NACON 2011 - Saturday General Assembly - (Afternoon Session)

Charlotte, August 27. The general assembly was reconvened by National Commodore (NACO) Jim Vass. A considerable portion of the afternoon session was the presentation of Auxiliary department and Coast Guard awards. These awards will be presented in a separate “Awards” article as part of our continuing coverage of NACON 2011.

Rear Admiral Steven E. Day, Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, Atlantic Area, related a short, interesting history of the Auxiliary. He briefly touched on the history shared by the CG Reserve forces and the Auxiliary. He lauded volunteerism and praised the Auxiliary, saying, “With over 30,000 members you are the premier volunteer organization in the nation.”

Admiral Day touched on the four cornerstones and the emulation of the volunteer spirit. He stressed professionalism, preparedness, and patriotism.

Commodore (COMO) Richard Washburn reported on the Auxiliary’s involvement in the Red River flooding disaster. He remarked that the training and professionalism of the Auxiliarist involved and their ability to mesg with the other agencies involved in the rescue and recovery operations. He pointed out the value of ICS training and how the Auxiliarist were able to use that training to best advantage.

Auxiliarist Roger Johnson

Auxiliarist Roger Johnson of District 14, Hawaii. He reported on the devastation to Hawaiian shores and towns and how the Auxiliary was involved successfully on those operations. He presented a short slide show on the damage the caused by the Japanese Tsunami and how one phone call got the Auxiliary into action.

NACO Vass announced that the minutes of the National Board meeting held on January 29, 2011 were previously distributed by email. The minutes were accepted by the Board.

NACO Vass asked Vice National Commodore (VNACO) Mallison for any recommendations to be brought before the Board. VNACO Mallison advised that all recommendations submitted for consideration by the Board have been withdrawn by the makers.

NACO Vass closed the General Assembly with some closing remarks. He stated that the three goals he established at the start of his term in 2010 were achieved.

Closing remarks

Goal #1 was to have a reorganization of the National staff in place by August 1, 2011. This was achieved.

Goal #2 was to have a report in hand outlining the reasons for the decline in coxswains and crews. This report was completed and submitted for review and a follow up is underway.

Goal #3 was to have a strategic plan completed at the start of 2011. That was completed.

He then stated his three goals for the second year of his term.

Goal #1 is a complete study of the public education and member training process.

Goal #2 is to educate the Auxiliary members regarding the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Goal #3 is to improve the confidence of the Coast Guard in out operational competence.

He realizes that there will be challenges over the coming year, be he is confident that we have a first class team in place to rise to the occasion.

“We will meet the Commandant’s guiding principles to steady the force, honor the profession, strengthen our partnerships, and respect our shipmates,” said Vass. “I ask as you return home to also fiollow my watch words of dependability, integrity and diversity.”

The meeting adjourned.