Congrats Como Marschall

For those that have not heard the news, our very own D1SR Commodore - Como
Marschall, was elected by the NEXCOM at the recent NACON to the position of
DNACO (Deputy National Commodore) Atlantic Area East!

This a very prestigious position and will entail a national level leadership
role in Operations/RBS.  Como Marschall prevailed over a very distinguished
field of candidates including current & past District Commodores from
throughout Atlantic Area.  The voting was tense and came down to a final
vote between Como Marschall and the current D7 Commodore. 

I am personally extremely proud of not just Hal for his election but his
willingness to continue to serve our interests and those of the entire
Auxiliary on a National level (not too sure Maura will be as happy;).  Hal
continues to pave the way for D1SR leadership moving 'up the chain' and it
is a testament to all of your hard work and dedication that our Commodore
was chosen to hold this very important post.  His term begins 1 October but
he will of course continue to lead D1SR until he is relieved on 1 Jan 2013
by our next elected D1SR Commodore.

Please ensure widest dissemination through the chain of leadership-

BZ Como Marschall & D1SR Auxiliary!!

Commander Chris Zorman
Director of Auxiliary - D1SR
U.S. Coast Guard

Up Coming Events in Sector NY and Request for Personnel

To All Coxswains, OPFAC Operators and Boat Crew Personnel

 

below is a list of events that are coming up in the first weeks of September. They start in the area of Brooklyn and Staten Island and go all the way to Croton Point on the Hudson. The Tug Boat Race is covered but we need boats for all of the other events. Sept. 8 th, the day of our District meeting, I know many of you will have to go there but we need at least two or three boats for this event. I am asking you all to get your boats and crews in for this as soon as passable so I can let Sector know we have the boats and crews for these events.

 

 

2-Sep-12 9:30 14:00 Flotilla 20 th Annual NYC Tugboat Race 79 th Boat Basin to Pier 84 Hudson River Approx 20 Tugboats from 60 ft to 120 ft No Asset Requested

5-Sep-12 9:30 11:00 Swim Liberty to Freedom L 2 F Upper Bay 1 Swimmer: 3 Safety Boats and CG Asset Asset Requested

8-Sep-12 9:00 17:00 Swim Coney Island Triple Dip Coney Island - Brighton Beach:

200 swimmers; 6 kayaks, 3 jet skis requested AUX

9-Sep-12 6:00 10:00 Swim Tough man Half Iron Tri Croton point - Hudson River:

800 swimmers - 50 kayakers - 2 power boats requested AUX

9-Sep-12 11:00 16:00 Regatta Super Boat GP Lower Hudson River: 35 high speed boats Multi agency support CG Asset Requested.

 

Thanks for all you have done so far for the operations season keep up the great work! 

George Reilly
Coast Guard Auxiliary Sector Coordinator Sector N. Y.
District Staff Officer Operations D 1 SR.

 

News Release

US Coast Guard Auxiliary elects new national commodore

SAN ANTONIO – Coast Guard Auxiliary senior leaders today elected Commodore Thomas C. Mallison of Bear Lake, Mich. as the organization's national commodore for a two-year term beginning November 1, 2012.  The election was held at the Coast Guard Auxiliary National Conference (NACON) underway at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk hotel. 

Mallison will succeed current National Commodore James E. Vass, Jr. who is completing his two-year term of office.  Mallison has served as vice national commodore under Vass since November 2010.  

"The expanding number of operational, administrative and logistical missions that the Coast Guard Auxiliary is able to perform gives us ever-increasing opportunities for service," said Mallison.  "Every member should be able to attain personal satisfaction within that array of missions."

Mallison has identified "training, communication, and members" as the watchwords that will help guide the Auxiliary's focus during his tenure as national commodore.

Prior to 2010, Mallison served as deputy national commodore - operations policy and Atlantic area west, 2009-2010, district commodore, Eighth District eastern region, 2007-08, district vice commodore, 2005-06, and district rear commodore west, 2003-04.  He served as department chief of the Coast Guard Auxiliary National Department of Personnel from 2000-02.

Mallison is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Science. He graduated with honors from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and earned a Doctorate of Business Administration.

Mallison joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1990 and has served in a wide variety of elected and staff offices at all levels of the organization. His Auxiliary certifications include coxswain, private aids to navigation verifier, recreational boating safety program visitor, vessel examiner, instructor, and qualification examiner. Mallison also holds the advanced "Operational Auxiliarist" designation.

Retired from Systran Corporation in Dayton, Ohio where he served as vice president and director of administration, Mallison served on the boards of directors of three manufacturing companies and a nonprofit corporation in the medical sector during his business career.

Prior to Systran, Mallison retired with twenty-years of service in the U.S. Army where he served as both a commissioned officer and a non-commissioned officer.  His overseas tours included Germany, Korea and Vietnam.

Mallison is married to the former Wanda Rodieck from Nevada, Mo.

NACON is hosted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc., a non-profit organization based in St. Louis that provides business management, financial and training support for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

For additional information on NACON 2012, please visit: cgauxa.org/nacon
 

Commodore Thomas C. Mallison, National Commodore (elect) of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
U.S. Coast Guard photo

 

###

Date: Aug 24, 2012

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affair

Christopher Todd

Aviators- the Coast Guard Auxiliary Needs You!

