THE SCUTTLEBUTT

Apr. 2011 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Scuttlebutt Flotilla 12-8, 7th District Charleston, South Carolina Vol. 35, 37, No. 3-March 4 - April 2011 2009
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Flotilla Web Site: http://www.uscgauxcharleston.org

Commanders Corner
Alan Miles, FC 12-8
Greetings, members of the Great Twelve-Eight. With this issue of the Scuttlebutt our flotillas calendar of events is getting quite full as we get further into the boating season. We have a good number of members attending Crew & Coxswain Academy, Radio Operator classes, training to be VEs and PVs and more. Some are quite busy. We still need members to help at the Flotilla Booths, Vessel Inspections, Harbor patrols, and also during National Safe Boating week. There are lots of opportunities and we all count on your participation. Please read Barbara Thibodeauxs and the other staff officers columns for the future events and to get involved. The flotilla has also collected many names of individuals that would like to take a Boating Safety Class. This staff position is still vacant, and we need instructors to teach these classes. If you are interested in the FSO-PE Staff position, please let me know. Last month I called for anyone interested in the elected office of FC or VFC or appointed office as a Flotilla Staff Officer to contact me and I would be happy to share and help you. Again, please drop me a note if you want more information. On a
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Vice Commander
Paul Thomas, VFC 12-8
Now that it is officially Spring, boating season is upon us. I would like to thank the FSOs for the work they have done and will continue to be doing to get the flotilla ready for boating Inside season. I thank the in- FC ............. 1 structors that are teaching the VFC .......... 1 crewmembers and coxswains CM ........... 8 course so we will have more CS ............. 5 crews available to patrol the wa- FN ............. 8 ters around Charleston. Keeping HR ............ 7 the boating community safe can IS .............. 2 seem like an endless and some MA ........... 5 days thankless task but that and MS ............ 6 boating safety education are two NS ............. 7 of our prime objectives. For those MT............ 2 OP ............ 7 who spend the hours on the water PB ............. 2 and in the class rooms teaching I PV ............. 4 thank for your dedication to our SR ............. 3 mission. As the FC reminds me VE ............ 8 we are a volunteer organization, Citadel ...... 4 but it is interesting to note that as Calendar... 10 we approach one hundred mem- Trivia........ 9 bers we only have approximately 20 22 % of our membership participating. I believe that if you volunteer then you should a least participate in some activity. If you dont then you do not need to be in this organization. Paul V. Thomas, VFC

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
he big news in Member Training seems to be the Crew & Coxswain Academy being conducted at Station Charleston. Flotilla 126 is to be commended for putting this together. From the attendance rosters I have seen, five of the seven flotillas on Division 12 are represented along with Auxiliarists from Division 14 in Florida. The largest group is from 12-8. We are represented by Paul Berka, James Byrd, PAM Bray, Chuck Chirila, Kelly Duncan, Robert Dyer, Dwaine Harris and Laura Meehan. There is a situation that needs to be addressed. Of the eighty-five members in the flotilla, thirty-three are in Initially Qualified (IQ) status. These people are not qualified to participate in any activity that will bring them in contact with the public. They cannot be crew, instructors, vessel examiners, partner visitors, etc. We have members going through the procedures for obtaining a qualification only to have it rejected by D7 because they are not Basically Qualified (BQ). To move from IQ to BQ status requires the completion of a boating safety course. If you are IQ you need to get into the first possible ABS or other boating safety course and then have the FC go through the gateway to certify that they have met the necessary requirement to move from IQ to BQ. This will avoid some embarrassing situations. The Telecommunications Operator PQS classes will begin on 5 April with seven students currently enrolled. Bob Mathewes, SO-MT

Information Services
Bob Mathewes, FSO-IS
he membership seems to be doing a better job than last year with getting their forms in. For the most part they are being done correctly. There are a few things that need attention. Be sure to check your information before you submit the forms. They get sent with the right day and the wrong month or with no dates at all. When I enter them in AUXDATA I need to enter the mission date. On 7029s that is the last entry date. When there are no dates I am stymied. The most frequently omitted information on 7038s (VE) is the location of the vessel exam(s) There are still 7030s coming in with start and end times that indicate twelve hour plus missions or that omit and end time altogether. The bottom line is that most errors are just careless errors. Just give your work a final check before you send it. Bob Mathewes, FSO-IS

Publications
Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB
e came up one shy of having articles from everyone this month. For the first four issues of 2011 we have only been 100% once. Remember that this is part of the duties of your job that you swore to perform. The good news is that all the articles were in a day ahead of the deadline. Once again, I want to remind you that the article will not be disseminated to the members until the last day of the month in which it is written. Some people are still writing about future events that are actually history be the time of publication. Please keep that in mind as you write your articles. Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

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Secretary Records
Pam Bray, FSO-SR
March Meeting Minutes The 09 March 2011 Flotilla 12-8 monthly meeting was held at Station Charleston. FC Miles called the meeting to order at 1900, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Marguerite Bishop, Pam Bray, Frank Leister, Chuck Chirila, Bob Orenstein, Dick Clarke, Bill Meehan, Laura Meehan, Richard Daniel, Henry Wolf, Dwaine Harris, Bob Mathewes, Agnes Wright, Kelly Duncan, Alan Miles, Randy Glas, Steve Jacobs, Paul Berka, Paul Thomas, Steve Bunch, Joe Fleming, Barbara Thibodeaux, Robert Crowley, Rob Dyer, Tom Jerussi, Tom Beauchemin, Russell Cox, and Rick Miller. Visitors and guests were introduced, Nicole Green, Patsy Glas, Jim Beyea, MSTR2 Gary Barnum and DCDR Vito Giardina. FC Miles reported on Division and SECTOR meetings which included: April 30 Division meeting in Surfside Beach for the chartering of new Flotilla 12-4; BM1 Miller discussed a pending cooperative event with the RiverDogs and the USCG in support of Safe Boating Week; DNR and DHEC are joining together for Clean Marine Day on April 10 and request volunteer help at selected sites; Race Week and Air Expo in April will need Coxswain and Crew Patrols in the Harbor, Memorial Day Weekend and July 4 events will need Aux staffing. Details to follow on all above mentioned events. A motion to amend the February minutes to add Marguerite Bishop to the Membership Attendance Roster was approved. FC Miles introduced our guest speaker, Ms.

Nicole Green, Director of the Old Slave Mart Museum. Her most informative and entertaining presentation was well received. DCDR Vito Giardina gave a brief report highlighting the new Flotilla 12-4 chartering, National Safe Boating Week, and the 2012 Division Change of Watch scheduled for January 13-14, 2012 hosted by Flotilla 12-12. VFC Thomas asked for FSO reports and updates. All attending FSOs gave their summaries. Members seeking specific information should refer to the March Scuttlebutt or contact the respective FSO directly. New Business FC Miles announced the approval of the Standing Rules quorum from 33 1/3% to 20%. FSO - Finance Frank Leister presented the 2011 budget. A motion to accept the budget as presented was approved. FC Miles reported that the beginning date for wearing USCGAUX summer uniforms (shorts, socks, covers) will be coming from BM1 Miller in the near future. FC Miles congratulated all members for reporting their 7029s in a timely manner. Our Flotilla hours are looking very strong for 2011. FC Miles thanked member Bill Meehan for the donation of a flat bed trailer. This will be very useful to our Flotilla. Thank you Bill! FC Miles asked for submissions for our
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Flotilla Motto. Proposals will be posted via e-mail for a membership vote. FC Miles introduced Bob Mathewes who gave a humorous tribute to MST2 Gary Barnum. Gary has been an exemplary mentor to many members of our Flotilla. MST2 Barnum will be joining the Pacific Strike Team. A casual get together at the SunFire Grill on March 24 at 1900 is planned. We wish you well Gary! MST2 Barnum thanked Flotilla 12-8 for their fellowship and cited the dedication this Flotilla has given to the USCG Auxiliary. FC Miles and DCDR Giardina presented this months awards to the following members: Bob Mathewes, Tom Beauchemin, Rick Miller, Tom Jerussi, Chuck Chirila and Paul Thomas. FC Miles welcomed our newest member, Russell Cox. FC Miles closed the meeting with a festive cake for Gary Barnum. Thank you Marguerite Bishop for providing the cake. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2050. Respectfully submitted, Pamela Bray, FSO-SR

