topside Volume 79 , Issue 4
AUXILIARY LEADERSHIP LINK
From : L2 Auxiliary Leadership Link
The digest of US Coast Guard Auxiliary activity
02 AUG 2021
NACON 2021 is Postponed
As we all know , the Delta variant of COVID-19 is sweeping across the United States . The State of Florida is the nation ’ s number one hot-spot , centered in the crosshairs of this virulent and seemingly relentless virus . It is being reported that currently there are ZERO hospital beds available in Orlando , so if a member was to become ill , even from a non- COVID related issue , they might be unable to obtain appropriate care . The overarching concern of your Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary leadership in these never-tobe-forgotten times continues to be the safety of the workforce . Whether active duty , reserve , Auxiliary , or civilian , nothing is more important to me , to the Commandant , and to the Secretary of Homeland Security than protecting the health and well-being of those who serve . If we have learned anything from our intensive risk management training , it is that we must constantly weigh the risks we are undertaking against the gain that would come from executing the mission . We are trained to do that when we are assigned to duty , and we are urged to utilize that same calculus in our daily lives . I have done that , and in consultation with the Chief Director of the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety , the Commandant , and multiple Flag Officers of our Coast Guard , I have concluded that there is no rational alternative to postponing NACON . Without question , the training we receive , the connections we make , the information that we share , the relationships that we strengthen , and the camaraderie and fellowship that we enjoy at NACON contribute immeasurably to our being ready , resourceful , relevant , and resilient . But there is also no question that the risk posed to our lives and well-being by this deadly virus is real and far
outweighs the potential gain from holding NACON in August as planned .
I am exploring the options available to us , such as holding NACON later this year if conditions permit , or perhaps combining NACON with NTRAIN . Nothing is off the table , but my first priority must be the safety of our members . Travelling to Florida and meeting in person is just not consistent with honoring that priority . Obviously , this is a fluid situation with critical information changing minute to minute . Guidance will be forth coming shortly regarding orders , hotel reservations , and airline tickets . Your patience and understanding will be greatly appreciated . Very respectfully , Alex Malewski , National Commodore U . S . Coast Guard Auxiliary
From : L2 Auxiliary Leadership Link
The digest of US Coast Guard Auxiliary activity
13 August 2021
THE SECOND QUARTER 2021 NAVIGATOR EXPRESS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW !
The Second Quarter Edition of the Navigator Express is available online now !
Just click on the links below to read stories titled :
• How We Make a Difference in the Coast Guard Auxiliary
• About the Auxiliary
• Benefits of Auxiliary Association Membership
• From the Commandant
• Why I Serve
• USCG Auxiliary Experience Counts