18 Sat am- Voting on recommendations

RADM Hewitt is the Commander of the USCG Maintenance and Logistics Command. His presentation was on how the Auxiliary could help support his command. He introduced LT Wayne Christensen, USCG, a member of his staff, who gave a brief history of the Auxiliary and the how the Auxiliary’s support to the Coast Guard increased over time.

Robert Nelson, DC-A introduced Auxiliarist Ryan Bank who offered a short presentation on the uses and values of social media. Using visual aides Banks was able to demonstrate the usefulness of many media sources. “We are in a technical revolution, rapidly changing, and the Auxiliary, for it to survive, must start using these communication methods” said Banks. He demonstrated how the TV networks spend millions of dollars and reach only a few million viewers, while the same program, viewed on a social media source such as “UTube” and others can reach hundreds of millions for no cost.

Ken Kendall, DC-T discussed modifications and plans for changing the Auxiliary Procedures Course (APC). He stated that changes enacted on 19 January have already reduced the angst in taking this exam. Using visual aides he demonstrated the peaks in test taking just prior to and during the election “season.” He suggested that every member take the APC test early in their career, since the end value of the exam is to familiarize the test taker with the Auxiliary Manual. He also suggested that test taking should take place early in the year, January or February, to avoid the “panic” that takes place when the test is taken under a time “pressure” situation.

John Potts, DC-B presented a report on the value of Auxiliary State Liaison Officers. He urged the appointment of DSO-SLO in districts that have not already done so.

Dante Laurino, DC-P presented a report entitled “The Graying of the Auxiliary.” Using visuals he showed the Auxiliary losing valuable human resources due to attrition. His graphs demonstrated how the average age of Auxiliarists is growing in a non-exponential rate. He urged refreshing the recruiting and retention policies at the grass roots level. He promised that his department will be working on offering new ideas for recruiting new members.

Ray Savoca, DC-Id, presented a report on the revamping of Web organization at the National level. The “What’s New” section has been revised and information entry by the National staff has been simplified. He also presented the “branded” template that all National web sites have or will adopt.

The National Commodore then introduced and presented gifts to District Directors of who are completing their current tours of duty:
CDR Beth Young D1-SR
CDR Bob Engle D5-SR
CDR Jim Michalowski D8-ER
CDR Dick Symons D11-SR
CDR Dave Allen D7

He also recognized members of the Chief Directors staff who are attending their last NTrain:
CDR Val Welicka
CDR (select) Kathryn Dunbar

He also recognized the Operational Training Officers who are transferring out this year:
CWO Robert Gross D17
CWO Chris Ruleman D11-SR
CWO Steve Hanson, D7

National Vice Commodore Jim Vass then presented the four recommendations discussed in yesterday’s Committee of the Whole.

Recommendation #1. It is recommended that the Service Dress Blue Alpha be discontinued for the Auxiliary since it has been eliminated for the active duty and reserve members. [APPROVED]

Recommendation #2. It is recommended that for the Operational Excellence Award that a hash mark or similar designation be added to signify multiple awards. This will improve the impetus to win this prestigious award. [NOT APPROVED]

Recommendation #3. It is recommended that task “#3-Pump Drill” be eliminated from the Operation Excellence program tasks. Operation of a dewatering pump is no longer a crew or coxswain task requirement. [NOT APPROVED]

Recommendation #4. It is recommended that there be additional awards, i.e. flag streamers, for flotillas and/or divisions have exceeded 50 years of service. Different colors for each 10 years will help distinguish hom many years a flotilla or division has in service.

An amendment to delete “division” from the wording was [NOT APPROVED]. The recommendation, in its original wording was also [NOT APPROVED].

Captain Mark Rizzo, USCG, Chief Director of Auxiliary and Boating, offered brief remarks reflecting the activities of the conference. He summed it up saying, “The Auxiliary has always answered the call. I look forward to a great year serving with you.”

In his closing remarks, NACO Kerigan thanked all for their attendance this past week. “It has been a long week but hopefully, for each of us, a very productive and enlightening one,” he said.

“In the coming months we must remain ambitious and focused. We must recognize the challenges ahead and share the Coast Guard’s sense of urgency in meeting the challenges,” he said.

“I feel we have been successful in establishing an organizational focus with our vision and mission statements, our strategic imperatives and watchwords, our new direction and strategic business plan. We have enhanced our programs and missions and we have increased our organizational support,” he said.

“I need your personal help to achieve a balanced transformation that affirms our efforts to achieve an optimal balance between safety and security missions, between maritime domain awareness and our traditional boating safety missions,” he said.

“We need to welcome new opportunities, we need a unity of effort and we need to share responsibilities. We need to maintain our professionalism, accountability, and commitment if we are to be successful,” he said.

“I ask for your help in making these things so,” he concluded.

~IJLA