Citadel Detachment
Cadet Cpl. Singletary

Partner Visitor
Rick Miller, FSO-PV

nother member, Dwaine Harris, has qualified as a PV. We wish to expand our program to include new sites and more frequent visits so we are looking for a few more good folks. See me, Paul Thomas or Paul Berka for more information. Rick Miller, FSO-PV

idterms are hastily approaching as one of the most eventful months comes to a close. The Citadel Detachment was very active in that planning and preparation came together to result in a very successful outcome. Detachment members had the pleasure of being address by LT Meehan, USCGR about different aspects of Station Charleston and Sector Charleston. She was very knowledgeable and provided The Detachment with many answers during a Q & A discussion. Additionally, The Detachment went on a Field Training Exercise to both Station Charleston and Sector Charleston. After eight hours on a beautiful February day, members took away a greater respect and understanding of their day to day operations and lifestyle. Members of The Detachment also were able to observe the award ceremony for Reserve and Enlisted person of the year for Station Charleston. Furthermore, the parade deck was full of curious cadets as two Coast Guard Helicopters touched down for Coast Guard Week. In addition, there was a 25 small boat from Station Charleston trailered and brought right up to the parade deck. The two helicopters included a H-65 Dolphin from Savannah and a HH-60 Jayhawk from Elizabeth City. Observing these assets on the parade deck has brought some much needed attention from the school administration. Many cadets were able to ask questions and received well-informed answer from the pilots, air crew, and boat crew. The Detachment participated in the Bulldog Challenge as mentioned in the previous issue of the Scuttlebutt. Cadet Corporal Singletary

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Communication Services John Sikes, FSO-CS

Internet Etiquette

Mailing lists are important and make it easy to disseminate information to many at once. Make sure, though, that your information needs to go to all on the list. In some cases, separate lists should be maintained for different purposes. When replying to a message that was sent to a list, it is generally appropriate to use Reply than Reply All. Using the latter not only uses up bandwidth, but helps to fill mailboxes of others on the list. Never give out your contact information on a public website, and even in private communication, do so with caution. Do not ask others to reveal personal information online. For instance, do not ask someone in a forum what city they live in. This is best done through e-mail or private message if it is needed. If you receive a threatening email message, do not respond. The sender may be fishing for information Remember that chat rooms are unregulated, so you have no way of knowing for sure who you are talking to, and they have no way of knowing who you are either. Learn to think before posting on a public forum, including FaceBook or MySpace. These posts are visible to the world, so make sure you want the information shared Choose passwords that are not obvious. Hackers can easily guess your pet's name or your birthday. Use both letters and numbers in your passwords so that they are as secure as possible.

Do not reply to e-mails that appear to be from your credit card company or bank. If there is a question about your account, go directly to the website, because the e-mail could be a phishing email looking for your account information. When using social networking websites, be selective as to the people you add as friends or people in your network. Do not forward questionable e-mail messages. They may contain viruses that you do not want to pass on to your friends. Also, install virus protection on your computer so bug-laden emails are not automatically forwarded to those in your address book. Additional guidelines may be found by doing an online search on netiquette. John Sikes, FSO-CS

Materials
Chuck Chirila, FSO-MA

hings have been pretty busy ordering decals for VE, manuals for Crew/Coxswain course, VE/RBS training and TCO class, and pamphlets for PA. Just as a reminder, hard copies of manuals are no longer available. Instead, all manuals are now provided on CDs so please keep that in mind when ordering manuals for training. There seems to be a problem with ordering pamphlets for PA. Many pamphlets are not in supply (NIS). 2011 State Regs will not be available until May. Until then please use the 2010 version. Semper Paratus Chuck Chirila, FSO-MA

Have you done your 7029 for March? If not, why not?

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different note I would like to mention uniforms. All members are required to have two complete uniforms. The Tropical Blues are the main and most important uniform of the Auxiliary. It is the one that the public sees us in the most. The ODU uniform is a working uniform and is not for use in a liberty situation. All members need to quickly obtain the Tropical Blues and a set of ODUs. Tropical Blues are the required uniform for the monthly flotilla meetings. Last weekend I worked at the public affairs booth at Fresh Field Farms. During a slow period, I sat on a park bench to just observe the interaction between our Auxiliarists as they talked and greeted the public. I saw something wonderful. I observed an elderly gentleman who took a members hand in his and said, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. And I could see that he was sincerely grateful for those who serve America. It was very heart warming. Afterwards, as I thought more about the little scene, I thought of those members in our unit that do not serve. There are members that dont participate and that do not give of themselves. When asked to help they sit quietly in hopes that they dont get noticed or called upon. I wondered what those members feel when someone thanks them for their service. Do they respond with Your Welcome, or Its a pleasure.. Hmmmmm. Im asking all members to re -evaluate themselves and make a commitment to be a part of this flotilla. There is so much to accomplish and being an Auxiliarist is a Noble Deed. When someone thanks me, I only wish I could do even more. SEMPER PARATUS Alan J.P. Miles, FC Dont forget April 15th

