THE SCUTTLEBUTT

Mar. 2009 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Scuttlebutt Flotilla 12-8, 7th District Charleston, South Carolina Vol. Vol. 35, 35, No. No. 2-February 3-March 2009 2009
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Flotilla Web Site: http://www.uscgauxcharleston.org

Commanders Corner
Joe Fleming, FC 12-8
February has been a fantastic month with the launch and first patrol of our Flotilla OPFAC. History was also made for our flotilla as this is the first boat owned exclusively by 12-8. Participating in the maiden voyage and patrol were Bob Mathews, Chris Heironimus and myself. We began the morning familiarizing ourselves with the vessel, its equipment and operations. Protected from the elements, in the enclosed cabin, our patrol was very comfortable, even with the wind and temperature. I hope my brief recap has enticed our Coxswains and Crewmembers to learn the operations of this boat. Remember that it belongs to all members of the 12-8 and is at your disposal. Our meeting with Sr.Chief Lindsay and Chief Andrews at Station Charleston each month is keeping us up to date with their needs and expectations on what we can do for them. Planning for Boom deployment in March and Tall ships in June is going to have us busy. Tall ships this June will be demanding on all of us. Please be ready to help.
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Vice Commander
Alan J.P. Miles, VFC 12-8
Please join me in welcoming the new personnel that have joined our ranks recently. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn is encouraging. Our Staff officers are their next step. Help Inside these new people learn FC .............1 the ropes, and acquire the skills to VFC...........1 be productive members. With the CM ............9 increasing challenges that the CS ..............6 Coast Guard asks us to do we will FN .............6 need all the new members to ac- IS ...............7 quire their uniforms quickly and MA ............7 MS .............4 commence their training. There are two new members MT ............2 that I want to recognize in par- NS ..............5 ticular. Chris Heironimus, and OP .............5 PA .............6 Kerri Puckhaber. Both have PB ..............2 shown their enthusiasm by step- PE..............7 ping up and being pro-active in PS ..............6 their training. Chris has taken and PV .............4 completed most of the ICS SR..............2 Courses, while Kerri has already VE .............7 acquired uniforms, and has signed Calendar ...10 up for several classes. Both have Trivia ........9 been to every event and meeting thus far. And both have already been on patrols. Join me in giving these two members a BRAVO ZULU. Who Knows, we may be seeing a future Flotilla Commander and
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Confidentiality Notice: Telephone numbers and addresses of members are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. As a matter of policy, rosters of names, addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the general public or any outside organization. Privacy of all rosters shall be safeguarded and the page clearly labeled. The publication of these rosters, addresses, and telephone numbers on any computer on-line service including the Internet is prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974. The Auxiliary is guided by the current equal opportunities policies of the Commandant of the Coast Guard. No Person shall be subject to

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Member Training
Bob Mathewes, SO-MT

Publications
Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

hen the Flotilla Staff met in January to discuss activities for the year we scheduled workshops for the forth Wednesday of February, March and April. Since then National has released an Instructor Workshop for 2009. Unlike the last two years, it is not mandatory. As soon as it is determined if/when we will give it I will let everyone know. The National Education Department has a new web site ( http://www.cgauxed. org/) You can download material on all the PE courses and also everything you need to work through Instructor Qualification. The following bits and pieces come from ALCOAST 074/09 whose subject was, Results of Uniform Board No. 43. A. Change naming nomenclature from Tropical Blue Long Uniform to Tropical Blue Uniform B. Change naming nomenclature from Service Dress Blue Bravo Uniform to Service Dress Blue Uniform. F. Support the Coast Guard Auxiliary Program by authorizing the AUXOP device made in an embroidered style The Citadel Detachment has elected to start an AUXSEA Class. It is my hope to also make this available to the rest of the membership. With all the new members, there should be some interest. I will get a notice out to all members when the plan is finalized. Once this class is completed, we can, hopefully, offer others this year. The more training you have the better you are able to fulfill our mission. Bob Mathewes, SO-MT

e have done now for three consecutive months what we only managed once last year. We have had an article from every elected and appointed flotilla officer for each of our first three issues. Thank you! Without your input this would be an exercise in futility. Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

