Fellow Guardians,
I want to congratulate all of you who helped make 2010 one of the most  successful Rose Festival events yet.  By and large the feedback has all be very positive. It appears that communications was better than in the past and that everyone was safe and did a great job protecting the warships.

In anticipation of the increased activity, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is sponsoring Operation Dry Water again. This campaign was successful last year in targeting Boating Under the Influence violations on our waterways.

This is something we should all be on the lookout for whether conducting patrols on the water or vessel examinations at the ramp.  More information can be found at http://operationdrywater.org.  

If the influx in boating activity wasn't enough, we're also being called upon to help with Operation Deep Horizon.  As of this writing, the Coast Guard is seeking individuals with Trident certification and/or completion of (ICS-346, ICS-347, ICS-351, and ICS-440).   Anyone interested in assignment to duty in the Gulf with the aforementioned certifications should let me know ASAP.

But wait, there is more. You don't have to be forward deployed in order to make a difference. Sector Portland currently has over 40 personnel reassigned to help with Operation Deep Horizon.   Sector needs individuals right here in Portland who can help contribute time and help backfill some of these vacancies.   Interested individuals should contact ASC Lynn Easton.

Lastly, I will be out of town for the July meeting, so the Flotilla voted to have a party in my absence.
While I'm out supporting the Coast Guard with the Boy Scout National Jamboree Task Force, Jackie Morgan will host a BBQ/Picnic at her home and all Flotilla members are invited to attend.  We'll be putting out additional information regarding the event on the Flotilla web site at www.Flotilla73.org.

Until next time, stay safe and have a fantastic summer!

The following news release was issued for the Naval Protection Zone on the Willamette River.  Flotilla 73 and Division 7 have been tasked with enforcing the zone.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Coast Guard will enforce and maintain a controlled access area on the Willamette River while Navy and Coast Guard vessels are tied up at the seawall between the Steel and Morrison Bridges beginning 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 3, until 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 7.

Boaters who need to pass through the controlled access area must contact the Coast Guard security escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16.

Commercial vessels have made special transit arrangements with the Captain of the Port, Portland, prior to this year’s Fleet Week.

All boaters, kayakers, personal watercraft operators and canoeists are asked to avoid the security zone altogether.  However, if a boater does need to transit the controlled access are, they may experience a waiting period.

• No firearms permitted inside the controlled access area.
• Boaters wishing to transit the controlled access area are required to wait in pre-identified staging areas for official patrol escorts.
• Staging areas are located on the east side of the river just north of the Steel Bridge and just south of the Morrison Bridge
• Delays are expected and vessels may be boarded before being escorted through the controlled access area.  Please plan accordingly.
• While transiting the controlled access area, all vessels shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort.
• Vessels will follow the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort in a single file line and must stay to the east bank of the river.  Do not break away from the escort line.

Violations of a controlled access area may result in a penalty action under the provision of 33 USC 1231 (maximum fine of $37,500).

Additional information about Fleet Week and Rose Fest can be found at:

First, I want to provide you with the background which informs my four principles.  During the past nine years, we have heroically responded to the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks, hurricanes Katrina and Rita and a devastating
earthquake in Haiti, and we are currently responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  We also continued to carry out our many and ever-expanding duties.  This high op-tempo put our service in the public light like never before.  It also provided some important lessons learned. We realized we needed to become more efficient, improve our mission support
delivery infrastructure and recapitalize our aging assets.  These spawned initiatives such as the sector concept, modernization, and undertaking the largest acquisition projects we have ever attempted.  While these were unquestionably the right initiatives to make the Coast Guard more capable, more efficient and stronger, they also produced a lot of organizational change.  Looking forward, I see a need to bring the sector and modernization initiatives to closure, so that our people at every level of the chain of command can refocus on their missions.  My desired end state is to put in place an organization that everyone understands.  Our people need to know who they work for, what their authorities are and who to call to get the tools they need to get their job done.

My guiding principles defined:

Steady the Service - I am committed to focusing on our core roles and missions as defined in Pub One.  To reduce stress on our Service and maintain the highest level of readiness we must emphasize our statutory missions, finish organizational realignment and prioritize demands for our services within the budget.  We must continue to pursue replacement assets for the future.  We must return to a sustainable state.

Honor our Profession - I am committed to professional service by demonstrating the highest competence in execution and support of our varied missions.  At all times, we are a military organization guided by responsibility, authority and accountability.  Mission excellence is our north star.  Honoring our Profession requires inspired leadership to develop
knowledge, skills, pride and experience, in a nurturing environment, built from a foundation of clear doctrine and training.  I will not ask you to do more than our resources allow, but we must do our absolute best with what we
have.

Strengthen our Partnerships - I am committed to partnerships.  They are a force multiplier.  As demand for our Service continues to expand, and the threats in the maritime environment increase in complexity, a unilateral approach will not be the best or the most efficient means to achieve mission success.  We can be more effective and provide greater value to our country when we forge partnerships with local, state, federal, tribal and international agencies.  For the same reasons, strengthening appropriate relationships with private industry is imperative.  Ultimately, strong partnerships are critical to enhancing our capability, effectiveness and credibility in the maritime domain.

Respect our Shipmates - I am committed to a climate of care and concern for Shipmates, active, reserve, civilian, auxiliary, families, and retirees, on a daily basis.  Our people are the Coast Guard's greatest asset and our ability to perform our mission ultimately depends on your health, vibrancy, training and capabilities.  We must provide the best in human resource management, administrative support, wellness programs and professional development, while maintaining a safe, collaborative and productive work environment.  Our Service must also draw strength from the diversity of our Nation.  I want the Coast Guard to be recognized as the profession of choice for Americans of all backgrounds.

Your daily hard work and dedication ensures that our Nation's waters are safe and secure.  My principles are intended to enable and sustain these efforts.

Semper Paratus,

ADM Bob Papp, Commandant

Serving with me on this watch are Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara, Vice Commandant, Master Chief Michael Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard and Master Chief Mark Allen, Master Chief Petty Officer of Reserve Forces.  Each assumed their duties over the past ten days.  They are all very experienced professionals who have been tried and tested in the field.  We are also joined by Vice Admiral Robert Parker, Commander, Atlantic Area, Vice Admiral Manson Brown, Commander Pacific Area, Vice Admiral John Currier, Chief-of-Staff and Future Deputy Commandant of Mission Support and Rear Admiral Brian Salerno, Deputy Commandant for Operations.  I am proud to serve alongside this exceptionally talented group of leaders. 

My watch will be guided by the following vision for our service:

We are defined by our missions, people and heritage.  We will selflessly serve our country and perform our duties in a manner that secures the trust and confidence of mariners and citizens alike.  We will set a course that steadies the service, honors our profession, strengthens our partnerships and respects our shipmates.

This vision will be achieved by the incoming watch through clear focus on select projects and initiatives currently under way in our service.  Instead of creating new tasking, we intend to emphasize vital initiatives, leverage teams that are in place now and move these efforts forward to completion.  I will provide more specifics in the coming weeks.

I often use the term Shipmate.  You need to know that this is a team of endearment for me that represents a common bond across the entire Coast Guard family and all mission communities.  There is no higher compliment in my opinion than being called a Shipmate and no better goal than being a good one.

Admiral Allen will continue his service as the National Incident Commander for the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill managing the overall federal response.
I am glad he accepted this last assignment as it will enable me to focus on the Coast Guard's response, and serving you as Commandant of the Coast Guard.  Admiral Allen is a true public servant and visionary, I thank him for his service.

I encourage all Coast Guard active duty, reserve, civilian, auxiliary, families and retirees to bookmark and initiate RSS feed from the senior leadership web page at www.USCG.mil/seniorleadership.  We intend to use this location during our watch to post information and address subjects that are important to our service.

All standing orders remain in effect, set the watch and carry out the routine of the day.

Semper Paratus,

Admiral Bob Papp

Good morning from the D13 PATON Manager,

Here it is March and folks are wondering... "When will I get my Bridge-PATON assignments?"  I can give you an answer to that question.

Up until today the Coast Guard has had a software problem, which has been resolved, that kept me from putting out assignments.  As you probably know "funding" is always an issue as well.  So to keep cost down we will handle Bridge-PATON assignments this year as we did last year.  Bridges and Class I PATON will be once again be assigned for inspection/verification.  Class II and III PATON are not being assigned for verification this year.

One thing to always keep in mind, any discrepancies observed with an ATON (Coast Guard maintained federal Aid TO Navigation), PATON (Private Aid to Navigation) or bridge shall be immediately reported.

I foresee having Bridge-PATON assignments out by the end of April and hopefully earlier.

On the subject of annual bridge inspections and PATON verifications; Headquarters policy no longer requires the Coast Guard to do an on-site-visit to bridges and/or PATON for the purposes of doing an annual inspection or verification.  However, D13 has elected to continue doing annual inspections of bridges and verifications of class I PATON in the hopes that having CG Team members, which you are, looking at waterways that don't get looked at regularly.  More and more things are being found and reported by Aux folks when they are out on or near the water annually.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for your support!

r/ Timothy L. Westcott
13th Coast Guard District
Prevention Division (dp)
Waterways Management Branch (dpw)
Federal ATON Damage Claim Manager
Private Aids to Navigation Manager
Seattle, Washington

After the Change of Command ceremony, I will continue to serve as the National Incident Commander for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill for some period of time but I wanted to take this final opportunity to thank you for your tremendous commitment, dedication, and courage over the past four years.

When I became the Commandant in 2006, I issued a number of orders that I thought were necessary to meet the challenges we faced then and set the conditions for future success.  With your help we have accomplished a great deal.  We transformed our acquisition process, enhanced our marine safety capability and capacity, created a new and more effective support structure for our Reserve Forces, stood up the Force Readiness Command and Deployable Operations Group, created the Maritime Enforcement Rating, and transformed our maintenance and logistics processes.  At the same time we met operational challenges in piracy off the Horn of Africa, the tsunami in America Samoa, the earthquake in Haiti, and more recently the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  We accomplished all of that without losing focus on our broader mission set.  We continued to interdict drugs and made major strides to eliminate the use of self propelled semi-submersibles.  We deployed wireless biometric capability to significantly reduce illegal alien migration.  At the same time we saved countless lives.

In the last six years, we have also strengthened our relationships within the Department of Homeland Security.  Through the completion of the first Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, we helped mature the Department and build the Nation's homeland security enterprise.

In the process we enhanced our ties to the Department of Defense.  We held unprecedented staff talks with the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army Corps of Engineers and the National Guard Bureau.   The Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps and I cosigned “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower” and Naval Operating Concepts.  We forged stronger bonds with our interagency partners in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Maritime Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and the Department of the Interior.   Finally, we strengthened our international ties with our hemispheric partners and through the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum and North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum.  Together, we raised the visibility of Coast Guard missions to our external stakeholders and our international partners.

The common thread connecting each of these of initiatives and actions, and my overarching goal as Commandant, was for the Coast Guard to become more change-centric … to sense changes in our operational environment and have the courage to make course corrections before problems overwhelm us or we have terms dictated to us externally.  To do that we must become more diverse, adapt to new technologies, and embrace social media as well.  I believe we have become more change-centric and a learning organization that capitalizes on lessons learned.  Nowhere has this been more evident than in our responses to the devastating earthquake in Haiti and in our leading role to the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  The world has seen the value of the U.S. Coast Guard in action.  We protect, defend, and save America's maritime interests wherever they are at stake - that is the legacy you have left for our future Guardians to embrace.

In spite of our operational successes, challenges remain.  Our operations are not risk free and we have known the pain at the loss of shipmates from USCGC HEALY, MSST Anchorage, CG 6505, and CG 1705.  Our promise to them is to prevent future accidents and insure we create the safest possible environment for our personnel.  The Coast Guard will meet future challenges because of our multi-mission nature, bias for action, and the incredible talent and dedication of our people.  As we look to the future, I encourage each of you to be insatiably curious, to be life-long learners, to look after your shipmates, and, finally, to seize every chance to apply your leadership skills, talent, and competencies when the opportunity presents itself. 

I am incredibly proud of all our active duty members, reservists, civilians and auxiliarists.  No matter how fiercely the winds of change swirl around us, our people stabilize the Service.  You are America's Maritime Guardians and your country needs you now more than ever.  It has been my extraordinary honor to have been your Commandant and I am excited to see where you will take the organization in the future.  Fair winds.

Sincerely,

Admiral Thad W. Allen

Staff officers who wear officer insignia should be prepared to return salutes rendered by junior officers or enlisted. 

1. This years spotlight on leadership campaign will run during the Month of april. This campaign, offers a unique opportunity for usTo highlight the importance of leadership and professional Development and to recognize best practices within the coast guard.

2. While leadership is an important topic everyday, a concentrated Effort to focus on development and recognition can pay off with a Return on investment well into the future.

3. The focus of the campaign is on our leadership competencies, with one competency featured each week for four weeks. This years featured competencies are accountability and responsibility, influencing others, decision making and problemsolving, and external awareness.

4. The office of leadership and professional development, (cg-133),will be featuring a new guidebook on their web site with resources and tools that can be tailored and used at the unit level. Units are encouraged to maximize innovation and creativity and use the guidebook to steer new ideas of their own.  Resources covered in the guidebook will include:
 a. Videos
 b. Books
 c. Movies
 d. Games
 e. Activities
 f. Marketing tools
 g. Personal leadership and professional development opportunities

5. The spotlight on leadership campaign contest will be held immediately following the campaign to recognize units that held the best campaigns. Complete submission details can be found in the campaign guidebook, as well as the cg-133 website.  Submission entries are as follows:
 a. Write a summary of your campaign in cg memo format, not to exceed two pages.
 b. Attachments (such as examples of campaign materials used) are optional and not to exceed ten pages or pieces.
 c. Entries will be judged on innovation, creativity, apparent tie-in to leadership competencies, potential application as unit best practice, comprehensiveness of campaign, inclusiveness of all personnel, level of participation by target audience, and fun factor.
 d. Winning units will receive a plaque of recognition and will be featured on the unit leadership development program and office of leadership and professional development websites.
 e. Entry deadline: 15 may

6. I challenge all units and members of our workforce to set the bar high regarding your leadership and professional development. Use this campaign as an opportunity to be creative and try something different as you focus on leadership development at the unit level.

7. For more information, and complete campaign and contest details see www.uscg.mil/leadership

8. Internet release authorized.

9. Vadm David Pekoske, Vice Commandant, sends.

Shipmates,
I received today a letter from a woman and her husband who live in Milwaukee, Oregon. The letter was in thanks for the recent rescue performed by Flotilla 73 member Ken Babick and Flotilla 71 VFC Dick Mullinax. 

On April 17th, Flotilla 73 Coxswain Ken Babick was on routine patrol with crewman Dick Mullinax.  Coxswain Babick was engaged in training crewmember Mullinax who is currently enrolled in the Flotilla 73 Crew & Coxswain Academy as a Coxswain candidate. 
 
Knowing from experience how swift the waters surrounding the Clackamas river are when they converge with the Willamette at Clackamette Park in the spring, Ken and his crew surveyed  the river for any signs of distress.
 
At just that time, a woman and her husband had set out for an afternoon on the water in their two kayaks.  Unfortunately, they'd misjudged the swift current and soon found themselves in distress, separated from one another and struggling with exhaustion.

Coxswain Babick and his crew quickly sprung into action. They secured the woman lifting her safely aboard the Coast Guard facility.  They were also successful in securing the two kayaks and preventing the loss of property.

Ken, and his crew's, professionalism, competence,  and heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard. 

Please join me in congratulating them both on a job well done.

Boaters can get some assistance in ensuring they are properly prepared by taking advantage of some of the services offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron; volunteer organizations dedicated to promoting safe boating. Both organizations offer a variety of safe boating courses, as well as free vessel safety checks, which can help ensure a boat is properly equipped. Visit our Boating Classes or Vessel Examinations pages to get more information about what courses are being offered and to get more information.

"We've always stressed the importance of having the proper equipment aboard, but the safety of the boat and its passengers is the responsibility of the vessel's operator." said Dan Shipman, Coast Guard Boating Safety Specialist. "The vessel's operator must set the example and make some important choices regarding the safety of passengers, choosing to have everyone wear a life jacket, choosing not to drink and boat, and choosing to make sure their boat is properly equipped and maintained is all a part of being a safe and responsible boater."

For more information about the importance of boating safety contact the 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 206-220-7237.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Coast Guard has issued a proposal to establish a safety zone at the Barview Jetty in Tillamook, Ore., from June 15 through Sept. 30.

The jetty has deteriorated to the point that the Army Corps of Engineers has contracted Kiewit Corporation to repair the jetty.  The repairs will involve the use of a track-mounted 18,000 lb. crane with as much as 200-feet of boom.  The crane will be used to move large granite boulders weighing approximately 20 to 50 tons each by lifting them up, circling them out over the waterway on either side of the north jetty, and placing them into the jetty.

Due to the inherent dangers associated with such operations, the Coast Guard is proposing the establishment of a safety zone covering all waters within 250-feet in every direction of the north jetty, named the Barview Jetty.  The safety zone will help ensure the safety of work crews and the maritime public while the jetty is being repaired by prohibiting all persons and vessels from entering or remaining in the zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port or his designated representative.

The proposal can be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. USCG-2010-0214.  The Coast Guard is asking for all persons and entities this safety zone could effect to submit comments and concerns.  Comments can be submitted four ways:

1. Visit the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov and submit a comment online.

2. Fax: (202) 493-2251

3. Mail:  Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001

4. Hand Delivery to the address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except federal holidays. Phone: (202) 366-9329.

Fellow Guardians:
May 15th is rapidly approaching!  The Greater Southern Area Training Conference and Division conferences have been designed to give you a selection of 10 Recreational Boating Safety topics.  (Hands on Vessel Examination exercise; Coast Guard Ranks, Ratings, Etiquette and Customs; Marine Safety; Vessel Examination Workshop; District web 2.0 and Maritime Information Initiative; New member training; Team Coordination Training refresher; Operational Communications, and Making the Auxiliary Flotilla and Division function effectively)
 
We have tried to keep the cost of participation as low as possible.  Lodging at the Shilo Inn - Eugene/Springfield is at government rate $84.00 per night  and includes Continental Breakfast.  Reservations at 541-747-0332.  All reservations must be made no later than May 8 for this rate to apply! 
 
The training facility is being provided free of charge by the Fire & EMS Training Center in Eugene.  See attached registration form and map from Motel to the training center.
 
Dinner Saturday night will be held at the Fire & EMS Training Center, 1705 West 2nd Ave, Eugene, OR.  Dinner will be "Hand pulled BBQ Pork, Tender Smoked Chicken, Sweet BBQ Beans, Tossed Green Salad with Sonora Ranch Dressing, Cheesy Texas Potatoes and Seasoned Green Beans."  Having sampled the food I can verify that it is outstanding!
 
Hope you can participate! 
 
Dean Wimer
District Captain-South,
13th US Coast Guard District Auxiliary
H:503 472-1569 C:503 435-7946
dmww1@verizon.net

COMO Hoppman is pleased to announce the appointment of COMO Fred Bell as the District 13 Diversity Officer. This is a new position in D13, and throughout the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This position will report directly to the D13 Commodore and be responsible for implementing the national diversity policy in our district. Please welcome COMO Bell to this new and important position.

SEATTLE — With severe weather upon us, the Coast Guard reminds boaters to be prepared and stay aware. Strong winds and heavy surf are in the forecast over the next several days.

With heavy weather in the Pacific Northwest the Coast Guard is strongly encouraging mariners to take the necessary steps to ensure that their boats are properly secured. 

Boaters should follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:

Ensure you have a storm anchor. The anchor that comes with a boat is often inadequate for the storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift and may lead to unnecessary search and rescue calls.

Check all of your anchor and mooring lines. Double the lines up for added strength. Ensure all lines and tackle are in good condition.

Small boats should be removed from the water and moved to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas to ensure they are not washed out to sea.

Cover your boat: Heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking in extreme cases. Protect your boat and be sure your vessel is adequately covered when it is moored up to prevent flooding. If you can't bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to its dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become a hazard to navigation and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.

Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information on vessel itself. With this information, agencies responding to adrift vessels can promptly return the vessel to its owner.

Wear Personal Floatation Devices: Life jackets - bring one for each person. History has shown that the chance of survival greatly increases if an individual is wearing a personal floatation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/jacket.htm

For a detailed coastal weather forecast, click the National Weather Service link for your area:

Western Washington - http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/wa.php?x=1

Oregon Coasts - http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/or.php?x=1

Shipmates,

As you may already know, the Uniform Distribution Center is now accepting Auxiliarist orders for the new untucked ODU uniform.

 

It's important to note that this is a new uniform and you sizing is different from the tucked version of the ODU.

For that reason, you should not order the same sized untucked ODU as you wore in the tucked version.

 

The Coast Guard has established a web page to assist you in selecting the appropriate size. Please see http://uscg.mil/uniform/ODUUntuckedUniforms.asp before ordering your new uniforms.

 

 

Brian Rollins

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary