Announcements Archive

Quarterly Briefing to the Commandant on the state of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (18OCT06)

This is the final summary report to the Commandant of the Auxiliary challenges, opportunities and initiatives during National Commodore Gene M. Seibert’s 2005-2006 watch.

Simplified Reporting (09OCT06)

One of the projects I hoped to see delivered during my term as National Commodore is the Auxiliary Activity Report (AuxAR) program. This electronic reporting process will allow members to report hours into AUXDATA simply, quickly and online. I mistakenly thought implementation of this new process would be a slam-dunk. Unfortunately, I underestimated the complexity of the connection to the AUXDATA system and so we are still waiting for this ball, now circling the rim, to fall through the hoop. Here’s some background and the current status of this important project. Read more

The Auxiliary Boat Crew Program (09OCT06)

Many of you have become aware of the impending changes to the Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Program and I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on these changes.

These changes do not imply any change in the importance or priority of the Auxiliary Surface Operational Support to the US Coast Guard. Auxiliary operational support to the Coast Guard has been and will continue to be a critical component of our mission mix. These programs are absolutely vital to the Coast Guard. Read more

Auxiliary Policy Statement (13SEP06)

ADM Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard, has signed the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Policy Statement. This one page document clearly outlines the Auxiliary's goals and charges the active duty and reserve components to fully engage the Auxiliary at every command level.

This policy statement firmly places the Auxiliary in Coast Guard mission planning and execution. Read more

National Commodore's NACON 2006 Remarks & Banquet Thank You Remarks (05SEP06)

Read the National Commodore's remarks at the 2006 National Conference in Dallas:

      "This is my last opportunity as National Commodore to personally report to you, the National Board of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Therefore, I feel it is only fitting to pause a moment and summarize where WE collectively started 2 years ago, how far we have come and the direction we must continue to follow. I feel it is important for us to recognize that as members of the Auxiliary, we were and continue to be, participating in both revolutionary and evolutionary times, with our internal organization being affected by the many external changes in our world." Read more

Coast Guard Auxiliary Dive Program (28AUG06)

Over the past several months, questions regarding the “Coast Guard Auxiliary Dive Program” have been raised by many Auxiliarists throughout our organization. I’d like to update you on the Dive Program and provide additional information to initiate planning at the local levels

National Commodore's Letter to the Commandant on the 216th Birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard (09AUG06)

Auxiliarists Needed to Help Regional Exam Centers with Surge Operations! (01AUG06)

During my last quarterly briefing with Admiral Collins (then Commandant of the Coast Guard) and subsequently confirmed by Admiral Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard, we have identified a critical USCG need for Auxiliary support around the new requirement that all Merchant Mariners present themselves to the Coast Guard for ID verification and fingerprinting.

Operation Life Ring (12JUN06)

As a result of the unprecedented devastation and the resulting catastrophe created by Hurricane Katrina lat year, Operation Life Ring twas launched with contributions of over $125,000 raised. June 1, 2006 marked the beginning of this year's hurricane season. I encourage your continuing support to Operation Life Ring so that we may meet the urgent needs of our members and Coast Guard families as they may arise.  Read more

National Commodore's Report to the Commandant - April 2006 (Posted 12JUN06)

National Commodore's Flag Conference Briefing - May 2006

(Posted 12JUN06)

Recruiting (27MAR06)

Our members are the lifeblood of our Auxiliary. In all of our programs, our members are the key element. Because of the quality and dedication of our membership we continue to be the premier volunteer organization in our nation. To thrive, we must continually be looking to recruit quality people. This is called recruiting and recruiting is something that each of us should count as a personal core mission. April Membership Drive Read the rest of this issue of OnCourse.

Applications Sought for Election of National Officers (17MAR06)

In accordance with the provisions of the Standing Rules of the National Board of the Unites States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the National Commodore posts the process for those who wish to be considered for NACO, NAVCO and ARCO, as well as those seeking appointment as NACOS and NADCO.

Notices: NACO, NAVCO and ARCO  | NACOS and NADCO

CAPT Dorothy Stratton's 107th Birthday: (17MAR06)

You read that right! The first Director of the SPARs (Coast Guard Women's Reserve) will celebrate her 107th birthday March 24, 2006. The Auxiliary sends birthday greetings.

2006 National Calendar (28FEB06)

The current 2006 National Executive Committee calendar has been posted.

Leaders Wanted! (09FEB06)

Do you know that a decision you will make may determine who our National Commodore will be 18 years from now?  That’s the kind of power that you have, to affect our future course.

Yes, you!

As a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, you have an important vote.  Depending on the office that you hold, you may have more than one opportunity to elect tomorrow’s leaders. Read the rest of this issue of OnCourse.

VADM Allen's letter to the Auxiliary at N-Train (03FEB06)

VADM Thad Allen's schedule kept him from attending the N-Train Conference. He did, however, send this letter to be read. ADM Allen's letter concerns the Auxiliary during and following last year's Gulf Coast hurricanes where ADM Allen was the Principal Federal Official.

NACO's Remarks at NTRAIN 2006 (31JAN06)

Updated: Coast Guard Auxiliary Business Plan (25JAN06)

The Business Plan provides a strategic blueprint for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for the years 2006-2007. It describes to the leadership the current environment, key strategic imperatives—aligned with the published vision and mission statements and NACO watchwords and directions. This plan is a living document and will be periodically updated based upon feedback from cognizant Coast Guard authority, the National Executive Committee , and the District Commodores, progress while accomplishing the elements of the plan, and future changes in the environment. The Business Plan is properly characterized as evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. Nonetheless, the cumulative effects of implementing the plan’s features are intended to be substantial—providing clear direction, focus, and accountability for the coming years.

National Legislative Liaison Committee Website (08JAN06)

The Auxiliary National Legislative Liaison Committee, which reports to the
National Commodore, has a new website to support the Auxiliary's Legislative
Liaison Officers.

National Commodore’s Reading List 2006 (30DEC05)
“It’s Your Ship” by D. Michael Abrashoff, has been selected by the National Commodore as his 2006 “Commodore’s Choice.” 

This reading list of books is designed to offer all members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary with recommended books related to leadership. While this list is not all-inclusive, it has as its goal, to either provide a starting point or to expand existing knowledge and skills in leadership for all Auxiliarists.

The reading list is meant to provide a tool for individual leadership growth. It takes into account that responsibility for leadership development resides primarily with the individual, their unit and the Coast Guard Auxiliary as an organization.

The list is divided into four categories: (1) How To Books On Leadership; (2) Leadership Theory/Textbooks; (3) Success Stories; and (4) Motivation.
 

NACO's Report to the Commandant - October to December 2005  (16DEC05)

Read the National Commodore's December 2005 Memo to the Commandant reflecting recent Auxiliary activities.

New Offerings in Public Education! (15DEC05) 
This edition of On Course begins a series of occasional articles written by the program experts – the National Staff who develop and oversee existing and emerging new programs.

As a lead into this particular article on public education and new members, I feel it prudent to give you some background information.

As we approach 2006, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will place an extensive focus on four important and specific areas.

Read the rest of this issue of OnCourse.

NACO’s 2005 Holiday Message  (12DEC05)

The holiday season is a special time for us all, and Maria and I want to extend our best wishes for a peaceful and joyous holiday season to you and your families.

We are fortunate to be a part of an organization with rich and diverse cultural traditions. I hope you will pause during this time to reflect on the many contributions you've made this year in your service to the Coast Guard and our country. I commend your dedication to our mission, the sacrifices you make everyday, and your willingness to invest the effort necessary to make a difference. I am also grateful for the many accomplishments you achieve that help sustain the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Each of you makes a difference and that makes each of you a special member of a remarkable family. I urge you to rededicate yourself, in this season of reflection, celebration, and fellowship, to our noble service.
The New Year promises many new challenges and opportunities for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and I look forward to exploring them with you. I hope you will share my resolution for the coming year to make our organization an inviting, hospitable environment that welcomes all and fulfills all of our most ambitious aspirations.

Yet again, I thank you for all your efforts in the past year, and I also express my sincere gratitude to your loved ones for their support of your dedication to serve others.

Warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year.

COMO Gene M. Seibert
National Commodore
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

NACO’s Thanksgiving Wishes to the Membership of the Coast Guard Auxiliary (21NOV05)

I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of Maria and myself to wish all of you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving overflowing with happiness and warm wishes.

This has been a year filled with events that make many of us feel very thankful just to be alive. Thanksgiving is about togetherness, love and sharing, and giving thanks for our blessings. As we strengthen the ties that bind our loved ones and us together, I give thanks for your unselfish contributions and dedication to our organization, the Coast Guard and our Country.
 

Happy Thanksgiving
Gene M. Seibert
COMO Gene M. Seibert
National Commodore
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

District Standardized Standing Rules (16NOV05)

These standing rules for Auxiliary Districts were approved at NACON 2005

Commandant Flag Conference Briefing on the Auxiliary (11NOV05) 
Presented to the Coast Guard flag officers in earlier this month, this briefing updates the Coast Guard on the State of the Auxiliary since their last briefing in the summer. As you will note, it stresses to the Coast Guard the importance of mission blending and balance, as well as the importance of Recreational Boating Safety. Likewise, it calls for their support and involvement in the overall planning process, identifying expectations and gaps. (The brief consists of a presentation [PowerPoint version] [PDF version] and a remarks document)
 

New section launched: NACO's reports to the Coast Guard (18OCT05) 

The National Commodore reports regularly to the Commandant of the Coast Guard on the status of Auxiliary programs and the accomplishments of our members.

National Commodore's remarks at NACON 2005 (18OCT05) 

The “Winds of change” is this year’s conference theme, and I feel it is an appropriate theme for the Auxiliary’s at present; for the events of the past few years have caused and will continue to cause changes in our world view, in our operating environment, in our requirements and qualifications for membership, and many of our day-to-day activities. However, I hasten to add that many things will not change; most importantly our continuing commitment to the core values of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary and our commitment to Recreational Boating Safety. Furthermore, what will not change over the next few years is our conscious efforts to balance our missions of Recreational Boating Safety and Coast Guard Support with Maritime Homeland Security. Read the full remarks in pdf.

National Commodore's remarks  at the District 8ER Conference (18OCT05) 

OPERATION LIFE RING

September 8, 2005

Dear Fellow Auxiliarists,

I am sure you are aware of the devastating catastrophe resulting from Hurricane Katrina throughout the Gulf Coast area of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. We see the heroic efforts of many members of our Coast Guard family, many performing valiantly despite the serious personal impacts upon themselves and their families.

Our Auxiliarists as well as the active duty, reserve and Coast Guard civilian employees within the area are dramatically impacted by their own personal devastation to their own homes and personal property. They are displaced and are in critical need of our assistance to help them sustain themselves and their families then begin the rebuilding of their lives. They need our full support at this time more than ever. 

Read the rest of the National Commodore's message

Link to the Operation Life Ring Announcement

Link to Operation life Ring Donations Site

National Commodore's message on changes to the Career Counselor program  (08SEPT05) 

NACO’s Second Report on Strategic Business Plan’s Tasks and Milestones for the Second 100 Days  (02AUG05) 

As you are aware, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Strategic Business Plan provided a list of the key tasks (and associated schedule) necessary for the successful implementation of the plan.

As with any useful plan, the Auxiliary's Business Plan is evolutionary and to be successful, it must not become "shelf-ware." Rather, it has to be dynamic and continually changing, so as to meet the current and ever evolving challenges facing the Coast Guard Auxiliary's transformation.

This is my report on the defined tasks and milestones for the second 100 days of our Business Plan (listed below). Many of these tasks and milestones in themselves have evolved from the time they were first listed in the plan. They are persistently being worked so as not to become stagnate but rather to adapt to the change around us.

Therefore, as you review or compare this second set of tasks and milestones, please be aware that some have been deleted, changed, expanded, etc. in our attempt to remain dynamic and to address the evolving challenges facing the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Likewise you will see some of the major accomplishments during this second 100 day period, as well as a set of tasks and milestones for the next 100 days. Read the rest of the National Commodore's report.

