First , I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new DIRAUX , Commander Steven A . Koch , and our new OTO , Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason Grimm ( BOSN4 ), who have reported for duty , and have been hard at work since their arrival . Welcome Aboard !
DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF ’ S MESSAGE
First , I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new DIRAUX , Commander Steven A . Koch , and our new OTO , Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason Grimm ( BOSN4 ), who have reported for duty , and have been hard at work since their arrival . Welcome Aboard !
In addition , the DIRAUX Office at the Battery Building is now fully open and back in business , after three years of renovations . The DIRAUX staff , including several of our Auxiliarists , has spent many hours cleaning to make it operational . We have a solid “ DI- RAUX Team ”, and we are looking forward to working together for the benefit of our members and support of Coast Guard and Auxiliary programs .
In the last issue of Over the Bow , COMO West and I told you we were going to need all our members to step up to answer the call , and to re-engage as we come out of the COVID pandemic . You did just that , and more . We are very proud of the work you accomplished in all missions we were asked to do . Beginning with the promotion of recreational boating safety , operational surface patrols and air patrols , augmentation of our active duty and reserve family who needed our assistance . You were all instrumental in the success of vital missions . This couldn ’ t have been done without you .
As the normal boating season slows down a bit , remember that our purpose and mission of educating the recreational boating public never stops . Heading into fall and winter , we should focus on training new and long-time members obtaining new and currency training , which will enhance the outreach in our RBS program . Program Visitation and Public Education classes should be on our radar . Recruiting new members should continue . Election season is upon us . We need quality , motivated members to step up and run for leadership positions at all levels of our organization . We need a productive and strong , solid organization . Our future leaders , both elected and appointed , should give us that foundation . Our two successful Regional Based Training sessions were held at Sector Long Island Sound , and at SUNY Maritime College which offered many mandatory and optional courses to benefit all who could attend .
We are now working on an in-person “ Staff Officer College ” for appointed staff officers in January 2024 at SUNY Maritime Center . The “ Leadership Development Academy ” at the Coast Guard Academy in January 2024 , will now be offered at our improved 2024 D1SR DTRAIN , returning to the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton CT on March 15-17 , 2024 . This DTRAIN will focus on many new topics that members have expressed interest in , in addition to the standard course offerings . We plan on having senior Coast Guard leadership attend our event , which will not only give our members a chance to meet them , but also to partake in some awesome fellowship events . This will be a great time to make new friends and memories , and reacquaint with some old friends .
I need to stress the importance of proper communication by following the Chain of Leadership and Management . In day-to-day activities , issues may arise where it seems like answers aren ’ t returned in a timely manner . We strive to provide our members with solutions to their issues as quickly as possible . While circumventing the chain may seem like a shortcut , it can derail the issue and delay the correct response . Thank you for your cooperation as we go forward .
In closing I would like to congratulate our newly elected District Captains for 2024 , Bennett “ Jim ” Dry ( DCAPT-SNY-S ), Joseph Dirocco ( DCAPT-SLIS-S ), Charles F . McCarthy Jr . ( DCAPT-SLIS-N ) and Michael F . Raffel ( DCAPT-SNY-N ). I also want to congratulate those Division and Flotilla leaders yet to be elected .
Michael S . Klacik
Michael S . Klacik District Chief of Staff First Southern District
OVER THE BOW USCGAUX FIRST DISTRICT SOUTHERN REGION - SUMMER 2023 5