1. No category

Date:
October 15, 2014
From:
Jerry Edelen, DSO-Public Affairs
Thru:
Wally Smith, DCAPT
To:
Commodore Rod Collins
Subject:
October, 2014 District Public Affairs Report
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Public Affairs Officer Apprentice Program Requirements are emphasized.
September District Meeting is held.
Silver Charm crew trains in Helo Ops and Towing with Active Duty.
Division 6 supports Santa Cruz 50th Anniversary Cardboard Kayak Race.
Division 3 participates in the “Forget me Knot” Ceremony.
Division 7 participates in Boeing Family Day and Safety Fair.
Division 4 participates in Palo Alto Airport Day and Port of Redwood City
October Fest
Fleet Week is a huge success!
Division 7 participates in three major outreach activities!
Humpback whales sighted on routine patrol!
Flotilla 8-11 supports Crescent City Harbor District Opening Ceremony
Law to require Boater Safety Course passes.
Flotilla 6-4 and CG Station Monterey support the Columbus Festival!
Division 12 supports “Hero’s Night”.
Rhyl Lifeboat Crew Member visits CG Station Monterey.
Division 6 supports Santa Cruz Triathlon.
Flotilla 10-5 requests support of 95th Anniversary Fresno Veterans Day Parade.
CG Station Monterey and Flotilla 6-4 sponsor Public Outreach Event.
Flotilla 6-4 participates in “Save Our Shores Annual Beach Clean-up”.
20.
Remaining Public Affairs Activities in September-October are reported on by
Division Commanders.
DETAILS:
1.
Reminder….All Public Affairs Officers in our District must achieve Public
Affairs Apprentice Certification by the end of this year. At NACON, it was
announced that Public Affairs Officers would not be permitted to perform public
affairs duties after December 31st of this year unless they were either PA1
qualified, had completed AUX-12 “C” School, or have completed the PA
Apprentice Program. Thus far, of the three Districts participating in this pilot PA
program, our District has the first three completions: Stevin Strickland of Flotilla
8-11; Phil Grove of Flotilla 10-5; and Greg Fonzeno, 12th Division Commander!
Great work on the part of these three professionals. We have many more Public
Affairs Officers working on their PQS now. For those who haven’t begun yet, the
program isn’t difficult; but, it does take time. Now is the best time to start!
At PCA, 13 Public Affairs Officers from across the District attended the Public
Affairs Workshop and spent 4 hours studying and discussing the 35 Public Affairs
Tasks contained in the PQS booklet. These PA Officers are well ahead and
have just a little more to accomplish to achieve their Apprentice certification. The
Power Point used during the Workshop has been e-mailed to all PA Officers in
the District. Spending a little time going over the slides should significantly ease
the PQS process.
2. Our monthly District meeting was held on September 20th and District
Elections were conducted. Chief of Staff Rich Thomas was elected to be our
new Commodore! Wally Smith was elected to become the new District Chief of
Staff. Bill Stolz was re-elected District Captain, while Sean Sheehan and Mike
Thompson were elected to become new District Captains. Congratulations to all.
With this great leadership, our District will continue to be the best District in the
nation!
From the left, Rod Collins, IPDCO, Mike Thompson, Sean
Sheehan, & Bill Stolz, DCAPTs, Wally Smith, DCOS,
and Rich Thomas, DCO - all newly elected. (Photo by Jane Smith)
3.
Jane Smith, 6th Division Vice Commander reports: On September 29th, one
Flotilla 6-10 member served as crew aboard OPFAC SILVER CHARM in San
Francisco Bay. The patrol included "Helo Ops" with the Auxiliary facility playing
"catcher" of numerous basket and litter drops from the Coast Guard helicopter
from Air Station San Francisco. The pilot was brand new out of training and was
being "certified" for the first time.
Wally Smith on board Linda Vetter’s SILVER CHARM with the helicopter
and Bay Bridge in the background.
In addition to the "Helo Ops" the SILVER CHARM was requested to work with
CG Station San Francisco's "45" for some towing exercises. This provided an
opportunity for some new active duty boat crew personnel to train.
