THE SCUTTLEBUTT

Nov. 2011 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Scuttlebutt Flotilla 12-8, 7th District Charleston, South Carolina Vol. Vol. 37, 35, No. No. 11-November 3-March 2009 2011
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Flotilla Web Site: http://www.uscgauxcharleston.org

Commanders Corner
Alan Miles, FC 12-8
This is my second to the last article as your Flotilla Commander. What a great experience it has been. Serving as your Commander has been very rewarding and also a high point in my life. This month with the October cookout at the station, and the November elections we still have plenty to do and enjoy. We have several fine candidates for each elected position demonstrating that this organization is strong and has dedicated, eager members. Please make sure to attend the November 9th meeting at 7 PM, and cast your vote for the candidate that will best represent and guide the Flotilla in the next year. Our annual Change of Watch will be held on Saturday, 03 December 2011. The event will take place at the Charleston Riverview Holiday Inn. We have reserved the top floor overlooking Charleston and the Ashley River. The dinner event will start at 5 PM. Attire will be Service Dress Blues or suit and tie. Ladies should wear evening dinner attire. We will be sending out invitations with details soon so you can plan your December events in advance. The Riverview Holiday Inn has room available for anyone wishing to spend the night.
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Vice Commander
Paul Thomas, VFC 12-8
It appears that Autumn has arrived, the weather has cooled, less daylight and soon less time on the water and of course our annual fish fry. November is an Inside important month for the FC.............. 1 flotilla in that we elect new lead- VFC ........... 1 ership for the coming year. I en- CM ............ 4 courage all members that are able CS .............. 4 to attend the November meeting FN.............. 5 to do so and cast your ballot for HR ............. 3 Flotilla Commander and Vice IS ............... 2 Flotilla Commander. The flotilla MA ............ 6 will be looking for staff officers MS ............. 6 to help continue to meet our mis- NS .............. 2 MT............. 2 sions commitments to the gold OP ............. 3 side. Look forward to seeing you PA.............. 6 at the November meeting. PB .............. 2 Paul V. Thomas, VFC 12-8 PV..6

Letter to the Editor:

I would like to pay tribute to our outgoing Flotilla Commander Alan Miles for all of his time and energy in moving our Flotilla forward. His vision, direction and leadership have opened a new more vital organization for all of us. The dedication he has shown to the position, which as we know is another full time job, is a task well done with so much accomplished. The relationships formed and continued under

SR .............. 3 VE ............. 5 Calendar ... 7 Citadel....... 4 Trivia ........ 6

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Confidentiality Notice: Telephone numbers and addresses of members are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. As a matter of policy, rosters of names, addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the general public or any outside organization. Privacy of all rosters shall be safeguarded and the page clearly labeled. The publication of these rosters, addresses, and telephone numbers on any computer on-line service including the Internet is prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974. The Auxiliary is guided by the current equal opportunities policies of the Commandant of the Coast Guard. No Person shall be subject to

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Member Training
Bob Mathewes, SO-MT

Information Services

ember training is winding down for the year. I did receive notification the last week of October that Ralph Tomlinson and his wife are again offering one of the core AUXOP courses using Go to Meeting. This will be a repeat of the Weather Specialist (AUXWEA) course offered earlier this year. Jay Bird availed himself of the opportunity last time and spoke very highly of the experience. This course starts on 1 November and runs through 1 December. I hope all of you saw the information that I forwarded to the membership and hopefully some of you signed up. I truly believe that this is the future of training for the Auxiliary particularly in divisions that are as widely dispersed as ours is. Bob Mathewes, FSO-MT

