The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) is the uniformed volunteer service of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The Auxiliary exists to support all USCG missions except roles that require direct law enforcement or military engagement. As of 2019, there were approximately 24,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Established by Congress in 1939, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary motto is Semper Paratus (Always Ready). We invite you to learn more about who and what we do as members of TEAM COAST GUARD. The Auxiliary operates in: - Recreational Boating Safety and Education - Public Affairs and Community Outreach - Safety and Security Patrols – Ports/Waterways - Search and Rescue Mission Support - Food Specialists for USCG events/ships - Mass Casualty and Disaster Assistance - Pollution Response & Patrols - Commercial Fishing Vessel and Recreational Vessel Exams - Platforms for USCG Training – Helicopter OPS - Recruitment for Coast Guard Auxiliary/USCG 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 is 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, and to support Coast Guard operational, administrative, and logistical requirements.

1. EXPRESS
EXPRESS
NAVIGATOR
2 N D Q U A R T E R 2 0 2 1

2. HOW WE MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN
THE COAST GUARD
AUXILIARY
ABOUT THE AUXILIARY
Boater Safety
Education
The Auxiliary's most
prominent role is promoting
recreational boating safety
(RBS) among the general
public. The Auxiliary has
several distinct programs
that support this mission.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) is the uniformed
volunteer service of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The
Auxiliary exists to support all USCG missions except roles that require
direct law enforcement or military engagement. As of 2019, there were
approximately 24,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Established by Congress in 1939, the United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary motto is Semper Paratus (Always Ready). We invite you to learn
more about who and what we do as members of TEAM COAST GUARD.
The Auxiliary operates in:
- Recreational Boating Safety and Education
- Public Affairs and Community Outreach
- Safety and Security Patrols – Ports/Waterways
- Search and Rescue Mission Support
- Food Specialists for USCG events/ships
- Mass Casualty and Disaster Assistance
- Pollution Response & Patrols
- Commercial Fishing Vessel and Recreational Vessel Exams
- Platforms for USCG Training – Helicopter OPS
- Recruitment for Coast Guard Auxiliary/USCG
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 is 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, and to support Coast
Guard operational, administrative, and logistical requirements.
Providing free Vessel Safety Exams to recreational
boaters is one of the Auxiliary's longest-running and
most visible activities.
Public Affairs
Public Affairs (PA) assists
in publicizing the missions
and accomplishments of
Team Coast Guard. Public
Affairs provide a direct
link between the Auxiliary
and the public through
recruitment and retention of membership.
Public Affairs is important for recruiting
membership, and providing boating safety
education to the public.
Augmenting The
Coast Guard
The Auxiliary serves as a force
multiplier for the Coast Guard
by promoting safety, security,
and assisting boaters and
paddle-craft using our national
waterways, via ports, bays,
rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
Improving recreational boater safety was delegated
to the Auxiliary as our job one. The Auxiliary also
directly supports active duty and reservists in
search and rescue, marine safety, waterway
management, environmental protection, and
homeland security missions.
Navigator Express
2 2nd Quarter 2021
SAUSALITO CA.—Tiffany Townsend alongside AUX
patrol vessel Sea Horse February 2020, Pre-COVID-19
protocols. Photo by Roger Bazeley, AUXPA1

3. Missed a previous edition? Click on the covers below to read!
NAVIGATOR
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
THE OFFICIAL E-MAGAZINE OF
THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
EDITOR
Roger Bazeley
LAYOUT EDITOR
Andrew Niquette
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Gail Giacomini
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Christopher Orlando
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Brady McNulty
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Lourdes Oliveras
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF
PUBLICATIONS
Sean Peoples
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF
SUPPORT
Mary Patton
DIVISION CHIEF OF
PUBLICATIONS
Reid Oslin
DEEP DIVES
THE LATEST
4
5
6
12
14
20
22
Benefits of Membership
8 USCG Auxiliary Experience Counts!
Former Auxiliarist Eric Quigley takes over as commander for the U.S.
Coast Guard Cutter MOBILE BAY stationed in Alabama.
VADM Linda Fagan Joins An Auxiliary Patrol
The Auxiliary had the honor of hosting Vice Admiral Linda Fagan on an
inspection patrol in San Francisco, California.
10
District 7 Rocks National Safe Boating Week
Learn about District 7's National Safe Boating Week operations for
2021, and how one of the Auxiliary's largest districts leads in NSBW.
16
AUXAIR District 14's Pandemic Response
AUXAIR units based in Hawaii have provided vital support in response
to COVID-19 efforts. Learn about the latest on their missions.
18
From The Commandant
Why I Serve
Auxiliary Search & Rescue
Ice Rescue Training
District 7 Prevention
Rescue At Sea Awards
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
Semper Paratus Walk/Run
Cyber Security
Vessel Safety Checks
Chain of Leadership
Auxiliary's Digital Evolution
Life Jackets Save Lives!
NOTE: All photographs in the
Navigator Express 2nd Quarter 2021
were taken in accordance with the
Center for Disease Control’s masking
and social distance guidelines for
the COVID-19 pandemic or were
taken prior to the implementation of
the CDC recommendations.
Disclaimer/Info

4. BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
COAST GUARD AUXILIARY ASSOCIATION
DISASTER & EMERGENCY
FAMILY ASSISTANCE
EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
• Disaster Grants & Loans
• Housing Assistance
• Emergency Travel
• Medical Assistance
• Quick Loan
• Adoption Grants & Loans
• House Closing Costs
• Pet Expenses
• Service Animals
• Welcome Baby Supplies
• Education Loans
• Stafford Loan
• Supplemental Education
Grant (SEG)
Navigator Express
4
Use AmazonSmile when you shop on
Amazon and you automatically become
an instant donor, at no cost to you, by
requesting Amazon to make a
charitable contribution to the Coast
Guard Auxiliary Association, aka
“AuxA!”
For this program to kick into
high gear and have us all smile, all you
need to do is start your shopping at
https://smile.amazon.com/. On your
first visit to Amazon Smile, you will be
prompted to select from the Amazon
list of eligible organizations. Then
select the AuxA as your designated
charity.
So far, the AuxA has received over
$15,000 from AmazonSmile as a direct
result of Auxiliary members using
AmazonSmile.
NEXT TIME YOU SHOP...
www.cgauxa.org/member-benefits.html
PROVIDED BY JAMES LOSI, AUX PA
2nd Quarter 2021

5. FROMTHE
COMMANDANT
We are at another critical stage of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the U.S. begins to administer the first
vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus across the nation, the Coast Guard has started to administer the vaccine to
our workforce as part of the Department of Defense plan for the Joint Force. These vaccines, which are currently
voluntary, are a safe, effective measure to protect Coast Guard personnel, and by extension our families, against
COVID-19.
In the early stages of vaccine administration, limited quantities will be available. The Coast Guard plan to
administer the vaccine is part of the larger Department of Defense plan, both of which follow the national
prioritization set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coast Guard medical personnel will receive
vaccination priority, and subsequently perform vaccinations for Active and Reserve personnel and select civilian
employees in critical essential support roles as vaccine becomes available. As quantities increase, the Coast
Guard will increase distribution and administration across our force. The Coast Guard does not plan to
administer vaccinations to most civilian employees, Auxiliarists, dependent family members, or retirees; we will
instead, provide best available information on when and how you can receive a vaccine as soon as it is available.
While vaccination is voluntary, I encourage each of you to get vaccinated as soon
as it is available to you. I also ask that you encourage your shipmates, family
members, and friends to get vaccinated as well. I plan to receive the vaccine as
soon as it is made available to senior military leaders. Getting the vaccine is
about more than protecting ourselves; vaccination will help protect our families,
shipmates, friends, and the citizens we are honored to serve.
As a Nation, we will emerge from this pandemic through widespread use of a
safe, effective vaccine, combined with continued adherence to our current
mitigation measures, including mask-wearing, physical distancing, and hand
washing.
If you have questions about the vaccine, please ask your medical provider.
The health and resilience of every member of our Coast Guard
(Active, Reserve, Civilian, Auxiliary), and our loved ones, are
the foundation of Coast Guard readiness.
Thank you for your perseverance, devotion to duty,
and vigilance as we continue to navigate this
pandemic. We remain Stronger Together.
To the Women and Men of the
United States Coast Guard,
5
www.cgaux.org

