=calendar Photo Credits: Dick Carl, FSO-NS

3 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 3 NAVIGATION SYSTEMS All is well in the world of aids to navigation, both federal and private. We have gotten about 40 additional markers inspected this month which pretty much completes the mission for the time being. (It is never completely done) We have a few odds and ends to check up on but over all we are up to date. I am happy to report that progress is finally being made on redefining the AOR (area of responsibility) situation. The division has acknowledged that there is a problem and has indicated that they are going to address it. They did not, however, state when this would take place so stand by. It is my hope that the southern part of our AOR will be officially reassigned to Flotilla 99 and Flotilla 92 will acquire the lower part of the Myakka River from marker 7 to the El Jobean bridge. If this does in fact happen then it will really lessen our work load to something that is more easily handled by us. I have been asked by the SO-NS (navigation systems division staff officer) to remind all of you of the guidelines for calling Station Fort Myers Beach with a navigational aids damage report. When the station receives a report of damage to a navigational aid there is a involved reporting process required that takes up a lot of personnel time. The only time that you should contact the station directly, by phone or radio, is if the damaged aid is critical to safe navigation in the area. If it is not critical contact me or another AV ( aids verifier) to report the problem. something interesting to do within the flotilla please contact me. This is not a difficult job but it is very important. Properly placed and maintained aids to navigation are vital to the safe passage of vessels transiting the navigable waters of the United States. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, are the only ones that inspect aids to navigation. By doing this job you are directly contributing to the safety of all vessels operating in our waters. Thanks for helping us keep them Watching Properly Dick Carl, FSO-NS PROGRAM VISITOR Welcome to the Program, Clyde Christopher, our newest Program Visitor! The month of April has been a busy one for most of us. On my April rounds, I was fortunate to have Clyde ride with me, providing company and qualifying for PV by making the requisite visits. His paperwork has been forwarded to Diraux for approval. Congratulations & Welcome aboard, Clyde. Virginia Bryant, FSO-PV I will be heading out on our summer adventure soon, not returning until fall. I can be contacted via phone or for any concerns or questions you may have. If, in your on the water adventures, you see a damaged or missing navigational aid, please take the time to tell me about it so I can start the correction process. A photo also helps with that. One last thing. I am looking for someone to be my aide. If there is someone out there that is looking for

4 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 4 MARINE SAFETY DETACHED DUTY OFFICE-FORT MYERS LOOKING FOR ASSISTANT POLLUTION RESPONDERS The Detached Duty Office-Fort Myers (DDO-FM) has three Marine Science Technician (MST) Petty Officers assigned for an Area of Responsibility (AOR) that extends from Venice to the Chokoloskee River, from the Gulf of Mexico to US41 (except on the Caloosahatchee River where it extends to FL Route 31). That is a very large area to cover with only 3 MSTs. The DDO-FM is using qualified Auxiliarists to act as First Responders to reports of oil discharges/chemical releases in order to maximize coverage. There are currently five qualified Auxiliarist Assistant Pollution Responders (AAPR) within the AOR, and they are assigned a territory. Mine is from the south shore of the Peace River through North Cape Coral all the way to Pine Island (St. James City). The nearest AAPR to me is in Rotunda. As you can see, there is a need for additional AAPR candidates in the Charlotte Harbor area. Yes, the initial training for the Marine Safety Training Specialist (MSTS) is a bit difficult, and the training for the AAPR is the same as for the Active Duty MSTs, but the reward is working directly with the DDO-FM, and you making a difference in protecting our precious and beautiful waters and adjoining environment. I can train and guide anyone interested, especially newer members who are looking for a unique and rewarding career position with the Auxiliary. In addition, becoming an AAPR gets you one-quarter of the way towards earning the Trident. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested or have any questions concerning the AAPR program or the MSTS requirements. REMEMBER: MARINE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS EVERYONES RESPONSIBILITY! Mitch Schlitt, FSO-MS HUMAN RESOURCES April has been another busy month for Human Resources. During the month, Virginia Bryant and I presented the new member enrollment exam for six enrollees-inprogress. Additionally, we have made arrangements for 11 more to take the test on May 14 th. In the months of March and May, the following new members were sworn in: *Ralph Decesare *Harry Stuart *Ken Harvey *Robert Wood Currently, we have received ID numbers and documents for Mike Malinowski and Carl Moore, who are expected to be sworn n at the next membership meeting. Additionally, we have received ID numbers and are awaiting documents for the following new member prospects: *David Ames *Patricia Prusha *Timothy Rau *William Stanek *Marie Kinard *Eugene McCoy Many thanks to Virginia for her continued support for what is turning out to be an amazing and productive year for bringing new members on board. Many more to come. Steve Kapin FSO-IS

5 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 5 PUBLIC AFFAIRS First, I want to say that I was confounded by the news of Mitch s resignation from his position as our Public Affairs Officer. His stepping down caused the vacuum that swept me into the spot as his replacement. But seriously, I want to personally thank Mitch for his dedication to the superior overall success of the Recreational Boating Safety Program. His will be a truly tough act to follow! On Thursday, April 24 th, Mike English & I represented our Flotilla at the Charlotte High School NJROTC Award Banquet. The event was held at & catered by American Legion Post 103. It was a very nice affair that we enjoyed very much. Captain Mike Farley and Chief Scott Williams presided. Mike and I had the honor and pleasure of presenting the award for Service Excellence to two very outstanding Cadets. They were Ms. Jordan Foster and Mr. Caleb Paine. In addition to the award presentation, we presented the NJROTC program with an honorarium of $75 on behalf of our Flotilla. Our next big event is National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), May 17th-23rd. To kick off the event, we will accept an official Proclamation recognizing & declaring National Safe Boating Week 2014 from the City of Punta Gorda. This will occur at the next Council Meeting, Wednesday, May 7 th, at 9 a.m. Hoping lots of members will come on out, represent, and help us continue promoting Safe Boating. Virginia Bryant, FSO-PA OPERATIONS The Flotilla 98 May patrol schedule has been published and forwarded to all operations personnel. Unfortunately with the limited number of resources we have available and the normal vacations at this time of year, we have only four patrols scheduled for the month and only one of them during the three-day Memorial Day Holiday week-end. We have a possibility of an additional two patrols if we ever get the facility approved. This situation is unlikely to improve until we get additional certified members and additional AUXFACs (Auxiliary Facilities) approved. Doug Donovan, FSO-OP Thereafter, on the weekend of May 17 th & 18 th from 10a.m. 3p.m., US Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach is having an Open House. The festivities will include tours of the Cutter Marlin and their Rapid Response Boats. Finally, Fisherman s Village has invited us to participate in their 3 rd Annual Nature Fest and National Marina Day, event. We will join this oneday (no tent) event taking place on Saturday, June14, 2014, from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Our set up will be adjacent to the Military Museum in close proximity to the main entrance.

6 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 6 MEETING PHOTOS Mike English, VFC (l-r) looks on as new members Harry Stuart and Kenneth Harvey are sworn in by Frank Wondolkowski, FC. Frank Wondolkowski, FC with his Commander s briefing. Tom Gramza, FSO-PE with his staff officers report. Jonathan Chose receives his certification (l-r) certificates for Vessel Examiner & Aids Verifier from Frank Wondolkowski, FC.

7 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 7 FELLOWSHIP PHOTOS Tony Flores, FSO-FN is in his Charlotte Stone Crabs uniform. Tony is obviously a huge fan. Michael Trombetta, FSO-VE and his family attended the game. A routine double play for the home team. Paul LeBlanc, ADSO-AV 7 and Denise LeBlanc discuss the game.

8 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 8 MEETING PHOTOS Mary Kennedy, FSO-SR receives her Auxiliary Performance Award (VSC/RBSVP) from Frank Wondolkowski, FC (l-r). Ray Harden, FSO-CM gives his staff officer report. Virginia Bryant, FSO-PV gives her staff officer report.

9 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 9 FELLOWSHIP PHOTOS Above and below Flotilla 98 members are enjoying the fellowship and a great meal. Tom Gramza, FSO-PE & wife Janet are having a good time. Philip Merrill (l), the Ancient Mariner addressed the members with his wisdom and a special message.

10 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 10 WEBSITES National Auxiliary Web Site: District 7 Web Site: Flotilla 98 Calendar: Web Form 7029: Web form 7028: Mandated Training and Coast Guard Training Courses (new) National Testing Center (new) Coast Guard Association Shopping Center: US Coast Guard Uniform Distribution Center: District Store-7th District Auxiliary (Polo Shirts-etc.): Ribbon Checker: Coast Guard Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation

11 May 2014 Harbor Light Page FLOTILLA STAFF OFFICERS Flotilla Commander Frank Wondolkowski FC Flotilla Vice Commander Mike English VFC Immediate Past Flotilla Commander Doug Donovan IPFC Communication Services VACANT Communications Ray Harden FSO-CM Diversity VACANT Finance Tony Flores FSO-FN Human Resources Stephen H. Kapin FSO-HR Information Services Doug Donovan FSO-IS Navigation Systems Dick Carl FSO-NS Operations Doug Donovan FSO-OP Publications Pat Donovan FSO-PB Public Affairs Virginia Bryant, FSO-PA Public Affairs Aide Renee Plant Public Education Thomas Gramza FSO-PE Recreational Boating and Safety Program Virginia Bryant, FSO-PV Secretary/Records Mary Kennedy FSO-SR Vessel Examination Michael Trombetta 2014 COMMITTEES Base Captain/Quartermaster Ken Johnson Fellowship Mary Martin Historian Liz Lambert Marine Advisory Susan Bareither P.G. Boaters Alliance Susan Bareither Religious Lay Leader Susan Bareither Sunshine Susan Bareither Marine Safety Mitch Schlitt FSO-MS Materials Mary Kennedy FSO-MA Member Training Ed Rhea, FSO-MT, BCTC Rhea The HARBOR LIGHT is published monthly by USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 8, Division 9, District 7. Its use is for information under the Privacy Act of Roster addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the public. The publication of these rosters on any computer on-line service, including the internet, is prohibited. The Auxiliary is guided by the current equal opportunity policies of the Commandant of the Coast Guard. No person shall be subject to discrimination in the Auxiliary or its program because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Articles for the HARBOR LIGHT must be submitted to the editor by the 20th of each month. Pat Donovan FSO-PB

12 May 2014 Harbor Light Page 12 District 7, Division 9 Southwest, Florida Flotilla 92 North Port, FL Flotilla 98 Charlotte Harbor, FL Flotilla 99 Rotonda West, FL Flotilla 94 Upper Caloosahatchee, FL Flotilla 9-10 Ft Myers Cape Coral, FL Flotilla 91 Ft Myers Beach, FL Flotilla 96 Wiggins Pass, FL Flotilla 93 Naples, FL Southwest Florida Flotilla 95 Marco Island, FL