Flotilla 73 in 2010

Fellow Guardians, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a safe and happy new year.

2010 promises to bring change to the Auxiliary. One thing that won't change, though, is our dedication to the Coast Guard's core values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.

As we look forward to the coming year, we should prepare ourselves for change. We should consider our own strengths and how we, as a Flotilla, can better serve the needs of the Coast Guard and the boating public.

There are several areas of opportunity for growth by our Flotilla. Our appointed staff officers will be meeting shortly to discuss plans in each of their areas of support. You should expect to received details soon as they become available.

In the mean time, we should each consider our own talents and goals for the coming year. How can we improve on the contributions we've already made?

One area of growth may be found in the Operational Excellence award. This is an award given to individuals and teams who have distinguished themselves in the area of operations by meeting qualification standards above and beyond the basics required for Crew or Coxswain certification.

We've already established ourselves as leaders in the area of operations by offering the annual Crew and Coxswain Academy and coordinating such as events as Opening Day or Rose Festival. I would very much like to see several of our members honored with this highly coveted award in the coming year.

I have posted details about the award along with the qualification standards on our web site at www.Flotilla73.org in the Announcements section.

Another new and exciting opportunity lies in the area of Program Visitation. Gayland Rogers, our new FSO-PV, has been hard at work developing a new strategy. This is an important area with lots of room for growth. Gayland will be addressing changes and new opportunities in this area in some upcoming articles within the Waterlog and flotilla meetings.

Lastly, the Portland Boat Show is just around the corner. This is one of the best ways to have a direct impact on support. As representatives of the Coast Guard, you get to have one-on-one direct contact with the boating public. You'll get to answer questions and talk boating with others that like boating just as much as you. Planning has already begun, so if you haven't done so, please follow the instructions listed in the Boat Show Announcement ASAP so you can get involved.

Note: Please remember that we are all representatives of the Coast Guard and as such, we must conduct ourselves with the absolute highest levels of professionalism. Uniform of the day will be ODU. Please inspect your uniforms prior to participation in any public event. Uniforms should be pressed, clean and fit properly. Boots should be well blackened or freshly shined.

Personal grooming is also very important. Chapter 10 § C of the Auxiliary Manual outlines acceptable standards for Auxiliarists in uniform. Auxiliarists who cannot meet those standards should not wear the Coast Guard uniform but may wear the Blue Blazer as an alternative.

These are certainly not the only areas for where you can get involved. More information will be coming out soon as your new leadership team meets. Please reach out to our flotilla leadership and let us know how and where you'd like to get involved.

Thank you all for your time, consideration and dedication to the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Brian Rollins

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Commander, FL - 73