6. I’d like to take you back to the summer and fall of 1962.
I was 13 years old, and our family home was located 15 minutes west of
Boston Harbor. My older sister had just become engaged to a recent
graduate of the USCGA in New London, Connecticut. Because of his
engagement, his first assignment was in Boston Harbor. Following this,
he was assigned to the USCGC DUANE.
M
MOUNT CLEMENS, MI. — My sister was able to visit him on the ship on
weekends if he was Officer of the Day. I was allowed to go along with her
and would ride to the ship and watch movies with the crew in the crew’s
quarters while she visited with my future brother-in-law in the wardroom.
We would take the same route from home to the U.S. Coast Guard Base
every time, driving down Storrow Drive along the Charles River to Atlantic
Avenue, then take the cobblestoned Atlantic Avenue that ran along the
harbor, turning left into the U.S. Coast Guard Base. The U.S. Coast Guard
pier was straight ahead with two cutters on either side of the dock when they
were both in port.
Why I Serve
In The Auxiliary
AUXILIARIST SPOTLIGHT
Navigator Express
6
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter DUANE was not an
icebreaker or a buoy tender, but a fully equipped
warship with a 5” gun and racks on the fantail for
depth charges designed for antisubmarine efforts.
Charles Reagan and
Bob Burrell provide
boating safety
information to show
goers at the Detroit
Boat Show. Photo by
Charles Reagan.
IN THE FAMILY:
“Thatsummerof1962,wespentalotoftimeon
the DUANE, so a family day on a sunny Sunday
stands out. Steaming out of Boston Harbor for
anouting.Itwasallveryimpressivetome!"
Fast forward to October 1962: On a Monday
night, we were having dinner at home when my
future brother-in-law got a call to return to the
ship. Not to disturb our dinner, he took a taxi back
to the base. Twenty minutes later, he called the
house on the landline (this was before cell
phones) and told us that he had left something at
our house that he needed. So my sister and I
headed into Boston, on the same route from
Storrow Drive to Atlantic Avenue, left into the
Coast Guard Base.
By Charles Reagan
Flotilla 20-19 Commander
2nd Quarter 2021

7. 7
But this time, things were different. The gates
were down, there were sandbags stacked up on
either side of the entrance, and the guards were
armed with helmets, rifles and sidearms, and were
all business! These were the very same guards
who we had known all summer long. A call was
made to the DUANE and my future brother-in-
law said he would be right down to the gate. As
we sat in the car at the gate, I could see a beehive
of activity on the dock, as it was all lit up with
flood lights and forklifts running back and forth.
There were cranes loading both cutters on either
side of the dock with supplies. My future brother-
in-law came down to the car and my sister asked
him, “What the heck is going on?” He told us to
just go straight home and didn’t say another word.
When we got home and came into the house,
President Kennedy was on the TV announcing a
quarantine of the island of Cuba. The Russians
had installed nuclear missiles 90 miles from
Florida that could reach all of the major cities on
the Eastern Seaboard including Washington D.C.
I have always thought that at 13 years old, I was
an eye witness to one small piece of American
history and to the United States of America
preparing for war!
Since that time, I have always thought about what
went through the mind of the captain of one of
those Russian ships that was carrying more
nuclear missiles when he came over the horizon
and saw the white hull of the United States Coast
Guard Cutter DUANE with the red stripe on the
bow. We didn’t hear for decades later that there
were Russian submarines escorting these cargo
ships with orders to torpedo American warships if
they interfered with their mission. Thankfully this
crisis ended peacefully and there hasn’t been such
an incident since 1962.
I was in the very first birthdate lottery for the
military draft while a senior in college in 1970
and fortunately drew a number of 244. (I still
remember the number 50 years later). The cutoff
for military service was 195, so I was in the clear
for duty in Vietnam. I had a very successful career
in sales and marketing, but I never forgot the
experience of the United States Coast Guard and
my time aboard the cutter DUANE. In retirement,
I felt it was time to give something back to my
country: this is why I joined the United States
Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Pete Ferrante, David Fleming, and Charles Reagan after
hoist operations with Air Station Detroit and Auxiliary
vessels in 2019. Photos by Christopher Stevens, ASC.
www.cgaux.org

8. KNOW YOUR AUX
USCG Auxiliary
Experience Counts!
Former Auxiliarist Eric Quigley takes over as commander for the U.S.
Coast Guard Cutter MOBILE BAY (WTGB103).
By Richard Osgood
MOBILE BAY, AL. — Lt. Commander Eric
Quigley assumed command of USCGC MOBILE
BAY (WTGB103) in July of 2020. For LCDR
Quigley, this is his first command. Not his new
home, the waters of Green Bay are where he grew
up, and he started his Coast Guard career as an
Auxiliarist in the flotilla in Green Bay, which at the
time operated an AUXOP Station. Before joining
the Auxiliary, LCDR Quigley attended and
graduated from Pulaski High School. LCDR
Quigley’s father and grandfather operated Quigley
Marine in Green Bay and his family “always had a
boat, and I was always on the water, always went
fishing.”
For his 12th birthday, he received an 8 ½ foot
inflatable with an outboard and with that, he was
always on the waters of Green Bay or Sturgeon
Bay, “I recall seeing the Auxiliary in action
helping other boaters, they had a 22’ Whaler, and
always seemed to be helping people in trouble.”
“My dad was always helping other boaters too.”
LCDR Quigley vividly recalls being out off the
coast of Peninsula State Park in Door County one
summer day and saw a good size sailboat making
way, when he turned back to look at it a few
seconds later, “It had overturned, all I saw was the
keel!”
M
Navigator Express
8
Lt. Commander Quigley
plots a course on USCGC
MOBILE BAY. Photo by Lt.
Commander Eric Quigley.
2nd Quarter 2021

