Press Releases

PRESS RELEASES

15 Mar 03: A Tribute to the Coast Guard Auxiliary

FLORIDA KEYS - "Today is a well-deserved tribute to the men and women of our team, the Coast Guard Auxiliary. We honor you for 64 years of faithful and devoted service," said CWO3 Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer, USCG Station Islamorada at the unveiling of a commemorative plaque this week honoring the many contributions by the Auxiliary to the Coast Guard and boating safety.

The distinctive aluminum plaque was mounted on a marble pedestal, constructed by Petty Officer Billy Hadaway, USCG, at the main entrance to Coast Guard Station Islamorada. The location chosen for the monument was as much an honor as the inscription on the plaque. Engraved in raised silver letters on a gold colored background are the proud words: "Dedicated to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. These brave men and women, the civilian volunteer arm of the United States Coast Guard, donate their time and expertise to support the Coast Guard and improve boating safety."

The ceremony was attended by well over 100 Coast Guard and Auxiliary personnel from throughout the Florida Keys, as well as representatives from the Director of the Auxiliary’s office, local law enforcement agencies, and the general public. Keynote speakers included Captain J. L. Nimmich, Commanding Officer, USCG Group Key West; CWO3 Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer, USCG Station Islamorada; and James Dennen, Rear Commodore-East, District Seven, USCG Auxiliary.

"The value and impact of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is without question, and now more than ever, playing a vital role for Team Coast Guard," noted Mr. Zecca. "The Auxiliary has been very active in assisting Station Islamorada by providing countless hours of community spirited projects, participating in joint color guards, boat parades, civic ceremonies, partnership in education, and volunteer work with charitable non-profit organizations. This involvement has provided an enriching life for both those who live in the community and for the members of Team Coast Guard who volunteer their time and talents," Mr. Zecca said.

Captain Nimmich, USCG commended the Auxiliary on its emergence as an integral part of today's Coast Guard Forces in the new Department of Homeland Security, noting with pride, "This is not your father's Auxiliary". On March 1, 2003, Coast Guard Forces (the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Reserve, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Coast Guard civilians) merged with 21 other federal agencies into the Department of Homeland Security. The 37,000 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary comprise by far the largest volunteer organization in the major new Department.

The Captain also recounted the exceptional bravery and devotion to duty of Auxiliarists Casey Purvis, Rob Fuller and other Auxiliary members of District Seven who paid the supreme sacrifice while performing missions of great courage within Coast Guard Group Key West.

James Dennen, Rear Commodore-East, USCG Auxiliary, highlighted some of the Auxiliary's contributions to national security, in addition to boating safety. "It is ironic that over 60 years ago we were in a similar situation," Mr. Dennen said. "We were close to going to war and the Coast Guard was looking for unique ways that those civilian volunteers could help the Coast Guard."

Mr. Dennen recalled with pride that his father had been active in the Auxiliary at the time of the Second World War. The names of several active duty members who had been instrumental in advancing the cause of the Auxiliary at Station Islamorada were also cited in his remarks. Notably, the leadership of Mr. Zecca earned high praise from Auxiliary and enlisted personnel alike.

"As we move into the future, with the many uncertainties that it will bring, we couldn't possibly have a stronger or more effective leader than Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca," Mr. Dennen said. "We are proud to have him as our leader. The plaque behind me belongs here. It now has real meaning for us. God bless Team Coast Guard."

For information about joining America's Volunteer Lifesaver's, please visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Home Page at http://www.cgaux.org or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla in the Florida Keys at: Ocean Reef 305-367-5078; Upper Keys 305-853-7258; Marathon 305-289-2007; Big Pine Key 305-745-4234 and Key West 305-872-4075.

PHOTO 1: Left to right: James Dennen, Rear Commodore-East, USCG Auxiliary; Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Jeremy Smith, Division Captain, Division 13 (Florida Keys), USCG Auxiliary; and Captain J. L. Nimmich, Commander, Coast Guard Group Key West.

PHOTO 2: James Dennen, Rear Commodore-East, USCG Auxiliary.

19 Feb 03: Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary Elects new Division Vice Captain

FLORIDA KEYS - Rollin Reiter, an active U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member and past Flotilla Commander of the Ocean Reef Flotilla (13-4), was elected Division Vice Captain of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary (Division 13) during its first quarterly meeting this week at Coast Guard Station Marathon. Division 13 is comprised of five flotillas of approximately 340 Auxiliary members from Key West to Ocean Reef.

Nationwide, the Auxiliary has about 35,000 volunteer members, making it one of the nation's largest volunteer organizations. For additional information on safe boating practices, please visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Home Page at http://www.cgaux.org or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla in the Florida Keys at: Ocean Reef 305-367-5078; Upper Keys 305-853-7258; Marathon 305-289-2007; Big Pine Key 305-745-4234 and Key West 305-872-4075.

PHOTO Left to right: Jeremy Smith, Division Captain of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary (Division 13) congratulates Rollin Reiter of Flotilla 13-4 (Ocean Reef) on his election as Division Vice Captain.

23 Jan 03: Coast Guard Auxiliary Assists with Rescue of Stranded Whale

ISLAMORADA, FLA - An adult male Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps) was reported as stranded near the oceanside entrance to Snake Creek at 9:40 AM on Wednesday, January 22, according to Coast Guard Station Islamorada. The discovery was made by Boatswainmate Second Class Clark Williams, USCG while underway aboard the Station's 27-foot SafeBoat with Boatswainmate Third Class Eric Kennel, USCG; Boatswainmate Third Class Jeff Groseclose, USCG and Seaman Joe Decaro, USCG.

The sighting was reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), the Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation and the Marine Mammal Conservancy of Key Largo. FWCC provided a flatsboat and personnel to assist in transporting the large gray whale to the Coast Guard's boat ramp on Snake Creek. According to Robert Lingenfelser, President of the Marine Mammal Conservancy, the Pygmy Sperm Whale, also known as a Lesser Sperm Whale or a Short-headed Sperm Whale, is rarely seen by humans. It tends to live a long distance from shore and has inconspicuous habits, Mr. Lingenfelser said.

The exact cause of the stranding is pending further evaluation. However, following initial lab results, Rick Trout, co-founder of the Marine Mammal Conservancy, was guardedly optimistic about the whale's prognosis. Of immediate concern was locating a suitable salt-water facility to protect the whale from a major winter cold front that was expected to arrive in the Keys late Thursday. In the interim, Mr. Trout and Mr. Lingenfelser helped to construct a heated tent over the boat ramp that housed the eleven-foot one-inch long whale, aptly named "Houdini" by volunteers from the Marine Mammal Conservancy.

"Houdini" received around the clock supervision and medical attention from over a dozen trained volunteers. In addition, Coast Guard Auxiliarists Linda and David Bickford from the Upper Keys Flotilla (13-8) served an all-night vigil at the Station, coordinating the need for heightened security and the special requirements of the volunteers with the Coast Guard. Their efforts relieved Boatswainmate First Class Carl Dykes, USCG (Officer on Duty) of the need to post additional enlisted personnel at the boat ramp throughout the night. Auxiliarist Richard Hughes, also from Flotilla 13-8, donned a wetsuit and spent many hours in the water stabilizing the stranded whale with Marine Mammal Conservancy volunteers.

By Thursday morning, January 23, Mr. Trout successfully located a heated salt-water pool that was available as a temporary new home for "Houdini", thanks to the Islander Motel in Islamorada. At 2:30 PM the same day, a commercial crane began lifting the 1,100 pound whale out of the water in a specially made sling for transporting marine mammals. The whale was carefully guided by the Coast Guard and volunteers to an awaiting Ryder truck for delivery to the Islander Motel pool about four miles away. Mr. Trout estimated the whale could occupy the salt-water pool for as long as two months before it would be strong enough to be returned to its natural habitat. Auxiliarists Darrell and Doreen Scott, Jan and John Sprague-Williams of Flotilla 13-8, have already contributed several hours at the Islander Motel, protecting and caring for "Houdini" in its new facility.

The Coast Guard strongly urges all mariners to wear life jackets and maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid collision.

For additional information on safe boating practices, please visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Home Page at http://www.cgaux.org or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla in the Florida Keys at: Ocean Reef 305-367-5078; Upper Keys 305-853-7258; Marathon 305-289-2007; Big Pine Key 305-745-4234 and Key West 305-872-4075. For additional information about the Marine Mammal Conservancy, please visit their website at www.marinemammalconsv.org.

PHOTO 1: Auxiliarists David and Linda Bickford of Flotilla 13-8 stand at the water's edge ready to assist Marine Mammal Conservancy volunteers as needed. Dressed in a red and black wetsuit and a white ball cap, Auxiliarist Richard Hughes of Flotilla 13-8 assists with stabilizing the stranded adult male Pygmy Sperm Whale at the boat ramp of Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

PHOTO 2: Auxiliarists David and Linda Bickford of Flotilla 13-8 stand on the seawall of the Coast Guard's boat ramp to monitor transportation of the stranded whale and to assist as needed. Auxiliarist Richard Hughes of Flotilla 13-8 (wearing a red and black wetsuit and a white ball cap) helps to guide the whale to an awaiting truck.

10 Nov 02: Election brings new Leadership to Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary

FLORIDA KEYS - Election results were announced this week for the offices of Division Captain and Division Vice Captain of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary. Jeremy Smith of Flotilla 13-8 (Islamorada) was elected to succeed Jim Dennen as Division Captain of Division 13 (Florida Keys) during a regularly scheduled Division meeting in Marathon on November 3. B. J. Thomas of Flotilla 13-2 (Marathon) was voted to succeed Jeremy Smith as Division Vice Captain. Both offices are for a one year term beginning January 1, 2003.

Mr. Smith currently serves in appointed positions on both Auxiliary National staff and District Seven staff in the Department of Marketing and Public Affairs. Mr. Thomas was recently presented with the Auxiliary's Past Division Captain's Association Award for Coast Guard District Seven (Southeastern United States) during the District's fall conference in St. Petersburg, Florida. During the same conference, Mr. Dennen was elected Rear Commodore-East of District Seven.

Under Mr. Dennen's leadership, Division 13 dedicated over 23,000 hours in support of Coast Guard missions; conducted 275 Public Education sessions and 397 member training sessions. Division 13 is comprised of 335 Auxiliarists in five Flotillas who augment support for the Coast Guard and the boating public at Stations Key West, Marathon and Islamorada.

For more information about the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve please visit the USCG webpage at www.uscg.mil or call: 1-800-GET USCG. For information on how to join "America's Volunteer Lifesavers", please visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary webpage at www.cgaux.org or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary. In the Florida Keys, contact: 305-853-7258 (Upper Keys); 305-367-5078 (Ocean Reef); 305-289-3320 (Marathon); 305-872-0613 (Big Pine Key) and 305-295-0677 (Key West).

PHOTO Left to right: Jeremy Smith, Division Captain Elect, Division 13 (Florida Keys) congratulates B. J. Thomas, Division Vice Captain Elect, Division 13 on his award from the Coast Guard Auxiliary's Past Division Captain's Association of Coast Guard District Seven (Southeastern United States).

5 Nov 02: Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliarists earn top honors

FLORIDA KEYS - Members of the U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, Miami, presented Coast Guard Auxiliarists Joe and Cathie Welty of Flotilla 13-8 (Upper Keys) with the distinguished USCG Marine Safety Device, more commonly referred to as the "M Pin", in recognition of their sustained support of the Marine Safety missions of the Coast Guard. The pin is composed of a silver Coast Guard shield over a gold trident. This insignia is awarded only to those Auxiliarists that have met the stringent requirements necessary to earn qualifications throughout the Coast Guard's Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Program.

The award ceremony was performed today in Marathon during the Auxiliary's year-end Division meeting by Commander Nancy Goodridge, USCG and Rafael Arizmendi of the Marine Safety Office, Miami. On behalf of Captain James A. Watson, Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Office, Miami, Commander Goodridge designated Joe and Cathie Welty as "Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Professionals".

"Today I want to recognize once again the importance of our own Coast Guard Auxiliary. This is a time when probably not since World War Two, we call upon and depend on the Auxiliary to step up, manage, and in some cases, take over control of traditional Coast Guard active duty roles", said CDR Goodridge.

"(Joe and Cathie Welty) are dedicated to and are experts in the Marine Safety missions of the Coast Guard and have performed hundreds of hours of Commercial Fishing Vessel and Uninspected Passenger Vessel exams, pollution investigation, and have been key members of the Clean Marina Program in Monroe County. In recognition of their efforts, and for completion of all requirements, I would like to present on behalf of the Captain of the Port, the Officer-in-Charge of Marine Inspections, Miami, and with the assistance of Rafael Arizmendi, the Marine Safety pin and certificate to Joe and Cathie Welty," said CDR Goodridge.

Rafael Arizmendi, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiner, noted that the occasion also marked the first time that this honor had been conferred upon a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in District Seven (Southeastern United States). Jim Perry of Flotilla 23, Division 2 of 8th District Eastern Region (Huntington, West Virginia) is the only other Auxiliarist in U. S. Coast Guard history thus far to receive this distinctive insignia.

Cathie Welty was also recognized nationally during a recent Coast Guard Auxiliary District Seven conference in St. Petersburg, Florida. As Flotilla Commander 13-8 (Upper Keys), Cathie Welty was presented with the "National Second Place for Marine Dealer Visitor Best Practices Award" by District Seven Commodore Elect Jay Dahlgren, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Both Joe and Cathie Welty also serve on National Staff for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Cathie Welty was recently appointed District Seven Staff Officer in charge of the Auxiliary's Marine Dealer Visitation program.

PHOTO 1: Left to right: Cathie Welty, Flotilla Commander 13-8 (Upper Keys), U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; Rafael Arizmendi, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiner, USCG Marine Safety Office, Miami; Joe Welty, Flotilla 13-8 (Upper Keys), U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

PHOTO 2: Cathie Welty, Flotilla Commander 13-8 (Upper Keys), U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (left) is presented with the "National Second Place for Marine Dealer Visitor Best Practices Award" by District Seven Commodore Elect Jay Dahlgren, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Jim Dennen, Rear Commodore-East Elect, Seventh District, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,(center) looks on.

17 Sep 02: Coast Guard volunteers for Coastal Clean-Up

ISLAMORADA, FLA - "Search and Rescue" took on new meaning for Coast Guard Auxiliarists and enlisted personnel at Coast Guard Station Islamorada this week as they searched for debris in canals, channels and on coral reefs off Key Largo and Islamorada. In what turned out to be a fun-filled day with a purpose, 14 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary from Flotillas 13-4 (Ocean Reef) and 13-8 (Upper Keys) joined 25 of their active duty counterparts to participate in Coast Guard Station Islamorada's second annual Coastal Clean-Up.

"The event went very well and without incident," said Boatswainmate Chief Mike Rolph, Executive Petty Officer, Coast Guard Station Islamorada. "It was a great effort on the part of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. There were a total of 13 divers and 12 snorkelers. We also had a member of the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department participate in the Clean-Up this year."

Chief Rolph coordinated the event with Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station Islamorada and Jessica Koelsch, Florida Marine Wildlife Manager for the Ocean Conservancy. Each year the Ocean Conservancy oversees the International Coastal Clean-Up, including the Florida Coastal Clean-Up (FLCC) at sites across the state and the world. According to Ms. Koelsch, the Florida Keys has the highest incidence in the state of monofilament entanglement of sea turtles and manatees.

"One issue we are currently addressing is monofilament entanglement of marine wildlife," said Ms. Koelsch. "Monofilament fishing line is a serious threat to marine wildlife. The thin, yet strong, virtually invisible line can be lethal to marine mammals, sea turtles, birds, fish, and other animals.

"Over the past 20 years, more than 22 manatees and 288 sea turtles have been found entangled in monofilament. In fact, during the Florida Coastal Clean-up for last year alone, 46 'critters' were found entangled in marine debris including 31 in fishing line or fishing nets, one of which was a threatened loggerhead sea turtle. Our goal is to encourage more underwater clean-ups targeted at the removal of monofilament and other fishing materials," Ms. Koelsch said.

Lady Cyana Divers in Islamorada donated dive equipment for the event and assisted Coast Guard volunteers in becoming dive certified. The one day clean-up effort called upon members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary to provide four vessels and crew members as support platforms for the divers. The Coast Guard's 41' boat and two additional small boats were also deployed by the Coast Guard to assist with the clean-up.

According to Chief Rolph, each of the divers conducted two tank dives and visited Molasses Reef, Pickles Reef, Conch Reef, Davis Reef, Hen and Chickens and Crocker Reef. "In addition to our dive team members, we positioned snorkelers at Whale Harbor Channel, Snake Creek and Tavernier Creek. We all had a great time participating in the clean-up and look forward to having another one again soon," Chief Rolph said.

Coordinating communications between each of the coxswains and dive masters on the seven boats involved in the mission was handled by Jim Fletcher, Flotilla Vice Commander (13-8), aboard the Coast Guard's 41' boat. As the Patrol Commander for the mission, he was responsible for maintaining communication with Auxiliarist Joe Welty, the radio watchstander at the Coast Guard Station that day. Following the event, all boats returned to the Station, where divers and crew off-loaded the collected debris and equipment onto the docks.

A delicious barbeque cookout was served under the Station's chickee hut, prepared by Food Service Specialist Third Class Brandon Duncan, USCG. Chief Warrant Officer Zecca thanked all Team Coast Guard members for their participation and congratulated them on a job well done.

"Marine environmental protection is a vital concern and a key mission of the Coast Guard," Mr. Zecca said. "Today's Clean-Up was not only good for the environment, but we had a great time doing it as well. The response from enlisted personnel and from the Auxiliary was tremendous. My hope is that next time we will be able to involve even more people."

Mr. Zecca also presented Fireman Michelle Sharifzadeh, USCG with a plaque as a departing gift to commemorate her first tour of duty in the Coast Guard. The occasion of the Clean-Up marked the last day of Fireman Sharifzadeh's tour at Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

Coast Guard Auxiliarists participating in the Clean-Up were Dave Bickford, Jack Bondus, John Cooper, Miguel Corco, Jim Dennen, Gerda Fletcher, Jim Fletcher, John Kasheta, Cal Phillips, Cheryl Roock, Jeremy Smith, Jan Sprague-Williams, John Sprague-Williams, Mike Wallace and Joe Welty. Auxiliarists who donated their Coast Guard authorized boats for use in the clean-up were Cal Phillips, Flotilla 13-4; John Cooper, Miguel Corco and Jim Dennen, Flotilla 13-8.

Active duty Coast Guard participants were CWO2 Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer, BMC Mike Rolph, Executive Petty Officer, BM1 Carl Dykes, BM2 Andrew Babione, BM2 Clark Williams, BM2 Rafael Torres, BM3 Robert Angel, BM3 Jeffrey Groseclose, BM3 Greg Giggi, BM3 Eric Kennel, BM3 Ryan Whiting, MK1 Lance Welch, MK2 Al Medina, MK3 Russel Uding, MK3 Tim Lindemann, MK3 Ethan Rose, SN Joe Decaro, SN Jose Leiva, SN Sean Carroll, SN Carl Jester, SA Luis Gonzales, FN Michelle Sharifzadeh, FN John Ferrari, FS1 Michael Niebaurer, and FS3 Brandon Duncan, USCG. Jay Ogden of the Key Largo Fire Department and Mary Zecca, wife of CWO2 Dennis Zecca, also joined in the Clean-Up.

PHOTO 1: Left to right: Seaman Apprentice Luis Gonzalez, USCG; Boatswainmate Third Class Jeff Groseclose, USCG and Fireman Charles Kline, USCG collect debris from coral reefs off Key Largo.

PHOTO 2: Coast Guard Auxiliarists from Flotillas 13-4 (Ocean Reef) and 13-8 (Upper Keys) joined active duty Coast Guard personnel at Coast Guard Station Islamorada for the Station's second annual Coastal Clean-Up.

PHOTO 3: Fireman Michelle Sharifzadeh, USCG, is awarded a plaque by Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer (left) and Boatswainmate Chief Mike Rolph, Executive Petty Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada. The plaque was presented to Fireman Sharifzadeh as a departing gift to commemorate her first tour of duty in the Coast Guard.

12 Sep 01: Upper Keys Remembers 9/11

ISLAMORADA, FLA - A sunset memorial to honor and remember all those who lost their lives September 11 took place this evening in the arrival courtyard at Cheeca Lodge. Islamorada Mayor Mark Gregg welcomed attendees and asked everyone to rise for the posting of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor introduced honored guests: Captain Joe Leiter, Islamorada Sheriff's Department; Fire Chief William Wagner, Islamorada Fire Department; and Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

Other guest speakers were Rev. Debbie Halcomb of the Matecumbe United Methodist Church; Jim Boruszak, President of the Keys Jewish Community Center; and Rev. Darrel Millsap of the First Baptist Church of Islamorada. The half hour long program consisted of a few brief words by each of the community and religious leaders, followed by a moment of silence. Ms. Candi Orchulek sang "Amazing Grace" a cappella. American flags were distributed and free coffee and deserts were served in the Pennecamp Room immediately following the ceremony.

Coast Guard Station Islamorada provided the Color Guard for the ceremony. Seaman Joe Decaro, USCG, Jeremy Smith, USCG Auxiliary Division Vice Captain 13 (Florida Keys) and Seaman Jose Leiva, USCG, presented the Color Guard for the program.

The Coast Guard also provided a Color Guard and a 21 Gun Salute at the First Baptist Church of Key Largo for a special service of remembrance and hope, "Remembering 9/11". The Color Guard at the First Baptist Church was led by Boatswainmate Third Class Jeffery Groseclose, USCG with Seaman Apprentice Luis Gonzalez, USCG; Seaman Apprentice Dustin Welch, USCG and Fireman Apprentice Fred Clay, USCG. The 21 Gun Salute was led by Boatswainmate Second Class Andrew Babione, USCG with Seaman Carl Jester, USCG and Seaman Sean Carrol, USCG.

PHOTO 1 Left to right: Seaman Joe Decaro, USCG, Jeremy Smith, USCG Auxiliary Division Vice Captain 13 (Florida Keys) and Seaman Jose Leiva, USCG, stand Color Guard in the arrival courtyard at Cheeca Lodge.

PHOTO 2 Left to right: Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca, Commanding Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada; Fire Chief William Wagner, Islamorada Fire Department; Mayor Mark Gregg, Mayor of Islamorada; Captain Joe Leiter, Islamorada Sheriff's Department (standing).

28 Aug 02: Coast Guard Station Islamorada interdicts 28 undocumented alien migrants

TAVERNIER, FLA - Coast Guard Station Islamorada interdicted 28 undocumented alien migrants today on Tavernier Key at mile marker 91 oceanside. According to Boatswainmate Second Class Rafael Torres, USCG, an anonymous tip was received by the Coast Guard at 10:35 AM, August 28 regarding suspicious activity on Tavernier Key, an uninhabited mangrove island about a mile off shore in the Upper Keys. As the Officer on Duty, Petty Officer Torres launched the Station's 21' Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat with two people on board to investigate the siting. Boatswainmate Second Class Clark Williams, USCG was the coxswain in charge and Seaman Joe Decaro, USCG was the crewman on board the boat.

Once moored at Tavernier Key, Petty Officer Williams spotted over two dozen undocumented Cuban migrants in a clearing between the mangroves. A request for back up support was radioed to the Coast Guard Station. Petty Officer Torres responded by deploying the Station's 41' Utility Patrol Boat to the scene to assist with the case. Boatswainmate First Class Carl Dykes, USCG operated the 41' boat with Machinery Technician Second Class Richard Borden as Engineer and Machinery Technician Third Class Tim Lindemann as crewman.

In total, Coast Guard Station Islamorada rescued 28 migrants from Tavernier Key aboard the two vessels: 20 males, 6 females and 2 children. All were outfitted with lifejackets by the Coast Guard and brought back to Station Islamorada where they were interviewed by the U. S. Border Patrol. According to U. S. Border Patrol Detention Enforcement Officer John Echemendia, the migrants will first be transported by bus to Border Patrol Headquarters in Pembrook Pines prior to being processed at Krome Detention Center in Miami.

PHOTO 1: Undocumented alien migrants disembark at Coast Guard Station Islamorada where the were met by awaiting U. S. Border Patrol agents.

PHOTO 2: Undocumented alien migrants present Cuban identification cards to U. S. Border Patrol agents at U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

19Aug 02: Coast Guard Station Islamorada assists with flats boats rescue

ISLAMORADA, FLA - Coast Guard Station Islamorada responded to a call for assistance Saturday on a case involving two flats boats in a head on collision near World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada. The call was received by the Coast Guard at 12:00 PM, August 17. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) and Coast Guard Group Key West were also notified. Initially, five people were reported as injured when two 17-foot Action Craft flats boats collided head on in a narrow unmarked channel at the northeastern end of Little Basin.

Station Islamorada deployed a 21-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat and two Personal Watercraft to the scene. Boatswainmate Third Class Jeff Groseclose, USCG operated the 21-foot rescue vessel with two crewmen, Machinery Technician Second Class Al Medina, USCG and Boatswainmate Third Class Eric Kennel, USCG.

Boatswainmate Second Class Andrew Babione, USCG and Seaman Carl Jester, USCG trailered Station Islamorada's two Personal Watercraft to World Wide Sportsman where the vessels were launched to assist in the rescue effort. Other agencies assisting at the scene included Islamorada Fire Rescue, Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC).

Emergency medical technicians were first to arrive on scene aboard the commercial tow boat "Vessel Assist". However, no vessels were able to reach the two stranded flats boats due to shallow water and Florida Bay's soft mud bottom. All rescue personnel had to walk approximately 50 yards through waist deep mud to reach the injured persons. Once on scene, the Coast Guard's Personal Watercraft were the only vessels able to get close enough to assist the paramedics.

EMS personnel determined that the best method of evacuation would be to air lift the two injured adult males by County Rescue Helicopter. Monroe County Sheriff's Department helicopter "Trauma Star" arrived on scene and conducted two hoists to awaiting ambulances at Island Christian School. The three other persons involved in the collision were released unharmed. The names of the parties in the accident are being withheld pending further investigation.

"Islamorada Fire Rescue and Monroe County Rescue Helicopter crew are to be commended for their professional actions in this case," said Boatswainmate Second Class Andrew Babione, USCG. Petty Officer Babione also noted that "the use of the two Personal Watercraft greatly enhanced the Coast Guard's ability to respond to this type of incident."

The Coast Guard strongly urges all mariners to wear life jackets and maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid collision.

For additional information on safe boating practices, please visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Home Page at http://www.cgaux.org/ or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla in the Florida Keys at: Ocean Reef 305-367-5078; Upper Keys 305-853-7258; Marathon 305-289-3320; Big Pine Key 305-872-0613 and Key West 305-295-0677.

PHOTO: Boatswainmate Second Class Andrew Babione, USCG aboard one of Coast Guard Station Islamorada's two Personal Watercraft.

20 Jul 02: Coast Guard Station Islamorada rescues injured Green Turtle

ISLAMORADA, FLA - "The importance of maintaining a sharp lookout while boating can never be underestimated" said Boatswainmate Second Class Andrew Babione, USCG. Petty Officer Babione was the officer on duty at Coast Guard Station Islamorada when a call came in Friday night from a boater that a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) had been found injured near Cheeca Rocks, a couple of miles off Islamorada, Florida.

The location of the injured turtle was reported to the Coast Guard at 7:30 PM Friday, July 19, by Israel Machado, a boater from West Palm Beach, Florida. Petty Officer Babione deployed the Coast Guard's 21-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable boat to meet Mr. Machado at the scene where the turtle was reported as injured. Boatswainmate Second Class Ernie Ramos, USCG, piloted the Coast Guard vessel with two crewmen aboard, Boatswainmate Third Class Greg Giggi, USCG and Boatswainmate Third Class Eric Kennel, USCG.

While en route to Cheeca Rocks, Petty Officer Babione contacted Sue Schaf, Animal and Education Coordinator at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida. The Turtle Hospital is a charitable corporation that was founded in 1986 to help rehabilitate sick or injured sea turtles and return them to the wild.

Once it was determined that the turtle could be transported to the Coast Guard Station without further injury, Ms. Schaf arranged to meet the boat and Petty Officer Babione at the Coast Guard base. In preparation for the transfer, Petty Officer Ramos and his crew applied wet towels to the turtle as directed by hospital staff members.

Ms. Schaf determined that the turtle was approximately four years of age and had sustained a large laceration near its lungs from a boat's propeller. A Green Turtle normally reaches maturity when it is about twenty years old, according to Ms. Schaf. Fully grown, a Green Turtle can weigh up to 500 pounds. Lieutenant Larry Kelley, Station Commander at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in Marathon was also on hand to assist with transporting the turtle to Marathon for evaluation.

Ms. Schaf and Lieutenant Kelley commended the men and women at Coast Guard Station Islamorada on their humane care for wildlife and quick response to the situation. Station Islamorada was recently awarded the Coast Guard's Sumnar I. Kimball Readiness Award for having earned top scores in operational readiness and is committed to working with the community to help protect the environment and natural resources.

For more information about the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve please visit the USCG webpage at http://www.uscg.mil/ or call: 1-800-GET USCG. For information on how to join "America's Volunteer Lifesavers", please visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary webpage at http://www.cgaux.org/ or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary. In the Florida Keys, contact: 305-853-7258 (Upper Keys); 305-367-5078 (Ocean Reef); 305-289-3320 (Marathon); 305-872-0613 (Big Pine Key) and 305-295-0677 (Key West).

PHOTO From left: Boatswainmate Second Class Ernie Ramos, USCG, hands over an injured Green Turtle at Coast Guard Station Islamorada to Sue Schaf of the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida. Boatswainmate Second Class Andrew Babione, USCG, stands by to assist aboard the Coast Guard's 21-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable boat.

17 Jul 02: Coast Guard Auxiliarists set sail aboard USCG Tall Ship Barque EAGLE

KEY WEST, FLA - Few modern day ships elicit as much reverence and pride among mariners as the U. S. Coast Guard EAGLE, America's largest Tall Ship and the only square-rigger in U. S. government service. The EAGLE was built in 1936 by the Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany and is the seventh Coast Guard cutter to bear the name in a proud line dating back to 1792.

The EAGLE was met this week a few miles off Key West, Florida, by a visiting party aboard the KEY LARGO, a 110 foot Coast Guard Cutter that is homeported in Key West. Guests invited to sail into Key West harbor aboard the EAGLE were ferried from the KEY LARGO to the EAGLE aboard a Coast Guard 41 foot patrol boat. Eight elected officers from the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary were among those invited to sail with the EAGLE's crew into Key West harbor. They included John Evers from Flotilla 13-1 (Key West), Carolyn and B. J. Thomas from Flotilla 13-2 (Marathon), Eloy Gonzalez from Flotilla 13-3 (Big Pine Key), Cathie and Joe Welty, Jim Dennen and Jeremy Smith from Flotilla 13-8 (Islamorada).

With all guests safely aboard, the EAGLE was escorted by a fleet of Coast Guard patrol boats through Key West's main shipping channel to the ship's berth at Mallory Square. The arrival of the EAGLE in Key West was met with a proud salute of ships' cannon fire, flags flying and the playing of the Coast Guard anthem by a military brass band on the pier. Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commander of Coast Guard Group Key West, smiled proudly and said that he had not been aboard the EAGLE since he had been a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, but that he had volunteered for three tours of duty aboard the ship while at the Academy.

While in port, the EAGLE was host to a steady stream of visitors during the two days that the ship was open to the public.

The EAGLE's crew was assisted with security for visitors boarding the ship by members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Over the course of the two days that the ship was open to the public, 22 Auxiliarists from four different flotillas manned a ticket booth at the gangplank of the ship. Some of the volunteer members traveled over 100 miles to help out at the booth.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is no stranger to the EAGLE. According to cadet Greg Vera, 18, of Texas, he was one of over 10% of the Coast Guard Academy cadets currently serving onboard the EAGLE who had been recruited to the Academy through the Auxiliary's Academy Introduction Mission (AIM). The AIM program is an important Coast Guard Auxiliary mission designed to assist the U. S. Coast Guard Academy with recruitment of cadet candidates. Approximately 900 men and women attend the Academy, all of whom sail at one time or another on America's only active duty square rigger.

The EAGLE serves as a seagoing classroom for future officers of the U. S. Coast Guard, the smallest but busiest of the nation's five armed services. The men and women of the Coast Guard are responsible for Maritime Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Aids to Navigation, Ice Operations, Defense Operations, and Waterways Defense and Security.

For more information about the EAGLE, please visit their website at: www.cga.edu/eagle/default.html. For information about joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit their website at: http://www.cgaux.org/.

PHOTO 1: From left: Coast Guard Auxiliarists Eloy Gonzalez, Cathie Welty, Jim Dennen, Joe Welty, Jeremy Smith, B. J. and Carolyn Thomas of Division 13, District 7 (Florida Keys) prepare to board U. S. Coast Guard Tall Ship Barque EAGLE. Photo by Petty Officer Todd Yawn, USCG

PHOTO 2: U. S. Coast Guard EAGLE is met by guests arriving on a 41 foot Coast Guard patrol boat off Key West, Florida, while the crew of the ship prepares to harbor furl sails aloft from the EAGLE's upper yardarms. Photo by Jeremy Smith

PHOTO 3: Coast Guard Auxiliarists from Flotillas 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 and 13-8 of Division 13, District 7 (Florida Keys) assist the crew of the EAGLE with security for visitors boarding the ship in Key West, Florida. Photo by Jeremy Smith

PHOTO 4: From left: Jim Dennen, Division Captain of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division 13, District 7 (Florida Keys), and Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commander of Coast Guard Group Key West, prepare to board the EAGLE off Key West, Florida. Photo by Jeremy Smith

11 Jul 02: Coast Guard Station Islamorada welcomes new commanding officer

ISLAMORADA, FLA - Chief Warrant Officer Stephen M. Craddock, Commanding Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada, was relieved of duty today by Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca during a formal Change of Command Ceremony conducted at Island Community Church in Islamorada, Florida.

The official party presiding at the ceremony consisted of Captain Joseph L. Nimmich, Commander, Coast Guard Group Key West, Chief Warrant Officer Stephen M. Craddock, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Prospective Commanding Officer, Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca, and Chaplain Sonny Pritchett. Following the playing of the National Anthem, Chaplain Pritchett delivered an invocation before the assembled crew and guests.

Boatswainmate Chief Mike Rolph, U. S. Coast Guard, welcomed guests and explained the origins and regulations of the traditional ceremony. "The Change of Command Ceremony of the United States Naval Services is a formal, time-honored ceremony conducted before the assembled personnel of the command that formally restates the continuing authority of that command. The change of command is a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another," he said.

Captain Nimmich presented Mr. Craddock with a citation for Outstanding Achievement while serving as Commanding Officer, United States Coast Guard Station Islamorada. The citation was accompanied by the award of the Coast Guard Commendation medal. Additionally, Captain Nimmich recounted numerous accomplishments achieved by Coast Guard Station Islamorada under Mr. Craddock's command.

"Under the leadership and command of Chief Warrant Officer Craddock, Station Islamorada successfully prosecuted over 500 search and rescue cases, resulting in hundreds of mariners assisted and over a million dollars of property saved," said Captain Nimmich.

"Chief Warrant Officer Craddock's aggressive law enforcement program has netted over 600 Coast Guard boardings, which include the interdiction of over 300 illegal migrants, the seizure of over 150 lbs of cocaine and 200 lbs of marijuana," the Captain noted.

Further, Captain Nimmich expressed great pride in being able to present Station Islamorada with the prestigious Sumner I. Kimball Readiness Award for having earned the highest scores in operational readiness this fiscal year out of 28 units inspected by the Coast Guard's Standardization Team. Mr. Craddock accepted the award presented by Captain Nimmich on behalf of Station Islamorada. Captain Nimmich also commended Chief Warrant Officer Zecca on his distinguished career in the Coast Guard and wished him continued success in his new command of Station Islamorada.

Chief Warrant Officer Craddock entered the Coast Guard on 01 July, 1974. His last assignment was Assistant Surface Operations Officer, Coast Guard Group Air-Station Atlantic City, NJ. CWO Craddock also held this position at Coast Guard Group Cape May, NJ prior to its closing on 28 April, 1998. Previously, CWO Craddock served aboard five Coast Guard cutters during his career. These afloat assignments included: Officer in Charge, USCGC Chock, the Commissioning of the USCGC Shearwater and USCGC Legare in addition to serving duty on the USCGC Point Martin and USCGC Cowslip.

Mr. Craddock's ashore assignments included: Officer in Charge, Aids to Navigation Team Cape May, NJ and Coast Guard Station Taylors Island, MD. Other ashore assignments served were Station Parramore Beach, VA and Station Chatham, MA as Executive Petty Officer. Upon relief of this duty, he will be assigned as Aids to Navigations Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Group, Miami, Florida. CWO Craddock is married to the former Neva Silva and has four children, Jason 22 who graduated from University of South Carolina in May, Kelley 20, who attends college at Coastal Carolina, Dana 15, and Briana 11.

Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca enlisted in the Coast Guard in December, 1978. Following Basic Training at Cape May, NJ, his assignments have been Chief Military Police ISC Kodiak, AK, Executive Petty Officer, Station Miami, FL, Officer in Charge, Station Sackets Harbor, NY, Executive Petty Officer, Aids to Navigation Team, Cape May, NJ, Executive Petty Officer, CGC Point Francis, Highlands, NJ, M/V Atlantic Sentry Marine Aero Station Key West, FL, Supervisor in Charge, Recruiting Detachment Corpus Christi, TX, Recruiting Office San Antonio, TX, CGC Cape Fox, Key West, FL, Station Port Isabel, TX, and CGC White Pine, Mobile, AL. CWO Zecca is married to the former Mary E. Guerrero and has two daughters, Denise and Diane, and three sons, Michael, Giovanni and Santino.

Following the ceremony at Island Community Church, all guests were invited to a reception at Coast Guard Station Islamorada. For more information about Coast Guard Station Islamorada, please visit the Station's website: http://www.uscg.mil/d7/units/grukeywest/staislamorada/main.htm.

PHOTO 1: Left to right: Chaplain Sonny Pritchett, Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca, Prospective Commanding Officer,Chief Warrant Officer Stephen M. Craddock, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station Islamorada and Captain Joseph L. Nimmich, Commander, Coast Guard Group Key West.

PHOTO 2: Left to right: Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca salutes Captain Nimmich and requests permission to relieve Mr. Craddock of Commanding Officer, USCG Station Islamorada, as Mr. Craddock looks on.

PHOTO3: Left to right: Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Zecca greets MK2 Alex Piniero as Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Craddock bids farewell to BM2 Clark Williams. MK2 Rick Borden (right) awaits inspection of the Station's company by Mr. Craddock and Mr. Zecca.

21 June 02: Commandant Commends Coast Guard Auxiliary on 63 Years of Service

Admiral T. H. Collins, Commandant of the U. S. Coast Guard, congratulated the Coast Guard Auxiliary this week on its 63rd anniversary of proud and dedicated service. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress on June 23, 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. In addition to having provided sixty-three years of administrative and operational support to the Coast Guard, the Commandant commended the Auxiliary for its exceptional accomplishments following September 11.

"The dedication and commitment demonstrated this past year by our 35,000 volunteers really stands out," noted Admiral Collins. "The Auxiliary has stood up to the plate like never before, and the real value of their role in Team Coast Guard is clearer than ever.

"Following the events of September 11, the Auxiliary set the nation's standard for volunteerism and patriotism. On our coasts, bays, rivers and lakes, the Auxiliary supported the Coast Guard's maritime security mission at unprecedented levels. In the first six months after September 11, the Auxiliary volunteered over 250,000 hours, conducting multi-mission harbor safety patrols, providing administrative support, and filling in as needed for search and rescue standby duties," Admiral Collins said.

In addition to the extraordinary support the Auxiliary continues to provide to the Coast Guard's maritime security mission, the Commandant cited the importance of the Auxiliary's traditional missions.

"The Auxiliary continues to be the leader in preventative search and rescue through public boating safety classes and voluntary vessel safety checks," noted Admiral Collins. Last year, for example, Auxiliarists saved 482 lives, assisted 11,351 others, and conducted 113,048 vessel safety checks and 1,372 commercial fishing vessel safety exams. Further, Auxiliarists spent over 8,800 hours in the air, over 37,000 on the water, and over 69,300 hours in the classroom.

For more information on safe and secure boating practices, visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Home Page at http://www.cgaux.org/ or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary. In the Florida Keys, contact: 305-853-7258 (Upper Keys); 305-367-5078 (Ocean Reef); 305-289-3320 (Marathon); 305-872-0613 (Big Pine Key) and 305-295-0677 (Key West).

20 June 02:Coast Guard Auxiliary Celebrates 63rd Anniversary

KEY LARGO, FLA - Frank Delgado of Key Largo joins a proud team of nearly 33,000 Coast Guard Auxiliarists. Mr. Delgado was sworn in this week as a new member of the Upper Keys Flotilla (13-8) of the Coast Guard Auxiliary during a boat crew training program conducted at Buttonwood Bay Condominiums in Key Largo. The all volunteer civilian organization celebrates its 63rd anniversary this week.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress on June 23, 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Auxiliarists come from all walks of life and receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Team Coast Guard. Members assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.

For more information on safe and secure boating practices visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Home Page at http://www.cgaux.org/ or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla in the Florida Keys at: Ocean Reef 305-367-5078; Upper Keys 305-853-7258; Marathon 305-289-3320; Big Pine Key 305-872-0613 and Key West 305-295-0677.

PHOTO: Frank Delgado of Key Largo (center) is sworn in as a new member of the Upper Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary by Cathie Welty, Flotilla Commander 13-8 (right).

23 Apr 02: Coast Guard Station Islamorada awarded top scores in readiness

ISLAMORADA, FLA - Coast Guard Station Islamorada achieved top scores this week in a regularly scheduled biannual readiness assessment by the Coast Guard's Standardization Team. The training records and rescue/survival system status were top notch. Passing 15 out of 16 drills, gave the unit an overall score of 94% in the drill completion portion of the visit.

The knowledge test scores were "some of the highest ever seen" by the Standardization Team. The three top engineers tied with scores of 99%, a score nobody had obtained in the four years the engineering inspector had been grading exams. The overall average for engineers was 96.5, well above the Coast Guard average of 85.6%. The coxswains and crewmen did equally as well with average scores of 90.4% and 93.5% respectively, again, well above the Coast Guard averages of 74.4% and 78.4%.

The preliminary tally gave Station Islamorada a total of 33 out of 35 points. This score easily qualified the Station for the Coast Guard's prestigious Kimball Award and is the highest this fiscal year out of 28 units inspected by the Standardization Team. Captain J. L. Nimmich, Commander, Coast Guard Group Key West, expressed his congratulations to the Station's commanding officer and crewmembers "for an outstanding performance in all areas."

PHOTO: Coast Guard Station Islamorada personnel meet with inspectors from the USCG Standardization Team.

18 May 02: Coast Guard Auxiliary stresses vigilance and safety on the water this summer

National Safe Boating Week May 18 – 24

As summer approaches and more boaters hit the waterways for recreation, it is crucial the boating public recognize their role in keeping waterways safe and secure in cooperation with Homeland Security.

Many security zones and restrictions were established after September 11. Boaters are required to keep their distance from all military vessels, cruise ships and large commercial ships. Security zones also exist around port areas, especially petroleum facilities, cruise ports, military installations and under and around bridges. Boaters should keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks peculiar or out of the ordinary and are asked to contact the local authorities or the Coast Guard if they observe something suspicious.

Vigilance on the water is the focus of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s message, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, for this year’s North American Safe Boating Campaign.

The campaign is designed to reach more than 80 million boaters around North America, stressing the need for boaters to be vigilant while on the water. The limited resources of the Coast Guard require the boating public to become more aware of their surroundings, participating in Coast Guard Auxiliary programs on boating safety, the use of life jackets and the hazards of boating under the influence of alcohol.

Operation BoatSmart, a U.S. Coast Guard Initiative to save lives, also stresses having safe boating instruction and operating a well-equipped vessel. Each year hundreds of people die in boating-related accidents and nine out of every 10 victims were not wearing a life jacket.

More than 60% of boating fatalities resulted from capsizing, falling overboard or flooding/swamping. It’s often the sudden and unexpected trip out of the boat and into the water that turns an accident into a deadly situation. Merely having a lifejacket on board is not good enough in these instances. It must be worn to be effective.

Of the 1,204 recreational boating accidents in Florida alone in 2000, there were 43 fatalities. Florida led the nation in the number of persons injured in boating accidents. Texas and Louisiana had the greatest number of fatal boating accidents.

The summer months are the busiest time of the year for boating, making waterways even more dangerous. Coast Guard crews are especially watchful for people boating while intoxicated or operating in an unsafe manner, such as overloading boats. Mariners are required to carry safety equipment on board according to the size and type of vessel. Life jackets are always required for each passenger and are required for water skiers, as well as operators and passengers on personal watercraft, at all times. Contact the numbers below for full details on Federally Required Equipment.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary strongly recommends having a reliable means of communication onboard. VHF radios are preferable to cell phones. Although cell phones are useful for calling ashore, they can be unreliable due to low batteries or potential holes in coverage. It is critically important that mariners rely on VHF-FM radios and electronic position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) as their primary means of communicating if in distress on open waters.

19 Mar 02: Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Public Flare Night

ISLAMORADA, FLA - Do you have old distress flares? Would you like some first hand experience on their proper use? The Upper Keys Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary would like to invite you to come to Coast Guard Station Islamorada on Friday, April 5 at 7:00 PM for a free demonstration on how to properly fire flares. Participants will be provided with an opportunity to practice firing distress flares under the guidance of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Visual distress signal requirements apply to all vessels operating on the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or coastal waters such as bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, and inlets to the first point where the distance between shorelines is 2 miles wide or less. Vessels greater than 16-feet in length must carry a minimum of three visual distress signals approved for daytime use and three approved for nighttime use. A total of three combination daytime/nighttime visual distress signals may be substituted for this requirement.

For more information, please call Cathie Welty, Flotilla Commander, at (305) 853-7258.

26 Feb 01: U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - 30 Years of Public Service in Florida Keys

FLORIDA KEYS - Members of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary were honored this week at a special anniversary celebration in Marathon. Nearly eighty Auxiliarists and invited guests from Ocean Reef to Key West gathered at the Sombrero Country Club to attend a dinner honoring their commitment and service to the Coast Guard. In a prepared tribute to the members of Division 13 (Florida Keys), Rear Admiral J. S. Carmichael, Commander of Seventh Coast Guard District, commended the Division’s entire membership - past and present - on the observance of its 30th anniversary of service to the Coast Guard and the boating community.

PHOTO From left: Commander Kurt Nancarrow, Director of the Auxiliary, Seventh Coast Guard District, prepares to cut into a red, white and blue cake, celebrating the Division's 30th anniversary as James Dennen, Division Captain 13 looks on.

Commander Kurt Nancarrow, Director of the Auxiliary, Seventh Coast Guard District, presented the citation to James Dennen, Division Captain 13, on behalf of Rear Admiral Carmichael at the anniversary ceremony. “Division 13 has continuously provided boating safety education to the boating community and the public at large and has partnered with local Coast Guard commands to accomplish our missions,” noted Rear Admiral Carmichael.

“As Coast Guard missions and the Coast Guard Auxiliary organization have evolved according to the needs of the nation, the members of Division 13 have risen to every challenge. We could not meet the public’s expectation for service delivery without you.”

Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commander, USCG Group Key West, administered the oath of office to James Dennen as Division Captain 13 and Jeremy Smith as Division Vice Captain 13. Additionally, Captain Nimmich presented Mr. Dennen and Mr. Smith with Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Awards in recognition of their leadership achievements in support of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

PHOTO From left: James Dennen, Division Captain 13 (Florida Keys), U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, is presented with a Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Award by Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commander, USCG Group Key West.

Commodore Mary Larsen, Seventh District Commodore, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, also commended Division 13 on its rich and varied history of public service and its commitment to furthering boating safety in the Florida Keys.

Information about local boating courses, vessel inspections and membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is available at 305-367-4405 (Ocean Reef), 305-853-7258 (Key Largo and Islamorada), 305-289-3320 (Marathon), 305-745-2188 (Big Pine Key), and 305-744-0455 (Key West). For additional information about the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and its services, please visit the national website at http://www.cgaux.org/.

15 Feb 02: Coast Guard Auxiliary Interpreter Corps LEND US YOUR TONGUES

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is looking for a few good tongues.

"Now, Americans are embracing a new ethic and a new creed: Let's roll!" President Bush said in his recent State of the Union Address. In a broad appeal to national unity, the president called upon volunteers in this country to act with the same purpose and resolve shown by American service men and women overseas. With new challenges facing the nation, volunteerism has acquired a profound new meaning. The president asked that all Americans volunteer two years or 4,000 hours during their lives to support their country.

“By becoming a member of The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, folks get the opportunity to 'Volunteer for jobs that matter,” says Nick Nicholson, District Seven Public Affairs Officer.

PHOTO: Mr. Klaus Baumann, Deputy Director and Chief of International Affairs, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Recently, for example, the Auxiliary responded to the Coast Guard's mounting need for skilled linguists by creating the Coast Guard Auxiliary Interpreter Corps, a unique new program comprised of Auxiliarists and other members of Team Coast Guard who are able to speak and understand, read and write foreign languages.

"Many of our Interpreters have served successfully in translating important Coast Guard guidelines and training documents, as well as providing escort service to foreign dignitaries and senior officers," said Klaus Baumann, Deputy Director and Chief of International Affairs, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Members of the Interpreter Corps also perform many other important functions for the Coast Guard, including interpreting during seminars and training schools, assistance with Medevac operations and law enforcement missions. Other qualified translators are deployed on Coast Guard cutters or are involved in standing watch at land based Coast Guard radios.

"As our opportunities to serve Team Coast Guard increase, so does our need for even more men and women to serve with us. If you speak and understand, or read and write a foreign language, or know the American Sign Language, you are encouraged to join the USCG Auxiliary Interpreter Corps," Mr. Baumann said. “Although applicants to the Interpreter Corps must be members of Team Coast Guard, the Auxiliary stands ready to train new volunteers,” says Nick Nicholson.

"During the first part of 2001, all of our qualified Russian linguists were used effectively during various Coast Guard international events. Currently, a great number of our Interpreter Corps members are tasked with the translation of the revised Coast Guard Ballast Water Guidelines on Nuisance Species in 20 plus foreign languages," Mr. Baumann said.

While many interpreter missions scheduled prior to September 11 were postponed or canceled, Mr. Baumann stressed that there is an urgent need currently for Team Coast Guard members who speak Arabic, Farsi and Pashto. There are present and long-range needs for virtually all other languages as well.

According to John Cooper, State of Florida Coordinator and Language Qualification Examiner, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the success of the Interpreter Corps continues to grow. "In 2001, the number of qualified Interpreters increased by 37%. During the same period the number of foreign languages spoken has increased from 32 to 40. Since many of our Interpreters are multi-lingual, our total language capabilities are now 267," Mr. Cooper said.

Mr. Cooper explains that there are currently two categories of Interpreters or Translators in the program's database. "Alpha Group is for members who fluently read, write, speak and understand one or more languages in addition to English. Qualified members in this category may be used in any authorized mission, including high profile missions with almost no limitations.”

"Bravo Group is for members who speak and understand a foreign language, but may have some problems with reading or writing that language, i.e. Chinese, Creole, Hispanic, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc. Qualified members in this category may be used in any authorized mission with certain limitations, as determined by the order-issuing unit," Mr. Cooper said.

"Assignments range from simple translations of small articles to interpretations of sophisticated Coast Guard Memoranda of Understandings with foreign organizations, or from one day to four or more weeks of overseas deployments on Coast Guard Cutters or Mobile Training Teams. Sometimes it involves on-scene interpretation of communication, on-shore or off-shore," Mr. Cooper said.

Mr. George Barantseff, National Branch Chief for the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps (Pacific), provides a recent example of how even one civilian volunteer member of the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps is able to render invaluable assistance to the Coast Guard.

"Auxiliarist Lury Abrew, Spanish Interpreter 'Alpha', will be deployed at the end of January aboard USCG Cutter BOUTWELL (WHEC-719) for 50 days out of Los Angeles, California, for Southern Patrol duty," Mr. Barantseff said. "She will share a stateroom with a female Coast Guard officer while aboard. Professionally she is an elementary school teacher and has been granted a leave of absence and received full enthusiastic cooperation from her school district leadership for this deployment."

For further information about the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit the national website at http://www.cgaux.org/. If you are already a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and would like more information about the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps, please contact John Cooper in District Seven at jandbcooper@bellsouth.net or Klaus Baumann, N-Id, Deputy Director and Chief, International Affairs at kbauxin@aug.com

PHOTO From left: John Cooper, State of Florida Coordinator and Language Qualification Examiner, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Craddock, Commanding Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

For more than 60 years, dedicated members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary have pledged their support and commitment to the missions of the U. S. Coast Guard. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard with boating safety. Today, the Auxiliary's need for civilian volunteers is greater than at any time since its founding. In addition to the many services the Auxiliary provides everyday to recreational boaters, the all volunteer civilian organization is increasingly tasked with many of the same responsibilities, burdens, and challenges as its active duty counterpart.

20Dec01: Marathon Coast Guard, Auxiliary, Turtle Hospital and the Travel Channel release a Green Sea turtle

MARATHON- Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Marathon, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Marathon Turtle Hospital released a 28-pound green sea turtle yesterday for an up coming Travel Channel show spotlighting Marathon. The film crew left Station Marathon at 2 p.m. onboard CG-41430 crewed by Petty Officers Jim Roche, Travis Goodson, Nelson Duarte, Oliver Limonte, Seaman Shawn Estes, John Crystal, Josh Soto, and Coast Guard Auxilirist Sam Kennedy. Also onboard were Sue Schaf and Rich Moretti from the Turtle Hospital and two veterinarians from the Oregon State University Once out to the turtle releasing area, the film crew was shown how to properly release the turtle and then it was time to release the 28-pound green sea turtle named Myrtle. Myrtle, eager to get back home, leaped from their arms and quickly swam away to explore its new home. Myrtle was brought to the Marathon Turtle Hospital a year ago from Port St. Lucie with the Papilloma Virus. Although the Coast Guard's primary missions of Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and National Defense are at the forefront of most news stories, Marine Mammal Protection is no less important. Turtles provide a vital balance to our eco-system and as in any other ocean activity we must protect our environment, ensuring it's around for future generations. For more information about Station Marathon and the Coast Guard visit our website: www.uscg.mil/d7/units/grukeywest/StaMarathon/index.htm

23 Nov 01: Key West Coast Guard awarded national grant

KEY WEST - At opening day ceremonies this week for the new Smart & Final retail outlet in Key West, FL, Ross Roeder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the national supermarket chain, pledged his support and commitment to the service men and women of the U. S. Coast Guard. Mr. Roeder announced plans at a ribbon cutting ceremony to award two percent of the store's first ten days of sales to the Coast Guard Foundation in Stonington, CT. The gift is estimated to have a value of approximately $3,000.

David Guernsey, Vice President of Development for the Coast Guard Foundation, pledged the entire amount of the unrestricted gift to the Morale Fund of U. S. Coast Guard Group Key West. The Coast Guard Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of the Coast Guard. The Foundation was established in 1969 to support the education, morale and welfare of the Coast Guard Academy cadets. Recognizing the need for support throughout the service, in 1986 the Foundation extended efforts to include all Coast Guard men, women and their families.

PHOTO 1: Left to right: Ross Roeder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smart & Final Inc. awards a check for $3,000. to David Guernsey, Vice President of Development for the Coast Guard Foundation at the opening day ceremonies for the Key West retail store.

PHOTO 2: Left to right: Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekley, Tony Bernardini, Vice President of Smart & Final Store Operations, Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commanding Officer of U. S. Coast Guard Group Key West, and Ross Roeder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smart & Final Inc. participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new Smart & Final store in Key West, FL.

PHOTO 3: Ross Roeder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smart & Final Inc. (in tropical shirt) and David Guernsey, Vice President of Development for the Coast Guard Foundation (in red polo shirt) stand on either side of Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commanding Officer of U. S. Coast Guard Group Key West with other Coast Guard men and women present for the grand opening of the new Smart & Final store in Key West, FL.

23 Nov 01: Coast Guard donates computers to schools

KEY WEST - Sixty-two used computers were donated by Coast Guard Group Key West this week to local schools and non-profit organizations, according to Quarter Master Chief Randolph Reid, Senior Controller for U. S. Coast Guard Group Key West. The computers are being recycled in order to make way for new computers for the Coast Guard. Ten of the recycled computers were donated to the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary.

"The computers will be used to enhance communications and efficiency among the five (Coast Guard Auxiliary) Flotillas supporting the Florida Keys," said Bob Soucy, Flotilla Commander, Key West Coast Guard Auxiliary.

PHOTO 1: Left to right: Quarter Master Chief Randolph Reid, Senior Controller for U. S. Coast Guard Group Key West, Bob Soucy, Flotilla Commander, Key West Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Master Chief Petty Officer Andrew Germann, Officer-in-Charge, U. S. Coast Guard Station Key West at donation of computers to Coast Guard Auxiliary.

PHOTO 2: Recycled computers at Coast Guard Group Key West are readied for donation to local schools and non-profit organizations.

12 Nov 01: Coast Guard Auxiliary aides Reef Clean Up

ISLAMORADA - Coral reefs off Islamorada received some much needed help this week thanks to the efforts of volunteers from Coast Guard Station Islamorada and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Eleven certified divers and seven snorkelers volunteered from Coast Guard Station Islamorada to remove discarded monofilament fishing line and other debris from Davis Reef and Hen and Chickens Reef. The two coral reefs are located a few miles offshore from Islamorada and are popular with divers and fishermen alike. The one day clean up effort called upon members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary to provide three vessels and crew members as support for the divers. Two additional small boats were deployed by the Coast Guard to assist with the clean-up. Lady Cyana Divers in Islamorada also donated dive equipment for the event and assisted Coast Guard volunteers in becoming dive certified.

Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Craddock, Commanding Officer and Boatswain's Mate Chief Mike Rolph, Executive Petty Officer, Coast Guard Station Islamorada coordinated the event with Jessica Koelsch, Florida Marine Wildlife Manager for the Ocean Conservancy.

"Marine environmental protection is a vital concern and a key mission of the Coast Guard," said Chief Rolph. "Everyone was cooperative and enthusiastic about the clean-up. We even had members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary who volunteered to bring a large patrol boat down from Ocean Reef for the clean-up."

Commander Craddock said that he also thought the underwater clean-up was a great way to contribute to the environment. "Today's clean-up was not only good for the coral reefs and marine wildlife, but we all had a great time doing it as well. The response from enlisted personnel and from the Auxiliary was tremendous. My hope is that next time we will be able to involve even more people," said Mr. Craddock.

Each year the Ocean Conservancy coordinates the International Coastal Clean-Up, including the Florida Coastal Clean-Up (FLCC) at sites across the state and the world. According to Ms. Koelsch, the Florida Keys has the highest incidence in the state of monofilament entanglement of sea turtles and manatees.

PHOTO 1: Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol vessels return to Coast Guard Station Islamorada following clean up of Davis Reef and Hen and Chickens Reef off Islamorada.

PHOTO 2: Standing left to right: Commanding Officer Steve Craddock, Boatswain's Mate First Class Mark Quinlan, Boatswain's Mate Second Class Carl Dykes, Boatswain's Mate Third Class Eric Kennel, Auxiliarists Cathie and Joe Welty, Boatswain's Mate Chief Mike Rolph, Machinery Technician Second Class Rick Borden, Boatswain's Mate Third Class Rob Angel, Boatswain's Mate Third Class Jeff Groseclose. Front row, left to right: Boatswain's Mate Third Class Clark Williams Boatswain's Mate Third Class Dan Clifford, Boatswain's Mate First Class Rob Walper, Auxiliarist Darrell Scott, Seaman Jose Leiva, Boatswain's Mate Third Class Brandi Sudo of Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

PHOTO 3: Left to right: Auxiliarists Cathie and Joe Welty and Machinery Technician Second Class Rick Borden USCG remove collected debris and dive gear from Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol vessel at Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

PHOTO 4: Left to right: Boatswain's Mate Third Class Dan Clifford, Boatswain's Mate Third Class Jeff Groseclose, Machinery Technician Second Class Andy Moon, Boatswain's Mate Chief Mike Rolph, Boatswain's Mate Third Class Greg Giggi, Boatswain's Mate Third Class Eric Kennel of Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

5 Oct 01: USCGC Sapelo Guards Key West Harbor

KEY WEST - Seaman Brad Spindel manned the .50 caliber machine gun while the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo escorted the Cruise Ship Imagination in Key West Harbor last Saturday. These patrols are currently in place to secure a 100-yard radius around all Cruise Ships. Though restrictive in nature, the effects of the temporary regulation should not prove to be significant because the protection zones are limited in size and the official patrol may allow access to the zone. All mariners must contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Ch. 16 to state their intentions when transiting near one of these security zones.

27 Sep 01: Coast Guard Auxiliary assists with clean up of main channel in Pennecamp State Park

KEY LARGO - South Sound Creek, the main channel within John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park, was closed to boat traffic for four hours on Tuesday while divers conducted a massive clean up of debris from the sea bottom. Over a dozen volunteer divers participated in the operation at the Atlantic entrance to the Park known as the "Bowling Alley", so named because of its long straight row of navigational markers.

The effort was coordinated by Park Rangers from the Department of Environmental Protection Agency, Concessionaires from the Coral Reef Park Company, the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mark Knapke, "On-the-Water" Coordinator and Assistant Manager of the Park, was assisted at the clean up site by Park Ranger Elaina Miratorri and marine biologist Allyson Ackenhausen. Security was provided by Florida Park Police Officers Byron Smith and Dave Pios of the Department of Environmental Protection Agency. Coast Guard Auxiliarists assisting with the clean up operation were Jim Dennen, Cathie Welty, Joe Welty, Ray Dargis, John Abbott, Dave Bickford, Ray Greth, Fred Bilewski, Lance Taggart, Jim Maloney and Al Del Toral.

"The whole operation ran flawlessly," said Jim Dennen, Division Captain of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary. "We had calm seas, perfect weather and great cooperation from everyone involved. Once the 'Bowling Alley' was secured, we were able to redirect traffic at four different locations to keep people out of the Channel.

"During that time, we had ten Auxiliarists patrolling the area in four vessels as well as a personal watercraft. At one point, we were even able to render assistance to a Park Police officer when his personal watercraft developed a mechanical problem. Fortunately, one of our Auxiliarists patrolling the 'Bowling Alley', Ray Dargis, is a PWC mechanic. He was able to fix the officer's PWC right on the spot," Mr. Dennen said.

The highlight of the day was a complimentary lunch served to all the volunteers aboard the Pennecamp catamaran "Sea Garden". The boat also served as the main platform for the clean up operation and was operated by Coast Guard Auxiliarist Al Del Toro. The lunch was donated by Pat Dodson, General Manager of Pennecamp’s Concession, Coral Reef Park Company. Additionally, the Concession contributed a rental boat and dive equipment for use by the volunteers. The total amount of debris collected by the divers at the site was estimated by Park officials at between 900 and 1,000 pounds.

PHOTO 1: Mark Knapke, (right) Assistant Manager of Pennecamp Park, briefs Coast Guard Auxiliary members on patrol of clean up site at the Park's "Bowling Alley".

PHOTO 2: Coast Guard Auxiliarist Ray Dargis patrols the clean up site at the Park's "Bowling Alley".

PHOTO 3: Divers and other volunteers break for lunch aboard the Pennecamp catamaran "Sea Garden".

PHOTO 4: Jim Dennen, Division Captain of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary, aboard the Pennecamp catamaran "Sea Garden".

10 Aug 01: Coast Guard authorizes voluntary inspections of commercial charter vessels by Coast Guard Auxiliary

MARATHON - Raphael Arizmendi of the Marine Safety Office Miami, U. S. Coast Guard, awarded certificates of completion to nine members of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary this week, authorizing the members to conduct voluntary Uninspected Passenger Vessel examinations on behalf of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office. Commander Nancy Goodridge, Executive Officer of the Marine Safety Office Miami, also commended the Auxiliary's contribution to boating safety and the successful implementation of the new voluntary vessel inspection program. The following Auxiliarists from the Florida Keys have successfully qualified as Uninspected Passenger Vessel examiners and will report directly to the Marine Safety Office Miami: Charles "Bud" Holloway, Cathie Welty, Joe Welty, Roland Smith, Bob Soucy, John Evers, Dallas MacDonald, Rich McCausland and Bill Lawson.

Coast Guard examinations of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, as well as Vessel Safety Checks for recreational boaters, are voluntary and free of cost to vessel owners. For further information, contact Cathie or Joe Welty at (305) 853-7258 in the Upper Keys or John Evers in the Lower Keys (305) 872-4075.

PHOTO (Left to right): Charles "Bud" Holloway, Cathie Welty, Roland Smith, Raphael Arizmendi, U. S. Coast Guard, Ret., Joe Welty, Commander Nancy Goodridge, Marine Safety Office Miami, U. S. Coast Guard District Seven. Not pictured: Bob Soucy, John Evers, Dallas MacDonald, Rich McCausland and Bill Lawson.

10 Aug 01: Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary raises funds in memory of Auxiliary aviator

MARATHON - Members of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary raised $700. in contributions to the Casey A. Purvis Memorial Fund. Mr. Purvis actively served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary as an Auxiliary Pilot, both as a first Pilot and ultimately as an Aircraft Commander, in a wide variety of missions, including Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement Support, Marine Environmental Protection, logistics, and Air Intercept training. Mr. Purvis died tragically earlier this year while flying with Auxiliary Air Observer Robert S. Fuller on a routine Coast Guard training mission over Marathon. Both Mr. Purvis and Mr. Fuller were posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Auxiliary Meritorious Service Award.

PHOTO: Peter Fernandez, Rear Commodore-East, District Seven, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (left) receives a check for $700. for the Casey A. Purvis Memorial Fund from Jim Dennen, Division Captain, on behalf of the Florida Keys Division of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

10 Aug 01: Coast Guard Auxiliary joins Florida's Clean Marina Program

MARATHON - Members and guests of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary met at Coast Guard Station Marathon this week with representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office Miami. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Coast Guard Auxiliary as a designated Coast Guard Sea Partner in Florida's Clean Marina Program. The presentation was conducted by Edward Russell, an environmental specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection and Lieutenant Commander Armand Cate, U. S. Coast Guard Reserve. The new pilot program utilizes the allied resources of both the Auxiliary's existing Marine Dealer Visitor Program and the Auxiliary's Marine Environmental Protection and Safety Program. Participation by marina operators and the boating public in Florida's Clean Marina Program is voluntary. For further information, contact Edward Russell of the Department of Environmental Protection at (305) 289-2310.

PHOTO (Left to right): Lieutenant Scott Higgs, Marine Safety Detachment Marathon, U. S. Coast Guard, Rafael Arizmendi, Marine Safety Office Miami, U. S. Coast Guard, Ret., Peter Fernandez, Rear Commodore-East, USCG AUX, Commander Nancy Goodridge, Marine Safety Office Miami, U. S. Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander Armand Cate, U. S. Coast Guard Reserve, Edward Russell, Department of Environmental Protection, Jim Dennen, Division Captain, USCG AUX.

4 Aug 01: Coast Guard Auxiliary celebrates the Coast Guard's 211th Birthday

KEY WEST - Seventeen members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary participated in a celebration of the Coast Guard's 211th birthday at Coast Guard Base Trumbo Point, Key West on August 4. The celebration was open to the public and featured live entertainment, a classic car show, aircraft displays, tours of Coast Guard cutters, and numerous other activities. Auxiliarists representing the Upper Keys for the celebration included Jim Dennen, Dave Bickford, Ray Dargis and Jeremy Smith. From the Middle and Lower Keys, Auxiliarists Bud Holloway, Bill Lawson, Werner Becker and Randy Nichols assisted in welcoming visitors to the base. Members of the Key West Flotilla who participated in the event included Bob Soucy, Joe Schroeder, Greg Bogdanffy, Virginia Cotter, John Evers, John Curry, Mark Sullivan, Bill McKinley and Lee Wendler.

PHOTO 1(Left to right): Coast Guard Auxiliarists Jim Dennen, Dave Bickford, Joe Schroeder, Jeremy Smith, Bob Soucy and Lee Wendler help promote boating safety at the Coast Guard's 211th birthday bash at Coast Guard Base Trumbo Point, Key West on August 4.

PHOTO2: Bob Soucy, Flotilla Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Key West (right) demonstrates safe boating practices to youngsters with assistance from "Coastie", a robotically operated miniature boat used for public education.

31 July 01: Islamorada Coast Guardsmen recover sixty-eight pounds of cocaine off Long Key, Florida Keys

ISLAMORADA - Coast Guardsmen from Coast Guard Station Islamorada in the Florida Keys recovered sixty-eight pounds of cocaine on Monday, July 30. The street value of the cocaine was estimated at $650,000. The contraband was found floating between Long Key and Alligator Reef Light off Islamorada. The bails of cocaine were taken aboard the Coast Guard's new 27-foot rigid hull SafeBoat and turned over to U. S. Customs in compliance with federal law enforcement policy. USCG PHOTOS

13 July 01:Local Coast Guardsman cited by Admiral for Outstanding Achievement

ISLAMORADA - Rear Admiral Jay Carmichael, U.S. Coast Guard, made his first official visit this week to Coast Guard Station Islamorada since assuming command of the Seventh Coast Guard District on June 6, 2001. The Admiral was accompanied on his tour by Lieutenant George Martinez and Master Chief Tim Murdoch of the Seventh Coast Guard District and Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commander of Coast Guard Group Key West. The Seventh Coast Guard District provides quality response to public needs in a wide variety of maritime activities throughout a 1.8 million square mile area of responsibility, which includes the southeast United States and borders on all nations and dependent territories of the Caribbean region.

Admiral Carmichael was welcomed to the Coast Guard base by Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Craddock, Commanding Officer and Boatswain Mate Chief Michael Rolph, Executive Petty Officer of Coast Guard Station Islamorada. During the Admiral's first official appearance before the Station's assembled officers and crew, Petty Officer Mark Quinlan, Boatswain Mate First Class, U. S. Coast Guard was cited for Outstanding Achievement while serving as Operations Petty Officer at the Coast Guard Station from September 1999 to May 2001.

Admiral Carmichael noted in his remarks that "Petty Officer Quinlan was directly responsible for, and played the leading and aggressive role in establishing, a new inflatable life jacket for the Coast Guard. His testing of the new vest led to demonstrations before higher ranking officers and submission of the idea all the way to Coast Guard Headquarters."

Following the award presentation ceremony, Admiral Carmichael and Master Chief Murdoch conducted an informal all hands meeting with enlisted personnel and members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the Station's Mess Deck. The Admiral also performed a customary inspection of the base and was escorted by Petty Officer Quinlan on a brief familiarization boat tour aboard the Station's 21-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable boat.

USCG PHOTO 1: Rear Admiral Jay Carmichael, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District (right), confers upon Boatswain Mate First Class Mark Quinlan, USCG, a letter of commendation for Outstanding Achievement while serving as Operations Petty Officer at Coast Guard Station Islamorada from September 1999 to May 2001.

USCG PHOTO 2 (Left to right): Lieutenant George Martinez, Seventh Coast Guard District, Boatswain Mate First Class Mark Quinlan, Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Rear Admiral Jay Carmichael, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Craddock, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Captain Joseph Nimmich, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Group Key West.

USCG PHOTO3: Rear Admiral Jay Carmichael, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District (right), wears the Coast Guard's recently authorized inflatable life preserver survival vest. Boatswain Mate First Class Mark Quinlan, USCG Station Islamorada (left), designed the jacket in cooperation with Life Saving Systems, Inc.

25 June 01: Attorney General John Ashcroft visits Coast Guard Station Islamorada

ISLAMORADA - Attorney General John Ashcroft arrived by helicopter Monday, June 25, at Coast Guard Station Islamorada on his first official visit to the Florida Keys. The Attorney General was welcomed to the base by Deputy Group Commander Scott Buschman, USCG Group Key West and Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Craddock, Commanding Officer of USCG Station Islamorada on behalf of a multi agency task force comprised of the Coast Guard, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U. S. Border Patrol and the Department of Immigration and Naturalization.

Following an informal breakfast with local representatives of Federal law enforcement, the Attorney General was escorted aboard a 27-foot U. S. Border Patrol NiteCat Intercept Vessel for a brief familiarization boat tour of the Florida Keys. The Attorney General departed the Coast Guard base after the scheduled two hour visit accompanied by helicopters from the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U. S. Border Patrol and the Department of Immigration and Naturalization.

USCG Photo 1: Left to right: Deputy Group Commander Scott Buschman, U. S. Coast Guard Group Key West, Attorney General John Ashcroft, Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Craddock, U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Lynn Underdown, Chief Patrol Agent for the Miami Sector, U. S. Border Patrol.

USCG Photo 2: Attorney General John Ashcroft at the helm of 27-foot U. S. Border Patrol NiteCat Intercept Vessel.

22 June 01: U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers tips to boating in hot weather

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, ”we care,” reminds their fellow boaters that hot summer weather poses special safety concerns. During the summer season the effects of the sun, and heat, combined with the marine boating environment prompts special precautions.

If the sun can damage paint, imagine what it can do to unprotected skin and eyes. A sun screen with a high SPF number should be worn. Recent studies have shown that these products lose their effectiveness both in the bottle and on the skin. They should be purchased fresh at least annually, stored aboard in a cooler since heat tends to break down their preservatives, and should be reapplied often. UVA (ultra violet type A. rays) not only causes sunburn, sun poisoning, wrinkles, skin cancer, etc., but can damage unprotected eyes as well. Boaters should protect eyes with a good pair of UV rated sunglasses.

Wearing light weight long clothing not only protect boaters from the sun, but helps the body maintain a proper temperature. Add a broad brimmed hat to the ensemble, not for fashion, but for safety. Wearing bathing suits on boats is traditional, but may not afford necessary protection. If a member of the crew should succumb to the heat, it is very important to catch the problem early before heat prostration or heat stroke is manifested. At the first sign of a heat-related problem (feeling very tired and/or weak) give the person lots of water or a sports electrolytic replacing drink. Cool them down. Bathe them with wet cloths and fan them. Drinks with alcohol and sugar may taste good, but actually aid in dehydration. Remember that older folks and small children lose fluids rapidly.

The average boater is not familiar with “Marine Environment Fatigue Syndrome.” This is a condition that effects both judgment and coordination caused by prolonged exposure to sun, wind, motion, noise and occasionally breathing exhaust fumes. These are the conditions found while boating during any season. However, they are amplified during the summer because of heat and humidify. The symptoms of this syndrome are the same as intoxication which include: lack of coordination, poor depth perception, poor judgment and just plain fatigue. Special caution should be taken to avoid the use of alcohol since the effect of these beverages are linear while on the water.

“Be Prepared” is not only a good motto for the “Boy Scouts,” but is a wise rule of boating. Remember, you may be planning to go out for a short time, but you could be out for a long time. Boats do break down, and when they do boaters need to have the emergency items and rations on board to survive. Have all of the required safety equipment. The USCG Auxiliary will give you a free, no obligation, VSC (Vessel Safety Check.) The prudent skipper always makes out a float plan. This is a simple precaution. Just write down: a short description and number of your boat, where you will be going, the route you will follow, how long you will be there, and what time folks should get worried and call authorities. Then, leave it with someone who will miss you if you don’t return by the “worry time.”

Taking a boating safety program from the USCG Auxiliary is an excellent idea. Generally speaking the minimal cost for materials is recovered by the savings on boating insurance. For more information on these programs and VSCs call Cathie Welty, Flotilla Commander of the Upper Keys Flotilla, at (305) 853-7258.

22 June 01: Commandant salutes U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on 62 years of service

Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant of the U. S. Coast Guard, honored the Coast Guard Auxiliary on the occasion of its sixty-second anniversary on June 23, 2001. In a prepared statement released to the public this week, the Commandant recounted some of the many accomplishments of the all volunteer civilian organization. The unedited transcript from the Commandant has been authorized for internet release:

SUBJ: SIXTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

1. THIS PAST YEAR THE AUXILIARY AND ITS 34,000 MEMBERS HAS AGAIN SUPERBLY SUPPORTED COAST GUARD MISSIONS. LIKE ALL OTHER ELEMENTS OF TEAM COAST GUARD, THEY HAVE BEEN PARTNERS IN OUR ONGOING CHALLENGE OF TRANSFORMATION TO MEET THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF THE BOATING AND MARITIME COMMUNITY. IN A CONTINUING EFFORT TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS, INJURY AND DEATH TO BOATERS, PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OPERATORS, KAYAKERS AND CANOERS, THE AUXILIARY HAS UPDATED THEIR PUBLIC EDUCATION COURSES, REVAMPED THEIR VESSEL SAFETY CHECK PROGRAM, AND OBTAINED ADDITIONAL COASTIE ROBOTIC BOATS TO EDUCATE OUR YOUTH AT SCHOOLS, BOAT SHOWS, AND OTHER EVENTS. THE AUXILIARY SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. POWER SQUADRON ALLOWING THEIR MEMBERS TO CONDUCT VOLUNTARY VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS AND ISSUE THE AUXILIARY DECAL UPON A SUCCESSFUL EXAMINATION. ALSO, AUXILIARY STATE LIAISON OFFICERS WORKED HARD SUPPORTING CHANGES TO STATE LAWS, MAKING BOATING SAFER ON STATE WATERS. ADDITIONALLY, MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARYS INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED INFORMATION SHARING PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER WORLD MARITIME SAFETY VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS. IN ALL OF THESE AREAS, THE AUXILIARY LEADERSHIP HAS CHARTED A COURSE THAT HAS INCREASED THE VALUE THE AUXILIARY BRINGS TO AMERICA.

2. LAST YEAR, WITH AN EYE TOWARDS PREVENTION AND RESPONSE, AUXILIARISTS SAVED 311 LIVES, ASSISTED 3,733 OTHERS, CONDUCTED 108,981 VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS, AND 1,727 COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY EXAMS. AUXILIARISTS SPENT OVER 10,000 HOURS IN THE AIR, OVER 140,000 HOURS ON THE WATER, OVER 73,000 HOURS IN THE CLASSROOM, AND ALMOST 270,000 HOURS IN SUPPORT OF OTHER MISSIONS. INCLUDED IN THESE STATISTICS ARE THE OVER 400 AUXILIARY VESSELS OPERATING OUT OF EIGHT MAJOR CITY AREAS IN SUPPORT OF OPSAIL 2000. THIS YEAR, THROUGH THEIR CLOSE INTERACTION WITH THE PUBLIC, AUXILIARISTS ARE EDUCATING BOATERS ON THE DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.

3. AUXILIARISTS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AS THEY AUGMENT COAST GUARD UNITS ASHORE AND AFLOAT, PROVIDING CRITICAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT. ON JUNE 23, 2001, I ENCOURAGE ALL COAST GUARD UNITS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WITH THEIR LOCAL AUXILIARY FLOTILLAS THE AUXILIARYS SIXTY-SECOND BIRTHDAY TO THANK THESE MOST DEDICATED MEMBERS FOR ALL THEY DO.

4. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

5. ADM J.M. LOY, COMMANDANT

28 May 01-Memorial Day Ceremony

KEY LARGO - In a solemn Memorial Day ceremony held outside the TIB Bank in Key Largo, members of the United States Coast Guard performed a 21 gun salute to honor the service men and women who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. The ceremony was organized by members of local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard present were BM3 Andy Babione, SN Joey Potts, SN Chris Powell, SN Jose Leiva and SN Jackie Vena of Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

28 May 01-National Safe Boating Week a hit with PKS Fifth Graders visiting Coast Guard Station Islamorada

ISLAMORADA - Scattered showers over Memorial weekend did little to dampen spirits for Plantation Key School fifth graders on an educational field trip last week to Coast Guard Station Islamorada. Nearly 60 fifth grade students from the Islamorada school arrived at the Coast Guard base on Friday morning, May 25, with their teachers, Beth Vonnegut, Harriet Robbins and Donna Brinkman. The visit also marked the culmination of a week long campaign spent promoting National Safe Boating Week (May 19-25) at the Station by the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

BMC Mike Rolph, Executive Petty Officer at the Coast Guard base, welcomed the students and teachers to the Station and outlined various activities planned for the day, including a ride through Snake Creek on the Station's 41 foot patrol boat.

"Station Islamorada is always happy to receive visits from school groups," said Chief Rolph. "One of the most important messages the Coast Guard tries to promote is that life jackets save lives. With an average of 60,000 calls to the Coast Guard for assistance each year, the importance of wearing life jackets while boating cannot be overestimated."

Following a short orientation, Chief Rolph was assisted by BM3 Andy Babione and FN Tim Lae of Station Islamorada in showing the students various safety and tactical equipment carried by the Coast Guard while underway. Students and teachers also viewed a short promotional video on the Coast Guard and its many important missions around the world. In individual groups of three, the fifth graders were lead on a tour of the base by SN Kelley Ryan, USCG. Students also received instruction from BM3 Jeff Groseclose, USCG, on how to tie various knots, bends and hitches.

The highlight of the day for the students was a ride through Snake Creek to Florida Bay on the Station's 41 foot patrol boat. At the end of the visit, prizes were awarded to students who correctly answered boating safety questions. For information on school group tours of Coast Guard Station Islamorada, please contact Chief Rolph at (305) 664-4404.

USCG PHOTO 1: BMC Mike Rolph, USCG Station Islamorada, with daughter Danielle, a student in Ms. Vonnegut's fifth grade class at Plantation Key School, onboard the Coast Guard Station's 41 foot patrol boat.

USCG PHOTO 2: Plantation Key School fifth graders ride aboard Coast Guard Station Islamorada's 41 foot patrol boat.

USCG PHOTO 3: BM3 Jeff Groseclose, USCG Station Islamorada, shows teachers and students alike how to tie various knots, bends and hitches.

USCG PHOTO 4: Plantation Key School 5th graders visit Coast Guard Station Islamorada with teachers Beth Vonnegut, Harriet Robbins and Donna Brinkman.

21 May 01-A Model Coast Guardsman

MARATHON - For Petty Officer Jim Roche, USCG Station Marathon, building model boats and airplanes is not just a casual pastime, but part of an all consuming interest in promoting Coast Guard history and safety at sea. As the Public Affairs Petty Officer at Coast Guard Station Marathon, BM2 Jim Roche is always happy to show off his extensive model boat and plane collection at community events.

"Displaying Coast Guard memorabilia is a great conversation starter," says Petty Officer Roche. "People always want to know what the Coast Guard is doing, and the models are a great way to get the public involved. Some people even sign up on the spot to speak with a Coast Guard recruiter or to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary."

BM2 Jim Roche's interest in building Coast Guard model boats and planes began at a young age. As the son of 22 year Coast Guard veteran MKC James J. Roche, Jim spent his early childhood at various Coast Guard Lighthouse Stations off the coast of Maine prior to his father's reassignment to the mainland. Jim credits his father with his lifelong passion for the sea and the Coast Guard. Today, Jim helps to document life in the Coast Guard, both with his fascinating model collection as well as through books and articles that he has written. One of his books, "The History of Coast Guard Station Rockaway", is registered with the Library of Congress.

Petty Officer Roche can be contacted at U. S. Coast Guard Station Marathon (305) 743-6388.

USCG PHOTO 1: BM2 Jim Roche, USCG Station Marathon, prepares a model 40 foot Coast Guard utility boat for its first coat of paint in his home workshop.

USCG PHOTO 2: Replica of the USCGC Point Martin, an 82 foot Coast Guard patrol boat created by BM2 Jim Roche, USCG Station Marathon, in his home workshop.

USCG PHOTO 3: Selected Coast Guard model aircraft created by BM2 Jim Roche, USCG Station Marathon, in his home workshop.

9 May 01-Islamorada Coast Guard Auxiliary elects new Flotilla Commander and Vice Commander

ISLAMORADA - The Upper Keys Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary elected a new interim Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander this week at the Islamorada Coast Guard Station. Following the election, Jim Dennen, Division Captain of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary, swore in Cathie Welty of Key Largo as the interim Flotilla Commander and Jim Fletcher of Key Largo as the Flotilla Vice Commander.

USCG PHOTO: Jim Dennen, Division Captain of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary (right), swears in Cathie Welty as Flotilla Commander and Jim Fletcher as Flotilla Vice Commander.

9 May 01-Montessori Island School visits Coast Guard Station Islamorada

ISLAMORADA - Students of the Montessori Island School were recently treated to an educational field trip to the Islamorada Coast Guard Station. Over the course of two days, approximately fifty students, ages five to seven years old, visited the Station with their teachers, Kevin Schuck, Stacey Hoyle, Susan Adams and Kim Fields. The school group began their tour by watching a brief recruiting video that highlighted the history and function of the Coast Guard. Students also learned about the importance of wearing life vests and safety on the water. School groups are welcome to call the Station at (305) 664-4404 to schedule a tour.

USCG PHOTO 1: Students of the Montessori Island School are given a tour of Coast Guard Station Islamorada and the Station's 41' utility boat.

USCG PHOTO 2: SN Jackie O'Brian, USCG (right), demonstrates the Coast Guard's new radio direction finding equipment in the Communications Room of the Coast Guard Station. SA Katie Tyler, USCG (left) looks on while assisting SN O'Brian with monitoring the Station's various radios.

11Apr 01- Coast Guard Auxiliary elects new Division Captain and Vice Division Captain

MARATHON - Members of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary met at Coast Guard Station Marathon this week to elect a new interim Division Captain and Vice Division Captain. Jim Dennen of Islamorada was elected to succeed Bunnie Coffey of Key West as Division Captain and Jeremy Smith of Islamorada was elected to succeed Jim Dennen as Vice Division Captain. District Commodore Mary Larsen of Stone Mountain, GA swore in the two elected officers. Peter Fernandez, Rear Commodore-East, of Miami swore in new appointed officers Gerda Fletcher and Dave Bickford to the Division Staff.

USCG PHOTO 1: Left to right: Jeremy Smith, Vice Division Captain, Peter Fernandez, Rear Commodore-East, Mary Larsen, District Commodore, Jim Dennen, Division Captain. Photo by Bob Pritchard

USCG PHOTO 2: USCG Auxiliary Division 13 Staff Officers (Standing left to right): Dallas MacDonald, Darrell Scott, Jim Maloney, Bob Pritchard, Cathie Welty, Gerda Fletcher, John Cooper, Joe Welty, Ray Dargis, Jim Fletcher, Cheryl Roock, Dave Bickford. (Front row) Jim Dennen and Jeremy Smith. Photo by MCPO Robert Hodges, USCG Station Marathon

USCG PHOTO 3:USCG Auxiliary Division 13 Board (Left to right): Cal Phillips, Flotilla Commander - Ocean Reef, "Bud" Holloway, Flotilla Commander - Big Pine Key, Cathie Welty, Flotilla Commander - Islamorada, Jim Dennen, Division Captain, Jeremy Smith, Vice Division Captain, Bob Soucy, Flotilla Commander - Key West, Werner Becker, Flotilla Commander - Marathon. Photo by Bob Pritchard

USCG PHOTO 4: Left to right: Peter Fernandez, Rear Commodore-East congratulates Jim Dennen as the new Division Captain of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the Florida Keys. Photo by Bob Pritchard

3 Apr 01 - Coast Guard Station Islamorada receives District Seven public affairs award

ISLAMORADA - Coast Guard Station Islamorada was honored today by the presentation of the Seventh Coast Guard District Star Award for Excellence in Public Affairs for the first quarter of fiscal year 2001. Star awards recognize those Coast Guard units with the most active and innovative public affairs programs in the Seventh District.

The award was presented by PACS Carolyn Cihelk, USCG District Seven on behalf of Rear Admiral T. W. Allen, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District. CWO3 Stephen Craddock, Commanding Officer, USCG Station Islamorada received an engraved plaque to salute the public affairs accomplishments of the unit and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Additionally, the name of the unit will be engraved on a plaque that commemorates all winners at Coast Guard District Seven in Miami.

USCG PHOTO Left to right: James Dennen, Florida Keys Division Captain USCG AUX, Jeremy Smith, Flotilla Commander Upper Keys USCG AUX, PACS Carolyn Cihelk, USCG Seventh District, CWO3 Stephen Craddock, Commanding Officer, USCG Station Islamorada. Photo by: BMC Michael Rolph, USCG Station Islamorada

15 Mar 01-Upper Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary awards 100th boating safety certificate this year

Jeremy Smith, Flotilla Commander, and Nettie Seder, Public Education staff officer of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's Upper Keys Flotilla, awarded certificates of achievement to new graduates of the Auxiliary's Boating Skills and Seamanship course this week in Key Largo. Thus far this year, over one hundred students in the Key Largo area have graduated from the Coast Guard Auxiliary's introductory boating course. Public education courses on Basic and Advanced Coastal Navigation are also currently being offered by the Auxiliary at Coast Guard Station Islamorada.

For further information on Coast Guard Auxiliary meetings, programs or membership, contact Jim Fletcher at 451-3123. For information on vessel inspections, contact Joe or Cathie Welty at 853-7258. For information on boating classes, contact Nettie Seder at 852-7283.

PHOTO 1: Auxiliarist Jeremy Smith, Joleen Barrett, Harold Cliff, Malcolm Gersh, Tim Hemsoth, Jay Lyons, Frank Kurz, Freddy Muller, Matias Pittaluga, Susan Recarey, Henry Robertson, Susan Robertson, John Scheidel, Simon Theriot, A. J. Ford, Sonny Ford, Cathy Parrot and Auxiliarist Nettie Seder.

PHOTO 2: left to right: Auxiliarist Nettie Seder, Amber Sirica, Auxiliarist Jeremy Smith, Aryn Sirica and Allison Sirica with Coast Guard certificates of achievement.

23Feb 01- Commandant and New Secretary of Transportation visit Coast Guard Group Key West

KEY WEST - Adm. James M. Loy, Commandant of the Coast Guard and the new Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta made time to meet with members of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary following a special ceremony at Coast Guard Group Key West on the 23rd of February. The reception for the visiting dignitaries was the new Secretary's first all-hands meeting with a Coast Guard Group.

PHOTO 1:USCG PHOTO: The new Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta (center right) meets with members of the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary at Coast Guard Group Key West.

PHOTO 2: USCG PHOTO Left to right: James Dennen, Vice Captain of Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary meets with Adm. James M. Loy at Coast Guard Group Key West.

15 Feb 01-U. S. Coast Guard Station Marathon swears in new Auxiliary officers

MARATHON - Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Marathon were recently sworn in by PO2 Bryan McCloskey, U. S. Coast Guard Station Marathon. Auxiliarist Werner Becker was sworn in as the new Flotilla Commander and Forrester Newick assumed the oath of office as Vice Flotilla Commander. Other Marathon Auxiliarists present were also sworn in by Petty Officer McCloskey to appointed Flotilla staff positions. Vice Flotilla Commander Newick was appointed Aids to Navigation Officer, Jay McDonald, Vessel Examiner Officer, Phyllis Michaelis, Secretary, JoAnn Griffor, Information Services Officer and Helen Newick, Materials Officer.

PHOTO 1: Left to right: Auxiliarists Forrester Newick and Werner Becker are sworn in by PO2 Bryan McCloskey, USCG Station Marathon as Vice Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Commander respectively.

PHOTO2: Left to right: Auxiliarists Forrester Newick, Jay McDonald, Phyllis Michaelis, JoAnn Griffor and Helen Newick are sworn in as new Flotilla staff officers by PO2 Bryan McCloskey, USCG Station Marathon.

15 Feb 01-Upper Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary offers new boating course

ISLAMORADA - Beginning on March 3, the Upper Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering an accelerated two weekend Boating Skills and Seamanship course. Classes will be held from 8:00 A. M. to 12:00 P. M. on March 3, 4, 11 and 12 at Buttonwood Bay Condominiums in Key Largo at MM 96 bayside.

The two weekend course is recognized by marine insurance companies, which may offer reduced premiums to those who complete the course. Graduates will be awarded a certificate of completion from the U. S. Coast Guard. Instruction will be given in boat handling, navigation, radio usage, seamanship, weather, rules of the road and other related subjects.

There is a nominal fee of $30. per student for the purchase of books and study guides. There is no charge for instruction, as the Auxiliary is comprised entirely from civilian volunteers. Pre-registration is required due to limited seating. For further information, contact Nettie Seder at 852-7283.

12 Feb 01-Coast Guardsman promotes Coast Guard at Key Largo School "Career Day"

(published in 2/15/01 edition of the Village Sun)

ISLAMORADA - BMC Michael J. Rolph, Jr., U. S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada was asked to speak about life in the Coast Guard to students at Key Largo School on "Career Day" this week. Chief Rolph enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1983 and is currently assigned to USCG Station Islamorada as the Coast Guard Station's Executive Petty Officer.

The special "Career Day" visit to the school by Chief Rolph was prompted by a request from Middle School teachers Patricia Rainer and Jody Feidler. Chief Rolph addressed students of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades as part of a continuing effort by the School to promote awareness and interest in various career options at an early age.

PHOTOS :BMC Michael J. Rolph, Jr., USCG Station Islamorada introduces students at Key Largo Middle School to life in the Coast Guard during the School's "Career Day".

1 Feb 01- Coast Guard hosts "day sail" aboard Coast Guard Cutter JOSHUA APPLEBY

KEY WEST - On January 26, 2001 public officials and guests of the Coast Guard cast off for an invitational "day sail" aboard the Coast Guard Cutter JOSHUA APPLEBY to witness the Coast Guard servicing critical Aids to Navigation. The JOSHUA APPLEBY is a 175-foot Keeper Class Buoy Tender that services Aids to Navigation in waters surrounding the Florida Keys. The JOSHUA APPLEBY plays a critical role in maintaining the marine environment of the Florida Keys.

The cutter takes her name from Joshua Appleby who served as the Sand Key Light Keeper in the mid 19th Century. Appleby lost his life when the lighthouse was destroyed by the October hurricane of 1846. Seven years later on July 20, 1853 the current Sand Key Lighthouse was officially put into operation.

The Keeper Class Buoy Tenders are the newest of Coast Guard Cutters equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and navigation systems including Dynamic Positioning System (DPS). They are the first Coast Guard Cutters equipped with Z-Drive propulsion units and are designed to independently rotate 360 degrees giving the ship unmatched maneuverability. The JOSHUA APPLEBY is homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida.

PHOTO 1: Coast Guard Cutter JOSHUA APPLEBY berthed at Coast Guard Group Key West, Trumbo Point

PHOTO 2: Crew members of the Coast Guard Cutter JOSHUA APPLEBY prepare to launch a rebuilt Aid to Navigation to replace a retired buoy in the main Key West shipping channel.

PHOTO 3: Guests of the Coast Guard Cutter JOSHUA APPLEBY assemble on the deck of the cutter while crew members gather ashore following the invitational "day sail".

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