THE SCUTTLEBUTT

June 2010 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Scuttlebutt Flotilla 12-8, 7th District Charleston, South Carolina Vol. Vol.35, 36,No. No.3-March 6-June 2010 2009
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Flotilla Web Site: http://www.uscgauxcharleston.org

Commanders Corner
Alan Miles, FC 12-8
Welcome to the June issue of The Scuttlebutt. It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the year already! I have a lot to report on. I am excited to announce that we have three new members in the flotilla. Welcome to Steve Jacobs, Steve Little, and Gary McCullough. We also have a returning member, Kelly Duncan. She transferred to California and has recently returned to 12-8. Please join me in welcoming them and helping them as they start their qualifications and training. Staff officers will soon receive updated call lists. There are some new changes to the Flotilla Staff. At the requests of staff members wanting to gain experience in other areas and diversify, I have made the following changes: Paul Berka has relieved Chris Heironimus as the FSO-VE. Rick Miller has relieved Paul Berka as FSO-PV. Additionally, Barbara Thibodeaux has relieved Tom Rigsby as FSO-PA. The changes will bring renewed efforts to several key vital areas. There has also been an additional change. Because of a change at the Division level in the SO-IS department, area flotillas had been requested to assume some of the Division IS duties. Bob Mathewes stepped
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Vice Commander
Richard Daniel, VFC 12-8
June is upon us. It is the middle of the year but more importantly the beginning of the tidal wave of summer boating activity. The staff officers have their programs up and running and ready to Inside provide all the services FC ............. 1 the Boating Public and Coast VFC .......... 1 Guard may require. The programs CM ........... 7 are in place but are you? Your CS ............. 6 presence at our membership meet- FN ............. 5 ings is greatly needed. Your ac- HR ............ 6 tive participation in any of a large IS .............. 2 group of activities serving the MA ........... 8 boating public and Coast Guard is MS ............ 5 critical. Dont watch from your NS ............. 8 window, join us underway with MT............ 2 OP ............ 7 your service. PA ............. 7 Operations has a very PB ............. 5 heavy demand on it no matter PE ............. 6 summer or not. Joe Fleming oper- PV ............. 8 ates a year long program with pa- SR ............. 3 trols. It takes being underway for VE ............ 7 at least 12 hours in order to main- Calendar... 9 tain your status. That is the mini- Trivia........ 8 mum, Operations needs you much more often than 12 hours. Why not shoot for one patrol a month at least? Please contact the staff officer in charge of the area you may be interested in.
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Confidentiality Notice: Telephone numbers and addresses of members are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. As a matter of policy, rosters of names, addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the general public or any outside organization. Privacy of all rosters shall be safeguarded and the page clearly labeled. The publication of these rosters, addresses, and telephone numbers on any computer on-line service including the Internet is prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974. The Auxiliary is guided by the current equal opportunities policies of the Commandant of the Coast Guard. No Person shall be subject to

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Member Training
Bob Mathewes, SO-MT
he AUXACN (formerly AUXNAV) class started on 17 May with thirteen students representing three flotillas. I owe a great deal of thanks to John Sikes for consenting to co-instruct. From our own flotilla we have Chuck Chirila, Dan Cowley, Chris Heironimus, Tom Jerussi, Frederick Schultz and Cadet Michael Cardwell from the Citadel Detachment. Flotilla 12-6 is represented by Ron Foreman, Daniel Nastase and James Valenzia. From Edisto we have James and Karen Andrews and Be Moore. That gives us thirteen adventuresome souls willing to take on this long and difficult course. We have now completed OPS, IT, VE and RBS workshops. We will finish up with the Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop on 23 June. Bob Mathewes, SO-MT

7029 is a challenge since it still isnt available in an e-form. I had requested earlier that you only send the first page of the 7029. I would like to change that and ask that you send the worksheet also. That makes it easier to determine if it is accurate as to which of the five categories the hours fit. I would also like to add that it would help greatly if, in the remarks section of the 7038 (report of vessel examinations) you would insert the date of the exams, the location and an approximate starting time. The is no place on the form for this information. Bob Mathewes, FSO-IS Common sense prevails! With changes in the division staff, Bob Mathewes took on the assignment for Division of entering Flotilla 12-8's forms and data. That left the membership sending me the forms, which in turn, I sent to Bob. Redundant, as the British would say. As a result, FC Miles, eliminated my part of the problem correctly. At the pleasure of FC Miles, I will continue as FSO-FN and stand ready to serve in any other capacity as he sees fit. Thank you all for patiently enduring my term as FSO-IS as I learned some of the techniques and pitfalls of making certain you received credit in the "system" for the work you did in supporting the USCG. It was a pleasure to serve you.
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Information Services
Bob Mathewes, FSO-IS
or the benefit of those who havent heard, Don Davis has resigned as SO-IS. He has been replaced by Sue Hastings of Flotilla 12-10, in Georgetown, who is the DSO-IS. Since I have been doing the input for 12-8 since October and am now also doing it for 1212, Frank thought that it made mere sense for me to take the FSO-IS position to eliminate a duplication of effort. (See Franks farewell message as FSO-IS below) Although we started a little slowly it seems that you are making more effort to get your forms in. I understand that the new

They are ready and waiting for your contact and service. See you at the monthly membership meetings Richard Daniel, VFC Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop on 23 June at the Brass Buckle beginning at 1900.

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Secretary Records
FSO-SR
Flotilla 12-8 Membership Minutes 12 May 2010 The meeting was called to order at 19:00 by FC Alan Miles and commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Alan Miles, Richard Daniel, Tom Beauchemin, Marguerite Bishop, Henry Wolf, Tom Jerussi, Chris Heironimus, Chuck Chirila, Dan Cowley, Paul Berka, Eric Kilpatrick, James Byrd, Bob Mathewes, Agnes Wright and Frederick Schultz. Visitors: James Byrd and Russell FC Miles informed the group that the Tugboat Captain scheduled to give a presentation had to cancel at the last minute due to unexpected business events. Alan noted he and the Captain would re-schedule, possibly in July. FC Miles noted we would have a guest speaker from NOAA to discuss maps and charts at the June flotilla meeting. FC Miles updated the flotilla concerning the Calling Tree and Disaster Plan for 12-8. It was noted that when the Gold Side activated a test of the Calling Tree it did not flow as smoothly as it could have. Most of the primary contacts were out of town and/or range so it could not get the response designed this time around. FC Miles noted that everyone should keep copies of their contacts with them at home and/or work so they could better contact their assigned members. FC Miles noted that Sector informed him that 12-8, while not affected by the Gulf Oil Spill right now, might at some time be needed in our AOR to help with any spill that might work its way around to our shoreline. FC Miles read a letter of special thanks from Captain McAlister to all those personnel that participated in the Blue Angle operation. He

noted there were over 2,000 boats viewing the event and that everyone did a great job maintaining control and safety. Also noted by our FC was a thank you note from Shipmate of the Quarter, Laurence Clark, thanking the Flotilla for the award letter and check. It was greatly appreciated. FC Alan Miles conducted a needed presentation on how to fill out the new 7029 forms. Alan also noted that our 7029 hours turned in have been steadily climbing. Also noted there members need to be more attentive to detail when executing the forms. VFC Daniel called for Staff Reports: Eric Kilpatrick, FSO Aviation noted the details were continuing to be worked on to get a flotilla aircraft operational and that he expected efforts to continue to move things forward. The Citadel Detachment had no report. The Cadets are off for the summer. Dean Creed-FSO Communications sent a report stating a desire to have a radio net test for 26 May but due to discussion at the meeting it was determined it was in conflict with a scheduled workshop so another date would be forthcoming. Information Services- No report Marine Safety-No report Tom Beauchemin FSO Materials reported a good supply of some Aids to Navigation pamphlets have arrived and he is expectant of the upcoming AuxNav course study manuals to arrive very shortly. Bob Mathewes FSO MT as well as FSO-PB noted the upcoming AuxNav course was scheduled each Monday evening at the Brass
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Buckle with a good number of interested students. Also noted there were students from the other flotillas also planning to take part. He also noted that, for the first time this year, we missed having 100% submission f articles for The Scuttlebutt. He emphasized that we need to get articles in as part of our duty as Staff Officers. Joe Fleming FSO Operations and navigational Services noted things are moving OK in operations with two candidates for crew still interested in continuing their training from 2009. Any one else should contact Joe Fleming or Richard Daniel Navigation Patrols would be forthcoming as time advances with the summer weather. Paul Berka FSO Vessel Examiner noted there have been two separate public vessel exam events with more to follow. Human Relations- No report. Public Affairs- No report with the Staff position open at this time. Chuck Chirila FSO Public Education reported the BS&S course has started with materials in hand. He noted that the turnout for the course was less than the expected 18 students so he would email them again to remind them of the class. He encouraged new members to take this very worthwhile course while it is being offered. It may not be offered again until late fall. Marine Visitor- No report Marguerite Bishop Chairperson for both the Historical and Social Committee reported she has been writing articles of our history in Flotilla 12-8 and has contacted some of our older members concerning writing articles of their recall. Marguerite noted a social hot dog feast imme-

diately after the meeting for everyone to take part and enjoy some much-needed fellowship. VFC Daniel tuned the meeting back over to FC Alan Miles. The FC noted a letter from the commander of Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen. Adm. Allen sent a powerful letter of commendation to all the members along with a ribbon for their overall support of the Coast Guard. FC Miles presented awards to Chuck Chirila for completing the Administration Procedure Course, Partner Visitor Course as well as the Instructor Course. FC Alan Miles also presented to Chris Heironimus a certificate for completing the Instructor Course. Also presented by FC Miles to Daniel Cowley was the Auxiliary Sustained Service Award. FC Miles presented Bob Mathewes the certificate for the award of the Marine Safety Ribbon. Old Business: None presented New Business: Chuck Chirila, FSO PE, presented a request by an outside Kayak club asking for a speaker for one of their events. The offer was discussed by membership and agreed that this could be a good opportunity to promote boating safety such as life jackets, boating courses and the Auxiliary. Chuck will follow up with the Kayak club to accept their request. Motion was offered to adjourn and was seconded. The meeting was adjourned around 2030 with the next monthly meeting scheduled on 9 June 2010. Respectfully submitted; Richard Daniel

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forward to take on the additional duties. Since he had taken on that role, it made little sense for our members to submit their reports to both Frank Leister and Bob Mathewes at the same time. So Bob Mathewes has assumed the role as FSO-IS and Frank Leister will continue as FSO-FN . Because of these changes we have an opening for the Secretarys position. I am looking for someone to step forward to help run and manage the flotilla. If you want to gain more experience and be part of the management team, please contact me. If you applied for the position in the past and are still interested, please let me know. I encourage all members to continue to check the flotillas web site for new features, information and calendar. We have some exciting guest speakers at the June, July and August meetings. In June, we will have a manager from NOAA to present us an update of what NOAA has been up to and with cartography. July brings us a Tugboat Captain with a great presentation. August we will have a medical doctor or corpsman visit with some training on heat related illness. This will be just in time for the Dog Days of summer. As we enter the Hurricane Season of 2010, its possible that we will have an active season. Our call lists and call trees are vital to the mission. If the phone tree is activated please check in and report your status ASAP. Staff officers should keep a copy of the call lists with them at all times. This includes home, work, and auto. Updated lists will be distributed soon. Please keep in mind that we can be called upon for hurricane response not just in our area, but also any natural or man made disaster locally or in neighboring areas as well. When completed, our Emergency Response Plan will be posted under the Members Section of the web site. All members should review it often. Semper Paratus Alan J.P. Miles, FC

Publications
Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

C S

ongratulations to the officers of Flotilla 12-8 for, once again, being 100% in the submission of articles for The Scuttlebutt. In the first six months of year we have only missed one article. Bravo Zulu, gang! Keep up the good work. Without your input this publication would not exist. Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

Marine Safety
Bob Orenstein, FSO-MS
ince Jane and I have been on vacation in France and the UK during the month of May, I have not been in contact with the MER unit. I would seem that our MER friends are probably rather busy on the Louisiana Gulf Coast at the present time. If any information arises in the next few days I will, most certainly, pass it along to you. Bob Orenstein, FSO-MS

Finance
Frank Leister, FSO-FN

he only change in the flotilla's financial status last month was a deposit of the dues from three new members. That's it. As the boating season ramps up and as the various projects initiated by the flotilla's leadership mature, I expect more to write about in the coming months. For now, our financial profile is properly boring. Frank Leister, FSO-FN Have you done your 7029 for May. If not, why not?

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Communication Services John Sikes, FSO-CS

m going to briefly change hats this month and tell you something that almost no one in the maritime industry understands. That includes mariners, executives, managers, insurers, dock workers, for certain fisherman, and even many (most) rescue professionals: It is impossible to die from hypothermia in cold water unless you are wearing flotation. Despite the research, the experience, and all the data, we still hear experts touting as wisdom completely false information about cold water and what happens to people who get in it. With another season of really cold water approaching, I feel compelled to get these points across in a way that will change the way mariners behave out there on (or near) the water. For a better understanding of cold water immersion and its consequences, check out our flotillas website at www.uscgauxcharleston.org and click on Public Section, then Cold Water Boating. Theres an article and a ten minute video produced at Cold Water Boot Camp in Canada that is a real eye opener. There are also several links on the Cold Water Boot Camp web site that provide more information. John Sikes, FSO-CS

Public Education
Chuck Chirila, FSO-PE
ell, the idea of having to attend thirteen two hour sessions of boating skills and seamanship must have scared several prospective students off. The Boating Skills & Seamanship course started out with 4 individuals. Since then two more have joined the class. And now there are 3 more individuals wishing to attend. Theyll be three weeks behind with lots of reading to do and certainly have missed the personal experiences, advice, wisdom as well as the humor of the previous Instructors. All but two classes have Instructor coverage volunteered. The two classes not spoken for are Chapter 11, Knots & Lines and Chapter 12 Weather. Both classes are scheduled for July 20 and July 27, respectively. There are a few Instructors who havent committed to instruct. Please reconsider doing so. Safe boating everyone. Chuck Chirila, FSO-PE

Human Resources
Paul Thomas, FSO-PS
e currently have 20 application outstanding, I have processed 3 apps and given them to the Commander who has sent them to division. I am finishing up 4 app and should have them to the FC hopefully this week and have meetings with 3 potential applicants May 26th. I am still playing phone tag with 7 potential members. Thanks for everyones effort to recruit new members and keep those names and numbers coming my way. Paul Thomas, FSO-HR

MCBM William H. Lindsay (L) and SCBM Curtis S. Dewey (R), the outgoing and incoming OIC at Station Charleston. Master Chief is going to a CG Cutter at Woods Hole, MA. Senior Chief comes from Station Georgetown. (photo by Bob Mathewes)

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Communications
Dean Creed, FSO-CM
We will hold our flotillas first Auxiliary Radio Net on VHF-FM on Wednesday, 16 June, 2010 at 1900 hours. If you are one of our flotillas seven currently inspected Radio Facilities, I ask that you please join us. This will be a great opportunity to practice radio communications under the procedures of a radio net. This is something I'd like to do 3+ times this year, probably on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. I encourage those of you who have passed the TCO but have not decided to install a VHF radio in your vehicle (mobile) and/or home (base) to consider doing so. I will be happy to discuss it with you and perform the inspection. It is a quite straightforward process. Please let me know how I can help Dean Creed, FSO-CM

Vessel Examinations
Paul Berka, FSO-VE

D
O

uring this reporting period, we have conducted vessel examinations at the West Ashley Outboard Motor Club, Charleston Air Force Base and the Limehouse boat launch. I would like to thank Bob Mathewes and Eric Kilpatrick for a job well done at Limehouse. All of the vessels examined at Limehouse were their first vessel safety check. I encourage members of the flotilla to become qualified as a VE. As a VE we directly support public boating safety. Paul Berka, FSO-VE

Operations
Joe Fleming, FSO-OP
perations this month have been uneventful. By the time this hits the press Master Chief Lindsay and Chief Andrews will have moved on to new jobs and locations. Both will be missed greatly. BM1 Miller will be taking over for Chief Andrews with issuing orders. The Memorial Day Holiday will begin summer on the water for most boaters. We need to be on the water assisting them with safe boating. I need to hear from ALL of our Coxswains to fill our scheduled patrols. There are 400,000 boaters in South Carolina with the largest percentage in the Charleston area. Budget cuts and personnel cuts in the state and federal government are having an effect on eyes on the water. We have to be sharp and observant of all that goes on out there. Joe Fleming, FSO-OP

Public Affairs
Barbara Thibodeaux,
ep...... she's back! I have no information to pass on to you regarding activity this month. I have been notified that the Tall Ships have been cancelled for this year. If things change I will get the information out right of way. It is usually held it in June. If you have information about upcoming events we need to be included in please let me know. Once again, let me say its an honor to serve as PA for Flotilla 12-8. Better get your work pants on because I will definitely be calling on members for help and advice! Ive always been proud to be affiliated with this flotilla and appreciate the work we do to assist others. You'll be hearing from me! Barbara Thibodeaux, FSO-PA

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Partner Visitor
Rick Miller, FSO-PV

Nautical Trivia
The May question was the date that the C-130 Hercules first spread her wings. The prototype YC-130A first flew on 23 August 1954. The first production model (C-130A) made its initial flight on 7 April 1955. The C-130 holds claim to the longest continuous aircraft production run in history. She has served in many roles for many countries. See her below in Coast Guard colors. She is a mainstay of the Coast Guard Search and Rescue program. There were six people who submitted correct answers. The were Chuck Chirila, Reggie Hollar, Charlie McCarty, Dick McLaren, John Sikes and Agnes Wright. This month we will return to things more nautical. Most of us, in our marlinspike seamanship training, have encountered the knot known both as the sheet bend and the becket bend. It is traditionally used to join two lines of different diameter. The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea gives 4 definitions for a becket. I will accept any of the four. This one may get me in trouble. It is not easy. Hint: A becket is made with rope.

ow that the peak of the boating season is upon us, we need to make an extra push for safe boating practices. One easy way we can promote safe boating is to support the Dealer Visitation program. Please consider qualifying and visiting a couple of outlets a quarter. Whatever you can do, even just one visit will increase our outreach. Please let me know if you are interested in any level of participation. Rick Miller, FSO-PV

Materials
Tom Beauchemin, FSO-MA

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A

e're all busy this time of year with no exception I have had my share. There was a slight mix up with orders placed but the material center came through with flying colors, and we had our materials for the first session of the AUXNAV class. I have been ordering childrens materials without much luck. Several of the items requested are out of stock at present but we will persist. Tom Beauchemin, FSO-MA

Navigational Services
Joe Fleming, FSO-NS
TON patrols are still on hold. The high level of patrols associated with our regular duties and with special assignments like the Clue Angels visit have precluded getting into the realm of NS as yet. Take heart! We will be doing ATON patrols and we will need your assistance. Stay tuned for further developments. Joe Fleming, FSO-NS

Leaving the dock is optional Returning is Mandatory

from www.commanderbob.com

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June 2010
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 6 13 20
Fathers Day

2 9
Flotilla Meeting 1900

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12
New Moon

7 14
Flag Day

8 15 22 29

16 23
Sexual Harassment Workshop

19 26
Full Moon

21
First Day of Summer

27

28

30

Flotilla Officers
Flotilla Commander Alan Miles bigcid@comcast.net Finance Frank Leister fso128-FN@yahoo.com Flotilla Vice Commander Richard Daniel rbdaniel1829@aol.com Human Resources Paul Thomas paul.thomas@sba.gov Communications Dean Creed dbcreed@comcast.net Communication Systems John Sikes jsikes@netrockets.com

Information Services Materials Bob Mathewes Tom Beauchemin rhmathewes@comcast.net tbeauchemin001@sc.rr.com Navigational Services Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net Public Education Chuck Chirila cchirila@sc.rr.com Operations Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net RBS Visitor Rick Miller rick.mllr@gmail.com

Marine Safety Member Training Bob Orenstein Bob Mathewes bandjorenstein@bellsouth.net rhmathewes@comcast.net Public Affairs Publications Barbara Thibodeaux Bob Mathewes barbara.thibodeaux@gmail.com rhmathewes@comcast.net Secretary Records Vacant

Vessel Examination Paul Berka phberka@comcast.net

IPFC Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net