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Greetings from the Helm
In review, 2009 was no doubt the best year I personally had as a
member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I felt a great sense of honor to
have been elected as Division Eight Commander.
It became very clear to me in a very short period of time that the
best attribute of this position is the ability to interact with so
many people in different locations throughout the Division. But the
MOST outstanding part of this privilege was to see personally what a
tremendous wealth we have in dedication of so many members throughout
the Division. I had no idea exactly what every flotilla was involved
in until my visits to the different locations.
I was astounded to find so many people in Crescent City who stand by
on 24 hour basis and take that extra mile of extensive qualifying to
operate the Coast Guard RBS boat.
I have been so impressed with the floundering Eureka Flotilla that has
made great strides to strengthen their flotilla and bring in new blood
to continue a long tradition of Auxiliary support in the area. They
have increased a commitment of involving several people into FSO
positions and bringing into the realm of possibility to have local
elected leadership team.
I can never forget my numerous trips to Fort Bragg and learn about all
the commitments this flotilla have completed over the year. Their
dedication to maintain the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is
phenomenal. This flotilla had great sadness in the loss of Doug
Pahlson, their Flotilla Commander, and yet, this fine group of people
moved forward and achieved so many milestones that it is impractical
to list them all. Their detachment in Point Arena remains very active
during the down time of the helo fuel station, and when the program
was in full operation, the local Auxiliarists saved the Coast Guard
thousands of dollars.
My home flotilla, Lake County, as usual continued to make significant
contributions to the Clear Lake safe boating with numerous events
including boat patrols, life-jacket give-a-ways, Aids to Navigation,
and working with local County agencies in a variety of commitments.
Together, all these units put in nearly 15,000 hours of volunteer
hours with direct support to the Coast Guard and nearly 30,000 hours
including stand-by time. I salute all of you for a Bravo-Zulu 2009.
With the new year of 2010 upon us, I am honored to again to be the Division
Commander and look forward to serving you all in any way I can. We have set
several goals to accomplish this year and considering that this will be my
final year at the helm, I have a strong urge to have us develop each of our
goals and to see them successful by the end of 2010. The primary goal is to
remain safe in all we do.
I send you each my most heart-filled gratitude and respect for your dedication
and wish you all a prosperous New Year.
Rich Thomas
DCDR-11N-08
Division 8 is located in Northern California; our volunteer members provide
support for the United States Coast Guard and the recreational boating
community in Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties. The Division
is composed of four flotillas each of which offer their members the
opportunity to participate in many varied activities associated with boating
on both the ocean and inland waters. The link buttons will provide you with
information about the Auxiliary, our flotillas, events, and staff.
Announcements:
THE 2010 DHS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, THE U.S. COAST GUARD WILL TERMINATE THE
TRANSMISSION OF ALL U.S. LORAN-C SIGNALS EFFECTIVE 2000Z 08 FEB 2010. AT
THAT TIME, THE U.S. LORAN-C SIGNAL WILL BE UNUSABLE AND PERMANENTLY
DISCONTINUED. THIS TERMINATION DOES NOT AFFECT U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THE
RUSSIAN-AMERICAN OR CANADIAN LORAN-C CHAINS. U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THESE
CHAINS WILL CONTINUE TEMPORARILY IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL
AGREEMENTS.
Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty
