District 1 Southern Region

Auxiliary Air Station Caldwell

10-20 News January to June, 2004

For current news page click H-E-R-E, or above.

July Meeting Agenda Posted

Please visit our Flotilla Commander's web page for a preview of this week's meeting. Some mandatory training will take place, and a special guest speaker!

Heightened Security Awareness

TO: ALAUXDIST1SR
FM: CDR Felker, DIRAUX
SUBJ: Security Awareness - 046/04

The link below highlights a potential method used by terrorists that each of our members, especially boat crews should be aware of. This calls for no special action on our part other than heightened vigilance.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/06/27/fbi.marina/index.html

CDR J. M. Felker Sends

Republican National Convention Operations

The Director has released information on anticipated operations and support needs in this .pdf document. Additional information can be found at http://diraux.cgaux1sr.org/Misc/rnc.pdf. If you wish to participate in this event, read the notices, and contact the officers listed. There is a primary need for Boat Crews and Facilities, but there are also positions to be filled for administrative work and VIP drivers. (Date:28 June 2004, Source: DIRAUX)

Travel Claim Form Information

Due to the large number of errors causing travel vouchers to be returned to the submitter, the Director has released this ALAUXDIST1SR communication discussing the matter. A new electronically-fillable travel voucher form (DD-1351-2) is available from the National Website's Forms page, and by clicking this link: DD-1351-2

Please use this new form, and fill it out on the computer. The form is designed with electronic checking to help ensure that all the information needed is filled in, and in the right place.

65 years for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

June 23 markes the 65th anniversary of the establishment, by an act of Congress, of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Unique in that it's members were civilians, not military, The Coast Guard Reserve began the long traditions and missions we now continue. In 1941, the Coast Guard Reserve was restructured. The eve of war in Europe brought with it a sense that a regular military reserve was needed for the Coast Guard, much like the reserves of the Army and Navy. On February 19, the existing Coast Guard Reserve was renamed the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a military U.S. Coast Guard Reserve was created. Today's Auxiliary faces many challenges that are different , and many that have stayed the same over the years. Read more about the history of the Auxilary from the Chief Director's website.

Action MDA Published

The Operations and Marine Safety Departments have published the Spring edition of Action MDA, the Maritime Domain Awareness Newsletter.  This issue deals with Effective Communications.

Download Action MDA

The article briefly describes how to communicate, using the radio, with the Coast Guard. While primarily aimed at surface vessel facilities, the mention of propagation is especially important for the Auxiliary Aviation Community. Radio signals transmitted from a vessel facility with the antenna 20 feet off the water, have a “normal” range of 6.3 miles. The same signal transmitted from an air facility at 1500 feet MSL has a range of nearly 55 miles! Over 8 times the distance! So keep that radio on low power (one watt) unless absolutely necessary!

June Flotilla Meeting Announcement:

	ANNOUNCEMENT
	Meeting Date: Thursday, June 10, 2004
	Place: 94th Bomb Group Restaurant
	Time: 1920 HRS (7:30 p.m.)
	Agenda: A Good Time
	Attire: Casual  Dress (Civilian)
	Food and Beverage:  Dutch Treat - Whatever is on the menu.
	Who should attend:  Members, wives, friends, prospective new members, etc.

	This dinner meeting serves as the regular scheduled monthly Flotilla
	meeting.

	See you all on Thursday evening.

	Bob Jenny-FC

Fleet Week 2004!

Many District 1 Southern Auxiliarists, including our own FSO-CS, Larry West, assisted the Coast Guard by providing tours for the public through and around the US Coast Guard Cutter Katherine Walker, WLB-552. The Katherine Walker is a 175 foot Coastal Buoy Tender, homeported in Bayonne, NJ. She and her crew are responsible for the various ATONs from the Catskills to Sandy Hook, and out into Long Island Sound. This area of responsibility contains possibly the largest number of ATONS a single Cutter is responsible for.

Go to the Gallery page link on the left or click the image above to be taken to the gallery.

View an MSNBC story about the Katherine Walker.

Boating Safely Class, June 1 & 2

Attention 10-20 members: if you have not taken a boating course, and plan to go flying, or boating with the Auxiliary, you must have a Boating class in your record by the end of June. Even if all you do is fly, you need to take this or another boating course. If you have taken a boating course in the past - whether in or outside the Auxiliary, Please contact VFC Rob Silano ASAP. For those who need a boating course, 10-20 is providing this course. Please see the details on the Training Page.