9. As for LCDR Quigley’s Auxiliary experience, he
says it helped shape his decision to pursue the Coast
Guard Academy. It also gave him unique insight on
the Auxiliary as part of Team Coast Guard. The
Auxiliarists he served with made an impression.
“Their varied backgrounds and experiences coupled
with their passion to contribute their time and talents
without getting paid is inspirational. There are so
many opportunities to utilize your current skills and
ways to improve your knowledge and abilities that
will have an impact to your local community and the
nation.”
Auxiliarist Eric Quigley had an up-close preview of
the jobs and activities that the Coast Guard does
every day, and as Commanding Officer of the Coast
Guard Cutter MOBILE BAY, he believes the
Auxiliary experience is highly valuable to those
considering a Coast Guard career, saying: “I think
joining the Auxiliary will help solidify a decision to
join with little cost and high benefit while
demonstrating a commitment to the organization. The
camaraderie is great, and you are providing value to
the broader Coast Guard. Whether out patrolling,
attending public affairs events, conducting vessel
safety examinations, or helping behind the scenes,
your efforts matter.”
He and his father immediately went to help, as they
pulled a man aboard, he told them his wife was in the
cabin, which was now underwater. “We eventually
got them both aboard and then took them back to
Ephraim.” Being a part of that rescue left a lasting
memory, “I couldn’t have been more than 16 years
old at the time and I recall quite clearly even to today,
it was a really good feeling.”
That event fueled Quigley’s desire to join the Coast
Guard Auxiliary. He may have been frustrated that he
had to wait until he turned 17, but as soon as he was
able, he joined the Green Bay (095-47-02) Flotilla. It
was a local flotilla, but he also liked that it was an
AUXOP Station and he immediately trained for
operations and as a radio watch-stander. He was in
the station on the 4th of July in 2001 listening to the
radio traffic when during the annual fireworks show a
parking garage railing collapsed sending multiple
people into the Fox River. It was Station Green Bay’s
25’ RBS that was on the scene immediately. “We
actively assisted and worked directly alongside the
active-duty Coast Guard and partner agencies; it was
exciting.”
That summer, LCDR Quigley attended the AIM
Program, and as part of the application process he
was interviewed at Station Sturgeon Bay. The
following spring, he was selected to the first post 9/11
class at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and entered
the Academy as part of the Class of 2006.
He served in junior officer roles on the east coast, in
Texas, and as Executive Officer of the 110’ Island
Class Patrol Boat Galveston Island (WPB-1349)
operating in the Pacific and also as Executive Officer
on the 225’ Juniper Class Sea Going Buoy Tender
WILLOW (WLB 202) operating in New England.
When it came time to request his first command, he
admits he put the MOBILE BAY on his list as a long
shot. “I knew it was a longshot, I could never guess it
was going to happen and when I was told I got it, I
immediately called my dad.”
As for his goals, Quigley says, “every Great Lakes
Coast Guard officer’s dream is to command the
Mackinaw.” But admits, since he was assigned
command of the MOBILE BAY, with a mission to
sail and serve on the waters he grew up on that
anything more is highly unlikely.”
9
www.cgaux.org
Lt. Commander Quigley poses alongside his
new command vessel, USCGC MOBILE BAY.
Photo By Lt. Commander Eric Quigley.

10. Health: Maintenance of health protocols
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opportunity: Continuing training to
exceptionally serve.
Perspective: Gratitude for being able to return
to duty during the Phase III rollout.
Expectations: Continual improvement of skills
and teamwork through service.
SAN FRANCISCO — On a sunny day on the San
Francisco Bay, a group of U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliarists had the distinct honor of supporting
Team Coast Guard with a special crew member in
attendance. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary Operational Facility SERVANT
welcomed U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Linda
Fagan to participate in a navigation aids verification
patrol, assessing bridges in the Oakland Estuary on
Saturday, May 1, 2021.
The goals of the day were operational training and
mission excellence, with a focus on service to the
public and Coast Guard active duty stations. This
mission was accomplished with a focus on HOPE:
S
Vice Admiral Linda Fagan Joins An Auxiliary
INSPECTION PATROL
SUPPORTING THE GOLD SIDE
By Tiffany Townsend
Navigator Express
10
"Once the [excitement] of having her aboard wears
off a bit,” says Coxswain Jim Losi of District 11
North’s Flotilla 12-91, “she has a way about her
where she simply fits in as just another crew
member making for a very enjoyable time.” Highly
interested in the missions she joins, she asks
engaging questions and offers patrol advice.
As Commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area,
VADM Fagan serves as the operational commander
for all U.S. Coast Guard missions from the Rocky
Mountains to the East Coast of Africa. As the
officer with the longest record in the marine safety
field, she is the Coast Guard’s first-ever Gold
Ancient Trident.
Admiral Fagan is nominated by the White House
for the role of the Vice Commandant, making her
the first woman to achieve a four-star rank in the
Coast Guard. During the Coast Guard Academy’s
140th Commencement Exercises on May 19,
President Biden remarked, “We need to see more
women at the highest levels of command. We have
to make sure that women have the chance to
succeed and thrive through their careers… Women
hold up half the world.”
2nd Quarter 2021

11. 11
www.cgaux.org
SAN FRANCISCO BAY — U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Linda Fagan and U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliarists participate in a bridge verification patrol in the Oakland Estuary on Saturday, May 1,
2021. Aids to navigation verification are critical to maintaining safety and navigation through
America's waterways. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photos by Tiffany Townsend.
YERBA BUENA ISLAND, CA. — The crew of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Facility Servant welcomes U.S. Coast
Guard Vice Admiral Fagan to participate in a bridge verification patrol on the San Francisco Bay on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Navigation aids
are critical to maintaining safety and navigation through America's waterways. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Tiffany Townsend.

12. DETROIT — When we arrived on scene, the U.S. Border Patrol, Macomb County
Sheriff, and the USCG Fast Response 29 footer out of Station St. Clair Shores
were on site with about five recreational vessels milling about. The Coast Guard
29 footer was alongside the stricken vessel, with two good samaritans aboard. The
coxswain and crew from the Rachel M took charge establishing a safety zone,
clearing off civilian vessels from close proximity. The stricken sailor was taken off
the vessel by the Coast Guard and rushed off for medical attention while being
administered CPR. Unfortunately the stricken sailor didn't make it. The Sheriff
Patrol vessel requested that we put someone aboard the stricken vessel as the two
good samaritans weaned off.
D
Auxiliary Yacht Patrol Engages In
SEARCH AND RESCUE
The crew of the Rachel M included one member
who had had been a certified sailing instructor and
another member who was a USCG licensed
captain with a sailing endorsement. With Sector
Detroit's approval, Auxiliarist Jagers took
command of the vessel. When Auxiliarist Jagers
boarded the vessel, it was not under control.
Auxiliarist Jagers established command, started
the engine to maintain steerage, and began
securing loose gear as appropriate.
Rachel M maintained the safety zone and control
of the vessel until the tow boat arrived on-scene to
take the boat in tow to the Macomb Sheriff’s
docks on the Clinton River. We recovered
Auxiliarist Jagers and resumed our training patrol.
Sector Detroit was updated during the two hours
of this action, as GAR scores bounced about as
sea conditions and risk continued to change.
Under bright skies and COVID-19 protocol, the "Rachel M" and crew set out for a training patrol on Lake
St. Clair. All seemed like a normal training patrol for the Coxswain (Rick Lane) and Crew (Steve Fletcher,
Artee Square, and Richard Jagers) when we heard a "PAN PAN" on Channel 16. A boater was reporting a
sailboat with the captain slumped over the tiller and not responding to hailing. Next, Sector Detroit asks
us to go to the location of the stricken sailing vessel to lend assistance - SAR on!
By Rick Lane, Flotilla 20-11 Vice Commander
Navigator Express
12
The distressed
vessel being
assisted by the U.S.
Coast Guard. Photo
by Rick Lane.
SEMPER PARATUS - ALWAYS READY
2nd Quarter 2021