Aviators -
the Coast Guard Auxiliary Needs You!
By Wayne Spivak, ADSO-CS 1SR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Sailors (power and sail) and their younger brethren, Aviators, share many common attributes. Terminology, navigation, reliance on weather and weather forecasting, all makes the boater and the aviator part of the same circle of adventurers.

 

It is that sense of exploration, of the pilot against the elements, skill against the unknown that drive many to take their vessels and planes into un-charted (or unfamiliar) territory. It is because of this desire, that pilots and boaters have many of the same skills. We both share the skills of celestial navigation and dead reckoning. We also must learn to understand the environment and weather. For our lives depend on both these skills

 

Since the dawn of civilization, when man first ventured out into the uncharted seas, danger lurked. When man first took to the sky, danger was a constant companion. Centuries (decades) later, these same dangers still lurk on every air flight and boat trip. Aviators and Sailors share the desire to be out or in the great blue, whether it's the great blue sea or the great blue sky.

 

 

The United States Coast Guard has long been involved with aviation. Back in 1915, the Coast Guard used a Curtis flying boat as the test bed of whether aviation was practical for search and rescue. Today it's obvious that those first tests have developed (after some trials and tribulations) into one of the major components of the Search and Rescue mission of the Coast Guard.

 

As aviation as both a sport and an industry grew, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary privately, on their own, began to learn how to fly. These private pilots then volunteered their services to the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, just as their brethren volunteered their boats and their boating skills. According the recorded Coast Guard history, Auxiliary pilots first flew during 1943, in the midst of World War II. The first official mention of Auxiliary aviation is when Congress passed Public Law 451, in September 1945, permitting aircraft to be used by the Auxiliary.

 

Today, there are approximately 38,000 Auxiliarists nationwide. In the Auxiliary's First Southern (1SR) District (southern New York State, northern New Jersey, southern Connecticut and Vermont) there are approximately 90 participating Auxiliarists in the Aviation program.

 

Currently there are 24 Aircraft (20 single-engine and 4 multi-engines) that have been accepted for service with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Another twelve aircraft are awaiting final inspections and qualifications for acceptance into the program.

 

Last year Aviators in the 1SR flew 279 missions for a total of almost 1000 flight hours and 4500 mission hours. This year, to date, they have flown 113 missions, and boating season has yet to begin.

 

Here is the list of missions that Auxiliarists Aviators normally fly:

• SAR Mission - Search And Rescue call out or the air equivalent to a vessel safety patrol. During a SAR mission, aircraft fly pre-determined search patterns based on complex algorithms. These algorithms are based on last known or assumed position, wind, current, and type of vessel that is missing.
• Enforcement of Laws and Treaties - Air support of a Coast Guard mission to monitor major fishing areas.
• MEP Mission - Air support in the area of Marine Environmental Protection. Missions include support of locating and estimating sizes of oil slicks, and other environmental accidents.
• Ice Operations Mission - Air support in the area of ice patrol operations. Aircraft search for and report blockages by ice of major ports and rivers.
• Logistics Mission - Transportation of personnel and equipment. Auxiliarists transport individuals for all types of Coast Guard support and humanitarian support.
• Training Mission - Training missions involving air operations, and coordination with land and surface vessels to hone those skills needed to support the aims and missions of the United States Coast Guard.
  

Auxiliary Pilots and Crews are, during an emergency call-out, available to lift off from their airfields on short notice on weekdays, and during boating season (weekends), are normally either in the air or at the airfield ready to fly. These men and women, like their boating counter-parts, volunteer their time and energy, and in many an instance their aircraft to assist the Coast Guard.

 

The Aviation Branch of the United States Coast Guard is not just for pilots! Any Auxiliary member can join the Aviation Branch and any US Citizen can join the Auxiliary (see below). While, the Coast Guard Auxiliary does not train pilots, it does train Observers and Air Crew.

 

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Aircrew Capabilities:

• Aircraft Commanders - Pilots with more than 1000 flight hours, an instrument rating, and checked out in SAR procedures. FAA medical certification required.
• First Pilots - Pilots with more than 500 flight hours, and checked out in SAR procedures. FAA medical certification required.
• Co-Pilots - Pilots with more than 200 flight hours. May only fly Ice Patrols, MEP patrols and logistics. FAA medical certification required.
• Observers - Auxiliarists trained in observation, communications, and the aviation program. Either pilots or observers are required as added crew on operational missions. No medical required.
• AirCrew - An upgrade for Observers who successfully complete additional training. Training elements consists of communication, navigation, weather, and flight planning. FAA or personal physician medical certification required.

Membership in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary:

Membership is open to men and women, 17 years or older, who are US citizens. Members cut across all socio-cultural and age boundaries, as well as military lines. The Auxiliary, which is the civilian, volunteer, uniformed branch of Team Coast Guard, boasts both current active duty and former members of all the uniformed services and their Reserve components, including the Coast Guard. You do not have to have any previous military training or affiliation to join! Facility (radio station, boat or aircraft) ownership is desirable but not mandatory.

 

For more information about the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary or Coast Guard Auxiliary Aviation, contact your local Coast Guard (Air) Station, of look for us on the web at http://www.cgaux.org or http://www.uscg.mil/.

 

 

AuxGuidanceSkills.Info is geared to providing "Public Service Articles in the pursuit of Recreational Boating Safety" to that end, we will continue to add to our series on Help Wanted, Homeland Security, Public Education, Public Service, Vessel Safety and Environmental Issues, though the use of 'case studies', as our teaching tool of choice. In addition, our Leadership series offers those within the Coast Guard family, as well as outside, an insight into values that will improve their leadership skills.

