Volunteer service to support efforts in New Orleans and other disaster areas.

At the meeting of the Committee of the Whole Coast Guard Auxiliary Friday morning, LT Justin Harper, USCG, outlined two options for Auxiliarists desiring to serve those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

If interested in either program, Auxiliarists should contact their respective District Commodore through their Chain of Leadership and provide them their name, address, phone number, skill set, and program they would like to volunteer for. (e-mail is preferable).

For those wishing to serve as Auxiliarists on orders to augment Coast Guard District 8, Harper advised Auxiliarists that there was a need for assistance in the restoration of ports and waterways in the effected areas. Needs range from aids to navigation (ATON) support, search and rescue/recovery (SAR), harbor security, logistical support and CG operational support.

There is also a need for those willing to work in administrative support mainly to assist the Coast Guard in supporting active duty and reserve personnel effected by the hurricane.

Auxiliarists will be expected to serve for a period of at least two weeks, including their orientation period. Volunteer information received by the District Commodores will be forwarded to COMO Jim Vass, D8CR.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also looking for those willing to serve areas of community relations, again for at least two weeks. Those serving with FEMA will be as paid employees rather than Auxiliarists, and will be paid $23.41 per hour for the first forty hours per week and $29.51 per hour for overtime. FEMA volunteer information will be forwarded through the chain of communication to the respective Area Commodores (ARCO) and then to LT Justin Harper in the Chief Directors office.

LT Harper stressed the need for volunteering Auxiliarists to be sure they are physically able to handle the rigors of the mission in what can be expected to be a less than ideal living and working environment. Medical considerations and inoculations will be required. “There will be no hotels, no pools, no air conditioning, only a lot of hard work and a cot to call home,” he said.

Auxiliary Chief Director Outlines Accomplishments, Challenges and Goals

CAPT Barry Smith, Chief Director of the Auxiliary, praised Auxiliarists at NACON Friday for their many accomplishments during the past year.

Despite losing several thousand members last year, due mainly to those not wishing to complete Personal Security Information documentation, the Auxiliary, CAPT Smith stated, did not lose operational capacity. “As a result of the security process,” he stated, “we are becoming a more valuable part of the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard.”

CAPT Smith praised Auxiliarists for their efforts in the aftermath of the 2004 hurricanes. Auxiliary contributions to the security operations for G8, the political conventions and other events were commended.

“With winds of change bringing Sector alignment to the Coast Guard, Auxiliarists demonstrated flexibility and patience,” remarked Smith.

“America’s Waterway Watch is going ‘full bore,’” the Captain stated.

Other program drawing praises from our Director include: Auxiliary efforts in the International SAR (ISAR) competition, the Ombudsman program where Auxiliarists assist Coast Guard families, the Health Services Initiative, the Chef’s Program, the work of the Videography Corps, operation of Coast Guard boats assigned to the Auxiliary, air and surface standardization teams, the pilot Auxiliary Dive Team in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Auxiliary participation in the Boy Scout Jamboree.

CAPT Smith challenged Auxiliarists to continue to improve and grow the foundational programs of recreational boating safety and public education.

Further patience was urged as “we eventually try to go paperless. New members,” the Captain stated, “should be urged to become competent in the use of computers.”

CAPT Smith spoke of four goals he had in reference to the Auxiliary:
a) Identification and resolution of fuel issues, he cited as a priority.
b) Good funding for catastrophic loss, Smith stated, had to be a priority.
c) Working with regard to proposed legislative changes affecting the Auxiliary, he stated, was a real need.
d) The dive, paddle craft and commercial vessel training programs, said CAPT Smith, were important new initiatives.

“The Auxiliary,” Captain Smith stated, “is being seen as a model for other agencies, as shown by Congressional and other agency inquiries as to how we do things.”

Business resolutions read:

Four resolutions were read to the attendees. They will be voted on at the Saturday Board Meeting. The approved resolutions will be included in the Saturday Board Meeting article (to follow later).