The ever-expanding mission of the Coast Guard and declining budgets have created great challenges. However, these challenges have also given the Auxiliary tremendous opportunities to serve and augment in the day-to-day operations of the Coast Guard.
The motto of District 1 SR is “Be there, First.” We continually strive to lead the Auxiliary in service and innovation. We are there, first.
As I finish my first couple of months as DCO, I want to bring the District up to date on what has happened so far this year:
I started the year with a trip with DCOS Gus Formato and DIRAUX CDR Laura Moose to the First Northern District D-Train in Newport, Rhode Island. We met with CAPT Byron Black, the District 1 Prevention Chief, and observed their training sessions. We picked up invaluable ideas for our D-Train conference scheduled for March 20-21, 2015. I even took the Aviation Swim Test. It was a great event.
The past couple of months have been COW season and so far I have attended numerous Change of Watches at Divisions. I had a brilliant time enjoying such special occasions.
D-Train is only a few weeks away. We have a new online system that will make the registration process easier. We have a great schedule in place and a lot of special events. Coastie, our Band, the Comms Trailer, the USCG Academy Jazz Band, and much more. This will be the best D-Train ever and I urge you not to miss it. Our new “Chief of Scrooge,” Gus Formato is squeezing every penny he can to get us the best bang for the buck possible.
I am writing while returning from N-Train in St Louis. The National Board passed three proposals:
1) A one-dollar per month dues increase to help offset decreases in CG funding. This money will be used to help our members train at area meeting and electronically to increase our effectiveness and maintain our value to Active Duty.
2) An amendment to the AUXMAN limiting the wearing of Boat Shoes with ODUs to VEs and Surface Operations.
3) Adding the CG LAMs course as an element of AUXOP.
The Commandant addressed the issues of the extensive delays in moving our new members from AP to BQ status and the future of AUXINFO. This is on his radar and he promised to do what he can to correct the situation.
We had presentations on the new E-Books program for PE and the new IM position. In addition, we had one-on-one meetings with all the National Directorates. It was a VERY busy three days with a lot of information to bring back. And some folks think that January is a slow month for the Auxiliary...
Respectfully,
Alex Malewski
Commodore Alex Malewski
District Commodore, First District Southern Region
District Commodore's Message
4 OVER THE BOW - Winter 2015