Flotilla 32 members were on a mission!

Universities such as William & Mary and the University of Richmond held a Regatta on the James River this spring. Men’s and women’s teams competed in four and eight oar racing shells.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary was tasked to provide security for the river approaches to protect the crews from unaware and possibly reckless boaters.  The weather was perfect.  The oarsmen were determined and very competitive.  Members of Flotilla 32 provided a facility and crew.  It was quite a day.

Shortly thereafter the members were back on the river for another regatta.  This time it was Dragon boats.  These boats are smaller facsimiles of those used in Thailand.  They have crews of about 18 people.  They are competitive with each other but the event is more festive than formal. Thousands of dollars were raised during the event for Richmond Sports Backers, a charitable organization.

Patrol command (PATCOM) for these events was members Commodore Jesse Harrup and John Rives.

The Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded in the Gulf of Mexico soon after the first regatta.  Many Flotilla 32 members are involved in Coast Guard aviation as well as performing surface duties.  Auxiliary Pilots Jenny Stack and Charles Lamb volunteered to assist Admiral Thad Allen, at the scene.  They flew to Mobile and began operations.

The days consisted of pre-flight planning, a morning sortie and another in the after noon.  Evenings were dedicated to a quick dinner, a shower and paperwork until midnight.  The operation was as grueling as a military operation.  Missions included marine environmental patrols, searches for oil and convergence lines.  Aircraft passengers included Coast Guard and environmental protection personnel, and among others, federal, state and local officials.