Division Training

Shipmates
Division training this Saturday January14  is P-6 De watering Pump and Fuel Dock Training
The fuel dock training is required for all coxswains participating in Rose Festival.
All crew candidates attending the Crew Academy should also attend. Training starts at 0800.
Bring your PFD as you will be on the dock.
The Crew Academy starts Tuesday January 17, if you need some extra training for your tri annual review you should be attending.

Shipmates,
2012,  We are off and running at the srart of a new year.  The Boat Show starts Wednesday, please check the schedule to make sure you cover your shift. If you have not signed up for a shift please check the schedule yo see if there is a spot left you can help fill.
On my way home from the Change of Watch Saturday I was thinking what an outstanding new Bridge and Staff the Division has, I am looking forward to working with all of you in serving our shipmates.
This is going to be a fantastic year with all of us doing our part.

" Leadership is action not a position"

Brad Schuldt
DCDR 7

Thank You

Shipmates,
Happy 2012. As we look ahead to new year of Auxiliary activity I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your service over the past two years. It has been an honor to serve with each of you and to lead Division 7. I look forward to continued success for the Division under the leadership of Brad, George and our new Bridge.

As always please be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren


Daren Lewis
Immediate Past Division Commander
Division 7, 13th Coast Guard District


Please join us on Saturday, January 7th at 1400 (2 p.m.) for the Division Change of Watch at MSU Portland.

The Officers of Division 7 -

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13 

request the honor of your presence at our 

Change of Watch

at two o’clock, Saturday afternoon,

the seventh of January

two thousand twelve

at United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland

We will be joined by our District 13 Commander 

Rear Admiral Keith Taylor (bio)

Dress: Service Dress Blue, Winter Dress Blue or Tropical Blue

Civilian Guests: Appropriate Attire

Refreshments will be provided by Division 7 following the ceremony

Please take a moment to RSVP so we can assure adequate seating. Guests are welcome.

RSVP link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG9zWURYcjVEU2hWbVFYUHdNdGFJNVE6MQ

Holiday Greetings

Jeanie and I would like to wish you and your families a very safe and Happy Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

See you at the Change of Watch January 7, 2012

Brad Schuldt

Division Commander 7

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Jeanie and I would like to wish you and your families a very Safe and Happy Hoilday Season.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

 

Brad Schuldt

Division Commander 7

Intent To Teach

FSO-PE please use this new form to announce your class on the Public Education Calendar Database     


http://wow.uscgaux.info/PE_signin.php

2012 Portland Boat Show Schedule and Watch Standing

Shipmates,

It is again time for the first of our major show events of the year - the 2012 Portland Boat Show. This show is an outstanding opportunity to spread the Recreational Boating Safety message, attract participation in our classes, schedule VEs, raise the profile of the joint Coast Guard/Auxiliary team and speak to potential new members.


The main show days are Wednesday, 11 JAN to Sunday 15 Jan 2012.

I encourage each of you to participate in at least one shift and, as your schedule permits, serve multiple shifts.

Signing up for watch standing:
For the last two years we've used an online schedule and email approach which worked well and we'll replicate the process this year.

• Review this schedule for open watches 
• Send an email to rrivera@pcc.edu with the your availability and preferences. If your schedule is flexible please indicate that is the case. 
• You selections will be updated into this schedule upon receipt and will display in this post. 
• You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours 
• You will receive a reminder email the day prior to your watch(es).

If the watch bill does not show above visit this link.

The Coast Guard Ethos

From: Papp, Robert ADM
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 12:53 PM
Subject: The Coast Guard Ethos

Shipmates,

This message announces the release of the Coast Guard Ethos to reflect the enduring values and character of Coast Guard men and women in the active, reserve, civilian and auxiliary force.  It pays homage to our long line of proud Coast Guardsmen and sets the standard for the men and women who serve today, and will serve in the future.

Earlier this year, a senior-level work group convened to examine the Guardian Ethos and determine whether adjustments were needed to make the ethos a more enduring service charge.  The work group recommended minor changes to the existing language.  After consulting with the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard and other senior leaders, I approved the change.  The resulting Coast Guard Ethos will serve as an enduring statement of the fundamental character and spirit of our Service in a way that honors our profession and affirms our distinguished heritage.

The Coast Guard Ethos: I am a Coast Guardsman. I serve the people of the United States. I will protect them. I will defend them. I will save them. I am their shield. For them I am Semper Paratus. I live the Coast Guard core values. I am proud to be a Coast Guardsman. We are the United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Ethos will replace the Guardian Ethos effective December 1, 2011, at Training Center Cape May, USCGA and OCS.  Coast Guard Recruiting Command will transition from existing materials as they are expended to the new Coast Guard Ethos.  All Coast Guard units and offices shall discontinue use of displays and materials featuring the Guardian Ethos by July 1, 2012.

A digital version of a Coast Guard Ethos poster for local printing is available at http://www.uscg.mil/top/about

Stand a taut watch,

Admiral Bob Papp                        Master Chief Michael Leavitt
Commandant                              Master Chief Petty Officer of the
Coast Guard

2. 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.

3. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

4. CG-5421 sends

2012 Flotilla 73 Crew & Coxswain Academy

Shipmates,
We are extraordinarily lucky to have the annual FL73 Crew & Coxswain Academy as an option for our members. This course sets the standard for our safe and effective operations program. Please keep in mind that the material and the schedule are challenging. It is not everyone's cup of tea and there are alternative methods to pursue crew and coxswain qualification.

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates,

Daren

By Todd Mains

Ken Babick will once again coordinate the Flotilla 73 Crew/Coxswain Academy. This academy has been very popular over the years for AUX members that desire to qualify to serve on the water. The academy reflects the high standards of the Coast Guard. It is mentally and physically challenging and requires extraordinary effort in order to complete the classes and qualify. In short, it’s not for everybody.

The 2012 Crew and Coxswain academy will start on Tuesday, 17JAN2012 at 1900 hours on the Training Deck of MSU Portland. The Academy will run through the end of May 2012.

Academy members should make arrangements with their home flotillas to acquire the Seamanship Manual M16114.5C Qualification guides will be provided for crew trainees.

Ken Babick will provide the qualification guides and the Operations Manual for the coxswain candidates. Academy trainees are urged to find a qualified mentor to help them through the process. Candidates are expected to be prepared for training sessions by having familiarized themselves with the material before each class.

Crew candidates are required to complete ICS 100 and 700:

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS100b.asp

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700a.asp

Coxswains are required to complete ICS 100, 200, 800, and 210 (or 300). Note that 210 (or 300) is not offered online – check with your Member Training Officer.

Uniform for the academy is ODU. Sessions will begin promptly at 1900 hours on Tuesday nights and Saturday sessions beginning at 0800. Some Saturday sessions are required for coxswain only with crew welcome, and sessions typically last all day. On the water sessions are split with AM and PM sessions. All sessions are held at USCG MSU Portland. Accordingly, uniforms must be worn properly and proper base security procedures must be observed.

Ken Babick will supply an Academy Summary and an Academy Curriculum to candidates. Candidates can expect that the academy will wrap up in late spring with a QE (Qualifications Examination) session.

To enroll, contact Ken Babick:
(503) 663-2537
sarek68@yahoo.com

Questions? Contact Ken Babick, Don Verkest, Lynn Easton or Todd Mains.

Here are some photos from 2011:

Commander's Comments November 2011

Shipmates,

As 2011 draws to a close so too does my term as Division Commander for Division 7. Over the next few months I look forward to visiting with many of you as we change the watch at each of our five Flotillas and for the Division. The message I plan to convey at these events is a simple one:

Thank you

A few years ago I came across a little exercise. Unfortunately I don’t recall the source and I wish I could give credit as this exercise has a profound impact on my thinking and my practice of leadership. The exercise is to take ten pennies and put them in one pocket. Each time you say or write thank you move one penny to the opposite pocket. When you run out of pennies start moving them back.



At first it is a bit of a game and a subtle reminder to thank people. From a leadership perspective it is a reminder to thank shipmates for their service and for specific actions. Initially I was looking for the positive lift of our team -- looking to motivate our members. A funny thing happened along the way. While I intended to have an impact on others the practice of deliberate thanking of my shipmates had an even greater impact on me -- an impact in a number of ways. I’ve become more aware of the great work we do together. I’ve developed a greater sense of well being and a reservoir of positive feeling that has carried me through the inevitable challenges. I recognize how lucky I am to be associated with this Division, with the Auxiliary and with the Coast Guard.

After a short while I didn’t need the pennies anymore - I’d formed a habit of thankfulness. In honor of those first ten pennies here are ten “thank yous” -- only a small fraction of those I could give.

Wun: Thank you for being safe and looking to the safety of our shipmates. We engage in risky work and your attention to safety is absolutely critical.

Too: Thank you for the extraordinary mission performance. Your work shows that Auxiliary Flotillas can perform at a very high level in spite of often cited challenges.

Tree: Thank you for teaching your fellow members and the public -- directly in the classroom and by your actions in the field.

Fow-er: Thank you for building your skills, for qualifying in new areas and for maintaining those qualifications. Each small step in your “career” as an Auxiliarist builds the capability of your Flotilla and of the Auxiliary.

Fife: Thank you for recruiting and mentoring new members. Our membership is our strength and, while we don’t grow for growth sake, we do need to continue to build a strong, competent membership to sustain our organization and execute our missions. These efforts are also a gift to those members who find a fit in the Auxiliary -- a gift of an opportunity to serve.

Six: Thank you for doing all the tasks that sustain our organization, from turning in your hours to doing the administrative duties each of our programs requires.

Sev-en: Thank you for stepping up to leadership as staff and elected leaders. Your hard work shows in our shared accomplishments.

Ait: Thank you for looking sharp in uniform. We are a component of a uniformed service and our uniforms are rightly a source of pride. Your properly worn uniform is visible evidence of your professionalism and of your commitment. It is read as such by our shipmates and by those we serve.

Nin-er: Thank you for your fellowship. Not every task as an Auxiliarist is fun and easy but I’ve been carried through the rough spots by leaning upon my shipmates for support and friendship.

Wun Ze-ro: Finally, thank you for your selfless service.

It is truly an honor to serve with each of you. As always, be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates.



Very respectfully,
Daren Lewis
Division Commander, Division 7

Uniforms: Past Officer Device on ODUs

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
A question recently came up about the Past Officer Device and wear on the ODU. While the new manual has a bit of room for interpretation I am reasonably comfortable that the intent is that no Past Officer Device is worn on the ODU for three reasons:

1. Chapter 10 H.4.g indicates the AUXOP device is the only authorized device for Auxiliarists (with some exceptions for prior service).

Insignia shall be centered directly above the USCG AUXILIARY cloth tape immediately above the wearer‘s left hand pocket. Only one embroidered insignia is authorized. If an Auxiliarist has earned more than one insignia, then the insignia worn shall be at the discretion of the Auxiliarist. Embroidered insignia shall be the same size as the metal insignia, centered on a tape the full width of the pocket. The tape shall not exceed the width of the pocket. Temporary or conditional qualification insignia shall not be worn on the ODU.

Incumbent Commanding Officers and Officers-in-Charge are authorized to wear the embroidered command ashore or afloat devices centered directly above the wearer‘s nametape. These embroidered devices shall be approximately the same size as the metal versions. The same parameters apply to the wear of the embroidered AUXOP device, which is the only device authorized for wear by Auxiliarists on the ODU.

2. AUXCEN does not sell a embroidered Past Officer Device.

3. In ALCOAST 291/11 on Uniform Board 44 the wear of a sew on Past Officer Device appears in the items considered and disapproved list. 

Todd Mains: Ken and the Peregrine

By Todd Mains


It was several years ago.  I was serving as a crewman on Ken Babick’s boat DEFIANT (OpFac 181173).  As usual, I was just trying hard to stay in my seat as 173 leapt from wavetop to wavetop on the Columbia, just below the Interstate 5 Bridge.  Suddenly we were making one of Ken’s patented 180 degree turns.  Usually one has to be in a fighter jet to experience G forces like this, but it happens on AUX 173 frequently.

I began to search everywhere trying to understand the reason for the turn.  I looked at all the deep drafts in the Vancouver Harbor.  I looked for people in the water.  I looked for oil on the water.  Nothing.  173 came to an abrupt stop and Ken moved forward and knelt on the deck.  I saw the juvenile peregrine falcon bobbing in the waves.

You could write a book about Ken Babick, and somebody should.  If you described him all day you would never use the word “delicate.”  Nevertheless, Ken cupped his hands and brought the bird onboard.  He tried to warm it; he tried to get water out of it. He even tried to blow fresh air into the bird’s beak.
All this time I was hoping I wouldn’t have to touch the bird.  I was always told that birds are yucky and you should leave them alone.   I wanted to say, “Come on, Ken, the bird is dead.  Let’s go.”  Ken kept working on the bird.  After many minutes with no sign of life he gave up.  The falcon had a band on its leg with an 800 number.  Ken called from his cell phone and an operator took his report.  The operator said that it is illegal to keep the bird or the band, and to put it back where we found it.  Reluctantly Ken gently put the falcon back in the water and we left the scene.

The next day Ken called to say that he heard from the avian expert who put the band on the bird.  The nest was high up on the Interstate Bridge.  He banded the bird because he knew it was soon to make it first flight.  First and last, as it turned out, Mother Nature can be cruel.

Years went by and I forgot about the hapless falcon.  Today I look at my email inbox and I have a message from Ken with the subject, “See…it coulda worked.”  Attached was an article about a veterinarian in Bend that performed successful mouth-to-beak resuscitation.  It is incredible to me that after all this time Ken still has not given up.  No baby falcon is going to die on his watch!  Many say they are dedicated to Maritime Environmental Protection, but how many back that up by doing the research to be ready – ALWAYS READY – to deliver on the water?

Awards aren’t presented for failing to revive drowned birds.  Yet, the oft used phrase from award citations comes to mind, “… in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.”

Derelict Vessel Task Force

Lynn Easton, FL76

By Todd Mains

 “Hey Todd, its Lynn. Do you know about this fifty foot old wooden-hulled cabin cruiser aground by McCuddy’s?”

Phone calls like this one help the Coast Guard accomplish a key mission area.Maritime Domain Awareness is one of the strengths of the Auxiliary. We know our waterways from years of boating, fishing, exploring, and recreating on the water. We know what “belongs” here. We know when something has changed. When we report it, we make a difference.

As a result of the DAVY CROCKETT oil spill and resulting $20+ million cleanup, the Coast Guard has taken an active role in researching “vessels of interest.” These vessels appear to be abandoned or derelict and may pose a current or future threat to the environment or safe navigation. Additionally, these vessels may be an attractive hazard to kids, a platform for other crimes and an eyesore. The focus of the Coast Guard in this matter is safe navigation and environmental protection, but doesn’t it make sense to share information with other government agencies that are interested in these vessels?

With that in mind, Sector Columbia River spearheaded the formation of the Derelict Vessel Task Force. This group has representatives from such agencies as the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Marine Board, Department of State Lands, the Governor’s office, Senator Wyden’s office, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Portland Harbormaster, and others. Obviously to make this work the task force needs to know what vessels are out there. Enter the USCG Auxiliary.

These vessels are inherently dangerous because of the many potential hazards they may contain. As always, your safety, the safety of your crew, and the safety of your vessel are your primary concerns. Do not bring your vessel alongside or board a derelict vessel. Check for pollution before you approach. Do not confront any persons that may be onboard. From a safe distance, gather information like location, vessel type, and identifying marks. Call or email your findings to AUX Todd Mains, 503-543-3892 or Todd.Mains@GMail.com. 

What about the vessel Lynn Easton reported? The Sheriff’s Office found the owner and he is cooperating to do the right thing. An ounce of prevention?

M/V Polar Star aka MINDY B in the Multnomah Channel

ECP Training This Saturday

By Jonathan James

For those of you who have not be notified. The communications exercise set for Saturday is canceled due to budget issues. However we are holding an ECP training day on Saturday to allow members who have not been trained or for members wanting a refresher to catch up on some training. The following subjects will be covered on Saturday:

ECP check lists- Pre-deployment, transporting, deployment and post deployment.

Radio Equipment - We will be showing members how to operate each radio and what the primary function of each radio is.

Support Gear - Members will be introduced to and have hands on with the support equipment on the trailer. Items include: spare VHF antennas, HF antennas (variety), power generator, propane powered devices, etc.

Miscellaneous Gear - Show members all the misc gear locations and how to access some compartments.

For those who wish to assist - We have a small trailer with radio gear that needs organized in Pelican Cases along with some gear in the ECP. We will work on putting these cases back in service and making adjustments to equipment in the ECP for better access to watchstanders.

The training starts at 0830 hours at the ECP on board MSU Portland on Saturday 22 October.

Members will be meeting for breakfast at the Galley before the training. So please come join us for breakfast.

It could rain this Saturday, so please see that you bring appropriate rain gear just in case which bring me to another point. The uniform for this training will be ODU.

If you have any questions concerning this training, please send me an email. You can find my email in the member directory on line and the division hard copy.

A hiatus...

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
I've been on a bit of a hiatus here on the Division7.org blog as I've been focused on 2012.

Congratulations to our new Division Commander Brad Schuldt and Vice Division Commander George Sipes.

I am very pleased to see the continuity of leadership in our Division continue. I was a beneficiary of great leaders like Doug Balkema, Carol Bobo and Ken Anderson. I count myself lucky to be followed by Brad and George.

Division 7 has great potential for the year ahead.

Photo: Commander Zamperini, USCG, and Chris Schuldt "frock" Brad Schult as a Division Commander. Official USCG Photo by AUX Peggy Stevens.

You can learn a bit about this tradition on Wikipedia or at the US Navy's FAQ site.

Very respectfully,
Daren
Division Commander - Division 7