Oct Issue Lucky Seven

Hudson Florida Coast Guard Auxiliary Volume XLII Number 10 October, 2009

LUCKY SEVEN A MESSAGE FROM THE HELM John W. Curtis, Sr., Flotilla Commander .

Until next time, remember, we are Semper Paratus!

FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY

Flotilla Staff Officers John Curtis Sr. Flotilla Commander Edna Schwabe Vice Flotilla Commander Kitty Nicolai Operations Officer FSO-AN Tim Smith FSO-CM Jack Smith FSO-CS David White FSO-FN Bob Yates FSO-IS Edna Schwabe FSO-MA Bill Kelly FSO-MS John Curtis Sr. FSO-MT Ernie Schwabe FSO-PA Roy Higginbotham III FSO-PB Amy Horn FSO-PE Tom Wilson FSO-PS Ernie Schwabe FSO-PV Dave Taylor FSO-SR James Gillman FSO-VE Mike Figluizzi Hospitality Sunshine Stephanie Yates

Reminder The regular Hudson Flotilla meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at the Baptist Church at the corner of Hudson Ave. and Old Dixie Highway in Hudson. Meetings begin at 1900 hours.

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A MESSAGE FROM Flotilla Vice Commander, Edna Schwabe Can you believe it is already October? I can’t, this year has just flown by and we are already preparing for another election, dues are coming in, and our (canceled and then rescheduled) annual picnic is just around the corner. Thanks are again due to all of the staff officers for their timely submission of monthly reports. We were again one of three flotillas that had 100 % of their reports to Division on time. Keep up the good work. It has been a busy month, contacting members and registering them for the picnic and also reminding them that dues should be sent by September 30 or the dreaded certified letter would have to be sent. This has been very successful, at this point all but 9 have either paid or the check is in the mail. The picnic seems to be an overwhelming success for Hudson 11-7, we have 52 people signed up to attend the event at Sand Key. This should be a great day, there should be plenty of time for fellowship, to renew old acquaintances and make new friends. The day is geared to entertaining the younger prospective Auxiliarists and allow the more mature ones to relax and enjoy the day. For those of you who might not know, our FC is running in the Division election for the office of Division Vice Commander. This election will be held at the next Division meeting on October 17 at Clearwater Air station in the Red Tail Lounge. I hope that as many of you as possible will make an effort to attend this very special meeting and support our FC. Car pooling can be arranged, lets discuss this at the upcoming meeting. Everyone is doing a super job this year and I thank you for all of your support.

Staff Reports Jack W. Smith, FSO-CM

In September 09, we ran 13 patrols, 2 patrols occurring simultaneously were covered by our Watchstanders. As always, those who are qualified are encouraged to participate, and those who are not qualified but wish to be can contact me or Ernie Schwabe, and we will get you qualified. .

Dave Taylor FSO-PV-MV . September visits totaled 30 and required 26 hours to complete. Pasco Discount Marine has moved into a new facility 1/2 mile south of the previous address. The new location is at 15425 Rte # 19 in Hudson. Jim's Boats has been sold. The new owner is Jeff Ison. Business continues to be very slow.

Ernie Schwabe FSO-PS

During this month one of the submittals from last month was approved, and we are still waiting for word on the second one. We are working with several other prospects that have expressed interest in joining the Auxiliary.

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Edna Schwabe FSO-IS

Staff Staff Reports Reports Information Systems (IS) is current and up to date. Continued Continued Paperwork has been flowing and I have been getting a lot of reports from our new members. If you are having any problems with getting your reports to me, please give me a call and I will help you with whatever problems you might be having with the system. I have noticed that some of your personal data is not current. If you have made any changes to you phone number, home addresses or your e-mail, please complete one of our 7028, Change of Membership forms and get it to me so I can make sure that all of your data is correct in Auxdata. If your information is not correct in Auxdata you will not receive important e-mails and updates and there have been a few lately.