Towing Exercise
4. Jane Smith, 6th Division Vice Commander reports: On September 13th, 6th
Division personnel supported the 50th Anniversary of the Santa Cruz Harbor.
The day saw the First Annual Cardboard Kayak Races in the vicinity of the
Launch Ramps. Contestants were divided into two groups and given a very short
list of permissible material with which to construct a kayak! One group was given
one hour to create a kayak with materials provided by the Harbor. The second
group was more of an "Open" class with vessels constructed at home but again
with a specific material list. A lot of fun was had by all!
The Race is on! (photo by Jane Smith)
This guy actually won with swim fins on his legs sticking out through
holes in the "hull" … no one said you couldn't!" (photo by Jane Smith)
A detailed description of the event can be found at:
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_26534466/mettle-testedinaugural-santa-cruz-cardboard-kayak-races
5. Jim Goff, CGAUX California State Liaison Officer and Division 3 Vice
Commander reports: On September 20th, The CG and the Auxiliary were honored
for our many years of participation in the "Forget Me Knot" ceremony. The
ceremony is 10 years old, and I have been attending and awarding flags that
once flew over the White House to many veterans and their surviving spouses for
about 5 years.
The event is simultaneously held in two other locations in the US. We laid four
wreaths as well as spread rose pedals sent to us from Normandy into the
Sacramento River right in front of the Rio City Cafe in Old Sacramento.
Memorial Wreath being dropped
We had an honor guard from a local high school as well as a Navy bugler who
played taps. We also had a drum corps. The activities paralleled the battle of
Normandy. We dropped the wreaths into the water while taps was played. We
then handed out awards. This year the awards were presented to the CG and
the AUX.
We had two auxiliary facilities in the boat parade which was led by a Coast
Guard boat from Rio Vista. It was a very memorable event.
6. Carl Henning, Division 7 SO-PA reports: Event: Boeing Family Day and
Safety Fair, Saturday, 9-20-14/10am to 2pm, Boeing Facility, 10026 South
Prosperity Rd, West Jordan, Utah.
This event was supported by CG Aux Members Barry Duke from Flotilla 73 and
Sara Vandermolen from Flotilla 72. Overall, it was a great event and exposure
for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and public education. It was estimated that the
event had well over 1800 visitors that included Boeing employees and their
families. Many positive responses were received from the event regarding the
presence of the Coast Guard Auxiliary how its representatives conducted
presentations. The event provided positive feedback and immense outreach
exposure for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. There were many good questions asked
by both adults and kids about Boating Safety and other aspects of maritime
operations and activities. (Please find attached a copy of Barry Duke’ report
regarding this event.)
Two individuals from the event asked about joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary as
well as two others asked about how, when, and where to take Boating Safety
classes. Sara took down the information and said she would forward their
requests to the Flotilla near them.
Overall the event was a great team effort. Support for this event was provided by
the following Auxiliary members:
Representing the Auxiliary at the event was Barry Duke (Flotilla 73) and Sara
Vandermolem (Flotilla 72). Providing information, guidance, and encouragement
for Barry and Sara were Ann Zocchi (Flotilla 76), Mart Gardner (Flotilla 73), and
Carl Henning (Flotilla 76). Providing materials for Barry and Sara were Ann and
Tony Zocchi (Flotilla 76), Paul Custance (Flotilla 73), Elliot Moses (Flotilla 76),
and Chris Krogh (Flotilla 72).
7.
Judy Esteban, 4th Division Commander reports:
Division Members
attended Palo Alto Airport Day and Port of Redwood City October Fest Our
Guest: Jeff Norris from the San Mateo Sherriff Emergency Services discussed
his role and how the US Coast Guard Auxiliary could help. He will be returning
for a future meeting with equipment.
8.
Simone Adair, DCAPT reports: Fleet Week shore side activities were a great
success despite a lower turnout of volunteers. A huge thank you goes out to Gary
Kaplan and Cynthia Dragon for their excellent leadership. Bravo Zulu to all our
Auxiliarists who participated.
Gary Kaplan’s Initial Fleet Report: Thirty Auxiliarists volunteered for pier duty over
three days of public visitations for ship tours, a number of them working for two, or
even three days. They are to be applauded for their efforts. The work was demanding,
with long hours standing in high temperatures, and little support in creature comforts,
like food and water. Despite this, it was both satisfying and enjoyable work.
Our task, and it was accomplished admirably, was to be present along the lines of
visitors and communicate with them as they waited, sometimes for as long as three
hours, to board the ships. The communications included information about the ships,
requirements for boarding, the schedule for the air show, the work of the Coast Guard
and the nature of the Auxiliary. It was an excellent PR opportunity for the Auxiliary,
and we made the best of it.
We were heavily depended upon by the organizers for both our uniformed presence
and the work that we did. The initial expectation by the organizers that we perform
crowd control, was modified after some discussion, and we agreed that line
management was a more appropriate choice of words. This was conveyed, at two
briefings that I attended, with the COs and XOs of the ships, security personnel from
the Coast Guard, the Navy, the SFPD and the private security companies that were
involved. I attended these briefings in uniform so that those in attendance would be
able to recognize what our Auxiliary volunteers would look like. Admiral Breckenridge,
who also attended, emphasized that we were all volunteers and deserved a great
deal of thanks for what we were contributing. The word apparently got around since a
number of us were indeed thanked by ships’ officers and crewmembers.
Two Auxiliarists volunteered to assist with the registration for two days of Senior
Leadership Seminars, and were personally thanked by Admiral Ray for helping out.
(Photo by Roger Bazeley, Public Affairs Photographer Flotilla 17)
(Photo by Roger Bazeley, Public Affairs Photographer Flotilla 17)
Gail Giacomini, Division 1 SO-PA reports: This picture was taken at HMCS
Calgary during Fleet Week on Sunday.
9. Carl Henning, Division 7 SO-PA reports: Flotilla 76 participated in three local
Fire Prevention Open House and Kids Public Safety Fairs during the early part of
October. The overall attendance for all three events was estimated at 7,800, of
which that included over 3800 children. At each event, Flotilla members
demonstrated the proper use of PFDs to children and also gave out boating
information, and coloring books and stickers to the children. Listed below are
further details about the events and photographs from the first event which was
held at the Layton City Fire Prevention Open House and Safety fair.
• Layton City Fire Prevention Open House and Safety Fair, October 1, 2014,
Layton City Fire Station.
The Layton City Fire Prevention Open House and Safety Fair were held on
October 1st at the Layton Fire. This event was supported by CG Aux Members
Kevin Anderson, Ann Zocchi, and Carl Henning from Flotilla 76, and Barry Duke
from Flotilla 73. It was estimated that the vent had approximately 3,800 visitors.
Ann Zocchi and Barry Duke conducted a timed life jacket challenge / competition
for the children, in which a life jacket had to be put on and secured in under 8
seconds. It was a big hit with the kids as well as lots of fun, for both the children
and adults
Ann Zocchi, Flotilla 113-07-06 handing out boating safety information and
children coloring books to visitor at the Layton City Fire Station Open
House and Kids Safety Fair (photograph taken by Carl Henning
Ann Zocchi, Flotilla 113-07-06 and Barry Duke, Flotilla 113-07-06, hold a life
jacket challenge for children at the Layton City Fire Station Open House
and Kids Safety Fair (photograph taken by Carl Henning)
• West Point City Fire Prevention Open House and Safety Fair, October 7,
2014, North Davis Fire Station
The West Point City Fire Station Prevention Open House and Kids Safety Fair
were held on October 7st at the West Point City Fire Station. This event was
supported by CG Aux Members Ann and Tony Zocchi from Flotilla 76. It was
estimated that the event had approximately 1,500 visitors.
• Clearfield City Fire Prevention Open House and Safety Fair, October 8,
2014, Clearfield City Fire Station
The Clearfield City Fire Station Open House and Kids Safety Fair were held on
October 8th at the Clearfield City Fire Station. This event was supported by CG
Aux Members Ann and Tony Zocchi, and Carl Henning from Flotilla 76. It was
estimated that the vent had approximately 2,500 visitors.
10. I had to include these pictures in our monthly PA report. This is partially
what being an Auxiliarist Crew Member is all about. On a routine 6th Division
patrol in Santa Cruz Harbor on September 13th, humpback whales were
observed feeding and frolicking! Patrolling can be grueling work; but, someone
has to do it! 
Humpback Whale Breaching! (Photos by Scott Richert!)
11. Stevin Strickland, PAO, Flotilla 8-11 reports: At the Crescent City Harbor
District Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 27 October, Flotilla 8-11 represented
the USCG Auxiliary. The public took tours of the 29' SAR boat and Flotilla
officers, boat crew, and coxswains all fielded questions from the public about the
USCG Auxiliary's mission, duties, and responsibilities. While safe boating
practices were stressed during the event, crew members in ODU's mingled with
the public and enjoyed the festivities, including sidewalk painting, judging an art
contest, and listening to local legislators talk about the effort to rebuild the
Crescent City Harbor after the destructive tsunami event.
Opening Ceremony
29’ SAR Boat and Crew
The activity was captured by the local media at:
http://lostcoastoutpost.com/2014/sep/28/good-things-happened-crescent-city/
Stevin’s comment that “showing the uniform matters is the lesson learned”, is
well received!
12. A bill to require an individual to pass a boating education examination and
obtain a vessel operator card from the Division of Boating and Waterways in
order to operate a boat in California passed the Senate yesterday.
SB 941, by Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) and Senator Mark DeSaulnier (DConcord), will require the Division of Boating and Waterways to develop a vessel
operator card and issue it to individuals who provide proof that they have passed
an approved examination. Beginning on January 1, 2018, the requirement to
possess a Division vessel operator card will apply to operators 20 years of age or
younger with a staggered implementation date depending on the age of the
individual until it eventually applies to everyone in 2025.
“National statistics show that requiring first time boaters to pass a safety exam
will save lives and decrease boating accidents,” Senator DeSaulnier said. “As
someone who represents the Delta, one of the most traveled waterways in the
state, I know that California cannot afford to continue to lag behind the rest of the
nation when it comes to boater safety requirements. SB 941 will make the Delta
and all of California’s incredible waterways safer for all.”
California is one of five states that do not require individuals to take a boating
safety course before operating a vessel. Senator Monning introduced the
legislation after hearing from constituents that have been involved in accidents
due to unsafe boaters that did not have the proper knowledge to operate a
vessel.
Similar legislation has been proven to save lives. In 1993, Connecticut enacted
legislation that required mandatory boating education and since then the state’s
fatality rate fell by 56% and the state’s accident rate fell by 18%.
California State Senator Bill Monning
13. On October 11th and 12th, CG Station Monterey and Flotilla 6-4 teamed up
to support Monterey’s Columbus Day Festival.
Flotilla 6-4 manned an information booth at the Festival; while CG Station
Monterey brought their 47’ Surf Lifeboat and docked it next to the Auxiliary Booth
Location. The CG Boat was a real hit with the crowds.
Your Humble Correspondent assists visitors onto the 47’ Surf Lifeboat
Auxiliarists participating in the event were Tony Budlong, Craig Johnson, Keith
Simmons, Jerry and Gloria Edelen, Robb Kay and Deriek Clemmons (aka
AUXTTER the Magnificent!). Station Executive Officer LTJG Taylor Smith and
his bride showed up to lend support. Over 100 visitors toured the 47’ motor
lifeboat and it was estimated that over 8,000 personnel participated in the
Festival! In all, it was a very valuable (and enjoyable) outreach event.
AUXTTER really draws the crowds!!
14. Greg Fonzeno, DCDR Division 12 reports: On Friday, September 12,
Newark Memorial High School held a "Heroes Night" before their opening football
game. The evening was to honor first responders and representatives of the
military as part of their 9/11 remembrance. Members from Flotilla 12-03 and 125 participated and represented the Coast Guard Auxiliary in their parade around
the football field.
Greg Fonzeno, Kaethe Langs, and Stu Langs on parade
15. On September 23rd, Mr. Callum Robinson from the Rhyl Lifeboat Crew,
Wales, United Kingdom, and two of his mates, Andy Edwards and Carl Patton,
visited Coast Guard Station Monterey.
Ryle Lifeboat Crew Station, Wales, UK
They spoke with Station Leadership and received a tour of the base and boats.
Station Executive Officer, LTJG Taylor Smith was especially interested in hearing
about their experiences with the Royal Navy Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). LTJG
Smith, being a Surfman, had always had a personal interest in the RNLI. The
Coast Guard and RNLI used to do an exchange program. In fact, once when
Taylor attended the Coast Guard's National Motor Lifeboat School his class had
an instructor from the RNLI who was on the exchange program. Your humble
correspondent also has British ties, having jumped with the Paras at Aldershot.
The exchange of information was fascinating for both sides. The British (and
more so, the Irish) have no regulations against jumping into the water in
dangerous situations to assist personnel in distress, or riding their boats into the
surf or even beaching their boats.
A typical day on the job for UK “Auxiliarists”!
As our British friends spoke about some of their harrowing standard operating
procedures, I could see our active duty personnel getting just a bit envious! 
The visit was a great success and our guests were presented with Challenge
Coins upon their departure.
Their very interesting Facebook page can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/rhyllifeboat
On Tour of Station Monterey with (from left to right), PO2 Dulmage, Mr.
Callum Robinson, Seaman Monaghan, and Jerry Edelen
16. On Sunday, September 28th, the 6th Division ended up providing a safety
screen for the Annual Santa Cruz Triathlon. Happening upon the event during a
routine patrol, Wally Smith, Jane Smith, Mary Kirkwood, Scott Richert, and Jerry
Edelen, on Facility Craft Moment kept vessels away from the swimmers
swimming around the Santa Cruz pier as part of a grueling Triathlon.
Jane Smith overseeing Santa Cruz Lifeguards from Facility Craft Moment
17. Douglas T. Lazo, Flotilla Commander, Flotilla 10-5 Fresno, invites all U.S.
Coast Guard personnel and Auxiliarists to attend the 95th Anniversary Fresno
Veterans Day Parade The USCG/Auxiliary are the "Grand Marshall" for this
parade. This parade is the largest parade west of the Mississippi. We will be
surpassing the New York City Veterans Day Parade this year. They are the
largest parade east of the Mississippi. This parade will be televised on Channels
#24, #47, and the Armed Forces Network.
DATE OF EVENT:
LOCATION OF EVENT:
TIME OF EVENT:
UNIFORM OF DAY:
POINT OF CONTACT:
11 November 2014
Downtown Fresno. Start –
"O" Street in front of City Hall
0800 hours at Staging Area
(Grand Marshall - USCG/Auxiliary
Tropical Blue Uniform
Douglas T. Lazo, Flotilla Commander
(559) 439-1225 (H)
(559) 341-6883 ©
lazo2dm@juno.com
18. Alexander Urciuoli, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Staff
Officer for Flotilla 6-4 reports: On 28 September 2014, from 0900-1500 hrs, in
the first event of its kind, USCG Station Monterey Active Duty and Auxiliary
personnel teamed up on the Coast Guard pier with local environmental and
animal rescue agencies to raise public awareness of the hazards of improperly
disposed of fishing line. After an initial briefing by Station Monterey Executive
Officer, LTJG Taylor Smith, volunteers spent six hours giving out information,
talking to passersby, and illustrating with photos of ensnared wildlife and actual
tangled hooks and fishing line (some of it collected on the CG pier on the same
day of the event), about the dangers of plastic monofilament line that is tossed or
left in the environment.
Area agencies that participated in raising public awareness were BayNet, Marine
Mammal Rescue Center, SPCA Wild Animal Rescue, NOAA, the National Marine
Sanctuaries as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliary.
Together, these groups met with over 325 passersby of whom at least 165 asked
in-depth questions, requested more information or took a portable fishing line
disposal kit. USCG personnel also talked with 19 local fishermen and one USCG
Auxiliarist from Flotilla 5-1 Vallejo, CA visiting Monterey with his family.
The most common reactions from members of the public: Previous unawareness
of the fishing line issue, and shock at its prevalence and devastating
environmental effects (A picture of an entangled bird or sea lion, or a mass of
hooks and line that looks like a plate of spaghetti is worth a thousand words).
