Fall_Dtrain_2024

Notice from OTO:

Time Sensitive – Please review the below guidance for DTRAIN, Local Travel, and Patrol Orders

DTRAIN:
All ETS authorizations for DTRAIN must be received by 30 AUG. After DTRAIN, members who already have approved authorizations on file should then submit their voucher in order to be reimbursed.
 
Local claims:

During SEP, no local claims will be processed without specific prior approval. Any claims for travel in AUG must be in accordance with the below requirements and be received prior to SEP.

Patrol Orders:

Patrol orders for missions in SEP should be submitted prior to SEP so the funding can be obligated. Emergent mission needs in Sep will be considered/managed on a case by case basis as funding allows.

Additional guidance regarding FY 25 spending will be forthcoming as information becomes available.
 
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT FOR DIRECT UNIT SUPPORT (as per D5NR NOGI from 21 May 2024)
If an auxiliary member is traveling outside their local area (usually considered more than 50 miles) to provide direct support to a Coast Guard unit, the Director’s office has limited funding with which to provide mileage and toll reimbursement using the Local Travel Claim function in ETS. There are also instances in which Aux leaders might be eligible to request reimbursement for travel.
We are processing these requests using the “Local Claim” process in ETS. These claims are a one step process submitted after the travel has been completed. If there is a question about whether or not travel will be reimbursed, the member should inquire PRIOR to the travel. While our goal is to reimburse as much travel as possible in accordance with regulations and funding, travel reimbursement will not always be possible/available.
Claim should follow the below guidelines:

  • Multiple trips can be submitted on a single Local claim.
  • Local claims must be submitted within 30 days of travel except when nearing the end of a funding period (Fiscal Year, Continuing Resolution, etc.) when it must be received 5 days prior to the last day of the period unless otherwise directed.
  • Local claims that include more than 1 round trip must all fall under the same assignment to duty or otherwise grouped with “like” events (for elected leaders). Examples are:
    • CA for Cape May must be separated from CA for Sta Manasquan
    • DCAPT Travel to COWs must be separated from travel to EXCOM Meeting
    • CFVE travel for exams must be separate from travel for Unit support to ANT Philly
    • Watch-standing aboard Cutters must be separate from Watch-standing at Sector.
  • Local claims for Unit support activities must have an attached assignment to duty.
  • If you have questions, contact the OTO.

V/R,
 
Mickey Price, CWO4
USCG D5 NR
CG Auxiliary OTO

 d05-smb-nrdiraux@uscg.mil

HB USCG

FROM THE DISTRICT COMMODORE

Fellow Auxiliarists,
Today we honor the 234th Birthday of the United States Coast Guard, a testament to the courage, devotion, and crucial role our service members play in safeguarding our waters and communities. As the D5NR Auxiliary, our commitment in backing the Coast Guard’s varied missions is tremendous. Our shared dedication to public service is strengthened through educational programs, safety patrols, and community outreach, all designed to deepen the bond between the Coast Guard and the communities we shield. As Auxiliarists, we acknowledge the sacrifices of these brave souls in the Coast Guard. Their heroism and selflessness inspire us all. Here’s to celebrating the Coast Guard’s Birthday! May we continue together to embody service, commitment, and excellence for many more years.

Semper Paratus!

Warmest regards,





Commodore Kurt P. Sarac, Sr.,
District Commodore
Fifth District-Northern Region
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

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PPE Tracking and Inspection

Good day All, 

CG-BSX-12 is working with the District Operations Training Officers (OTO’s) on updating and correcting members’ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) recorded in AUXDATA II. The Office of Boat Forces (CG-731) establishes the policy and authorizes what PPE gear is issued to all Active Duty, Reserves, and Auxiliary for surface operations. CG-731 also establishes when and how PPE gear must be maintained in accordance with the applicable Maintenance Procedure Card (MPC). In order to release the new PPE functions in AUXDATA II, we are requesting that the current PPE issued to members be aligned with the correct makes and models and updated in the members’ PPE records. For example: the ONLY authorized Anti-Exposure Coverall (AEC) Make/Model is Mustang/MS2175v34, but AUXDATA II shows the member is issued an AEC with Make/Model as Mustang/MD3183v34. This is actually the Inflatable Lifejacket not the AEC and must be corrected.

OTO’s have been, and will be, working with select Auxiliary Rescue and Survival Systems managers to help update members’ PPE records and ensure the authorized PPE gear is issued and documented properly in AUXDATA II. If you are contacted about what PPE gear you have and the Make/Model of the PPE, please do not hesitate to provide and/or update the information requested.