 

Body Found in Sunken Boat in Long Island Sound

FISHERS ISLAND, NY -- The Coast Guard says rescuers have found the body of a woman in a boat that sank in Long Island Sound near Fishers Island.

Petty Officer Ian McGoohan of the Coast Guard in New Haven, Conn., said the body was found before 8 a.m. Monday. The woman has not been identified and her body was taken to the chief medical examiner's office.

The Coast Guard says it received a distress call at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday that a 50-foot motor vessel named Priceless had struck Pulpit Rock and sank with 10 people aboard. Nine people and a dog were rescued.

McGoohan confirmed that Mary Patenaude of Pomfret, Conn., is missing.

The vessel was based out of Westerly, R.I.

Fishers Island is at the eastern end of Long Island Sound.

Article Provided by the Associated Press

Picture provided through: www.fishersislandclub.com/

Military Flyovers

In connection with 2012 Air Force Week NYC, the following military aviation activities will be taking place from Saturday, August 18th through Tuesday, August 21st (weather permitting):

 

 

•             On Saturday, August 18th from 3:40pm to 4:10pm, the United States Air Force (USAF) Aerial Demonstration Team (known as the "Thunderbirds")--in seven (7) F-16D ('Falcon") aircraft--will conduct "practice formations" along the Hudson River.  The aircraft will depart their holding area (south of the Verrazano Bridge) and execute a flyover at approximately 3:45pm at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet.  Following the flyover, the aircraft will regroup over the Long Island Sound (Shippan Point) and continue towards Yankee Stadium to execute the next flyover (see next entry).  JFK and LGA airports will be maintaining communication throughout this activity.

 

•             On Saturday, August 18th from 4:00pm to 4:10pm, the United States Air Force (USAF) Aerial Demonstration Team (known as the "Thunderbirds")--in seven (7) F-16D ('Falcon") aircraft--will conduct a flyover of Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY) prior to the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox game.  The aircraft will pass over Yankee Stadium at 4:05pm at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet.  The aircraft will then return to their point of origin (Atlantic City Int'l Airport: ACY) via the Hudson River/Verrazano Bridge at approximately 4:10pm.  All local airports have been notified of the activity.

 

•             On Sunday, August 19th from 12:45pm to 1:10pm, the United States Air Force (USAF) Aerial Demonstration Team (known as the "Thunderbirds")--in seven (7) F-16D ('Falcon") aircraft--will conduct a flyover of the Hudson River and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in conjunction with the Opening Ceremony for Air Force Week NYC.  The aircraft will depart their holding area (south of the Verrazano Bridge) at 12:49pm and execute the flyover at approximately 1:05pm at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet.  Following the flyover, the formation will then return to their point of origin (Atlantic City Int'l Airport: ACY).  All local airports have been notified of the activity.

 

•             On Sunday, August 19th from 2:45pm to 3:00pm following the Air Force Week NYC Opening Ceremony, the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing will conduct an open-water rescue demonstration with one (1) HH-60 helicopter adjacent to Pier 86 (Intrepid).  The demonstration will include a team of Pararescue specialists simulating an open-water search-and-rescue effort.  The helicopter will depart from the Downtown Heliport (KJRB) and return to Francis S. Gabreski Airport (Westhampton Beach, NY: KFOK).

 

•             On Monday, August 20th from 7:00pm to 7:15pm, the USAF Thunderbirds--in seven (7) F-16D ('Falcon") aircraft--will conduct a flyover of Citi Field (Queens, NY) prior to the New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies game.  The aircraft will pass over Citi Field at 7:10pm at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet.  The aircraft will then return to their point of origin (Atlantic City Int'l Airport: ACY) via the Hudson River/Verrazano Bridge at approximately 7:15pm.  All local airports have been notified of the activity.

 

•             On Tuesday, August 21st from 6:55pm to 7:05pm, the 325th Fighter Wing--in two (2) F-22 "Raptor" aircraft--will conduct a flyover of MCU Park (Brooklyn, NY) prior to the Brooklyn Cyclones game.  The aircraft will pass over MCU Park at 7:00pm at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet.  Following the flyover, the aircraft will then return to their point of origin (Tyndall AFB, Florida).  All local airports have been notified of the activity.

Anne Marie Kelly

FSO-PA, F12-07

Air Station Republic

 

Military Flyover Scheduled for Today

Military Flyover Scheduled for Today

There is a scheduled military flyover involving a KC-10 today, August 14^th.  It will depart JFK at approximately 12:30 PM today, and will return to JFK at approximately 2:00 PM.

 

Image of a KC-10

Fwd: Boaters Use a Checklist Before Getting Underway

Boaters Use a Checklist Before Getting Underway

WASHINGTON- Keeping track of appointments or events has become more complex in a very over scheduled world. A list of reminders added to the calendar on the refrigerator or in the smartphone can help make sure nothing is forgotten. When it comes to leisure time a checklist is still valuable especially when heading out onto the water.

Create a pre-underway checklist like the Coast Guard Auxiliary has for their boat crews. Each time before an Auxiliary boat leaves the dock the entire crew reviews a standardized checklist together. Once all the items on the list are checked off it is time to get underway.