On Course: Fuel Budgets  (02AUG05) 

Recently, many District Commodores have informed me that the fuel shortage is becoming a major concern and that fuel shortages are impacting their districts.  Some have asked how our fuel budget works and they want to know what we are doing to safeguard the fuel funds allocated to the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Since 9/11 the Auxiliary has been providing ever-increasing levels of support to the Coast Guard.  This increase in support is reflected in increasing Auxiliary operational mission-hours in all areas of Auxiliary direct operational support missions. Read the rest of this issue of OnCourse.

On Course: Issues for a better Auxiliary (27JUN05) 

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher of the late sixth century, wrote: “Nothing endures but change.” As we look to the future of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, this simple phrase still rings true.

Throughout the past year the senior management of the Auxiliary and their support staff has worked hard to understand our environment. We’ve identified major drivers for change and developed well thought-out plans and programs. We’ve communicated our shared vision to the membership. Read the rest of this issue of OnCourse.

NACO Message regarding the 66th Anniversary of the USCGAUX

(27JUN05) 

As you know, last Thursday, 23 JUNE 05, marked the 66th anniversary of the formation of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. I would like to take a few moments, and I ask you to join me, in reflecting back on what things were like when our organization was formed, and compare that to where we are today. Read the rest of the National Commodore's message.

All hands: NACO's report on the business plan’s tasks and milestones

(27MAY05) The Coast Guard Auxiliary Strategic Business Plan provided a list of the key tasks (and associated schedule) necessary for the successful implementation of the plan.

As with any useful plan, the Auxiliary’s Business Plan cannot become “shelf-ware.” It has to be dynamic and continually changing, so as to meet the current and ever evolving challenges facing the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s transformation.

Many of the tasks and milestones listed in the Business Plan (listed below), in themselves have evolved from the time they were first listed in the plan. They are persistently being worked so as not to become stagnate but rather to adapt to the change around us. Read the rest of the National Commodore's report.

OnCourse: (23MAY05) I’d like to tell you about a new communication that starts with this message – it’s called On Course and is a message from me to you.

It’s meant to give you information on a broad range of subjects of interest and importance to the membership. The topics will be issues forwarded from each district and will be addressed monthly or whenever there’s a special need to alert you to something important and timely. Read the rest of the National Commodore's message and the first issue of On Course.

CG all flags Auxiliary conference brief (09MAY05) 
In November, National Commodore Gene M. Seibert shared with the assembled Coast Guard flag officers the Auxiliary's new direction and provided them with his expectations for the first 100 days following the Auxiliary's change of watch.

It was through the national Vision, Mission, and Strategic Imperatives, that a new course for the Coast Guard Auxiliary had been set. And on this course, the Auxiliary continues to move into new and uncharted areas of responsibilities.

His report at the May 2005 flag officers conference brings them up to date and charts the course for the next 100 days. Read the brief

May 2005 Diversity Council Report to NACO (09MAY05) 
The gathering of 25 Diversity Advisory Council members from USCG active duty, reserve, Auxiliary and civilian forces were charged at their first meeting to investigate, research, and gather data on the diversity issues all Coast Guard workforces that were felt to jeopardize the Coast Guard from being the Employer of Choice.

Within a few days they were to prioritize those issues into a report/presentation and deliver it to the Commandant and the other flag officers. Auxiliarist Donald C. Lloyd, DVC-PD, sent this report on those activities to the National Commodore. Read the brief.
 

Organizations that do not recognize, appreciate and celebrate the variety of their membership will not survive. We must not allow prejudice and tunnel vision to derail the progress and prestige of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Therefore, I challenge each member to investigate ways that we can become stronger through diversity. Read the National Commodore's message on sexual harassment prevention and diversity...

The National Commodore's Reading List -  A list of books is designed to offer all members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary with recommended reading related to leadership. While this list is not all inclusive, it has as its goal, to either provide a starting point or to expand existing knowledge and skills in leadership for all Auxiliarists. Beginning in 2005 and each year thereafter, the National Commodore will name one book a year the “Commodore’s Choice” for professional reading. “Leading Change” by John P. Kotter is the 2005 “Commodore’s Choice”.

As we face the challenge of terrorism while maintaining our focus on our traditional marine safety missions we must be Ready, Responsive & Resolute. Read more about our watch words for 2005-06.

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