Come on out to the meetings!

Spring is here, and it's nice weather for an evening meeting at Air Station Caldwell. We had a fine time, and Bob Button gave a very informative talk on the wearing of the Coast Guard Uniform.

The June meeting may have a change of venue, so watch this space for an update. The possibilities are: The Brownstone in Paterson, and the 94th Bomber Squadron, right next door to Air Station Caldwell. Yes, it will be a dinner meeting! Come on out and support the Flotilla, and hear some 'Sea Stories' from Fleet Week!

Westchester Airport Emergency Drill

On Saturday, May 8, several members of District 1 Southern volunteered to act as 'Victims' in Westchester County's biennial emergency services drill. The drill simulated a plane crash at Westchester County Airport (HVN). The victims were given a scenario to play out, and appropriate makeup was applied, if necessary. The fire services arrived first, then the EMT's, paramedics and ambulances. The victims were triaged, and treated as appropriate, or transported from the scene. The purpose of the drill is to help keep the local emergency responders at the top of their game. The Auxiliary participation was organized by ADSO-MS/EP Tom Cadwallader.

Pictured, standing left to right: Henry Uiga (10-20), Ralph Mumford (FC 6-4), Art Kramer (DCP Div 10), Judi DiMaio (10-20), John Gilmore (10-2), Gail Venezio (RCO D1S). Kneeling, Larry West (10-20). Not pictured, Greg Marley (10-20), Tom Cadwallader (20-05).

Calendar Updated!

A major update to the Flotilla 10-20 calendar has been made. Updated information includes: Division and District meetings, Public Affairs events (including VSCs stations), Fleet Week, an updated workshop schedule, more fellowship events, and an update to the Aviation Safety Workshop schedule. Check the calendar for these important changes. Several events are happening within two weeks, so you'd better get signed up soon!

Beach Cleanup

FSO-MS/EP Judi DiMaio and FSO-CS Larry West participated in International Coastal Cleanup Day. SO-MS/EP John Gilmore organized a group of volunteers from Division 10 to clean up a small part of Keansburg Beach, Keansburg, NJ. In only a few hours, our group of 12 volunteers removed nearly a half ton of debris from the beach, including a pallet, dock flotation foam, dock pieces, car parts, a mini refrigerator, clothing, food wrappers, and countless beverage containers. Be sure to sign up for the next one coming in the fall!

Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Update!

FSO-MS/EP Judi DiMaio wanted to pass this info on to the Flotilla:

1. Division MS Training - need list of people interested in any MS or Trident training-need list of who had what MS courses (i.e. Intro to Marine Safety, ICS, etc.)-PLEASE contact Judi.
2. Beach clean up in Keyport on Saturday 24 April. Email Judi at judiuscgaux@yahoo.com if interested. It is a DIVISION 10 MS activity.
3. Any info for MS Division newsletter? If so, please email, mail, or phone Judi.
4. Any questions regarding MS program (or suggestions) email Judi.

10-20 Represents Auxiliary at Dive Show

Flotilla members Bob McHugh (left), Milan Matusek (right), and Bob Button (not shown; he's taking the picture!) manned the USCG Auxiliary booth at the Beneath The Sea Dive show in Secaucus last month. The booth was arranged by the Division 10 Public Affairs staff, and manned by members from flotillas throughout Division 10. If you would like to get involved with events like these, contact the FSO-PA, or come to a Flotilla meeting.

Uniform “Change” time!

The national publication the Interchange, Issue 04-1, has a schedule of the “Uniform of the Day” for the Auxiliary on the back page. Working Blue, Tropical Blue Long, and Service Dress Blue Bravo are all authorized for year-round use. Winter Dress Blue is authorized 1 November to 31 March, and “Undress Tropical Blue” (short sleeve Undress uniform) is authorized 1 April through 31 October. See the Flotilla Uniform Page, and the AUXMAN for complete uniform details.

April Meeting Agenda Posted

Please click on the Calendar link in the menu above to access the latest agenda. Also see below for more information.

ODU Update

Don't go buying one yet! Read this report from the National 'P' Department.

April regular meeting

Change in starting time!!! The Flotilla 10-20 meeting will commence at 1800 hours (six-o'clock PM). The purpose of this early start is to allow all 10-20 members to take the annual Operations Workshop, given by FSO-MT Darryl Laxson. If you do not take this Ops workshop, or any other before June, you will not be eligible for orders.

Next on the agenda is fingerprinting. We have arranged to have some local police officers present to take care of the Flotilla's fingerprinting needs for the security checks.

Lastly will be a brief business meeting followed by the usual fellowship. Please be present to offer support and encouragment to your fellow members.

Seals Spotted on Patrol!

Frank Tangel, IPFC 10-20, and David Elliot, DC-Od, spotted a large group of seals on their patrol of 24-March. The weather was fair, and the sealls look like they are sunning themselves on this sandbar near Shinnecock. Click on the picture to open a larger image in a new window.

Seals at Shinnecock!

10-20 Security Information page

The CS department has created a new web page to bring together much of the information that has been made available regarding the security check process. Click on the "Security" item in the white menu bar above.

This page is for the convenience of our members only. All official information comes from DIRAUX.

First two rounds of Security checks due at DIRAUX

Our DIRAUX, Commander John Felker has published the list of the first two groups who need to submit their SF-86 to the DIRAUX office. The list is available here: Security Clearance Requests. Please check the list to see if your name is there.

Important April Meeting Notes

Two important things will take place at the Flotilla 10-20 monthly meeting on Thursday April 8, 2004. First, this meeting will include our annual Operations Workshop. This is mandatory for all members who participate, or who desire to participate in surface operations (vessel facilities, radio facilities), and a good idea for all. Attendance at this meeting will let you get it out of the way for 2004 before the deadline.

Because of the addition of the Ops Workshop, the meeting will start at least one hour earlier (1830 hours). Watch the Calendar page for the official start time, and further information.

Secondly, fingerprints will be taken for all members attending who desire to complete this element of their security check. VFC Rob Silano has arranged for some local police officers to assist with the process.

Google Search added

At the bottom of each page, there is now a Google Search! This will allow you to search the WWW immediately from any page on the 10-20 site, just by scrolling to the bottom of the page. But more than that, you can search just the uscgaux.org sites, which means better, more accurate searches.

Sal Cottone's boat designated an Operational Facility

Sal Cottone accepts the letter designating his boat as a Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Facility from Flotilla Commander Bob Jenny at the March Flotilla meeting. Operational Facilities — Aircraft, Boats, Mobile and Fixed Radio stations — allow the Auxiliary to do a lot of its work.

Reminder

IMPORTANT! When you have completed Form 86, do not date and do not mail. Hold until further notice at which time it can be dated and mailed.

As per the FAQ on the Director's website (see below), signing and dating the form starts a clock ticking that cannot be turned back. DIRAUX will request the forms via the Chain of Leadership and Management when they are ready for them. The process may take up to 120 days or longer after submission of the form 86 and fingerprint cards. - FSO-CS

Security Check Updates

The Chief Director's Website has a comprehensive page regarding the Security Check Process. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, there is a lot of information available on this page. Particularly, the Frequently Asked Questions.

Public Education Class

On Saturday, February 21, Flotilla 10-20 gave a Boating Safely course at the Lake Hopatcong Firehouse, where fellow member Sal Cottone is a member. Darryl Laxson, FSO-MT, led the class, assisted by Rob Silano, Vince Iannuzelli, Don Arseneau, Larry West and Henry Uiga. More than 15 students attended this class to get ready for the upcoming boating season, and qualify for their boating certificate.

If you would like to become involved in the Auxiliary Instructor Program, see Darryl at the next Flotilla meeting to find out more.

Marine Safety/Environmental Protection

The latest report from our FSO-MS/EP, Judi DiMaio, has been posted to the FSO-MS/EP page. Please take a moment to read it and learn more about the program.

License Plates

New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission has special license plates available to Auxiliarists. However, you can't just go down to the Motor Vehicles office and pick up an application. Coast Guard Auxiliary Organizational Plates must be obtained through the Auxiliary's License Plate Coordinator. The member serving as our coordinator is Frank Strongoli of Flotilla 21.

To obtain the instructions and/or forms from Frank, send your home address to him via e-mail to fstrongoly@comcast.net (yes, that's supposed to be a 'y' in the e-mail). If you do not have access to e-mail, see Larry West at the next Flotilla Meeting & he will help you out.

Once you contact Frank, he will mail you an application form and instructions. Fill out the form, (both sides!), attach a photocopy of the current registration for the vehicle you will be putting the plates on, enclose a check for $16,payable to the payee indicated in the instructions, and return the three items (application, registration copy, check) to Frank.

The plates are available for cars, private and leased, pickup trucks and vans with passenger plates, or passenger plates at commercial fee. Turnaround time is about 7 to 10 days after Frank gets the forms back from the member.

District Store On Line!

From: District 1 Mailing List

The DCO and VCO are pleased to announce the opening of the new D1SR On Line Materials Center. This new on line offering is a cooperation between the District CS and MA departments (with oversight from the VCO and DCO) to bring you, the member, more convenience in ordering the supplies you need. Surf over to the store and browse around. Put things in your shopping cart for purchase or, if you set up your account, add items to your personal list for later. As you establish a history with the system, you can check out the details of your past orders and receive a status of your current one. MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express honored.

You can access the store by clicking on the link that is prominently displayed on the main Members Welcome Page or by pointing your browser to http://store.cgaux1sr.org.

Bookmark this site or add it to your Favorites -- you will want to keep going back.

(The Aux. Air Station Caldwell site will also have links to the store. - FSO-CS)

Career Counselor Page

The FSO-CC page is up and running! Jim Roe will keep the Flotilla informed of what's going on in that department through this webpage. Go to the Career Counselor page.

National Position Opens

Do you write? Do you love Aviation? Then this National Help Wanted Posting may be for you. The Auxiliary National Press Corps is looking for a Member to write about Auxiliary Aviation. This is a National Branch Chief position. See the posting for full details. If you are interested, you will need to fill out and submit Form 7062.

Swim & Egress schedule and notes

Lou Barone has sent information from Ellery Parks, ADSO-AVT, on planning for 2004 Open Water Survival Course/Swim & Egress tests. Please go to the Aviation Operations Committee page to read it in full. The Calendar Page has also been updated with this information.

Information Services

VFC and FSO-IS Rob Silano has provided information about the currency of AUXDATA information. Also some info on properly filling out your mission forms. See it on the FSO-IS page.

Meeting minutes On-Line!

Take a browse over to the FSO-SR's page. You will be able to read the minutes of the last meeting, and download the minutes of prior meetings as they become available. Take a look!

You can access the page from either the Departments page link (left column) or the Officers page link (above left) and selecting the FSO Secretary/Records. Officers - take a look at this page! You, too can have a similar page for your department!

Uniform Page now online

January 24: A new page dedicated to Auxiliary uniforms has been uploaded. You can reach it by clicking H-E-R-E, and a link will be available from the (new) Members page.

Also, a preliminary page on Auxiliary Insignia and Devices.

The patrols continue, even in the cold...

Darryl Laxson readies his Facility for another Ice Patrol. Auxiliary Aviators flying ice patrols through the winter save the Coast Guard thousands of dollars per flight, and allow the CG to target the areas where icebreaking is needed the most. The heating oil and other fuels barged up the Hudson River keep over 100,000 tankers off the highways each year. Click on an image to see a larger version.

New Officers

The new officers of Auxiliary Air Station Caldwell were administered their Pledge of Office by Flotilla Commander Bob Jenny. All the officers present gave reports to the assembled members and elected officers. Click on the 'Officers' link above to see photos of the new officers.

Special Notices

Initial security forms due to ADSO-PS Gene Romanick by January 15!!! Get yours in ASAP! If you don't have one, there will be forms at the meeting on January 8th to be filled out at the meeting and mailed en masse to Gene.

Gene Romanick ADSO-PS ACTNY-S
310 Lakewood Terrace
Newton, NJ 07860-7001

Failure to return the form promptly will cause the member to be administratively disenrolled as of 12/31/2004. Please read the ALCOAST for details.

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Water Temperature is now officially below 60-degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore,
NO MISSIONS ARE AUTHORIZED
to be flown outside gliding-distance of land unless all members of the crew have been CERTIFIED for cold-water off-shore operations.
No D1SR personnel are currently certified.
Further information regarding the certification process will follow.

WWW www.uscgaux.org

Site designed by: Larry West, FSO-CS

Privacy Statement Auxiliary Flotilla 10-20 is the sole owner of any data collected from visitors to this site. Data collected will not be sold, rented, or otherwise transferred to parties outside the Auxiliary, and any possible transfer to other Auxiliary entities will be noted at the point of collection. As of January, 2008, no data is being collected. Should this policy change for any reason, the change will be noted in this space.