Welcome.

While many of the names of the Breeze Team

remain the same, there are a few notable changes. To
begin with, I stepped into the role of editor and am deter-
mined to build upon the improvements introduced by Ken
Sommers last year. Other changes include the return of
Carol Rickard, a former Breeze editor, and the addition of
J an Sprague-Williams. Also, J im Dennen has taken on a
more active role and applies his expertise in content edit-
ing, among other things. We are looking forward to a most
successful year.
My gratitude goes out to Ken Sommers for charging me
with the redesign of the Breeze last year, and to J ames
Dennen for trusting me to expand upon these ideas this
year. The few changes I introduce in the current issue per-
mit more color photography on the inside back cover, and
more space for text and photos on the publications pages.
We received many more wonderful articles than we had
room to print. I am most grateful for all of your submissions
and can tell you that choosing which articles to print in the
final issue was a most difficult task. I wish we could have
printed all of them! Trust me when I tell you that the arti-
cles on the cutting room floor are every bit as interesting
and well written as the ones you are about to enjoy. We
had multiple instances of several divisions submitting arti-
cles on the same topic. We published the most well written
or most informative, and in one case, I asked Rob West-
cott, DSO-PA, to combine all of the submissions we re-
ceived into a single article (The Pipe Band story). Again, I
thank everyone who contributed articles and photographs.
Your efforts made this publication possible.
This is your publication. Your comments and suggestions
are always welcome.

Sincerely,
Dorothy J oan Riley
DSO-PB D7
Bridge A Word From the Editor:
District Commodore ........................................................2
Vice Commodore ............................................................3
Director of Auxiliary D7 .......4
Immediate Past Commodore ..5
Rear Commodore North .................................................6
Rear Commodore East .................................................8
Rear Commodore West ................................................10
Departments

Response, D-CR .....11
Logistics, D-CL ....12
Prevention, D-CP .......14

Articles

Chris Todd: Auxiliarist of the Year.15
J oseph Welty Remembered ..16
Lost at Sea Memorial .....18
USCG Pipe Band and D7 .........20
Blackthorn Memorial ...22
MERT and Flotilla 91 ..24
Auxiliarist Sails Aboard CGC Confidence ...26
Operation Enduring Friendship .....28
Auxiliarist Goes to Africa ....30
D-Train ..31
Savannah Sugar Refinery Explosion....32
Virgin Islands Recipe for Success ....33
Clearwater Auxiliarist and the USCG Band ....34
Auxiliarist and the CG Fine Art Program ........35
Puerto Rico Kayak Adventure ......36
Division 15 Helps Fight Red Tide . ......38
Spring, 2008
Page 2

From the Bridge
Fellow Auxiliarists.
As we meet on these pages once again, the year is in its second
quarter, and the flotillas and divisions within District Seven are off
to a superb start. We have accomplished much in these past few
months, and many opportunities and challenges remain before
usfor the district, the divisions, the flotillas and for each member
to take that extra step. The Auxiliary within District Seven contin-
ues to set the standard. Bravo Zulu to all.
That said, it should be noted that the entire Auxiliary is undergoing
change. We witnessed one of these changes this past year with the new Auxiliary Sector Coordina-
tor (ASC) position. The ASC allows us to have a seat at the table, providing Auxiliary input at the
top for better coordination and cooperation. We have established Departments at the District level
to better use the span of control among our staff and to more closely relate to the Gold Side.
More organizational changes will occur within all districts during the next year or so. The key
phrase is Modernization of the Auxiliary. All is being done to enable us to better support the Coast
Guard in its missions and to bring us as a family closer together. Let me assure everyone now
that there will be no change in either division or flotilla missions.
A major change will be apparent at election time in some of our elected leadership titles. They are
changes in name only, not in responsibility. There will only be one Commodore within the district.
The Vice Commodore will become the Auxiliary Chief of Staff; the Rear Commodores will be District
Captains and Division Captains will be known as Division Commanders.
During the next several months the District Board and EXCOM will be looking at other areas where
we might better serve the Coast Guard and the boating public. These include staff organization and
division/flotilla distribution. Let me assure eve-
ryone that no changes will be made in these
areas without recommendations from each
DCP. I am convinced that there must be trans-
parency in all that we do. Final district recom-
mendations must be submitted to National by 1
J anuary 2010.
As I noted at the beginning, D7 is quite a dis-
trict, and I am privileged to be your Commo-
dore. We have been, and shall continue to
remain, on the cutting edge. Again, Bravo
Zulu to you all for the great job you are doing.
Semper Paratus.
Commodore Allen Brown
COMO Brown and Don Frasch, VCO,
address participants at the D7 Planning
Conference in Atlanta .
Photo by James Dennen

Page 3
One of the consistent themes in both the National Business
Plan and our own District Seven Strategic Plan is the directive
to engage the Active Duty Coast Guard in the joint planning of
missions and support we will provide as the Auxiliary. That is
absolutely key to our ability to truly add value in what we do, and
to be an effective Force Multiplier for the Coast Guard. I believe
we are now at a significant milestone here in District 7 in our
working relationship with the Gold Side that will enable us to pro-
vide that higher level of support.
The planning effort began last September at our Fall Conference
in Ft. Lauderdale. Capt. Suzanne Englebert, D-7 Chief of Pre-
vention, brought several of the Planning Department Chiefs to
meet with our Department Chiefs to explore areas where we might work together. LCDR Damon
Edwards, Department Chief for Operations Planning, and I quickly focused on the opportunities we
might have in operations that would fit nicely into a brand new CG planning process called
SOPP (Standard Operations Planning Process) that focuses at the Sector level.
That effort resulted in our recent joint education and planning meeting in Atlanta that included the
Planning Officers from each Sector and Air Station, the Auxiliary Division Captains (DCPs), the
Coast Guard Auxiliary Liaison Officers (AUXLOs), our Auxiliary Sector Coordinators (ASCs), and a
few key District Staff Officers (DSOs). The result was the creation of action plans to provide Auxil-
iary support for all 12 mission sets defined in the SOPP, and for all six Sectors and four Air Stations
in our AOR.
Those plans are being consolidated by the District and will be sent back out to the Sector Com-
manders for their prioritization and implementation by the end of April. Simultaneously, we are work-
ing to match AUXDATA op-codes
to the CG mission set descriptors
that will enable the Sectors and
District to include the Auxiliary
activity in their quarterly perform-
ance reports to the Commandant.
Oh, this is a first for the Auxiliary
anywhere! Here we go again,
District 7 setting the standard!
Donald L. Frasch, Vice Commodore
LCDR Damon Edwards
explains SOPP at the
D7 Planning Conference.
Photo by James Dennen
Page 4

Director of Auxiliary, Seventh District
Commander David R. Allen
It's funny this time of the year to hear my counterparts from other
districts and regions talking about "ramping up for the busy sea-
son." Every season is the busy season for us in the Super Sev-
enth. Most of us here have two seasons: Snowbird and Hurri-
cane. Our Coast Guard Auxiliary is on call around the clock and
around the calendar, and doing great work that makes our
neighbors safer and our nation more secure.
As I approach my first anniversary as your Director, I am continu-
ously in awe of the variety and impact of the work you Auxiliarists
here do. Since I came on board last J uly, you have:
~Flown me, from Miami to Savannah, and across Florida more than once;
~Welcomed me, at your Auxiliary Aviation Workshop; and
~Dunked me, in the pool at the above workshop to complete the swim test all Aviators must
complete;
~Shot me, but only in the knee and only with a needle (Thanks, Dr. Tejeiro!);
~Fed me, too many times and too well, as my profile shows;
~Amazed me, with the dedication and capabilities that you demonstrate;
~Driven me, nearly crazy at times, mostly from trying to keep up with all that you achieve;
~Dived with me, into many new initiatives, and even into the ocean a time or two;
~Ridden with me, on bus, car, van, and even motorcycle, to meetings and events; and
~Made me proud, by your many accomplishments and recognitions, from the first-ever U.S. In-
ternational Search and Rescue champions, to the recently named Coast Guard Auxiliarist of the
Year, Christopher Todd of 6-11, as well as by your numerous unrecognized actions taken daily to
save lives and money for private citizens and unknown boaters.
I appreciate the work that you've done with many of our departing leaders in gold, including Rear
Admiral Kunkle, Command Master Chief Fuller, and Captains Sue Englebert, J oe Servidio, Karl
Schultz and J im Tunstall. Our new District Commander, Rear Admiral Steve Branham, noted in his
comments upon assuming command that he is looking forward to a continued outstanding relation-
ship with the Auxiliary and the more than five thousand dedicated volunteers in the Seventh Dis-
trict. He plans to joins us at NACON in August and at DCON in September.
I hope that as many of you as possible make it to your Sector and Station Change of Commands
this summer. It'll go a long way toward continuing these relationships that Admiral Branham val-
ues. Thank you again for all that you do, and enjoy our year-round "busy season!"
Semper Paratus.
As I approach my
first anniversary as
your Director, I am
continuously in
awe of the variety
and impact of the
work you
Auxiliarists do
here.

Page 5
Immediate Past District Commodore
Commodore Peter Fernandez
With the establishment of the Sectors, the U.S. Coast Guard changed its operating struc-
ture and more changes will follow. Consequently, the Auxiliary must realign elected of-
fice titles that do not parallel the Coast Guard officer structure and the stripes designated
for the offices held.
This modernization of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, intended to align us with the Coast
Guard, commenced under the leadership of our National Commodore, Steven Budar.
The first addition was the establishment of Auxiliary Sector Coordinator (ASC), a key po-
sition that will function as the District Commodores direct representative imbedded in
each Sector.
At district and division levels, elected office titles are being changed to achieve a com-
monality of terms and responsibilities. The Auxiliary District Vice Commodore will be
designated the Auxiliary District Chief of Staff. Rear Commodores will be renamed District Captains,
thus aligning their titles with the four stripes worn on their shoulder boards and eliminating the confu-
sion thereby caused by calling them Commodore. At the division level, Division Captains will be-
come Division Commanders, aligning their titles with the three stripes worn on their shoulder boards.
Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander titles will not be changed.
Commodore Brown will be addressing the modernization plan with your EXCOM and District
Board. As the Coast Guard continues to modernize its operational structure, it is necessary for us to
continue to follow their plan. These changes work in the best interests of the Auxiliary as we serve
the United
State Coast
Guard and
our recrea-
tional boat-
ing public.

Diane Figueroa, ASC Sector

San J uan, addresses
participants at the Atlanta D7
Planning Conference.
Photo by James Dennen
Page 6

Rear Commodore North
Although parts of TEAM NORTH operate year-round, the mod-
eration of the weather has allowed the northernmost divisions of
District 7 to provide a Coast Guard presence on the inland lakes
of North Florida, Georgia and South Carolina as well as coastal
areas associated with this area of responsibility (AOR). Divi-
sions 2, 4, and 12 have the major responsibility for recreational
boating safety instruction; coordination of marine activities with
local, federal and state agencies; and search and rescue opera-
tions. Largely, these divisions provide their own radio facilities to
establish communications networks among fixed, mobile, and
vessel units. In addition to on-the-water communications, these
networks provide a basis for emergency communications in the
event of natural or man made disasters. Di-
visions 4, 10, 12, and 14, work closely with
seven Coast Guard boat stations, one Air
Station, two Sectors, and several Marine
Safety Units.
Division 4 assisted Stations Ponce and Ca-
naveral in establishing safety zones for Shut-
tle launches twice since the first of the year.
The Division has been working closely with
Sector J acksonville with marine safety in the
Port of Canaveral, a busy cruise ship embar-
kation point.
Division 2 recently reorganized with the dis-
establishment of two flotillas on Lake Lanier
and the establishment of a new flotilla, Flo-
tilla 29. COMO Mary Larsen provides interim
leadership for the new flotilla composed of
members of the two former flotillas. Auxil-
iarists from 28 (Macon-Warner Robbins, Ga.)
contribute watchstanders, an Auxiliary Sur-
face Swimmer, and an Officer of the Day to
Station Tybee and the cutter Tarpon. Divi-
sion 2 also provides many hours of support
to Station Tybee and to the air program.
The photos show the production of a Training
Video by LTCDR Frank McConnell and his
crew. This video footage was shot on 29
March on Lake Allatoona northwest of At-
lanta using two Auxiliary Facilities. Partici-
pating Auxiliarists were Chuck Kelemen, SO-
VE 29, Auxiliarist Chris Potter, VE 22, and
boat owners Dave and Nan Ellen Fuller
(Flotilla 22). The purpose of the shoot was to
give the crew some practice shooting Vessel
Safety Checks being conducted. This will
give them a point of reference and perspec-
Ronald Goldenberg