Roy Higginbotham III FSO-PA his month we had articles in the Sounding, Sun Coast News, Scuba West Newsletter, Beacon Woods Newsletter and in the Southwinds Magazines. These articles were notices for our scheduled PE Courses for September. We took part in the Annual Coastal Clean-Up campaign again this year. We had six auxiliarist out in kayaks, paddle boats, dingies and one small motorboats. The day was great and we all had a wonderful day on the water. Our assigned area was Hudson Creek and we found it to be much cleaner than other years. I think the public is beginning to be more aware of the problems that it causes and the harm that it does to the environment when they litter and throw trash into the water.. We did however manage to collect about 100 lbs of trash most of that being several very heavy parts of an old motor. Submitted by: Edna Schwabe

There is nothing new to report.

William Kelly FSO-MA

Tim Smith, FSO-AN

November 2009 Navigational Service Report for Hudson 11-07 Floatilla: All Aids TO Navigation are watching properly. That includes Day-Beacons ( DBNs ) and Lights ( LTS ) in the Hudson Floatilla 11-07 Area Of Responsibility ( AOR ).

Ernie Schwabe FSO-MT

This month we continued the Member Training activity with Boat Crew/Cox sign-off sessions as well as Radio Watchstander PQS training. We have three students working on Cox and four on Crew, and hope to be able to schedule at least one QE soon. We held one on-the-water night training session and plan another early in October. Our new members all need the 8 hour TCT, if you would like to take that, let me know by Oct 15. The onehour TCT workshop will be given in November at our HQ, date TBD.

Kitty Nicolai-OPS 3

Patrol Missions (September 2009)

September total patrols requested: September total patrols cancelled (Mechanical): September total patrols cancelled (Insufficient Crew): September total patrols cancelled (Other): September total patrols cancelled:

14 1 1 2 4

September total patrols completed:

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B-0 AuxSAR (CGSTA Sand Key) C-130 Missions MOM (Maritime Observation Mission)/Training Radio Facility SAR Mission

0 2 7 1

SARs or Assists this reporting period:

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Remarkable patrol events: • Area Familiarization – South, 20 SEP ○ Two (2) 11-07 vessels participated. (John Balazs, 7478 and Kitty Nicolai, 7045-PWC) • Flotilla Night Exercise, 26 SEP ○ Three (3) 11-07 vessels participated. (John Balazs, 7478, Ernie Schwabe, 7336 and Kitty Nicolai, 7045), Sixteen members counting Hudson Radio Watchstander  Debrief and development of Lessons-Learned followed Upcoming Remarkable Patrol Missions: • B-0 A(ux)SAR ○ Tuesdays, Thursdays; every month, 0900-1400 at CGSTA Sand Key • Superboat Race Series Offshore Powerboat Races ○ 4 OCT, Clearwater Beach ○ One (1) 11-07 vessel scheduled. (Kitty Nicolai, 7045-PWC)

Miscellany • • • • •

New version of the PMD (Pre-Mission Detail) to accommodate FY 2010 6-digit Patrol Order Numbers has been distributed. New routing sequence for SAR Reports with copy to FSO-IS CG under Continuing Resolution and Aux may get reimbursable patrol orders ○ However, re-fuel at CGSTA Sand Key whenever possible POMS will be down for updates, 10-16 OCT 2009 Auxiliarists can no longer wear Auxiliary-marked PFDs for pleasure boating

Flotilla 11-7 Minutes September 14, 2009 4 1915 - Meeting called to order by Flotilla Commander J. W. Curtis, Sr.

1917 - Flotilla Commander Curtis led the Flotilla in the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence was observed for our service personnel. 1920 - Motion made to accept last month’s minutes as printed in the “Lucky Seven”. Motion to adopt by Ken Googe and seconded by Bill Kelly. Motion was carried. 1926 - New Member sworn in. Stephen Tindell sworn in by Flotilla Commander as newest member. He is a pilot and plans to pursue aviation related activities as well as the other projects within the flotilla. 1930 - Awards: William Kelly - Sustained Auxiliary Service Award (2nd award); John Balazs - Sustained Auxiliary Service Award (9th award). 1935 - Meeting break 1940 - Meeting called back to order 1945 - Announcements: 1. Some annual dues have been received - all are due before September 30th. 2. Coastal clean-up on Sep 19th. This is an annual event with the Hudson Beach Yacht Club. Volunteers are needed. 3. Thanks to all who brought food items for the “pot-luck” dinner. 1950 - Staff Reports: The meeting was then turned over to Vice Commander Edna Schwabe for Staff Reports. Treasurer report was read and accepted. FSO reports are published in the Lucky Seven. 1955 - Committee Reports: 1. Ernie Schwabe reporting for FSO-CS Dave White - they met with the Elks on what supplies were needed to run lines to Headquarters to give us an efficient internet and phone service. A motion was made by Tom Wilson and seconded by Bill Kelly to approve an amount not to exceed $500 minus any contribution by the Elks. The motion was carried. Committee continues with more information expected at the next Flotilla meeting. 2. The election eligibility committee reported two letters of intent to run for office. Both of the candidates are qualified for nomination. Further information due at the next Flotilla meeting. Old Business: The communications room is functioning. Radio watchstanders are urged to “sign up” on the sheet provided. New Business: A committee was formed consisting of Ernie Schwabe and Kitty Nicolai to determine the type of radio equipment we will need to purchase and the cost. Discussion was held in depth, but no decisions were reached. A further report is to be presented at the next flotilla meeting. 2105 - As there was no further business to be addressed by the flotilla, a motion for adjournment was made by Ralph McCullough and seconded by Tom Wilson. The motion was carried. 2105 - Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, James D. Gillman FSO-SR 1107

L-R, JW Curtis, FC presented auxiliarist William Kelly his 2nd. Sustained Auxiliary Service Award and John Balazs his 9th Sustained Auxiliary Award at the September meeting. Picture by: Amy Horn

JW Curtis, FC and Edna Schwabe, VFC swear in new member John Tindell at our September meeting. Picture by: Amy Horn

The conference, was held right here in our own backyard (St. Petersburg) from Thursday, September 10th – Sunday September 13th.On Thursday, Commodore Don Frasch hosted the Commodore’s Reception at the scenic “Windjammer Club”, located waterside, on CG Sector St. Petersburg. This event was casual dress, free, and open to all Auxiliarists. We had several auxiliarists and their families in attendance, all attending enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs Pictured LtoR Kitty Nicolai socializing with SN Ranstead, Admiral Branham’s driver, at the Connodores’ Reception. Photo By:

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Flotilla Commander John Curtis and Vice Flotilla Commander Eda Schwabe, enjoying socializing with several members attending the Commodores Reception. Photo by: Amy Horn

Italian sausage and cold drinks. On Friday several table top information tables were available, the district store was open and the Commodores Banquet took place. Early Saturday morning and throughout the day presentations were given. The presentations were informative. On Saturday night everyone enjoyed a get-together western style. On Sunday everything wrapped with several presentations.

Picture Above - L-R Operations Officer Kitty Nicolai, JW Curtis, Coxswain Trainer, Stan Martilik, and Joe Horn plotting their night problem.

Picture Above - JW Curtis, Coxswain Trainer, conducting a pre underway briefing to his crew (L-R) Stan Martilik, Joe Horn.

Picture Below – A beautiful sunset as the crew proceeds out to the Gulf from the Sea Pines Channel. Pictures by Amy Horn

Picture Below -JW Curtis at the helm of the September 26th. night training mission. Pictures by Amy Horn

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT KAYAKS, CANOES We’ve all seen many on car tops on our highways, but have you ever tried one yourself? Kayaking and canoeing is one of the fastest growing activities, and we are blessed with living in an almost ideal kayaking and canoeing region. Rivers, lakes, and near-shore gulf areas are great, and nothing matches the ability to glide silently through absolutely clear water to the head springs such as at Weeki Wachee, Homosassa or Crystal River. When you are on the water, please remember that the same rules of safety apply to kayaks and canoes as to any other watercraft. You must have a life jacket close to hand, or as the rules say “readily accessible”. From a practical perspective, things can go wrong in a real hurry in a small craft, and there is no substitute for actually wearing the life jacket at all times when you are near the water. And with the newer jackets, this has become much easier as many have been developed for specific purposes, including fishing, hunting, and of course kayaking and canoeing. But if you insist on not wearing one, at least keep it within arm’s reach, secured so that it does not float away from you in the event of a capsize. Incidentally, in Florida all children 6 and under MUST wear an approved life jacket (look for the Coast Guard Approval Number ), and beyond state jurisdiction more than 9 miles offshore in the Gulf and 3 miles offshore in Atlantic water, as well as in many other States, the requirement is that anyone under 13 must wear a life jacket.

Another safety requirement is that you must be able to signal for help should you need it. A whistle is very effective in attracting attention, and to keep it readily available, the Coast Guard recommends we attach it to the life jacket. In fact, some of the inflatable jackets, which are so comfortable you’ll hardly notice you are wearing one, come with a whistle already attached. Another safety device recommended for longer kayak or canoe trips, especially if you might be on the water in poor visibility or darkness, is a waterproof flashlight. A small compass is also a good idea as you’d be amazed how quickly showers can form on our waters, and how quickly they can completely obliterate the shoreline. Finally, always carry lots of water. When you are out in the sun, you dehydrate rapidly and failure to replace lost water can have serious health implications. With all the healthy exercise you will get in your kayak or canoe a quart of water per hour is not excessive. What else do I bring along? A good broad-brim hat, high SPF sunscreen, and depending on where you are going, a good bug spray should be in every kit. Put your cell-phone in a water-proof baggy, and take along a plastic sponge to mop up any water that might get in the boat—and with our springs at 72 degrees year-round is ideal for cooling down. Enjoy. Apply these rules and suggestions when you are out in any Small Utility Boat such as a Paddle Boat, Dinghy or PWC. Submitted by: Edna Schwabe

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On September 19, Hudson Flotilla hit the waterways paddling, rowing, motoring and walking. We went in row boats, kayaks, paddle boats and one very small dinghy with a motor. We all met at the Hudson Municipal ramp for breakfast and coffee provided by the local Hudson Beach Yacht Club. Approximately 200 people were involved in this adventure. After a brief period of instruction and fellowship everyone collected Tee shirts, trash bags and water bottles and was off in a different direction to clean up their part of Hudson’s extensive canal frontage. Our assigned area to clean up was Hudson Creek. It probably has a shoreline about 2 ½ to 3 miles long considering all of the little ins and outs and the channel down to the springs.

New member Steve Tindell, participating in his first Coastal Cleanup. Picture by: Amy Horn

The day was perfect, sun was hot, breeze was cool and the water calm and we just paddled and rowed up and down the creek picking up all of the trash that we saw. One of our team got hung up at a dock trying to pickup some old clay pots that must have been there since last year. But he managed to get out with the pot and went on down the creek. We collected about 100 lbs of trash, including some very heavy parts of an old boat engine or motor of some kind. We got tree limbs, plastic bottles, bicycle parts, plastic buckets, fishing line, fishing lures, clay pots and a lot of plastic bags and soda bottles and cans. All in all we had a very productive day and everyone had a great time. The only mishap was that the row boat was tied to a dock and on a rising tide found its way under the stationary dock. The tide filled it and there she sank. But no harm no foul, she was recovered and drained and is now back on her favorite spot on top of our sailboat, Sunshine. The waterways were very clean this year, I think the clean up Ernie Schwabe rowing down the canal while Amy Horn enjoys the ride. Picture by: Edna Schwabe

Commander, JW Curtis working his way down the canal at the Coastal Cleanup . Picture by: Amy Horn

each year has brought an awareness to the community and they are beginning to realize how important it is to keep trash out of the water. Maybe they are also becoming more aware of what the litter and trash is doing to the animals and sea life in our waterways and our Gulf. I hope so.

Those participating in the Clean Up were, John Curtis, Amy Horn, Stan Martilik, Robert Mathes, Edna Schwabe, Ernie Schwabe and Steve Tindell. Submitted by: Edna Schwabe

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Department of Homeland Security United States Coast Guard Auxiliary FSO-PB 11-7 D7 6391 Pinestand Ct. Spring Hill Florida 34609-9338 352-293-3337 [email protected]

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