NACON 2004

Two days before the first general assembly the National Operating Committee (OPCOM) meets to discuss their program’s advances over the past year and a look at some of the stuff “in the works.” The OPCOM is composed of the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM), the Chief Director, the various Department Chiefs, and selected Coast Guard Officials. The District Commodores are invited to witness the proceedings.

The National Vice Commodore, Gene Seibert, was the presiding officer. COMO Seibert opened the session with introductions and a few brief remarks. COMO Seibert then introduced our new Chief Director of Auxiliary, Captain Barry Smith, USCG.

Captain Smith offered a verbal sketch of his immediate plans. He mentioned that there were many new flag rank officers at Coast Guard Headquarters, some, because of their prior duty, were not very familiar with the workings of the Auxiliary. Captain Smith said that included in his priorities is familiarizing these officers with the Auxiliary, saying to the assembled, “Part of my familiarization is making sure that the good things you are doing is passed up to the senior level of the Coast Guard.” He added, “Get the good word out.”

Captain Smith explained the need for a secure Coast Guard Auxiliary and the gathering of personal security information (PSI) of each Auxiliarist. “We are an integral part of the Department of Homeland Security and as such we are subject to the same security confidence as the members of the active duty and reserve Coast Guard.”

The new Chief of Administrative Affairs (OCX-1), Mr. Steve Minutolo, a former Director of Auxiliary, described what a “prospective member” can and cannot do before final acceptance into the Auxiliary. Most restrictions were in the operations sector.

Commander Chris Olin, USCG, (OCX-2) advised of the current progress of the new Auxiliary Manual. The membership should expect to receive their copy sometime in November of this year. Changes to the manual are already being collected.

Each of the Directorate Commodores (NADCO) then offered the reports of their respective Department Chiefs. Among the remarks of COMO Tony Morris, NADCO-MS, was the recognition of a need for a new look at membership recruiting and retention. “A pamphlet describing the definitive benefits of being a member of the Auxiliary is in the planning stage. This pamphlet is being produced to help with membership recruiting and retention,” he said.

“Another initiative underway is to encourage retiring Coast Guard personnel to join the Auxiliary,” said COMO Morris. “New courses are in process, some with a focus on leadership, some in the offered specialty courses,” he said. “On line testing is alive and well.”

COMO George Jeandheur, NADCO-OMS, spoke of standardization in all phases of operations, in the air and on the sea. The watchword of the operations departments is “Safety to the forefront,” said COMO Jeandheur.

COMO Helmut Hertle, DC-M, advised COMO Jeandheur that due to the advance of Hurricane Francis and the potential effects on his home, he would have to depart the conference early. COMO Jeandheur broke from the OPCOM agenda and presented COMO Hertle with a “Trident M” device in recognition of the Commodore’s completion of the requirements for the device.

COMO Warren McAdams, NADCO-RBS, said, “In response to many requests the USCG Auxiliary and Power Squadron logos would return to the vessel safety check decals in 2005.” New training courses are on the way.

The “Waterway Watch” program must continue to be presented to the public. “Auxiliary units are encouraged to order their Waterway Watch material in time for their fall classes and boat shows,” said COMO McAdams.

Representing the “You’re in Command” program, Mr. John Malatek, (G-OPB-2) offered some statistics from 2003. “Although boating fatalities decreased from the prior year, they still number over 700,” he said.

Two special presentations then followed. “Email address information must be current to receive information,” said COMO Marilyn McBain, DC-I. “AUXDATA and AUXINFO training is ongoing,” she added.

Mr. Don Crispin, DC-L, gave a brief overview of some of the significant changes in the new Auxiliary Manual. Too numerous to mention here, he encourages a full reading by all Auxiliarists upon receipt of the manual.

Executive Director of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Mr. Martin Phillips, announced that new supplies of ribbons, medals and devices were either in stock or on their way.

PNACO Everette Tucker presented an overview of the International Affairs Department. He advised that attendance at the International Search and Rescue Competition (ISAR 2004), in Portsmouth, VA, was high and that the primary hotel was filled. Satellite hotel rooms were still available, but advised that reservations should be made as soon as possible.

COMO Tucker also announced inroads in the inauguration of Coast Guard Auxiliaries in the Caribbean nations. He specifically pointed out the progress in Grenada among others.

The day’s sessions concluded with breakout sessions where the workgroups discussed such matters as; “Operations vs. Recreational Boating Safety,” “Acknowledging Expertise,” Flotilla Restructuring,” “Vessel Safety Check Program,” and “Auxiliary Structure.”

Each of these workgroups held their discussions and reported back to the OPCOM their comments and findings. When asked about the breakout sessions, Linda Nelson, DC-O, responded with a twinkle in her eye, “Interesting, verrrrry interesting.”

Two of the three NADCOs are retiring from their positions this year, COMO Morris and COMO Jeandheur. Both Commodores were presented with “Thank You” gifts from their staffs.