13. START OF PATROL: The work getting Rachel M
ready for patrol starts the day before the patrol. Food
and water need to be stored aboard in the galley as the
Rachel M has a full galley. Next, the diesel engine is
checked to assure correct transmission and engine fluid
levels. Patrol task and equipment is reviewed to assure
that the correct gear and charts are aboard and in proper
working order. On the day of the patrol, the coxswain
and some of the crew arrive about an hour before
planned underway time to get the boat ready for the
patrol. Sail covers are removed, safety equipment is
brought up on deck, and the correct patrol markings and
flags are brought onboard and placed for the start of the
patrol. Next, the crew arrives, and the coxswain checks
out the crew for correct PPE as well as health and
readiness.
The GAR exercise for the patrol is completed,
highlighting mission tasking as well as vessel & crew
capability to perform tasking and the environment.
Next, the USCG unit on watch is contacted on the
phone to establish communication parameters and
initiate patrol.
PATROL TASK: Today’s task includes two boat
towing training with Chris Stevens’ facility. The towing
exercise went well, with multiple towing tasks
accomplished and both boats gaining valuable training
experience. After the training task is complete, both
boats separate and continue their patrol mission. The
Rachel M continues training with man overboard and
lifesaving line throwing drills for each crewman. The
Rachel M saved a lot of simulated people in the water,
not losing a single simulated soul.
UNDERWAY: During this patrol, our time was
spent out in Lake St. Clair. The training placed us
out past the North Shoal Buoy and out to the St.
Clair Light. When we are closer to shore, we often
cruise the marinas searching for environmental
concerns and contamination spills. With a 55 foot
mast flying Coast Guard patrol flags, as well as
large Coast Guard Auxiliary “ON PATROL”
signage, we are large and conspicuous with crew
members decked out in life vest and Auxiliary
uniforms. When we encounter the public at their
boats or see them at the marina restaurants and
clubs, we are a floating public affairs event
reminding the public that the Coast Guard has a
presence on these waters, as well as safe boating
practices such as wearing of proper life vests. We
always get a positive response and have been
known to play military marches like Semper
Paratus on our outside cockpit speakers. We are
representing the Coast Guard and do so in a
proper Auxiliary manner.
END OF PATROL: The patrol is over when the
vessel is safely tied up at her home port, all
communication with Sector Detroit is complete,
mission debriefs conducted, and the boat buttoned
up. For the 8 hour patrol, the crew got a ton of
training as well as a couple of good meals. The
Coast Guard got 8 hours of Auxiliary eyes on the
water available for any emergencies that may
arise with our recreational boating and
commercial community. Not bad for the cost of a
couple of sandwiches and five gallons of diesel
fuel – a real bargain for the Coast Guard.
13
www.cgaux.org
The crew of the Rachel M prior to COVID-
19 protocols. Photo by Rick Lane.

14. Auxiliary Facilitates Ice
Rescue Training
After seven years, ice rescue training returns to a cold-weather
flotilla, including hands-on demostrations and techniques.
By Tim Darrey, District 9 Western Captain
WILMETTE HARBOR, IL. — In February 2021,
the District's AUC (Auxiliary Unit Coordinator) Jiff
Silberg of Station Wilmette harbor notified Flotilla
02 that, after a seven-year hiatus, the Station was
making an exciting ice rescue training
demonstration available to Auxiliary members! On
the specified date, participants gathered in the Mess
Deck at 0900, with many members in ODUs and
everybody appropriately wearing a mask. Following
a brief introduction of the ice rescue demonstration
goals by U.S. Coast Guard BM1 Shane (Mike)
Buchanan, he introduced the lead instructor-
demonstrators for the event; BM2 Andrew Brewster
and BM3 Eric Battles.
They appeared in full cold water protective gear
and briefly explained how their equipment worked,
from their "dry suits" and special safety boots to
their helmets and gloves.
Following the introductions, the participants
gathered in the main parking lot where the
instructors had staged the Station's "ice truck" GV
(government vehicle) equipped with multiple tool
access doors and a roll-out bed floor that contained
a bevy of ice rescue gear. The group then
proceeded to the docks where BM2 Brewster and
BM3 Battles and several other crew members
carefully moved on the ice and into the water!
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Navigator Express
14
Auxiliary Unit Coordinator
Silberg providing a
demonstration to Auxiliary
members. Photo by Tim
Darrey.
SEMPER PARATUS - ALWAYS READY
2nd Quarter 2021

15. 15
www.cgaux.org
The first demonstration was a "self-rescue" training.
The instructors showed visitors how to, from the
water, prop elbows on the edge of the ice shelf,
swim-kick, then "roll" onto and away from the thin
ice at the shelf's edge. BM2 Brewster encouraged
his audience to share this technique with public
members in all of our day-to-day contacts as a
potentially life-saving yet simple technique!
Despite the critical Coast Guard safety guideline,
“no ice is safe to go out on,” people who regularly
go out on the ice on foot, snowmobiles, in cars, and
often fish from heavy ice fishing "huts" end up
needed to be rescued!
For a second demonstration, a padded sling was
placed around a volunteer "victim" and under their
arms. An ice rescue sled with a line and a series of
pullies to increase power helped pull the "victim"
out of the water. The Coast Guard demonstrators
also used a "skiff ice" - a large, gondola-looking
inflatable vessel used to aid in rescue while
protecting the rescue personnel at the same time.
An unplanned yet interesting and comical event
took place as BM2 Brewster, while verbally
presenting to our group, sank slowly into Wilmette
Harbor, as the edge of the ice where he was
standing gave way suddenly without warning. It
was fortunate that he attired in appropriate PPE!
The approximately 45 participants, including 30
Auxiliarists representing Divisions 37, 39, and 41
and a dozen-plus Coast Guardsmen attendees
enjoyed refreshments at the Mess Deck,
fellowship, and tours of the station facilities.
Our sincere thanks, as well as a big "Bravo Zulu,"
went out to the entire Station Wilmette Harbor
crew who made Auxiliary participation in this
safety demonstration possible! Coast Guard-
demonstrated safety events like this play a big part
in strengthening the bond between the Gold Side
and Coast Guard Auxiliary members!
U.S. Coast Guard members
demonstrate proper ice rescue
techniques. Photo by Tim Darrey.

16. District 7 Rocks
National Safe
Boating Week
Over the past ten years, District 7 has put forth an extraordinary effort year after year for
NSBW. Nearly 100 flotillas around the district have used boat shows, classrooms,
paddlecraft rallies and shopping malls to set up safe boating exhibits.
We have had signage on the Goodyear blimp, the Florida Interstate Highway
system, vehicles and boats wrapped with the WearIT! logo – our imagination
has been endless. In 2018, even in the Virgin Islands the sailboat that makes
and sells pizza for delivery to live-a-boards and those at anchor pitched
in. Auxiliarists in Division 16 provided safe boating flyers to the ladies
who delivered pizza to boats. Each time they delivered a pizza, they left
copies of Federal Regulations and more. Over 240 boats that otherwise
were unreachable received safe boating literature.
By 2020, everything changed. We all want to be out there again
interacting with our partners and community members, but we cannot –
yet. However, we can still take to the airwaves, social media and
hang banners. We can supply our community partners with material
that they can give boaters and paddlers. Meanwhile, I have three little
words for you – improvise, adapt and overcome. That’s what we did
to promote National Safe Boating Week on May 22-28, 2021.
Though many of our NSBW efforts were put on the back burner in 2020,
but we were creative nonetheless. With permission:
• We did television interviews from our doorsteps with camera
crews on the sidewalks.
• We hung safe boating information banners on our own fences.
• We did Zoom interviews about boating safety, and we took to social media.
• We reached out for proclamations and received them virtually.
• We learned to teach boating safety courses via web conferencing.
• We stepped up our online member courses and we are learning a new software system.
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK 2021
ByDianeRiggan,D7NSBWChair
Navigator Express
16 2nd Quarter 2021

17. www.cgaux.org 17
In 2021, the marketing of National Safe Boating Week will not look much different than last year,
however this year in District 7, we are ready. Thanks to Bruce Wright, the District 7 Recreational Boating
Safety Specialist and to Auxiliary member Rafael Baez for his graphic design. We now have signage to
distribute throughout the district. Our message is: “Coast Guard Auxiliary Says Remember To: (Wear It!
Graphic)” and the USCGboating.org link to the USCG Office of Recreational Boating Safety.
We have ordered 1,000 signs in both English and Spanish, and division commanders will need
to coordinate with Diane Riggan, the D7 National Safe Boating Week Chair, for their
allotment. We could not afford to give every member a sign to put on their lawn, at their
dock, in front of their flotilla meeting location or a place of business but since they are
portable for those doing vessel safety checks, please take a sign with you.
Photos of activities are also under scrutiny; you must follow CDC and USCG
COVID-19 protocols starting with – no group photos. In fact, singular members
only in photos in proper uniform and wearing proper PPE. Please do not allow
photos to be published on your flotilla or division social media pages or
newsletter or public forums when members are not in proper uniform, in
groups or without PPE. If you have questions, please reach out to Diane
Riggan, Hank Cushard D7 DSO-PA or R. Michael Stringer D7 DSO-PB.
I am often asked what we should write about when trying to
capture the eye of an editor. Whether it is an online or print publication,
keep in mind that the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary use
command messages that are geared towards boater safety education.
There are strict guidelines for the activities and missions we can do while
in uniform. Please make sure your flotilla commander or division
commander has approved your plans before you go. Review the COVID-
19 Form and have a signed copy at the ready.
To sum it up, it is up to you to find a fun, creative, responsible, safe and
effective way to promote recreational boating safety principles year round.
Safety is a hard sell, but this is what we do. New ideas are always welcome.
Contact Diane Riggan D7 NSBW Chair at diane@riggan.net.
79% 86% $55M
4,168 613 2,559
ofboatingdeaths
duetodrowning
ofvictimsNOT
wearingalifejacket
approximate
damagetoproperty
reportedaccidents reporteddeaths reportedinjuries
FiguresarefromtheU.S.CoastGuard's2019RecreationalSafeBoatingStatistics,thelatestrecordofreportedboatingaccidentsintheU.S.

18. HONOLULU, HI. — Nothing has proven our salt
like COVID-19. This has been an invisible and
continuing misunderstood enemy. This virus has
been a driver for our resolve. The COVID-19
pandemic has tested our resolve, our patience, and
our systems. We have found challenges in our
preparation of how to respond to this flanking
maneuver to our everyday mission response.
Auxiliary Aviation (AUXAIR) has stepped up to
the challenge, responded with innovation,
developed risk mitigation procedures and has
continued to serve the Air Stations by providing
necessary air operations during the pandemic.
I am reminded of an old story about an old farmer
whose apple tree quit producing apples. A
neighbor was surprised when the old farmer
walked over to the tree and drove a huge old rusty
nail into the center of the tree. The onlooker asked,
“are you trying to kill it?" The farmer replied, "No,
I am reminding it that it’s alive." In the story, the
tree began to produce apples.
Auxiliary flight crews in D14 are regularly flying
missions to deliver and distribute medical supplies
(masks, gloves, thermometers, face shields, etc.)
throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
AUXAIR: OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE
Auxiliary District 14's
Pandemic Response
By Dan Turner, Branch Chief – Flight Safety
H
Navigator Express
18 2nd Quarter 2021

19. A risk awareness strategy and response to reduce or
eliminate the potential exposure to infection was
added to our standard planning, preparation, and
mission performance. The awareness and planning
stages now include adding research for COVID-19
infection status, for any location that maybe linked to
the mission.
We must consider the members’ and their families’
pre-existing health status. Specific rules to mitigate
the risk have been communicated by the districts; any
commercial flight within the past 14 days requires
quarantine from the flight crews. Pilots and crews
have been teamed up and kept together to reduce risk
and they continuously update each other with
personal risk assessments. Aircraft sanitization
techniques have been developed and implemented.
Per Federal Aviation Regulations, every pilot on
every flight is responsible to become familiar with all
information and knowledge that may affect that
flight. This now includes the COVID-19 status. CFR
14 part 91.103 for preflight action reads, “Each pilot
in command (PIC) shall, before beginning a flight,
become familiar with all available information
concerning that flight”. PICs now need to include the
requirement to know and understand the COVID-19
status and recommendations or laws concerning
traveling in and out of that state or locale.
We are avoiding hot zones for any destination or stop
along the way. The personal protective equipment
(PPE) list now includes mask, gloves, disinfectant
wipes and cleaner. Our standard procedures for post
flight now include disinfecting any surface areas
inside the cockpit or normally handled surfaces on the
aircraft, including headphones and communication
equipment.
While the order standards provided great oversite, we
experienced a great deal of interruption. We found an
intelligent approach to dealing with this sidelining,
unexpected disruption to our everyday mission
response. The risk assessment process did its job and
in doing so mitigated risk and provided for a thorough
process to respond to missions when the value
outweighed the risk.
We will innovate on these experiences. We will
incorporate these lessons into our standards. We will
be better prepared for a faster response during the
next disruption.
19
www.cgaux.org
In Hawaii, the inter-island travel is almost exclusively
by air. Auxiliary flight crews in D9CR have been
transporting active duty flight crews between Air
Station Detroit and Air Facility Waukegan (north of
Chicago) so that Dolphin crews can provide Search
and Rescue (SAR) capability on western and southern
Lake Michigan during the peak recreational boating
season. Additionally, they have been transporting
critical replacement parts, many times with short lead
time, since late June.
We are changing the way we prepare. We have found
the meaning and purpose for the process of
Emergency Management and Disaster Response. In
our response during these times, we will document
what we have learned and continue to learn in an
emergency preparation manual, to augment our
normal mission response and be better prepared for
the unexpected challenges of the future.
In Air Operations, our everyday mission planning
requires the team to review every aspect of a mission
before departure release. Air Station Operations has
the final authority for mission approval and the
Auxiliary Pilot in Command (PIC) has the final
authority for flight departure. Procedures include;
planning and filing a VFR or IFR flight plan, weather
briefing, weight and balance calculations, fuel and
refuel planning, communications planning, mission
planning, crew briefing, Persons on Board (POB) list,
operational risk management assessment and risk
mitigation.
The prerelease phone call with the Air Station
reviews much of this preparation. Phone calls with
the Sector Command review the mission profile and
any additional tasking. Any changes in the risk
assessment can change the response in either asset
choice, delay of mission or even scrub the mission
altogether. Is the mission value worth the risk?
After resuming air operations in multiple districts, we
know that our mission order process and standards,
supplemented with additional safety measures to deal
with the COVID-19 threat, have stood up to the
current threat. It is a sound practice. This was not by
accident. We have been working on the order
procedures continually with our AUXLO (Auxiliary
Liaison Officer an active duty pilot) and Operations
at USCG Air Stations and Sector Commands.
LT Governor Green loading the first box of 2000
masks aboard an AUXAIR facility – Honolulu, Oahu. HI.
Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West.