Page 7
tive on their next assignment, shooting Commercial Fishing Vessel (CFV) exams next month in Lou-
isiana. It is expected that after editing, the division will have a video that can be used as a training
aid for Auxiliary Vessel Examiners. Due to production schedules and editing time involved, we ex-
pect the final video will be made available later this year.
The CG Reserve Film Unit stationed at Ft Gillem, Ga., produces and edits video for the gold side. This shoot was their first interac-
tion with the Auxiliary. They are led by LTCDR Frank McConnell. The unit is scheduled to go to Louisiana this month to shoot a
Commercial Fishing Vessel (CFV) exam for training USCG personnel. This shoot was an opportunity for them to practice filming an
exam, a detailed explanation of each item required, actually filming inside the engine room, etc., and gives them a point of reference
for filming the CFV exam.
We expect that the edited video, starring Chuck Kelemen and Chris Potter, will be made available later in the year. Depending on
how the footage is edited, it could possibly be used as a training video for Auxiliary Vessel Inspectors.
Photo by Dave Fuller, VCP Division 2
Page 8

District 7 Team East Auxiliarists are working hard to provide
support to the Sectors for which they are responsible.
In February Division 1 provided a safety booth during the Security
Expo at Plaza Las Americas, conducting boating seminars and
enrolling students for boating courses. They also maintained a
booth for the weekend of the Puerto Rico International Boat Show
at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. During both events they
impacted at least 8,000 people. In March Division 1 Flotillas 11,
12, 1-10 and 1-12 worked together to support Sector San J uan in
a kayak competition at Fajardo.
Starting on New Years Day, Division 3 has regularly provided
Radio Watchstanders (RWS) at Station Ft. Lauderdale to relieve the Active Duty staff. There are
two new break-in Auxiliary trainees for RWS as well as two Auxiliarists in training for Officer of the
Deck (OOD). The Station medical team celebrated heart month by training Active Duty, Reservists
and Auxiliarists in CPR and First Aid. Two Auxiliarists support the MSO and were involved in investi-
gating a pollution spill in Pompano Beach and assisting with MTSA (Maritime Transportation Secu-
rity Act) spot checks with Port Everglades Prevention Team. Other direct support includes: crew
training for active duty personnel, support in the marine safety field office, in-port OOD training on
the Coast Guard Cutter Gannett, a machinist, and an ombudsman for station personnel and their
families.
Twenty-three Auxiliarists were trained on the BAT-PAC boating advisory trailer for its initial appear-
ance in Broward County at the Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point Nautical Flea Market in J anuary.
This event is traditionally attended by thousands of boating residents.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Pipe and Drum Corps, led by Division 3 Andy Anderson, participated in
the New York City St. Patricks Day Parade. Team Coast Guard brought home the trophy for best
civic group in the Deerfield Beach Founders Day Parade due to the combined efforts of Station Ft.
Lauderdale, the USCG Auxiliary Pipe and Drum Corps members, and Auxiliarists from Flotillas 34
and 36.
Auxiliarist Antonio Viana (Flotilla 34) served as a Portuguese translator in West Africa for two weeks
aboard the USS Fort McHenry for a multi-nation mission designed to raise marine safety awareness.
Division 5 Flotillas 56, 57, 58 and 59 continue to give support to CG Station Fort Pierce. They per-
form OOD duties, keep the property books, clean all the weapons, help the Aids to Navigation Team
(ANT) and stand radio watch every weekend.
The Northern flotillas have recruited 11 new members so far this year. The Stuart flotilla hosted
The Blessing of the Fleet with two boats in the water. The Commodore of the event is a member of
Flotilla 59.
Flotillas 51, 52 and 54 provide support for CG Station Lake Worth with many of the members volun-
teering at the station during duty hours and on weekends. Flotilla 51 provides safety patrols and
radio watchstanding. Edwin Greenfield (Division SO-PA) is also the PA officer for the Station. Mel
Marx and his crew provided support for the Station during President Bushs visit to the Palm
Beaches. They served as the standby SAR boat for the Station, while the Stations boats provided
security protection for President Bush. They were greeted, charged, and thanked by J im Mullinax,
Station CO, and representatives of the U.S. Secret Service. Flotilla 52 provides a boat once a
Rear Commodore East
Richard J. Leys

Page 9
month for training of station personnel. Flotilla 54 continues to have qualified members cleaning
weapons and volunteering for the REC (Regional Examination Center), and provides boats to the
Station. Flotillas 51, 52 and 54 have also recruited six new members for this year.
Division 6, being located in the heart of District 7 headquarters, and Sector Miami provide direct sup-
port to both in addition to supporting Station Miami Beach. So far this year they have provided over
1,100 hours of Hawkeye watchstanding with eleven qualified Sensor Managers to Sector Miami
Command Center (SCC). Operation Wrangler began implementation to meet Coast Guard Sector
Miami Forecasted Challenge to combat the increasing number of Personal Watercraft (PWC) fatali-
ties in Miami-Dade County, due to unregulated PWC operation. Two members of the division at-
tended Rescue 21 training to prepare to support and train auxiliary watchstanders as the system
comes on at the Sector.
Station Miami Beach has requested a facility for each Saturday and Sunday that serves as a back-up
vessel for Helicopter Rescue Swimmer training. Division 6 provides continued support with14 facili-
ties and qualified crews approved for HELO training, allowing Station boats to be available for other
missions. Radio watchstanding is provided by Division 6 on a continuous basis to the Station.
Division 13 started the year with an invitation to meet with Commandant Thad Allen for an informal
meeting in Key West. The Commandant expressed his appreciation for the support the Auxiliary
gives the Coast Guard. There were discussions about meaningful missions, mapping our operations
to theirs and finding new ways and new niches for support.
A 13-1 Aircraft with Command Pilot Sam Samaha, co-pilot J erry Metcalft and air observer trainee
Melvin Cady were on routine aircraft patrol 17 J anuary when they overheard radio traffic about a ves-
sel in distress near their position. Sam ran a search pattern and located the boat, which was
swamped and near sinking. The aircraft crew remained on station until Coast Guard boats from Isla-
morada and Marathon arrived near the scene. All the people were rescued with no serious injury.
In Division 16 the Virgin Islands, the primary focus for
both flotillas has centered on member training. On
St. Croix, Flotilla 16-1 Bill Dunne, PDCP, has been
conducting training classes every Monday evening for
the eight new members. They have passed the
AUXAPC course, the AUXPAT course, and are now
working on the AUXSEA course. When this last
course is completed, this group will be handed over to
other instructors to carry on with Air Observer training
or Boat Crew training, depending on their personal
preferences.
On St. Thomas, the main focus has been Boat Crew
training. Each Sunday since the start of the year,
coxswains and crew have performed patrols with
trainees. The training aspect of the patrols has been
at least two-thirds of the time spent on the water.
Between patrols, classroom sessions have introduced
the lessons/skills to be practiced during the next pa-
trol.
As we look at what has been accomplished so far this
year, direct support to the Coast Guard has been in-
strumental in being a force multiplier for the active
duty.
Coast Guar d
Mutual Assi stance
For Information about CGMA:
www.cgmahq.org
Contact your nearest
CGMA Representative
Call CGMA-HQ at
800-881-2462
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 610
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Coast Guar d People Helpi ng
Coast Guar d People
Page 10

Rear Commodore West
The West has been extremely busy. At the top of my list I must
emphasize and repeat how extremely proud I am of your West
Team Coast Guard bringing home the ISAR Trophy. I refer to
your team because each one us in the Auxiliary works as part of
Team Coast Guard. The Seventh District Division 11 members
who brought home this honor represented the entire United
States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Wow! Now that is something we
are all proud of.
To help insure our readiness for SAR Response call outs, addi-
tional training tasks are being adopted for the Sector Saint Pe-
tersburg Operational Guide that include additional night training.
Division 7 is implementing a data entry system to maintain accuracy for those qualified with this
training.
Division 8 has developed a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Tracking System for their facilities that
goes beyond just tracking their facilities. The operator can use the system to point and click way-
points to determine ranges and bearings. All of this is accomplished with virtually free software. A
Chart Planning and GPS Course was also developed and provided to over 24 members of the Char-
lotte County Fire and Rescue.
Division 9 provides members serving as instructors to the joint Department of State/Department of
Defense initiative known as Enduring Friendship. The program teaches participants from Latin
American Countries seamanship, search and rescue, and other safety classes. Over 100 students
have been instructed and leaders from Honduras and Nicaragua have cited Flotilla 91 for the suc-
cess of the program. The City of Marco Island, Fla., has recognized a local flotilla for their assis-
tance in documenting all vessels subject to possible theft in their area as an aide to help deter theft.
The Division 11 SAR Team was honored at Station Sand Key by Coast Guard Leadership and two
United States Congressmen. Congressman Young presented each team member with flags that
flew in Washington and a special commendation listed in the Congressional Register. C-130 Drop
Training is continuing with great success. Local government officials are invited to attend to see first
hand what the Auxiliary provides.
Division 15 provides Station Yankeetown some of that great home cooking with Auxiliary cooks in
the kitchen. Florida State University utilizes members for a continued on the water testing of a Red
Tide Study. A CD has been developed for their Boating Safety Program that also can be used as an
effective signaling mirror.
Saying we have been busy in the West is putting it lightly. At an all time high are the Boating Safety
Programs and new member enrollments.
Let us not forget that We must all realize and understand that the achievements of an organization
are the results of the combined efforts of each of its members.
Proud To Be Part Of Your Team!
We must all
realize and un-
derstand that the
achievements of
an organization
are the results of
the combined
efforts of each of
its members.
Walter Jaskiewicz

Page 11
The Power of Optimism.
As a life time member, and past Governor of Kentucky - West
Virginia District of Optimist International, I want to share with you
the Optimist Creed". I hope you will find it inspirational, and
uplifting.
Christian D. Larson
Optimist International
Promise Yourself:
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the
presence of trouble.
Reprint permission granted by Optimist International
Response:
Aids to Navigation
Operations/
Qualifying Examiners
Aviation
Communications
Response Department
Casey Jankowski, D-CR D7
An Auxiliary vessel stops to pay respect at the Blackthorn Memorial Service held by Sector St. Peters-
burg on J anuary 28, 2008, near the Skyway Bridge. Photo by Guy Mandigo, ADSO-PB, Division 7.
Page 12

The hallmark for success in any endeavor, be it in private industry or in
the government, is good planning. It is important that any effective plan
marshals all resources. A good plan considers limitations and con-
straints, as well as areas of opportunity. It adjusts to reflect failures, as
well as successes. An Action Plan is the final step in this process.
Within the Coast Guard this planning process is referred to as the Com-
prehensive Planning Analysis (CPA). Don Frasch, Vice Commodore,
referred to this process in his Breeze column as the Standard Opera-
tions Planning Process (SOPP). This part of the plan, as Don stated,
focuses on Sectors. Sectors will be the new center of gravity for the
Coast Guard, explained RADM Fred Rosa, District Commander of the
Fifth Coast Guard District and former Deputy District Commander for
District 7, at a recent planning conference in Portsmouth Va. Sectors may not yet be adequately equipped
to fully engage in this process.
This is where we come in. The Auxiliary is an enormous resource for the Coast Guard. Although nothing
specifically prohibited us from being part of their formal planning process, in the past we were rarely in-
cluded. Integrating our forces will enhance our mutual understanding of the capabilities of the Auxiliary
and the needs of the Coast Guard. Transitioning to the Coast Guards organizational structure, as COMO
Browns column discusses, starts at Sector, at the Auxiliary Sector Coordinator (ASC) level. Each ASC has
received the consolidated plan for their Sector from the District. It is now our task as ASCs to identify the
top priorities for our participation, review the strategies to accomplish these tasks and establish our Action
Plan. This is a first for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and represents an exciting time to be a member of Amer-
icas Volunteer Lifesavers.
Logistics Department
Logistics:
Communication
Services
Information
Services
Public Affairs
Publications
Personnel Services
James E. Dennen, D-CL D7, ASC Sector Key West
SOPP is explored at the D7 Planning Conference in Atlanta: Don Frasch, VCO, Walter J askiewicz,
RCO-W, Ronald Goldenberg, RCO-N, and Richard Leys, RCO-E. Photo by James Dennen, ASC
Members of the Coast Guard and the USCG Auxiliary discuss the Comprehensive Plan at Sector Key West. In the photo from L-R
are; LTJ G Dan LiBrando, AUXLO, Sector Key West; J im Fletcher, DCP13; CDR J im Olive, Deputy Commander, Sector Key West;
CAPT Scott Buschman, Sector Commander, Sector Key West; J im Dennen, ASC, Sector Key West; LT Dave Ambos, Prevention,
Sector Key West; and Dewey J ackson, VCP13.
Photo by LT Erik Chong
District 7 Fall Conference
September 18 - 21, 2008
Crowne Plaza
Jacksonville Riverfront
1201 Riverplace Blvd.
J acksonville, FL
904.398.8800 direct
$85 room rate - Make your reservations early!
Come for the training - Come for the fun!
This Falls fun night theme is Hal l oween
Bring your costume and your sense of humor!
Page 14

I was asked by Phillip Merrill to pen an article for the Breeze;
here is my effort.
State Boating Issues
As members of the Coast Guard Team, Auxiliarists really get to
know Coast Guard missions and organization and then train and
perform, doing a super job working with our fellow Regulars, Re-
servists and Civilians. We wear similar uniforms; serve at Coast
Guard units, and focus on the breadth of Coast Guard roles and
missions. Hey, thats what we do.
Another commitment of our membership is our own affinity for recreational boating. Besides all the
neat stuff we do with the Coast Guard, our core focus is promoting boating safety and enjoyment of
our waters. With that said, do we know who the players are in the wider world of recreational boat-
ing? Some of us do; we participate in National Safe Boating Week, mainly sponsored by the Na-
tional Safe Boating Council and funded by a grant administered by the Coast Guard. Others know
that the Army Corps of Engineers is a big player, through their administration of reservoirs, locks and
dams, lakes, parks and more. Local water authorities have large parts in this process in various
parts of the country, and nearby flotillas work with these folks.
However, a large group of people who have a huge impact on recreational boating are state agen-
cies who patrol the waters, exercise law enforcement, help with search and rescue, and get involved
with both Coast Guard and Auxiliary resources to varying degrees. Some of these state officers are
trained to investigate boating accidents and have become very sophisticated doing so. The National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators developed accident analysis courses for officers
nationwide. They have also developed in-depth training to enforce boating under the influence viola-
tions, and have taken the lead training personnel of all agencies. On many bodies of water
state officers work with Auxiliarists to make boating an enjoyable activity. These are partner-
ships that really are working, but we dont hear a lot about them.
Finally, just about every state has introduced legislation affecting boating. Auxiliarists, due
to their heightened awareness of recreational boating, should be aware of the issues in-
volved. Many states have laws requiring children of various ages to have a boating course
before operating a motorboat or PWC. The trend now is to expand that requirement to all
boat operators, and several states have implemented such laws. The point Im making is
that Auxiliarists should be aware and voice their opinions about these matters. If every op-
erator on your lake or river possessed a boaters card, wouldnt it be much better knowing
those near you took a course? Statistics show that educated boaters have better safety re-
cords. My advice: become aware of these issues, discuss them and participate in the law
making process. You can act as private citizens, you know.
In closing, enjoy safe boating, promote safe boating, and as the campaign slogan says,
WEAR IT.
Bill Griswold, DSO-SL 7
Prevention:
Marine Safety
Member Training
Public Education
Program Visitor
State Liaison
Vessel Examinations
Prevention Department
Philip Merrill, D-CP D7

Page 15
J ust how much can
one member ac-
complish in a little
more than one year
of joining the Auxil-
iary? While never
giving this question
any conscious
thought, Chris Todd
of Flotilla 6-11
earned quite an im-
pressive list of
qualifications and
c er ti f i c ati ons ,
passed a number of
Auxiliary training
cours es , and
earned the respect
and confidence of
his flotilla members- so much, in fact, that they elected
him their Flotilla Commander for 2008.
Todd did not however, earn this office based solely upon
his extraordinary personal accomplishments. Dubbed the
techno-savvy newbie in the Winter 2007 issue of the
Navigator, Todd, in partnership with the veteran Auxiliary
member-recruiter, Tom J anata, applied his expertise in
Internet advertising and brand marketing to launch a
campaign that by the end of 2007, increased the flotillas
membership by nearly 60 percent.
Chris Todd joined the Auxiliary in 2006 and immediately
started taking courses to satisfy his personal interest in
boating safety education. In 2007 he earned the Boat
Crew Member qualification followed by Coxswain and
Personal Water Craft (PWC) Operator. Other qualifica-
tions earned in 2007 include Vessel Examiner, Recrea-
tional Boating Safety Program Visitor, Instructor, and
Auxiliary Public Affairs Specialist II. Todd is a Certified
First Aid Provider, a Certified CPR Provider and passed
the Administrative Procedures Course. He also passed
the exams for the Good Mate program and Fingerprint
Technician.
Todd offered his two personal vessels, a 41-foot Express
Cruiser and a PWC for use as operational patrol facilities,
and subsequently conducted over 60 hours of patrol op-
erations. When asked what activities he most enjoyed,
Todd replied without any hesitation, Doing helo-hoist
evolutions with Air Station Miami. He is trained and
qualified by the Coast Guard as surface boat crew for
helo-hoist evolutions.
Serving as the newly appointed Flotilla Staff Officer for
Meet Christopher Todd: New Auxiliarist of the Year
By Dorothy Joan Riley, DSO-PB
Public Affairs (FSO-PA) in 2007, Todd worked with the
District 7 Public Affairs Office to coordinate all National
Safe Boating Week (NSBW) activities within the Miami-
Dade area. His efforts were successful in drawing un-
precedented public attention to NSBW activities. He co-
ordinated a media strategy that included press releases,
media coverage of flotilla Vessel Safety Check activities,
and interviews that significantly promoted recreational
boating safety in communities within the surrounding
area.
Working together with Tom J anata, Flotilla Staff Officer
Personnel Services (FSO-PS), Todd developed and im-
plemented an internet-based marketing campaign that
helped recruit new members to Flotilla 6-11, thereby reju-
venating the flotillas static membership base. His market-
ing strategies helped recruit more than 20 new Auxil-
iarists in less than a year by using web sites that matched
prospective volunteers with non-profit volunteer organiza-
tions. Todd created ads which targeted Internet users
within a 25-mile radius of where most flotilla activities
were held, and his ads always delivered the same mes-
sage: the Auxiliary needs volunteers who can offer at
least eight hours a month of their time. His innovative
marketing strategies target a larger and younger audi-
ence that works 24/7 to attract new members. The flotilla
no longer needs to rely solely upon boating safety pro-
grams or boat shows to attract new members. Todd is
also a member of the Auxiliary national photo corps and
serves in several other key Auxiliary programs including
Vessel Safety Checks, Public Education, Program Visitor,
and Member Training.
When not engaged in Auxiliary activities, 37 year-old
Todd serves on the Miami Beach Marine Authority Board,
is a member of both the Miami Yacht Club in Miami, Fla.,
and the La Belle Yacht Club in Oconomowoc, Wis., and is
a member of Boat US. His many activities within the Aux-
iliary clearly establish not just his dedication and commit-
ment to this organization, but also his great passion for
promoting the Auxiliary and boating safety education.
In naming Christopher Todd the New Auxiliarist of the
Year, the Coast Guard states, Mr. Todd
demonstrated superb enthusiasm and devotion to duty by
dedicating over 750 hours to training and qualifying in an
extremely wide array of programs and actively participat-
ing in many auxiliary mission areas.
Call it passion, call it enthusiasm; Todd is a unique and
inspiring individual and a credit to his flotilla, his division,
our district- the entire Coast Guard Auxiliary! District 7 is
proud to call him their own, and congratulates him for his
many accomplishments.
Page 16




With the death of J oe Welty in February 2008, the Auxil-
iary lost one of its most dedicated members. Throughout
his years in the organization J oe served with distinction
and honor as an organizer, an officer, and above all, an
Auxiliarist.
J oe joined the Auxiliary on April 23, 1968, in Sioux City,
Iowa, which was part of old 2
nd
Northern District (02N-14-
03). He promptly formed a new flotilla in his home town
of Vermillion, S.D., and became its first Flotilla Com-
mander (FC). Division meetings at that time were held in
Omaha, Neb., which was some 220 miles away. After
two years, he sought and received a waiver from Coast
Guard (CG) Commandant to start a new division with
four flotillas. The flotillas were: Sioux City; South Sioux
City, Iowa; Yankton, S.D.; and Vermillion. To get things
started, J oe was elected Division Captain (DCP) of the
new division, 6. He served as the Sioux City FC prior to
forming the new flotilla. His member number for the new
division was 02N-06-02-001.
During his tenure in both the old and new divisions, J oe
served in all elected and appointed offices in the flotilla
as well as most appointed and elected
offices in the division. He served twice
as DCP. In 2003 he was appointed
National BC-MVS (Branch Chief, Com-
mercial Vessel Examination Division
Southern Area).
As Member Training Officer from 1970
to 1979, J oe was responsible for train-
ing the majority of the vessel operators
in Flotilla 62. A major part of the train-
ing consisted of learning to navigate
the ever changing Missouri River, as
sandbars shifted weekly and tree
stumps or entire trees would fall into
the water from eroded river banks. All
vessels carried small stuff line and
plastic containers to jug any naviga-
tional hazards (HAZNAV) they found. As Operations Of-
ficer during the same period, J oe was also responsible
for putting the vessel operators to work and maintaining a
ready-for-operations (RFO) schedule of all operational
facilities.
Flotilla 62 worked closely with local law enforcement
agencies providing on-the-water resources for marine
events, Search and Rescue (SAR) and patrols on this
wild stretch of the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam
on Lewis and Clark Lake in Yankton to Sioux City, where
wing dams were built to control the rivers flow. It was
common when cars went off a bank into the river for flo-
tilla members to be called to carry out body searches.
J oe was the king of barrier searches. Vessel operators
would also be called on to hold their vessels on station in
the 10- to15-knot current to allow the tethered divers to
search submerged cars for survivors/bodies. The current
could vary greatly depending on the Gavins Point Dam
gates and the power needs of Yankton. J oe was cred-
ited with saving the lives of five canoeists when they be-
came exhausted and were separated from their group
during a tornado/storm. He and his crew found the ca-
noeists after a difficult 45-minute search on the river at
night. Four of the five were children. Flotilla 62 also sup-
ported Yankton Flotilla 63 in patrolling Lewis and Clark
Lake with its 90 miles of shoreline.
Crossing the Bar: Dr. Joseph D. Welty
By Cathie Welty, DSO-PV
J oe and Cathie Welty
Photo By James Dennen

Page 17
The U.S. Corps of Engineers kept an old
30-plus foot passenger boat, The Ellis,
docked at Gavins Point Dam. The Corps
allowed the Auxiliary vessel operators to
use the boat for patrols. The nearest
Coast Guard station was 220 miles south
in Omaha, so the only CG presence was
the Auxiliary. The Ellis was removed
from service in 1978.
In 1980 J oe moved to Kuwait, becoming a
dues-paying member-at-large. While in
Kuwait he boated on the Arabian Gulf in a
24-foot lap-strake wooden Skiff Craft.
After leaving Kuwait, he and his wife lived
aboard a 44-foot DeFever Trawler, cruis-
ing the Caribbean and Chesapeake, with
no permanent dock.
J oe transferred to 070-13-08 in 1994 and has since
qualified as: AUXOP; VE; COXN; MDV/RBSVP; IT; CG
Watchstander; CG Fingerprint Technician; CFV Exam-
iner; UPV Examiner; LOD for Mariner ID checks and Ad-
ministration of Oaths for REC; Certified CFV Safety Drill
Instructor; Assistant Pollution Investigator; and Initial Pol-
lution Investigator. He has passed ICS courses 100,
195, 200, 292, 324, 340, 700 and 800, and in 2004 re-
ceived the Bronze Award for 10 Sustained Auxiliary Ser-
vice Awards. He received Chart Up-dating awards for
the largest number of National credits in 1997, 1998,
1999, 2000 and 2001. On November 1, 2002, he re-
ceived the 2
nd
Coast Guard M Professional Device (the
Trident) given to a civilian from then Capt. J ames Wat-
son, Group Miami MSO.
When then Rear Admiral J .S. Carmichael relieved then
Vice Admiral Thad Allen in the Seventh District in 2001,
J oe was selected for the Change of Command honor
guard. Commandant Allen last saw J oe six years later
during a visit to Miami, and remembered that J oe had
been in his honor guard. This was an even greater honor
to J oe. Both men understood the word honor.
COMO Allen Brown and CWO Steve Hansen presented
J oe with his 40-year member certificate at his hospital
bed on February 3, 2008. He died at home on February
10, 2008, as he had lived: quietly and with dignity.
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
Crossing theBar
By Alfred Lord Tennyson
J oe Welty and J eff Bronsing, DSO-OP, at Station Marathon.
Photo by James Dennen
Page 18




It was Saturday, December 15, and
for the 15th year in a row approxi-
mately 5,000 donated wreaths* were
being placed on veterans graves at
Arlington National Cemetery in Vir-
ginia. That same day about 800 miles
to the south, a single and prolonged
blast of a boats horn announced to
the world that it was leaving the dock
at Riviera Beach, Fla., and heading
out to sea.
A 41-foot Utility Boat, the largest boat
at Coast Guard Station Lake Worth
Inlet, set sail on a unique and worthy
mission: to pay tribute to those veter-
ans who perished at sea, brave souls
with neither marker nor plot where a
wreath of remembrance could be
placed. Heavy with the memories of
heroism and despair, the 41 footer
carried representatives from the past
and present of each of the five armed
service branches.
Discovering the need for solemn rec-
ognition of those veterans who had
perished at sea, Florida Wing Group 6
of the Civil Air Patrol had contacted
the station and requested assistance
in memorializing those veterans from
the commanding officer, CWO J ames
T. Mullinax. Mr. Mullinax immediately embraced the
concept and ensured that those lost brethren would be
honored as tradition dictated and demanded.
Also to be honored were the Merchant Mariners killed by
the torpedoes of German U-Boats, members of the Civil
Air Patrol who served as Air Force eyes patrolling our
coastlines, and the thousands of soldiers who died in the
Atlantic and Pacific Campaigns.
Due to the narrow width of the well deck of the 41-foot
boat, only three veterans were chosen from those aboard
to represent the forgotten heroes. The three made ready
to commit the wreaths to the outgoing tide while a Special
Mariners Psalm 23 was recited. All aboard stood at pa-
rade rest, with heads bowed.
Although it had been scheduled to take place three miles
offshore, because of high winds and dangerous waves
the ceremony was held at the mouth of the inlet. A notice-
able tide was running seaward. Sgt. Ed Weber, U.S. Ma-
rines Corps (ret.); Tony Acosta, 4th Anglico Reserves
(Navy); and Col. Buddy Harris, CAP, laid the three
wreaths and, as if by design, the outgoing tide drew them
through the inlet and out to sea.
Everyone stood at attention and saluted as Taps was
played. The buglers notes carried loud and clear across
the water, where they were heard by members of the me-
dia and observers aboard an accompanying Auxiliary
vessel that stood nearby. All eyes were glued to the out-
going wreaths until they vanished from sight, lost in the
froth of the white-capped waves.
Throughout there had been a respectful quiet, then all
heard the tolling of eight strokes on the 41-footers bell,
which signified a change of watch, and brought closure to
the memorial ceremony. There was continued quiet
aboard the boat during its return to base. Introspection
and memories settled over the boat like a velvet fog, pal-
pable and meaningful, evidence of the reverence of this
maritime honor guard.
In the best tradition of the Coast Guard, Station Lake
Worth Inlet remains Semper Paratus, always ready to
protect this country as well as to honor those who gave
their all to do the same.
Veterans Lost at Sea Remembered
By Edwin S. Greenfield , SO-PA Division 5
Retired Marine Sergeant Edward J . Weber casts a wreath out into the ocean to symbol-
ize the forgotten heroes of WWII who died on ships sunk by German U-Boats. Weber is
accompanied on his right by Tony Acosta, of the 4th Anglico Reserves Navy and also a
Lieutenant with the Palm Beach City Fire-Rescue, and on his left by Colonel Buddy
Harris CAP USAFAUX WW2 Vet.
Credit : Photo courtesy of Carl Kiilsgaard/Palm Beach Post

Page 19
The Story Behind the ceremony*:
What began in 1992 with a dream to awaken the youth of
America to the sacrifices of veterans and some leftover
wreaths donated by Morrill and Karen Worcester, owners
of the Worcester Wreath Company in the state of Maine,
has evolved into a national effort with the laying of
wreaths on graves in over 230 national and state veteran
cemeteries. Today, American volunteers have joined in
the wreath-laying along with many people from Maine,
the Civil Air Patrol USAF Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, The American Legion, and teachers with school
children from all over the country. Large corporations,
such as International Paper, United Parcel Service UPS,
Annin and Company (Flags), among others, have quietly
offered needed services and products. To learn more go
to: www.wreaths-across-america.org.
CG bugler plays TAPS as three wreaths are carried out to sea by the tide.
Photo by Ed Greenfield USCGAUX
The Lord is thy pilot; ye shall not go adrift;
He lighteth your passage across dark channels;
And steereth you over the deep and treacherous
waters.
He keepeth your log.
He guideth you by the evening star, for safetys
sake.
Yea, though you sail midst the thunders and tem-
pests of life,
You shall fear no peril, for the Lord is with you.
Thy heaven above doth comfort you. And
The vastness of His Sea upholds you.
Surely fair winds and safe harbors shall be found
All the days of thy life; and
Wrapped in Gods welcoming love,
You shall reach home port,
Where ye shall be secure and at peace
Forever.
Amen (Author: Anonymous)
Page 20

Coast Guard Pipe Band With 12 D7 Auxiliarists
Featured at Northeast Florida Highland Games
By Rob Westcott DSO-PA D7
When people think of the Coast Guard Uniform, and par-
ticularly the ones worn by Auxiliarists, probably the last
thing that comes to mind is a kilt and knee-socks!
On a recent Saturday that was the Uniform of the Day,
as the members of the U.S. Coast Guard Pipe Band
were the featured performers at the 2008 Northeast Flor-
ida Highland Games.
The Coast Guard Pipe Band, which includes 12 District
Seven Auxiliarists, is composed of active duty, retired,
reserve Coast Guard members as well as Coast Guard
Auxiliarists. The Pipe Band is not an official part of the
United States Coast Guard, but is recognized by the
USCG as an affiliated organization.
Begun on September 6th, 2002, the U.S. Coast Guard
Pipe Band became incorporated as a non-profit volunteer
organization and currently has a roster in excess of 75
members. The Band is organized exclusively for charita-
ble purposes to benefit the men and women of the
United States Coast Guard and their families, and fur-
ther, to support and carry out activities which foster and
promote greater public understanding, recognition and
appreciation of the history, traditions, contributions, sacri-
fices, roles and missions of the men and women of the
U.S. Coast Guard. The Pipe Bands various activities
include participation in memorial services, military balls,
highland games, patriotic and military parades, public
ceremonies, public concerts, Commissioning Ceremo-
nies for Coast Guard vessels and units, Change of Com-
mand Ceremonies, Retirement Ceremonies, funerals of
Coast Guard members, or similar ceremonies and events
in which any active, reserve or auxiliary component of the
USCG or U.S. Armed Forces is participating.
The Northeast Florida Highland Games is an annual
event celebrating Scottish traditions, and includes rigor-
ous competition among Scottish athletes, Bagpipe &
Drum Bands and Highland Dancers. Other events in-
clude Battle Ax Throwing, Scottish Foods and Wares,
Childrens Games, Falconry, Fencing, Ham Radio to
Scotland, Gaelic Language instruction, Traditional Scot-
tish Music, Archery, Small Pipes demonstrations, Tartan
Museum, Harp Competition, Fiddle Competition, Scottish
Country Dancing, Scottish Clans & Societies, Scottish
Animals and Sheep Herding.
With an attendance of over 20,000, many of whom are
boaters, the Games offer the Auxiliary an excellent non-
traditional venue for promoting safe boating. The local
flotilla (14-2 D7) took the opportunity to operate a Rec-
Page 21
reational Boating Safety information display. The Coast
Guard Auxiliary flag drew the attention of folks who might
not attend a boat show but have an interest in boating.
Flotilla 14-2 hosted the USCG Pipe Band for dinner fol-
lowing their performance. Following dinner several pip-
ers entertained the Auxiliarists with an hour of tunes be-
ginning with God Bless America and ending with
Semper Paratus. Other pipers joined in the fun with
tunes like Rocky Top. J ason Wright, son of drummer
Pam Wright, delighted the group with Itchy Fingers, the
GRE of piping. Sector J acksonville Captain Paul Tho-
mas, his wife, Mary, and son, Erik, were guests at the
dinner.
Auxiliarists from D7 in the Pipe Band include: Max Adel-
son, Flotilla 38, snare drum, Andrew Anderson, Flotilla
38, Drum Major, Mike Coonerty, Flotilla 54, piper, Mike
Loudermilk, Flotilla 29, piper, J ames Mulligan, Flotilla 74,
snare drum, Betty Rogers, Flotilla 36, Drum
Sergeant, Steve Rogers, Flotilla 36, Pipe Cor-
poral, Vince Sobel, Flotilla 54, piper, Suzie
Southerland, Flotilla 67, tenor drum, Chip
Southerland, Flotilla 67, piper, Art Tenney, Flo-
tilla 36, piper, and Pam Wright, Flotilla 67,
tenor drum.
Opposite page: USCG Pipe Band at the NE Florida
Highland Games in the J acksonville, Florida, area
on February 23, 2008.
Top, this page: Sector New York Coast Guard
Honor Guard lead the Coast Guard Pipe band
down 5th Ave. in New York, Monday, March 17,
2008 in the annual St. Patricks Day Parade.
Photo by Dee Thompson, DSO-PA, 1SR (NY)
Above: Drum Major Andy Anderson, FL 38, at the
St. Patricks Day Parade in New York City.
Below: The USCG Pipe Band performs for a
cheering crowd at the 2008 St. Patricks Day Pa-
rade. Both photos by Dee Thompson, DSO-PA,
1SR (New York)
Cover photo: USCG Pipe Band at the St. Patricks
Day Parade. U.S. Coast Guard photo by PAC Tom
Sperduto
Page 22




Blackthorn Memorial
Debbie Healey, FSO-PA/ MA Flotilla 85 Palmetto, Sherri Ray, FSO-SR/ AFSO-PA Flotilla 85 Palmetto
Editor: Nancy Howard, FSO-PB Flotilla 85 Palmetto
On 28 J anuary 2008, the annual
memorial ceremony was held at
Blackthorn Memorial Park on
the north end of the Sunshine
Skyway Bridge to commemorate
the largest peacetime loss of life
in Coast Guard history. Auxil-
iary members from Flotilla 85
and from many other flotillas
joined the regular Coast Guard
to honor the Coasties who were
lost during their service 28 years
ago.
During the ceremony, Fred Ker-
mode, DCP, and Braxton Ezell,
VCP, presented a wreath from
Division 8. Kermode reflected,
"Although the Auxiliary has al-
ways had a very strong pres-
ence at the memorial, to my
knowledge, this is the first time
an Auxiliary unit has contributed
a wreath to honor those lost on
the Coast Guard Cutter (CGC)
Blackthorn. I think it was appro-
priate that Division 8 make the
contribution as Ron Touchton,
one of its members, who is
now in Flotilla 85 Palmetto, was
first on the scene." Touchton has
never missed a memorial ser-
vice since the accident.
The ceremony opened with an
aerial salute from Air Station
Clearwater, and Vice Admiral
Robert J . Papp, J r. gave the me-
morial address and read the
names of each of the 23 cutter-
men who lost their lives. The
USCG Pipe Band concluded the
ceremony by playing a stirring
rendition of Amazing Grace.
The CGC Blackthorn (WAGL/
WLB-391) was built by Marine
Iron and Ship Building Corpora-
tion of Duluth, Minnesota. She
was 1 of 39 units of the 180-foot
tenders built, the largest class of
tenders, to that time, con-
structed by the Coast Guard.
The 39 tenders were divided into
three separate classes: A or
Cactus-Class, B or Mesquite-
Class, and C or Iris-Class.
Blackthorn was one of the 20 C
Class 180-foot tenders.
Blackthorn was laid down 21 May 1943,
launched 20 J uly 1943, and commissioned
27 March 1944. The principal job of a buoy
tender was to service aids to navigation.
As with all Coast Guard craft, buoy tenders
are often diverted to other missionsa fact
reflected in Blackthorns career.From 15
October 1979 through late J anuary 1980
Blackthorn was overhauled in Tampa, Flor-
ida. (http://www.uscg.mil/history/
WEBCUTTERS/Blackthorn_1943.html)
.At about 8:20 p.m. on J an. 28, 1980,
about two miles south of the memorial site,
Blackthorn collided with the tanker Capri-
corn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. At
that point, Capricorns 7-ton anchor then
became embedded in Blackthorn, and
when the 990-foot anchor chain pulled taut,
Capricorn pulled Blackthorn back through
the water and caused it to capsize. Black-
thorn sank within 10 minutes in 40 feet of

Page 23
water, taking with it 23 of the 50 crew mem-
bers. (http://www.uscg.mil/reserve/magazine/
mag2000/mar2000/blackthorn.htm)
Coast Guard and Auxiliary vessels as well as vessels
from law enforcement, rescue agencies and civilians
came to the search area to assist.
A year later, a Marine Board of Investigation report and
then a federal judge ruled that both ships were to blame
because neither kept to its respective side of the channel
and that both failed to establish a proper passing proce-
dure.
Eventually, the rusting Blackthorn was raised and towed
out into the Gulf of Mexico where it now lies 20 miles off
Clearwater, part of the Pinellas County Artificial Reef
Program. Capricorn, which suffered only minor damage
and no loss of life, was torn apart during the 1980s and
used for scrap.
The 6,000-pound monument commemorating both the
sinking and the 23 Coast Guardsmen was dedicated
J anuary 28, 1981, and is located at the Sunshine Sky-
way Bridge north base rest area, site of the annual cere-
mony. The Florida Legislature named the wayside parks
at each end of the bridge Blackthorn Memorial Park in
J une 1980. At Base Galveston, a buoy contains a com-
memorative plaque and is lit permanently. (http://
www.uscg.mil/reserve/magazine/mag2000/mar2000/
blackthorn.htm)
If we dont remember, our past is lost, but so is our fu-
ture, Capt. Lacy Harwell, a retired Navy Chaplain who
served with the Coast Guard during World War II, re-
flected at the 20
th
annual memorial ceremony. (http://
www.uscg.mil/reserve/magazine/mag2000/mar2000/
blackthorn.htm)
Twenty-eight years have passed since that tragic night.
Each year since 1980 we have gathered to pay tribute to
these fallen heroes. As the name of each of the 23 who
perished is read, the ships bell tolls twice. Those who
were lost are not forgotten.
Photos on previous page: Twenty-three cuttermen presently
assigned to Sector St. Persburg hold a single rose that they
placed at the foot of the memorial during the reading of the
names.
Photo by Guy Mandigo, ASO-PB, Division 7
Fred Kermode, DCP, and Braxton Ezell, VCP, presented a
wreath from Division 8.
Photo by Dee Kermode, FC 85
Below: Steven Rogers from Flotilla 36 and J ames Mulligan from
Flotilla 74, members of the USCG Pipe Band, play Amazing
Grace at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Photo by Dee Kermode, FC 85
Page 24




Flotilla 91, Fort Myers Beach, Fla., has teamed with fed-
eral, state, county and local agencies in forming a Marine
Emergency Response Team (MERT). This highly trained
organization was formed to respond to a mass casualty
incident occurring on the local waterways.
Flotilla 91 merged with members of U.S. Coast Guard
Station Fort Myers to form a cohesive Team Coast Guard
element. This element then joined with members of local
fire departments, sheriff and police departments, fire res-
cue services, Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission,
Emergency Medical Services, and representatives of the
local cities to form a well trained and efficient task force.
The area covered by this MERT includes Fort Myers, Fort
Myers Shores and Fort Myers Beach, Upper Captiva, Bo-
nita, Sanibel and Cape Coral.
The rescue operations are directed from an Incident
Command Center, a vehicle from Lee County, Fla., that
is a state-of-the-art, mobile communications facility. It is
staffed by civilian and military personnel who are trained
in Incident Command System/ National Incident Manage-
ment System (ICS/NIMS). With this special training
added to the previously acquired training and expertise of
each individual, the group forms a highly effective emer-
gency response team.
The MERT-Fort Myers team recently conducted its sec-
ond semi-annual exercise, which included three scenar-
ios: a dive rescue, a boat on fire, and a mass casualty
incident. BM2 Paul Russell of Coast Guard Station Fort
MERT and Flotilla 91
By Dan Eaton, Commander, FL 91
BM2 Russell, Station Fort Myers Beach, left, and Sanibel Fire Rescue Chief Tim Barret, during a briefing for the
exercise, hold up a chart of the area which depicts response zones for the exercise. Photo by Daniel Eaton

Page 25
Myers Beach served as Incident Commander. Four Flo-
tilla 91 Auxiliarists participated. Daniel Falzone served as
Chief of Diving Operations and Daniel Eaton performed
duties as Planning/Logistics Chief. William White and
Robert DePuy aided the effort with their skills.
The simulated mass casualty situation involved a large
passenger ferry hitting the Sanibel Bridge, forcing people
into the water. The people were simulated with life jack-
ets and plastic jugs. These items added to the realism of
the exercise by having notes attached depicting specific
injuries. Some of the notes made the exercise more
complicated by stating that the rescue boat was on fire,
or was, itself, taking on water, or by depicting a situation
requiring law enforcement. Following all specifications of
the ICS, the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary
performed as trained.
In the middle of the exercise, half of the radios lost power
due to a power malfunction in the command van. An ee-
rie silence settled over the command staff until they real-
ized what had happened. With quick thinking, they were
able to rapidly resolve the situation and reestablish com-
munications with the rescue crews searching for survi-
vors. By demonstrating the need for continuous planning
and preparation for the unexpected, this exercise was a
learning situation for all hands, not just those on the wa-
ter.
The exercise was repeated for three more days to en-
able all new on-the-water crews to obtain hands-on ex-
perience.
These types of exercises are essential as preparation for
the rapid and efficient rescue of persons in distress. It is
also a great way for the various rescue forces to meet
one another and build a needed rapport. Everyone in-
volved learned new things and then practiced them as a
team. It helped the MERT task force to iron out any prob-
lems that might exist if the exercise suddenly became a
reality.
Early in 2008 Flotilla 91 will be providing classroom train-
ing in search and rescue patterns and team coordination
training for members of the MERT task force.
BM2 Paul Russell of Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach,
Florida, takes charge as the on-scene Incident Commander in
the Lee County Mobile Response Unit. BM2 Russell orches-
trated the response to the incident by directing a multitude of
emergency water response assets to the incident.
Photo by William White.
Auxiliarist Daniel Falzone, Flotilla 91, acts as Chief of Diving
Operations. Falzone, under guidance from the Incident Com-
mand Center, managed the dive rescue scene by coordinating
the various rescue boats and the sheriffs department safety
If there is one thing Florida Coast Guard Auxiliarist Ron
Bockhold knows very well, it is navigation. Ron has
spent the last six years with Flotilla 42 in Melbourne,
navigating Floridas Intracoastal Waterway conducting
courtesy marine inspections and patrols in his sailboat,
Nicolaus Copernicus. When he has not been on the wa-
ter he has been in the air, traversing the Pacific North-
west as a veteran airline pilot based in Alaska. It should
come as no surprise that when the Port Canaveral-based
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Confidence offered a berth and
a spot at the chart table to the Auxiliary, Ron jumped at
the chance.
After taking some much needed vacation time, Ron
headed to J amaica, like thousands of Americans do each
winter, on J anuary 2. His return trip, however, was any-
thing but conventional. Confidence pulled into Port Anto-
nio, a small tourist destination on the northeast corner of
the island, on J anuary 3, making one final port call before
heading home following a 47-day counter-drug patrol.
Ron was anxiously waiting with the ships line-handlers
and went to work as soon as the bow was on the pier.
During the Port Antonio visit, Ron joined the ships crew
on shore excursions to Somerset Falls, local markets
and restaurants, and some of J amaicas famous
beaches, giving Ron a chance to enjoy his vacation and
meet most of the cutters 80 crewmembers before getting
underway.
Following two days in port, Confidence set sail from Port
Antonio and began the five-day transit home. Ron imme-
diately began working with the cutters bridge watch-
standers on a Navigator of the Watch qualification, nor-
mally reserved for Petty Officers with extensive training
and experience. Confidences Navigator of the Watch
assists the Officer of the Deck (OOD) with the safe navi-
gation of the cutter using paper charts, the Shipboard
Command and Control System (SCCS), Differential
Global Positioning System (DGPS), radar, and multiple
Melbourne Auxiliarist Sails Onboard
CGC Confidence
Jim McGuinness, IPFC, FSO-PA Flotilla 42, D7
"Confidence Staff Photo"
shows Commander Naron
and Ron Bockhold standing
on the deck of the Confidence
in Port Canaveral upon their
return to port.

Page 27
weather observation tools. Most Petty Officers stand four
to eight hours of watch each day while attempting to earn
this qualification; but given the short time frame allotted,
Ron voluntarily spent over 10 hours of each day on the
bridge familiarizing himself with the ships systems and
applying his sailing and flight experience to the navigation
of the cutter.
Ron was on the bridge during an all-hands damage con-
trol drill and maintained the ships plot and logs while the
crew responded to simulated battle damage and casual-
ties. He also had an opportunity to spend time in the
ships engine room as her American Locomotive Com-
pany (ALCO) twin diesel engines propelled the cutter to-
ward Florida at 16 knots, and he worked on the boat deck
with members of the cutters Deck Department during the
launching of Confidences Over the Horizon Cutter Boat
using a state-of-the-art Welin Lambie davit system.
Rons near constant presence on the bridge and strong
desire to learn allowed him to complete most of the Navi-
gator of the Watch qualification process in only one week,
an unbelievable accomplishment. Confidences Com-
manding Officer, Commander Cameron Naron, said of
the experience, He was given the same expectations
and opportunities as his active duty counterparts and Ron
completed a majority of the qualification process in just
seven days. Given another few days underway, he could
obtain a full Navigator of the Watch qualification during
his next underway period, which would be a significant
accomplishment for Ron,
Confidence, and the Auxil-
iary. How many Auxil-
iarists can say that they
are Navigator of the
Watch qualified and per-
forming underway watch
duties aboard a 210 foot
medium endurance cut-
ter? Having Ron qualified
will provide us a great
watchstander resource
which will especially help
us during transfer seasons
or if our current watch-
standers experience fam-
ily emergencies which
may require them to leave
the ship during a patrol.
Ron, also grateful for the
training opportunity and
looking forward to his next
chance to sail with the
crew, added, As a mem-
ber of some 30,000 Auxil-
iarists nationwide who stand ready to serve the U.S.
Coast Guard, it is an honor to do so and a highlight of my
six-year Auxiliary service. Confidence recognizes the
Auxiliary as a tremendous force multiplier and seeks to
integrate and work with the Auxiliary at every opportu-
nity.
As you can see from the above narrative of Rons time
with the Confidence, they were all impressed with his
skills as navigator, his willingness to learn and his ability
to quickly adopt Coast Guard procedures.
The author would like to make a short comment on Ron
as an Auxiliarist. A little over one month after being
sworn in, he was VE qualified and performing VSCs
regularly. By his second anniversary, he completed all of
the AUXOP courses and was certified, in addition to
qualifying as a Coxswain. He boosted our flotillas ATON
program and trained our current FSO-AN. He is defi-
nitely an asset to our flotilla. We are all looking forward to
his retirement from Northwest Airlines so that he can be
with us full time.
Semper Paratus
USCG FilePhotograph
Page 28




Members of U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91, District
7, are very closely involved in the war against drug traf-
ficking, gun running, terrorism and the illegal harvesting
of fish that decimates a countrys source of seafood.
What do these different activities have in common and
where does the Auxiliary come in? Enduring Friendship
is the answer.
Operation Enduring Friendship is a U.S. Southern Com-
mand initiative designed to build regional cooperative
security, support the national counter-terrorism/drug pol-
icy and develop roles and missions for the 21
st
century. It
is a voluntary program with the primary goal of coordinat-
ing the assets and efforts of not only the United States
but also of the Caribbean nations in fighting the common
problems we face as marine-oriented countries.
Referring to the first graduating class of Enduring Friend-
ship, the United States Southern Command, in its news-
letter stated, There was minor fanfare in Fort Meyers,
Floridawhen 14 Dominican Republic service members
graduated from a little-known boat instruction course
thats part of a similarly unknown U.S. initiative. But, for
leaders across the U.S. interagency, including U.S.
Southern Command, the event was a big deal with long-
term security implications for the Caribbean and the
United States. They see it as the first major milestone in
an effort to counter threats more effectively in the waters
of the Caribbean, especially drug traffickers.
In order to accomplish this, two companies in Florida,
Naples Yachts of Naples and Nor-Tech Performance
Yachts of Ft. Meyers, were awarded a 4.7 million dollar
contract to provide eight, forty-three foot interceptor ves-
sels for participating Caribbean countries. Technical train-
ing was provided by Lee County Schools at the Marine
Training Center at High Center Central in Ft. Meyers,
Florida.
District 7, a Key Player in Operation Enduring Friendship
Dan Eaton, FSO-PA / PB
Instructor Robert De Puy assists a group of students with coastal navigation and charting. Photo by Dan Eaton

Page 29
Next, the crews needed to be trained on small boat op-
erations.
Enduring Friendship initiative representatives came from
the Dominican Republic Navy as well as from Panama,
J amaica, Nicaragua, the Bahamas and Honduras. They
came to Flotilla 91, Fort Meyers Beach, Florida, for this
training and boat instruction. An exceptional staff from
Flotilla 91 provided that training. The instructors, William
Bill Burch, Robert W. DePuy and Daniel Falzone, repre-
sent the very best the Coast Guard Auxiliary has to offer.
All are now serving in a variety of positions and have a
wide variety of qualifications ranging from U.S. Coast
Guard certification as station watchstander and CG Boat
Force Crewman to Coast Guard Auxiliary Coxswain and
Operational Excellence to AUXOP and Coxswain. They
have all held a variety of offices in the Auxiliary both as
staff officers and as elected leaders. All have CG Master
licenses of either 50-Ton or 100-ton. With their combined
training and experience, together with their commitment
to the Auxiliary, they will have a positive impact upon the
operational success of Operation Enduring Friendship.
Now, put these men, with their skills, with an eager group
of sailors from the various countries
who are highly motivated to learn
because the ongoing smuggling,
illegal fishing and drug trafficking
adversely affect their countries.
Some of these countries are trans-
shipment points for illegal drugs
destined for the United States and
Canada. Colombian drug-traffickers,
for example, favor the Dominican
Republic in their money-laundering
activities. All of this serves to harm
their country and its people.
These Flotilla 91 instructors present
all aspects of small boat handling.
They explain marlinspike; show the
students how to tie the various knots
and hitches and then watch the stu-
dents practice. The instructors intro-
duce charts, explain how to read
them and then conduct classroom
navigational exercises. The students
also learn boat crew responsibilities
and team coordination. They are
also trained in survival equipment,
GPS/Radar usage and operation.
Hands-on training allows the instructors to evaluate the
students grasp of the training and allows them to adapt
and modify the instruction on the spot.
Many of the students fulfilled a dream to come to Amer-
ica and learn new ideas and techniques and to refine
their own skills. They will take these lessons learned
back to their homes and will be more effective in their
missions of reducing the drug and myriad of other mari-
time problems they face. By being able to serve more
effectively in their parts of the Caribbean, they permit the
United States to reallocate its assets to other problem
areas.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91, District 7, is proud
to be an important and active contributor in the Operation
Enduring Friendship initiative.
Auxiliary Team Leader Robert De Puy accepts an Award of
Appreciation from the Commander of the Honduran Naval
Force following the successful training of their sailors.
Photo by Dan Eaton
Page 30




Archie Schmidt is a member
of Flotilla 9-10 in Fort Myers
and of the Auxiliary Inter-
preter Corps, a group of
about 220 members whose
missions offer their linguistic
skills to the U.S. Coast
Guard, other agencies of The
Department of Homeland
Security and the U.S. mili-
tary. As part of a U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary team, Archie
volunteered to assist the U.S.
Navy in the training of 96
soldiers and sailors from the
African island nation of Sao
Tome and Principe, some
200 miles off the coast of
Gabon, in Western Africa.
The team consisted of
Archie, Antonio Viana, Flotilla
34, Aderson de Almeida,
Flotilla 63, and Erik Na-
konechnyj, Flotilla 11-7. The
mission assignment lasted
from J anuary 16 to February 1, 2008. It took over two
days to get to Sao Tome, flying from Miami to Newark,
Newark to Lisbon (with a fourteen-hour layover, followed
by another layover in Cape Verde Islands) and finally a
five-hour flight to Sao Tome. Once they arrived, they
spent the first two days on Sao Tome, where they trans-
lated PowerPoint presentations from English to Portu-
guese. The team spent the next ten days on the Landing
Ship Dock, the USS Fort McHenry, LSD 43.
The McHenry serves as a platform for the Africa Partner-
ship Station (APS) initiative, which aims to work coopera-
tively with international partners in promoting maritime
security in Western Africa as well as delivering $100,000
of donated equipment and medicine to the local hospital.
(See the Web site http://www.fort-mchenry.navy.mil/
default.aspx for more information)
In addition to translating over 50 PowerPoint presenta-
tions, Archie, along with Aderson, conducted classroom
and practical on-the-water instruction in small boat han-
dling, maintenance and first aid.
Additional training included the topics of Logistics & Ad-
ministration (Erik Nakonechnyj), Repair & Maintenance of
Small Boat Engines (Antonio Viana), as well as Medical,
Port & Coast Security and Non-commissioned Officers
(NCO) Leadership.
The workday aboard the USS McHenry was extensive.
The day began at 0600 and typically ended anywhere
between 2000 and 2100. Concentrating on small boat
handling, Archie trained, along with his co-instructor Ad-
erson, a class of 17 on both seven and eleven-meter
boats from about 0900 to 1600. The training was inten-
sive to say the least!
The accommodations were tight. Archie bunked with the
junior officers in six-man berths. Standing over six feet
two, Archie worked out a precise entry and exit routine in
the narrow berths that had about a 26-inch clearance
between bunks. Since most of the USS McHenry is hol-
low in order to carry large landing barges, the decks are
stacked quite high. Vertical motion was the primary
means of getting about the ship and the steepness of the
ladders toned up everyones muscles.
The interpreters were well treated and respected for their
involvement in this worthy assistance offered by the U.S.
Navy APS program. The mission was highly success-
ful. The U.S. Navy is planning to use the USCG Auxiliary
Interpreter Corp more often.
When asked if he would do it again, Archies answer was
a definite, Yes!
Auxiliary Interpreter Corps Goes to Western Africa
By Fernando Licopoli, FSO-PB 9-10
Archie Schmidt, Flotilla 9-10, Fort Myers, Florida, with members of the Army of Sao Tome,
aboard a training vessel. (Photographer Unknown)

Page 31
J anuary 2008 D-Train Learn, Contribute and Inspire
offered a variety of training and information sharing op-
portunities.
Auxiliary Mid Level Officer's Course (AMLOC) instructors
Cathie Welty, DSO-PV; Don Warren and Diana Figueroa,
ASC; conducted training for Division Captains, Division
Vice Captains and District Staff Officers.
The Flotilla Commander Academy provided useful tools
and ideas for Flotilla Commanders and Flotilla Vice Com-
manders in their new leadership roles.
Robert Weskerna, DSO-MS, and his ADSOs, offered an
extraordinary Marine Safety session outlining activities in
each Sector. He explained the Trident Program and new
codes in the MS program.
Roy Savoca, DSO-CS, led the Communication Services
special training. He focused on Auxiliary Web sites, con-
tent, appearance and selected items of the CS guide.
Other training opportunities included: a Counter Terror-
ism Course, Seamanship Course (AUXSEA), and the
Instructor course.
Conference Fun Night provided time to share with our
fellow members and to have fun. Congratulations to Os-
valdo Catinchi, VCP1, and Mary Dahlgren, the winners of
the Mexican attire contest. Richard Leys, RCO-E, and
his wife, Gwen, served as Masters of Ceremony.
Every D7 conference is a unique opportunity for every
member to learn. We have the best Team ready to serve
and inspire. Looking ahead to the Fall Conference, make
your reservations on time; it will be a pleasure to meet
you. For Conference first timers, we have a special
presentation; dont miss it. See you there!
D-Train: Learn, Contribute and Inspire
By Diane Figueroa, DSO-MT

Training...
Shopping.
Dining...
And more Fun than you ever imagined!
Photos by Ken Sommers
Page 32




Early Thursday evening February 7, a huge ex-
plosion and fire ripped through the Imperial
Sugar Plant in Savannah, Ga. According to the
AP account of the event: Imperial Sugar Presi-
dent and CEO J ohn Sheptor said sugar dust in a
silo where refined sugar is stored before being
packaged likely ignited like gunpowder.
The result was as devastating as a bomb. Floors
inside the plant collapsed, flames spread
throughout the refinery, metal girders buckled
into twisted heaps and shredded sheet metal
littered the wreckage. Tragically, thirteen Impe-
rial Sugar employees died as a result of this
event.
This plant is very familiar to Division 10 Auxiliary
members . The plant is located on the Savannah
River adjacent to Georgia Port Authoritys con-
tainer docks. Division 10 boats and crews pass by the
plant every week while doing Harbor Patrols for Marine
Safety Unit (MSU) Savannah.
Thirty minutes after the explosion, Division 10 Operations
Officers were deeply involved organizing the Auxiliary
response to CG requests for assistance. LCDR Kevin
Lynn, Chief of Response for MSU Savannah, contacted
Carl Poythress, FSO-OP for the Savannah Flotilla re-
questing that Auxiliary boats and crews be placed on
standby to augment the CG response. Lynn emphasized
that Auxiliary boats would not be deployed until condi-
tions near the Refinery were deemed safe for operations.
Henry Pratt, SO-OP, worked the incident with his laptop
and cell phone while vacationing in Florida. From this
point on, Pratt, Poythress and Terry Hoffmann, FSO-OP
10-11, worked as a team to organize the Auxiliary assets
required for the response. BMC J ames Bodenrader, OIC
USCG Station Tybee, directed the Auxiliary response.
The team decided to launch the first Auxiliary boat from
the Hilton Head Flotilla. Coxswain Terry Hoffmann and
Crew Warren Wilson, FC 10-11, left Hilton Head Island at
0930. They were instructed to report to Station Tybee on
the Savannah River and standby until cleared to proceed
to the site of the incident. They navigated a slow trip on a
moonless night, as the ICW route between Hilton Head
and the Savannah River is a challenging task after dark.
Making extensive use of their local knowledge of the
ICW, GPS and spotlight, Hoffman and Wilson arrived at
Station Tybee at 1100.
After a briefing, they departed for the scene of the inci-
dent and arrived at 1200 where they joined a CG boat
already on scene. Hoffmann and Wilson were on the
scene until 0530 Friday assisting the CG in enforcing a
security zone and looking for debris and possible victims
in the river.
The return trip to Hilton Head was challenging for the
Auxiliary Crew because they did not have the Savannah
city lights to guide them. According to Wilson, We just
followed our GPS track from the trip down and proceeded
at not much more than idle speed. They arrived safely at
their dock at Hilton Head Island at 0630 Friday morning.
Coxswain Hoffmann reported: We played a small part in
the Coast Guard response to this tragedy, but we were
pleased that thanks to our Auxiliary training, we were
ready to respond quickly and safely.
In the hours that followed, Division 10 boats and crews
were on the scene continuously until the safety zone was
terminated Saturday afternoon. Under the direction of
Station Tybee, Division 10 provided 100 man-hours of
support using four facilities and nine crewmembers.
In a message to Dick Luettich, DCP, Captain Michael
McAllister, CO Sector Charleston, said: Your readiness
was tested and you performed with the highest degree of
professionalism and Coast Guard spirit when called
upon. You provided direct operational support as part of
a multi-agency response team by conducting safety zone
patrols to ensure the safety of emergency responders
and the maritime community. The command and control
demonstrated by your boat crews and leadership team
was textbook and highlighted your devotion to our core
values and our service motto, Always Ready. We were
able to serve our community in its time of need because
you met the challenge in your preparation and your ac-
tions when the alarm sounded. Bravo Zulu teammates
and thanks for your continuous readiness.
Auxiliary Responds to Savannah Sugar Refinery Explosion
By John W. Tysse
Aerial photo courtesy of the Port Wentworth Fire and Rescue Company

Page 33
Division 16 encompasses the
U.S. Virgin Islands and sur-
rounding waters. This area in-
cludes the major islands of St.
Croix, St. Thomas, St. J ohn, and
Water Island. Division 16 is ad-
jacent to Division 1-Puerto Rico
(West) and the British Virgin Is-
lands (Northeast and East). Dis-
tances across the waters have
limited our contact to Division
meetings, aviation workshops,
and District conferences. Re-
cently, the flotillas of D16 are
finding ways to work together,
beginning with the coordination
of National Safe Boating Week.
Also, since meeting together at
the March District Planning Con-
ference in Atlanta, Division Cap-
tains and Coast Guard Auxiliary
Liaison Officers (AUXLOs) are
working more closely together.
Divisions 1 and 16 are coordinat-
ing more closely with Sector San
J uan and Air Station Borinquen.
Much of this is due to the ener-
gies of Duane Minton, DCP16,
Nestor Tacoronte, DCP1, CDR
Carlos Torres, LT Shannon
Whitaker and Diana Figueroa,
IPDC1.
With the silver and gold sides working together, it is ex-
tremely important that the public, whom we serve, knows
who we are and how to contact us. Recent events in the
Virgin Islands strongly illustrate this point.
On March 21, 2008, Minton was standing a radio watch in
St. Croix when he heard a PAN-PAN broadcast of three
persons in the water (PIW) off Hull Bay, St. Thomas. He
contacted Klaus Willems, SO-OP 16, who mobilized Don
Goetz, a coxswain. Goetz droveto the beach while a
helo was dispatched from Air Station Borinquen. Goetz
identified the three PIW as surfers and stood by to warn
people of the dangerous surf conditions.
On November 15, 2007, J ames CC Kreglo, a member
of Flotilla 16-2, was in Florida working on his houseboat
when he received a cell phone call concerning a missing
swimmer in St. Thomas. Kreglo called Willems, FSO-OP
16-2, from Florida. Willems had just heard a USCG helo
fly overhead, and he contacted Sector San J uan. CDR
Art Snider, XO of Air Station
Borinquen, who was flying the
helo, immediately proceeded to
the east end of St. Thomas. The
activity of the helo and notifica-
tion to boaters initiated a suc-
cessful search for the missing
swimmer.
On December 17, 2007, Kreglo
received an early morning call
from the owner of a 68-foot yacht
that had struck a reef in the Turks
and Caicos Islands. The owner
was unsure whom to call for help
but had the Auxiliarists phone
number. Kreglo contacted Wil-
lems, who directed him to contact
Sector San J uan and eventually
Sector Miami. A helo was dis-
patched and the vessel success-
fully extracted from the reef and
beached on a nearby island.
The common denominator in
these scenarios is knowledge:
Auxiliarists are trained for emer-
gency situations, and boaters
and the general public recognize
the role of the USCG Auxiliary.
Our chain of leadership works
connecting members in other flo-
tillas, divisions, and districts.
We promote Auxiliary recognition through all of our pro-
grams. Instructors teach boating safety and encourage
vessel examinations. Public Affairs personnel serve at
boating safety booths with the same message. Publica-
tions reach out to the public and the membership through
press coverage for Auxiliary events and radio and TV
messages. Vessel Examiners and Partner Visitors circu-
late around the boating communities, docks, marinas,
yacht clubs, fishing clubs and waterside restaurants.
Coxswains and Crew interact with the boating public
while on patrol. Web sites keep members and the public
informed. Everyone gets the word out: We are the
USCG Auxiliary in this community!
One last message: Come visit the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Contact us before you travel, and we will do our best to
have an Auxiliarist meet you and take you around. Re-
member, fellowship is one of our four cornerstones.
Virgin Islands Recipe for Success
By James CC Kreglo, VCP Division 16
A USCG helo is dispatched from Air Station
Borinquen to search for a missing
swimmer on November 15th in St. Thomas.
Photo by Mace McDowell, a resident of St. Thomas
Page 34




The United States Coast Guard Band visited Clearwater,
Fla., on J anuary 31, and won the praise of a standing-
room only audience. They made time literally stand still
for the over 2,100 attendees. The audience sat there with
eyes wide and mouths agape listening to music that ran
the gamut from jazz to classical to marching to traditional.
This memorable performance by a renowned band was
made possible through the extraordinary efforts of one
person - Auxiliarist J odie Rebstock-Brill of Clearwater
Flotilla 1-10. Rebstock-Brill met the Band in 2003 when
her husband, Harry, was a contract truck driver for the
Band. He invited her to go on a tour with him and the
Band, and she quickly fell in love with them, and they with
her. She became their official photographer, taking both
on-stage and off-stage photos of the members perform-
ing, laughing and playing frizbee. In other words, just be-
ing themselves. No one had ever done this before so
they now had a pictorial record of each of them and of the
Band as a whole. The Band encouraged Rebstock-Brill to
join her hometown Auxiliary flotilla, which she did. Now in
uniform, she really became a part of the USCG Band
family.
In J uly 2006 Rebstock-Brill began an all-
out effort to bring the Band from their
home at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in
New London, Conn., to Clearwater. Before
long she and Frank Hibbard, the Mayor of
Clearwater, were on a first name basis.
She even got him interested in applying to
the U.S. Coast Guard to have Clearwater
designated a Coast Guard City. Reb-
stock-Brill was a whirlwind around the city
signing up sponsors for the Band concert,
introducing people to one another, and
forming partnerships to support the Bands
performance. She also contacted various
businesses and encouraged them to do-
nate their services, and enlisted the help
of over a dozen fellow Auxiliarists. She
was a one-woman public affairs/public re-
lations agency, but also quick to praise
her friends in Division 11 who helped her.
Led by Commander Kenneth W. Megan,
the United States Coast Guard Band is an
amazing 52-member group that enthralls
their audiences with their versatility. The
effect of their performance that evening in
Clearwater was definitely no different.
MU1 Lisa Williamson, the soprano vocal-
ist, began the evening with a beautiful ren-
dition of the National Anthem. She sang several other
songs, bringing people to their feet with round after
round of applause. While singing a song from a Rogers
and Hammerstein musical, her voice and gestures
brought forth laughter as well as tears from the audi-
ence.
The musicians are all highly trained professionals but
with a magnificent sense of humor. Every one of them
was obviously enjoying the evening and this showed
throughout the performance. The audience was capti-
vated. When the evenings program was over - it wasnt.
The audience brought the house down with applause
and demanded one encore after another. They stood for
almost every curtain call, attesting to their delight with
the Bands performance. Rounding out this evening of
sheer delight was an announcement by Commander
Megan that, when Clearwater was designated a Coast
Guard City, the Band would make a trip back to put on a
special performance for the city.
What a winning combination: the U.S. Coast Guard
Band and J odie Rebstock-Brill.
The USCG Band Wins Clearwater
By Tom Loughlin, SO-PA Div 11
J odie Rebstock-Brill is congratulated by Karen Miller, DCP, and
Captain J oseph Servidio, Commander, Sector St. Petersburg
at the Division 11 awards luncheon on April 12 at the
Tarpon Springs Yacht Club.
Photo by Walter Murray, 11-10

Page 35
Auxiliary FL 79 member Dottie Riley uses her gifted eyes
and hands to capture on canvas Coast Guard and Auxil-
iary missions and issues of social importance, and to
chronicle the activities of Auxiliarists in District Seven.
One of her latest works, a watercolor and ink painting
entitled Operation Bay Sentinel, has been selected by
the U.S. Coast Guard for its nationwide Coast Guard Art
Program (COGAP). Portraying an August 2006 under-
way training exercise on Tampa Bay, Fla., involving the
Yacht Starship, and Coast Guard aircraft and patrol craft
from Air Station Clearwater, Sector St. Petersburg, and
the Auxiliary, the painting is based on the official USCG
photograph of the exercise taken by PA1 Donnie
Bruzska, USCG. "My idea to do Operation Bay Sentinel
was sort of a last-minute decision, and Im very proud that
it was selected for the Coast Guard Arts program," Dottie
said recently.
Operation Bay Sentinel will be officially unveiled at a
J une reception, which Dottie will attend, at the Salma-
gundi Art Club, a 130-year old arts/cultural center in New
York City. The painting will then either go on tour or
grace the walls of government offices in Washington.
COGAP is a unique, nationwide Coast Guard initiative
that utilizes fine art created by volunteer professional art-
ists to educate diverse American audiences about Coast
Guard missions, heroes and history. The works are dis-
played in museums, galleries, libraries and government
offices.
Last month Dottie was urged to present a print of
Operation Bay Sentinel to Yacht Starship President
Troy Manthey, and the painting now occupies a promi-
nent place on the wall of fame at Starship offices. Man-
they was so impressed with her exceptional talent that he
commissioned Dottie to create another painting for pro-
motional use by the popular dining yacht.
In addition to a near-mural-size oil painting called
Another Good Day, depicting Flotilla 79 Auxiliarists re-
turning to the Gandy Boat Ramp from an on-the-water
mission, Dottie created a work in acrylic of the May 2007
Blessing of the Fleet event. That work captured Auxiliary
and Coast Guard vessels passing in review of Sector St.
Petersburg Commander Capt. J oseph Servidio, USCG,
and Conrad Palermo, DCP-7, on a very blustery Saturday
morning off the St. Petersburg Pier. On behalf of Division
7, Dottie presented the painting to Capt. Servidio at the
Divisions awards luncheon on March 29. Dotties pen-
chant for painting only began about four years ago when
she started to teach herself how to paint, following a full
career as a clinical social worker and trauma counselor,
not to mention raising a family.
Painting is not Dotties only forte. During her U.S. Army
service, she was trained in air defense field artillery, but
her specialty was later changed to journalist. For three
years, she wrote and edited Army unit newsletters, in-
cluding one for the Army Air Defense School Brigade at
Fort Bliss, Texas. Dotties extensive writing experience
and talent for creating well-written, interesting and graphi-
cally compelling newsletters has not been lost on local
and district Auxiliary leaders. She now serves as editor
of this august publication (and had nothing to do with writ-
ing this article!), the Division 7 Intercom and Flotilla 79s
monthly newsletter, the Seven-Niner. Her Auxiliary iden-
tifier is a mouthful: FSO-PB, FL 79, SO-PB Div 7, DSO-
PB D7!
The daughter of a career Army father, Dottie was born in
San Francisco and has lived in a number of places, in-
cluding Nurnberg, Germany, northern Kentucky, and Indi-
anapolis. She moved to Florida from Philadelphia in 1987
and set her anchor in Brandon. Dotties expertise in
trauma counseling led to a request to assist terrorist-
attack victims at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
For personal reasons, she decided not to accept the as-
signment; but her strong sense of patriotism channeled
her energy in a different directionthe Coast Guard Aux-
iliary. She enrolled in 2003. To say she has been an
active member ever since is a huge understatement.
Dotties talents bring a high level of professionalism to
district, division and flotilla publications; and her creativity
with both the written word and the brush has really bene-
fited the Auxiliary,observed Conrad Palermo, DCP-7.
Auxiliarists Penchant for Painting Wins Nationwide
Coast Guard Honor
Story and photo by Tim Teahan, FL 79
Dottie Riley presents Starship President Troy Manthey with a
print of her watercolor, Operation Bay Sentinel.
Page 36




During the month of March, Division 1 participated in a
kayak competition running from the Isla de Culebra to the
port of Fajardo, on the east coast of Puerto Rico. A
kayak committee was established to coordinate and dis-
cuss security measures and race route with and provide
underway support to the competitors. There were nine
locals and 21 international competitors, a total of 30 par-
ticipants. Osvaldo Catinchi, VCP1, Chuck Lindsey, SO-
OP1, and J os A. Rivera, SO-CM1, coordinated with the
race organizers.
Four Auxiliary units were involved during the event: Fa-
jardo (Flotilla 11), San J uan (Flotilla 1-10), Santurce
(Flotilla 1-12) and Cangrejos Flotilla 12. Early in the
morning three vessel operational facilities (OPFACs) de-
parted from Culebra and escorted the kayakers to Fa-
jardo. Two personal watercraft (PWC) OPFACs from
Fajardo controlled the maritime traffic in the area near the
finish line at Fajardo.
In the morning, while OPFAC vessels were escorting the
competitors, the two PWC operators were informing boat-
ers about the kayak competition. They helped to mark
the finish line with two small removable buoys prior to the
event and to remove them immediately after the competi-
tion ended.
Four members were in charge of communications via
VHF CH83/Cell. Three were watchstanders while the
fourth was plotting the route on the nautical chart. All
communications were with Coast Guard PATCOM 33 to
reduce traffic on Channel 16. Every 15 minutes broad-
casts were conducted on a working channel.
At the same time, some members were conducting Ves-
sel Safety Checks and Program Visits, while others were
involved in Public Affairs missions.
The sponsor boats, marked with a yellow flag, remained
with racers to ensure their safety and to assist any un-
able to finish. Two OPFACs remained with racers until
the completion of the race. Their main focus was to as-
sist and keep boat traffic away from the course, while two
PWC OPFACs remained near the finish line to funnel
Kayaking Adventure in Division 1 Puerto Rico
By Diana Figueroa, ASC/ADSO-PA East

Page 37
racers. This is the area of highest traffic density.
It was a large event with no incidents reported.
The best part is that all competitors, their par-
ents and the public thanked us for our dedica-
tion, professionalism and outstanding job.
We would like to express our gratitude to all
members who participated in this event. Special
thanks to Osvaldo Catinchi, VCP1, Chuck
Lindsey, SO-OP1, and J os A. Rivera, PVCP/
SO-CM1, for their outstanding job in the coordi-
nation of this event. We cannot forget the ex-
traordinary job of the photographers, J os Luis
Figueroa, FSO-PA Fajardo, and Vicente Velez,
FSO-PA San J uan.
Bravo Zulu!


Photo captions:
Opposite page: Operational Facilities (OPFAC) in action on the
day of the race.
This page: OPFAC Flotilla 12 Santurce led by Isander Agosto,
Coxswain, and crew members Ovadis Vega, VFC; Marisela De
J esus and Robert Reyes, and San J uan led by Angel Benero,
Coxswain, and crew members Osvaldo Catinchi, VCP, Alma
Sola, and William Calderon, PDCP.
MIAMI, Fla. (April 3, 2008)
Operating under unique and
specific orders from USCG
ISC Miami, Flotilla 6-11 mem-
bers Robert Evans (left) and
J ames Carlin pose as civilian
subjects of interest during a
training evolution with board-
ing personnel from USCG
Station Miami Beach and the
Miami office of U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (CPB)
practicing new joint opera-
tions. This evolution took
place aboard the Auxiliary
facility, After Party, and high-
lights one of the many exam-
ples in which members of the
Auxiliary are assisting those
agencies tasked with protect-
ing the borders and ports of
the United States of America.
Photo by Christopher Todd,
FL 6-11
Page 38




The name Red Tide strikes fear into the
hearts of everyone who lives along the Gulf
Coast. Millions of dollars are spent annually
to recover from red tide blooms, during
which up to 100 tons of fish can be killed in a
single day. In fact, its estimated that be-
tween 1987 and 1992 the cost of these
blooms to the U.S. economy was
$449,291,987. This does not even consider
the dangers to the people in affected areas.
It is critical to monitor these blooms in order
to understand how to combat them, when to
close shellfish harvesting in a particular area,
and when to alert beach-area communities
of health hazards. Wanting to help in the
combat, Division 15 became involved.
In mid-2007, Bill Malone, then Division Cap-
tain, Division 15, heard from Rich Rasmus-
sen, DCP 1, about a red tide study being
conducted by the Florida State University
(FSU) Department of Oceanography, and
contacted the department. When Michael
Sullivan, Ph.D., a lead investigator in the
study, responded that Florida State Univer-
sity (FSU) and the Florida Wildlife Commis-
sion (FWC) would welcome the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary assistance, Malone got in
touch with Craig Elliott, Flotilla Commander
15-8 (Hernando Beach). Elliott was excited
about the project and enlisted the help of his
friend, Paul Pelletier, Division Marine Safety
Officer and now the Red Tide coordinator for
Div 15. All of this happened in a 24-hour pe-
riod! The enthusiasm to support this vital
program spread to Flotilla 15-1 (Crystal
River), Flotilla 15-4 (Homossassa) and Flo-
tilla 15-7 (Suwannee River). All volunteers are advised of
the effects of red tide and every health precaution is
taken.
After FSU selected the latitude and longitude of each flo-
tillas Area of Responsibility (AOR), it chose five separate
locations for sample collection. Bi-weekly the Hernando
flotilla incorporates the monitoring with their safety pa-
trols. The performance of this task for roughly two hours
every other week, sometimes in unfavorable conditions,
attests to the devotion of these Auxiliary members, who
lead the Division 15 effort and hours in this project. Not
finding an algae bloom is equally as important as finding
one, since this creates a map of movement that the sci-
entists need for their research. To this date no Red Tide
has been found in Division 15s area.
The procedure for taking samples has evolved into a
Division 15 Helps To Fight the Red Tide
Tom Loughlin, ADSO-PA West, D7

Page 39
state-of-the-art sequence of actions. Elliott, Pelletier, and
other members of Flotilla 15-8, including Roger Davidson
and Leroy Hedquist, take a surface sample and a bottom
sample at each site. The team has been provided with all
the equipment they need by the Fish and Wildlife Re-
search Institute (FRI), based in St. Petersburg, Fla. The
Auxiliary team takes the samples and mails them to Dr.
Sullivan, who is now working at a private college in Mis-
sissippi. After Dr. Sullivan performs his analyses, he for-
wards the results and comments to not only the FWC for
publication but also to FRI and FSU. The Team is also
sent a copy to keep them informed of the important work
they are doing.
The water sampling actions begin with arrival at a specifi-
cally designated site. A label is placed on a brown bottle
and annotated with the date, time, location, wind speed
and direction, water temperature and depth, as well as
the wave height. The bottle contains 2ml of Lugols solu-
tion, an iodine-based preservative to preserve the algae.
Meanwhile, the device used to collect the bottom water
sample, a Horizontal Beta Plus, is very carefully pre-
pared. Although complicated in appearance, it is essen-
tially a large-diameter piece of PVC pipe with two very
powerful springs controlling the trap doors at each end.
When the collector is lowered to the prescribed depth,
just a few inches off the bottom, the operator releases a
cylindrical weight that travels down the cable, triggering
the release mechanism which slams - let them show you
just how hard and
how fast -both doors
closed, trapping the
water for study.
The importance of
Division 15s tireless
work was recognized
by Dr. Sullivan in a
December 5, 2007,
thank-you e-mail he
sent to Pelletier and
the other flotillas. In
that e-mail he said:
Since the economy
of Florida is so closely
tied to its coastline
your participation in
this project has reper-
cussions beyond the
realms of biology and
oceanography. So
again, thank you so much for being an integral and critical
component of the red tide monitoring and research activi-
ties. Without your hard work and dedication our research
efforts would be greatly diminished in scope and effec-
tiveness.
Indeed, talking with these dedicated Auxiliarists is excit-
ing. Their excitement about what they do is clearly evi-
denced by their tone of voice and free use of gestures as
they talk. And this excitement is contagious.
More recently, in an e-mail to the author on J anuary 3,
2008, Dr. Sullivan wrote: As you know red tides have
very negative economic impacts on coastal communities
through the extensive fish kills and the respiratory dis-
tress they cause beachgoers. Therefore, the efforts of the
CGAUX flotillas in collecting these valuable samples
make a significant contribution to science and to society
at large. I for one am extremely honored and pleased to
be working with such a dedicated and competent group of
folks. I look forward to working with them in 2008 and be-
yond.
Photo opposite page: Paul Pelletier arming the deep water
sampler.
Bellow: Testing for the Red Tide blooms means carrying more
equipment on patrols. Paul Pelletier loads the sampling kit on
the Auxiliary facility before going out on patrol.
Photos provided by Paul Peletier
District Staff Officers
Prevention Department
Robert A. Weskerna.......DSO-MS
Diane Figueroa ...DSO-MT
Cathie Welty DSO-PV
Ruth Ann WhiteDSO-PE
William S. Griswold..DSO-SL
Hebert C. Hanson....DSO-VE
Response Department
Rodney Rocky Reinhold......DSO-AN
Charles "Mike" Renuart.....DSO-AV
J oseph Colee, J r. ..DSO-CM
J effrey A. Bronsing ....DSO-OP
J oseph Lori .ADSO-OP/PWC
Logistics Department
Roy Savoca ........DSO-CS
Susan Z. Hastings .......DSO-IS
Rhonda Hebert........DSO-PS
Robert Westcott.......DSO-PA
Dorothy J . Riley ...DSO-PB
Antoinette Toni Borman .DSO-SR
Donald A. Zinner .DFSO
William F. Everill ..DSO-LP
Terry Barth ..DSO-MA
William Malone ......DSO-FN
COMO Guy Markley ...AUXCRC
Gwendolyn S. Leys....PPDCPA
Karen L. Miller ...Grants
Doreen M. Kordek .....Historian
Paul Mayer .....Webmaster
District Administrative Assistant & Aid
Carolyn R. Thomas ......D-AD
J ohn D. Tyson ......D-AA
Diane Ayers ...D-AA
COMO Guy Markley ..D-LL
Past District 7 Commodores
2005-06.......Peter Fernandez
2003-04.........J ay Dahlgren
2001-02............Mary Larsen
1999-00..Helmut Hertle
1997-98 ..E.W. Edgerton
1995-96...George E. J eandheur
1993-94....... J oseph E. Norman
1991-92Walter W. Bock
1989-90Guy R. Markley, J r.
1987-88......Rene E. Dubois
1985-86..Robert B. Waggoner
1983-84.J ohn C. King, J r.
1981-82..William J . Callerame
1979-80. .Bolling Douglas
1977-78..J ames Titus
1975-76..Newton Baker
1973-74...Lawrence G. Danneman
1971-72....Dr. Elbert C. Prince
1969-70George B.M. Loden
1967-68....Ernest A. Baldine
1965-66.......Roland Birnn
1963-64.Miguel A. Colorado
1961-62E. E. Vanderveer
1959-60.Richard L. Smith
1957-58Herbert L. Lutz
1956.A. Harlow Merryday
1954-55....Stanley W. Hand
1952-53N.J .M. McLean
1951-52 ...Fred T. Youngs, J r.
1950.....Guersey Curran, J r.
1948-49 ...Charley E. Sanford
1946-47..W. N. Mansfield
1939-45 ......No DCOs yet, DCPs governed
Auxiliary Sector Coordinators
Ronald Goldenberg...ASC Sector Charleston
Walter J askiewiczASC Sector St. Petersburg
Richard J . Leys ....................ASC Sector Miami
D. Kent Shockey..ASC Sector J acksonville
J ames E. Dennen ...ASC Sector Key West
Diana Figueroa ASC Sector San J uan