Alert 11 June 2014 Page 1

Table of Contents Commander’s Comments Page 3 Detachment News Page 4 In Memory Page 6 Announcements Page 7 Around the Bay – Photos Drysuit Swim Page 9 Sea to Ski Parades Page 10 Around the Nation Page 12 New Commandant’s Message Page 13 Member Training Opportunities Page 15 Calendar Page 16 Unless otherwise attributed, the content of this publication is written by the editor.

Confidentiality Notice The disclosure of personal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act of 1974.

The subject Act with certain exceptions prohibits the disclosure, distribution, dissemination, or copying of any material containing the home address, home telephone numbers, spouses’ names, and social security numbers, except for official business.

Violation may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanction.

The Alert 11, a Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13, Division 01, Flotilla 01 Publication, is authorized by IAW COMDTINST 1800.5D & COMDTINST M5728.2C. It is published several times a year and is chiefly circulated to Auxiliary members of Flotilla 11 via email. The Alert 11 contains news of general interest, suggestions, and information for Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Coast Guard. Material is informational only and not authority for action. Internet release is authorized.

Editor: Penny Milczewski Flotilla 11 Publications Officer FSO-PB U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Department of Homeland Security Editor’s mailing address: 3007 St Clair ST, Bellingham WA 98226

Any use of photographs, articles, stories, or other items in the Alert 11 publication is prohibited without authorization of Editor as determined by members of Flotilla 11, the Privacy Act Statement, and First Right Privilege.

BE SAFE

ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET

Alert 11 June 2014 Page 2

Commander’s Comments Hi Shipmates,

We are half way through the year. It’s time to step back, take a deep breath, and evaluate the goals that you have made. You need to determine what is working, and what is not working. Maybe you need to change the interventions that drive you toward your goal. Do you need help with anything? Please know that in this Flotilla, we have many talented people, who are very willing to answer any questions. I encourage you to tap into these knowledgeable resources. Don’t know who to ask? I would be very happy to guide you!

One of my goals has been to make sure that information is being sent out to the Flotilla in a timely manner. Effective communication is essential for any successful organization. Have you heard this quote before?? “I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” This speaks volumes!!

In regards to e-mailing, I am especially mindful when writing an e-mail to others. Remember, they can’t hear your voice, or see your face. There are many instances when calling someone, would be much better than sending an e-mail. And also, it is important that we follow up after sending an e-mail to someone. Unless one asks for a specific response back, one has no idea if that person actually did receive the information. Just forwarding information on, doesn’t insure that the person’s needs were effectively met. I welcome all your e-mails, and phone calls!!! I try to be as fast as I can in response, but please be aware that not everyone can respond quickly, due to circumstances.

Therapeutic communication goes a very long way in reaching out to others. I try to avoid being condescending, accusatory and aggressive. One can be assertive, without being aggressive. (OK, does this sound like a RN talking?? Yes it does, but it works!!!) I welcome everyone to speak up with new ideas, concerns, and suggestions!!! I want you to feel that your opinion matters!!!!!!!!!! It does matter!!!

Speaking of matter, it matters that I take the time to thank all of you who helped make this last month a huge success!!! Flotilla 11 was well represented in the community last month!!!! Keep up the great work. Semper Paratus!!!

Gerelyn Winchip, Flotilla Commander

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Notes from the San Juan Islands Detachment

May’s calendar was marked by many events. Here is what happened: With the advent of May, the Detachment began its weekend dock watch at our Dock House and the Orcas Landing Public Dock. As we have experienced in the past, this is an outstanding opportunity to meet with the public and provide boaters with Vessel Safety Checks (VSC). On one of those watches, I had the pleasure of discussing and demonstrating some of this Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) activity to one of our very supportive Washington State Senators, Kevin Ranker.

On 8 May 2014, the Detachment hosted the USCGC Terrapin at the Orcas Landing Public Dock when the Commanding Officer Greg Bernstein and his crew did an outstanding job in accommodating tours of the patrol boat and discussing its roles with the public, local law enforcement, San Juan County, and the Detachment. This was clearly a very well received visit! We extend a hearty thank you to all of the USCGC Terrapin crew members.

On 12 May 2014, at our monthly Detachment meeting, we learned the sad news about the final crossing of the bar on 10 May 2014 by Rainer Eberhard who had been an Auxiliarist for some 27 years and who had made a significant impact on this Detachment. Rainer is survived by Susan, his wife and our fellow shipmate. Our heartfelt thoughts and best wishes are with her.

On 17 May 2014, the Detachment and the Anacortes Flotilla 17 provided VSC’s to the C-Dory Rendezvous boaters at the Port of Friday Harbor. The Detachment completed 7 VSC’s for a very responsive and proud group of boat owners.

On 31 May 2014, I participated in an oil spill booming exercise at Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island. This was an exercise to evaluate the ability of the Islands Oil Spill Association to deploy boom at the maximum flood stage. In this worthwhile process, all of us were reminded of the powerful impact of the tides’ forces with its currents and eddies. On a fairly benign day, our skills were challenged… the next spill will not be a planned event. There is still so much to do and learn.

I would like to close with several lines from a poem by James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916)…

“Long about knee-deep in June, Bout the time strawberries melt on the vine-Some afternoon Like to jest git out and rest, And not work at nothing else…”

Perhaps, you too, would like to shove off and drift lazily; but…

Stay safe on the waters,

David Tribolet SJI Detachment Leader

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The USCG Cutter Terrapin visited the Orcas Landing Public Dock, 8 May 2014. The purpose of the visit was to collaborate with the San Juan Islands Detachment of Flotilla 11 on recreational boating safety issues, coordinate with local law enforcement, and provide patrol boat tours to the public. The event was a success for all involved. Photos by Tom Tillman and David Tribolet.

L to R, Detachment member Tom Tillman, joins a crewman, and San Juan County Commissioner Rick Hughes on the deck of the Terrapin.

Above, David Tribolet (center) joins Terrapin Skipper Greg Bernstein in welcoming Spencer Clark aboard for a tour.

LTJG Greg Bernstein (L) and BM1 Casey Cann (R) on the bridge with guest Spencer Clark.

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Rainer Eberhard April 7, 1935 – May 10, 2014

Flotilla member Rainer Eberhard, of Friday Harbor, passed away May 10, 2014. Rainer and his wife Susan were active together in supporting the Auxiliary through the San Juan Island detachment of Flotilla 11. Both served as Vessel Examiners and were responsible for hundreds of vessel safety checks for boats moored in or visiting Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. They enjoyed both sailing and power boating, and were known to spend many summers traveling Alaska waters.

Rainer is survived by Susan, his wife of 40 years; a brother, and three adult sons and their families.

Donations may be made in Rainer’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Friends of the San Juans.

A more detailed accounting of Rainer’s extraordinary life is found at this link: Rainer Eberhard

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If you plan to attend, please RSVP by June 20:    Go  to  this  link:    https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/index.cfm?i=196341&k=0368440A7F56        

If  the  link  doesn’t  work,  you  may  RSVP  by  email  to    Alexandra.M.Hollenbeck@uscg.mil    

In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Coast Guard Auxiliary,

Rear Admiral and Mrs. Richard Gromlich request the pleasure of your company at a reception on Saturday, June 21st, from 4-6 PM at the historic Alki Point Lighthouse, Seattle The Flotilla has a few invitations. If you would like to attend- please contact Gerelyn Winchip, Flotilla Commander, before June 12.  

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July 4 Activities The flotilla will not be hosting a Boating Safety Exhibit at

the Family July 4 Festival

There will be a Fireworks Safety Patrol, so check with John Milczewski, if you’d like to crew.

Conducted by theU.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

One-Day Certificate Class:

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.For TVYe information and Yeservations please JVU[HJ[!

John Milczewski at (360) 739-1310, or email [VQVOU'ISP�UL[

Cost: $40.00 (make check payable to: U.S.C.G. (\_PSPHY ,̀ Flotilla ���

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About Boating Safely !!

Choose your Saturday !!!

Bring one friend free!

Are YOU legal ???

Boating safety class Required in WA State for anyone 60 yrs or younger to operate any motorized vessel !!!

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Thank you to the Squalicum Yacht Club

U.S.C.G. Auxiliary, attn: FSO-PE,3007 St. Clair Street, Bellingham, WA 98226

May 31st or June 28th

for more info about USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 11:www.bliaux.com

About Boating Safely Class- June 28

Remind your friends- everyone born after 1954 required to have Boaters Education Card

SAVE THE DATE

Flotilla Picnic July 17

Dick & Gerelyn Winchip’s

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Drysuit Swim • May 17, 2014 Flotilla members met at Station Bellingham for a lesson on the proper use and maintenance of drysuits, then entered the bay to test their equipment. Station crew Jonathan Urritia (Rudy) and Brandon Saccoccia provided safety watch. Photos by Brandon Saccoccia and Penny Milczewski

Station crew L-R: Rudy Urritia and Brandon Saccoccia

Top L: Dick Winchip presents the lesson on equipment use and maintenance. Class photo: Back row L-R: Jim Appleby, Pam Chelgren-Koterba, John Milczewski, Murray Hill, Steve Bell: Middle: Delilah Bragg, Deborah Sowash, Joe McClain, Front: Peter Border, Gerelyn Winchip, Penny Milczewski, Dick Winchip

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Ski to Sea Junior Parade • May 16, 2014 Above Left, Station Bellingham crew Dan Nolan and Kady Rollman join the Flotilla for the Junior Parade. Right, Jim Appleby’s 1966 Ford Pickup and Facility Moxkami always draw spectators’ admiration. Jim and PFD Panda prepare for the parade. Center Left, Deborah Sowash, Flotilla Public Affairs Officer, (seen with Jim Appleby) makes sure everyone is in their places. Center Right: PFD Panda draws crowds before the event. Below, PFD panda salutes the crowd and reminds everyone to wear their life jackets! Photos by Penny Milczewski

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Ski to Sea Grand Parade • May 24, 2014 Above, Station Bellingham crew Stephanie Kleinberg takes on the PFD Panda role to remind everyone to be safe and wear their lifejacket! Below Left, Jim Appleby’s Facility Moxkami carries Gerelyn Winchip, Deborah Sowash, and Trisha Sowash. Jim Appleby and Ron Sowash are in the truck. Photos by John Milczewski. Below Right: Station Bellingham Crew Nathan Risler (L) and Troy Funderburk (R) Photo by Deborah Sowash

Special Thanks to Ski to Sea participants: Station Bellingham crew: Troy Funderburk MK2; Stephanie Kleinberg, FN; Dan Nolan, MK2; Nathan Risler FN; Kady Rollman, SN; to Flotilla Members: Jim Appleby, Delilah Bragg, Penny Milczewski, Deborah Sowash, Ron Sowash, and Gerelyn Winchip. And to our top junior supporter, Trisha Sowash. Thank you all !

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Flotilla 11 member Mary Kimmich is currently in Alaska working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). She shares some of her adventures.

Connecting with Auxiliarists throughout the land... Saturday May 24th found me with a day off and an environmental cruise scheduled with the National Forest Service out of Whittier, Alaska. Before boarding the boat, I couldn't resist admiring the little caboose in the harbor that houses the local Auxiliary Flotilla from District 17. Isn't it wonderful? While there I ran into Auxiliarists Linda Shogren and Bill Morris (below) who were getting ready to take the Gold side on a familiarization cruise. I didn't have much time to get acquainted because I had to catch up with my group to board my boat but they were nice enough to pose for a photo for our newsletter. No matter where I am, from Iowa to Alaska, Auxiliarists have always welcomed me with a smile.

Mary Kimmich

Photo of Glaciers in Berry Arm. A sad and sobering experience. The distance is deceptive but the glaciers in this photo are very large and were miles away. These 3 Glaciers, Cascade, Berry and Coxe were all joined at the base just 10 years ago. photos by Mary Kimmich

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To the Men and Women of the Coast Guard, It is my great honor and privilege to serve you and the American people as the 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard. Over the past 37 years, I have had the opportunity to witness your courage, dedication, and professionalism in action across all of our missions. Today, our Coast Guard is stronger, more effective, and more relevant than ever before. Together, we will meet the increasingly complex challenges of the future.

Three guiding principles frame my direction for the Service over the next four years:

service to nationWe will serve our Nation through the selfless performance of our missions.

duty to PeopleWe will honor our duty to protect those we serve and those who serve with us.

Commitment to excellence We will commit ourselves to excellence by supporting and executing our operations in a proficient and professional manner.

You have my trust, confidence, and admiration. I charge each of you - from our senior leaders to our newest graduates of Cape May - to apply these principles to your own unique role in the Coast Guard. Together, we will ensure our Service is always ready for the challenges ahead. Semper Paratus!

admiral Paul F. ZukunftCommandant

Commandant oF tHe United states Coast GUardWASHINGTON, DC

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service to nation

duty to People

Commitment to excellence

semper Paratus

Alert 11 June 2014 Page 14

Member Training Update for June 2014 Prepared by Pam Chelgren-Koterba, Flotilla Member Training Officer

TCT-1 was conducted during our Flotilla Meeting (May 15). If you hold an Ops qualification and did not attend, be sure and standby for word on any successive session/s.

