Subject: FEBRUARY 2007 REPORT TO THE COMMANDANT
1. General. In many sections of the country, February is known for bringing the "February Blahs." However, not in the Seventh District this year. February has been a time of development, on-going training for both the boating public through our public education activities as well as member training. With changes in the boat crew program many members have elected to pursue their requalification earlier in the year - a idea that has been endorsed by the majority of the elected leadership. Emphasis continues throughout the district on the RBS program as well as the 60th anniversary of the vessel examination program.
2. In the East. The Sector Commander presented three members of Division 1 (Puerto Rico) with the Trident award. The division participated in a water clean up project collecting over 4500 pounds of debris and trash. Division 3 (Ft Lauderdale area) took part in the Barefoot Mailman event by providing vessels, line handlers and dock workers to assist members of the Boy Scouts of America in their annual trek from Boynton Beach to Ft. Lauderdale, retracing the steps of the person who delivered the US Mail to all the cities in between over 100 years ago. The division, in cooperation with Division 6 (Miami), provided support for the Miami International Boat Show as well as an operational facility as a floating PA booth. This show, attended by several hundred thousand people, serves not only as a major public affairs and public education event but also as a major recruiting arena with 24 new perspective members for the division and referrals made to five other divisions. The division participated in eleven Helo Operations with Air Station Miami and participated in security zone traffic control following the commissioning of the USS Gridley and in concert with the Super Bowl game. Division 5 (Stuart area) was involved in the Stuart Boat Show. Division 13 (Florida Keys) had 13 Auxiliarists complete a combined 96 operational hours of Hawkeye watch standing ¨C a surveillance system that uses a combination of fixed cameras, offshore radar and computerized controls. This was preceded with approximately six days of classroom and introductory supervised activity.
3. In the North. In early February, Division 4 (Northeast Florida) had severe losses from several tornados. Most of the damages occurred in the Lady Lakes area. The storms also damaged the New Smyrna and Daytona Beach areas where there are established flotillas. The Disaster Contingency Plan for the affected flotillas was quickly put into play and it was confirmed that 100% of the all members were safe and accounted for with no reported injuries and no significant property losses. Two days later, with four boats on the water, the division surveyed and reported all ATON damage within the affected area. Division 10 (Savannah area) provided considerable support to CG activities in the Port of Savannah, Air Station crew training and operations as well as responding to two SAR call outs from Station Tybee. One of the flotillas within the division has published a schedule of Vessel Safety Checks at local marinas and boat ramps. The division is in the process of developing and completing yearly work plans with quarterly goals being established in many program areas; these plans will be consolidated at the division meeting in April. Division 12 (Charleston) had boating booths at boat shows in Columbia, Charleston and the Grand Strand resulted in many visitors enrolling in public education classes, vessel safety checks or joining the Auxiliary. The recently chartered Flotilla 12-12 with 33 members is concentrating on member training in order that they might be better prepared to serve their AOR. The division is actively engaged in forming two new detachments in the Charleston area. Division 14 (Jacksonville) notes that Flotilla 14-9, on the verge of collapse last year, now has about 20 members and is getting help from Division 5 with crew training. There is a lack of coxswains within the division; a problem that is being addressed by the leadership. Sector Jacksonville has requested assistance in Vessel Tracking and to date the division has four interested candidates. It is anticipated that the Sector will shortly begin the training of these individuals.
4. In the West. In Division's AOR (Sarasota area) Congressman Vern Buchanan, 13trh District, met with Coast Guard and Auxiliary personnel at Station Cortez for an on the water tour of the Intercoastal Waterway The tour was primarily regarding dredging of the ICW. Seventeen members of the division volunteered to transform a little used garage into a classroom and watch stander's area. Division 11 (Station Sand Key) had a division-wide SAREX that included more than 10 boats and 50 members. In addition, this division continues its support of the station by relieving station personnel from SAR activities during a weekend. All Auxiliary vessels participating in this activity are Operational Excellence designated. During the weekend, they conducted 6 SAR cases, several training exercises and gave a tour of the station to a group of Sea Cadets. The Division 15 VCP attended training at Air Station Clearwater in order to serve as an ombudsman for Station Yankeetown. It should be noted that many area members attended the USCGC Blackthorne Memorial service, an annual event on January 28th.
5. Response Department. Many notable events are contained in the above area reports. Other operational items of note would include:
Division 10 (Savannah) is providing the Air Station two boats every week for swimmer and hoisting operations training.
A patrol from Flotilla 49 responded successfully to a request from a bridge crew to secure 15 RR ties that had spilled into the Indian River. Activities were integrated through the local CG Station thus preventing a significant hazard to navigation from happening.
Flotilla 51 reported during a night patrol a cry for help was heard from Peanut Island. Further investigation revealed a man stranded on the island and in need of medical assistance. The station was advised and the man transported to the mainland to receive medical attention.
Auxiliary Air is now aggressively working a plan to recruit new aviators and facilities to replenish losses due to the TBO requirements. Activities have increased with logistics flights from both Air Station Savannah and Clearwater. LE flights were conducted from Air Station Clearwater supporting operations of the USCGC Marlin at the requested of Sector St. Pete. This is a good example of AuxAir beginning to support sector requests for their assistance. ATON Workshops on chart updating are being held around the district with the latest occurring in Division 9 (Southwest Florida). Communications: HF emergency preparedness drills are conducted on a regular basis. Jim Yodel, from Flotilla 10-11 was recognized as the outstanding contributor to the AUXMON program in support of USCG CAMSLANT.
6. Logistics Department. A lot of focus in this department has centered on getting the newly appointed public affairs and publications district staff officers up to speed. With these new assignments comes an effort to re-focus and re-make the appearance and content of the "Breeze," our district publication, and to get the "marketing group" started on a creative marketing program for both internal and external "customers." Numerous activities are being conducted with outside organizations and contacts to promote the Auxiliary. A few of these would include:
A presentation to the Sarasota County Commissioner's meeting on grant funding.
Working with the YMCA to participate in their "After School Program."
Staffing a Safety Booth at the Feria Autos Antiguos, antique car show in Puerto Rico.
Inviting supportive local press organization to awards banquets to receive Certificates of Appreciation for their efforts.
Setting up a safety booth at a home show.
Personnel Services and Public Affairs staff officers are working together in an effort to develop a district recruiting plan, possibly using a motor home as a recruiting station. A major breakthrough in the Information Services area occurred when the IS officer and her husband generated pre-formatted AUXINFO report packages that are "quick access" to just about anything an elected or appointed officer would need to know. These are now easily accessible through a link on the district web site.
7. Prevention Department. Plans are underway for Safe Boating Week and the Program Visitor personnel are placing great emphasis on the Clean Marina program. Member Training workshops are numerous around the District with only three divisions not reporting at least one. Public Education is looking at ways to transfer information about district PE courses to "Soundings" magazines for a wider dissemination. In an attempt to increase PE class attendance the PE group is investigating new promotional possibilities with the web and boating safety booths. This latter venue appears to be more successful when two or more flotillas jointly sponsor the booth. The ADSO-Marine Services is meeting with Station Charleston working on designing requirements for a "SPV" (Small Passenger Vessel) examiner. Initially, this would be a pilot program within that area.
8. Summary Remarks. The event that has had an impact upon all within the district was the tragic death of the District Financial Officer in an automobile accident. We are currently looking for an individual for this position. In addition, our OTO is now the "Acting Director of Auxiliary." We are in the final stages of completing an audit of all the district web sites and anticipate that this will be ongoing operation. One of the recurring problems with which we face is the reluctance of our members to volunteer for staff and elected positions. On the other hand, it is good to see more cooperation and joint activities between flotillas and divisions. Nonetheless, we have moved smartly through the so-called "blahs" and continue to carry out our assigned missions both professionally and competently.
Commodore Allen Brown
District Seven Commodore
