Big VE Event this Saturday on Watts Bar Lake

Attention all Div 16 VEs! On Saturday, 25 JUL we will be holding a VE blitz at the Spring City Marina on Watts Bar Lake begining at 0800. For our new Vessel Examiners this will be an excellent opportunity to do your 5 VEs. Even if your not a VE you're welcome to join us and help out passing out boating safety literature. It's easy to get to Spring City by either of two ways. Take I-75 to the Sweetwater exit, turn left, cross Watts Bar Dam on Hwy 68, and then turn right or take Hwy 27 north thru Dayton and on to Spring City. If you would like to car pool or need more information, contact Rudy Achata SO-VE, 614-7866 or cell, 284-9504.

Click map to enlarge

COMO Walter Cronkite

It's sad to hear of the news that honorary National Commodore Walter Cronkite has died. He was an avid sailor and a member of the Auxiliary which presented him his honorary title in 1977.

Coast Guard Magazine

For those of you who don't subscribe to the Coast Guard Magazine you're missing out on a first class publication. The articles are very information as to what is going on in the Coast Guard world and the beauty of the photography is outstanding. Take a look at the on-line edition and you can read up on "Social Media" (facebook, twitter, and yes, even this blog) and learn how it will impact Team Coast Guard now and in the future.

Here is an excerpt from the current issue quoting Commandant Thad Allen on Social Media:

"It is critically important that the senior leaders of the Coast Guard understand what technology is doing today, how it is changing, and how we must change with it," said Allen. "Social Media takes out the middle man and lets interested parties communicate nearly directly with one another."

Go to: http://www.uscg.mil/mag/

Great Day for Training

Eight members of Division 16 did a training patrol Saturday morning at Harrison Bay State Park.

The patrol was to practice tows and other crew related tasks for several members, some to re-certify and others going for their certification for the first time. Rudy Achata even showed up to do VEs at the marina dock while the rest of us went through our pre-patrol briefing. It was a beautiful day to be on the water.

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Greg Defriese SO-PA working on his coxswain certification.

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The photographer finds a way to get his picture on the blog thanks to some help from Tiffany's sunglasses!

Coast Guard Monopoly

I didn't even know there was such a thing as "Coast Guard Monopoly" until I saw it at the Exchange on the Charleston CG base. Yes, it even has a square for the Auxiliary!

(click photo to enlarge)

Two New Patrols in July 2009

I received a call from Rebecca Thomas of the "VOL State Rescue Squad regarding two new events in our AOR in July. The Rescue Squad is asking for Coast Guard Auxiliary on-water support for these events. The first is Sunday, 12 July, for a Triathelon at Ross Landing beginning at 0700 through approximately 1130. We have supported this type of event before but always on the upstream side of the dam. The second event is on Saturday, 18 July, on Possum Creek. This will involve several private boats pulling handicaped kids on wakeboards, skis, etc. giving them a chance to enjoy watersports. The tows will begin at the Lutheran Camp and extend into the main part of Possum Creek both up and downstream. They ask that we keep boat traffic away from them and wakes down; our normal traffic control. I don't have a schedule for this event at this time but will get it soon. These are very worthwhile events and will be repeated, if successful, in future years.

I will be asking for a minimum of two boats and crews for each of these events and, of course, patrol orders will be generated.

Ray veldman, SO-OP

Tall Ships in Charleston SC

Now while I wouldn't normally post my vacation details on the Division blog, this trip involved so much Coast Guard and Auxiliary exposure that I felt I'd share a few thoughts and photos. Think of it as a glimpse into what our fellow Auxiliarists are doing in other places.

We traveled to Charleston SC to see the Tall Ships on display at Charleston' s Harbor Fest, 26-29 JUN 2009. Besides helping the Coast Guard maintain a 50 ft security zone around the Tall Ships, members of Div 12, 7th District, also helped clear the center of the harbor several times for the airshows overhead. Alan Miles, VFC 12-8, spent his time on deck of the USCGC Eagle showing the guests his knot tying skills in the sweltering heat and humidity. The local CG base had the 87 ft cutter, Yellowfin, 75 ft Construction Tender, Anvil, (which looks a lot like our own cutter, Ouachita, although it's 10 ft longer), and 3 or 4 SAFE boats. The numerous, well manned auxiliary facilities had the area well covered.

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Note the Key West patrol facility.

What an outstanding choice for an Auxiliary vessel!

(yes, it is the same as my boat . . . )

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One interesting plus was on Saturday morning when we went to see the Civil War submarine, Hunley, currently undergoing restoration in North Charleston. The Cutter Eagle was holding a Change of Command ceremony that day and the commander of the Charleston CG base had brought Rear Admiral Steve Branham of the 7th Coast Guard District to see the museum and we got to take the tour together with them. It was a great week with Coast Guard everywhere around!

Click on any photo for a larger view