Photo by Rudy Lopez Jr./Flotilla 6-2
From DCDR Garry Nelson, Division 114-06
Summer 2024
Welcome shipmates to the new Division 6 electronic newsletter, a collaboration of our division and its six flotillas.
This is a great time to be an engaged member of our division. There are so many opportunities to gain training and qualifications, and participate in boating safety activities that meet your areas of interest. A few facts:
- We are part of a nationwide uniformed volunteer branch of the U.S. Coast Guard, with 20,278 members.
- We are in Coast Guard Auxiliary District 11SR, which has 1,149 members in nine divisions.
- Division 6, with 214 members, is the largest in District 11SR.
- With 19% of the districts’s membership, this year we have contributed:
- 22,512 member activity hours:
- 28% of all new members
- 524 (27%) of vessel exams
- 823 (55%) of marine dealer visits
- 371 Aux radio & comms hours this year
- 1,108 public affairs hours (incl. Boat shows, Coastie, and website)
Narwhal event
USCGC Narwhal, based in Corona del Mar, was the centerpiece of an April all-day public affairs event at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.
Two dozen Auxiliarists from flotillas throughout the division participated, including FCs, DCAPT, several auxiliary culinary assistants and 12 regular Coast Guard members.
More than 400 members of the public toured the cutter, hosted by commanding officer Lt. j.g. Annabella Farabaugh. They visited our public affairs booth, which featured boating safety materials, flotation devices, examples of required equipment, and the always-popular Coastie mechanical mascot.
The 4th Cornerstone Barbecue is a unifying event with Auxiliarists, the Coast Guard officers and crew, and ocean institute staff sitting down together enjoying dinner prepared by our very own Aux culinary assistants. The culinary specialist from Narwhal joined in to cook.
After dinner we were given an appreciation cruise on Narwhal.
This event showcased the Coast Guard, supported by the Auxiliary, working together emphasizing the importance of boating safety.
Fellowship
The annual Division 6 picnic is being held on April 29 at Sunset Aquatic Park in Huntington Beach.
About 100 Auxiliarists and regular Coast Guard guests are registered. Our Auxiliary culinary assistants will be cooking, with a chili cook-off among the flotillas. Our organizing committee made up of members throughout the division havde created an A-1 event.
Public events
Several recent public events and holidays were joined by Auxiliarists, including Armed Forces Day ceremonies, National Safe Boating Week, Memorial Day observances and Fleet Week. The opening of the Bass Pro Shops in Irvine was also an opportunity to spread our boating safety message.
Another upcoming event is Ocean Day at Point Fermin Marine Science Magnet school in San Pedro; look for details later.
Also coming up are the Dana Point Maritime Festival and tall ships cannon battle on September 13-15, and the annual Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, October 4-6.
To summarize
Our leadership, flotilla commanders, flotilla staff officers and members have a continuing record of achievements.
I am so very proud of the 19 division staff officers, who devote time and energy in addition to their efforts in their flotillas.
And to our members…
We take seriously our mission of getting out the boating safety message and ensuring public safety on the water. But there is also a certain amount of fun to it all. Camaraderie among members, fellowship, honing our skills, and the satisfaction of being part of a team in a job well done has many rewards.
These are experiences you should not miss.
Front row from left: Steven Romines, Flotilla 6-8; James Babcock, 6-3; Rudy Lopez Jr., 6-2; DCDR Garry Nelson, 6-8; Gary Hooper, 6-6; Steven Baine, 6-1; and Chuck Grosvenor 6-8. Back: Rick Latronico, 6-1.
A few members have not participated in activities this year. If you are one of them, I urge to take a fresh look at your Auxiliary, think about why you joined, and what interests you now. Call your flotilla commander, human resources FSO-HR, or member training FSO-MT and find out what you can do. Attend a meeting and rekindle your relationships with your fellow members.
Every member has something to offer and to gain.
By the time the next online newsletter is published, I hope to see you in the photos and articles.
With appreciation and respect,
– Garry