Secretary Records
Rick Miller, FSO-SR
Flotilla 12-8 Membership Meeting Minutes 11 February 2009 The meeting was called to order at 19:07 by FC Joe Fleming and commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. M e m b e r s p r e s e n t : Joseph Fleming, Paul Berka, Marcus Brumbaugh. Marguerite Bishop, Agnes Wright, Kim Rees, Eric Kilpatrick, Tom Jerussi, Mike Rasnak, Kerri Puckhaber, Andrew Robinson, James Tindall, Dan Cowley, Caroline Pelletier, Chris Heironimus, Robert Lovinger, Bob Mathewes, Barbara Thibodeaux, Tom Beauchemin, Bob Orenstein, Allen James, Frank Leister, Dave Kern Ellen Kreiling, Bob Kreiling, Richard Daniel, Joseph Fleming, Alan Miles and Rick Miller. Visitors/Guests: BMCS Will Lindsay, CPO Travis Andrews, Megan Schlosser, William Oltmann, Nikolai P-Filak, Jay DeVries, Mark Magnussen, Kimberly Rees, Gene Beckman, Basil Youngblood.
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Senior Chief William Lindsay presented FC Fleming with a Certificate of Appreciation for Flotilla Vessel Seaworthiness and the Yodamaster of Mercury Outboard Engines. FC Fleming presented the following: Certificate for ten year of service to the Auxiliary. FC administered the membership oath to Dave Kern and Thomas Rigsby. Minutes of the January meeting were approved as published in the Scuttlebutt. VFC Miles, called for Staff Officer Reports: FSO-OP Allen James stated that ATON is now known as Navigation Services. A Navigation Services verification patrol will be scheduled in the future; however, you can perform this service on a routine patrol. A Crew and a Coxswain class are forming and the QE for these classes is expected in October. FSO-PB/MT Bob Mathewes stated that he had met with two members of the Citadel Detachment to discuss training opportunities. The Detachment would like to have Auxiliary courses offered at the Citadel. Bob asked that coxswains provide the Detachments members the opportunity to ride along on patrols. He further stated that 100% of the Flotillas officers submitted a report for publication in the Scuttlebutt. Lt. Litsinger will teach one last ICS 210 course for the Auxiliary on March 7th at the Brass Buckle for four hours beginning at 0900. FSO-PE Lovinger stated that ABC Course is now known as ABS About Boating Safely. The next ABS course will be held

at the James Island Charter High School on four consecutive Tuesday nights beginning February 24th. A three day VS&S course for NOAA will be held March 23, 24 and 25. Each training day will be 8 hours long from 9am to 5 pm. Bob is planning to offer VS&S and ABS at the Coast Guard yard this Spring. FSO-FS&IS Frank Leister stated that members are not reporting their hours for inclusion in AuxData. Hours need to be reported as this has an impact on funding for the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary FSO-PA Barbara Thibodeaux accepted a Digital camera on behalf of the Flotilla that was donated by Marguerite Bishop in Memory of Jerome Bishop. Barbara stated that 10 members from 12-8 and 2 members from 12-6 participated in the Boat Show. A total of 25 people were interested in Boating Safety and 21 people requested vessel inspections. The In Water Boat Show will be held in April at Brittlebank Park. As there is an exhibitor fee of $150 (including non-profits), we may set up with a boat dealer. FSO-MS Bob Orenstein reported that we are assisting the Coast Guard with boom deployment training on 3/5 and 3/6 and 3/12 and 3/13 on the Ashley River. The first day of each session will be a review of ISO 210. Bob needs 3-4 boat with coxswain and crew. You must attend both days if you agree to participate. FSO-MA Tom Beauchemin had nothing to report. FSO-PV Paul Berka stated that we have received single display stands and that there are 3 candidates for PV.
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FSO-PS Alan Miles noted that there are several new guests and urged members to guests and new members to include them in our activities. Old Business: None New Business: FC Joe Fleming stated that the Flotillas vessel has been in the water and logged two hours of running time. There will be a patrol in the Flotilla vessel this Saturday. There will be in house training on the operation of the Flotilla vessel for all coxswains. The major differences between the Flotilla vessel and most other patrol vessels are that the flotilla vessel has twin outboard engines and a tow post. . Program: PO3 Barnum gave a presentation on the Coast Guards Marine Safety (Trident) Program which is open to Auxilarists. Bob Orenstein has applications for this program. Motion to adjourn seconded and approved. Meeting adjourned at 20:51. Next meeting is 11March at the Brass Buckle on the USCG Base at 1900. Rick Miller FSO-SR

Marine Safety
Bob Orenstein, FSO-

he boom deployment will take place on Thursday and Friday , March 12th and 13th. All participants are required to attend both

