the log publication uscgaux flotilla 36 boca raton, florida · mario’s speech is included later...

The Log Publication USCGAUX Flotilla 36 Boca Raton, Florida

Flotilla 36

Boca Raton, Florida Division 3, 7th

CG District Aux July, 2011

Volume XLI, Issue 12

December 2017

http://www.cgauxboca.org

Veterans Day: November 11, 20017

F36 members celebrated Veteran’s Day at the Boca Raton Cemetery. Attendees included VFC

Michael Byer, FC Mario Stagliano, Art Makenian, and Ted Lutjen. Mario’s speech is included

later in this newsletter. (Photo by Andrea Rutherfoord)

This version FOR PUBLIC Viewing…No Dissemination

Restrictions

http://www.cgauxboca.org/


From the Helm…

Mario Stagliano

Flotilla Commander [email protected]

December Flotilla Meeting – Our next meeting will be Thursday December 7 at 7:30 PM (1930 Hrs.).

I look forward to seeing all our winter residents return. I would appreciate is everyone would try to

come in uniform. Either ODU or Tropical Blue’s.

Flotilla Elections – We will hold elections for Flotilla Commander and Vice Commander at our

December 7 Flotilla meeting. We need a quorum to hold the elections so its important that you

attend. If you are interested in running for either office, please contact Andrea Rutherfoord or Tom

Thayer. As of today, I’m running for Flotilla Commander and Mike Byers is running for Vice

Commander. During the election process nominations will be taken from the floor.

Fourth Cornerstone/Fellowship Event – We have cancelled the event scheduled for December 21 due

to all the surrounding holidays.

Toy Drive – As we do every Christmas season please bring an un-wrapped toy to our December Flotilla

meeting.

Division Elections - Division elections were initially held on October 28, 2017. At that time Marvin

Merritt was elected Division Commander and Bret Ribotsky was elected Vice Commander.

Subsequently a protest was filed regarding the procedures used during the election. A determination

was made to void the election and conduct a new election. The new election was conducted on

November 16, 2017 at McVey house. Robert Sherman was elected Division Commander and Bret

Ribotsky was re-elected Vice Commander. Please join me in wishing them well when you see them.

Division Meeting/Change of Watch - No regular Division meeting this month. The Division Change

of Watch will be held on Sunday December 5 stating at 5 PM. I sent out detail information in a mid-

November email from FC. This is a formal affair at which newly elected officers will be sworn in. Join

us if you can.

mailto:[email protected]


Michael Byer

Vice Flotilla Commander [email protected]

Hello Everyone,

We are now approaching a new year. I would like to thank all of you for all you have done this past

year. I want to wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving.

It has been quiet, but I am hoping when the snow birds return things will pick up.

I want to thank everyone for attending the Flotilla Fellowship Event. It was wonderful to get everyone

together for this event. I want to especially thank all of you that did the cooking. What a great job.

Thank you to everyone involved for making this event fun. Looking forward to the New year.

See you at the next meeting!

IPFC

Tom Thayer

Greetings, fellow Auxiliarists!!

As you read this, it will be November. If you missed the Fourth Cornerstone event on October 19 at the

Base, you missed a great event. Special thanks to Marsha and Mario Marino and all the Chefs and food

purveyors. Mario Stagliano did an excellent job in relating his very worthwhile “Habitat for Humanity”

experience in Africa. I would like to thank FC Mario who spoke at the Boca Raton Veteran’s Day

Service at the Cemetery on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Also, looking ahead, the Boca Raton Holiday

Boat Parade will be Saturday, December 16, 2017, commencing at the C-15 Canal and moving South to

the Hillsboro Bridge. Lots of great viewing spots. For you boaters, the entry fee is free and there are

numerous prizes in various categories. Start working on your theme.

“If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the beehive.”

-Dale Carnegie-


Jane Novak

Member Training

[email protected]

If you like being on the water and would like to become qualified as a crew member, join us on

Wednesday, January 17, from 1900-2100 at our base. This will be the first class for crew training.

