P a ge 35 t opside V olume 79 , I s s u e 2
Goodbye to Shearwater , Continued
Hamilton , along with a dozen other Auxiliarists in Cape May gained an active duty Coast Guard In-Port Officer of the Day ( OOD ) qualification . Many actually did their training on board Shearwater . The process is rigorous , requiring members to become intimately familiar with the ship and its systems . Over the course of a few months , Auxiliarists learn everything from the bilges to the fire suppression system . Familiarity with electrical systems , including how to turn on the generators in case of an emergency , are tested by the Engineering Petty Officer . Knowledge of the proper procedures of morning and evening colors are also required . When an Auxiliarist is ready , they sit before an Examination Board made up by the crew in which they are asked questions about the cutter ’ s procedures and their extensive drawings of the ship ’ s systems are examined . When the Auxiliarist passes the Examination Board , a memo from the ship ’ s officer-in-charge or commanding officer is forwarded to the Auxiliarist , granting them the ability to temporarily relieve the ship ’ s crew while it is in port .
Master Chief Martinez stands in the pilothouse as the rest of the crew of Shearwater stand waiting for the ceremony to start .
Photo Credit : AUX Michael Hamilton
Continued on the next page …
An Auxiliarist is standing watch on Shearwater ’ s Pilot House two days before it sails to the Coast Guard Yard .
Photo Credit : AUX Michael Hamilton