Auxiliarists from Sector Hampton Roads Provide Public Affairs
Assistance to the USCG Barque Eagle

By Kevin P.  Shortell, Vice Flotilla Commander 53, D5-SR

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USCG Barque Eagle docked at Waterside in Norfolk, VA Photo by Don Dement

On a recent Saturday, eight Auxiliarists from Divisions 5, 6, and 8 of the 5th District, Southern Region provided public affairs assistance to the USCG Barque Eagle.  Earlier in the week, the Eagle had requested Auxiliary support to provide tour guides for the general public while docked at Waterside in Norfolk, VA. 

Cadets from the Coast Guard Academy serving aboard the Eagle normally provide tours.  However, approximately 100 of the cadet crew were being exchanged that morning.  The Auxiliary enthusiastically responded on short notice and with good cheer.  Coastie the Safety Boat also made a shore side appearance, much to the delight of the children present on a bright, sunny day.

As luck would have it, there were eight stations to man along the self-guided tour route and eight auxiliarists had volunteered for duty.  After a short briefing, they took up their stations, rotating occasionally to provide a fresh perspective throughout the vessel.  From belaying pins to baggywrinkle to the auxiliary steering gear, people taking the tour were exposed to the unique intricacies of a large sailing vessel. 

Not only were the Auxiliarists able to educate the public about the Eagle, the Academy, and the Coast Guard, but also to share information about the Auxiliary as well.  Even the opportunity to provide recruiting assistance presented itself as one young man expressed an interest in enlisting in the Coast Guard.

Auxiliarist Kevin Shortell providing tour guide assistance aboard the Eagle.

The officers and crew of the Eagle went out of their way to make the Auxiliarists
feel as part of the crew and at home aboard the vessel.  Of particular interest was the fact that several Auxiliarists were serving as crew aboard the Eagle on Temporary Assigned Duty (TAD).  It was refreshing and insightful to see how seamlessly active duty personnel, cadets, and Auxiliarists could integrate and serve together efficiently.  It really reinforced the concept of Team Coast Guard.

For their part, the Auxiliarists were rewarded with the fun and exciting experience of a lifetime.  From the Captain on down, the crew of the Eagle expressed their sincere appreciation for the Auxiliarists’ help.  At the end of the day, they left motivated and reinvigorated with an enthusiasm for their service in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

~DW