Bob Mathewes, FSO-IS

Publications
Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

e almost made 100% again this month but fell one short All things considered, I guess that's not too bad. Thanks to all of you for your input. Next month the deadline falls on the day after Thanksgiving and I will be in Atlanta that whole week. I will have my laptop and access to e-mail and the internet. You may not get the usual reminder so be aware that the deadline will not change. Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

ith colder weather in the near future and the holidays fast approaching it stands to reason that activity could be dropping off. I guess that accounts for the reduction of the number of forms submitted last month. I fear that since some who have worked hard this year have not submitted a single 7029 form there will be a deluge of last-minute submissions as there was last year. I plan to spend Thanksgiving week visiting family and a mad scramble to get hours into AUXDATA isnt part of the plan. Please dont wait. Some of you are in jeopardy of going REYR for lack of hours on the water or vessel exams or instructor hours, etc. A spread sheet has been posted on our web site and updated almost weekly which shows the status of all Coxswains, Crew, Instructors, Vessel Examiners and RBS Visitors. There is no excuse for losing a qualification due because you were unaware of your deficiency. It takes a lot of work on your part and that of the Flotilla Commander to get reinstated. Save yourself that headache and get your hours before it is too late. Bob Mathewes, FSO-IS

Navigational Services
Joe Fleming, FSO-NS
No activity to report. Joe Fleming, FSO-NS Have you done your October 7029? If not, why not?

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Secretary Records
Pam Bray, FSO-SR

Operations

T
along.

here was no business meeting in October so there are no minutes. I do have the following information that needs to be passed

Joe Fleming, FSO-OP

Our December Change of Watch Program and our Holiday Dinner Gathering will be a combined celebration to be held the evening of Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Riverview Holiday Inn, the same location as last year. A formal invitation will be sent in early November with specific details. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for this fun evening. If you are planning to stay at the Riverview Holiday Inn after the program and dinner celebration, please consider booking your room reservation now. You can make your reservation by calling the Riverview directly at 843-556-7100, ask for Ashley or ERIN.. At our upcoming November 9th monthly meeting, we will be voting for Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander officer positions. Please plan to attend this important meeting. Pam Bray, FSO-SR

Human Resources
Paul Thomas, FSO-HR

nterest in the Auxiliary remains strong, per the e-responder report for October 14, 2011, there are twentyone potential applicants for Flotilla 12-8. I will have interviewed them by the time this is published for possible membership into Flotilla 12-8.

s the Summer continues to wind down so does boating activity. Patrols continue, as normal as well as training to keep us sharp and ready. All crew members need to get time on the water to keep your qualifications for next year so dont wait. The Holidays coming up will have some extra activity for us to show the public what we do. Please be ready. The Inaugural Swim Around Charleston was on October 23 and started at Remleys Point. The twelve mile swim crossed the harbor to the Charleston side and proceeded to the Battery. There, they turned North up the Ashley River and passed under the Ashley River Bridges, which was the half-way point. The finish line was the William Westmoreland Bridge, on I-526. It made for a long day on the water. Approximately 30 swimmers participated in the race with all but two finishing. The flotilla OPFAC (21545) along with CG 25672 set up a boating safety display at Home Depot Northwoods on Saturday the 22nd along with the North Charleston Fire Dept and an MUSC Helicopter. Rickee, my new puppy, served as our mascot and was a hit with everyone sporting her official life jacket! The Childrens Safety day produced a large amount of public interest in what was offered and seen by all. Thanks to BM1 Miller for the 25 and the crew for helping Joe Fleming, FSO-OP

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Citadel Detachment
Cadet Sgt. Wm. Singletary

Communication Services John Sikes, FSO-CS

he Citadel Detachments Cadets had the fortunate opportunity to experience Parents Weekend and make it through the exhausting midterm period. With that said, The Detachments eyes are setting goals on completing qualifications and training. The Detachment has finished up Basic Introduction to the Coast Guard Classes and is working towards vessel examiner and boat crew qualifications. Members of the Detachment took tours of Coast Guard assets in the Charleston area to include Station Charleston, and assets at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Some of our qualified members had the opportunity to stay aboard the Yellowfin, while others started learning the ropes at Station Charleston. Semper Paratus, William Singletary, Cadet Sgt.

he ink is barely dry on the recent Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the US Power Squadron (USPS) and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and already signs of increased cooperation between the two organizations are noticeable. Not only is there an increased presence by both groups at each others national functions, commanders and commodores can be seen in cooperative settings at many more districts, squadrons and flotillas. Members should be aware that five major USPS departments and committees are collaborating with their USCG Aux counterparts to facilitate the process of extended cooperation in vessel safety checks, recreational boating safety education, and other events and activities. John Sikes, FSO-CS

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Communications

his direction with the Gold Side helped the flotilla move forward reputation-wise. We are a "can-do" unit. I found his effort in pulling together National Safe Boating Week activities and the novel approaches used both effective and highly inventive. For all of the time I've spent in the Auxiliary, I have rarely seen such an effort as he initiated. His invention, foresight and staffing have resulted in many plaudits for our flotilla and Division 12. All of this was accomplished through his leadership and long hours spent in planning, execution and direction. Please join me in congratulating Alan Miles for the work in establishing new programs which happened under his "watch". GREAT JOB ALAN and BRAVO ZULU! Bob Orenstein

Dick Clarke, FSO-CM

s our year closes lets take a look at what we've done in Communications. We had a successful TCO PQS class and picked up one additional mobile radio facility (paperwork pending). Not a lot to be proud of but its a start, right? The art of communicating is so important to ensure that we get our missions accomplished and are of value to the Guard and the boating public. Lets make 2012 the year that we accumulate more than enough knowledge and equipment to really have our voices heard. Dick Clarke, FSO-CM

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If you want to enjoy the Change of Watch and not have to worry about driving home late you can enjoy a nice room and relax a bit. Contact them at (843) 556-7100. Ask for Erin or Ashley. At the last Division 12 meeting in Mt Pleasant, I met with other Flotilla Commanders and Staff and members as well as Captain White of Sector Charleston. The D7 Commodore Walter Jaskiewicz was also there. The division held its Annual Elections. Vito Giardina has been re-elected as our Division Commander and Al Crothers will serve as Vice Division Commander for 2012. The Division Change of Watch is on January 13th and 14th at the Beach Colony Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. Please plan on attending this event. After the elections, it was time for a few awards and 12-8 did very well. I received the Commodores Certificate of Excellence for Alan Glas, Hugo Endris, and Joe Fleming. Well Done All! The next award was presented to Bob Mathewes. He was, designated a United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Marine Safety & Environmental Protection Specialist and awarded the Auxiliary M-Pro Device which we usually refer to as The Trident. Bob has worked very hard for several years to earn this device. Make sure to congratulate him next time you see him. The last award was presented to 55 Members of our unit. Captain White presented Flotilla 12-8 the US Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. The award was base on Exceptional Meritorious Service for the planning and execution of National Safe Boating Week 2011. It is estimated that we worked over 2,000 hours and reached out to more than half a million people during the event. This is a very high honor for our

members and it recognizes an exceptional group of people. I have attached a list of members that received this award. BRAVO ZULU 12-8! In closing, please remember that every member needs to submit their times worked on forms 7029, 7030, and 7038. Also submit your Vessel Inspections. The year is almost over and Division, District, and Nation will be finalizing the total members hours for each unit. Entering the time you contributed to the Auxiliary programs is vital to the organization and to the Coast Guard. Please do not delay Submit Today. SEMPER PARATUS. Alan J.P. Miles, FC

Finance
Frank Leister, FSO-FN

here is little to report this month. Dues collection is probably done and our balance reflects that. Much will be sent to the Division and District in 2012, so we are not as flush as the balance would indicate. We are, however, very close to our budget. Thus all is normal. Frank Leister, FSO-FN

Vessel Examinations

Paul Berka, FSO-VE

ith the coming of the end of Daylight Saving, the boating season has greatly slowed down. We will start Vessel Safety Checks (VSC's) in March of next year (2012). Please make sure you have entered all your ANSC 7038 forms for the VE's you completed this year (2011). Paul H. Berka, FSO-VE

