Operation Paddle Smart

Shipmates,
We have received a significant supply of Operation Paddle Smart stickers thanks to our District 13 RBS Specialist. Please watch this video to learn more about this important program and how we plan to proceed as a Division.



If you have trouble viewing the video please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVUEX9RcNxw

I would like to add a note on the discussion of risk in the video. The key point is that we accept a somewhat higher level of risk to prosecute a SAR as we balance the risk versus gain. Balancing this risk must be a collaborative effort between the on scene unit and the responsible SAR controller. Should you find yourselves in a situation where the risk level departs the "Green" of our GAR model you must discuss the risk factors with either Station or Sector and take their direction before proceeding with the operation. Remember, be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates.

Here is my video from the 2010 Innovation Expo on the Paddle Smart program:

The Paddle Smart sticker

Weatherproof sign for field use when promoting the program

Coast Guard Compass: Fast Response Cutters named for CG heroes

Shipmates,
The newest class of Coast Guard Cutters, the Fast Response Cutters, are being named for Coast Guard heroes. The first 14 names have been announced and our shipmates at the service's blog the Compass are running a series of articles on the deeds of each of these extraordinary members of our service.

The main post, which contains links to each individual story as it is added, can be found here:

http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/10/coast-guard-heroes/

Our history is rich and we can all learn from these stories - they serve as examples of our core values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to duty. I encourage all members to follow the series.

Be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

Getting POMS up and running

Shipmates,

Wayne Monroe of FL78 recently did some system upgrades which caused an issue connecting to POMS. As those of you in Operations are aware POMS access is critical and we have a number of members who have issues connecting. Wayne did some research and came up with a solution to his particular problem. The need for true administrator privileges matches what I've seen on my Mac.

Here is the info about Citrix/POMS that we talked about. Hopefully this will help others who may be having trouble getting into POMS or getting an error message. Wayne

Unable to access POMS or getting a Citrix (POMS) error message. This info might help.

(The secret I learned is to be logged onto your computer as the "REAL" Administrator for "full admin rights").

I have been getting an error message about an incorrect bool value every time I turned on my computer that is generated by the Citrix software. I decided to clear it up so removed everything Citrix from my computer that I could tell was related to POMS. I researched and found these instructions and files at D1NR. 

http://www.d1nr-bcqp.us/POMSWindows.htm

Someplace in the instructions it said to make sure you are installing from an "Administrator" account. My account said Admin but I couldn't get it to work so I did more research and discovered the Vista/Win7 "Hidden Administration Account" and instruction on how to enable it at this site. I used the "sepcol" process but method 2 looks good also.

http://www.tech-forums.net/pc/f127/admin-rights-vista-windows-7-a-197772/

Citrix loaded easy but the POMS token still would not work because it would just open as a text file. After a little experimenting I browsed to and opened the token with"wfcrun32" which is a file in the Citrix program. That did the trick and it all works fine without the error message.

Thanks Wayne!

Vancouver Veterans Day Parade - 06 NOV 2010

Shipmates,
We have the opportunity to participate in the 2010 Vancouver Veterans Day Parade. I hope to see you there.

Date: Saturday, 06 NOV 2010
Muster Time: 0930 (9:30am), please arrive by this time
Muster Location: Crosley Bowl, 2400 E. evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA. 98661
Uniform: Neat ODUs, uniform rain gear only please
Parade: 1100-1300

Communicate via email with the core values in mind

Shipmates,
Email is a critical tool in the preparation for and execution of our missions. The ease and immediacy of email as a communications tool significantly improves our ability to be effective. Unfortunately this same ease and immediacy which makes email effective can lead to abuse, intentional and unintentional, which often  negatively impacts both fellowship and mission effectiveness.

Over the years most of us have likely written emails which we've come to regret. Acting rashly in the moment can lead to immediate conflict and years of hard feelings.

I wish that whenever we wrote an email as a member of the Coast Guard an alert would pop up asking each of us to evaluate what we've written in the context of our core values -- Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. It would ask a critical question: Is the content of this email in keeping with the core values?

We don't have, and don't need, such a tool - we simply need to be mindful about how we use email.

There are a number of steps you can take to minimize the chance that an email you author will be in conflict with OUR VALUES or be perceived as in conflict by the recipient of the email -- remember that perception, whatever your motivation, is reality. You can think of this as a GAR model for your email communications.

1. Never say anything in an email you would not say in person in front of an audience.
2. Never send an email when angry, tired or otherwise impaired.
3. Don't attribute motivation to anyone... there are many ways our processes can fail without ill intent.
4. Remember that email fails horribly to convey tone, and that the majority of communication is tone and body language. Again, when you send an email you are responsible for how the recipient receives the communication, not what you intended.

An alternative
If you have a problem or are angry please pick up the phone, or even better, ask for an in-person meeting.  If you need a moderator on an issue ask someone trusted by both parties or a member of the unit leadership to facilitate the conversation.

We are responsible for what we write and can expect to be held to account when what we write fails the test against our values. Please use email with care.

Division Training - HAZWOPER 11/13

Division Training - HAZWOPER – Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response

Date: 11/13/2010

Time: 0830

Location: MSU Portland Training Deck

Uniform: ODU or Working Blue

The course is for personnel who are exposed or potentially exposed to hazardous substances or health hazards. Topics include HAZWOPER regulations, safety and health plans, hazardous chemicals, safety hazards, air monitoring, medical surveillance, site control, decontamination, personal protective equipment, and respiratory equipment.

As part of the Coast Guard’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Auxiliarists who were trained in HAZWOPER and willing to respond were asked to apply for deployment.

HAZWOPER awareness is also important for any members participating in surface or air operations, augmenting in prevention or response activities, or conducing vessel exams.

To increase our readiness to respond, Coast Guard and Auxiliary leadership recommends that members increase skills that reflect the modern missions of the Coast Guard.

October 2010 Commander's Comments

Shipmates,

This month you will be selecting your Flotilla leadership for 2011. Developing leaders is the most important factor in the long term success of a Flotilla. Ideally this development is underway well before a member stands for election to Flotilla Commander or Vice Flotilla Commander. There are a number of avenues to build leadership and management skills available to our members. Many members come to the Auxiliary with rich leadership and/or management experience from their civilian and military careers as well as prior volunteer experience. Once in the Auxiliary members can avail themselves of staff roles to learn the peculiarities of the Auxiliary.

Read the manual: Basic familiarity with the Auxiliary Manual is critical for elected and staff leaders. It isn't necessary to know all the policies but it is important to understand the basic structure of the policies under which we operate. I strongly recommend downloading the PDF version to use as a reference since searching is much easier in the electronic version. As editions age there are numerous policy changes which become somewhat cumbersome. Luckily we expect a new Auxiliary Manual in the next few months. Staff should also be conversant with the policy manuals for their program areas.

Attend Flotilla and Division meetings: The manual contains the policies but the implementation and execution is discussed at our meetings and fellowship events.

Formal leadership training: The Auxiliary has a continuum of leadership training. Locally we conduct a leadership and management training session. All members are invited and encouraged to attend this course which is a mix of leadership training and the nuts and bolts of managing our Auxiliary units. This course will be conducted on 09 October 2010 on the Training Deck at MSU Portland - 0830. Even if you don't see elected leadership in your future I encourage you to this training - it will help you understand how our organization works and how to get the most out of the time you invest in the Auxiliary.

In addition there are a number of courses offered, please note that the last three listed here are limited to certain office holders.

• Flotilla Leadership Course (FLC) - this includes online and classroom versions and is similar to our leadership training 
• Auxiliary Leadership and Management (AUXLAMS). 
• Auxiliary Mid-Level Officers Course (AMLOC). 
• Auxiliary District Captain Course (ADCC) 
• Auxiliary Senior Officers Course (ASOC) 

Read, listen, and watch: There is an incredible variety of leadership books available, my library is packed with examples and I'd be happy to make recommendations. One of the advantages of the rise of the internet is that there has been a huge increase the accessibility of knowledge through the availability of podcasts, videos, and blog posts on leadership. These are shorter and easier to digest than the average leadership book. I have dozens of examples I consume regularly, here are a few to get started:

• TED Talks on Leadership: The TED conference covers a huge variety of topics with great speakers talking no more than 18 minutes - there are a number of talks on leadership - http://www.ted.com/talks/tags/id/231
• Weekly Leader site and podcast: Peter Mello is a friend of the Coast Guard and got started in the leadership field with tall ship education - http://weeklyleader.net/
• Seth Godin: Seth's posts are a mix of leadership and marketing thinking - http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
• Tom Peter's Blog: Tom has been writing on leadership for decades and always seems to be asking the right questions - http://www.tompeters.com
• Harvard Business Review IdeaCast: Some of the best of HBR - http://blogs.hbr.org/ideacast/
• The Invisible Hand podcast: Interviews with authors of recent leadership, management and strategy books - http://www.heronandcrane.com/TIH-2010.html

Jump into the fray: There is a point at which the best way to learn is to start. The Auxiliary is a great place to learn to lead. We've the benefit of motivated members who want to be here -- don't discount what a huge difference this fact makes. I've learned more about myself and about how to lead in the last few years than all my previous education and experience -- I've taken to calling the Auxiliary my leadership lab. I invite you to join me in the lab.

Thank you for your service. 

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates,

Daren

Reminder: Leadership Training 09 OCT 2010

Topic: Auxiliary Leadership
Intended Audience: All Flotilla and Division staff and elected leaders, general membership
Where: Marine Safety Unit Portland Training Deck
When: 0830
Uniform: ODU

ALCOAST 460/10 - Don't Let Your Guard Down

If the video does not appear above visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJMel8b5TB4

R 202040Z SEP 10

ALCOAST 460/10
COMDTNOTE 5100
SUBJ: SHIPMATES 7: SAFETY - DONT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN
1.  FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A DECADE, THE NUMBER OF COAST GUARD
OPERATIONAL FATALITIES HAS EXCEEDED OUR OFF-DUTY FATALITIES.  TO STEM
THE TIDE OF FUTURE MISHAPS, I AM ANNOUNCING EXPANSION OF THE LANTAREA
"DONT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN" INITIATIVE SERVICE-WIDE.  THE INITIATIVE
WILL REINFORCE OUR NEED TO BE EVER-VIGILANT, BOTH ON THE JOB AND OFF.
IT WILL DEMAND EVERY MEMBERS DIRECT ENGAGEMENT.  I HAVE ASKED RADM
MARK TEDESCO, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WORK-LIFE, AND THE
COAST GUARDS CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER, TO SPEARHEAD OUR EFFORTS.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE RELEASED WITHIN THE
MONTH.
2.  SHIPMATES, AS YOU ARE ALL UNDOUBTEDLY AWARE, 2010 HAS BEEN A YEAR
IN WHICH OUR OPERATING TEMPO AND THE NATIONS DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES
HAS NECESSITATED MULTIPLE "ALL HANDS ON DECK" EVOLUTIONS.  YOU HAVE
DISTINGUISHED YOURSELVES, THE COAST GUARD, AND THE NATION THROUGH
YOUR SELFLESS SERVICE NOT ONLY IN RESPONSE TO THE HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE
AND THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL, BUT ALSO IN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT
OF OUR MYRIAD DAY-TO-DAY MISSIONS.  IT IS INDEED AN HONOR TO SERVE
ALONGSIDE EACH OF YOU.  ALONG WITH PRIDE IN OUR SUCCESSES HAS ALSO
COME A CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR PEOPLE, BOTH ON AND OFF DUTY.
WHILE WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS RECENT SUCCESSES, UNFORTUNATELY, THIS
YEAR, OUR SHIPMATES HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE AND
SERIOUS INJURY ON AND OFF DUTY.
3.  SAFETY IS A 24/7 DUTY AND STATE OF MIND.  WE AS AN ORGANIZATION
MUST CONTINUE TO PLACE SAFETY AT A PREMIUM.  WE WILL EXECUTE ALL
MISSIONS THE RIGHT WAY, THE SAFE WAY, EVERY TIME. WE WILL EXTEND THIS
ETHOS BEYOND OUR PLACES OF WORK TO OUR OFF-DUTY TIME.
4.  PROMOTION OF SAFETY BOTH ON-DUTY AND OFF IS IN KEEPING WITH MY
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF HONORING OUR PROFESSION AND RESPECTING OUR
SHIPMATES.  SAFETY REQUIRES LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR BOTH YOURSELF AND OTHERS.  WHILE ON DUTY,
WE OFTEN OPERATE IN AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT.  DESPITE OUR
BEST EFFORTS, MISHAPS SOMETIMES OCCUR.  MISHAPS ALSO OCCUR OFF-DUTY,
WHEN OUR SHIPMATES MIGHT NOT BE EXERCISING THE SAME VIGILANCE THEY
DEMONSTRATE ON THE JOB.
5.  THERE IS NO HIGHER COMPLIMENT THAN TO BE CALLED A SHIPMATE AND NO
BETTER GOAL THAN BEING A GOOD ONE.  BEING A GOOD SHIPMATE MEANS
HOLDING YOURSELF AND OTHERS ACCOUNTABLE AND BEING SOMEONE WHO CAN BE
COUNTED UPON WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS.  SAFETY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF
EVERY MEMBER OF THE COAST GUARD FAMILY.  DONT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN -
BE A GOOD SHIPMATE: WHEN IN DOUBT, ERR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY AND
SPEAK UP WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG.
7.  STAND A TAUT WATCH...SEMPER PARATUS.
8.  RELEASED BY ADM BOB PAPP, COMMANDANT.
9.  INTERNET RELEASE IS AUTHORIZED.