THE SCUTTLEBUTT

Jan. 2007 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Scuttlebutt Flotilla 12-8, 7th District Charleston, South Carolina Vol. 33, No. 6-June 2007
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Flotilla Web Site: http://www.uscgauxcharleston.org

Commanders Corner
Allen James, FC 12-8 We had a busy month of May with the Maritime Festival , ABC classes , and training at Edisto. Thanks to all those that made it work. I want to Welcome our new FSO-PS, Alan Miles, a twenty-year Navy veteran of the submarine service and now has his own home inspection business. Alan takes over from Bob Orenstein. Bob's business required more time away and he could not devote sufficient time to PS. Bob, thanks for your work this year. Please keep on referring potential members to us. For June we will have our regular patrols and VEs and we want our presence at any and all marinas West of the Cooper. We will be in uniform, ODU Summer, walking the docks arranging VEs, introducing Safe Boating classes, and recruiting new members. This can be any time you would expect sufficient crowds at the marinas. Coordinate with Joe Fleming and Eric Kilpatrick for dates of their classes so you can give out correct info. Take names and contact information. In May we had a change to the ODU Summer uniform. We now wear
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Vice Commander
Joe Fleming, FC 12-8 The Memorial Day weekend will have come and gone by the time this reaches the press. I hope everyone remembered why we celebrate this day and will have paused to Inside give thanks for FC ............. 1 those troops, out there, that VFC .......... 1 are fighting for our freedom. CM ...........N/A The Tall Ships paCS ............. 4 raded into Charleston, Fellowship 6 showing off their fabulous FN ............. 4 IS ...............N/A array of design and ship worthiness, for the sea. Our MA ............N/A MS ............ 3 presence on the water, for MT ............ 2 security, was a job well OP ............. 6 done. Thanks to Hap, Hugo PA ............. 3 and Tom Beauchemin for PB ............. 2 their OPFACS. PE ..............N/A Our presence is also PS .............. 4 needed, to help our boating PV ............. 4 public, operate safely and SR ..............N/A have fun while doing so. VE .............N/A Keep in mind who and what Calendar... 8 Trivia ........ 7 we represent. Be in proper uniform and be polite. Remember we are volunteers, and we love our jobs. Thanks to ALL our staff officers for jobs well done. Joe Fleming, VFC, 12-8

Confidentiality Notice: Telephone numbers and addresses of members are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. As a matter of policy, rosters of names, addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the general public or any outside organization. Privacy of all rosters shall be safeguarded and the page clearly labeled. The publication of these rosters, addresses, and telephone numbers on any computer on-line service including the Internet is prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974. The Auxiliary is guided by the current equal opportunities policies of the Commandant of the Coast Guard. No Person shall be subject to

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Publications

Member Training
y this time you should all be aware that the time line for requalification of crew and coxswains has changed from every five years to every three years. This means that several of our members will be up for requal this year. Crew members needing requal this year are Tom Beauchemin, Dick Clarke, Jim Davis, and Bob Weiland. Coxswains needing to be re-qualified are Joey Bokern, Dan Cowley, and Hugo Endris. There is a check-off sheet for the requal process for both crew and coxswain. There will be items that have probably not been required previously. Some of the changes include the following: For Crew: Demonstrate understanding and use of personal survival equipment carried on PFD. Stand a helm watch. Demonstrate proficiency in anchoring and weighing anchor. Demonstrate (tie) a Bowline, Sheet Bend, Clove Hitch, Round Turn and Half Hitch. Satisfactorily answer QE Questions on policy and procedure. For Coxswain: Conduct preunderway brief. Assess crewmembers physical capabilities to perform mission. Discuss safety issues, such as: wearing of jewelry, TCT, Operational Rick Management. Demonstrate same knots required by crewmembers. Run three legs of a search pattern designated by the QE. Moor the Boat. Satisfactorily answer QE Questions on policy and procedure. These are some but not all of the items you will be required to demonstrate proficiency on when being re-qualified. Basically you need to be able to properly respond to any question for the Qualification Guide posed by the QE. Bob Mathewes, SO-MT

Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

his month I am going to attempt to return to something we did last year. For several months in 06 we published biographical sketches of one old member and one new member each month. This was an attempt to get acquainted with each other. With your cooperation, well try it again. This month the new member is Alan Miles. Alan was sworn in in May after a very long wait. The old member will be yours truly. (See page 5). Periodically the FC asks me to send out a Flotilla Flash. Often these are for information on or reminders about certain events. Sometimes they are requests for assistance with a certain event. Please remember that I am just the messenger. The notice will contain contact information if there is a response needed. Please dont just hit reply and send your response to me . Send it to the proper person. If it come to me, it may get lost in the shuffle. My thanks to those officers who havent missed an issue this year. Without your monthly contribution, the Scuttlebutt is just blank paper. This is not directly related to publications but I have a request. I have asked this a couple of times over the last few years and I think it is time to try again. On the masthead of this publication is the logo for Division 12. That came into being when I was Division Captain and requested ideas for a logo design for the division. At least one of the flotillas in Division 12 has their own logo which has been turned into a sew-on patch. This is not for wear on the uniform but looks good on a cap or jacket.
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Bob Mathewes, SO-MT 12

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Public Affairs

Tom Jerussi, FSO-PA

he South Carolina In-Water Boat Show (26-29 April) is now behind us. The activity at the show wasn't as much as I had expected and the booth was manned by 12-8 for the major portion of the show. The weather was too accommodating and, therefore, it seemed that most of the attendees preferred to remain outside rather than chat inside with the folks manning the booths. Nevertheless, approximately twenty individuals signed-up and paid a deposit for the ABC class. Another twenty requested vessel safety checks and about twenty more are interested in future boating safety courses. Thanks to all those who volunteered their time. Tom Jerussi, FSO-PA

Marine Safety
ast month , I said that the subject for June would be some of the Personal Qualification Standards (PQS) that are part of the Trident program. There are eighteen PQS. Their availability on a local level depends on the needs of the local MSO. Some of our members are already qualified as AUX-UPE. That is Auxiliary Uninspected Passenger Vessel Examiner. Upon successful completion of this personal qualification, a person will hold the minimum competencies to examine Uninspected Passenger Vessels (UPV) and their associated equipment for compliance with the applicable safety regulations in 46 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Subchapter C.

Agnes Wright, FSO-MS

A related PQS is AUX-UTV. That is Auxiliary Uninspected Towing Vessel Examiner. Upon successful completion of this personal qualification, a person will hold the minimum competencies to examine Uninspected Tow Vessels (UTV) and their associated equipment for compliance with the applicable safety regulations in 46 CFR. AUX-LR or Assistant Liferaft Inspector is another PQR. Upon successful completion of this personal qualification, a person will hold the minimum competencies to inspect liferafts and their associated equipment in all routine periodic tests. AUX-LDEX is Assistant License & Document Examiner. Upon successful completion of this personal qualification, a person will hold the minimum competencies to work in a Regional Examination Center and assist with proctoring mariner licensing exams. AUX-LDEV or Assistant License & Document Evaluator is yet another PQS. Upon successful completion of this personal qualification, a person will hold the minimum competencies to work in a Regional Examination Center and assist with processing applications for Mariners Credentials. AUX-ET or Assistant Pollution Response Specialist is the last PQS for this month. Upon successful completion of this personal qualification, a person will hold the minimum competencies to assist a qualified FOSCR in an Oil Pollution Response. Auxiliarists should not be exposed to conditions posing an elevated health or safety risk (ex. HAZMAT Spills, Hazardous Gas releases, carcinogenic cargoes, etc), or conditions that require a response team to be armed. Next month we will cover some of the other PQS available. Agnes Wright, FSO-MS

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Communication Services
John Sikes, FSO-CS Interested in finding out where the best fuel prices on the water are? Sea Tow has instituted a web site called Fuel Finder the public database of fuel prices at various docks throughout the country. Want to know which fuel docks have the best price for gasoline and diesel fuel these days? This is where you can come to compare. Need to know where the nearest fuel station is? Check the link provided below! If you dont see a listing for your favorite fuel station, go ahead and add it in. Your fellow boaters will be glad you did!
http://seatow.com/fuelfinder/getmarinas aspx

Personnel Services
Alan Miles, FSO-PS Ship-mates! This short article starts a new and demanding assignment for me. Now that I am finally in your good company I look forward to serving as Flotilla 12-8 Personnel Services Staff Officer. I am following in the footsteps of a great man (Bob Orenstein). His will be a tough act to follow, but with the help and guidance of everyone I believe I can contribute to the organization. As of this writing I am still very new and mostly unaware of much. I am in the process of collecting information, documentation and the knowledge Ill need to be successful at my new assignment. As you all know, I also have a ton of quals to complete. So while the ink dries on my new ID card I thought my first submission to the SCUTTLEBUTT would be a little background info on me. (See Page 6) Alan J.P. Miles, FSO-PS
(FC-Continued from page 1)

Fuel Finder is a web application provided by Sea Tow, free of charge, to the boating public, for the display and posting of local marine fuel prices. Sea Tow accepts no responsibility for, nor can we guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of, the information presented herein. If you know the current cost of fuel at your local dock, please feel free to update the prices. John Sikes, FSO-CS 12-8
(FSO-PB Continued from page 2)

black socks rather than white. This is for all Coast Guard personnel so be sure you are dressed properly. Hap James, FC 12-8

If anyone is artistically inclined, see what you can come up with. If you want to see what other flotillas have done, let me know. There must be someone in this flotilla with talent and imagination. I, personally, lack both. Below are a couple of examples of what I mean. Bob Mathewes, FSO-PB

Partner Visitor
Paul Berka, FSO-PV Wanted Partner Visitors. We still have a few openings. Do not delay and miss the opportunity to support your auxiliary. Please call (843) 559-4668 to learn more about this activity. Paul H. Berka, FSO-PV

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Alan J.P. Miles

I was born in Camp Carson, Colorado at the age of ZERO. When I was 90 days old, I transferred with my parents to Texas and then on to Germany. I spent several years there soaking up the local culture as a kid on an ARMY Base, and returned to Texas where my father retired. When just barely old enough I volunteered for the US Submarine Services. I spent the better part of my time punching holes in the ocean depths. I also had several assignments on commands other than submarines. On one tour of duty I circum-navigated the globe with a 3-month stay at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. I have transited both the Suez and Panama Canals, Crossed the Equator, and even crossed the International dateline. On that particular trip I woke up on the ship and it was a Saturday morning. The next day I woke up and it was a Saturday morning again. It wasnt until much later in life that I realized that I will probably die the day before I should, because I lived the same day twice. My biological clock aged one more day but the calendar did not. I try not to think too much on this but if the chance ever comes up for me to catch a ship traveling west around the globe Ill probably take it just to set things right. I am a Veteran of both Vietnam and Desert Storm. After retiring from the US Navy, I went to work for ADT Security and worked my way up to the Installation Team Manager, here in Charleston. I left ADT after 13 years to follow my dream of starting my own company. This I am doing now and things look promising. Enough on me! I want to comment on all the wonderful personnel in our Flotilla. You have all made me feel so very welcomed and comfortable. I look forward to many thousands of enjoyable hours in boats, on patrols, and in meetings and gatherings with each of you. Together We Set Sail In Search Of A Brighter Horizon!

Bob Mathewes
Bob Mathewes is a member of a minority in the Charleston Flotilla. He is a Charlestonian. He was born in Charleston on 25 November 1935. Bob is a product of the Charleston Schools when that was something to point to with pride. While a senior at Charleston High School he enlisted in the Army Reserve. Upon graduation, in 1954, he was assigned to active duty. He took basic training at Camp (now Fort) Gordon, GA and then was assigned to the Southeastern Signal School on the same post. Upon completion of the course of study he was shipped to Germany where he served with the Northern Area Command Signal Service Company in Frankfurt from February 55 to May of 56. In the fall of 1956 he enrolled in the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of SC. He graduated from that institution in June of 1960. He practiced retail pharmacy in the Charleston area from then until 1982 when he moved from retail to hospital practice at Charleston Memorial Hospital. He retired from CMH at the end of 2000 having served for many years as Chief Pharmacist. He is now semi-retired working about 16 hours a week. In June of 1959 Bob married Brenda Richardson. They have two children, Robert H. (Bobby) Mathewes, Jr. and Mary Mathewes Kassis. Bobby is Executive VP of Tidelands Bank and Mary is Associate Professor of Economics at West Georgia State Univ. Bob and Brenda have four grand children. Bob joined the Auxiliary in 1994, Like many, he came in through the BS&S Class. He has served in many capacities with the Auxiliary. In chronological order they are FSO-FN, FC, VCP, DCP, FSO-MT, SO-MT, ADSO-MT and DSO-MT. Currently he is Member training officer for the flotilla and the division. He is also FSO-PB. He is AUXOP, Coxswain, QE and POMS coordinator. Bob is Past Commander of American Legion Post 10 and a Life Member of Sons of Confederate Veterans Moultrie Camp 27.

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Fellowship

Jane Orenstein

he big day for June is Sunday, June 17th when well rendezvous for our annual raft-up at noon. As you may have read previously, this year were planning a picnic on the island we visited last year which is just below the Limehouse bridge. The beach faces the bridge go under the bridge, continue until you see the inlet on starboard and turn in to anchor. Well have taxi service for those who need it. Please pack a big dish of whatever you please with a serving spoon/fork, your own beverages, and folding chairs. The flotilla will supply tableware and dessert. (If you have a folding table, it would be great if you could bring it along). The rain date is Sat. June 23. Jane Orenstein, Fellowship

Operations
Richard Daniel, FSO-OP May was an interesting month for sure. What a way to start off the boating seasonCharleston with a Tall Ship Exposition as well as a Charleston to Bermuda sailing race. The patrols were mounted and extra patrols were put in place. Thank everyone for helping. With the arrival of June, the general public has left cabin fever behind and hit the water for a great summer boating season. This is going to be a special Charleston summer on the water. We are in high hopes the boating season will be a safe one. We really need you on the water to man our Safety Patrols to help insure everyone enjoys the special blessing we have. The patrols are mounted every week and everyone

has a great opportunity to join in the activities. You do not have to be a member of Operations to take part. We do ask that you invest in a uniform and come along as an observer or guest. You are welcome and we encourage that you contact me or any other member of Operations to get started. We continue to move forward with our coxswain training. Joe Fleming, Bobby Baker, Tom Jerussi and Eric Kilpatrick are heading into the home stretch. They are waiting for the NAV Rule Exam to arrive so they can get that behind them. Once the exams are completed we will schedule their QE Coxswain Check ride. We still invite all members that are not Operations Qualified to consider doing so. I firmly believe you will get much more out of your membership once you are on the water. Richard Daniel, FSO-OP

Finance

Frank Leister, FSO-FN

here is no significant change in the status of the treasury for the last two months. We paid the server charge for the Flotilla web site and expect some income shortly from PE activities. Frank Leister, FSO-FN

WEDDING BELLS
Dick Clarke (FSO-CM) and Joy Davis were wed on board the American Queen while on a Mississippi River cruise in April. Congratulations to the newly weds.

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Nautical Trivia
Our trivia question last month was to name the U-Boat sunk off of Charleston and the Coast Guard cutter that sunk it on 9 May 1942.

http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBCUTTERS/ Icarus_1932.html . Other picutres and accounts

There were thirty-three prisoners taken. The USCGC Icarus sank the U-352 off Charleston and took 33 prisoners, the first German prisoners taken in combat by any U.S. force in World War II. On 5/9/1942, the U-352 spotted another vessel and quickly fired two torpedoes. Both failed to hit their target. The ship turned out to be the US Coast Guard Cutter Icarus which quickly turned and made its initial attack run on the U-352. The Icarus fired 5 depth charges which severely damaged the u-boat internally, wrecked the conning tower and blew off its deck gun. Two more depth charge attacks forced the U-352 to the surface where the u-boat commander KL Rathke ordered the scuttling and abandonment of his ship. The Icarus continued its attack with machine guns and 3 inch guns while the u-boat crew attempted to abandon ship. In the end, 17 crew were killed and the rest were taken to Charleston, SC as prisoners of war. An archive of pictures related to the event may be seen at: http://www. uboatarchive.net/U-352.htm. An account of the event may be seen at:
USCGC Icarus arrives at the Charleston Navy Yard 10 May, 1942, the day after sinking U-352

are available at http://www.nc-wreckdiving. com/WRECKS/U352/U352.HTML The Icarus was 165 ft in length which would make her slightly less than twice the length of the Yellowfin. Correct answers were received from Joe Fleming, Dick McLaren, John Sikes and Agnes Wright of 12-8. We also had correct submissions from our DCP, Reggie Hollar of 12-10 and our IPDCP, Charlie McCarty of 12-6. This months question is a toughie That continues with Coast Guard questions with a Charleston flavor. The inventor of the Bell Buoy, which is designed to be heard when visibility renders it hard to see, served with the US Lighthouse Service which later became a part of the US Coast Guard. He is buried in Magnolia Cemetery. What is his name and where was he born?

Vessel Examination
afe boating week was very busy for us. The Leeds Ave. boat ramp blitz really kept us hopping. Inspectors Paul Berka, Dick Morgan and myself worked hard all day. New member applicant, Barbara Thibodeaux, helped with keeping boaters in line, while waiting for their inspection. Everybody was patient with the wait. Lots of vessels failed their inspection due to lights not working, flares out of date and expired registration. Most were first time inspections, most High Risk profile category. I would like to ask everyone who is qualified to do vessel inspections please try to help. When we do boat ramp inspections, boaters come in large amounts at one time, and the less time we have to spend, keeping them from the water, the happier they are. Joe Fleming. FSO-VE

Joe Fleming, FSO-VE

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June 2007
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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Last Quarter

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Flotilla Meeting

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Flag Day New Moon

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Fathers Day

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First Day of Summer

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First Quarter

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Full Moon

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Flotilla Officers
Flotilla Commander Allen James jamesan38@bellsouth.net Communication Systems John Sikes jsikes@netrockets.com Materials Hank Wolf hgw39@bellsouth.net RBS Visitor Paul Berka phberka@comcast.net Flotilla Vice Commander Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net Fellowship Jane Orenstein orenstein@netrockets.com Marine Safety Agnes Wright seabrownie@bellsouth.net Personnel Services Alan Miles Aids To Navigation Vacant Finance Frank Leister Communications Dick Clarke clarkerc@netzero.net Information Services Chris Thomas irish29483@earthlink.net Operations Richard Daniel rbdaniel1829@aol.com Public Education Eric Kilpatrick ekilpatrick@earthlink.net

FCL@Lwinslow.com
Member Training Bob Mathewes rhmathewes@att.net Public Affairs Tom Jerussi jscaaty@bellsouth.net

bigcid@comcast.net

Publications Bob Mathewes rhmathewes@att.net

Secretary Records Shirley Wolf saw41@bellsouth.net

Vessel Examination Joe Fleming joeflemingjr@comcast.net