Partner Visitor

Paul Berka, FSO-PV

would like to thank Tom Beauchemin for getting single display holders for out materials. Chris Heironimus, Terence Simmons and Eve Egan are still working on their PV certifications. Paul Berka, FSO-PV RBS/VE Workshop 25 March @ 1900 at the Brass Buckle

days. The location is as follows; on Thursday at the Brass Buckle at 0700 hours. ICS-210 will be reviewed in the morning. Safety during the deployment and a "sand box" discussion of the following days problem will be held in the afternoon. On Friday at State Farm Launch site (Formerly know as Duncans, now as Riverside Marina) on the Ashley at 0700 hours, the actual deployment will take place in the morning. The division has been asked to supply four facilities, two of which will come from 12-8. For those of you who had participated in the first deployment several months ago, I think you will attest to how interesting and different this evolution is from the every day patrols. I have the forms for all of those interested in taking part in the Trident training program as was described by BM1 Gary Barnum at the February Flotilla meeting. This training will open an entirely new area of involvement for the Flotilla and with all of the vessel traffic in the area should prove a valuable asset to the Gold Side. Contact me for the forms, and let's have a really good response to this new part of our involvement. Bob Orenstein, FSO-MS

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I want to welcome all our new members to 12-8 and look forward to their participation in all of our activities. Vessel Safety checks and Dealer visitation programs are two programs we put a lot of time into. Promoting boating safety is Job Number One for us. I want to thank our staff for doing a great job with all the duties that their position entails. Our staff meetings are every other month. Staff members need to be there so we can stay on track with up coming events and needs. Sector Charleston is asking Auxiliary members to get involved in their Trident program on pollution and oil spills. This is a great opportunity for every one to learn about and help make a difference in our marine life. Joe Fleming, FC
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Operations
Allen James, FSO-OP
arch will be an active month for OPS. On the 12th and 13th we have training and boom deployment for oil spill recovery. We will be using OPFACs from Charleston, Mt Pleasant and Edisto for the event. Crews will be needed so call me if you are available. On the 26th and 27th there is another spill recovery exercise, this time using the USCGC Oak. It will deploy a boom off the side in order to recover the oil. This event will not require additional OPFAC's. Both events are to have one day of classroom training and the second day is on the water training. You must be able to participate both days to receive credit for this training! Crew classes will start in March. I have the names of members who contacted me at the February meeting. If there are others, notify me. Allen James, SO-OP

Vice Commander in these two individuals. Remember I said it first! In closing, let me remind everyone to get all their hours logged in and submitted into AUXDATA. The 7029s, 7030s, 7038s, 7054s are all vital to the mission. I would like to see that everyone is caught up by the end of March. If youre in a different Flotilla, and have happened to come across this edition of the Scuttlebutt then Your holding one of the finest Auxiliary Newsletters out there. All thanks to the hard work of our own Bob Mathewes. (Feel free to Use it as an example of how to build a great newsletter). SEMPER PARATUS Alan Jean Pierre Miles, VFC

Navigational Services

Allen James, FSO-NS

avigation Services is the new title for the old Aids to Navigation. There are changes coming down from District on requirements which I'll give out when complete. Remember...when on patrol, call in any discrepancies you observe with aids. Then make out your reports. This way Sector has the info they need to check the aid. Allen James, FSO-NS

Turn your clocks forward 1 hour at 0200 on the 8th.

HAVE YOU DONE YOUR 7029 FOR February?

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Communication Services John Sikes, FSO-CS

Public Affairs
Barbara Thibodeaux, FSO-PA

ant a way to share auxiliary photos, files, ideas, etc? We have a way in a Yahoo Group called AUXCHAS Charleston. The group has a calendar on which we post meetings, workshops, VE and boat show activity, etc. The calendar can then send out automatic reminders to those signed up as a member. Items now sent out in our Flotilla Flashes can be sent to everyone signed up using a single email address. Membership in the group is by invitation only, but well be notifying everyone within the next couple of weeks, informing them of the way to sign up. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and at least take a look at what the site has to offer. Remember, when you get an email concerning the flotillas Yahoo group, follow the directions and take a look around. We think youll like it. John Sikes, FSO-CS

et me start by expressing sincere gratitude, on behalf of the flotilla, to Marguerite Bishop for her donation of a Nikon digital camera belonging to her late husband and flotilla member, Jerome Bishop. The camera is a great asset to the unit and has already been put to good use! There are a number of events coming up that will be beneficial to the flotilla to participate in. I will be calling on everybody available to make each event a success. On the begging side, PA is in desperate need of a laptop computer to facilitate the needs of the flotilla. If the flotilla can acquire one, via purchase, grant, or donation it would be greatly appreciated. You don't realize how much you depend on a computer until you have one crash on you. Many thanks to all who continue to assist me! Barbara Thibodeaux, FSO-PA

