Topside Summer 2017 Newsletter | Page 5

Page 5 topside Volume 114, Issue 3 Message from the Chief of Staff, continued In the main ICP on any given day we have 15-30 AUX staffing several positions in JIC, OPS, Planning, Resources, Galley FS, communications / command center, remote liaisons to EOC's etc. etc. We also have many in their local neighborhoods as eyes/ears and other divisions that have received evacuees in their areas are looking to service as AUX volunteers in their shelters. One story is a member in Dallas met a boy in the shelter that was rescued by one of the CG helos. The highest staffing request we have has was for 100 AUX yesterday. One interesting mission was 21 AUX members transporting government vehicles fr om San Antonio and Dallas to Houston. On the surface side we are starting to go out for damage / pollution assessments in the intercoastal waterway. The USCG has deployed at least 4 flood teams and we have started to have the opportunity to work with them as well. Identified weakness is the real need for an AUX flood team that can be deployed. Appreciate the thoughts and desire for support of everyone affected but if anyone want to donate we would always suggest the CGMA, they will be the most engaged. Chuck Maricle, DCoS DC8CR, USCG Auxiliary…” The Auxiliary is needed more than ever and the Coast Guard would like to continue to integrate us into “Team Coast Guard” more closely than ever before. Let your members and prospective members know – if they are properly trained and have the right qualifications and certifications, there are more opportunities than ever before to serve our country and the Coast Guard. Please make sure that your members have their Mandated Training and especially, ICS courses. There is also a need for clergy assistance, financial planning assistance, construction assistance and many of the other skills that we are more familiar with – coxswains, crew, air crew, pilots, instructors, educators, vessel inspectors, marine safety specialists and so on! Thank you for everything you do for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Coast Guard and our country! Thomas J. Dever District Chief of Staff Coast Guard Auxiliary Fifth District Northern Region