The National Board Meeting convened the beginning of “Golden Opportunities” - NACON 2004 in Costa Mesa, Calif. The meeting atmosphere was festive, and began with a parade of the 16 various District Commodores carrying their respective District/Region’s flag.

National Commodore (NACO) Bill Edgerton next introduced a moving video, produced by a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, which showed Coast Guard Forces at their best defending our country. The video featured patriotic music, and ended with the display of the Coast Guard’s Recruiting theme – The Shield of Freedom. Commodore Edgerton applauded the efforts of the cadet who produced the video, stating that it represented the changes experienced by Coast Guard Forces in a post 9/11 era.

This video was followed by a video greeting from Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, who applauded the Auxiliary for our continued efforts in Recreational Boating Safety. “You continued efforts make our waters safer for all.” Secretary Ridge also challenged the Auxiliary to continue to assist the Coast Guard with Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). He also reminded the membership the September is National Preparedness Month. Secretary Ridge stated, “You already teach boaters to be prepared through your boating safety classes and Vessel Safety Checks.” Secretary Ridge urged Auxiliarists to visit ready.gov, and to encourage their fellow citizens to be Semper Paratus.

Keynote Speaker – Vice Admiral Thad Allen

National Commodore Edgerton introduced the morning’s keynote speaker, Vice Admiral Thad Allen, Chief of Staff, United States Coast Guard. Vice Admiral Allen, who is third in command in the Coast Guard, stated that coming to NACON was like coming to visit an old friend, or like wearing a piece of favorite clothing. “It just feels good to be here, and to be around friends,” he said.

Vice Admiral Allen recounted the stories he was told by his dad, a WWII veteran, who was fond of using the term “watching your six” when referring to the lookouts in the rear of large slow flying bombers. That phrase, Admiral Allen explained, was analogous to “covering someone’s back.” And that is exactly what the Auxiliary has done since 9/11 – they have covered our (the U.S. Coast Guard’s) back.”

Vice Admiral Allen cited the work of Auxiliarist, Dr. Richard Lavy and his team of medical professionals, who provided much needed support with MDs, RNs, Physician Assistants, and EMTs. He also commended the AUXAIR program, stating “it is growing, and has never been stronger.” Moreover, though the efforts of the Aviation Capabilities Team, you have improved aviation safety for everyone.”

Vice Admiral Allen also discussed several other issues, including the Personal Security Initiative, the conversion of Coast Guard Groups and converting Marine Safety Offices (MSOs) into Sectors, and some strategic issues.

Admiral Allen stated, “The personal security initiative is a tough one, but nonetheless necessary.” He asked for the membership’s continued patience as the Coast Guard works with various Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies to streamline the process.

The Coast Guard’s movement to the Sector structure, Admiral Allen explained, represents a fundamental change in Coast Guard policy. The move will combine existing Group and Marine Safety Offices into one unified command.

“The shift aligns the sector into a unified command, as required by the Incident Command System.” In essence, the Sector will be divided into Prevention Activities and Response Activities; each will house their corresponding assets to accomplish these missions. It is expected that once the shift to the Sector format is made, estimated to be completed sometime in fiscal year 2006, that a senior level Auxiliarist will be assigned to work closely with the Sector Command.

Vice Admiral Allen concluded his remarks by discussing several strategic issues, including the budget. “Since 9/11, our budget has grown rapidly, but not as fast as our missions,” he said. Admiral Allen went on to say that the fiscal year 2006 budget would focus on reducing risk in the maritime environment, and calls for the establishment of a Maritime Domain Awareness Office at Coast Guard Headquarters. Moreover, efforts are underway to increase our presence and our response posture, and he stated that the Auxiliary would play a large role in the accomplishment of these goals.

“Who better than the Auxiliary has the local expertise to know when something is out of sort? We will rely heavily on your programs such as Waterway Watch to accomplish these tasks,” said Admiral Allen.

National Commodore Edgerton wound up the morning’s session by reiterating a remark made recently by Joint Chief’s of Staff, General Richard Meyers, who stated, “It is very wrong to assume that the military alone can keep us safe. The best weapon we have in this country is public service. With that, we will have the patience and resolve to win the war on terrorism.”

Commodore Edgerton commented that he was confident that the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will remain the premier volunteer agency in helping to keep our homeland safe.

National elections and the presentation of awards followed these proceedings. These are reported in separate pages of SITREP’s NACON reports.