It does not have to be complicated; this is just an example of a pre-underway checklist you could use:

• Driver's license
• Current registration papers and boating safety course completion card
• Check fuel supply and oil level
• Working proper navigation lights for night operations
• Enough lifejackets, the right size for all
• Marine radio
• GPS
• Float plan left in your vehicle or with a friend
• Other emergency equipment such as flares, first aid kit, signaling devices and tools

If something does not add up it is OK not to get underway. It is always better to choose safety than take a risk with your life or the lives of your passengers.

 

 

 Photo by Diane Riggan
David Elliot USCG Auxiliary Assistant National Commodore for Response and Prevention reviews pre-underway checklist with crew member Wayne Johnson before getting underway

---

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary created by an Act of Congress in 1939 is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard supporting the Coast Guard in nearly all its missions. Coast Guard men and women live and work in the communities they serve and understand the unique needs of those communities.

For more information on the Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit cgaux.org

COAST GUARD BIRTHDAY - FOCUS ON PROFICIENCY - 018/12

1. Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Community,

Please allow me to convey to you our Commandant's 222nd Coast Guard Day message and the accompanying article "Proficiency: The Essence of Discipline." In the below email, Admiral Papp reinforces his focus on proficiency in craft, proficiency in leadership, and disciplined initiative. It is a message worth serious reflection.

The call for the pursuit of proficiency is not limited to the operational mission. No matter what your contribution is to the organization, no matter your office or role, Admiral Papp instills in all of us his expectation that we remain on a continuous course towards self improvement and mastery in what we do. As the Admiral states, we are duty-bound, both as a Service and as individuals, for the good of the nation, the Coast Guard, and each other.

I strongly encourage all leaders within the Auxiliary organization to discuss the contents of Admiral Papp's message and article at their next scheduled unit meetings and through their local newsletters and web sites.

On behalf of the Chief Director's Office, Happy Coast Guard Day! Remain safe, professional, and proud of what we do!

CDR Mike DaPonte
CG-BSX-1

2. FYI:

Subject: Shipmates 23: Coast Guard Birthday - Focus on Proficiency

Shipmates,

I recently had the great privilege of visiting the headquarters of the National Archives, where the archivists showed me the original legislation which gave us our beginning, signed by President George Washington on the 4th of August, 1790. This was a very special event that vividly reminded me of the connection our Service has to the history of the United States of America. This year, as we celebrate the 222nd birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, we will dedicate time to honor our profession by focusing on proficiency throughout the Service.

I invite you to view a Coast Guard Day video message from me and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Leavitt at: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/150864/coast-guard-birthday-message-admiral-robert-papp- and-masterchief-michael-leavitt 

The Coast Guard remains an organization undergoing change while sustaining a broad range of operations and support activities across a diverse range of missions. Increased activity in the Arctic, the continued flow of drugs and migrants toward our shores, threats to fisheries, and our mandate to assure the safe and secure approaches to American ports all confront us like uncertain and stormy seas-and all in the context of shrinking budgets. At the same time, however, we must rely on the enduring anchors that define us as Coast Guardsmen-members of the profession of arms-and that are crucial to our success: proficiency in craft, proficiency in leadership, and disciplined initiative.

This week I published an article linked below that communicates my vision and intent on proficiency, why it's important, what the service is doing to improve it, and what I expect of each of you.

http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-08/proficiency-essence-discipline 

I encourage you to read it and discuss it with your shipmates.

Proficiency in craft, proficiency in leadership, disciplined initiative-these are the anchors upon which we will hold fast in the uncertain and stormy seas that we are facing.

Beyond the current situation, they are enduring. Their value and necessity to our ethos and our mission success is proven in our rich heritage and the long blue line of Coast Guard men and women who have gone before us. They will sustain us in the future as they do now and have before.

Within the next 30 days, commanding officers and officers-in-charge shall discuss the contents of the article at quarters or an appropriate muster. I encourage you to continue these discussions in the mess deck and hangar deck, Chiefs' Mess, wardroom, and among staffs and teams.

As we face uncertain and stormy seas, current threats, or future challenges, I'm always confident that we'll succeed because of the great men and women of our Coast Guard. I'm proud to be your Commandant. Linda and I want to take this opportunity to thank you - our Active Duty, Reserve, Civilian and Auxiliary members as well as our retirees and all of our Coast Guard families, for your service, sacrifice and dedication to duty.

We're Coast Guardsmen. This is our chosen profession. This is our way. This is what we do.

Stand a Taut Watch. Semper Paratus.

Admiral Bob Papp

3. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other
interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc.
All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and
information.

4. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

5. CG-BSX-1 sends

Changes to National Online Flotilla Leadership Course

Effective June 13, 2012,the National Training Department is pleased to offer the Flotilla Leadership Course (FLC). This course provides Flotilla Commanders (FC) and Vice Flotilla Commanders (VFC) the organizational framework and resources to successfully manage their Flotillas. Completion of this course qualifies members to run for the positions of FC and VFC.

 

The FLC presents leadership and management
concepts and provides tools and other online resources that support the requirements of these positions throughout their tenure.

 

You'll work your way through this information to achieve the following goals:
a)    Exercise leadership and supervision of the flotilla and assure that the overall flotilla program conforms to the Coast Guard and Auxiliary policies and procedures.
b)    Supervise administration and coordination between the Vice Flotilla Commander and staff members.
c)    Become familiar with the Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN) and the Flotilla Procedures Manual (FPM).
d)    Prepare to effectively support the policy, requirements, and procedures related to flotilla administration, administration principles courtesy, protocol, and ceremonies the auxiliary's technology world the flotilla
staff flotilla correspondence.

To access the course, please visit the Coast Guard Auxiliary Online Classroom (http://classroom.cgaux.org) to self-enroll into the course. After you have reviewed the online presentation and related materials you can access the National Testing Center to take the final exam to record completion.

Importance of EPIRBs and PLBs for Safe Boating

Recreational boaters can ensure their safety, especially when far off shore, by having a GPS-enabled Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) aboard, and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) attached to crew members. These devices, which are lightweight, compact and easy to 

use, can instantly summon help and provide rescuers with precise location information.

EPIRBs are ideal for voyages where traditional communications are spotty. Once activated, either manually or automatically by submersion in water, 406 MHz GPS-enabled EPIRBs broadcast a repeating SOS signal
with integrated GPS location from virtually any point on earth for 48 continuous hours. The signal is received by Cospas/Sarsat satellites, which identify the beacon's position within a few hundred yards in mere
minutes. Search and rescue personnel are then contacted and know exactly where to look.

The 406 MHz PLBs are like small EPIRBs, except that the PLBs can only be activated manually and are secured to the individual crew member, not the boat. They use the same satellites and send an SOS signal with GPS position to summon help. However, their smaller batteries are effective for only 24 hours of continuous operation once activated.

PLBs make a great addition to an EPIRB, providing greater peace of mind when it comes to the safety of crew members, especially when on deck, on night watch, or solo cruising. They are also suitable for paddlers making outback voyages to remote locations.

Paddlers and boaters who find the price of these devices prohibitively expensive have the option of renting them from the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, which is a nonprofit organization.
For more information about these devices go to the Foundation site:  

http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/epirb>.

Source: BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water

News Release

Hypothermia in the summertime? You're kidding me!

WASHINGTON – Hypothermia is not just a winter danger...it's a summertime danger, too.  With air temperatures climbing well into the 80s and 90s in many parts of the country, hardly anyone gives a thought to hypothermia while cruising down a river, spending hours fishing on their favorite lake, or heading out on a day-trip to the deeper waters of the Atlantic.

But the fact is water temperatures could be well below the air temperature and an unexpected dunking as a result of a boating accident could have disastrous results…particularly if you are alone.

For example, if you are boating in Miami's Biscayne Bay in mid-July, the water temperature will be in the mid-to-high 80s…and you can spend many hours immersed before the symptoms of hypothermia set in – plenty of time for a rescue.

But if you are boating on an inland lake or river, or off the coast of Long Island or New England, it's an entirely different story.  In water temperatures from 70-80 degrees, exhaustion or unconsciousness can set in within 3-12 hours; 60-70 degrees, 2-7 hours, and in water from 50-60 degrees, you could be unconscious in 1-2 hours.

Once your core body temperature drops from normal 98.6 degrees to 95 degrees, your extremities are numbed to the point of uselessness – trying to fasten the straps of a life jacket or cling to an overturned boat becomes nearly impossible.  Panic and shock set in, and total disorientation can occur.  Cold water robs the body of heat considerably faster than cold air.

To guard against the potential for succumbing to hypothermia as a result of a summertime boating accident, the Coast Guard Auxiliary suggests:

     1. Know the weather conditions before you set out…don't leave your port or dock if the weather may turn rough.

     2. File a float plan to tell your friends and family where you are going and when you plan to return.

     3. Always wear a life jacket while boating.

     4. If you wind up in the water, try not to panic as it can increase heat loss from your body and shorten your survival time…remain in a curled up, heat-retaining position.

     5. Stick with your capsized boat and try to get as much of your body out of the water as possible.

     6. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while boating…they allow heat to escape from the body more quickly because alcohol dilates blood vessels.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

Contact: Bill Swank

Avoiding Collisions with Kayaks

by Bruce White DVC-BL

In the past few years, there have been several tragic examples of small boats, notably kayaks, which were run down by larger, fast-moving boats. A group of prominent engineers recently presented the paper, "Visibility Factors in Small Boat Collisions," at the 2012 International Marine Forensics Symposium sponsored by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. This paper offers some good suggestions on how to avoid being run over in smaller boats–kayaks–and, conversely, how to avoid running over small boats.

The suggestions on how to avoid being run over were based on a series of tests on the water using volunteers in kayaks and powerboats. Researchers found that kayaks aren't likely to be spotted by a powerboat until they're a quarter-mile away, which can quickly lead to an "extremis condition." The sooner a small boat is spotted, the better.

Seventy-five percent of the powerboat operators first reported seeing "paddle flash" when they saw the boat. A white or light colored paddle blade was much easier to see than a dark blade. The remaining 25 percent saw the luminous jersey that was being worn by the volunteers.

Among the recommendations to kayakers–
1) Carry an audible signaling device.
2) Wear fluorescent life vests or shirts.
3) Use paddles with white or light colored blades.
4) Avoid kayaking in areas with high boat traffic.
5) Use flags that can be mounted on kayaks.

Conversely, for owners of larger boats: wear sunglasses; keep a proper lookout; and, be especially alert in areas where you are likely to encounter smaller craft.

Source: "Seaworthy, the Boat U.S. Marine Insurance and Damage Avoidance Report," July 2012, p. 4.

Public Affairs Presentation of Upcoming Events

AUG 7TH - Farewell Breakfast Buffet The 56th Fighter Group Restaurant

The End of an Era for The 56th Fighter Group Restaurant. The 56th Fighter Group Restaurant is closing on Aug 12, 2012. There will be a farewell Breakfast Buffet on Aug 07, 2012, Tuesday at 9:30 AM. The cost is $12.00 per person, cash at the door. If you can make it, call them at 631-694-8280

AUG 11TH - 222nd Anniversary of the US Coast Guard - BBQ at Fort Totten

Flotilla 12-01 will have a pot-luck BBQ at Fort Totten. $10 per family, and bring food or drink to share.

 

AUG 11th - Free Monthly Seminar - Saturday, MIAS

MID ISLAND AIR SERVICE / FLIGHT SCHOOL, MacArthur Airport
Topic: "Emergency Procedures - Ready or Not". TIME: 8:30am Continental Breakfast

Redbird simulator procedures, approaches, training, currency.

9:00-10:30am seminar, questions, hangar talk. Risk Management Techniques & Takeoff/Landing Accidents / Engine outs, stalls, weather

 

Upcoming AIRSHOWS in our AOR

AUG 17TH Thunder Over The Boardwalk (Friday!) Atlantic City

AUG 18-19 Greenwood Lake Airshow and WWII Showcase, Greenwood Lake Airport

AUG 19-21 Air Force Week, NYC Flyover, NYC see following schedule:

AUG 18th - 21st - AIR FORCE WEEK NEW YORK CITY 2012 SCHEDULE:

Fellow Airmen & women, Coast Guard Auxiliarists and Aviation Enthusiasts....Air Force Week returns to New York City from August 19-21, 2012.

All events are free and open to the public, unless specifically noted. Air Force Week is a program endorsed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force that provides the opportunity to show and tell civic leaders, opinion leaders and the general public what they do, while at the same time, demonstrating their gratitude to the communities which support the Air Force by engaging in events what help give back to the community.

http://www.airforceweek.af.mil/2012newyorkcityeventschedule.asp

AUG 18th, Saturday

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox - Air Force Day | 4: 05 p.m.
Yankee Stadium: Bronx, NY
Tickets are required for this event

AUG 19th, Sunday

U.S. Air Force Displays | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Pier 86, next to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Command Center Alpha
Challenger Vapor
X1 Mustang
Drill Exhibitions at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. by The USAF Honor Guard Drill Team
Band Performances at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. by Max Impact from The USAF Band -- watch Max Impact's newest music video, "Send Me"
Military Working Dog demonstrations every hour
Interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math events
United States Air Force Academy Falcon demonstrations
Come and Meet:
Air Force Thunderbirds Crews
Medical Professionals with Interactive Exhibits
Cyber and Space Professionals
Pilots and Missile Operators
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Teams
Security Forces Teams

Air Force Thunderbirds Flyover | 1 p.m.
Over the Hudson River by Pier 86

Air Force Helicopter Water Rescue Demonstration | 2 p.m.
Hudson River next to Pier 86

Concert by the Blue Aces from the USAF Heritage of America Band | 6:30 p.m. with special performance by The USAF Honor Guard Drill Team at 6 p.m.
Back to the Beach at Midland Beach: Staten Island

New York Red Bulls vs Portland Timbers - Air Force Night | 7 p.m.
Red Bull Arena: Harrison, New Jersey
Tickets are required for this event.

AUG 20th, Monday

U.S. Air Force Displays | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Pier 86, next to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Command Center Alpha
Challenger Vapor
X1 Mustang
Drill Exhibition at 1 p.m. by The USAF Honor Guard Drill Team
Band Performances at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. by Max Impact from The USAF Band -- watch Max Impact's newest music video, "Send Me"
Military Working Dog demonstrations every hour
Interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math events
United States Air Force Academy Falcon demonstrations
Come and Meet:
Air Force Thunderbirds Crews
Medical Professionals with Interactive Exhibits
Cyber and Space Professionals
Pilots and Missile Operators
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Teams
Security Forces Teams

Concert by the Blue Aces from the USAF Heritage of America Band | 5 p.m. with sepcial performance by The USAF Honor Guard Drill Team at 5:50 p.m.
Brooklyn War Memorial, Cadman Plaza: Brooklyn, NY

New York Mets vs Colorado Rockies - Air Force Night | 7 p.m.
Citi Field: Flushing, NY
Tickets are required for this event.

Air Force Movie Night and Concert | 8 p.m.
"Red Tails"
7:15 p.m. Concert by the Ceremonial Brass from The USAF Band
7:45 p.m. Meet the Tuskegee Airmen
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

AUG 21st, Tuesday

U.S. Air Force Displays | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Pier 86, next to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Command Center Alpha
Challenger Vapor
X1 Mustang
Band Performances at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. by the Blue Aces from the USAF Heritage of America Band
Military Working Dog demonstrations every hour
Interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math events
United States Air Force Academy Falcon demonstrations
Come and Meet:
Air Force Thunderbirds Crews
Medical Professionals with Interactive Exhibits
Cyber and Space Professionals
Pilots and Missile Operators
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Teams
Security Forces Teams

Concert by Max Impact from The USAF Band | 3 p.m. with special performance by The USAF Honor Guard Drill Team at 3:50 p.m.
South Street Seaport: Manhattan, NY
Watch Max Impact's newest music video, "Send Me"

Brooklyn Cyclones vs Tri-City Valley Cats - Air Force Night | 7 p.m.
MCU Park: Brooklyn, NY
Tickets are required for this event.

All events subject to change; information current as of August 2, 2012

AUG 25TH Saturday - Annual Joint Flotilla BBQ

Flotilla\'s 01-06 and 12-07 are pleased to announce their annual Summer Joint BBQ. The event will be held at Mid Island Svc at ISP on Saturday, 25 August between the hours of 11:00 and 4:00. All Auxair members and their families are invited to join us in this celebration of fellowship and summer fun.

As this is a catered event, it is very important that we have an accurate head count. Please RSVP to either Lou Volpato (lvolpato@aol.com) or Albin Cofone (cofonea@sunysuffolk.edu) no later than Wednesday, 15 August if you plan to attend. All of us look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible on the 25th.

OCT 3rd - Golf Outing Crab Meadow Golf Course, Northport NY

Wednesday October 03 - Flotilla 01-06 will be hosting their annual Golf Outing Crab Meadow Golf Course, Northport NY, 1200hrs. Cost: $120.00 per person. Price includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart, driving range, buffet dinner after golf, soft drinks included. Cash bar is available. Non-golfers: $35.00 per person for the dinner. Agenda: Arrive early to enjoy a lunch at your leisure (and expense) then head out to the driving range to loosen up. Foursomes will be assigned unless a request is made. Tee off will either be a shot gun or sucessive tees at 1300. Reservations: Kindly RSVP to Eric Sachs @ eric@esachslaw.com to Christine. Please respond by 09SEP12. Contact Ericfor any additional information

 

Anne Marie Kelly

FSO-PA, F12-07

Air Station Republic

Div. 12 1SR

Seven Tips for Swimming Boaters

Posted on 25 July 2012 by Bruce White DVC-BL

There have been many tragic drownings this summer, and the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety has these seven DO NOT tips for boaters who want to swim:

DO NOT . . .

. . . permit anyone in the water until the engine is turned off and the key is out of the ignition.

. . . permit swimming until there is at least one life jacket or throwable flotation aid (tied to the boat) in the water, and every child is wearing a life jacket.

. . . swim at marinas. Electric current leaking from poorly maintained boat electrical and shore power systems can stun you and cause you to drown.

. . . dive in water headfirst unless you know exactly how deep the water is. Ease yourself down a boarding ladder to confirm the water depth.

. . . swim alone.

. . . swim under a boat's swim platform or near any boat with the engine running. You could die from a propeller strike or from carbon monoxide poisoning.

. . . swim in a navigation channel where you could be struck by a vessel or in an area with strong river or tidal currents, which can swiftly carry you away from the boat.

For more information on boating safety programs from the BoatU.S. Foundation, such as the free Kid's Life Jacket Loaner Program, go to their web site.

Source: BoatU.S. Foundation for Safety and Clean Water

Where Should I Look for "Suspicious Activity”?

 

 

To Report Suspicious Activity, Call: 877 - 24WATCH  (877-249-2824)

 

Watch for suspicious activities of vessels and individuals in locations such as:

1. ★Under and around bridges, tunnels, or overpasses
   

2. ★Near commercial areas or services like ports, fuel docks, cruise ships, or marinas.
   

3. ★Near industrial facilities like power plants and oil, chemical, or water intake facilities.
   

4. ★Near military bases and vessels, other government facilities, or security zones
   

5. ★In and around passenger terminals, ferries, and day cruise lines
   

6. ★Near railroad lines serving any of the above listed facilities.
   

You are NOT expected to patrol any particular area. Your expertise in recognizing suspicious activity is derived from your familiarity with surroundings you operate within while engaged in your normal work or recreation around the waterfront.

What is Suspicious Activity?

What do we mean by suspicious activity? Suspicious Activity is a pattern of behavior that arouses a "gut feeling" that something is not right. Trust your intuition, but remember it is the behavior of individuals that is suspicious, not their ethnic, religious, or national origin. For example, suppose you see people of an obviously different ethnic or national background fishing off a pier or near a secure facility. The mere fact that they are "different" is not important. People fishing near the water by itself is obviously not a suspicious activity. In fact, if they weren't fishing that might be a trigger to alert you they were engaging in Suspicious Activity.

Keeping in mind that "People aren't suspicious, behavior is," here are some situational examples of behaviors and activities that may help you determine what is suspicious and, thus, what should be reported:

Unusual Operation of a Small Boat, Accompanied by Videotaping/Still Photography

You observe a boat being operated aimlessly (with no apparent destination). The boat is occupied by three young to middle-aged people -- not a "family" as usually seen cruising these waters. A little while later you see the same boat, this time with two occupants, and it's movement is repetitive. It circles around bridge abutments for a while, and makes several passes alongside a shore side power plant, moored commercial vessels, and a ferry passenger terminal. You notice that the passenger is taking still and video pictures of the facilities. Later, you observe the boat picking up the third person from a public dock near the bridge. He boards the boat carrying a video camera and a notebook. These actions could indicate initial surveillance of a potential target and subsequent attack.

People Taking Still Photographs or Videotaping from the Shore

A white mid-sized four-door sedan pulls into a "view" area near a railway bridge, drops off two passengers, and departs. One of the passengers begins taking video pictures of the bridge, as well as a commuter train and a long freight train, which, headed in opposite directions, pass each other on the bridge about 15 minutes later. (As a frequent and long-time marina worker, you know this happens every weekday throughout the year). The second person appears to be taking notes, and occasionally glances at his left wrist as if checking a watch.

