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DCOs and DCOS in attendance |
Charlotte, August 26. National Commodore (NACO) Jim Vass convened the Committee of the Whole. He explained that the meeting is a semi-official meeting required by the standing rules. No action or votes will be taken. Rather, it is an opportunity to consider and discuss the issues and recommendations that will come before the Board during the official meeting.
Following the roll call and the determination of a quorum, NACO Vass called for reports from the National Bridge. Vice National Commodore (VNACO) Tom Mallison provided remarks on the current status of the operations program, providing statistics of the health of the program.
The Deputy National Commodores (DNACO) Don Frasch, Mark Simoni and Marie Scholle each reported on the achievements of the districts within their areas of responsibility. Significant were the response to the disasters that befell the mid-west and Great Lakes area and the after effects of the Tsunami that struck Hawaii. Increases in membership were mentioned.
DNACO-ITP Bruce Miller reported on the progress in the Information Technology Departments. "We are providing good tools for Auxiliary use," he said. He also stated that there is better utilization of reporting and statistics with these new tools.
President of the National Association of Commodores Rick Ives reported on the activity and status of the association.
In his following remarks NACO Vass stated, "We (the Auxiliary) are an important asset to Coast Guard stations. Our local support to the Coast Guard is valuable."
COMO Tom Venizio reported on a new committee formed at the request of the National Commodore. "Our public education efforts are off course," he said. "The committee will focus on everything we do in that (public education) arena." He reported that 91% of boater involved in a fatal accident never took a safe boating course. "This is a critical issue that goes to the heart of our recreational boating program," he said. The committee consists of a team of experts in the area of public education. COMO Venizio anticipates that this committee will implement something in the short term that will excite the membership about public education.
NACO Vass introduced Captain Joseph M. Re from the Office of Performance Management, Directorate of Enterprise Strategic Management and Doctrine. CAPT Re discussed the strategy, budget and management decisions now faced by the Coast Guard. He remarked and amplified the Commandant's Direction and White Paper. The "Commandant's Direction" deals with current and future mission strategies while the "White Paper", a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document represents the singular strategic statement regarding the purpose and role of the Coast Guard post 9/11.
CAPT Re remarked that the "White Paper" provides strategic direction, not strategy. The "Commandant's Direction" provides a new way of thinking and talking about the Coast Guard. Key elements include, but not limited to, sustaining mission excellence and preparing for the future. He quoted a statement made by the Deputy Secretary DHS, "The Coast Guard is a unique national asset."
Following a break for lunch VNACO Tom Mallison recognized exhibitors who graciously supported us here at the National Conference. He called forward for certificates of appreciation representatives from the following exhibitors:
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Edmonston and Vass sign Memorandum of Agreement |
Mr. Martin L. Phillips, Executive Director of the Auxiliary Association, Inc. followed with a report on the business of the Association. He requested that the membership visit the Association's website. He named and thanked the staff and volunteers who support the Association with their time and efforts. He reminded, "Members of the Auxiliary are also members of the Auxiliary ASSOCIATION."
NACO Vass the joined Mr. Chris Edmonston, President of the Boat Owners Association of the United States in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). BoatUS will provide support for the vessel safety check program.
Captain Barry Smith, USCG retired, the former Chief Director of the Auxiliary and now with the Office of Counterterrorism and Defense Operations. The Captain was joined by Auxiliarist Feller. Captain Smith reported on a prototype project that was tested in the Baltimore area. The project, "Focus Lens," objective is to gather data that can be used by intelligence experts in an effort to determine potential risks of terrorism and criminal activity. "The purpose is to disrupt the 'bad guys'" he said. He emphasized that the Auxiliary's participation is not mandated, usage to be determined by local sectors, again not mandated. An involved Auxiliarist will be tasked to collect data at marinas and boat ramps using a provided handbook that describes the do's and don'ts. He emphatically emphasized that the survey taking is solely for information collection and definitely is not a security activity. The task will be to complete a provided survey sheet without interview or photo/video taking.
Auxiliarist Feller reported on the usage and success of the "Focus Lens" program in the Baltimore area. Both Mr. Feller and Captain Smith advised that this is a prototype program, a work in progress, and that further information about Auxiliary involvement will be forthcoming.
NACO Vass then signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NOAA.