The overarching mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions.
We will balance our missions of Recreational Boating Safety and Coast Guard Support with Maritime Homeland Security and other challenges that emerge as a result of our growing understanding of changes required in the post-9/11 era.
As the new year begins, We look forward with great anticipation on what our Flotilla will achieve in the year 2007. I hope that in the coming year we will use 2006 as a base to continue and increase our message to the public for adhering to Boating Safety. Lives that are lost on the water are accidents which are, in most cases, preventable. As an Auxiliarist, we are charged, along with our USCG to minimize those accidents.
We are involved in: Patrols (air and surface), teaching (instructor or aide, or both), vessel examiners (recreational or commercial), recreational boating safety (RBS)- the old Marine Dealer Visitor, Communications (home-based or mobile), watchstanding at USCG stations, public affairs (booth, parades, events), etc.
All of the above are great things to qualify for and get involved in and they do make a difference in maintaining safety at sea or on the water.
In becoming involved in these activities one can be recognized by being awarded the following devices:
Aircraft Commander Wings,
Observer Wings,
Instructor ribbon and medal,
Examiner ribbon and medal,
RBS device,
Coxswain Pin,
Crew ribbon and medal,
AUXOP Device,
Communications ribbon and medal.
These are but a few of the designations we can earn and, that folks, is how we get "paid" in this volunteer service. Personally, I think that becoming involved in these different activities is payment enough knowing that I might be responsible in saving someone's life.
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Written by Heinz Rister
Flotilla Comander
