First and Foremost - US Coast Guard Auxiliary, First District ...

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Greetings D1SR Auxiliarists.
As I write this the sun is shining and the temperature is climbing with no
threat of snow in the forecast. Lets hope that Winter has passed & we are
headed into Spring with enthusiasm for another successful season. I want to
thank the AuxAir and all those that continued to do Auxiliary & Coast Guard
work throughout the long winter months. The work that was done with the ice
patrols was exceptional and was recognized by our Sector Commanders and
First District Waterways Management department as such - BZ to all.
We have just completed another Training and Awards conference in Mystic, CT
and I was again very impressed with all of the hard work and dedication that
went into this highly successful event. I want to personally thank the conference committee for putting
on such an exceptional event and doing it with the pride and dedication that exemplifies the First
District Southern Region Auxiliary. The First District Chief of Staff, Capt Servidio, was in attendance
along with our Sector Commanders and Air Station Command representatives. All were extremely
appreciative of the opportunity to able to share the time with our dedicated Auxiliary. Presenting the
many awards that recognized the exemplary work of the D1SR Auxiliary is something that we all take
pride in and it is further evidence of the great work that is being done in 1SR.
Commodore Marschall and I were able to provide some input for the D1 Commander's message to the
Auxiliary and so I will briefly summarize:
The Commandant of the Coast Guard has provided the sailing plan for his watch and the First District
Commander has emphasized this direction for our Auxiliary. That direction identifies as priorities:
~�������������������������� - training to "proficiency", not just a basic qualification in all we do -
in leadership and in operations, both in traditional and in non-traditional mission areas.
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- increasing your ability to provide expanded support of the Active
Duty including RBS, operations, watchstanding as well as in all Auxiliary mission areas.
~������������������������������������������ - fully integrating the Silver & Gold side team
from planning to exercises to operations, accountability of 100% of Auxiliary membership during a
drill or actual event is critical - gaining full support for the Everbridge Automated Response System by
all members is needed.
~����������������������������� - from changes in the composition of the recreational boating fleet;
to renewed focus in areas like PATON & Operation Paddlesmart, work in these program areas and
educating the public is imperative.
Challenging times are ahead, with more Coast Guard responsibilities and a smaller Coast Guard
budget. I am confident that we can address these challenges successfully with your help. Our Coast
Guard, our First District, our Sectors and our Air Station could not do what we need to do without
you. Please continue to do what you do so well, do it SAFELY and have fun! See you in the sun this
Summer...
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