Personnel Services
Alan J.P. Miles, FSO-PS
f you missed the last flotilla meeting on 11 February, you missed a lot. We had record numbers of visitors at the meeting. There were 11!!! This was the result of this Flotilla being pro-active and support of the Coast Guard. We are actively positioning ourselves for more challenging assignments ahead. With the increased emphases on Marine Safety and Operation Readiness, We are rising to the occasion.12-8 is GREAT!!! On a different subject I am in great need all the cloth collar devices and insignia that you may have lying around collecting dust. Please turn them in to me so I can re-issue them. Thanks Team.

Finance
Frank Leister, FSO-FN

he only financial activity so far in 2009 are a few bills for parts and supplies for the Flotilla Facility and the awards to our Coasties of the Quarter. I expect that our dues will be asked for soon from District and Division. That will take about a third of what we have in the bank, but it is budgeted for. Write with questions or advice to FSO128FN@yahoo.com Frank Leister, FSO-FN

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Materials
Tom Beauchemin, FSO-MA
he requests for state regs have been ordered and when they arrive I will get the word out. I have mentioned that this is the time to take inventory of equipment for facility owners and coxswains. Please note that we are required to have charts of our area of operation. These charts must be up to date and carried while on patrol. I show the 29th edition, dated Feb 08, for chart 11521 Charleston Harbor and approaches. We are working on making some charts available to facility owners. NOAA also has a web site you can print POD (print on demand) charts that have the latest changes Tom Beauchemin, FSO-MA

Public Education
Bob Lovinger, FSO-PE

Information Services

Frank Leister, FSO-IS

he 7030 reports detailing the missions are coming in fine. The 7029 reports detailing the members activities, including prepping and traveling to the missions are not! You heard VFC Miles comments in the last meeting describing how important your hours are to the Coast Guard in budget negotiations and to District 7 DIRAUX in their negotiations for funds for us. Please submit your 7029 promptly each month. It just is not that hard. Send them to me at 128FSOIS@gmail.com. If you have any questions or want to make remarks on the forms or IS matters, send them to me at 128FSOIS@gmail.com. Frank Leister, FSO-IS

he Flotillas courses will be well underway by the time you read this. We have the short About Boating Safely (ABS) course that replaced the ABC course and a small class is due to start at the end of February at James Island Charter High School if there is enough registration. There is a large section of BS&S that we will be giving for some 15 of NOAAs small boat operators stationed here in Charleston. Eric Kilpatrick made the connection and is due a large vote of thanks. This class will take a major effort since it will run for three full days beginning 23 March plus a single session the following week. From the boat show, we will be putting together another BS&S class but the size is not set yet. This will begin on Monday, 02 March at the Brass Buckle. All this means we still need teachers, so I hope everyone will step up to the plate. Bob Lovinger, FSO-PE

Vessel Examinations
oating season never stops here, it only slows down in the winter. Its time for us to hit the boat ramps and educate our boating public on safe boating. March 15th at Limehouse bridge boat ramp will be the starting place of our season. New members wanting to get involved can contact me on how you get started. Joe Fleming, FSO-VE

Joe Fleming, FSO-VE

HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY!

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A Great Way to Spend a Sunday!

Article and photos by Alan J. P. Miles
On Sunday 22 February 2009, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Facility 8852 set out for a routine harbor patrol in Charleston Harbor. On board were Coxswains Allen James and Hugo Endris, and crew member Paul Berka. Alan Miles also accompanied this crew as a trainee. The purpose was to run a routine Harbor Safety Patrol and conduct Search and Rescue Drills. After departing the Charleston Coast Guard Base, OPFAC 8852 headed for the Fort Sumter area and deployed a floating marker and commenced Search and Rescue training. Also present in the harbor was 12-8s newly commissioned OPFAC number 21545. Coxswains onboard were Joe Fleming and Bob Matthews. Chris Heironimus was onboard also as a trainee. While OPFAC 8852 conducted the Search and Rescue drill, 21545 ran a fast response shake down cruise of much of the harbor. There was a small craft advisory off shore and the waves in the harbor were 3 to 4 feet. With strong winds and lots of salt spray both vessels and crews proved their Sea keeping abilities. The crews happily kept their lunches down as well. Both crews performed their duties routinely. At the conclusion of the Search and Rescue Drills, OPFAC 8852 was hailed by Coast Guard Sector Charleston to respond to a sailboat that was adrift in the Ashley River. There was concern that the loose vessel could interfere with the safe passage in the main channel or possibly collide or foul the Ashley River Bridge. OPFAC 8852 responded immediately with 21545 following close behind to render assistance if needed. Upon arrival at the scene of the sailboat, it was discovered that the vessel was still moored but was dragging her mooring rode and anchor because of strong currents and winds. After obtaining permission from the City Marina, via Sector Charleston, OPFAC 21545 attached a tow line to the sailboat and retrieved its mooring while the crew of OPFAC 8852 positioned themselves on the dock to pull the vessel to the dock with the assistance of the twin engines of the new 21545. Once the vessel was safely made fast to the dock, despite the strong currents and winds, the channel was again safe for all boaters. It is noteworthy that even though there were two OPFACs in the operation today, both crews worked seamlessly together in the operation. BRAVO-ZULU to the crews of both facilities. This event is yet another feather in the hat of Flotilla 12-8. They really do live up to their battle cry..THE GREAT 12-8 ! (left) 21545 comes along side drifting sailboat.

(right) Joe & Chris retrieve mooring line.

(left) Paul, Hugo & Hap (front to back) Prepare to haul stern to dock

(right) Paul hauls stern to dock under Haps watchful eye.

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Nautical Trivia
Six people correctly identified the highly decorated combat veteran CG Cutter that serves as the official memorial site to Coast Guardsmen killed in action in World War II and Vietnam. She is the USCGC Ingham (WHEC 35) which is part of the Patriots Point Maritime Museum. The six sharp folks that had the right answer were; Lawrence Coste, Dean Creed, Reggie Hollar, Dick McLaren, John Sikes and Agnes Wright. Lawrence is a first timer to Nautical Trivia and a member of the Citadel Detachment. Congratulations to one and all.

ment, The Department of the Navy (in wartime), the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security. Many of us are familiar with the current Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen, who has served as commander of 7th District. This month the question is to identify the Coast Guard of another nation. This group serves as part of the Department of Transport as the USCG once was. They are also known as Garda Csta na hireann. This should be an easy one.

Communications

M
The Ingham today

Dean Creed, FSO-CM

ight you be interested in Auxiliary Telecommunications? Not sure what you could do, or what's involved? Please visit www.auxodept.org and click on the "Telecommunications" link. Your questions should be answered, and your curiosity s h o u l d g r o w . Get started by becoming a Telecommunications Operator (TCO). We'd like to offer the new communications course this fall, and I'd appreciate hearing from those of you who may be interested. Dean Creed, FSO-CM

Happy Birthday
This Month To:

The Ingham in WWII colors

The United States Coast Guard is undoubted the worlds finest Coast Guardbut not the only one. USCG has at various times served under the Treasury Depart-

Dan Cowley...March 08 Alan Miles.March 11 Tom Beauchemin......March 12 Benjamin Bryson...March 21 Tom Jerussi...March 24 Barney Holt...March 27 John Jackson..March 30

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March 2009
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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ICS-210 Class 0900

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Daylight Savings Time Begins at 0200

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Full Moon

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Flotilla Meeting 1900

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St. Patrick's Day

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First Day of Spring

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RBS/VE Workshop

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New Moon

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Flotilla Officers
Flotilla Commander Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net Finance Frank Leister fso128-FN@yahoo.com Member Training Bob Mathewes rhmathewes@comcast.net Publications Bob Mathewes rhmathewes@comcast.net Flotilla Vice Commander Alan Miles bigcid@comcast.net Information Services Frank Leister 128FSOIS@gmail.com Navigational Services Allen James jamesan38@bellsouth.net Public Education Bob Lovinger rlovinger@earthlink.net Communications Dean Creed dbcreed@comcast.net Communication Systems John Sikes jsikes@netrockets.com

Materials Marine Safety Tom Beauchemin Bob Orenstein tbeauchemin001@sc.rr.com bandjorenstein@bellsouth.net Operations Public Affairs Allen James Barbara Thibodeaux jamesan38@bellsouth.net barbara.thibodeaux@gmail.com Personnel Services Alan Miles bigcid@comcast.net RBS Visitor Paul Berka phberka@comcast.net IPFC Allen James jamesan38@bellsouth.net

Secretary Records Miller, Rick rick.mllr@gmail.com

Vessel Examination Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net