Division Eleven Wins International ISAR ... - USCGAUX District 7

Response Department
Richard J Leys, Rear Commodore
We are now eleven months into 2007, and much has happened
in the East Area. As we look back at our accomplishments,
some may wonder how we did it. After all, our
area is so diverse, covering the US Virgin Islands, Puerto
Rico, and from Key West north to Ft. Pierce and Vero
Beach. The simple answer to that is we did it as a team.
Page 7
Rear Commodore
East
Early in the year, members from Division Three, Five,
Six , and Thirteen participated in a mass migration exercise
from Lake Worth down to the Keys, with over 40
members participating in the multi-agency “Operation Vigilant
Sentry” drill. In keeping with the team concept, Divisions
have been working together on training and public
affairs to get the boating public educated in boating
safety. Our public affairs program has been instrumental in reach- i n g
“I would ask
the boating public through boat shows, open houses at the CG Stations,
vessel safety blitzes at local marinas and boat ramps, and that you recreational
boating safety programs. Division Thirteen in the Keys has remember the d e -
veloped a Public Service Announcement program for radio stations Oath we took as that
went over so well that the district is now using it on over 500 radio members, “to stations.
wear the
uniform neatly
There has been a major focus on recruitment and retention, and our
membership continues to grow by 10 % in the east area. In order to and correctly.” a c -
complish this growth, there has been a concentration on member Your uniform
training, including readiness drills for the new three year requirement
for boat crew and coxswain requalification.
The Sector Auxiliary coordinators and bridge regularly meet with their Sector AUXLO’s and
Command Cadre in support of ongoing missions, as well as for developing new opportunities
to support the Active Duty Coast Guard and the Seventh District. Our members are actively
supporting both Sectors Miami and Key West with over 25 Hawkeye Watchstanders.
Auxiliary radio Watchstanders regularly relieve active duty Coast Guard by doing radio
watch standing at the sectors, and small boat stations.
As we look forward to 2008, some Divisions and Flotillas will have a change in their bridges.
This means we will have some changes within our team. Will this mean that we will have a
slow start? Absolutely not, we are working hard to ensure a smooth transition.
We will have an increase in challenges- excuse me, opportunities. We will continue to support
our mission statement, which supports our overall District Strategic Plan. Each division
(Continued on page 8)