20. PREVENTION
PREVENTION
PREVENTION
By: Jim Parker, District 7 Directorate Chief - Prevention
2021 is upon us already and with it a new hope that things will return to
more normal than last year. The Coast Guard Auxiliary in District 7 must be
ready to return to duty as quickly as possible as things open up more. Therefore,
to stay ready and relevant, we the membership must stay trained and certified
so that we can accomplish the mission and augment and support the United States
Coast Guard.
Everyone must also stay flexible in this unprecedented time. Things might seem
inconsistent and not fair. The Coast Guard and Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX)
are working a complex situation. The Commandant cannot just unilaterally decree
we are able to operate as normal. There are many layers to this decision and the
situation at each level must be considered. So, even though one district and sector
might be almost back to the pre-pandemic ways, others may still be restricted, due to the
local health departments and local governments and agencies not adopting such behavior yet.
Just understand, these decisions are not taken lightly, and just because your area may still be under more
stringent restrictions, it is not because you are “non-essential” or being held out of the fray for a reason
other than your risk in performing those duties possibly outweighs the gain.
The purpose of the Prevention Directorate is to provide Education and Outreach to the Boating public to
prevent or inhibit something from happening before it requires a response. A response in this case is as
simple as a warning or a ticket from the USCG, or other Law Enforcement Officer in your locale all the
way up to a Search and Rescue, or recovery mission. It is much more effective and less expensive to
prevent a negative outcome than it is to respond to it. We will never get all the boating public to take
Public Education courses or have a Vessel Safety Check. But the more we can get to participate in and
practice safe use of the waterways and marine resources, the better we can reduce that number.
Your Prevention Directorate has undergone significant changes to the district leadership this year. To all
the outgoing leaders who have served the district and the Coast Guard in the Prevention Directorate, many
for several years, thank you for your service and leadership. You should be proud of what you have
accomplished and the legacy of the district’s capabilities and accomplishments.
The district has assembled an experienced and dedicated team to lead the Prevention Directorate over the
next two-years. Many of these “new” officers have been serving in the Directorate in other capacities and
now have the chance to try their hand at taking the national and district goals and objectives and
accomplishing them. By now, hopefully you have had a chance to virtually “meet” or hear from your new
staff officers. They will, with you, face many challenges ahead in the next two-years. Please give them
your support, and always following the Chain of Leadership your ideas and opinions. Likewise, the staff
is there to serve and support the members in accomplishing our goals and objectives. Remember,
communications must always be done respectfully. Each member’s opinion and ideas are important and
we all will succeed more when we utilize our numbers and diversity versus ignoring it.
Navigator Express 2nd Quarter 2021
20

21. DISTRICT 7
DISTRICT 7
DISTRICT 7
We are all a team. The Prevention Directorate is made up of many different mission
areas. Vessel exams, public education, and program visitors are our core
recreational boating safety tasks. These are areas where we meet and provide vital
information to the boating public and the businesses that supply and support those
boaters. We can perform these tasks in some shape or form now. Vessel Examiners
provide free safety checks to the owners of boats and ensuring the minimum
required safety gear is onboard and in good working order. Public education has a
myriad of classes for all age groups. If you are an instructor but do not feel
comfortable yet doing a PE class virtually using Zoom or another communication
platform then get with member training or another unit that is having success using
this new, for us, technology and get their best practices and assistance in using the
technology and how they do things. Figure out what works for you and incorporate it in
your classes. The virtual classes and maybe a hybrid of the live/virtual class will probably
continue long after this virus is controlled so we might as well get on with it.
Complementing our core areas are member training, navigation systems, marine safety, and the State
Liaison Officers Program. Member training is responsible for ensuring our members have the necessary
knowledge and qualifications to give the boating public correct information and are knowledgeable on the
topics they are communicating. Currently, they are amid training members on AUXDATA II and other
topical classes. Navigation systems augments the Coast Guard’s mission of ensuring the users of our
waterways have a safe and properly maintained short-range navigation system for use by all the boating
public. Marine Safety and Environmental Protection focuses on environmental safety, protecting and
ensuring our scarce marine resources will be available for use for current and future generations, and for
the inspection and activities of various commercial vessels as well as prevention outreach. Finally, the
State Liaison Officers work with numerous partner organizations to promote safe boating across the
district. They are our primary points of contact between the Auxiliary and the various State Offices of
Boating Safety.
Finally, new this year for the Prevention Directorate is the adoption of the Boy Scouts of America’s Sea
Scout program as its official youth leadership development program. Created in 2018 by a formal
Memorandum of Agreement at the National Level, the Auxiliary and Sea Scouts identified beneficial
prospects including improved Sea Scout training, USCG and Coast Guard Auxiliary recruiting, and better
overall promotion of recreational boating safety.
Remember that following National Safe Boating Week, we need all units to be thinking about how we can
interface with the public and provide the motivation and become motivated to be better educated and
boaters who practice boating safely. We also need to have them become more respectful of our natural
marine resources and to protect them so they are there for many future generations to enjoy.
With all the challenges we will face in the years ahead the Prevention Directorate must use all its talents
and creativity to ensure we continue to provide leadership in our recreational boating safety and outreach
programs to continue to “stop something from happening or arising.”
21
www.cgaux.org

22. Seventh District Auxiliarists Stephen Wyatt and Gloria Wyatt were awarded the Rescue At Sea Silver Medal for their
response to a 40-foot motor vessel on fire near Matanzas Inlet, St. Augustine, Florida in July 2019. Their heroic actions
brought great credit to the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Honorable mention is
provided to boat crews from D5-Northern Region (Auxiliarists Andy Crowley, John Yowell, and Tim Youngern) and D9-
Western Region (Auxiliarists Joshua Zajac, Sally Stelnicki, Les Piskopos, and Ruth Aurigemma).
While out on their private boat, the Wyatts saved four people from a burning boat on the intercoastal waterway near
Matanzas Inlet, St. Augustine, Florida on July 3, 2019. When the Wyatts saw the 40-foot motor cruiser Daydream was on
fire, Stephen Wyatt radioed a distress call to Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville while approaching the Daydreamer. As he
maneuvered in his boat, Stephen Wyatt directed a second vessel, operated by another family member, to approach the
four victims who were within 25 feet of the burning vessel. Braving the intense heat, the Wyatts were both able to bring
the four victims in the water aboard the rescue vessels. As the victims were pulled from the water, a propane tank on the
burning vessels exploded. While the Daydreamer was a total loss, the family aboard the cruiser escaped serious injury
due to the heroic efforts of both Stephen and Gloria Wyatts.
The Association For Rescue At Sea Gold and Silver Medals are the highest search and rescue awards presented to a
Coast Guard member by a civilian organization. Formed in 1976, AFRAS is a non-profit foundation that supports
services concerned with saving lives at sea. The AFRAS awards program provides the opportunity to recognize
deserving Coast Guard personnel for bravery in the conduct of search and rescue missions. Established in 2000, the
Silver Medal (silver reflects the distinctive Auxiliary uniform) is presented annually to a deserving Coast Guard
Auxiliarist (a collective nomination may be submitted for members of the same boat or air crew).
Auxiliarists Awarded
Rescue At Sea Merit
NAVIGATOR'S CORNER - WHAT'S NEW
Navigator Express
22
By Andrew Niquette, AUXPA3
2nd Quarter 2021

23. From March 6th through the 31st , 2021, one could find runners and walkers from throughout the country counting their
times and steps in support of the first-ever, Coast Guard Half Marathon and 5K which was held virtually. The “Seasoned
Soles” walking group of Blue Skies of Texas, West (BSTW) joined forces with several members of the San Antonio-
based Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 081-07-04) in this inaugural effort.
Military retirees and their spouses comprise about 95% of the resident community of Blue Skies of Texas stemming
primarily from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. One resident’s grandson is in the Merchant
Marines and one resident was in the Public Health Service. While open to all, most other residents are retired federal
employees or civilians who were very much involved with military and government support during their careers. During
the last two and a half years, Blue Skies has been providing meeting space for the flotilla on its campus.
On Saturday, April 17th , 2021, VADM Kent Williams, USCG (Ret.), a resident of Blue Skies presented the participants
who wore their Semper Paratus T-Shirts with their completion medals and expressed his sincerest thanks to all for
supporting the inaugural CG event. The seven participants from Blue Skies were led by John Macintyre, a retired Army
colonel and avid marathoner. Flotilla Commander Alex Shapovalov was joined by three other members, VFC Russ
Poppen, IPFC Jeanne McNamara and FSO-OP VS Ansbergs. It is hoped that next year, all members of the flotilla will
participate in the event which helps support the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance program.
PHOTO ABOVE: McNamara's shirt and medal used during the race. Photo by Jeanne McNamara.
The Semper Paratus
Inaugural Walk/Run
NAVIGATOR'S CORNER - WHAT'S NEW
By Jeanne McNamara, AUXPA1
www.cgaux.org 23

24. While we have all been hunkering down for COVID-19, we’ve also been busy working away on our
computers. At the same time, cyber criminals have been working double time obtaining people’s
personal information to sell on the dark web.
At my last FBI cyber briefing, we were given a laundry list of methods used by
hackers to steal peoples’ identities. One of these hacking methods is
incredibly easy and can occur without your knowledge: phishing.
With phishing, hackers pretend to be someone or some-thing they are not in
order to gain your confidence in revealing information. These cover stories
look official and are very clever. Example: an individual orders an item online
and gets an email update from the company giving feedback on deliveries.
The hackers send an email that looks like it comes from your shipping
company. They indicate that they are ready to ship your package and
convince you to provide personal information before it can be delivered.
Often, they will have you enter your address to validate the shipping
Cyber Security:
How Safe Are You?
NAVIGATOR'S CORNER - CYBER SECURITY
Navigator Express
24
By Dawn Muller, Flotilla 07-05-09 Commander
location, or your credit card number to pay a shipping overage or your birthday/SSN to ensure it is your account. They
have even perfected their technique, so their logo looks like the ‘real deal’ and no one's the wiser that they are not from
that agency or company. These people are smart, they are sneaky, and they know how to disappear without a trace.
Once they have certain personal information, they can open accounts in your name and/or use your identity for illicit
purposes.
Some ways to keep yourself from becoming a victim:
• NEVER reveal your Social Security Number online, EVER. Even the IRS and SSN offices will not contact you online and
ask for this type of personal information. They typically contact you by USPS and have you initiate contact with them.
• Before opening, clicking links, or downloading files from suspicious emails, check the source. If you get an email that
looks like it is from a legitimate source, examine it closely. DO NOT click on the link in the email. Instead, enter the
company’s URL into the address bar.
• Use antivirus software to detect malware or viruses that can capture information from your computer.
• Use different passwords, especially for your financial institutions.
What to do if you have been compromised: If you find that you may have erroneously given information to a bad actor,
take steps immediately to limit your vulnerability. Contact the company that was used in the phishing scheme and
change your password to that site. Call your credit card company and financial institutions and place an alert on your
accounts. You may also want to reach out to the three credit agencies to place a fraud alert or freeze on your account so
no one can open accounts in your name. If you find evidence that your identity has been stolen, you may need to call the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to file a report. In some cases, you may also need to contact your local sheriff’s
department. Be careful out there and keep your personal information safe!
2nd Quarter 2021

25. A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a courtesy examination of the boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of
certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Examinations are not a boarding or law
enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter.
The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. These volunteers will also make
certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues with the boater. In many states, recreational vessels are
required to carry specified safety equipment which may vary according to the type of propulsion, type of construction,
area and time of use, and the number of people aboard.
The examiner will supply the boater with a copy of the evaluation so that they may follow some of the suggestions given.
Vessels that pass will be able to display a VSC decal. This does not exempt a boater from law enforcement boarding, but
it signals their intent to be prepared.
NAVIGATOR'S CORNER - VESSEL SAFETY
www.cgaux.org 25
Vessel Safety Checks
And Information
By Andrew Niquette, AUXPA3

26. Sometime during your Auxiliary career you will have a question, concern, or issue that your flotilla leaders will
not address to your satisfaction. What do you do? Since so many of our members have been former members of the
military community, the term Chain of Command is often familiar, and a term sometimes inappropriately used within the
Auxiliary. Since we are not a military organization, there is no command. The proper term for the system of
communication and responsibility throughout the levels of the Auxiliary is Chain of Leadership and Management,
frequently abbreviated COL. There is another term frequently used in connection with COL, and that is parallel staffing.
This, in effect, gives us two chains of leadership depending on whether the question/problem/issue involves elected or
appointed staff.
Elected officers move up from Flotilla Commander to Division Commander to District Commodore to National
Commodore, while the Staff Officers go up the right side. The Flotilla Vice Commander, Division Vice Commander, etc.
act as Chief of Staff for the appointed officers at that level, and communicate with the Flotilla Commander, Division
Commander, etc. so that both sides know and are aware of what is happening. A Flotilla Staff Officer does not need
“permission” to communicate with a Staff Officer in the same area at the Division level; the Division Staff Officer does
not need permission to communicate with the District Staff Officer in the same area. It is not acceptable to skip a level
on either side.
Communication should move freely up and down both sides, with communication also moving freely from left to right,
and from right to left as well. All members have a right to expect answers to their questions, and resolution of
problems/issues. Since a paper trail is always smart, it is wise to place your questions in writing, on paper or
electronically via email. Some helpful tips include:
• Research the answer to your question on your own. Check the Auxiliary Manual; check your district website, the
national website, and the website of the Chief Director of Auxiliary.
• If you cannot find what you need, address your question to one individual. Do not broadcast the request to multiple
individuals or levels.
• Address it to the person at the lowest level appropriate (generally to your FC or a FSO in your flotilla).
• State the question clearly and succinctly. Provide necessary facts only. Do not editorialize.
• Give the person adequate time to respond (generally two weeks should be sufficient).
• If you do not receive a response, try again. There may have been a postal or electronic glitch.
• If there is still no response after a reasonable time, you may send it to the next level up with a copy to the original
recipient. Again, state facts and do not embellish.
• Remember, unfortunately, sometimes the correct answer is not the one desired. Do not “shoot” the messenger. They
could be a good friend now or in the future. Accept the answer and make the best of the situation.
The Auxiliary is made up of friendly people who share the same interests you have. They are eager to help you in any
way they can. They are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you. If occasional differences of opinion
occur, seek input from a neutral third party within your unit. Try to resolve differences at the lowest level possible; don’t
make a mountain out of a molehill. Diversity is an asset and helps to make the Auxiliary the strong organization it is.
Diversity assures that there will be more than one right answer to many questions. Embrace diversity and don’t be
threatened by a new point of view.
Chain of Leadership
& Management
NAVIGATOR'S CORNER - TRAINING DIRECTORATE
From The Auxiliary National Training Directorate
2nd Quarter 2021
Navigator Express
26

27. www.cgaux.org
In the past months, the world has changed. COVID-19 has changed the way the Coast Guard Auxiliary does
most things, from grocery shopping to conducting business at a flotilla meeting. While some things have
changed, some have not; the Auxiliary is still one organization, with passionate individuals, that are committed
to our mission of recreational boating safety. This pandemic may just be the start of the “Digital Evolution” for
the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
An ADSO-PA Social’s work stretches from creating social content and graphics to making sure content follows
the Public Affairs Manual‘s policy. However, even as the Coast Guard Auxiliary is on shutdown and can only use
digital means to do work, the Auxiliary’s primary message of recreational boating safety must continue to get
out to the public.
There are plenty of ways to continue to spread our message of safe recreational boating through social media.
One recommendation is to highlight Auxiliary members’ contributions. For instance, during National Safe
Boating Week, one may interview flotilla shipmates and ask them to submit a picture in proper uniform, then
share the interview and photo with our followers, under the hashtag #IAmTheAUX. This is a way for people to
recognize members at vessel exams, patrols, or public education classes. This recognition brings a face to the
Auxiliary, allowing engagement with the community in a new way. Consider finding a way to highlight work
from past years with photos on #FlashBackFriday that explains the different roles we play as Auxiliarists. Also,
consider following our social channels, listed below, for other ideas!
Another way our digital-only orders have changed face-to-face time is how we conduct our meetings, using
the free meeting and conference call programs offered by the District, to discuss Auxiliary matters. Computer
programs can often have a steep learning curve but allow Auxiliary members to learn from their shipmates. For
example, as FSO-CS of Flotilla Manasquan Inlet, I was able to instruct members on how to use these programs
for meetings; now they use them to communicate with family they cannot see, due to COVID-19. One of the
best secondary effects our organization offers is the ability to learn from each other!
Today, we rely on our computers more than ever. Digital use has changed the way we order goods, find
information, and communicate with others. This alternate way of communication has offered the USCG
Auxiliary a unique opportunity. It offers us a chance to get creative about how we spread our message.
Members who may have skills in video or photo editing have an opportunity to serve their community in a
different way
This shutdown, though frustrating, is a chance for evolution within the Auxiliary. Dictionary.com defines
evolution as: “the process of growth and development.” How will you join our evolution?
The Digital Evolution
Of The Auxiliary
27
NAVIGATOR'S CORNER - TECH SAAVY
By Christopher Orlando, D7 ADSO-PA

28. It was a beautiful sunny day at Canyon Lake, Texas, the perfect day for a sailboat race. Forecasts predicted gentle winds – a
picture book kind of day for the long-distance race at Lake Canyon Yacht Club on Memorial Day weekend. Rain was not
predicted until the evening. About two hours into the race, while turning on Marker #8, my crew and I spotted a storm
approaching from the north. We were about five miles out from heading back to the yacht club for the conclusion of the race.
While attempting to sail back to the next tack, a blast of wind came out of nowhere and knocked Pegasus and its crew,
including me, over! Fortunately, we were both wearing our personal flotation devices. We used all our leverage to keep the
boat from heeling over.
Our bodies were hanging off the side, but to no avail, and we went over. Pegasus lost her crew. We were now not just in the
water but under the boat. Pegasus completely “turtled”, meaning the mast was below us and we were underneath the hull.
My crewmember was able to swim out from under the hull, but I was still there – my legs with lines (the main sheet lines)
tangled about them. I never got to thank the young man who swam to me and help me get out from under the boat, but he
was gone before I could get his name. I would really like to thank him properly and not when I was soaking wet!
On that day, all the sailboats that had swing keels capsized, according to the Canyon Lake Sheriff’s Department. A wind gust
like the one we experienced sometimes whips up just before a storm arrives. On land, that wind can be totally refreshing and
a gentle warning of impending rain. On water, it can be deadly and can capsize you in seconds. A total of three boats were
flipped by that blast of wind that came out of nowhere. No one drowned. All were wearing their life jackets and because of
that, it saved their lives.
PHOTO ABOVE: Rescued skipper, Aux Darlene Beeson of Flotilla 7-4, sits aboard the right side of the stern of the rescue boat
after her Flying Scot – Pegasus was capsized. Darlene is seen wearing her orange life jacket. The Canyon Lake Sheriff’s
Department stated that three swing keel boats in the race all capsized due to the unexpected wind gusts. Photo by TSP&W.
Life Jackets Save Lives!
NAVIGATOR'S CORNER - SAVING LIVES
Navigator Express
28
By Jeanne McNamara, AUXPA1
2nd Quarter 2021

29. Save A Life.
Wear It!

30. The source of copied material should be
mentioned as U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public
Affairs.
This statement should appear on all forms of
distribution.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the
respective Public Affairs (A) Directorate reserve all
copyrights on the content within Navigator Express.
The text, images, and design may not be copied or
distributed externally without prior permission of the
Navigator Express editorial staff or the United States
Coast Guard Auxiliary national leadership.
If there is any approved use of content, the following
conditions should be followed:
NAVIGATOR
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
THE OFFICIAL E-MAGAZINE OF
THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
DISCLAIMER
• •••
DISTRIBUTION
• •••
Distribution for Navigator Express includes all
members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S.
Coast Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Association members.
Note: please add uscgaux-ms@cgauxnet.us to
your address book. Messages sent from this email
address are official messages of the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary.
Photos for use in NavEx must be 5MB-15MB, in
.JPEG or .PNG format. They must also include a
detailed caption.
Articles must be submitted as a Word document
in standard 12 point Times New Roman format.
Proper spelling and grammar are required for
publication use.
Send us your publications, articles, and photos! We'd
love to see the difference you're making and share it
with the Auxiliary nationwide!
Submission Guidelines:
Submit your ideas to Roger Bazeley & Andrew
Niquette (contact below).
IDEAS, SUBMISSIONS, OR FEEDBACK
• •••
VADM Linda Fagan inspects a
bridge on patrol with the
Auxiliary. Photo by Tiffany
Townsend.
Kayakers in San Francisco.
Photo by Roger Bazeley.
Auxiliarist Roger Bazeley playing Taps at Presidio National
Cemetery in San Francisco. Photo by Roger Bazeley.
During these unprecedented times, the COVID-19 pandemic has
fostered change in how we conduct our everyday lives. As we
chart these waters together, Navigator Express remains
committed to providing an outlet from the pandemic, keeping you
updated through our stories to stay Semper Paratus.
Roger Bazeley, BC-AME
bazeley@gmail.com
Andrew Niquette, BA-AMEB
andrew.r.niquette@cgauxnet.us
NOTE: All photographs in the Navigator Express 2nd Quarter
2021 were taken in accordance with the Center for Disease
Control’s masking and social distance guidelines for the
COVID-19 pandemic or were taken prior to the implementation
of the CDC recommendations.
Navigator Express
30 2nd Quarter 2021

31. 30
www.cgaux.org 31

32. NAVIGATOR
EXPRESS