Page 19
topside
Volume 114, Issue 3
District Fifth Northern Auxiliary Air Observer Bill
Fithian participating in the Air Program’s Surface/Air
(SURFAIR) vectoring exercise. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Aviation (AUXAIR) Observers generally perform
observation and communication duties aboard Auxiliary
aircraft facilities. They also participate in mission
planning and are a critical part of the team supporting a
mission. The observer’s role in the many multi-mission
profiles with which AUXAIR is tasked is in looking for
targets, both specific and non-specific, while keeping
alert for incidental discovery such as an oil leak or
disabled boat. They must then communicate with the
pilot, as well as the Coast Guard unit guarding the
working frequency and/or the Auxiliary unit providing
assistance, to relay this information.
Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by
Joseph Giannattasio
ADSO-PB Photography
NEW YORK - A 5NR Auxiliarist Kurt
Sarac bids farewell to NYC Lady during
the conclusion of a Fleetweek Auxiliary
patrol. Now in its 29th year, Fleet Week
New York is the city’s celebration of the
sea services. It is an unparalleled
opportunity to meet Sailors, Marines and
Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness
firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s
maritime services. The weeklong
celebration has been held nearly every year
since 1984.
Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by
Barbara Sama