NTRAIN 2008 – Retirement Ceremony for Captain Barry Smith, Chief Director of Auxiliary

Article and photos by Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP

Arrival of Capt Smith

St. Louis, January 26. The retirement ceremony of a senior Coast Guard Officer was steeped in tradition. Although the ceremony was to an extent solemn, since a leader and friend was departing the ranks, there was a humorous side to the event, the celebration of a new road in life.

Guest speakers National Commodore Steve Budar and Rear Admiral Brian Salerno humorously outlined Captain Smith’s years of service. Following a long career in surface craft and Coast Guard Headquarters, Captain Smith was named in 2004 the Director of Auxiliary. He served this post with great distinction, weathering the PSI "storm" among other matters.

Captain Smith earned many awards during his 29 years of service. He twice received the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal and he earned four Coast Guard Commendation Medals. During the ceremony, Captain Smith was presented the Coast Guard Legion of Merit Medal by RADM Salerno.

Captain Smith used a very humorous and at times touching analogy of the "Wizard of OZ" to describe his service in the Office of the Auxiliary. He wove the individuals who played a significant part in his Auxiliary life throughout his interpretation of the story. More often than not, his comparisons were humorous and brought laughter and applause from the large number of attendees. His analogy concluded with the realization that the story is a reflection of true life and the success of his journey was made possible by the tireless work of his staff and fellow Auxiliarists.

His retirement ceremony concluded with a traditional "Side Board" ceremony. To the shrill of the Boatswain’s whistle, the Captain was "piped" off the ship one last time.