Skills covered during the trainings will include line handling, knot tying, communications, observation,

anchoring, making up tows, and emergency procedures.

Trainings will be held each Wednesday (1900-2100) from January 17 through April, and will consist of

class sessions and on-the-water trainings. On-the-water trainings will be scheduled earlier in the day

and/or on the weekends.

Interested? Need more information? Contact me at ([email protected]) to reserve your spot in

the training.

Michael Byer

Vessel Examination

[email protected]

Hello Shipmates! *** UPDATE ***

I am happy to announce that as of, January 1st, 2018 Duncan Ferguson will be the new FSO VE. We

welcome him to this position with open arms. He is very energetic and looking forward to doing and

building the Flotilla VE’s. He is looking for cooperation from all of you. He will be passing out the

stickers after the 1st of the year. He will be responsible for completing the monthly report so please

submit your VE count to him in a timely manner by the 15th

of every month. I also would like to thank

all of you for all your cooperation while I was acting FSO VE.

Mario Marino

Materials

[email protected]

Stop by the store during our Flotilla meeting and treat yourself to any of our amazing items for sale!






Information Systems

[email protected]

When filling out your 7029 – Mission Log Activity – use the correct 99 Code.

99A – Leadership/Staff hours related to staff positions (PA/MS officers are submitted on 7030 codes).

99B – Recreational Boating Safety – includes travel/prep for Public Education, Public Affairs, Vessel

Exams, Program Visits, Operations

99C - Marine Safety – includes travel/prep for Marine Safety programs

99D - Training – including any training hours for study, classes (not submitted on 7039 Workshop)

99E - Other – all other activity not covered by 7030 or other mission codes

Mileage – number of miles used to travel for USCG Auxiliary missions, meetings, training that is NOT

reimbursed on CG or District Orders

Costs – costs for uniforms, meals, etc. related to USCG Auxiliary activity that is NOT reimbursed on CG

or District Orders, also NO GAS receipts as they are part of the mileage numbers

Jennifer Blau

Publications

[email protected]

Please submit any articles or photographs you would like published in the LOG…Until

the next issue…

Jim Goldasich

Operations

[email protected] NO REPORT

Liliane Meghabghab

Navigation Services







Andrea Rutherfoord

Public Education

[email protected] Thank you to the instructors for our November 4 ABS class: Rick Celestino, Bob

Hersey, and Jane Novak. We graduated 5 students. For the year, we have graduated

112 students (29 teens).

I appreciate all the instructors, aids, public affairs staff, program visitors, vessel examiners, and anyone

who has referred students to the class! Note that there will not be an ABS class in September. Our last

class of 2017 is December 2. We will start 2018 on Jan. 12. Watch for the 2018 brochure.

Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

Division 3 again had a public affairs booth in

the Sailfish Pavilion for the boat show. I noticed

many more local people when I worked, as well

as the thousands of international visitors that

shop for boats, fishing gear, and other

accessories. It is always a great opportunity to

greet the public and talk to them about their

boating experiences.

Working with me at the

boat show were Patrick

Mullen (F37) and Rich

Flowers (F32). We met to

Miguel Santana and his

wife, and Miguel attended

our Nov. 4 boating class.



Debbie Davis

Program Visitor

[email protected] For those members who do not already know about the program, the Public Visitor (PV) Program is a

part of the USCG Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety mission. The PV program is designed to

provide the general public with the most current boating safety information and to establish a point of

contact for boaters interested in boating safety. Businesses such as marine dealers, marine stores, dive

shops, marinas, libraries, nautical stores, etc. in turn, can provide their customers with boating safety

literature, information on Courtesy Vessel Safety Checks, and the location of public education courses.

Monthly visitations provide an informative interaction between the USCG Auxiliary, businesses and the

boating public. If you are interested in becoming a Public Visitor representing USCG Auxiliary 3-6,

please contact me for assistance.

Barry Ruchowitz

[email protected]

Dues collection for 2018 has started. Dues are $60. We need your dues before October 1.

Some background: Of the $60, the Flotilla keeps $22, National receives $24, the District receives

$9, and the Division receives $5.

Please bring your dues to the November meeting, or send them to me at:

Mr. B. Ruchowitz FSO-FN

11076 Via Siena

Boynton Beach, FL 33437

Also, if you have changed your mailing address, email address, or phone number, please point it

out. This would be a good time to notify us of the change so that it can be updated in the system.

Todd Greenstein

FSO-CM NO REPORT

Ron Dillman

FSO-PA






Brent Davis

FSO-MS [email protected]

Have you ever been to Gumbo Limbo? Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is on A1A just South of our Coast

Guard Aux Base. It is a really cool place with various events, nature paths and displays. Check it out,

you won’t be disappointed.

Free daily programs:

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding at 12:30

Sea Turtle Talk at 2:00

Much More

Calendar of events and programs: http://www.gumbolimbo.org/Programs-and-Events

Photo by Ben Hicks Fine Art

Gumbo Limdo Nature Center is at: 1801 N Ocean Blvd Boca Raton, FL 33432



Mario Stagliano

FSO-HR

Prospective Member Recruitment – My Contact Information:

The best way to alert me of a prospective member’s interest in our organization is via email:

[email protected]. Alternatively you can call me at 310-251-4366 or hook up with

me at the regular flotilla meeting. I would encourage you to invite the prospective member to a

flotilla meeting.

New Member Intake Procedures:

1. Email and Review the Prospective Information Booklet

2. Complete an application and related documents

3. Take fingerprints

4. Provide proof of citizenship (Birth Certificate, US Passport, Other Certificates)

5. Take the new member exam

6. Take ID Card Picture

7. Collect Dues Check

8. Boating Safety Class (Copy of Certificate)

9. Prepare and Send the New Member Package to Division

Tom Thayer

FSO-DV

Respectfully to all:

You and your shipmates are invited to participate in an online of "Excellence in Diversity

Management" presentation. There are two separate sessions, both covering the same

material. The first is scheduled for Saturday, December 2nd starting at 1500 Eastern Time. Those who

are unable to to participate on Saturday are invited to log into the session scheduled for Thursday,

December 7th beginning at 2000 Eastern Time.

These sessions are designed to ensure that diversity officers, elected leaders and interested are aware of

the Excellence in Diversity Management program as well as the application requirements for the 2017

award.

Please share this information to ensure maximum possible participation in this important training

session. Anyone wishing to attend must register using the link below:

Registration URL: https://attendee. gototraining.com/r/ 2663901556512144129

Log in for both sessions is:

Registration URL: https://attendee. gototraining.com/r/ 2663901556512144129

United States

Long Distance: +1 (510) 365-3331


https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/2663901556512144129

https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/2663901556512144129


Access Code: 372-130-690

Audio PIN: Shown after joining the training

Members who preregister and participate in this event will be credited with participation in a Nation

Ethnic Diversity workshop.

Most respectfully,

COMO Kenneth E. Jacobs

Assistant National Commodore - Diversity (ANACO-DV)

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

860-805-7837 personal cell

FC Mario Stagliano delivered this speech at the Boca Raton

Cemetery on November 11, 2017, Veteran’s Day.

Mayor Haynie, Deputy Mayor Rodgers,

distinguished guests, honored veterans, ladies

and gentlemen. My name is Mario Stagliano,

I’m the Flotilla Commander for United States

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 36 located in

Boca Raton.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian

volunteer arm of the United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary was created by U.S.

Congressional legislation on June 23, 1939. Last

year we marked our 77th year of operations. We

have over 30,000 members throughout the US,

Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin

Islands. Our members are involved in marine

patrols, vessel examinations, boater education,

and many other missions in support of the U.S. Coast Guard. Our charter is to assist the Coast Guard in

all its missions except direct law enforcement.

The United States Coast Guard is made up of approximately 36,000 active duty, and 7,500 reserve men

and women. The service is considered a uniformed branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to its

military missions, it is also chartered with maritime law enforcement, with jurisdiction in both domestic

and international waters.

The Coast Guard carries out three basic roles: Maritime Safety (Search and Rescue), Security (Port,

Vessel and Facility), and Stewardship (Marine Environmental Protection). Two of the most prominent

roles are search and rescue and drug interdiction. I would like to take you on one of those missions

right now.


The date is December 2, 2012. Your name is Petty Officer Terrell Horne. You’re 34 years old, married,

with one child and one on the way. You have been in the Coast Guard for 14 years. You’re assigned to

the Halibut, an 87-foot Marine Protector Class patrol boat, based out of Marina Del Rey, California.

You are the cutter’s XO, second in command.

The patrol area that the Halibut is responsible for includes a chain of offshore islands called the Channel

Islands. One of the larger ones is Santa Cruz, which is about 65 miles from home port.

An air unit has spotted suspicious activity. A small boat is operating at night with no lights. You and

the crew of the cutter head out to investigate. Upon arriving at Santa Cruz, the skipper orders the small

interdiction boat launched.

No sooner have you begun the search when a shape appears low to the water. You suspect that it’s the

boat you’re looking for, no lights, acting suspiciously. You give the command to “Heave to and prepare

to be boarded.” The suspicious boat does not acknowledge your hail. In fact, it turns toward you and

accelerates. Very quickly it becomes clear that they intend to ram you. You take evasive action and fire

warning shots. They keep coming.

They plow into your boat, throwing you and your shipmate into the water. You push your shipmate out

of harm’s way. You take the brunt of the collision with a blow to your head. You are badly injured.

Due to your quick thinking, your shipmate suffered only minor injuries.

The crew from the Halibut recover you from the water, administer first aid, and get you back to a

hospital on shore.

Pause………

Your memorial funeral is held on a sunny day in December at the Coast Guard Base Los Angeles –

Long Beach in San Pedro, California. The Secretary of Homeland Security is there, as well as the Coast

Guard Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. There are over 1,000 men and

women gathered from the Coast Guard, federal, state, and local law enforcement and a contingency from

the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The Coast Guard Cutters Blacktip and Narwhal patrol the nearby channel for the duration of the

ceremony.

The words of Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, echo throughout your ceremony…”

But in our time of grief, let us also take comfort in knowing that Senior Chief Horne devoted his life

serving the most noble of causes: the protection of our nation; the defense of our freedoms and the

rescue of those in distress”.

The Commanding Officer of the Halibut speaks highly of you, praising your devotion to duty and your

unfailing support and encouragement of your crew.

Taps is played. You’re given a 21-gun salute. A fly-over by helicopters and fixed wing craft honors your

service.

Your memorial flag is crisply folded and presented to your wife.


Has your Auxiliary member ID

card expired?

Once a year, check the expiration date on your member ID card. The card is valid for 5

years. When it’s time to get a new card, you initiate the process. If it’s within a few

months of expiration, or has already expired:

1. Tell the FC or VFC that you need a renewed ID card. They can help you get

started.

2. Have your picture taken in the office (red background, uniform shirt). Zoom in

so only your head with the red background is showing.

3. In an email, send the picture to the FC. Also provide the current information on

the back of your card: Height (inches), weight, eye color, hair color, blood type,

date of birth, and ID number.

The FC will submit your photo and information into the system. In a few weeks, the new card will be

sent to the FC, who will have it at meetings. Bring your old card to swap out for the new card.

Note: If you present an expired card at the gate of a military base, you will not be allowed entry and

your card might even be confiscated.

Here are some useful local boating websites:

Port Everglades: http://www.PortEvergladesWebcam.com

Boca Raton Inlet: http://www.pbcgov.com/webcams/bocainlet/

Boca Raton South Beach Park: http://evsboca.netfirms.com/

Lake Boca Webcam: http://lakebocacam.com/

Delray Beach: http://delraybeachwebcam.com/

Jupiter Inlet: http://www.evsjupiter.com/main.htm

Lake Worth or Palm Beach Inlet: http://www.pbcgov.com/webcams/lwi/

Boynton Beach or South Lake Worth Inlet: http://www.pbcgov.com/webcams/slwi/

Florida Intracoastal Waterway Bridge Guide

http://www.hisc.org/Cruising/FloridaAtlIntracostalWaterwayMovableBridgeGuide.pdf

Hillsboro Inlet Tides

http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Hillsboro+Inlet,+Coast+Guard+Light+Station+Flor

ida

Hillsboro Inlet Tides (and other stuff)

http://www.windfinder.com/tide/Hillsboro_Inlet_Coast_Guard_Light_Station_Florida

http://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/

http://www.pbcgov.com/webcams/bocainlet/

http://evsboca.netfirms.com/

http://lakebocacam.com/

http://delraybeachwebcam.com/

http://www.evsjupiter.com/main.htm

http://www.pbcgov.com/webcams/lwi/

http://www.pbcgov.com/webcams/slwi/

http://www.hisc.org/Cruising/FloridaAtlIntracostalWaterwayMovableBridgeGuide.pdf

http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Hillsboro+Inlet,+Coast+Guard+Light+Station+Florida

http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Hillsboro+Inlet,+Coast+Guard+Light+Station+Florida

http://www.windfinder.com/tide/Hillsboro_Inlet_Coast_Guard_Light_Station_Florida


Important Web Sites: http://www.cgauxboca.org/ Flotilla 36 Log, roster, flotilla info - USCGAUX Home USCG.org

http://home.auxidept.org/ National Info. What’s New Page, USCG Seventh District , AUXINFO Division 3 Flotilla 6

http://www.cgaux7.org/index7.htm?page=members USCG Seventh District /Diraux.org

http://d7diraux.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=d7diraux/d7gw.htm Gateway Membership ID cards, Member Training Guide, Introduction to training available, Member Training

Qualification Guide, All Courses, Division 3 Training Guide, Training in Division 3, Division 3 Member

Training Guide, Training in Division 3, New Member Training power point presentation, History of USCG,

Auxiliary New Member Course Student Study Guide -1.pdf 06,

CALLING ALL BOATS!!!

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again and the holidays are literally around the corner. The

City’s 41st Annual Holiday Boat Parade is Saturday, December 16, 2017. If you or someone you know

has a vessel (from yachts to kayaks are welcome), please submit your application. You can go to the city

website and download it. It’s FREE to enter with no deadline. Cash prizes are given to the top vessels

in various categories. All Captains are invited to attend an elegant awards banquet in January at the

Waterstone Resort & Marina. A required attendance Captain’s meeting will be held Tuesday, December

12, 2017, at 6:00 pm at the Boca Raton Community Center (behind City Hall, 150 Crawford Blvd).

Please contact: Tom Thayer 561-997-2112

Again, thank YOU – we couldn’t have a parade without you.

We look forward to seeing everyone, and Happy (early) Holidays!

http://www.cgauxboca.org/

http://home.auxidept.org/

http://www.cgaux7.org/index7.htm?page=members

http://d7diraux.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=d7diraux/d7gw.htm


DON’T FORGET…. 2017 Flotilla 36 Holiday Toy Drive

Make a child smile this holiday season! Please bring toy donations to the base at the December 2 meeting, or by Saturday, Dec. 9. Toys will go to the Achievement Centers for Children & Families (formerly known as the Community Child Care Center) of Delray Beach, which serves over 700 low-income children in south Palm Beach County. Toys should be unwrapped and appropriate for pre-school or elementary school age. Suggestions: Board games, educational and pre-school toys, children’s books. Lightly used toys are fine, too. Contact Andrea Rutherfoord if you have questions.


Hot Dog Fellowship Event: November 15, 2017


At the November Meeting:

FC Mario Stagliano (at podium) nd VFC Michael Byer (seated at table) greet members, guests, and

newly elected Division Commander, Marvin Merritt (standing on left).


And the Awards go to….

Robert Tingley received his Vessel Examiner certification, presented by VFC Michael Byer, FC Mario

Stagliano, and Division Commander Marvin Merritt

Mario Marino received an Auxiliary Performance Award for Vessel Exams.


Auxiliary Service Awards, representing 750 logged hours, were presented to Herman Feldman (3

rd

award), Michael Byer (4th

award), and Liliane Meghabghab (8th

award).

Marsha and Mario Marino received their five-year Auxiliary Membership Service Awards


STATION FT. LAUDERDALE

SENDS VESSELS OUT OF

AOR FOR HURRICANE

IRMA By Andrea Rutherfoord, ADSO-PA East and BM3 Jordan Fortin. Photos by BM3 Fortin.

Editor’s Note: This article is reprinted from the October issue of The

Voice, published by Division 3.

Everyone living in Florida on Sept 9-11, 2017, experienced

Hurricane Irma’s destruction. Seldom has a hurricane affected the

totality of Florida as Irma did, and everyone prepared and most had

major clean-up for the next several weeks.

Station Ft. Lauderdale was part of that action. While we civilians

bunkered down, and then focused on our personal recovery, the

Coast Guard had to protect its assets, both personnel and vessels.

With a predicted Category 5 hurricane barreling our way, Station Ft.

Lauderdale prepared to evacuate its two 45’ jet-drive vessels to keep

them out of the brunt of the storm, while boat crews remained to

man the station with the trailer-able 33’ foot response boats. The

unit maintained alert search and rescue status, even running a SAR

case up to the night before the storm, before finally pulling the 33’

out of the water as the winds began to exceed the operational

limitations.

BM3 Jordan Fortin, part of the evacuation crew, narrated this story.

BM1 Joe Obert from Station Ft. Lauderdale was the senior coxswain

of the exercise, communicating with Sector Miami and later Sector St. Petersburg. His leadership was

invaluable to all the crews.

The adventure began on Thursday, Sept. 7, when the decision was made by Sector Miami to send both

45’s to St. Petersburg, crewed by 4-person teams. As the vessels got underway and headed north, they

were joined by two 45’s from Station Miami Beach, and later by two 45’s from Station Lake Worth

Inlet, one 45 from Lake Worth, and another 45 from Ft. Pierce. They proceeded in a straight line to the

Port St. Lucie inlet, where they turned west toward Lake Okeechobee and the locks, dodging debris and

half-submerged objects in the water.


As the six-vessel flotilla approached the locks,

they saw ahead about 40 large vessels waiting to

pass through.

Given the nod to proceed ahead of the other

traffic, all six vessels went through the locks

together, ending up at Station Ft. Myers Beach,

traveling nonstop in dark, unfamiliar waters. The

channels were narrow and unmarked, and even

the chart-plotter at one point showed the vessels

traveling on land! They had to proceed slowly with searchlights and paper charts, using traditional and

reliable navigational skills that the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary still teach for situations exactly like

this. They finally reached Station Ft. Myers Beach at about 2300, where all hands were on the dock to

assist the crews in docking and securing the vessels.

The 24 personnel then had to find hotel rooms in a city shut down for the hurricane. The one motel that

was available was appreciated, but not anything they’d have chosen – they heard visiting critters in the

walls, probably also seeing refuge from the impending storm.

Friday morning, rested and fueled up, the crews and vessels departed at 0800. About 5 hours later, they

passed under the Skyway Bridge into the Port of St. Petersburg, mooring at the Harborage Marina.

Unfortunately, the vessels were moored in spots all over in the marina and no fuel was available. The

crews secured their vessels using every line and fender. That day, six more USCG 45’s joined them, two

each from Stations Key West, Islamorada, and Ft. Myers Beach, all part of the same evacuation

exercise.

After the vessels were secured as well as possible, a government vehicle arrived to bring the crews and

all their gear to a hotel, which was also straining to prepare for the hurricane. The restaurant was open,

but had very limited “buffets” of spaghetti and red sauce every day for the next few days. Crewmembers

had to rotate a live watch on the armed weapons and check the vessels twice a day. Other than that, they

hung out in the lobby waiting for Irma to pass. They remained at the hotel Saturday night, when the

winds picked up, and Sunday night, when the winds and storm surge were at their worst. On Monday

morning, they assessed conditions and decided it was still too stormy, so they stayed one more night.

Two vessels needed minor repairs, which were completed by the crews. That night, they were so

desperate for a change in the menu that a few guys hiked about three miles to the closest open restaurant,

a Domino’s Pizza, and waited in line for over an hour and a half. The restaurant was cranking out cheese

and peperoni pizzas as fast as it could.

On Tuesday, the decision was made to head for home the next day. Sector St. Petersburg arranged for a

fuel truck to arrive with enough gas for all the USCG vessels, and more restaurants were opening,

meaning more options for meals. Everyone was anxious for the return trip.

On Wednesday, the crews mustered at noon. The decision

had been made to return home the same way they had

come, so the six vessels headed south to Ft. Myers. On

arriving at the station, they found almost everything was

destroyed and no motels were available. Just before trying

to bunk in the boats, the crews received word that a fire

station had cots and room for all personnel to spend the


night. The fire fighters had made them a big spaghetti dinner, but this time it had meatballs! It was a

festive night for the coasties.

The big push for home came on Thursday starting at 0430. Many people back at the station had spent

time calling ahead to ensure the locks were working, and all had responded except the very first one.

When the vessels approached the first swing bridge, it wouldn’t open – no power. After several failed

attempts to fix it manually or and locate a generator, FPL was called to make the bridge a priority and

power was restored three hours later. When the bridge finally opened, the crews cheered, yelled, and

honked their horns – they were again on their way.

The rest of the locks worked fine, but now the vessels began sucking in debris. The jet-driven engines

had to be back-flushed to unclog the drives. Often. About every ten minutes! This delay didn’t dampen

spirits. They wanted to get home that night. One very bright spot late in the day was a driver from

Station Ft. Pierce who met them at a lock and hand-delivered pizzas to all the vessels! The famished

crews had not eaten since early that morning. Now underway for over ten hours, past the fatigue limit,

they were issued a waiver to continue to fifteen hours.

Just as the sun was setting, they reached the St. Lucie Inlet, and the Ft. Pierce vessel turned north. Soon

after that the Lake Worth vessel entered its own inlet, while the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale vessels

continued south for another long ride in the open sea. As they neared the fifteen-hour mark, they

requested another waiver. They were close enough to home that they didn’t want to stop for the night.

The waiver was granted with the condition that the station send an escort to guide them back to the

station.

It was a welcome site just at the north of their AOR (Boca Raton) to see their 33’ escort with the same

crew that had remained at the station through the duration of the storm and kept watch, while anxiously

awaiting the return of their shipmates. Still back-flushing frequently, they progressed south, but at the

Port Everglades Inlet, one of the Miami boats ran out of gas – it was adrift. The other Miami boat took it

in tow, and by 2300, all vessels made it safely to the station’s docks. All hands, including the CO, were

at the dock, ready to assist and secure the vessels and send the crewmembers home for the night. The

two Miami boats spent the night at the station, but a driver from Miami arrived to bring their crews

home.

Congratulations to all the crews and other personnel who helped this adventurous, week-long mission,

with its countless challenges, conclude safely!

And we give recognition, too, to the Auxiliarists who responded with ATON verification, ensuring the

safe navigation for all mariners in the ICW within days after Irma. It was a big relief that the station, its

personnel, and assets, as well as most Floridians were spared severe damage from Irma. And two weeks

later after Hurricane Maria, we witnessed the generous outpouring of Auxiliarists’ support for Coast

Guard dependents from Puerto Rico, another shining example of team Coast Guard.


DECEMBER 2017


JANUARY 2018


The LOG is published monthly by:

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 36

Marine Safety Building

3939 North Ocean Blvd

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Phone: 561-391-3600

Email: [email protected]

Flotilla Meetings are held on the First Thursday of each month at 7:30PM

The Marine Safety building is immediately

south of Spanish River Blvd on A1A.

Copyright 2009: Flotilla Six, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Duplication and reproduction permitted by and

for Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary members without permission.


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