Commander's Goals for 2008

Greetings to all.  As your new FC (Flotilla Commander) elect for 2009, I am anticipating an exciting 2009.  With the new members that joined in 2008 and the anticipated membership from Flotilla 16, we should approach 60 members.  That is great because we have a lot to do and much will be expected of us.  Therefore, I will need every member to contribute.  And here are some ways you can contribute.

  We need assistant FSOs (Flotilla Staff Officers) for most staff positions.  This is a great way to get involved in your area(s) of interest and work directly with the FSO in charge. No experience necessary and this includes free on-the-job training.  Just let me know.

  I intend to have a cornerstone committee to plan parties at least quarterly and to sponsor meals at our monthly general meetings and an Awards Committee.

  I believe that we should continue our efforts to reach out to the community for their support and let them know what we do.  This means further membership in the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.  I will entertain a motion at our January meeting for continued membership.  I hope this meets with your approval.  Members who enjoy public speaking and talking to the public about our Flotilla should let me know.  In this way you can also attend local new business openings and find out what is going on in your community while representing the Auxiliary.  

  The Coast Guard needs our help in so many ways and although we do not have law enforcement responsibilities there are many ways we can help.

à                    Marine safety will be a key area.  Commercial boat inspectors and local environmental response teams are just two areas we need to support.  You will be trained and equipment provided. 

à                    As part of Home Land Security, port land patrols along side of Coast Guard personnel are also possible.

à                    Our facilities (especially qualified boats) have acted as platforms for law enforcement training and as platforms to carry Coast Guard personnel to targeted boats for regulation enforcement.  Expect more or these types of requests.

à                    Operations (facility time on the water) need to be increased.  That means we need more qualified boat facilities, coxswains, and crew
at-the-ready. 

à                    One area I would like to see more involvement is off-shore beach patrols especially in summer high volume tourist days when predictable rip tides are present along our beaches (double red flags).  Members of our flotilla saved two lives last year, pulling victims out of the water.  But others were lost.  We can request our own orders and if we can mobilize quickly and get on the water in a timely manner, we can save more lives. 

So now is a time to reflect on how you want to contribute.  Remember, January starts a new year with some changes in the way we will do things and the promise of many new challenges.  So prepare now and be ready when you get called.  And if you are not a member already, sign-up.

Gerald (Jerry) Marano

FC Flotilla 19