Marine Safety
Bob Orenstein, FSO-MS

have received information from Gary Barnum that he will be leaving Charleston 0n 20 May. As a result, there will be some changes in his department. Additions to MER will be MST1 Tony Clark and two more un-named individuals who will be joining the team in April. Chief Ender and MST3 Rick McCarson will still be at the base. Points of contact for now will be Gray (for his remaining time) and Rick. Because of Garys imminent departure, those of you who still need to complete their PQSs will have a chance to do so on the second Sunday of each month. There will be two HARPATS a week. Those interested should contact Gary on Mondays to make arrangements with him. You will be picked up outside the old Navy Base in North Charleston and it will last several hours. Those of you who have completed the PQS should attend these HARPATS for the required hours toward the Trident. There are plans for a boom drill which will take place in Savannah. In July, an SORS/VOSS drill will be held here. Thats a drill using skimmers rigged from the side of a CG vessel. I will advise everyone of the date as soon as I know. We have gotten a good start with MER this past year. Lets continue learning about spills, their environmental impact and how we can assist. Bob Orenstein, FSO-MS Dont miss the Flotilla 12-8 meeting at 1900 on 13 April. Be Part of the action, not just a bystander.

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Operations
Joe Fleming, FSO-OP

Human Resources
Paul Thomas, FSO-HR

perations are running full blast this time of year with safety patrols, boating safety displays, vessel exams, and training. We have a lot of things coming up in April and its going to take a lot of us to get in there and get it done. Our Trainees in Coxswain and Crew Classes are preparing to hit the water to get some hands-on training. With our scheduled patrols and boat races, in April, we should be able to put them through their paces.Harbor patrols have been quiet and uneventful so far, but I know, as it gets warmer, that will change. Coast Guard Station Charleston is counting on us to cover all the boat races in the harbor this month so they will able to cover their normal duties as scheduled. We will have various local LE teams on the water, if needed. PA has a handful of events also this month, so please help where you can. BM1 Miller is requesting a list of all scheduled patrols with coxswains names and what type of patrol is planned.( safety, training, ATON, etc) I need all coxswains to look at the schedule and let me know what days you can cover and what type of patrol. Joe Fleming, FSO-OP

ince our meeting in March I have completed and forwarded one application to the FC. On March 21st I met with and completed an application on the youngest member that I have ever done and yes his mother had to sign for him. Connor Rosenbaugh is a 17 year old high school junior that wants to join the Auxiliary because he hopes to go to the Coast Guard Academy, his twin brother is hoping to go to the Citadel. On March 22nd Alan Miles, Al Crothers and myself met at the Citadel to process eight potential new cadets into the Auxiliary detachment at the Citadel. Per the FC we have received a number of new ID cards and our ranks are approaching one hundred plus again, I look for help in welcoming and mentoring our new comers into the flotilla. Paul V. Thomas, FSO HR

Navigational Services
Joe Fleming, FSO-NS

Public Affairs
Barbara Thibodeaux,
No article submitted. Dont forget Division 12 Meeting on 30 April in Surfside Beach. This will include Chartering of the divisions 8th flotilla

TON patrols have Richard and his ATON team reporting discrepancies and helping make it safer for mariners to navigate our waters. With two ATON patrols this year, the reported discrepancies have made it through the proper channels, with the notice to mariners and NOAA chart corrections. ANT Team Charleston has made the repairs as needed. Chief Certa (ANT team Charleston) has thanked Richard and his team for all the help and hard work. Hat's off to our ATON team. Joe Fleming, FSO-NS

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Communications
Dick Clarke, FSO-CM
e have seven members now signed up to take the Telecommunications Operator PQS course and that's super but we can accept more. This is a great and easy way to learn all the latest techniques and standards for operating Coast Guard radio. Its done by the mentoring process and there is no final exam, just section checkoffs by two of our qualified members. The classes will be conducted in the Buckle, Tuesday nights April 5, 12, 19, and 26 beginning at 1900. Also please be encouraged to have a mobile VHF radio installed in your car as this can be a valuable asset to the Coast Guard plus prove to be enjoyable for you while listening to the marine radio traffic in our AOR. Dick Clarke, FSO-CM

