12-411AUXBLOG

12-04 and 12-07 have been participating in a joint Boat Crew Training effort since June. Classes are held at least twice monthly, and Patrol opportunities have ramped up - the month of July saw multiple patrols every weekend!

Training Patrols and classes are still continuing, it’s not too late! If you would like to start the Boat Crew program, please contact Al Verdi, Flotilla Commander.

If you are in the Boat Crew program, either as a Crew Candidate or Coxswain Candidate, there is a new section of the web site that has resources, including the new version of the Qualification Guides. You will need to get signed off on the current guide in order to get qualified. Also, if you are already qualified, the Seamanship Manual (the “White Whale”) is available as a refresher, as well as the qualification renewal sign-off sheets. This information can be found on the Boat Crew Training Resources page.

Another new section for all members involved in any operational mission, including as trainees, is the Mission Resources section. This section includes resources for those going on Patrols, either as trainees or crewmembers, such as the important GAR forms, pre-underway checklist, Medical Forms, and other important resources.  In addition, there are resources for those involved in the Communications (Radio) program, and those getting involved in Marine Safety missions.

Keep checking the Flotilla 12-04 Web Site for updates on the crew training program and mission resources, and let the FSO-CS know if you have any suggestions for the site!

Happy and safe sailing!

Nora Watson
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Flotilla 11SR 12-04 - Los Angeles
FSO-CS

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is 68 years old today! The Auxiliary was started on June 23rd, 1939. Take a moment to think of all that you have done with the Coast Guard Aux in the last year. Volunteers do make a difference

When you are out doing vessel safety checks, marine dealer visits, or boat shows, do you get asked for more information about classes?  Maybe you even make a connection with someone who could make a great new member.  But, then you’re scrambling for a pen and a scrap piece of paper to write down your contact info.

Each and every Flotilla member who is going out and meeting with the public has the option of having their own business cards, which are an easy way to pass along your contact info, as well as the Flotilla’s web site address.  The Auxiliary has prepared templates for making these yourself, using specialty paper available at most office supply stores.  Contact me if you would like more information or would like help making these cards.  A little pre-planning can make things easier for you, and present a professional image for our Flotilla.

Nora Watson, FSO-CS (Computer Services)

This Saturday the City of Lawndale is having their annual Health and Safety Fair. Coast Guard AIRSTA-LA is going to do a flyover and the Coast Guard Recruiting staff are most likely going to be present. We are setting up a safety exhibit booth with various hand outs. We have a good crew to run this booth, but there is plenty of room in the booth and as always the more the merrier! We would love to be able to represent the various roles of the Auxiliary to the public at this event. The more people we have the more we will be able to interact with the good people of Lawndale. If you would be able to make it please let me know and I’ll coordinate meeting you at our booth.

City of Lawndale
Jane Addams Park
June 16^th, 2007
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

We want to show the multi-mission aspect of the Auxiliary, so the uniform of the day will be both tropical blues or ODU. If anyone has any questions feel free to email me, or give me a call!

Tom Watson
FSO-PA 12-04

The seven day period before Memorial Day has been designated by Congress as “National Safe Boating Week.” It is the highlight of the year-long North American Safe Boating Campaign and is the start of the traditional boating season in most areas. The campaign is produced under a grant from the Aquatic Resources (Wallop/Breaux) Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The National Safe Boating Council produces a campaign kit each year under a grant from the Fund containing safe boating materials and information for promotion through the media and with the boating public. The kit will be found at the National Safe Boating Council’s Website. For the past few years, the slogan for National Safe Boating Week has been “Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It”. A monthly newsletter, National Safe Boating Campaign News, is posted on the Auxiliary’s website, www.cgaux.org.

12-04 has always been very active during this week. By coordinating your planned events (Education, VE, etc.) with PA we will be able to maximize 12-04’s exposure!

In March of this year, 4 of the most popular cereals produced by Kellogg’s and distributed through 3,800 Wal-Mart stores across the U.S. are scheduled to include a side panel with a recreational boating safety message targeting Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety classes and vessel safety checks.

A second wave of 4 snack products is currently being negotiated for June.

A flyer describing the program in more detail is available at www.auxadept.org/downloads/kellog_flyer_20070226.pdf .

More details to come on how 12-04 members will be able to participate in this promotion

Sincere thanks and a job well done to Nora Harris for her extraordinary contribution of time and skill to creating the new website.  This will be the flotilla portal to the Auxiliary and the public in the future.  Already it is bringing students into the next BS&S class as well as publicizing the PA work of the Color Guard.  Our members now have a one stop shop for member training of every conceivable type and a place to fill out and submit the ever important reporting forms including the 7029, 7030 and 7038 forms.

Nora will be an awesome contributor to the flotilla and the Auxiliary as she moves from AP to BQ status and completes initial training classes herself.

Any members who care to comment about the new website from compliments to constructive suggestions for change and improvement are encouraged to respond.

Semper Paratus

AL Verdi

Flotilla Commander 12-04