PPE Swim: A Flotilla 11 Dry suit swim and maintenance review was conducted at Station Bellingham on 17 May. (see photos in this edition)

QE Session/s: The first (scheduled) QE session for 2014 is June 14th with four members expected to participate in their re-qualification. If you are due and cannot attend June 14th, we plan to conduct another QE session in mid-late August.

Mandatory Training: Although this requirement is not yet being enforced, we should be proactive and complete as many as are available. There are 8 courses online which are accessed through the Auxiliary Learning Management System (AUXLMS) at https://auxlearning.uscg.mil

(1) DHS Together - Resilience Training (2) Security Education and Training Awareness (SETA) (3) Privacy at DHS / Protecting Personal Information (4) Sexual Harassment Prevention

(5) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (6) Civil Rights Awareness [Note: also available as classroom or webinar] (7) Ethics 1 / Personal Gifts (8) Influenza Training

Browsers that will work are specific versions of Firefox, IE, Chrome, Safari. There is a simple systems test that will verify your compatibility. And be sure to disable your Popup Blocker before proceeding.

Deckplate Leadership Series: A source of leadership training materials has been added to the Auxiliary national website ( http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=deck-plate-ldr ). A total of 17 leadership mini-courses and 38 short articles can be downloaded. Each activity is packaged in a compressed file. We plan on uploading an explanatory article on our F11 website soon. Besides leadership training, elements of the Series are useful for teamwork training as well.

County-sponsored ICS:

Members who are participating with their county emergency management teams, may want to attend their (Skagit or Whatcom) ICS/300 and ICS/400 classes. Note1: This ICS/300 also satisfies the USCG’s ICS/210 requirement for prospective coxswains. Note2: Per a ChDirAux email of 12/28/13, FEMA-compliant ICS/300 and ICS/400 classes are acceptable for credit (1 credit each) toward earning the AuxOp device.

Classes are conducted by Whatcom County and Skagit County, Department of Emergency Management (DEM). Contact through:

http://www.whatcomready.org/ics-300-class/ Note: Old flyer. Just use contact info.

Krista Salinas, Skagit County DEM, 360-428-3250 / kristas@co.skagit.wa.us.

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FLOTILLA 11 CALENDAR JUNE - JULY 2014 Thursday June 5 2014 Flotilla Staff Meeting – Everyone Welcome 6 pm BBQ dinner and meeting Winchip’s home-call for directions Saturday June 7, 2014 Whatcom Safe Kids Recreational Boating exhibit /safety fair – Barkley Village Theater Parking Lot Contact: Deborah Sowash radaux@comcast.net or 360-738-2874 Sunday June 8, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island Contact: David Tribolet tribolet@orcasonline.com or call 360-298-0248 Monday, June 9 2014 Islands Detachment Meeting 5:30 pm - 7 pm Where: Community Room /Orcas Landing/Orcas Island Saturday June 14, 2014 Crew / Coxswain Check Rides Contact: Pam Chelgren-Koterba pamrck@gmail.com or call 360-647-9715 Sunday June 15, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island Thursday June 19, 2014 Flotilla Meeting – Everyone Welcome 7 pm Bellingham Yacht Club Ward Room/Lower Level Program: Whatcom County Invasive Species Sunday June 22, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island Thursday June 26, 2014 Division One Meeting 530 no-host dinner 7 pm Meeting MaxDale’s Steakhouse, Mt Vernon Friday June 27, 2014 Station Bellingham Change of Command 1100 Station – 28 Bellwether Way, Tropical Blue Uniform or civilian casual dress Sunday June 29, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island Thursday July 3, 2014 Flotilla Staff Meeting – Everyone Welcome 6 pm No Host Dinner, 7 pm meeting On Rice Thai Restaurant-Fairhaven Contact: Delilah Bragg bayhaute@yahoo.com or 360-714-1145 Sunday July 6, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island Sunday July 13, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island Monday, July 14, 2014 Islands Detachment Meeting 5:30 pm - 7 pm Where: Community Room /Orcas Landing/Orcas Island Thursday July 17, 2014 Flotilla Picnic Potluck Barbecue Friends and Family Welcome Gerelyn & Dick Winchip’s Home - Call for directions Sunday July 20, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island Sunday July 27, 2014 Vessel Safety Checks 9 am to Noon Where: Orcas Landing Public Dock, Orcas Island

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