Vessel Examinations
Paul Berka, FSO-VE

T
ing.

he Vessel Examination schedule is still not finalized at this time. There are currently too many conflicts with patrols and train-

On 19 & 20 March there were Vessel Safety Checks held at the West Ashley Outboard Motor Club and Wappoo Cut Landing. Paul H. Berka, FSO-VE

Finance
Frank Leister, FSO-FN
ith a quorum in attendance, the flotilla passed the 2011 budget at the membership meeting. All invoices held up have been paid. It is too soon in the year to assess the actual spending versus the budget. Outstanding bills should be sent to the FSO-FN either as attachments to an email, [email protected] or mailed directly to: Frank C. Leister, 31 B Archdale St., Charleston, SC 29401, 843-991-1118 Frank Leister, FSO-FN

Alan Miless cartoon depicting Cody Westalls arrival at Cape May for boot camp.

Detachment FTX visit USCGC Oak at Pier Poppa in February.

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Nautical Trivia
The question last month was to name the man who started his career as a cadet in the Revenue Cutter Service and subsequently became Naval Aviator No. 38 and later Coast Guard Aviator No. 1. We had eight trivia technicians identify Commander Elmer Fowler Archie Stone as the aviation pioneer. (see picture below). The eight correct answers came from Jim and Karen Andrews of 1212, Al Crothers of 12-6 (first time player) and our own Chuck Chirila, Dick Clarke, Dick McLaren, John Sikes and Agnes Wright. Commander Stone was behind the controls of the U.S. Navy seaplane NC-4 when it made its historic crossing of the Atlantic in 1919 The NC-4 was a Curtiss NC floatplane which was designed by Glenn Curtiss and his team, and manufactured by Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. In May 1919, the NC-4 became the first airplane to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, starting in the United States and making the crossing as far as Lisbon, Portugal, in 19 days. This included time for numerous repairs and for crewmen's rest, with stops along the way in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and twice in the Azores Islands. Then its flight from the Azores to Lisbon completed the first transatlantic flight between North America and Europe, and two more flights from Lisbon to northeastern Spain to Plymouth, England, completed the first flight between North America and Great Britain. Early in his career he served aboard the Cutter Itasca. This ship was later connected to another aviation pioneer. The last radio Message received from Amelia

Earhart was picked up by the radio operator on USCGC Itasca.

Commander Elmer F. Stone

Curtis NC-4 in harbor of Lisbon Portugal

This lighthouse is located at the east side of the entrance to a US Naval Base. The lighthouse was built in the US. It was one of the first all steel structures built. It was shipped in 1904. Sixty-feet tall, the interior is tongueand-groove mahogany. The weather vane on top of the cupola contains O for ouest, which is Spanish for west. Deactivated in 1955, the light was moved to a skeletal tower nearby. In 1988, a solar light was placed in the cupola. The keepers cottage currently houses a historical collection. The collection contains hundreds of old photographs from the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, as well an enormous amount of memorabilia from the 100 years. What is this light and where is it located?

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April 2011
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1
All Fools Day

2 9 16 23 30
Division Meeting

3
New Moon

4 11 18 25
Easter

5 12 19
Passover

6 13
Flotilla Meeting

7 14 21 28

8 15
Income Tax Day

10 17
Full Moon Palm Sunday

20 27

22
Good Friday

24

26

29

Flotilla Officers
Flotilla Commander Alan Miles [email protected] Finance Frank Leister [email protected] Flotilla Vice Commander Paul Thomas [email protected] Human Resources Paul Thomas [email protected] Communications Dick Clarke [email protected] Communication Services John Sikes [email protected]

Information Services Materials Bob Mathewes Chuck Chirila [email protected] [email protected] Navigational Services Joe Fleming [email protected] Public Education Alan Miles [email protected] Operations Joe Fleming [email protected] RBS Visitor Rick Miller [email protected]

Marine Safety Member Training Bob Orenstein Bob Mathewes [email protected] [email protected] Public Affairs Publications Barbara Thibodeaux Bob Mathewes [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Records Pamela Bray [email protected]

Vessel Examination Paul Berka [email protected]

IPFC Joe Fleming [email protected]