One life is one too many to lose in a water related incident, whether a lake, a river, the ocean or even a pool, commented one of the new members.
Division 11’s Commander, Wesley L. Doody, served as the master of ceremonies welcoming over 125 people to the event, which saw Director of Auxiliary Commander Laura Moose, USCG read the Planking Certificates to all the founding members.
The certificates made each of the founding members “Plank Owners.” Plank Owners are founding members of a new flotilla. CMDR Moose read the following words from the certificate:
Know All Ye by These Presents: and to all landlubbers, sea lawyers, salts, swabs, square-knot admirals, gold bickers, and other scavengers of the seven seas Greetings: Know ye, That: (Members Name) was an Honored Member of the Illustrious Crew which forever distinguished itself when it commissioned SHEEPSHEAD BAY FLOTILLA 11-13 and therefore, for this good and sufficient reason, is entitled by the Laws of the Sea to all the rights and privileges of a PLANK OWNER, and is hereby granted clear, free, open, and unencumbered title to one plank of the deck of the above mentioned command: selection to be made in order of seniority according to the treasured and honored records contained in Davy Jones’ Log. DISOBEY THIS ORDER UNDER PENALTY OF OUR ROYAL DISPLEASURE. Commissioned 18 November 2014. Signed by CDR L. Moose, Commanding Officer.
Looking at the audience, CMDR Moose commented about the diversity that was present in the room including family members, friends, marine partners, first responders, elected officials, besides persons who are interested in joining the newly formed flotilla.
First Southern District Commodore Alex Malewski swore in Shmuel Gajer as Flotilla Commander and Kenneth Fisher as Vice Flotilla Commander. The flotilla might be new, but their members come aboard with over 65 years of combined auxiliary experience.
District Captain Gerard Andrews was called upon to administer the oath of office to all the staff officers.
Evening’s entertainment was provided by Composer Hank Fellows with Vocalist Daniel Siford singing “Semper Paratus,” in addition to songs written by Hank Fellows, “The Spirit of America” and “One Heart, One Voice.”
COMO Alex Malewski and CMDR Laura Moose listen as Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams addresses members of Flotilla 11-13. USCG Auxiliary Photo by Steve Solomonson.
Flotilla Commander Shmuel Gajer (right) presents a Planking Certification to Daryl Grey (left). USCG Auxiliary Photo by Butch Moran.
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