USCG and Auxiliary personnel who took part in the event: Station Monterey
personnel LTJG Taylor Smith, BM2 Aaron Fischtner and SN Taheer Davis and
Auxiliarists Tony Budlong, Cecil Claspell, Craig Johnson, Rob Kay, Tim Meroney,
Eileen Robinson, Keith Simmons, and Alexander Urciuoli. (AUX Tom Sprague
also stood watch from 1200-1600 to lend a hand as Station members worked this
event).
Feelings of participating volunteers on the success of the event were quite
positive, especially for the first time through. They were happy to talk with
members of the public --and local anglers in particular-- about proper fishing line
disposal and to “get the word out.” Volunteers also highlighted their satisfaction
at having multiple interested groups working together on an issue of such
importance for communities that border a National Marine Sanctuary. The
general opinion of the groups concerned was that the event was “great” and that
they were ready to do it again. Participating members also expressed the hope
that this event could be done regularly along the lines of the more well known
coastal cleanups.
KION TV did a segment on the event. It can viewed at:
http://www.kionrightnow.com/news/local-news/hidden-danger-of-fishing-line-andhooks/28307348
Joint Coast Guard/ Auxiliary Information Table
19. On September 20th, from 9:00 to noon, members of Flotilla 6-4 participated
in a nation-wide, 30th Annual Safe Our Shores Beach Clean-up. Flotilla members
worked on most of Monterey’s beaches and collected an incredible amount of
trash.
Six Flotilla members picked up trash and recyclables on the beaches and
waterways of our National Marine Sanctuary. Auxiliarists participating were: Cecil
Claspell and Keith Simmons at San Carlos Beach Breakwater (Station
Monterey’s own); Craig and Shirley Johnson at Del Monte Beach; Phil Nash, also
at Del Monte Beach (accompanied by his daughter, out with her Girl Scout
Troop). Cecil's CSUMB SCUBA diving club cleaned up the offshore at San
Carlos Beach. As Site Captain at Marina State Beach at Lake Drive for the 4th
year running, Flotilla 64 Marine Safety Officer, Alexander Urciuoli, was assisted
in his duties by his daughter, Paloma, a high school senior. At Marina Beach,
Alex Urciuoli was once again joined by Mr. Dustin Nguyen’s Marina High School
senior ecology class. Mr. Nguyen’s students are a very active and culturally
diverse group of students who have one thing in common: they are all members
of the National Honor Society.
Joining the cleanup effort this year at Lake Drive was Girl Scout Troop No. 30603
from La Mesa Elementary School. Troop No. 30603 members are made up
largely of area military kids, ages 10 and under, and their parents---with a few
locals to boot.
Together, these two groups picked up a total of 30lbs. of trash and 30lbs. of
recyclables in three hours. A very special “Thank You” goes out to Mr. Nguyen’s
students, the true guardians of Marina’s Lake Drive beach; and a big “Bravo
Zulu” to the members of Girl Scout Troop No. 30603. Our Cleanup could not
have happened without them!
Local Cleanup totals for Monterey County for 2014:
Total volunteers for Monterey: 1,296
Total trash for Monterey: 9,013.3 pounds
Total recyclables for Monterey: 907 pounds
Grand total of waste removed in Monterey: 9,920 pounds collected at 33 beach
and inland sites.
A Trash Target Rich Environment!
Shirley Johnson cleaning the Beach!
Team Clean-up Captain Alex Urciuoli checking in Volunteers
20. This District Public Affairs Report is intended to be a repository of all of the
great activities our District engages in. It is also intended to provide senior
leadership with information that they can use to brief the Gold Side, the press,
and the public. Division Public Affairs Officers are encouraged to forward to me
any brief write-ups about their activities along with any pictures and I will compile
the information in this report.
21. Remaining Public Affairs Activities during this time period not covered in
this District Public Affairs Report are covered in the Division Commander
Reports.
Respectfully reported,
Jerry Edelen, DSO-PA
jeryedel@ix.netcom.com
District 11 Northern Region
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary