Imagine the sight, a sea of blue and white. Auxiliarists and members of the Coast Guard in their best attire…. Accompanied by their significant others in gorgeous array of color.

Following an hour long social mix, all walked the grand promenade to the main ballroom of Opryland. The weather outside was booming and lightning mixed with camera flashes. Opryland provided the shelter with its all encompassing glass roof. The roof added to the sensational light show, allowing the outside pyrotechnics to shine through.

All were treated to a sumptuous meal and grand conversation.

Master of Ceremonies, Jeff Mahl, Dc-Id, introduced the many dignitaries in attendance. Chief among these was the keynote speaker of the evening, Vice Admiral Thomas J. Barrett, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Admiral Barrett extended Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Collins’ regards and regrets that he could not attend personally. Admiral Collins’ presence was required on matters out of the country.

Admiral Bartlett in his address said, “…[my] thanks to those giving up their weekend to make our waters safer for all. Time is non-renewable, and that time is the most that you can give to any organization.”

As for the future, VADM Bartlett painted a picture of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, “with new paradigm and with a global war on terrorism, all missions of the Coast Guard still exist. Boating safety is still an extremely important mission.”

“The Coast Guard can’t do it alone,.” said Admiral Bartlett. “Without the Auxiliary there the Coast Guard would find it difficult to meet the short and long term challenges.”

To this end, VADM Bartlett remarked, “professionalism is increasing, more personel will be needed, more qualified to work in multi-missions, which require a more diverse organization.”

The full text of Admiral Barrett’s address can be found at the Coast Guard Website www.uscg.mil

Following the Admirals remarks Auxiliary Meritorious Service Awards, the third highest Auxiliary award, were presented to six Auxiliarists. The citations will be found in a separate listing in SITREP’s NACON coverage.

After the presentation of other organizational awards it was time to close the banquet and say our farewells.

Looking back over the week some thoughts and feelings to share with our readers…. “It is encouraging to see members of the active duty Coast Guard be proud to embrace us, the Auxiliarist, for the time, energy and dedication each of us exhibit as members of the Auxiliary,” said one Auxiliarist in passing.

“I've met some of our international partners in search and rescue, and those who share our passion for recreational boating safety. They too share our spirit and desire to serve our respective nations,” said another.

“To meet the challenges of the next few years, each of us, Active Duty, Reserve, Auxiliarist and Civilian must strive for excellence in both professionalism as well as community. We must all set our sites on recruitment, where ever that opportunity arises, for the Active Duty/Reserve or Auxiliary,” said Rear Admiral David Belz.

“Until next year,” and “till we meet again in California,” echoes through the halls.