NAVEX Q1 2022 optimized.pdf

NAVIGATOR
NAVIGATOR
express
express
express
express
Auxiliary Public Affairs
takes to the sea
takes to the sea
page
page 14
14
2022
2022
Q1
2022
2022
Q1

NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 2
HOW WE MAKE
HOW WE MAKE
A DIFFERENCE
A DIFFERENCE
IN THE U. S. COAST
IN THE U. S. COAST
GUARD AUXILIARY
GUARD AUXILIARY
The Auxiliary’s number one job
is promoting recreational boat-
ing safety (RBS.) Boater safety
classes and free Vessel Safety
Exams to boaters are the
Auxiliary’s most important
programs to reduce boating
accidents and fatalities.
Public Affairs (PA) assists in
publicizing the missions and
accomplishments of Team Coast
Guard. Public Affairs is key for
recruiting membership; and
providing boating safety
education to the public.
COVER PHOTO: Auxiliarist Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1, augmenting
on the USCGC HEALY (WAGB 20). The mountain in background is Cerro del
Creston, the highest point within the city of Mazatlan. El Faro lighthouse sits
on top the mountain and is reportedly the second highest lighthouse in the
world. Photo by Chaplain Andrew Hoyle. Article page 14
About the Auxiliary
About the Auxiliary
Established by Congress in 1939, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is
Semper Paratus (Always Ready). The Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer service
of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and supports all USCG missions except
roles that require direct law enforcement or military engagement.
The Auxiliary operates in:
• Safety and Security Patrols
• Search and Rescue
• Mass Casualty or Disasters
• Pollution Response and Patrols
• Recreational Boating Safety
• Commercial Fishing and Vessel Exams
• Platforms for USCG Training
• Recruit for all service in the Coast Guard
• Public Affairs
In addition to the above, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary operates in any
mission as directed by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard or Secretary of
Homeland Security. Our Mission:
• To promote and improve Recreational Boating Safety
• To provide trained crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard and
enhance safety and security of our ports, waterways, and coastal regions
• To support Coast Guard operational, administrative, and logistics
requirements

Organization:
The Auxiliary has units in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, and Guam.
BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION
BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Auxiliary is a force multiplier
for the Coast Guard by
promoting boating safety, and
assisting boaters and paddlecraft
using our national waterways. The
Auxiliary also directly supports
the Coast Guard in search and
rescue, marine safety, culinary
assistance, watchstanding, and
environmental protection.
AUGMENTING THE COAST GUARD
AUGMENTING THE COAST GUARD
NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 3
NAVEX EDITOR,
NAVEX EDITOR, Branch Chief
Branch Chief
Roger Bazeley
Roger Bazeley
ASSISTANT EDITOR, COPY
ASSISTANT EDITOR, COPY
G
Gail Giacomini
ail Giacomini
ASSISTANT EDITOR, LAYOUT
ASSISTANT EDITOR, LAYOUT
Kim Holland
Kim Holland
ASSISTANT EDITOR – WEST COAST
ASSISTANT EDITOR – WEST COAST
Tiffany Townsend
Tiffany Townsend
ASSISTANT EDITOR – MIDWEST
ASSISTANT EDITOR – MIDWEST
Kristen Iglesias
Kristen Iglesias
ASSISTANT EDITOR – EAST COAST
ASSISTANT EDITOR – EAST COAST
C
Christopher Orlando
hristopher Orlando
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Lourdes Oliveras
Lourdes Oliveras
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
PUBLICATIONS
PUBLICATIONS
Sean Peoples
Sean Peoples
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
AUX SUPPORT
AUX SUPPORT
Mary Patton
Mary Patton
DIVISION CHIEF
DIVISION CHIEF
PUBLICATIONS
PUBLICATIONS
John Saran
John Saran
NAVIGATOR
NAVIGATOR
express
express
express
express
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Quarterly Magazine
Quarterly Magazine
HIGHLIGHTS
Auxiliarist Deborah Cordone, AUXPA1 was assigned to augment the USCG as a
Auxiliarist Deborah Cordone, AUXPA1 was assigned to augment the USCG as a
Public Affairs specialist aboard the United States’ largest and most
Public Affairs specialist aboard the United States’ largest and most
technologically advanced icebreaker.
technologically advanced icebreaker.
14 Public Affairs takes to the Sea
14 Public Affairs takes to the Sea
22 Paul Hill, “Cookie Man”, retires at age 94
22 Paul Hill, “Cookie Man”, retires at age 94
Auxiliarist Paul Hill retired at age 94 after many accomplishments, including
Auxiliarist Paul Hill retired at age 94 after many accomplishments, including
reviewing 29,000 flight records at Air Station Detroit.
reviewing 29,000 flight records at Air Station Detroit.
24 Atlantic Strike Team honors Ellen Voorhees
24 Atlantic Strike Team honors Ellen Voorhees
Serving as Auxiliary Incident Response Center Watchstander, Ellen Voorhees
Serving as Auxiliary Incident Response Center Watchstander, Ellen Voorhees
was asked to serve as the Auxiliary Unit Liaison Officer for the Atlantic Strike
was asked to serve as the Auxiliary Unit Liaison Officer for the Atlantic Strike
Team.
Team.
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandated for all In–Person Activities
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandated for all In–Person Activities
Fleet Week San Francisco 2021, Auxiliarists onboard the USCGC George
Fleet Week San Francisco 2021, Auxiliarists onboard the USCGC George
Cobb and USCGC Aspen
Cobb and USCGC Aspen
Mackinac Bridge Walk-Run
Mackinac Bridge Walk-Run
Remembering the Coast Guard Lady
The Physiology of cold water immersion
The Physiology of cold water immersion
Auxiliary Public Affairs takes to the sea
Auxiliary Public Affairs takes to the sea
Paul Hill, “Cookie Man”, retires at age 94
Paul Hill, “Cookie Man”, retires at age 94
Atlantic Strike Team honors Ellen Voorhees at retirement ceremony
Atlantic Strike Team honors Ellen Voorhees at retirement ceremony
Auxiliarists attend the Coast Guard Instructor Development Course
Auxiliarists attend the Coast Guard Instructor Development Course
Santa’s coming to ... Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco
Santa’s coming to ... Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco
The Auxiliary and Coast Guard support the Sea Scouts’ Safety at Sea
The Auxiliary and Coast Guard support the Sea Scouts’ Safety at Sea
training 2021
training 2021
Breaking Ice
Breaking Ice
Invested leadership – suicide prevention
Invested leadership – suicide prevention
Fellowship and leadership
Fellowship and leadership
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
EMAST1 honored by the Coast Guard
EMAST1 honored by the Coast Guard
CONTENTS
4
5
10
11
12
14
22
24
26
28
30
34
36
38
39
40

NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 4
United States Coast Guard
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Captain Troy P. Glendye
Chief Director of Auxiliary
I. All Auxiliarists are highly encouraged to review the latest version of the
I. All Auxiliarists are highly encouraged to review the latest version of the Auxiliary COVID-19 Reconstitution Guide
Auxiliary COVID-19 Reconstitution Guide which has
which has
been posted in AUXDATA II and on the CHDIRAUX website at:
been posted in AUXDATA II and on the CHDIRAUX website at: AuxiliarY. COVID-19 Reconstitution Guidance.
AuxiliarY. COVID-19 Reconstitution Guidance. (To review the guide
(To review the guide
in AUXDATA II, login to AUXDATA II; from the AUXDATA Navigation Bar select “More,” then “Files,” and then select “Libraries.”
in AUXDATA II, login to AUXDATA II; from the AUXDATA Navigation Bar select “More,” then “Files,” and then select “Libraries.”
The guide and other relevant COVID-19 information will be located in the folder listed as “CG Auxiliary COVID-19 Guidance.”)
The guide and other relevant COVID-19 information will be located in the folder listed as “CG Auxiliary COVID-19 Guidance.”)
If you have any questions regarding the content of the guide, please reach out to your Chain of Leadership and Management
If you have any questions regarding the content of the guide, please reach out to your Chain of Leadership and Management
(COLM).
(COLM).
2. This update incorporates change, effective immediately, that requires full COVID-19 vaccination for Coast Guard Auxiliarists
2. This update incorporates change, effective immediately, that requires full COVID-19 vaccination for Coast Guard Auxiliarists
when assigned to duty that involves in-person interaction with Coast Guard personnel (including other Auxiliarists), other
when assigned to duty that involves in-person interaction with Coast Guard personnel (including other Auxiliarists), other
government personnel (federal, state, and local), or members of the public. It is meant to ensure the health and well-being
government personnel (federal, state, and local), or members of the public. It is meant to ensure the health and well-being
of unvaccinated Auxiliarists, Coast Guard personnel, and members of the public that the Coast Guard is obligated to protect.
of unvaccinated Auxiliarists, Coast Guard personnel, and members of the public that the Coast Guard is obligated to protect.
Unvaccinated Auxiliarists (including partially vaccinated) remain able to volunteer for any assignments or activities that do not
Unvaccinated Auxiliarists (including partially vaccinated) remain able to volunteer for any assignments or activities that do not
involve in-person interaction with members of the public, other government personnel, or Coast Guard personnel.
involve in-person interaction with members of the public, other government personnel, or Coast Guard personnel.
3. Procedures for handling Auxiliarists’ requests for medical exemption and religious accommodation of this policy change
3. Procedures for handling Auxiliarists’ requests for medical exemption and religious accommodation of this policy change
are under development. When they are established and announced, CG-BSX-1 will start to collect, review, and issue
are under development. When they are established and announced, CG-BSX-1 will start to collect, review, and issue
determinations on such requests.
determinations on such requests.
4. This guidance is intended to provide assistance to the Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUX), Coast Guard units, and Order Issuing
4. This guidance is intended to provide assistance to the Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUX), Coast Guard units, and Order Issuing
Authorities (OJA) on how to use Coast Guard Auxiliarists in the safest way possible during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Knowing
Authorities (OJA) on how to use Coast Guard Auxiliarists in the safest way possible during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Knowing
that the spread of the Pandemic is different in every area, region, state, city, town, etc., DIRAUX and OIAs may deviate from
that the spread of the Pandemic is different in every area, region, state, city, town, etc., DIRAUX and OIAs may deviate from
this guide as they see fit for their cognizant areas of responsibility (AOR), except for the vaccination requirement.
this guide as they see fit for their cognizant areas of responsibility (AOR), except for the vaccination requirement.
5. DIRAUX offices, Coast Guard units, and OIAs are continually assessing operational risks posed by COVID-19 and developing
5. DIRAUX offices, Coast Guard units, and OIAs are continually assessing operational risks posed by COVID-19 and developing
mitigation strategies in advance of mission performance. They remain the best sources for guidance regarding Auxiliary
mitigation strategies in advance of mission performance. They remain the best sources for guidance regarding Auxiliary
assignments to duty within their AORs. All Auxiliarists are expected to help them by exercising caution and strictly adhering to
assignments to duty within their AORs. All Auxiliarists are expected to help them by exercising caution and strictly adhering to
all Coast Guard guidance.
all Coast Guard guidance.
6. Internet release is authorized.
6. Internet release is authorized.
05 JAN 2022
FM: CHDIRAUX
TO: ALAUX
ALAUX 001/22
Subj: AUXILIARY COVID-19
RECONSTITUTION GUIDANCE - VERSION 3
NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 5
SAN FRANCISCO — taking place over three
consecutive days in the skies above San
Francisco Bay and the city’s waterfront, Fleet
Week attracts over a million visitors, who view
its air show and tour its visiting ships. The two-
day air show started with the Saturday parade
of ships underneath the Golden Gate Bridge,
whose perimeter was kept safe by Coast
Guard and Auxiliary coxswains and their crews.
A United Airlines Boeing 777 airliner flew
maneuvers over San Francisco Bay, then the
Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, the Royal Canadian Air
Force CF-18, and the Breitling Jet Team from
France demonstrated their skills, Afterwards,
the United States Navy Blue Angels, celebrated
the nation’s military airpower with their
spectacularly close maneuvers. Auxiliarists
augmented the Coast Guard onboard the
USCGC GEORGE COBB and USCGC ASPEN at
Fleet Week San Francisco.
Thousands of visitors toured the USS
Rushmore Richard LPH-4 Carrier, destroyers
and frigates, USCG cutters, and cruisers
docked at San Franciso’s Embarcadero, during
Fleet Week, getting a glimpse into the day-to-
day lives of the sailors serving aboard the U.S.
Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Australian Navy
ships. In addition to the Naval tours, there
were Coast Guard rescue swimmer and hoist
demonstrations, shoreside military exhibits;
and live music.
During Fleet Week, a dozen Auxiliarists
became force multipliers by augmenting and
supporting the USCG in key areas that required
extensive qualifications. Auxiliarists assisted
guests and VIPs invited by District Eleven,
Pacific Command, and Sector San Francisco
aboard Coast Guard Cutters and served as
Culinary Assistants in the galley, preparing
lunch for the crew and guests during the
Blue Angels’ Saturday and Sunday air shows.
Public Affairs Specialists photographed,
documented, and reported Team Coast
Guard’s event participation during several
days of eight and 12 shifts on board,
providing an important part of fellowship
bonding between the Auxiliary and the Coast
Guard.
District 11N Auxiliary cuttermen served
aboard two buoy tenders during Fleet Week.
One Auxiliary cutterman was Gary Kaplan,
who served on the USCGC GEORGE COBB
(WLM 564) (the 14th Keeper 175–foot buoy
tender named in honor of Silver Lifesaving
Medalist lighthouse keeper George Cobb),
homeported in San Pedro. He completed
his cutterman qualifications on the USCGC
ASPEN (WLB-208), the eighth seagoing buoy
tender cutter in the Juniper-class 225–foot,
homeported at Yerba Buena in San Francisco,
and under the operational control of the
Commander of the Eleventh Coast Guard
District. Auxiliarist James Losi, earned and
was awarded his Coast Guard Auxiliary
Cutterman Insignia in 2015.
The Aspen conducts heavy-lift aids-to-
navigation operations, law enforcement,
homeland security, environmental pollution
response, and search and rescue as directed.
SAN FRANCISCO — Fleet Week Air Show, the view from the USCGC GEORGE COBB (WLM 564).
FLEETWEEK
San Francisco
By NAVEX Editorial Staff
Photos by Roger Bazeley, AUXPA1
Auxiliarists augment the Coast Guard onboard cutters USCGC GEORGE COBB and
USCGC ASPEN as Watchstanders and Culinary Assistants at Fleet Week San Francisco.

H
H
NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 6
To assist in its missions the cutter has great
maneuverability, an information system that
allows it to station-keep with a five-meter
accuracy, and is equipped with a Spilled
Oil Recovery System (SORS) to assist in oil
recovery.
With a family history of maritime interests
and his father’s U.S. Navy WWII service,
Kaplan decided to ask for endorsement to
engage in the requisite training needed to
acquire the Coast Guard Auxiliary Cutterman
Insignia, intended to identify and recognize
Auxiliarists who currently and regularly work
with and support the Coast Guard cutter
community. With the encouragement of
Apsen crew and officers, Kaplan completed
serving at least 52 days per year for two
years aboard cutters 65 feet in length or
greater. He completed the required Per-
sonnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for
Damage Control, Watch Standing, Special,
and Emergency Operations and Procedure.
San Francisco Fleet Week Auxiliarists on board the USCGC George Cobb, con’t.
SAN FRANCISCO — The USCGC GEORGE COBB (WLM 564) berthed at USCG Sector San Francisco,
Yerba Buena Island photo taken from the USCGC ASPEN (WLB 208) stern deck.
SAN FRANCISCO — Aview of the USCGC SOCKEYE (WPB-87337) passing by the cutter GEORGE COBB in the San Francisco Bay during Fleet
H
H H
NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 7
Middle Photo: SAN FRANCISCO — The GEORGE COBB crew with
Auxiliary Culinary Assistants (AUXCA), preparing food for visitors
during Fleet Week. Bottom Photo: Members of the George Cobb
crew performing cutter duties.
Middle Photo: YERBA BUENA, Calif. — John Foley, AUXCA, in the
GEORGE COBB galley augmenting the crew in food preparation
for visitors during Fleet Week. Bottom Photo: George Cobb crew
member getting life jackets for guests.
SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO —
— A
Aspen
spen crew members Nason and Hartman on the bridge with
crew members Nason and Hartman on the bridge with
Auxiliarist Gary Kaplan.
Auxiliarist Gary Kaplan.

H
H
NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 8
SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO —
— The George Cobb departing from U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, Yerba Beuna Island.
The George Cobb departing from U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, Yerba Beuna Island.
Above:
Above: SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO —
— Commanding Officer J.D. West presenting Cutterman
Commanding Officer J.D. West presenting Cutterman
Insignia to Auxiliarist Gary Kaplan aboard the Aspen. Left: Gary Kaplan with James
Insignia to Auxiliarist Gary Kaplan aboard the Aspen. Left: Gary Kaplan with James
Losi, both Auxiliarists earned the Cutterman Insignia by completing their onboard
Losi, both Auxiliarists earned the Cutterman Insignia by completing their onboard
requirements on the Aspen.
requirements on the Aspen.
NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 9
SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO — Fleet Week Air show, U.S. NAVY Blue Angels F/A-18E Super Hornets.
— Fleet Week Air show, U.S. NAVY Blue Angels F/A-18E Super Hornets.

NAVIGATOR EXPRESS 10
Mackinac Bridge Walk–Run
MACKINAW CITY, Mich. — The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension
bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Upper
and Lower peninsulas of Michigan. The 26,372-foot-long
bridge, opened in 1957, is the world’s 24th-longest main span
and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in
the Western Hemisphere. The Mackinac Bridge Walk has been
held every year, since 1958 when 68 people walked during
the Bridge’s Dedication Ceremony. The walk has been held
on Labor Day every year since 1959. In 2019, 30,000 people
walked the Mackinac Bridge. The Bridge Walk sponsors
canceled the event in 2020 due to the COVID-19. A crowd
of about 21,000 people showed up for the annual Mackinac
Bridge Walk in 2021.
Like all Bridge walks, our patrol started before dawn. The
original U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw was port side as we
headed out to the West side of the bridge. We called in to report
we were on scene and began seeing daylight. If you could look
just north of the south tower, a close view would let you see
three or four law enforcement facilities.
MACKINAW CITY, Mich. — Dustin Denkins, Michael English, and Michael Harbin, coxswain, on patrol in the Straights of Mackinac during the Mackinac
Walk -Run. Photos by crew member Richard “Dock” Borth,
By Richard Borth, Flotilla Staff Officer-Publications, Flotilla 091-26-01
MACKINAW CITY
MACKINAW CITY, Mich. — Dustin Denkins, Michael English, and Michael
, Mich. — Dustin Denkins, Michael English, and Michael
Harbin, coxswain, patrolling in the Straights of Mackinac during the
Harbin, coxswain, patrolling in the Straights of Mackinac during the
Mackinac Bridge Walk-Run.
Mackinac Bridge Walk-Run.
MACKINAW CITY
MACKINAW CITY, Mich. — Walkers and runners crossing the Mackinac Bridge during
, Mich. — Walkers and runners crossing the Mackinac Bridge during
the annual Walk-Run.
the annual Walk-Run.
ROGERS, Ark. — Lois Bouton crossed the bar
on 29 January 2022 at the age of 102. After
attending Northern Illinois State Teachers
College, now Northern Illinois University, and
graduating with a degree in Lower Elementary
Education, Lois taught at the one-room Bean
Hill school near Antioch, Illinois.
During WWII, Mrs. Bouton enlisted in the U.S.
Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, known as the
SPARs, the acronym for the Coast Guard’s
motto, Semper Paratus – Always Ready. As
a radio operator, Lois was assigned to Coast
Guard Radio Station Cape May, New Jersey,
later to an air station, and finally, to the
Coast Guard district office in Philadelphia.
She married William Bouton before she was
discharged from the SPARs in November
1945, as a Radioman Third Class.
After World War II the Boutons lived briefly in
Waukegan, then moved to Zion, Illinois where
Ms. Bouton taught in Little Beach at the Beach
School, now known as Howe Elementary
School. She retired, after 30 years of teaching,
mostly first-grade classes, and in 1974 she
and William moved to Rogers, Arkansas.
Mrs. Bouton love for the Coast Guard
continued through the rest of her life. When
traveling over the years, she and William
visited many Coast Guard units. She wrote
thousands of letters to members of the Coast
Guard community: active, reserve, retired,
civilian, and family members for which she
became known as “The Coast Guard Lady.”
Her faithful letter writing over the years
brought many honors and personal visits
from Coast Guard personnel from all over
including present and former Commandants
and Master Chief Petty Officers of the Coast
Guard. In recent years, newly promoted
Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers from the
St. Louis area would come out and visit
around her birthday each year as part of their
indoctrination to the Chief Petty Officers
corps. Her 100th birthday party in Bentonville
was celebrated with family, friends, well-
wishers, Coast Guard, and Coast Guard
Auxiliary members present. The event was
published in the third quarter of the Navigator
Express, in October of 2019.
Mrs. Bouton received many illustrious
honors from the Coast Guard and the U.S.
government, including the Coast Guard
Distinguished Public Service Award, and
the Spirit of Hope award presented by the
Department of Defense. Her most prized
honor was receiving the rank of Honorary
Master Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast
Guard. She was a charter member of the
Lighthouse Society, North West Arkansas
(NWA) Women’s Veterans, and the Illinois
American Legion Post #1122. Ms. Bouton also
served over 20 years with the Coast Guard
Auxiliary Beaver Lake Flotilla and was awarded
the position as an Honorary Commodore in
the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Memorial donations may be sent in Mrs.
Boutons’ name to the National Coast Guard
Museum, 78 Howard St, Suite A, New London,
CT 06320 (www.coastguardmuseum.org).
ROGERS, Ark. — Lois Bouton writing letters from her kitchen table to members of the Coast Guard. Lois Guenette (Bouton) in her U.S. Coast Guard
Women’s Reserve uniform.
ST LOUIS, Mo. — Mrs. Bouton was made an
honorary Coast Guard Chief. Chief Petty Officer
Monterroza and Chief Petty Officer Lussier pin
her in 2013.
By NAVEX Editorial Staff Photos by Auxiliary Public Affairs

The Physiology of Cold Water Immersion
As fall and winter water temperatures
decline, Coast Guard Auxiliarists must
remain vigilant to reduce the risks of cold
exposure. Within an hour, immersion
in below 70 degrees Fahrenheit water
may cause dangerous hypothermia, and
lowered core body temperature. The four
phases of the body’s response to cold water
immersion are:
1. Cold Shock
2. Cold Incapacitation
3. Hypothermia
4. Circum-Rescue Collapse and After-Drop
Note that hypothermia is not our initial
concern. The first three phases of response
to cold water immersion follow the 1-10-1
rule: one minute of cold shock, ten minutes
of cold incapacitation, and approximately
one hour to develop hypothermia.
There is a sudden uncontrollable gasp
reflex, during the first minute of cold
shock followed by several minutes of
hyperventilation. Panic perpetuates
hyperventilation, potentially leading to
loss of consciousness and drowning.
Peripheral blood vessels constrict, during
cold exposure, increasing strain on the
heart, leading to cardiac arrest. A personal
flotation device is critical for survival, as it
helps prevent panic, control breathing, and
avoid drowning. Twenty percent of people
die within the first minute of cold-water
immersion if their head goes under the
water.
During the next ten minutes, cold
incapacitation develops. Loss of
meaningful limb use and the inability to
swim perpetuate a sense of panic. Vessels
constrict to preserve core temperature,
decreasing blood flow to nerves and
muscles. If not wearing personal flotation,
swim failure results in water swallowing
and drowning. To survive, the victim must
concentrate on remaining calm, self-rescue
attempt to get out of the water as soon as
possible. Water temperatures of 50 to 60
degrees Fahrenheit in San Francisco Bay
may cause loss of dexterity within ten to
fifteen minutes and exhaustion and loss of
consciousness within one to two hours.
In Lake Tahoe, winter water temperatures
of 40 degrees Fahrenheit may cause loss
of purposeful function in less than five
minutes and death within an hour. Climbing
onto an overturned vessel or paddle craft
minimizes cold water exposure time and
makes a person more visible to rescuers.
If unable to leave the water, minimize
movement, stay with the group or boat, use
the heat escape lessening position (HELP),
or huddle together to preserve the warmth.
Only swim to shore if the distance is short,
as exercising in cold water results in more
rapid heat loss from the body rather than
warming the core. A personal flotation
device can be life-saving, with
approximately one hour of consciousness
to practice these self-rescue techniques.
techniques, and safely awaiting rescue.
During the following hour of cold-
water immersion, hypothermia
inhibits one’s ability to self-rescue.
As mild hypothermia develops with
body temperature below 96 degrees
Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), the
skin is cold and pale; shivering occurs,
heart rate and respiratory rate increase,
and poor judgment and apathy develop.
With moderate hypothermia, 81 to 91
degrees Fahrenheit, (27 to 33 degrees
Celsius), shivering stops, heart rate, and
breathing decline, reflexes and voluntary
muscle control diminish, and there is
reduction in consciousness. Paradoxical
undressing, the removal of clothing
due to a sudden feeling of warmth, may
occur. At body temperatures below 80
degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius),
severe hypothermia may result in coma,
cardiac arrest, and death.
A cold-water immersion victim should
ByTiffanyTownsend, Flotilla Commander, 113-01-02
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Seaman Kar Arrington lets out loose air through the sleeve of his
cold weather dry suit during a survival swim training evolution at Coast Guard Station
Portsmouth, Virginia. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Weydert, U.S. Coast Guard
District 5.
In the words of Coast Guard rescue
swimmer Mario Vittone, “It is impossible to
get hypothermia in cold water unless you
are wearing flotation. Without flotation,
you won’t live long enough to become
hypothermic.”
Before, during, and following rescue,
caution must be maintained by the rescuers
to avoid circum-rescue collapse, ranging in
severity from fainting to death. When rescue
is anticipated, the body’s stress response
diminishes and a decrease in blood pressure
may lead to shock. Extended time in cold
water also promotes urination, causing
relative dehydration, contributing to shock
upon rewarming. Twenty percent of all
cold-water immersion deaths occur within
the hours following a rescue. Therefore,
proper extraction technique is essential
to prevent shock from circum-rescue
collapse. A person should be kept in
the horizontal (not upright) position to
maintain adequate blood pressure and
movement minimized. Arms and legs
should not be elevated, as a sudden
return of cold blood to the core may
cause cardiac arrhythmias. A drop in
temperature due to cold blood return
from warming extremities may also be
life-threatening.
As Coast Guard Auxiliarists, minimizing
the risks of cold exposure is essential.
Wearing a personal flotation device
with appropriate exposure protection
for the operational area is necessary any
time on or near the water. Boat crew
members must wear anti-exposure suits
when water temperatures are between
50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while
dry suits are recommended when both
water and air temperatures are below
50 degrees Fahrenheit. Rotating crew
positions for breaks from wind and spray
allows rewarming. Regular fluid intake is
encouraged to remain hydrated. Auxiliarists
must constantly maintain situational
awareness and risk management.
Following these risk reduction guidelines
will promote safe participation for all
while patrolling our cold waters. Please be
vigilant and Semper Paratus.
Dr. Townsend is an anesthesiologist, diving and hyperbaric medicine physician, and advanced wilderness expedition provider.
She serves as Flotilla Commander of 113-01-02 Sausalito-Tiburon, as an Assistant NAVEX Editor, and the Assistant District Staff
Officer – Publications – DEP, District 113.
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Fireman Brad Cole, from Coast Guard Station Burlington, Vermont demonstrates H.E.L.P., the heat escape lessening
position while in the water during ice-rescue training on Lake Champlain. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rob Simpson.
H.E.L.P.
HEAT
ESCAPE
LESSONING
POSITON

In 2021, Auxiliarist Deborah Heldt Cordone, Public Affairs Specialist 1, was assigned to augment Public Affairs
In 2021, Auxiliarist Deborah Heldt Cordone, Public Affairs Specialist 1, was assigned to augment Public Affairs
aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter
aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter HEALY
HEALY (WAGB 20) for two missions: twenty-one days from May 15 — June 4
(WAGB 20) for two missions: twenty-one days from May 15 — June 4
for Sea Trials and another thirty-three days from October 20 — November 21 during the southern portion of the
for Sea Trials and another thirty-three days from October 20 — November 21 during the southern portion of the
circumnavigation of North America via the Panama Canal. In addition, from mid-June to mid-October, she provided
circumnavigation of North America via the Panama Canal. In addition, from mid-June to mid-October, she provided
onshore support (from home) posting on social media for
onshore support (from home) posting on social media for HEALY
HEALY, including while they were in the arctic lacking
, including while they were in the arctic lacking
proper connectivity. Posting supplied content saved them time and bandwidth. These missions are the first time an
proper connectivity. Posting supplied content saved them time and bandwidth. These missions are the first time an
Auxiliarist was assigned to Public Affairs aboard the
Auxiliarist was assigned to Public Affairs aboard the HEALY.
HEALY.
HEALY
HEALY is the United States’ largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker as well as the U.S. Coast Guard’s
is the United States’ largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker as well as the U.S. Coast Guard’s
largest vessel. It is classified as a medium icebreaker and was commissioned to active status in 2000.
largest vessel. It is classified as a medium icebreaker and was commissioned to active status in 2000. HEALY
HEALY is set
is set
up to conduct a wide range of research activities and was originally designed with that in mind.
up to conduct a wide range of research activities and was originally designed with that in mind.
This experience is a good example of how Coast Guard Auxiliarists augment active-duty Coast Guard in Public
This experience is a good example of how Coast Guard Auxiliarists augment active-duty Coast Guard in Public
Affairs, acting as important force multipliers. Public Affairs is one of the areas Auxiliarists can help by performing
Affairs, acting as important force multipliers. Public Affairs is one of the areas Auxiliarists can help by performing
functions for active-duty members so they can focus on other pertinent duties.
functions for active-duty members so they can focus on other pertinent duties.
Photo:
Photo: HEALY
HEALY anchored at Port Angeles stopping for helicopter operations and a visit by chaplains, transported
anchored at Port Angeles stopping for helicopter operations and a visit by chaplains, transported
from Port Angeles. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1.
from Port Angeles. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1.
takes to the sea
takes to the sea

How were you selected for this mission?
How were you selected for this mission?
Last February, Captain Mary Ellen Durley,
Commanding Officer Coast Guard Cutter HEALY
(at the time), requested Auxiliary augmentation
in the area of Public Affairs for Sea Trials and
possibly for the planned circumnavigation of
North America. As District Staff Officer Public
Affairs, I was contacted by Auxiliary coordinator
John Thoma concerning the request. Not sure
I could adequately complete the mission, due
to a previous bout with motion sickness, I put
out a call to PA officers in District 13 where
HEALY is homeported. I organized the received
applications and submitted them, putting my
name last with a note about my concern. Due
to my experience augmenting Public Affairs at
local stations and sector, including help with
the administration of active-duty social media
pages, Iwas selected. I accepted the assignment
with a combination of mild trepidation and
excitement. It was an honor to be invited and
given this opportunity to serve those who
courageously serve us on a daily basis. HEALY
was known to be a fairly smooth ride and
Dramamine would be my shipmate just in
case. This was a new challenge and adventure.
I was fully vaccinated and ready to go. Admiral
Schultz, during his last annual State ofthe Guard
address, spoke about needing sailors. I wanted
to be that sailor too!
Upon arrival at the ship in May, which was
homeported in Seattle, I saluted the ensign at
the aft and then the Quarterdeck Officer, who
checked me in. Getting underway was delayed
about aweek due to engineering issues. Captain
Durley mentioned wanting in-port photos too
and this was a great time to get familiar with the
ship, crew members and living aboard.
Tell me about your initial introduction to the
crew.
At the beginning of Sea Trials, Captain Durley
and Lieutenant Commander Philip Baxa (OPS),
now Commander Baxa, introduced me and the
only other Auxiliarist onboard, Bard Mansager,
to the entire crewduring quarters and presented
us eachwith a unit ball cap. Mr. Mansager, out of
District 11 North, was primarily studying Navigations. LTJG Madeline Colwell was my primary
liason.
Learning the traditions of the ship and crew was fascinating. My first assignment was covering
Colors, the raising, and lowering of our national flag. In Coast Guard shore commands and
ships not underway, Colors are traditionally performed twice a day. The modern practice of
Morning Colors was set by the U.S. Navy in 1870, following tradition set by the Royal Navy at an
earlier date. If one is in uniform, but not in ranks, you face the ensign and salute until “carry on”
is sounded. If in rank, you will be called to attention and/or present arms. Boats in the vicinity
lie to or proceed at the slowest possible speed, and the boat’s officer or coxswain stands and
salutes.
Tell me about a typical day on board the cutter. Were you able to explore other roles on the
Tell me about a typical day on board the cutter. Were you able to explore other roles on the
cutter or just handle PA duties?
cutter or just handle PA duties?
Exploring the ship’s daily activity afforded many opportunities for images and content both in
port and underway. I usually worked 10 or more hours a day, beginning at day break. Created
content covered a myriad of topics including anchor evolutions, crew member highlights,
boat ops, distinguished visitors, drills, helo ops, passing exercises with other military agencies,
ceremonies, morale events, oceanographic research opportunities and other areas of interest. I
took as many photos of the crew as possible, knowing they had family at home who would like
to see what they were doing while underway. Between Sea Trials and the circumnavigation, I
provided several thousand photos.
Each crewmemberworkswith fellowmembers and theysometimes perform cross-disciplinary
missions. For example, I was able to observe the Damage Controlman (DC) division, part of
the heart of the HEALY. DC’s are maintenance and emergency repair specialists responsible
for many aspects of the care of HEALY. A DC is responsible for watertight integrity, emergency
equipment associated with firefighting and flooding, emergency response, plumbing repairs,
welding fabrication and repairs; and chemical, biological and nuclear-warfare detection
and decontamination. The team of DC’s aboard Cutter HEALY is invaluable to the safety and
MK3 Nicholas Dyer performs Morning Colors. The ensign was hoisted smartly to the top
of the staff located on the stern, and MK3 salutes. Morning and Evening Colors aboard the
HEALY are accompanied by the ceremonial, high-pitched Boatswain’s whistle. You can
view a video I produced onboard with BM2 Nicholas Protich playing the
Boatswain’s whistle. https://www.facebook.com/CGCHEALY/videos/486736129444365/
Public Affairs Interview
Public Affairs Interview
of Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1
of Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1
by John Saran, AUXPA1
by John Saran, AUXPA1
U.S. Coast Guard photos by
U.S. Coast Guard photos by
Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1
Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1
maintenance of the ship and crew. At 420
feet long and 16,000 tons, the medium ice
breaker has an impressive and extensive
structure needing constant supervision,
maintenance and repair.
Social Media assignment:
The USCGC HEALY utilizes Facebook as
their social media platform. Right after
Sea Trials, I was added to the page to help
admin and add content. Prior to that, ENS
Layman posted my content contributions.
Between SeaTrials and the mid-JulyHEALY
cruise to the Arctic, I posted additional
content developed during Sea Trials. Once
the North America Circumnavigation
commenced, I posted content sent from
HEALY, per request. Once I came back
onboard posts were made as connectivity
allowed. During mytime providing content
and posting for the HEALY page, followers
went from approx. 3,270 to approx. 4,300.
That is an increase of 1,000 plus followers
during an approximate six-month period
of time. The content was a collaboration
from different sources, including my own.
During my off time while onboard, I
completed several PQS in the DC binder.
Crew members were helpful sharing their
knowledge and time. At night, with eyes
half mast, I read the book, Captain “Hell
Roaring” Mike Healy: From American
Slave to Arctic Hero (highly recommend).
Captain Durley loaned me the book from
her shipboard library. Captain Healy was
a career officer with the U.S. Revenue
Cutter Service, predecessor of the U.S.
Coast Guard. His initial commission was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. He is recognized
as the first man of African-American descent to command a ship of the United States government.
Captain Healy commanded several vessels within the territory of the Alaskan coastline and became
nicknamed, “Hell Roaring Mike.” During his command, the Revenue Cutter Service was responsible
for transporting government officials and scientists, rescuing vessels, and law enforcement duties
along the thousands of miles of Alaskan coastline.
In addition to PA duties and learning DC PQS, I spent a few short hours training for Auxiliary Culinary
Assistant, primarily fulfilling the soup-making PQS, using the mirepoix method. It was one of my final
PQS needed for certification.
Right: Cutter crew getting
the ship ready for time
underway. Hoisting of the
Arctic Survey Boat (ASB) on
the starboard side.
Below: Petty Officer 2nd
Class Lauren Anderson, a
Damage Controlman aboard
the Cutter HEALY, prepares
to weld metal storage
containers for the weather
deck.

After a week in port, we went underway for Sea Trials (aka “shakedown”.)
We traveled about 75 nautical miles offshore from the coast of
Washington State and a total of 1137 nautical miles for a 10-day time
period. During this time, the crew tested and fixed one of the main
propulsion motors, completed anchoring evolutions, damage control
training, helo operations with Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, and
oceanographicresearchopportunities.Itookphotos,gatheredpertinent
information, initiated topics and wrote social media posts. On my last
day onboard, I provided CDR Baxa with approximately 6,000 photos to
be shared with the crew and the public. News agencies utilized some
of the photos. The Coast Guard posted some of the photos on their
National Social Media platforms. While offshore, we experienced heavy
weather and about 25-foot waves one night. It was a real test to see if I
could handle the motion of the ocean! I had no problem with the heavy
weather and not only took to the sea, but loved it! I was hooked. It was a
kindred place. The following day, some crew members sported a patch
behind the ear, so I did well and gained a little confidence.
The good news was that after eight months of repairs, the HEALY was
ready for its North America circumnavigation. Back in 2020, the HEALY
suffered an electrical fire in one of the two propulsion motors while
en route to the Arctic, cutting short the trip up north. The motor was
damaged and had to be replaced while in dry dock in Alameda.
During Sea Trials, I observed multiple evolutions including anchoring,
drills and helo operations. A successful anchoring evolution is
dependent on several factors including environmental conditions,
depth of water, and other considerations. Anchoring is a dynamic and
fluid evolution. Safety always comes first. Conducting drills helps the
crew get acquainted with various damage control procedures during
emergency situations. Fire drills, one of the most important kind, are
imperative to the safety of the ship. The crew aboard HEALY and Port
AngelesAirStation MH65E helicopterconducted training operations for
two days, including night ops. Coast Guard helicopter crews routinely
conduct training with surface vessels to maintain crew qualifications
aboard both assets. In the event of a medevac or other emergency
request, crews are proficient in techniques.
In addition to Sea Trials, tell us more about your second deployment
In addition to Sea Trials, tell us more about your second deployment
aboard the
aboard the HEALY
HEALY..
WhileIwasunabletotravelonboardduringtheentirecircumnavigation,
I came for the southern portion of the voyage, with embarkation in
Baltimore, Maryland. Since my previous trip, there had been a change
of command and Captain Ken Boda was now the commanding officer.
I spent 33 days and approximately 6300 plus nautical miles from
Baltimore down the eastern seaboard, through the Caribbean ‘Spanish
Main’ past Cuba, transited the Panama Canal, port calls in Mazatlan and
San Diego, and back to Seattle. I covered numerous events including
(butnotlimitedto)PassingExercises(PASSEX),HeloOps,moraleevents,
Panama Canal transit, Damage Control activity, tiger cruise from San
Diego to Seattle, ceremonies, etc. While onboard, I provided content
for several social media posts and provided approximately 3,500 plus
photos, submitting on a weekly basis. I finished editing and organizing
photos on my last night aboard (all-night endeavor) and provided
those on a thumb drive. It should be noted that upon embarking on the
HEALY in Baltimore, I met up with two Auxiliary Culinary Assistants, Joe
Woodburyfrom District 7 and PatrickWolcott from District 13. Both had
traveled on the northern portion of the circumnavigation in the Arctic
Captain Durley, on the Bridge deck, getting underway for Sea Trials
with Seattle in the background.
While in port and during Sea Trials, we had two U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary Chaplains and one active-duty Navy Chaplain come
aboard HEALY for a visit. Below: D13 Auxiliary Chaplain Gail Porter
(left) came aboard while still in port to discuss the upcoming
Change of Command with Captain Durley (right). Photo below.
Crew aboard USCGC HEALY and Port Angeles Air Station MH65E helicopter conducted training operations for two days, including night ops.
Coast Guard helicopter crews routinely conduct training with surface vessels to maintain crew qualifications aboard both assets. In the event of a
medevac or other emergency request, crews are proficient in techniques.
and would cook on the way back to Seattle. Mr.Wolcott instructed me on
making mirepoix-based soup.
While in the Atlantic, the U.S. Navy 2nd Fleet and U.S. Coast Guard
participatedinaPASSEX.TheUSSJASONDUNHAMandHEALYconducted
helicopter operations with an HH60R as an opportunity to strengthen
maneuvering and communication interoperability between the services.
On the Pacific side of the continent, HEALY, the Royal Canadian Navy
(RCN), and SEMAR (Secretaria de Marina) participated in a PASSEX off the
Pacific Coast of Mexico.
As the HEALY continued the voyage back home, crew members turned
from arctic sailors to tropic sailors making way through the Panama
Canal, one of the engineering wonders of the world.
MH65E helicopter conducted training operations for two days.

ABOVE PHOTO: Vice Admiral Steven Poulin, U.S. Coast
Guard Atlantic Area Commander, visiting the HEALY and
talking with the crew.
RIGHTTOP PHOTO: HEALY Commanding Officer, CAPT
Ken Boda, with distinguished visitors during a tour of the
vessel. RADM Laura Dickey, CAPT Ken Boda, VADM Steven
Poulin and RADM Steve Waddell.
MIDDLE PHOTO right: While in the Atlantic, the U.S. Navy
2nd Fleet and U.S. Coast Guard participated in a PASSEX.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarists Patrick Wolcott
(standing right) and Joseph Woodbury (standing
left) serving lunch to our distinguished visitors in
the Captain’s Cabin.
What was your best experience? Would you do it again?
What was your best experience? Would you do it again?
I loved the entire trip so it is hard to boil it down to just
one experience. Getting to know crew members and
watching them work with competency and dedication
was a privilege. Some of my favorite experiences
included the PASSEX and going through the Panama
Canal aboard a military vessel. A special experience was
takingavideoofanMH65Ehelicopter,sometimescalled
a Dolphin, from Air Station San Francisco landing on
HEALY’s flight deck with dozens of dolphins swimming
inthewaterbehindtheship.Itwasaveryironicmoment.
One of the best morale activities was jumping off the
HEALY and going for a swim in the Caribbean. I was
proud of myself for making it back up the harder-than-
it-looks Jacob’s ladder.
Yes, I would absolutely go on a HEALY voyage again
if they will have me. I hope to get back onboard to
augment Public Affairs in 2022 and would love to see
the Arctic. I am a cold-weather person, so that would
be the trip for me. I would be willing to augment aboard
other Coast Guard Cutters if needed.
Linemen waiting to come aboard
Linemen waiting to come aboard
the HEALY, to attach lines to
the HEALY, to attach lines to
the mules. On each side of the
the mules. On each side of the
canal are rails and mules (elec-
canal are rails and mules (elec-
tric locomotives) to help vessels
tric locomotives) to help vessels
along the canal. The mules are
along the canal. The mules are
used for side-to-side and braking
used for side-to-side and braking
control during lock transit since
control during lock transit since
clearance is minimal for larger
clearance is minimal for larger
ships. Line handlers come aboard
ships. Line handlers come aboard
to attach lines to the mules and
to attach lines to the mules and
assist in the process.
assist in the process.
COLÓN, Panama — Canal scenery colors change as vessels transit from dusk to dark.
The Panama Canal, which is approximately 51
miles long, connects the Atlantic Ocean on
the Caribbean side with the Pacific Ocean.
Completed in 1914, it was built to greatly
shorten the transportation route between the
two oceans, instead of the alternative route
around South America’s Cape Horn.
Scenery colors change as vessels transit from
dusk to dark. It is a phenomenal maritime
transportation corridor to experience any
time of day or night. Our transit was primarily
through the night. There are three locks
through which we transited; the Gatun Locks
on the northern Atlantic entrance followed
by the Pedro Miguel Locks and the Miraflores
Locks. We passed under three well-known
bridges, the Atlantic Bridge at the Gatun locks
and later the Centennial Bridge (part of the Pan-
American Highway) and Bridge of the Americas
both near Panama City and the Pacific Ocean.
The locks lift ships up 85 feet to the main
elevation of the canal and back down again.

DETROIT, Mich. — Paul Hill, a former crew
chief in the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces
Central) retired from the Coast Guard
Auxiliary this past September at 94! The
Harrison Township Flotilla commemorated
the occasion during a combination in-
person and zoom meeting.
Paul held many Auxiliary positions including
Finance Officer and Vessel Examiner and
was always ready to mentor new members.
In 1989, Paul began volunteering weekly
at Coast Guard Air Station Detroit. In 2019
when the Covid pandemic caused an
Auxiliary stand–down he retired.
My first days volunteering at Air Station
Detroit were mixed with awe and surprises.
My crew chief experience in the Ninth
Air Force was no prep for the modern-
day technology, skill, education, and
commitment of the Coast Guard Coasties.
The Auxiliary was an unknown element to
almost everyone in Coast Guard Aviation.
Although we were known at the Boat
Stations for using our boats on Coast
Guard patrols, the Air Station had not seen
Auxiliarists. So, I was a new element, but a
very welcome add-on to the small station.
As the Duty Watchstander, my first
assignment was to learn all of the names,
ranks, and departments of the 40 some
Coasties, while fulfilling the duties in the
communications room. The first surprise
was the fact that the officers and crew
knew the names of each other’s children.
This phenomenon had not been my
experience in either the Air Force or my 40
years in the corporate auto industry. But
of course, it was not long before I also knew
the family names and this became my perfect
retirement job.
Someone told me that a Coast Guard Air
Station Detroit Senior Chiefs’ wife used to
bring the day-old pastries from a local bakery
to the Air Station. After hearing this, I thought
of my own WWII Air Force assignment in
Germany when a package of cookies received
from home was an event shared with the
entire flight line. So, I brought my first tray
of chocolate chip cookies to Air Station
Detroit, which somehow became a weekly
“Tuesday Cookie Day.” As a result, I began to
be recognized and referred to as the “Cookie
Man” which became my title for the next
twenty years. Once while I was on a Search
and Rescue case with my facility on Lake St.
Clair, I was recognized and then referred to as
the Cookie Man.
From 1989 to 2000, Air Station Detroit was
only a small air station with three HH65
Dolphins. The Area of Responsibility (AOR ) of
the Air Station still covers all of Lake Erie, Lake
Ontario, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, part
of Lake Huron, and Saginaw Bay.
Eventually, an administration building was
added which also now housed the duty
crews and an enlarged day room. The morale
days back then were spent with everyone,
I mean everyone, working to complete the
landscaping and the final touches inside and
outside of the new building.
Eventually, five helos were assigned to
Detroit, and a new hanger was built to house
the new helos, operations center, the day
room, wardroom, communication room,
and duty sleeping quarters. The memory of
so many of the past Coast Guard members
who served at Detroit seems to be fading.
The replacements each year all seem to be
from the same cut of high-quality citizens,
much younger, but at the same time, they
all fit the same mold of professionalism and
dedication that I have seen throughout my
years at the air station. The distinctive value
of the aviation personnel that has toured
through Air Station Detroit is outstanding. In
some ways, nothing has changed in the last
30 years at Air Station Detroit, only that my
Coast Guard friends are the same age as my
Paul Hill, “Cookie Man”,
retires at age 94
By Paul Hill, Auxiliarist, Retired and Kristen Iglesias, NAVEX Editorial Staff, 091-20-01
Miami, Fla. — Auxiliarist Paul Hill was greeted at the USCG Air Station Miami with a welcome sign.
Mr. Hill was hosted at the air station by Captain Currier.
grandchildren. This is another reason, that I
call Air Station Detroit my second home.
It is satisfying is to hear about so
many friends moving up in their Coast
Guard careers. So many times the new
commanding officer (CO) would return
from a CO conference and pass on a hello
from a previous Air Station Detroit CO. I
think this hello was more in wonderment
that anyone could still be volunteering that
long. Some Coasties return to Detroit after
a tour at another Air Station and tell me
they knew I was still here because they saw
the Tuesday cookies. Sometimes I hear a
familiar name from years ago, being called
Captain or Admiral. I then discover another
Air Station Detroit member has advanced
their career.
In 2019, USCG Captain Jared King,
presented Paul Hill with the Coast Guard
Auxiliary Achievement Medal for Superior
Performance of Duty from June 2006 to
May 2019, reviewing 29,000 flight records
at Air Station Detroit, fuel usage, and
receipts. “I believe that when one retires
from their career job, they should be going
to some activity – rather than just leaving
a job. The rocking chair is a quick trip to
disaster. My going to was the Coast Guard
Auxiliary. It worked for me.” Paul Hill
Top left to right, Archive photos: DETROIT, Mich. — Paul Hill working at his desk at Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, located at Selfridge Air National Guard
base. Top Right: Paul Hill after a flight, is talking with Captain Kurt Carlson at Coast Guard Air Station Detroit. Bottom Left: Captain Jared King is
presenting Paul Hill with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Medal for Superior Performance of Duty. Bottom Right: Paul Hill after landing at USCG
Air Station Detroit. Captain Kurt Carlson is still in the cockpit.
Photos by Aux Public Affairs

TRENTON, N.J. — When oil discharges,
hazardous substance releases, weapons
of mass destruction events, require
U.S. Coast Guard attention, the Atlantic
Strike Team (AST) springs into action.
AST functions as a special team within
the National Response System (NRS) and
assists United States Coast Guard (USCG)
and Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Federal On-Scene Coordinators and
other federal officials while executing
responsibilities under the National
Contingency Plan (NCP) and the National
Response Plan (NRP).
Among the special team of AST is Ellen
Voorhees of Flotilla LaceyTownship, 053-
07-09. Voorhees joined AST as an Auxiliary
Incident Response Center Watchstander
in August 2001 and became certified in
December 2001. In October 2006, she
was asked to serve as the Auxiliary Unit
Liaison Officer for the AST.
Voorhees continues to serve in both
roles. As Watchstander, she relieves the
Command Duty Officer (CDO) and, under
the direction of the CDO, act as a control
point, register, grant or deny access to
unit visitors, maintain the IRC phone
watch, intercept and transmit phone calls
and messages, monitor status boards
and T-card racks, maintain and update
the Unit’s daily log, receive visitors and
arrange for their escort to appropriate
Unit site destinations, respond to external
requests and perform other tasks as
requested.
As Auxiliary Unit Coordinator, she works
with the AST Command, the Auxiliary
Liaison Officer (AUXLO), and other
key members of the Unit to provide
immediate input and response to
requirements for Auxiliary support and
facilitate Auxiliary service to the unit.
Prepare and maintain an Auxiliary Watch
Personnel Duty Roster containing contact
information of Auxiliarists assigned to
the AST. She also prepares a quarterly
Watch Schedule and distributes copies
of the same to the AST Command and
the Auxiliary Watchstanders, maintains a
spreadsheet of the watch hours accrued
monthly and annually by each of the
Watchstanders. She also schedules regular
Quarterly meetings for the purpose of
distributing information and the Watch
Schedule for the upcoming quarter.
Voorhees said her most unique experience
as a member of AST was that her fourth
day training turned out to be September
11, 2001, and she took the call alerting
the Unit of planes crashing into the Twin
Towers. “I then was tasked to assist with
the distribution of necessary response
clothing and with loading PFDs into vans
in preparation of deployment to New
Atlantic Strike Team honors Ellen Voorhees
at her retirement ceremony
By Christopher Orlando, AUXPA2, Flotilla 053-16-07
TRENTON, N.J. — The Atlantic Strike Team honored Ellen Voorhees in a ceremony upon her retirement as an Incident Response Center Watchstander and
Auxiliary Unit Liasion Officer for the AST.
York City,” said Voorhees. “In the weeks following
9/11, the AST’s resources and personnel were
fully employed. The manning of the AST IRC by
the Auxiliary helped free personnel desperately
needed for critical response activities during this
period – talk about on-the-job training!”
Voorhees said she has also had a ton of unique
experiences such as in May of 2014, “I, along
with other Auxiliarists, participated in a tactical
combat casualty care program sponsored by
Special Missions Training Center-Deployment
Training Detachment at Joint Base McGuire Dix
Lakehurst. The Auxiliarists assisted in the training
of the personnel being deployed by acting as
role players/patients in the mock-combat and
responding to preplanned medical treatments.”
“Ellen Voorhees is an essential member of the
AST, responsible for managing the unit’s daily
routine, tracking personnel and resources, and
greeting visitors,” said District Commodore
Joseph Giannattasio. “For two decades Ellen has
volunteered over 3,000 hours assisting the AST
in case documentation and personnel launch of
cases.”
“AUX Voorhees is an AUXSOME Auxiliarist and a
valued member of our team. Her kindness and
mentoring of others continues to enhance our
organization,” said CDR Victoria L. Taylor-Davies,
Director of Auxiliary Fifth District - Northern
Region. “Her dedication to her shipmates is
astounding. In addition, AUX Voorhees continues
to produce Flotilla 79’s newsletter, Guardian of the
Bay.”
“For the past 20 years, I have enjoyed my weekly
duties at the AST and found the experience to be
extremely rewarding. The AST personnel have
made the Auxiliarists feel a real part of ‘Team Coast
Guard,’” said Voorhees. “I consider it a privilege
and an honor to serve the U.S. Coast Guard as an
Auxiliary Incident Response Center Watchstander.”
To cap off an incredible career in the AST,
Voorhees was honored at a retirement ceremony
in late 2021 where her work was acknowledged
with the Auxiliary Achievement Award.
Photos by Douglas Smith, Flotilla 053-16-05
TRENTON,
TRENTON, N.J. — The Auxiliary Achievement Award the Atlantic
N.J. — The Auxiliary Achievement Award the Atlantic
Strike Team awarded Ms. Voorhees upon her retirement.
Strike Team awarded Ms. Voorhees upon her retirement.
Members of the AST present Ms. Voorhees a memory box
Members of the AST present Ms. Voorhees a memory box
containing significant mementos from her time as an Incident
containing significant mementos from her time as an Incident
Response Center Watchstander and an Auxiliary Unit Liaison
Response Center Watchstander and an Auxiliary Unit Liaison
Officer for the Atlantic Strike Team.
Officer for the Atlantic Strike Team.
Ms. Voorhees standing next to the Auxiliary Achievement Award
Ms. Voorhees standing next to the Auxiliary Achievement Award
she received from the members of the Atlantic Strike Team.
she received from the members of the Atlantic Strike Team.
at her retirement ceremony.
at her retirement ceremony.

MOBILE, Ala. — U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
members from various parts of the
country were selected to attend the
United States Coast Guard Instructor
Development Course (IDC) in Mobile,
Alabama, or Petaluma, California. Classes
were held throughout the summer, with
the first group going to Aviation Training
Center (ATC) Mobile from June 7th to
June 11th.
The ATC Mobile group included Mark
Wilson and George Manos from Fifth
Southern, Faron Petteys from the Seventh
District, Eric Watters from Eighth Western,
Robert Kumpf from Ninth Western, and
Mark and Beverly Hannibal from the
Thirteenth District.
The classes normally held at the USCG
Training Center in Petaluma, California,
went on the road this summer, bringing
the Master Trainers to USCG ATC Mobile.
There were approximately 21 students
in total, in the classes broken up into
three teams of seven. Each team was
comprised of both Coast Guardsmen and
Auxiliarists. Classes commenced at 0800
hours and ended at 1700 hours Monday
through Friday. On Wednesday, students
were assigned presentation topics. Some
topics included properly folding the U.S.
ensign, drawing a three-dimensional
object, solving a math problem and
whipping a rope.
On Thursday, practice presentations
were performed and videotaped.
Students were required to utilize all the
teaching methods taught by the Coast
Guard Master Trainers. DVD copies of
everyone’s performance were provided
to each of the students for their review.
Friday was the final exam in which
students assigned their topic to teach
were required to prepare and deliver
their presentation to their classmates
from another team. Students were
critiqued by that team and graded by the
Coast Guard Instructors on their lesson
with respect to content, presentation,
and delivery. All Auxiliarists received a
GO on their presentations signifying
successful completion
of the course and
attaining the status
of qualified
Coast Guard
Instructor.
Auxiliarists attend the Coast Guard
Auxiliarists attend the Coast Guard
Instructor Development Course
Instructor Development Course
By George Manos
MOBILE, Ala. — Back Row from Left
to Right: Auxiliarists attend the Coast
Guard Instructor Development Course,
Manos, Kumpf, Petteys, and Hannibal.
In the middle row is Wilson and
Hannibal. The member in the front row
is Watters. Photo courtesy of Elaina
Wood, AET2
Mobile, Alabama IDCClass
PETALUMA, Calif. — Participants and instructors from the Instructor Development Course 0498 pose for a
group graduation photograph on 16 July 2021 at Training Center Petaluma. In addition to active duty and
civilian attendees, two members of the Auxiliary graduated from the course, Aaron Ayers and Commodore
Dale Fajardo. Photo by CWO2 Mallory Stonehouse.
PETALUMA, Calif. — Auxiliarists Commodore Dale Fajardo and Aaron Ayers graduate from the
United States Coast Guard Instructor Development Course 0498 on 16 July 2021. Photos by
CWO2 Mallory
Petaluma, California Coast Guard
Petaluma, California Coast Guard
Instructor Development Course Class
Instructor Development Course Class

SAN FRANCISCO — Santa Claus gave his
reindeer the day off, arriving by MH-65
Dolphin helicopter at U.S. Coast Guard Air
Station San Francisco for the annual family
holiday party on Saturday, 4 December.
Santa and Mrs. Claus granted Christmas
wishes, presenting a specially selected gift
for each child attending.
Crew assignments for the day included
Coast Guard Commander Corey Braddock
as sleigh driver, Flight Mechanic Anncelin
Acosta, and Auxiliarists Pete Gorenberg
as Santa Claus, TiffanyTownsend as Mrs.
Claus, David Beltran as photo elf, and Terry
Blanchard as Santa’s ground support.
Auxiliary support at the Air Station San
Francisco (ASSF) holiday party began in
2018 when coxswain Terry Blanchard
volunteered a member to participate as
Santa. With two Santa suits available, one
was worn by a Coast Guard flight crew
member, who waved at children as the
helicopter circled the hangar. Children
were ushered in as the helicopter landed
and the hangar doors closed. Completing
the switch, Auxiliarist Santa entered via a
side door, magically greeting the children
from his chair.
Family members provided wrapped gifts,
which were stored for distribution in a
Santa’s coming to
Santa’s coming to ...
...
Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco
Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — Auxiliarist Pete Gorenberg in Santa suit departing from MH-65 Dolphin. Commander Corey Braddock, pilot, in cockpit and Flight Mechanic
Anncelin Acosta assisting Santa. Photo by David Beltran.
static display helicopter inside the hangar.
Santa called out to each of the children,
who were delighted to receive exactly
what they wished for Christmas. The festive
occasion was enjoyed by all, even Santa
who did not log any flight hours.
Blanchard was asked again in 2019 if
he could provide another Santa. This
time, Santa Claus enjoyed a helicopter
ride from the general aviation terminal,
circling multiple times around the hangar
and landing, with families watching from
the open doors. Another celebratory
occasion was enjoyed and a tradition was
established.
While COVID-19 dashed any plans for a
holiday event in 2020, conditions were
looking brighter in 2021. In the interest of
promoting Team Coast Guard diversity,
this time a female Auxiliarist was invited
to participate. Auxiliarists Gorenberg and
Townsend volunteered to fill the roles, with
new Santa and Mrs. Claus costumes.
With the original sleigh and flight crew
called away for a search and rescue case,
a backup helicopter was readied and
CDR Braddock kindly piloted the special
mission. Santa and Mrs. Claus experienced
an aerial tour of the San Francisco Bay
while Coast Guard families arrived and
enjoyed a holiday brunch and a safety
demonstration by the San Francisco Airport
fire department.
The sleigh’s landing and Santa’s arrival
were greeted by some very happy children.
Mrs. Claus was well received, perhaps
not as intimidating as the jolly fellow
with his generous beard and eyebrows.
Parents were assured the merry couple
work as physicians when not spreading
cheer, and that both are fully vaccinated
and boosted. Taking place in an open
airport hangar, local COVID-19 health and
safety guidelines were followed for the
environmental conditions.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco
looks forward to welcoming the jolly
couple at future holiday celebrations.
Promoting the spirit of joy is just one way
Coast Guard Auxiliarists support Team
Coast Guard missions.
SAN FRANCISCO — MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flown by USCG CDR Corey Braddock with flight crew AMT3 Anncelin Acosta and special passengers
Santa Claus Auxiliarist Pete Gorenberg and Mrs. Claus Auxiliarist TiffanyTownsend.
Photos by David Beltran, Flotilla Commander, 113-01-09
ByTiffanyTownsend, Flotilla Commander, 113-01-02
Auxiliarists bring magic to a children’s Christmas party
Auxiliarists bring magic to a children’s Christmas party

The USCG Auxiliary volunteer training team arrived at United
States Coast Guard Sector San Francisco on Yerba Buena Island
just before dawn. The Sea Scouts and their leadership were
already preparing for the day’s annual Sea Scout Safety at Sea
training event with their instructors, personnel from Sector San
Francisco, and USCG Auxiliary volunteers.
The District 11 Northern Region Auxiliary volunteers and
Culinary Assistance (CA) were present to join, observe and meet
with Sea Scouts and their leadership to promote and assist in
developing a new youth training and participation program and
in training and qualifying Auxiliarists to regularly work with the
14-21-year-old Sea Scouts’ in the youth program.
According to Auxiliary member John-Michael Zimmerle,
“The 2021 Sea Scout Safety at Sea was a joint Coast Guard/
Sea Scouts BSA program, and we were excited to be back at
Yerba Buena Island and Sector San Francisco with the youth
training program. This was our 29th annual event; I have had
the pleasure of serving on the Safety at Sea staff and organizing
committee for over 20 years. It was a pleasure interacting with
our young men and women as they participated in hands-on
training evolutions that improve critical lifesaving and safety
skills. Zimmerle stated that “Traditionally, our role as adult
leadership at the event is to coach and guide these young
people through each evolution. Everything is hands-on and
designed to let our Scouts give their best while learning and
By NAVEX Editorial Staff
SAN FRANCISCO — A Sea Scout is practicing the correct procedures and uses of a flare during Safety at Sea training 2021.
The Auxiliary and Coast Guard support
the Sea Scouts’ Safety at Sea training 2021
Photos by Roger Bazeley, AUXPA1
honing skills in these critical areas:
• Damage control: USCG provided a damage
control vessel where Scouts attempted to
repair and control hull breaches.
• Firefighting: Safety at Sea owns and operates
two propane-fueled flash-pans that simulate on
board firefighting conditions in a controlled and
safe environment. Scouts donned firefighting gear,
used pressurized water-mist extinguishers to approach,
then attack and defeat the fire threat.
• Firehose handling: Scouts practiced hose and nozzle
handling techniques in a tug-of-war-like game where
opposing teams moved the fender ball across a line to
the opposing team only with the water at the end of their
nozzles. This activity was probably the Scout’s favorite event.
• Law enforcement: USCG personnel explained and
demonstrated law enforcement techniques and mission
requirements to the Scouts.
• Towing: Sea Scouts used working models to demonstrate
their skills in preparing and executing vessel towing
operations.
• Flares and signals: Scouts were taught and practiced
correct procedures and uses of various pyrotechnic
signal devices.
• Life raft operations: Scouts donned survival suits, hit the
water and practiced entering and exiting a life raft in the
boat basin, and
• Pipe patching: Using a pipe tree, Scouts used their best
efforts to control a variety of breaches in pressurized
water pipes.”
• Zimmerle further stated, “In 2019 we anticipated the
Top :SAN FRANCISCO — Sea Scouts
practicing the use of flares during Safety
at Sea.
Insert: Sea Scouts are practicing the
operation of a pipe tree with pressurized
water pipes and multiple breaches.

Auxiliary role as both observational and hands-on.
Auxiliary members were invited to participate in our
after-action activities. We would have liked Auxiliary
members to experience the whole event – spending
time at each station participating and learning how
our program works. Of course, we would like to make
Auxiliary participation permanent. New participants
would be in an awesome position to help us expand our
roles in the years to come.”
• Commodore Mary Kirkwood was equally impressed and
accompanied her September 2019 event report with
a photo slide show. She reviewed and spoke on the
areas of expanding the district’s Auxiliary training and
participation in supporting and working with the Sea
Scouts on future training activities.
For over 100 years Sea Scouting has promoted better
citizenship and improved members’ boating skills through
instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills,
outdoor, social, service experiences, and knowledge of
our maritime heritage. Sea Scout units– called ships- are
established all across the country on oceans, bays, rivers,
and lakes. They provide limitless opportunities and exciting
challenges that you won’t ﬁnd anywhere else. Sea Scouts is
a place to grow and learn, ﬁnd adventure, and build long-
lasting friendships.
Insert photo: SAN FRANCISCO — Auxiliary Culinary Assistance members are providing food service for the Sea Scouts and volunteers at Safety at Sea 2021.
A Sea Scout is practicing putting out a propane-fueled, flash-pan fire that simulates onboard firefighting conditions in a controlled environment.
SAN FRANCISCO — Scouts are
swimming in survival suits in the boat
basin and practicing entering and
exiting a life raft as part of the Safety at
Sea survival training.

Could you describe the mission?
In early February 2022, I received a request
for an AUXAIR mission to transport RADM
Michael Johnston and his staff from D9
headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, to Sault
Ste Marie, Michigan. The trip was organized
so that RADM Johnston could host the U.S.
Congressman Jack Bergman, from Michigan’s
First Congressional District, on an icebreaking
demonstration aboard the USCGC Katmai Bay
(WTGB-101).
How did your aircraft facility assist the Rear
Admiral?
The Coast Guard 9th District’s area of
responsibility is vast, and it includes areas
that are very difficult to reach via commercial
transportation or by driving. A commercial
airline trip to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan,
where the icebreaker is homeported, from
Cleveland, Ohio, is a multi-stop trip. Driving
in the Michigan winter would be nearly a 20-
hour round trip tour. Aux Air could transport
RADM Johnston, his Command Master Chief
Buckman, and his aide Lt David Cooper from
Cleveland to the Sault in an hour and fifteen
minutes and then back to Cleveland in just
under that same time. AUXAIR saved the Coast
Guard 120-man hours of travel time.
What was the Rear Admiral’s response?
RADM Johnston is a strong supporter of
the Auxiliary and calls the AUXAIR his “Time
Machine.” These trips would be incredibly
difficult without the Auxiliary. I know many
are asking, “why not just fly him up in a Coast
Guard helicopter.” That’s a great question. The
response is they would have to come out
of Ready Status to make the trip, and the air
stations are already facility limited. It would
require pulling a crew out of the staffing
cycle for two days. It would be unnecessary
when the Auxiliary Air group stands ready,
willing, and able to support the mission.
What was the importance of this particular
mission?
Many in Congress who don’t live in coastal
regions do not understand or appreciate the
impact and necessity of the Coast Guard.
Specific to ice breaking, that understanding
is even less likely. Nearly 55 percent of the
economic gross domestic product, GDP, in
the Great Lakes region depends on maritime
activities. Those activities are not limited
to the summertime transit of goods and
materials. Icebreaking is essential to our
economy. Congressman Bergman got to
spend nearly three hours learning about the
Coast Guard’s important role in this effort.
He witnessed the incredible professionalism
of the Officers and Crew of the Katmai Bay
and their amazing skill and training.
What was Congressman Bergman’s
impression of the mission?
Congressman Bergman took time to speak
with Wilson Riggan, AUXAIR pilot from
district seven, and myself about the Auxiliary.
He noted, specifically, the importance of
educating legislators about this kind of
mission. He also noted that he had learned
more about the Auxiliary, how we support
this mission, and the value we provide,
which he might never have understood
otherwise. This trip was much more than
saving RADM Johnston and his staff time and
money. It was a mission that provided direct
support to the overall mission of the Coast
Guard. I firmly believe that we do this all the
time in the Auxiliary. As leaders, we need to
understand the direct support we give the
Coast Guard. As members, we need to be
proud of this. As new members, we need to
aspire to this.
SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. — Katmai Bay breaks ice
as it heads towards the Mackinac Bridge. Bottom:
Katmai Bay crew members demonstrate ice rescue
techniques on frozen Lake Superior. Photos by Rick
Hamilton, DCDR, 095-31.
BREAKING ICE
BREAKING ICE
Interview by Ralph Fairbanks, AUXPA3
Flotilla 095-31-05
Sometimes Auxiliary missions come in unexpected ways. Recently, Rick Hamilton,
Sometimes Auxiliary missions come in unexpected ways. Recently, Rick Hamilton,
Division Commander of Division 09-31, Grand Haven, Michigan, was called upon to
Division Commander of Division 09-31, Grand Haven, Michigan, was called upon to
provide air support for Rear Admiral Michael Johnston, Ninth District Commander,
provide air support for Rear Admiral Michael Johnston, Ninth District Commander,
U.S. Coast Guard. Rick is certified as an Aircraft Commander, and his facility, a
U.S. Coast Guard. Rick is certified as an Aircraft Commander, and his facility, a
Cessna Citation business jet, is used to conduct maritime observation and logistics
Cessna Citation business jet, is used to conduct maritime observation and logistics
missions around the Great Lakes. The Rear Admiral (RADM) knew of Rick’s capabilities
missions around the Great Lakes. The Rear Admiral (RADM) knew of Rick’s capabilities
when his facility came online, and local air station Auxiliary Liaison Officers were
when his facility came online, and local air station Auxiliary Liaison Officers were
briefed. The following is an interview with Rick describing the mission and gained
briefed. The following is an interview with Rick describing the mission and gained
impressions and experiences.
impressions and experiences.
What did you learn from this mission?
I learned that the U.S. Coast Guard command
staff have an incredibly difficult and
demanding job. They have to deal with large
teams over wide areas, complex logistics, and
complex problems.
I was reminded that the men and women of
the USCG do their job with incredible skill and
passion. CAPTAnthony Jones, Commander of
Sector Sault Sainte Marie, LT Michael
Overstreet, Commanding Officer, LTJG
Matthew Romanuski, Executive Officer,
and the entire crew of the Katmai Bay was
impressive, They are the professionals that
get it done every day. They made what was a
complex trip look easy, and I’m 100 percent
confident they do this all the time.
What did it take to coordinate this mission?
The facility we used for this mission is
uniquely complex for Auxiliary Air, and it can
be a challenge to crew it for a mission like this.
We needed to coordinate across a few districts
and solve some unique problems nationally to
get it done. As a result, I got to fly with another Aircraft Commander, Wilson Riggan, a 15-
year Auxiliarist from District Seven (D7). He came all the way up from Florida to support this
mission. He went out of his way because he knew the importance of D9 and knew he had
the necessary qualifications. The lesson is Auxiliarists all over the country believe in what
we do and have a passion for using their unique skills to support the mission.
What did you gain from this mission to support all missions of the Auxiliary?
This trip was about breaking ice on many levels in a real way. Sure, it was fun watching
a 140-foot cutter bust through thick ice. However, I was doing some icebreaking of my
own. I was able to see our mission from a different perspective. I met and established
relationships with a host of people I might not otherwise have been privileged to meet.
When it is all said and done, I realize more than ever that a sense of purpose and belonging
is important to all of us who serve.
I was allowed to witness real people ply their trade with grace. Government leaders,
command staff, COs, XOs, and crews alike are doing what they do best and doing it well. I
tasted the work of a passionate cook in a small galley. I got to see the shine in the eyes of
a cadet who was finishing up his last year at the Academy as he watched the ice crumble
under the mighty Katmai Bay and wondered what his first billet would be. Like the Coast
Guard, we break the ice to keep our society moving. As individuals who serve, we break
the ice to understand our purpose and see the path we cut serving the communities we
live within. When we break the ice, as people, we grow.
Top left to right: GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — USCGC KATMAI BAY (WTGB-101), tied
up in front of Coast Guard Station Grand Haven during the annual Coast Guard
festival. Photo by Ralph Fairbanks. Right: Rick Hamilton and John Chapman
prepare for a mission in Rick’s Citation jet, offered as an Auxiliary facility on marine
observation and logistics missions. Photo by Jenn Austin, Branch Chief - Response
Resources & Planning, Flotilla 095-33-08.
Bottom: SGRAND HAVEN, Mich. — RADM Johnston, and Wilson Riggan prepare for
a flight to Sault Ste Marie to ride along on the ice breaker Katmai Bay. Photo by
LT David Cooper, USCG.

Invested Leadership –Suicide Prevention
increase a member’s risk for suicide-related behavior. Commanders,
Commanding Officers, and Officers in Charge often express care
for their members, and most have used quantitative and qualitative
assessment tools like the Defense Organizational Climate Survey or
the Leadership Assessment Survey to gain an understanding of their
command climate and the general well-being of their unit personnel.
However, those tools are not substitutes for regularly interacting with
our members at a human level and encouraging the same with our
unit personnel.
As invested leaders, we should work to grow our empathy, emotional
intelligence, and compassion to create an environment where
members are more likely to be noticed when something doesn’t seem
right. Furthermore, we should openly combat the stigma of seeking
mental health support for ourselves and others. We must get to a point
where everyone supports wellness and health-seeking behaviors in
the same way we encourage diagnosis and treatment for members
who tore their meniscus while playing basketball or fractured their
collar bone in an off-duty accident. Being a leader means laying the
foundation to firmly establish a psychologically safe environment and
to pre-identify resources in the local community that is available to
support our members, regardless of the organ or limb involved. The
following methods are a few examples I use as Sector Commander to
demonstrate invested leadership with my crew:
• Walking around often and engaging members in conversations
about their work, recent cases, their family members, and their
hobbies;
• Conducting semi-annual pay grade meetings called “Coffee with the
Captain;”
• Personally attending LDAC’s weekly brown-bag leadership
luncheons on a variety of topics that enhance our trust, emotional
intelligence, and communications;
• Traveling into the field with teams to learn what they do firsthand;
• Leaving hand-written Bravo Zulu notes on members’ desks or
sending a personal email thanking members for their contributions;
• Highlighting great work across the departments and field units at
monthly All Hands with individual shout outs when applicable;
• Emphasizing the value of consistent accountability and striving for
fair application of corrective actions or punishment;
I woke to my alarm Friday morning and was preparing to start my
fifth day as Sector Lake Michigan’s new Response Department
Head. I had planned an aggressive agenda for my first two weeks
at the unit, determined to visit all 16 small boat stations to meet the
Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge and spend some time
underway with each unit. As I began getting ready for my final day on
the road for the week, my phone rang. “CDR Lusk, I need to brief you
on a personnel matter. At 0605, a member of Station Grand Haven
shot himself with a unit weapon while on watch. He’s on his way
to the hospital via ambulance, but the Officer in Charge said it isn’t
looking good.” What I didn’t know was that I met the petty officer just
four days prior during my unit visit.
In every operational unit I’ve belonged to over my career, we
conducted drills and exercises to be ready for an unexpected
emergency or equipment casualty. We operate with quick response
cards and checklists to ensure we follow procedures in the proper
order, and standardization teams test us on our ability to follow
protocol. Despite a full career of preparedness activities and
evaluations, none prepared me for that devastating day.
What warning signs should you look for to recognize the potential
for the suicide of a shipmate, friend, or loved one? A person who has
been diagnosed with depression? Somebody who suddenly appears
despondent? Someone who gives away their belongings?
FBI crisis negotiation training teaches that a person’s stability in
their own wellness can be viewed as a three-legged stool consisting
of their sense of self, their sense of purpose, and their sense of
connectedness and relationships. If one of the legs is missing, the
stool will become unstable. But when two of the legs are missing,
the stool will likely topple over.
In 2018, the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Threat
Management Unit and the service’s Suicide Prevention program
manager conducted a learning review of our service’s deaths by
suicide to find trends to bolster prevention efforts at every level in
our organization. Through this review, they identified four themes
that proceeded the death of our members: relationship stressors,
workplace stressors, a history of expressed suicide ideations, and
personal predispositions. These influencing factors are consistent
with other services and national factors for suicide.
Applying the three-legged stool theory and learning review themes
to caring for our members, leaders can identify potential areas of
concern or red flags, especially when multiple issues arise that could
By CAPT. Leanne Lusk, Commander, Sector Anchorage, Alaska
A framework for suicide prevention and preparedness
• Encouraging further discussion and offering to speak privately when
members indicate something isn’t right or they are experiencing
challenges;
• Providing honest, clear feedback to members, even when the
conversation can be uncomfortable. Clear is kind!
In the cases I managed involving death by suicide and a near-fatal
suicide attempt, both members had physical injuries preventing them
from doing the work they desired, and both individuals had recent
relationship losses. Two legs of their stool were removed. The death at
Station Grand Haven disrupted the unit for more than four years, and
only lifted once all members transferred to other units in the Coast
Guard. However, the trauma shipmates experienced through losing
one of their own will remain with them throughout their lifetime.
BMCM Justin Olson, former Officer in Charge of Station Grand Haven,
said “the suicide at my station is the hardest thing I’ve ever managed
and it was the hardest event on the unit. The second hardest event
is working through suicide ideations with my members. The third
hardest event was when I pulled nine bodies out of the water in five
days.” Understanding the complexity of working cases involving suicide
ideation’s, I suggest working through the following activities with your
leadership team and Chiefs’ Mess:
• Conduct a tabletop exercise of a suicide attempt at your unit to
include what happens when the member is discharged from medical
care.
• Drill your first line leaders on what to do if they suspect someone may
be demonstrating concerning behavior.
What are you, as a leader, doing to grow your ability to identify
potential warning signs for those you have the privilege to influ-
ence and lead?
A person’s stability in their own wellness can be viewed as a
A person’s stability in their own wellness can be viewed as a
three-legged stool consisting of their sense of self, their sense of
three-legged stool consisting of their sense of self, their sense of
purpose, and their sense of connectedness and relationships.
purpose, and their sense of connectedness and relationships.
Sense of
Purpose
Wellness
Stability
Captain Lusk is currently serving as Commander, Sector Anchor-
age, where she is responsible for marine safety, security, and
environmental stewardship throughout the Arctic and Western
Alaska. She leads more than 600 active duty, civilian, reserve,
and auxiliary personnel at 10 field units in remote communities
throughout south-central Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. She
has more than 23 years of experience in afloat and shore-based
operations, training, and human capital management.
1. Lieutenant Gregory R. Hersh defines invested leadership as “the
act of demonstrating the compassion and commitment to one’s
people that makes them excited to work for you. Makes them
excited to strive for more. Makes them be their best self.” The
Pretense of Intrusive Leadership, U.S. Naval Institute BLOG.
https://blog.usni.org/posts/2021/05/14/the-pretense-of-intru-
sive-leadership December 2021/January 2022.
2. It’s worth noting that BMCM Olson’s second and third hardest
events are significant events that often require intense emotional
investment and have a high potential for needing additional sup-
port mechanisms such as counseling and/or chaplain support.
Adapted from DoD’s Total Force Fitness Concept, an individual’s
wellness involves eight areas. “Being a leader means laying the
foundation to firmly establish a psychologically safe environment
and to identify resources in the local community that is available
to support our members, regardless of the organ or limb
involved.”

Fellowship
Fellowship
The Fourth Auxiliary Cornerstone
FELLOWSHIP
Fel-low-ship – Is defined by the Auxiliary as an essential ingredient in making any organization of volunteers successful and encourages
a close team building relationship between Auxiliarists and the USCG personnel. Fellowship is built upon honesty and trust and nurtured
by encouraging and mentoring each other in the quest for self and group improvement and love of mutual participation. Our shipmates,
which include the USCG active members, are family and a key element of Team Coast Guard. We are welcome ambassadors to new
USCG active personnel that frequently rotate through our districts’ areas of operations, unfamiliar with their new locations. We can be
and are of great value in welcoming and providing comfort in addition to providing support as a force multiplier.
In essence, fellowship is more than a high-minded word; it encompasses passion and devotion to duty in carrying out our missions – it
is the glue that binds us in caring for our shipmates in times of unexpected risk. During these unprecedented times of the COVID-19
global pandemic, natural seasonal hurricanes disasters, and national unrest and divisiveness; sharing Auxiliary, and USCG events help
alleviate self-doubt, loneliness and social alienation. These fellowship events can consist of online boating safety courses, educational
workshops and Sea Scout training, or inviting Auxiliary and USCG personnel to share their knowledge and experience as speakers or
instructors.
The strength of developing stronger fellowship-based programs and activities by flotilla, division, district, and national levels; reveals
amazing talented members with incredibly diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences; who embrace their volunteer activities with
purpose and passion. Mentoring fellow shipmates, including our Team Coast Guard members, reinforces career development, service,
and volunteer retention; it can foster recruitment through shared positive experiences. Sustainable fellowship activities enhance the
value of our volunteers by providing respect, compassion, and passion for our missions. Enlightened leadership can create innovative
opportunities for increased participation, especially in all areas of public affairs; webinars, social media, and digital publishing.
Online classes have been helpful, but are more effective when learning is interactive with discussion of new ideas and methodology.
The National Public Affairs Photography twelve-week workshop with lead instructor Robin Priestley, Branch Chief Photography, has
been one of those new opportunities to interact and improve members’ skills. Over the next year, we will need to increase the number
of online interactive opportunities. Local public affairs, social media, and publications staff officers, along with flotilla newsletters
and membership publications, including the Navigator Express quarterly magazine and the Navigator printed annual publication, will
become increasingly important elements in fostering fellowship.
As leaders we need to help lift the human spirit by recognizing diversity as a value that bolsters Commandant Schultz’s belief that we are
stronger together. For instance, many of our shipmates are vulnerable to social alienation, loneliness and homesickness. This may be
especially true among newer USCG members who are single or leaving young families behind when deployed. Just as we create events
and shared activities for our communities and the boating public, we can create activities to support Coast Guard families. With the
COVID-19 and Auxiliary stand-down orders, many of our older members, who, due to age and health issues are increasingly lonely and
feel alienated from fellowship activities. We need to ask ourselves, are we doing all we can to reach out beyond an email or call and ask,
“how are you doing?”
We must look beyond what has become the new normal. As Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never,
never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense.” Fellowship is the spirit
of Team Coast Guard ethos in putting our shipmates’ safety and wellbeing before ourselves and to communicate our concern. As part of
“Team Coast Guard,” we all sail in the same ship to serve and protect others. As Maya Angelou said, “our mission in life is not merely to
survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Roger Bazeley, AUXPA1
Administer oxygen,
if available.
Contact medical help. If the victim
is not breathing, perform rescue
breathing or approved cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), as appropriate, until
medical help arrives.
Prompt action can mean the differ-
ence between life and death.
CO
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide POISONING
POISONING
CO
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a col-
orless, odorless, and tasteless gas.
It is produced when a carbon-based
fuel-such as gasoline, propane, char-
coal, or oil-burns. Sources on your boat
may include engines, gas generators,
cooking ranges, and space and
water heaters.
Evaluate the situation
and ventilate the area
if possible.
Evacuate the area and move
affected person(s) to a fresh
air environment.
Most import-
Most import-
ant of all,
ant of all,
did you know carbon
did you know carbon
monoxide poisonings
monoxide poisonings
are preventable.
are preventable.
EMERGENCYTREATMENT
CO poisoning or toxicity is a
life-threatening emergency that re-
quires immediate action. The following
is a list of things that should be done if
CO poisoning is suspected. Proceed with
caution. The victim may be in an area of
high CO concentration, which means
you or others could in danger
from exposure to CO.
HOW CAN CO ACCUMULATE?
• Inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures
• Exhaust gas trapped in enclosed places. Blocked
exhaust outlets.
• Another vessel’s exhaust.
• CO from the boat docked next to you can be just
as deadly.
• Station wagon effect or back drafting
• At slow speeds, while idling, or stopped. Be aware that
CO can remain in or around your boat at dangerous
levels even if your engine or the other boat’s engine is
no longer running!
• CO symptoms
are similar to seasickness
or alcohol intoxication.
• CO can affect you whether
you’re underway, moored, or
anchored.
• You cannot see, smell, or taste CO.
• CO can make you sick in seconds.
In high enough concentrations,
even a few breaths can be fatal.
USCG Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Brochure: https://uscgboating.org/recreation-
al-boaters/carbon-monoxide.php

NAVEX Q1 2022 optimized.pdf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to NAVEX Q1 2022 optimized.pdf

Similar to NAVEX Q1 2022 optimized.pdf (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

NAVEX Q1 2022 optimized.pdf