You continue down river, returning to your home marina just a quarter mile South. As you pull into the service dock, you notice what appears to be the same white sedan parked at water's edge in the marina parking lot. The driver is outside the car, and is in the process of packing a large video camera into its storage case. A few minutes later, he gets into his vehicle and drives away. People photographing or videotaping potential terrorist targets are engaged in activities that should be considered suspicious.

Person Running Away/Fleeing

You notice a person running away from an area close to a secure facility. Some questions should come to mind: Does this person's behavior or dress indicate he is more than the usual jogger? Does he appear to be someone just in a hurry, or does his running have a heightened sense of urgency or tension about it? It would be suspicious if he were looking about furtively, as if he were concerned about being observed or pursued.

Person(s) Engaged in Surveillance

You work in a business in the immediate vicinity of a ferry terminal, and you ride the ferry to and from work everyday. One day you observe a particular person taking pictures of the shore side -- unusual for people riding the ferry during "commute time." While at work you notice the same person board a ferry to a different destination, and return a few hours later. The next day you see the same person loitering around the terminal as passengers pass through security while boarding ferries -- at one point the person joins a group lining up to board a ferry, takes some pictures, but leaves the group without boarding. During the day you see this person making two round-trip ferry rides -- once wearing a large backpack, and once carrying a oversized briefcase. Over several days you notice the same person engaged in varied activity, at different times, all in the vicinity of the ferry terminal.

Could the activity be completely innocent and explainable? Of course. Could the person be engaged in surveillance in preparation for a terrorist attack? Perhaps. Is the behavior suspicious enough to report? Yes!

Person(s) Asking Unusual Questions

While you are working on a customer's boat, a stranger approaches you and strikes up a conversation. She says she is interested in renting dock space for her boat at the marina, and says, "I guess my boat will be pretty secure here since it's very close to the power plant across the bay, and I'm sure the area is heavily patrolled by the Coast Guard and police." She then presses you for more details about the type of land and water patrols, their frequency and their scheduling. The person may be asking legitimate questions, but may also be gathering information for a potential terrorist attack.

Suspicious Conditions -- Physical Breaches of Security

A chain link security fence topped by barbed wire has been erected around the abutments of a bridge you pass by every day. One day you notice that there is a large hole in the fence, large enough to allow a person to climb through. Even though you don't observe either anyone in the area or any object placed inside the fence, you are aware that the hole is large enough for an adult to crawl through.

Several hundred feet down the road, you also notice a car or truck parked in an unusual place -- very close to another security fence at a waterfront shipping facility. The vehicle could be used as a platform for terrorists or criminals to facilitate climbing over the fence to gain access to the secured area.

Both of these are suspicious conditions and physical breaches of security that should be reported, so the fence can be repaired and the vehicle moved.

Person Renting a Boat -- Examine the Totality of Conduct

You work at a business that rents small boats by the hour. In the process of renting a boat for the day "to do some fishing," two men ask about the "best fishing spots" on the bay and, pointing in the direction of the Navy Base to the north, ask if that might not be a good place to fish. You tell them, "No, the best fishing is in the South Bay area." They fill out the paperwork, and pay you the required deposit and "full day" rate with a credit card. Neither of them seems all that interested in the terms of the contract, nor in the fact that they are not entitled to a partial refund if they return before the end of the day. You then help them load the boat with obviously brand-new fishing equipment and two large coolers, and take the time to remind them, "It might be a good idea to buy some bait." After you check them out on operation of the boat, they leave the dock and head north in the direction of the Navy Base. The whole situation starts to seem strange to you, including the fact that the person's recently-issued drivers license provided as proof of identity, the bank credit card used for payment, and the license plate on their vehicle were from three different states. Individually, each of the oddities in this situation do not rise to the level of "suspicious behavior," but when viewed in their totality they do.

Identifying Suspicious Activity

Identifying suspicious activity starts with understanding the steps a terrorist group takes to plan an attack. The acronym SETS will help you understand the basic steps and indicators.

1. ★SURVEILLANCE involves photographing, videotaping, drawing and/or mapping or other means of monitoring a potential target. (Types of surveillance include fixed, mobile, progressive, creative, overt and covert.)
   

1. ★ELICITATION involves asking detailed questions in an attempt to gain knowledge of hidden or proprietary information. Things to keep in mind:
   

2. •Listen carefully when engaged in a conversation with a stranger. When they begin to ask or inquire about guarded information you may be involved in, you can suspect that elicitation is being used. Remember, the conversation may seem totally innocent.
   

3. •Avoid becoming a victim of elicitation by sharing proprietary, classified or guarded information only with those that possess a need to know; without exception. If you suspect that you are being targeted, simply reply to the elicitor's questions with an inquiring question of your own.
   

1. ★TESTS OF SECURITY are a tools used to develop timelines of authoritative response to a particular incident or occurrence. Staging an incident can be done to determine access vulnerability and/or establish a timeline for later use. Examples include (but are not limited to):
   

2. • Bomb threats
   

3. • Small fires (trash can/dumpster)
   

4. • Abandoned packages
   

5. A test of security is likely to occur in close proximity of a potential target or an integral component in the plan to attack a potential target.
   

★SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR is displayed behavior that is out of place or out of character with the environment. Behavior is the key enabler. What activity is the person(s) engaging in that is out of place with the immediate environment (their surroundings)? If the activity is out of character, then that activity may be considered suspicious.

Remember, People are not Suspicious, Behavior is!

Last Revised: Aug 17, 2011