NACO and NAVCO taking the oath of office.

At the National Commodore’s Banquet, over 600 Auxiliarists, along with members of the Coast Guard active duty and reserve, as well as international guest and partner agencies, flooded the grand Pacific Ballroom to hear an address by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Thomas H. Collins.

In his address, Admiral Collins announced that beginning in Fiscal Year 2005, there would be $500,000 to support the Auxiliary Standard Maintenance Program for surface facilities; these funds are in addition to the existing $4.5 million Auxiliary operating budget. This news was met with a huge round of applause.

Furthermore, Admiral Collins announced that there were plans in the works for Auxiliary units to acquire Boston Whaler small boats, as requested by their respective District Commanders. These boats were used by the Coast Guard during Operation Iraqi Freedom,.

Auxiliarist Harold Starr, serving as master of ceremonies, recounted from the Admiral’s biography, “Admiral Thomas H. Collins assumed the duties of Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on May 30th, 2002. His leadership priorities are focused on the principles of readiness, people and stewardship. He is personally committed to making effective use of emerging technologies and developing innovative methods to improve Coast Guard mission performance.”

Admiral Collins began the evening’s address by paying tribute to Auxiliarist Sol Spiegel, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Mr. Spiegel has been a member of the Auxiliary since its inception in 1939. “What a record of public service,” said the Admiral.

“These are exciting times to be wearing a Coast Guard uniform. The past two years have had tremendous challenges, but today the nation is safer in part because of your efforts.”

Admiral Collins offered up what he called “views from the front office.” He reviewed some of the milestones that have taken place in the three years since 9/11. “One of these milestones was the creation and implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). Without Auxiliary support, he noted, “the implementation would have been much more difficult.”

“In the area of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), the Auxiliary has been a huge asset. From my perspective, MDA reduces risks by giving us a method of comprehensively assessing our risks. Our goal is to be able to identify friend from foe,” he said.

“However,” he said, “There are still security gaps, especially with respect to smaller vessels not subject to inspection by the Coast Guard or that are subject to the provisions of MTSA. We need more eyes on the water to make sure that these gaps are filled. Your ability to observe and report what if going on is invaluable.”

“The success of the Coast Guard’s Maritime Domain Awareness program is dependent on the Auxiliary as a force multiplier,” Admiral Collins said.

“We need you now more than ever in your 65 year history.”

Speaking of history, and how it is said to repeat itself, the Admiral said, “In World War II, the Auxiliary provided an invaluable role during a time of heightened security risk. Sound familiar? The same is true today.”

“We in the Coast Guard have done so much, because you have done so much,” he said. He cited Auxiliary accomplishments in patrol hours, AIM assistance, the establishment and growth of the Auxiliary Medical Corps, as well as Auxiliary increased public affairs outreach efforts. “During special events like the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the Auxiliary came through for us, providing a wide range of support,” he said.

Admiral Collins cautioned that there is still much to be done in support of Homeland Security, and in providing surge capabilities in support of marine security (MARSEC) levels two and three. “Our fundamental problem is – we have too much coastline and not enough ‘Coasties.’ We need more eyes on the water, and you are those eyes.”

“We have to deliver safety and security,” Admiral Collins said in summation and thanked the Auxiliary for stepping up to the plate.

Following the address by Admiral Collins, various awards were presented and a “frocking ceremony” was held for the newly elected members of the National Board.

NACO Bill Edgerton addressed the membership noting in his last log entry “the accomplishments over the last two years are because of the members. I have always taken great pride in representing you all.” He expressed his thanks to all the Flotilla members throughout the organization, and concluded by stating, “I am certain that we will meet and overcome any challenge.” He then passed the NACO gavel to NACO (elect) Gene Seibert. Commodore Seibert presented Commodore Edgerton with a shadow box, which included a NACO burgee and a picture of an eagle at dawn.

Lastly, NACO (elect) Gene Seibert addressed the group. “Being the National Commodore is not a one-man operation.” COMO Seibert said. “We must all work together to strike a balance between homeland security and recreational boating safety.”

I am often asked “‘what does it take to get to the top?’ My response is that it takes the same thing it took to get started – a sense of urgency about getting things done.” He also cited a need to have the courage and conviction to get things done, even when these things are unpopular.

COMO Seibert recanted his various elections over the years, stating that perhaps the most critical of any of the elected positions was Flotilla Commander, since that is where the proverbial rubber meets the road.

“As Harry S. Truman once said, ‘men and women make history – not the other way around.’ I know that I am echoing the comments of outgoing NACO Edgerton in saying we can and will meet any challenge, and together we will change things for the better,” Commodore Seibert concluded.