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Partner Visitor

Laura Meehan, FSO-PV

n-the-water activities occur year -round on the coast of the Southeast, and we need to keep reminding the community of safety measures and precautionary practices while they are out there fishing, hunting, and any other activities on the water. Also, with the holiday season fast approaching, our Partners will be getting busy again so we can use all the help we can get in the PV Department! Become a PV today! Start your training process here: http://safetyseal.net/ training.asp Laura Meehan, FSO-PV

IPFC Joe Fleming and Rickie and last but not least to Will Carter! Thanks for making another event a success. At this time I do not have any events on the calendar for November; however, that is subject to change and I will be making contact with members to get assistance on any requested events I have come up. May all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and be safe! Barbara Thibodeaux, FSO-PA

Materials
Chuck Chirila, FSO-MA
No activity to report Chuck Chirila, FSO-MA

Public Affairs

Marine Safety
Bob Orenstein, FSONo report received Bob Orenstein, FSO-MS

Barbara Thibodeaux,

ast month we participated in the Childrens Safety Fair on Saturday, October 22nd, at Home Depot in North Charleston. The event turned out well. We were well represented with an Auxiliary Facility and an active duty crew with a Safe Boat. The organizer also had the various Fire Departments with Trucks and equipment as well as the Smoke House, the US Forestry Department with Smokey the Bear, the North Charleston Police with McGruff the Crime Dog, and a helicopter and medic flight crew from Omni One. We got a lot of exposure and the kids loved getting to see the inside of the boats. IPFC Joe Fleming brought his 17 week old field spaniel who demonstrated the use of a life jacket and I think Rickie might have stolen the show! Thank you so much to BM1 Miller for the crew and equipment he sent, to

Nautical Trivia

he question for October was to name the Admiral of the Royal Navy who made the decision to cut the sailors rum ration with two parts of water to one part of rum which became known as grog This appellation was due to the material from which the Admirals boat cloak was fashioned. That material was called grogram which is defined as, A course fabric made of silk, often combined with mohair or wool and stiffened with gum. James & Karen Andrews of 12-12, Reggie Hollar of 12-10 and our own Dick
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Clarke, Dick McLaren, John Sikes and Agnes Wright identified the villainous officer as Admiral Edward "Old Grogram" Vernon. It is traditional in the Coast Guard that the oldest cutter in service is known as Queen of the Fleet and has her hull number painted in gold. A few years ago that dubious honor fell to the USCGC Storis (WMEC-38). She decommissioned in a ceremony in Kodiak, Alaska on February 8, 2007. When the Storis was decommissioned, The Acushnet (WMEC-167) became Queen of the Fleet. On 11 March 2011, Acushnet was decommissioned and retired from active duty after more than 67 years of service. The Acushnet finished her career in Alaska also. The current Queen of the Fleet is an East Coast Buoy Tender and the gold hull number really stands out on her black hull. This grand old lady was commissioned sixty-seven years ago on 1 November 1944. She has spent her entire career working Aids-To-Navigation on the US East Coast. What is her name and number?
Nominating Committee Report Submitted by Frank Leister On November 9, Flotilla 12-8 will hold elections for Flotilla Commander and Vice-Flotilla Commander. These elections are vital to the continued success of the Flotilla. Your attendance and vote constitute a major contribution to the Flotilla and its mission. There are four nominees. Joe Fleming and Paul Thomas are standing for Flotilla Commander. Richard Daniel and Dwaine Harris are standing for Flotilla Vice-Commander. Nominees from the floor are welcome. It is the nominator's responsibility to assure their

nomination has the required pre-requisites. This committee is open to checking for those pre-requisites before the nomination and the membership meeting. This is not a requirement but could prove useful. Please contact any of the committee members to request this check for the pre-requisites. Below are brief resumes for those running. Flotilla Commander Joe Fleming Born and reared in Charleston, I am the oldest son with 6 siblings. My parents brought us up in a loving home with weekends dedicated to family adventures. Camping on the lakes of Santee was one of them. Educated in a parochial school, I learned to give and to help others, that is the greatest reward in life. My Mother taught me how to cook and clean, My Dad taught me how to use my hands. With an early start in fixing things, this guided me to a career in mechanics. Building and racing cars and motor cycles in high school, as a hobby, also helped. This progressed into my interest in heavy equipment. I have been lead mechanic at Landmark Construction for over 15 years. Working on heavy equipment full time after high school to present time is a great career. I attended technical college and earned a degree in the emergency medical field. I worked part time with Charleston County EMS for 14 years. I also volunteered with Charleston County Rescue, was trained in emergence extrication, high level rescue and under water search and rescue. My wife, Suzanne, and I met in 1993 and have been together for over 18 years. I also have a daughter and a granddaughter. My wife and I are also very involved in breeding and showing of Field Spaniels; our dogs have won the National Specialty three times. A highlight was watching one of our girls winning Best of
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Breed at Madison Square Garden at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Show. We also competitively Bass fished for 10 years, and then traded the bass boat for a saltwater boat. I decided to take a boating safety class and my interest in the Auxiliary was piqued. I joined the Auxiliary in 2007, trained in crew and Coxswain, Vessel Examiner, UPV Examiner, Aton verifier and Telecommunications. I was FC in 2008 and 2009 and helped with starting the Citadel Attachment. Paul Thomas My name is Paul Thomas and I am a native Floridian. I grew up in the panhandle area of Florida and was the slave labor on my grandparents farm. In 1964, at the age of 20, and with 2 years of college I joined the Air Force and served approximately 6 years on active duty with 2 tours in Vietnam, where I was a rescue medic. Following my discharge I went into the reserves and went to work for Woolco dept store as a manager trainee. I worked approximately 5 year at Woolco and then went to work for SuperX Drugs as a store manager in Atlanta, Ga. That was a fun job but retail is long hours and broken promises, so I left to complete my college degree. I graduated from Clayton College with a degree in Business in 1977 and went on to Georgia State to complete a degree in Accounting in 1979. I have four years experience as a CPA in the Atlanta area. In 1984 I was offered a job at the U.S. Small Business Administration and have been there ever since. I have worked in three states with SBA and have experience in four separate divisions: i.e., finance, servicing, liquidation and government contracting. I currently serve as a Sr. area manager for SBA covering 23 counties in the state of South Carolina. In the AF reserves

I flew air evac for approximately 14 years, and unfortunately lost my hearing and was grounded, so I became a first sergeant and did this until my retirement from the Air Force Reserve in Sept 2004. I came to Charleston in October 2007 and was introduced to the Auxiliary in 2008, but was unable to get in until Dec 2009. I am on my second year as the FSO-HR and my first year as the VFC. While new to the Auxiliary I believe I have the qualification to be a flotilla commander given my work experience and military experience. I have already informed my wife that on my retirement from SBA that I will get my crew member qualifications and hopefully, will start an Auxiliary detachment on a lake not far from my cabin in North Carolina. If that doesnt work then I will join a unit when Im back in Florida. One must have a backup plan. Flotilla Vice-Commander Richard Daniel This memo is offered so that you might get more insight as to why I would like to advance into this high level of Auxiliary activity. Back in 2000 I joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary for three reasons: The first was to learn more about boating the correct way, the second is to broaden my knowledge through the wonderful courses and programs the Auxiliary offers and third, to serve our country and help other boaters like myself. Coast Guard service is very high on my list. When I look back over the last 11 years of serving the above expectations have more than been met. Since joining the Auxiliary I have taught many boating courses, inspected many Aids to Navigation and conducted countless Safety Patrols. Additionally I have taken part in exercises with the Gold side many times over the years. Because of my training and experience I obtained my Coast Guard Masters 50 Ton Captains License. Additionally my crew and facility saved an 11 year old child from 56 water in an active shipping channel
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while I was Coxswain.

Proudly have taken part in four rescues over the years. Two as an active Coast Guard Auxiliarist and two while boating in strange waters on the Western Rivers. Over the years this acquired knowledge and experience afforded me the skills and confidence to circumnavigate the Eastern United States by completing over 6,000 Great Loop miles. The VFC is a natural step up since I have already served as VFC once before. Have been FSO-PE, FSO-AN, FSO-OPS and am AUXOP. Other than the Auxiliary I offer over 35 years industrial management in the manufacturing arena. This experience is broad based to include managing people and assets for years. I recently retired as CEO of my company which has been a very successful venture. I would hope the people skills, management and maturity would serve the Coast Guard Auxiliary well. And thus, I ask you to consider my offering for VFC so that I can continue to make a difference for the Auxiliary, Coast Guard and our country. Sincerely, Richard B. Daniel 3909 Heron Marsh Cir Johns Island, SC 29455 843-557-0033 Home 843-670-8850 Cell Dwaine Harris Resume of Dwaine Harris Active member Flotilla 12-08 I am in my second year of membership in Flotilla 12-8. After a busy year of classes and onthe- water operations with great fellowship, I have decided to step out of my comfort zone and seek your vote to the office of Vice Flotilla

In the spirit of The Coast Guard Auxiliary I would like to pay back and follow in the footsteps of those that have served in this office. What have I done this past year? Graduated from Crew Academy Qualified as a marine dealer visitor/ 79 visits to date Qualified as a vessel examiner/ 26 safety checks this year Earned the Auxiliary Examination/ Marine Dealer Visitation Service Ribbon and will earn second award before the year is out. Earned the Auxiliary Operations Service Award/Operations (60 hrs.). I have 107.2 hrs. in operations to date. Will have completed of the requirement for the RBS device. Earned The Auxiliary Sustained Service Award/750 hrs. I have worked 637.5 hrs. on all missions as of this writing. Enjoyed great fellowship throughout the Division. Perfect attendance at monthly meetings. If elected to this office, I will perform all the duties of this office to the best of my ability. I will assist all auxiliary members in the programs of their interests and promote team coast guard in all their missions. Looking to next year I have a list of things to keep me busy in my retirement: Qualify as ATON verifier Attend E- school in June Qualify in the instructor (IT) program Work on Navigation Expand this list Dwaine Harris dwaine108@aol.com

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November 2011
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 6
End Daylight Saving Time

2 9 16 23 30

3 10
Full Moon

4 11
Veterans Day

5 12 19 26

7 14 21 28
Cyber Monday

8 15 22 29

13 20 27

17 24
New Moon Thanksgiving

18 25
Black Friday

Flotilla Officers
Flotilla Commander Alan Miles bigcid@comcast.net Finance Frank Leister fcl@lwinslow.com Flotilla Vice Commander Paul Thomas paul.thomas@sba.gov Human Resources Paul Thomas paul.thomas@sba.gov Communications Dick Clarke clarkerrc@att.net Communication Services John Sikes jsikes@netrockets.com

Information Services Materials Bob Mathewes Chuck Chirila rhmathewes@comcast.net cchirila@sc.rr.com Navigational Services Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net Public Education Alan Miles bigcid@comcast.net IPFC Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net Operations Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net RBS Visitor Laura Meehan victoriayx32@yahoo.com Detachment Commander Cadet Greg Battenfield battenfieg1@citadel.edu

Marine Safety Member Training Bob Orenstein Bob Mathewes bandjorenstein@bellsouth.net rhmathewes@comcast.net Public Affairs Publications Barbara Thibodeaux Bob Mathewes barbara.thibodeaux@gmail.com rhmathewes@comcast.net Secretary Records Pamela Bray pamelagbray@gmail.com Vessel Examination Paul Berka phberka@comcast.net