WATERWAYS 78. What s in a Meeting?

Transcription

1 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 78, Division 7 WATERWAYS 78 Volume XV, Issue 2 February 2012 Vancouver, Washington From the Commander Awards and Recognition 2 3 What s in a Meeting? Flotilla meetings provide us with time to share not only what is happening within Flotilla 78 but also with information from around Division 7 and District 13. There is so much to be gained from attending monthly meetings. In addition to member award presentations, notices and other business, it is inspiring to see new member enthusiasm and the latest happenings in the boating community. Meetings allow us to network with each other and share important information, knowledge, stories, concerns and much more. Each meeting brings educational topics and training of interest to our members. January ABS class 3 Around the District 4 Portland Boat Show 5 Vessel Exams 6 Calendar 7 VANCOUVER, Washington Todd Miller, FSO-MS shares information about uninspected vessels at the January flotilla meeting. (Photo by Joann McCollum, FSO-MT) In January, Todd Miller, FSO-MS, presented information about uninspected vessels. Todd had recently attended a United States Coast Guard training in Seattle, Washington, which gave him the knowledge to present the complexity of uninspected vessel procedures and how they differ from recreational boating vessel inspections. Check the Activities and Events Calendar for important dates By attending meetings, Auxiliarists gain new insight into how other areas of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary work. February s meeting will offer information from a guest speaker from Rogers Marine on VHS radio use, including Digital Selective Calling. Come join the activities and see what is happening in your flotilla. Each meeting offers refreshments and something new. We look forward to seeing you!

2 Page 2 Waterways 78 From the Commander January 2012 offered extensive opportunities for members to be involved in Auxiliary missions. Flotilla 78 members jumped into action feet first with our first staff officer meeting 3 January. Gay Sipes, newly elected Vice Commander, lead the meeting utilizing her expertise as a professional in the management and leadership world. She plans to guide and assist flotilla staff to identify and create achievable goals and objectives for the year ahead. Thank you Gay, it was a great start to the year. I am conscious that Flotilla 78 s boat crew members need to be on the water to maintain and hone their skills, but with only two active facilities, achieving this goal presents a challenge. Our first opportunity to go out was January 21 st, when we assisted the Gold Side in coxswain training. Our boat crew members stand ready to take advantage of each opportunity afforded; my concern is that lack of funding for patrols in 2011 made it difficult for all members to meet maintenance requirements. I am hopeful this will not be an issue in One of my personal areas of focus this year is attention to and maintenance of the RBS needs of the area, and the training requirements of our membership. Members of Flotilla 78 continue to be dedicated to public service and enjoy being active. I am humbled and appreciative when I look at the time, effort, and ingenuity our 46 members bring to the group. RBS is the Coast Guard s main objective for the auxiliary. Members of Flotilla 78 are inspired to contribute as a unified force to achieve this directive. I appreciate the fact that every one of our members is a valuable asset and brings a unique skill set to our team. Each person is encouraged to find the niche in the organization that is to his or her liking. By the end of January, our instructors taught a class of Sea Cadets and an ABS class that had an enrollment of over 60 students. Vessel examiners are braving wild weather out on the ramps. Program visitors are in the community putting in the hours required to educate the public and promote water safety awareness. Flotilla 78 was well represented by members who stood watch at the Portland Boat Show. Our membership brings a positive energy to Public Affairs opportunities. We are proud to represent and promote the auxiliary to any interested individual or group. This year is off to a great start; the beginning of what promises to be a rewarding year. As Commander of Flotilla 78, I am honored to work with this outstanding group of individuals who have chosen to join together to make a difference in the world. In 2012, I will work alongside them and earnestly strive to provide the tools they need to achieve their goals. We have a lot to accomplish this year, and we have already begun. Our members are a wonderful giving group to work for and as commander it is my job to work for them. Respectively Submitted Hall Guttormsen FC-78

3 Volume XV, Issue 2 Page 3 Awards and Recognition Public Education Service Award with E Device and Bronze Star Lance Harmon Eric A. Stokes, Sr. Public Education Service Award with E Device Karl Johnston January ABS Class Has Record Participation VANCOUVER, Washington Eric Stokes, Sr., received the Public Education Service Award with E device and bronze star at the January, 2012 Flotilla 78 meeting. (Photo by JoAnn McCollum, FSO-MT) The January ABS class, taught by Flotilla 78, had a record attendance of 65 participants. Karl Johnson, FSO-PE, juggled resources between two venues to accommodate all of the students. Ten instructors and four trainees were on hand to teach the class, along with Deputy Todd Baker and Deputy Dave Nelson from the Clark County Marine Patrol. The deputies have continued to be a valuable part of our overall class program and we truly appreciate this partnership. Our instructor team is outstanding. It is evident that boaters are preparing early for the coming boating season. Flotilla 78 members are expecting a good turnout for classes and are gearing up for future courses along with vessel exams and program visits. Several members have shown an interest in becoming instructor qualified, which will increase our dedicated training force. Flotilla 78 is excited that so many people attended the January class and is looking forward to the next class on February 25th. An educated boating community makes for a safe boating community for all.

4 Page 4 Waterways 78 Around the District: District 13 Attends the Seattle Boat Show By Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB The month of January was a busy month for the boating community around District 13. The U.S. Coast Guard and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in District 13 attended the Seattle Boat show, promoting recreational boating safety. The Seattle Boat Show ran from January 27 th to February 5 th. SEATTLE, Washington Seattle Boat Show opening day at the information booth with watch standers Glen Hail, Joe Baney, Mike Brough, Scott Stringer and Darrell Vanness from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary information booth. (Photo by Charlie Evan, courtesy of Division 2) Highlighted information included best practices and regulatory issues to help boaters be safe and legal while operating in the Puget Sound area as well as in adjacent Canadian waters. The information booth included multi-media displays. In addition to recreational boating safety topics, Canadian border crossing requirements were also available to water sport enthusiasts. SEATTLE, Washington RADM Taylor receives his Boat Show Watch stander's Patch from Auxiliarist Scott Stringer. Those who contribute time and effort to making the Boat Show a success are awarded the Watch stander's Patch. (Photo by Charlie Evans, courtesy of Division 2)

5 Volume XV, Issue 2 Page 5 Division 7 Stands Watch at the 2012 Portland Boat Show The Portland Boat Show continues to be a terrific venue for the Auxiliary to share information about recreational boating safety and this year was no exception. Auxiliary members from Division 7 spoke with community boating and water sport enthusiasts from around the region. Boat owners, paddlers, passengers and more were reminded about the importance of lifejackets, boating safety, hypothermia and other water safety issues. PORTLAND, Oregon George Sipes, VCDR, and Brad Schuldt, DCDR, engage with citizens at the Portland Boat Show. (Photo by Gay Sipes, VFC) Families were greeted by Officer Snook, while exploring the numerous education and information materials made available by the Auxiliary. PORTLAND, Oregon Officer Snook greets visitors while Rick Rivera, SO-PA talks with boaters. (Photo by Hall Guttormsen, FC) Boaters were able to inquire about public education, vessel exams and talk with knowledgeable Auxiliary and Coast Guard personnel while enjoying a trip down boat lover s lane through the various exhibits and booths. Volunteers make these events valuable to our boating community. Thank you to Division 7 members PORTLAND, Oregon Hall Guttormsen, FC, Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB, and Steven Banks discuss boating classes at the Portland Boat Show. (Photo by JoAnn McCollum, FSO-MT)

6 Page 6 Waterways 78 ATTENTION VESSEL EXAMINERS Have you conducted a vessel exam lately? The 2012 vessel exam season has arrived. A total of 47 vessel exams were completed in January and boaters are gearing up for the season early. For information, updates or ramp days, contact: Tammie Longpre, FSO-VE, momentum27@q.com

7 Volume XV, Issue 2 Page 7 Activities and Events Calendar February 14 Crew/Coxswain Academy 1900 February 16 Flotilla 78 Meeting 1930 (WA Fish & Wildlife Bldg., Vancouver) February District 13 Meeting (Monarch Hotel, Clackamas, OR) February 21 Crew/Coxswain Academy 1900 February 25 About Boating Safely Class 0830 (4700 NE 78th St, Bldg. B-1, Vancouver) February 21 Crew/Coxswain Academy 1900 February 28 Crew/Coxswain Academy 1900 March 6 Flotilla Staff Meeting 1830 (Peachtree Restaurant, Hazel Dell) March 6 Crew/Coxswain Academy 1900 March 7 Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Vancouver Plaza I-Hop) March 7 Division 7 Meeting 1900 (MSU, Portland)

8 Semper Paratus Semper Paratus 2012 OFFICERS Page 8 FC VFC IPFC FSO-CM FSO-CS FSO-HR FSO-FN FSO-IS FSO-MA FSO-MS Hall C. Guttormsen Gay Sipes George Sipes Warren Cook Dana M. Bergdahl Karen Harmon Lance Harmon Barry Owens Donald G. Lewallen Todd Miller FSO-MT JoAnn P. McCollum FSO-NS Wayne A. Monroe FSO-OP Robert E. Wilkinson FSO-PA John F. Hilbrands FSO-PB Dana M. Bergdahl FSO-PE Karl Johnston FSO-PV Elizabeth W. Allen FSO-SR Barry Owens FSO-VE Tammie Longpre An osprey perches near a nest at the top of range marker on the Columbia River near Puget Island and Westport, Oregon. (Photo by Dana Bergdahl, FSO-PB) Confidentiality Notice of the Privacy Act The disclosure of the personal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act of 1974.The subject Act with certain exceptions prohibits the disclosure, distribution, dissemination, or copying of any material containing the home address, home telephone numbers, spouses names, and social security numbers, except for official business. Violation may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanction. Photo on front cover: NOAA vessel near Vigor Industrial Shipyard. (Photo by Steven Banks) Waterways 78 A Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13, Division 7, Flotilla 78 Publication is authorized IAW COMDTINST D & COMDTINST M5728.2C. Published twelve times yearly and circulated to Auxiliary members of Flotilla 78 via mail, electronically and on the Flotilla 78 web site at Waterways 78 contains news of general interest, suggestions, and information for Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Homeland Security or the U. S. Coast Guard. Material is informational only and not authority for action. Internet release is authorized. Editor Dana M. Bergdahl Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard Auxiliary FSO-PB #78 PO Box Vancouver, WA Photos and articles by the editor unless otherwise noted.