Operations

Alert 11, Fall 2024

On July 27th, members of the Bellingham Flotilla of the USCG Auxiliary teamed up with Skagit County Sherrif, Skagit Bay Search & Rescue, and North Whidbey Fire & Rescue for some interagency training. We congregated in Skagit Bay and received our assignments. We practiced search and rescue patterns, performing Man over Board drills as well as along side tows and stern tows. Each agency quickly and professional completed each assigned task. Once finished, the boat crews returned to their prospective ports with appreciation for the other agencies.

Several members completed their qualification check ride. Leslie Parks and Lyle Schrag qualified as crew members, while Manny Eusebio qualified as Coxswain.

Station Bellingham conducted the qualification using their 29’ response boat.

The flotilla has an active patrol schedule. Please contact Jeff Shaw if you are interested.

• Patrols & Operations
• Training & Qualifications

Also in this issue

• September Flotilla Meeting

  The flotilla's September meeting was well attended, and awards were presented to several members.

• USCGC Eagle
  By Lyle Schrag

  Lyle Schrag served as Auxiliary Chaplain aboard the USCG Cutter Eagle in May and June 2024 during the first phase of the cadet training cruise to the Caribbean.

• Member Training

  The flotilla's mid-year training summary, including boat crew qualification exams and new Suicide Prevention core training completions.

• Navigation Systems

  Aid verifiers completed more PATON and bridge verifications, and boaters are advised of Swinomish Channel shoaling, retired NOAA raster charts, and a new way to access Local Notice to Mariners.

• Recent ALAUX

  A list of recent ALAUX announcements from the Coast Guard applicable to Auxiliary members, issued August and September 2024.

• D-TRAIN Highlights

  At the Northwest District conference in Clackamas, Oregon, Peter Border received the Century Club Award for 2023 and Pam Chelgren-Koterba was recognized for a second Meritorious Team Award.

• Parting Shot

  Flotilla boat crew members return to port after a successful patrol.