In accordance with CG-731 policy, if PPE is not properly documented, issued, and maintained in accordance with applicable MPC, the PPE shall not be used, and the member may not get underway with that piece of PPE across all Active Duty, Reserves, and Auxiliary. This policy is strictly enforced on the Active Duty/Reserve side. PPE documentation, issuance, and maintenance are reviewed and enforced by a third-party entity every two and three years. This same standard is not being enforced on the Auxiliary side of the house. Auxiliary members are performing the same missions on the same waters as the Active Duty with a different standard when it comes to safety. BSX and OTO’s are working to correct this. SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT.

We need to make sure that authorized PPE gear issued to our members is properly recorded in AUXDATA II and that PPE gear is meeting all maintenance policies and requirements prior to each underway activity. This is a TEAM effort, and we are asking members to please provide PPE information when asked, and ensure your PPE is properly documented in AUXDATA II and the maintenance requirements have not exceeded policy. BOTH CAN HAVE IMPACTS ON RECEIVING ORDERS.

We are also requesting members who are no longer certified for surface operations and do not intend to recertify, to please return all Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary issued gear to their local flotilla.  Local flotillas that receive PPE, please work with your Chain of Leadership and Manafement (COLM) to return that gear to the District OTO.  Coast Guard procured and issued PPE gear is government property. Personally purchased PPE is not required to be turned in. 

Any questions with regard to this message should be directed to your District OTO through the COLM.

Respectfully,

BMCM Travis R. Park, Chief                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Auxiliary Operations Management Branch                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and  Boating Safety

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THE AUXILIARIST 

FIRST QUARTER 2024

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!

The First Quarter Edition of The Auxiliarist or TAUX (formerly known as Navigator Express or NAVEX) is available online now!


Just click on the links below to read stories titled:

– Chain of Leadership & Management
– Flying the Barn
– Puerto Rico News
– Coast Guard, Coast Guard Help
– Helen’s House – Brooks Rehabilitation
– Request From NACO
– CG Mutual Assistance
– The Barefoot Mailman
– CG Aviation Association
– The Pipes Were Calling
– STAR Flyer – Recruiting
– Hudson River Patrol
– Air Station Detroit
– Mentoring The Future
– Silver To Gold
– Submit Your Articles – NASP
– The Auxiliarist Disclaimer


Access the E-Magazine 


Access to PDF Magazine

AUX flag

Uniform Inspections

Good Day Shipmates,

On September 23, 2023, the Chief Director of the Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety (BSX) announced that all Auxiliarists are required to stand for an annual uniform inspection by an elected leader no later than December 31st of each year.  So far, fewer than 30% of the membership have complied even though non-compliance will result in REYR for all certifications.  which will not be lifted until the inspection requirement is met.

Inspection may be done in person, virtually, or by submitting photos to an elected leader who is performing the inspection.  You may wear Tropical Blue (Trops), the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), or the Alternative Work Uniform (AWU).  Members without a uniform are exempt from the requirement if the exemption is recorded in AUXDATA II by the unit’s Information Services (IS)  Officer.  Elected leaders should have their IS Officer enter the completion date of the inspection into the member’s record. This is a currency maintenance task.  

The inspection requirement is not Pass/Fail, it is an opportunity for elected leaders to assist Auxiliarists  whose uniform may be in need of maintenance or who may need guidance in wearing it properly.   The requirement recognizes that we represent both the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary and must alaways strive to bring credit and respect to both services by our appearance while in uniform.

Complete details on the inspection program are contained in BSX Policy Letter 23-02 that may be reviewed at:

AUX_UA_POLICY_LETTER_024A_FINAL_28SEP23_FOR_POSTING.pdf (uscgaux.info)  

If you are interested in tracking compliance, the Performance Directorate has created a report that may be reviewed at:

wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=M-DEPT&category=uniform-inspection

Very respectfully,

Agostino Formato, National Commodore

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

85 Years

Together… “One Team, One Fight” for 85 Years

D5NR Shipmates,

Since our inception in 1939 the Coast Guard Auxiliary has been an integral part of Team Coast Guard. We have a proven history of Proud Traditions and Worthy Missions in support of the Coast Guard and the public. Our birth was in direct response to the catastrophic events of WWII—50,000 Auxiliarists stepped forward in the defense of our nation. We are more relevant and needed today than at any point since WWII. To meet the current and future needs during these challenging times, the Coast Guard is reaching out for us to serve even more with the Active Duty and Reserves. And, meaningful ways to contribute are increasing every day.
 

As we celebrate our 85th Anniversary, please know that your service is not only recognized, but deeply appreciated at every level of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. Your energy and efforts truly make a positive difference every day.

Be proud this Anniversary of all that you do as I am honored to serve with you.

Thank you, keep safe and stay well. Happy Anniversary!

 

Semper Paratus,







COMO Kurt P. Sarac, Sr.
District Commodore
Fifth District-Northern Region
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

AUX flag

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s 2024 National Conference

is 9-18 August at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida

Enjoy this great venue and experience the warm fellowship of being with your shipmates for some fun and education.  Along with other attendees, you can learn the latest information on Auxiliary programs and take advantage of the free informative workshops.


On-line registration for NACON 2024 is now open.  Register as soon as you are able in order to avoid last-minute fees and to secure your accommodations at the Rosen Centre.  Following are the travel dates for members traveling under Coast Guard orders or Coast Guard Auxiliary travel authorizations:

Friday, 09 AUG 2024 is travel day for NACO.
Saturday, 10 AUG 2024 is travel day for VNACO, Aides, ASOC (District Chiefs of  Staff, Directors and others enrolled in ASOC and ASOC Instructors).
Sunday, 11 AUG 2024 is travel day for DNACOs, ANACO-CC, ANACO-CCd,  NIPCO, and BSX1.
Monday, 12 AUG 2024 is travel day for ANACOs, Deputy ANACOs, DIRs who are not attending ASOC, and Deputy Directors.
Tuesday, 13 AUG 2024 is travel day for DIRAUXs, P-NAC, DCOs, DCOSs, BSX Staff, ANACO-CF, ANACO-DV. 
Sunday, 18 AUG 2024 is travel day for all to return except those specifically authorized to remain.


This link will take you to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. (AuxA) web site for registration.   

NACON 2024 (cgauxa.org) 

Be Aware:  If you register at the hotel without using the AuxA website link or forget to request and obtain the NACON group pricing, you might be charged substantially more than the NACON discounted price.  You will NOT receive reimbursement for the difference.

AUX flag

The Digest of Auxiliary Activity

To: All Auxiliarists 

Dated: 13 MARCH 2024

Admissions Auxiliary Personnel Security (PERSEC) is Not an Authorized Coast Guard Auxiliary Program

Shipmates:

              I understand that some members of the Auxiliary have been involved in activities under the program name “Admissions Auxiliary Personnel Security Program” or “PERSEC,” believing that it is an authorized Auxiliary Program.  That program is NOT an authorized Auxiliary activity.  Any member involved in that program must immediately cease and desist participation, taking no further action of any kind in support of that program.  If you were involved in that program and have any questions, please direct them to Commodore Richard Mihalcik, ANACO-AS at rmjkmihalcik@sbscglobal.net.

Very respectfully,

Agostino “Gus” Formato, National Commodore

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Logo

Whistle and Paddle Tip Reflector Kits Available

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Association and the Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorate have received a grant to buy whistles and paddle tip reflectors for outreach to canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) enthusiasts. These items will soon be available through the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC).  Because they are grant-funded, their use must be tracked. To ensure effective tracking, requests for whistles and paddle tip reflectors must be submitted through the Google Form (https://forms.gle/9EiRMFuf1i7JqXDX6). Once received, requests will be sent to ANSC for distribution. If you have any questions regarding the whistles and reflectors kits, you can submit them through this form.

              The SOP for the whistle and paddle tip reflector kit distribution can be found on the B Directorate website (https://bdept.cgaux.org) or here: Whistle and Paddle Reflector Kit Distribution Standard Operating Procedure 2024 (Reflector and Whistle SOP 04 JAN 23.pdf).

Risk Management Assessment Notice

Risk Management Assessment Required

Effective 19 & 20 January 2024

RISK vs GAIN (RM) Assessments are required for any and all
in-person Coast Guard Auxiliary activities that are scheduled in D5NR between Friday and Saturday (19 & 20 JANUARY 2024).

Send your completed Risk vs Gain Assessment to your Area District Captain
with a cc to the District Commodore.

We understand with a District as large as ours, some areas will be affected more than others. Individual discretion is mandated.
The safety and the well-being of all members is paramount.
Act accordingly.

Semper Paratus!



Commodore Kurt P. Sarac, Sr.,
District Commodore
Fifth District-Northern Region
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary