We are the Northern portion of two Auxiliary Districts that make up the Coast Guard Fifth District. With over 1700 members, Fifth District Northern Region (D5NR) serves the Coast Guard and boating public along portions of the central eastern seaboard that encompasses the entire state of Delaware, the southern half of New Jersey, and approximately three-fourths of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Together with the Fifth District Southern Region, we comprise seven states with approximately 3,800 members and 156,000 miles of coastline. D5NR is one district of sixteen Auxiliary districts that serves the United States and its territories.
Consists of USCG District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) and the DIRAUX team, District Commodore and Executive Committee (EXCOM), as well as Divisional and Local Flotilla Leaders.
The Auxiliary offers numerous specialties that each member may select qualify to support the Auxiliary and Coast Guard Missions.
Steve Marthouse
5NR Historian
ADSO-PA
Usual Disclaimer: The Historian web pages are for informational purposes only. Do not contact the webmaster regarding these pages. Contact the 5NR-Historian for information and questions.
- The World War II Origins of Today’s U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in the Delaware River/Bay Region (From Spring DTrain 17)
- 9_11_01 and its Effects on the USCG Auxiliary
- Over The Taft Rail – A Look Into The Past – Photo Gallery
- Coast Guard Auxiliary History: Past and Present
- Bravo Zero: The Coast Guard Auxiliary in World War II
- The Coast Guard at War Auxiliary XIX May, 1948
Repository for Auxiliary Papers
A permanent repository has been established in the Joyner Library of East Caroline University in Greenville, NC for the personal papers, photographs, diaries, scrapbooks, videotapes and national and unit publications that comprise the record of Coast Guard Auxiliary activities since its establishment.
Regularly published district and unit newsletters and publications should be sent to ECU (East Carolina University). Publications and must have the publishing unit (district/division/flotilla), date, volume number (one per year), and issue number (within year) at the head of every issue. Newspaper clippings must have name of paper, city, state, date and page number written on the margin or attached to identify the source. For photos, never write on the back; attach a caption with tape, identifying the subjects, by name and title, event unit, and date. The exception to this is photos in scrapbooks.
Much of our history is captured in our publications. As time permits, the DSO-CS and the team has been scanning past Topside Magazines. Take a look at the digital archives found on the Topside Archives page.
1936-1941 | New York & Philadelphia |
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1941-1942 | Philadelphia |
1939-1940 | None |
1941-1942 | Richard W. Nems |
1942-1946 | 4th Naval District |
1943-44 | Victor Lazo |
1944-45 | Frank B. Hineline |
1946-1947 | 4th Coast Guard District |
1946 | H. Earl Huston |
1947 | W. Lyle Holmes |
1948 – 1975 | 3rd Coast Guard District |
1948-49 | Southern Area – No Commodore |
1950-51 | John J. Sader |
1952-53 | Alexander S. Bauer (National Commodore 1953-1954) |
1954 | William Ross McDonald |
1955-56 | Alfred B. Wright |
1957 | Richard S. Scattergood |
1958-59 | John S. Black, Jr. |
1960 | Robert Evans |
1961 | Royden S. Hager |
1962-63 | Jack E. Nunemaker |
1964-65 | William J. Garry (National Vice Commodore 1967-68) |
1966-67 | John D. McIntosh |
1968-69 | John E. Johansen |
1970-71 | Harold B. Haney (National Rear Commodore 1971-72, National Commodore 1973-75) |
1971-72 | Victor F. Baumeister |
1973-74 | Joseph L. Krager, Jr. |
1975-76 | Lloyd Furber (National Rear Commodore (E) 1978) |
1976-1987 | 3rd Coast Guard District (Southern Region) |
1977-78 | William Dischert |
1979-80 | Robert Carson |
1981-82 | Lee B. Weaver |
1983-84 | Robert L. Wecker |
1985-86 | Richard L. Raudabaugh |
1987 – Current | 5th Coast Guard District (Northern Region) |
1987-88 | Alexander M. Lewis |
1989-90 | William E. Pierce |
1991-92 | Eugene M. Pester, Jr. |
1993-94 | Edward W. Rearick |
1995-96 | Harry L. David |
1997-98 | Clyde E. College |
1999-2000 | John A. Locasale |
2001-02 | Robert J. Perrone Sr. |
2003-04 | Eugene A. Bentley |
2005-06 | Leon E. Kehr |
2007-08 | Robert P. Amort |
2009-10 | John S. Witemeyer |
2011-12 | Harold T. Robinson |
2013-14 | Kenneth E. Brown (Deputy National Commodore (E) 2015-16) |
2015-16 | Kevin C. Murphy |
2017-18 | Barry M. Kyper |
2019-20 | Thomas J. Dever |
2021-22 | Joseph Giannattasio |
2023- | Kurt Sarac |
The Director’s staff members are standing by to help Auxiliary membership in every way possible. The Auxiliary leadership shall contact DIRAUX via email to D05-SMB-NRDIRAUX@USCG.MIL for all inquiries, using the Chain of Leadership and Management, in order for the staff to effectively serve and deliver expedient resolutions.
To review the Electronic Submission Guidelines for the Fifth Northern Region click here.
DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY……………………………CDR Laura Moose………206-815-3978
-Coast Guard Awards
-Public Affairs
-Auxiliary Policy
OPERATIONS TRAINING OFFICER…………….CW04 Mickey Price….215-218-1035
-Boat Crew Qualification Program
-Damage Claims
-Funding
-Operational Facilities
-QE Qualification Program
-Team Coordination Training
ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS SPECIALIST …….Brittany Crawford……….206-820-0213
-Administration
-AUXDATA System
-Enrollments
-PSI Processing
-Injury Claims
-Service Awards
STOREKEEPER…………………………………………….SK2 Jeremy D Baker……….215-218-1033
-Finance
-Property
-Supplies
-Travel Claims
YEOMAN……………………………………………………..YN3 Nevaeh K Mallea …….215-218-1036
-ID Cards
-Enrollments
-Disenrollments
-Retirements
-Transfers
-Qualifications
-Course Completions
-Travel Claims
-Training Programs (C-School)
Mailing Address:
Commander (dpa-n)
Fifth Coast Guard District
1 Washington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
DIRAUX OFFICE EMAIL Address:
D05-SMB-NRDIRAUX@USCG.MIL
Cmdr Moose
Director of Auxiliary
D5-NR
U.S. Coast Guard
What is DIRAUX?
The Director of Auxiliary Office located at Sector Delaware Bay, Philadelphia is responsible for administering, coordinating, facilitating, supporting, advocating, advancing, arbitrating, and overall execution of the Auxiliary program within the District. It is comprised of an active duty CG Commander (Director), Chief Warrant Officer (Operations Training Officer), an Administrative Specialist, and two Petty Officers (Storekeeper 2nd Class and a Yeoman 3rd Class).
The Director serves as advisor to the District Commander on all 5th Northern Auxiliary matters. DIRAUX partners with Sector Delaware Bay and all CG Operational Commanders in the Area of Responsibility to provide an additional Force-Multiplier for the region.
DIRAUX receives program policy direction from the Chief Director of the Auxiliary (CHDIRAUX) located at Coast Guard Headquarters.
Commodore Kurt Sarac
District Commodore 2023-2024
Mr. Sarac is the founder and Chairman of Covenant Group of Companies, including medical technologies, mailing presort, Marina, and Chemical Blending Business. Kurt’s real passion is mentorship. Mr. Sarac is the President and Headmaster at Red Lion Christian Academy, serving 1000 students with various needs in the DE, NJ, PA, and MD areas. He is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to troubled business revitalization. He has led several business and venture companies to take business ideas from the whiteboard to successful implementation. He attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, for a BS in Communications. He holds certificates from Harvard Kennedy Center in Government and Georgetown in anti-terrorism
Mr. Sarac has dedicated his career to providing leadership in a “simplistic but comprehensive attitude” approach to business management, education, and operations. His specialty is taking businesses through Concept, Development, Implementation, Operations, and Divestiture Cycles. Additionally, Mr. Sarac has provided consulting services to fortune 500 companies like DuPont, Xerox, and GM.
He has served as Chief of Staff for the 5th District Northern Region. He was formally the Deputy Director for the Training Directorate. He led the organizational changes to streamline and successfully implement the online training initiatives, CORE STEP leadership training and updating the curriculum- AUXCOM, AUX-MT BQCII, and several other important updates. He served as the district 5NR DSO-OPERATIONS, FC, SO-OP for OPERATIONS, and MT. Kurt has provided successful leadership for training over 52 Coxswains and 74 Boat Crew candidates. He has led or Co-Lead over 120 members’ education classes, including developing a Cold-Water Training Program (CWTP) to allow for the “Cross-Operational” district support between districts and MOU’s. He has particularly enjoyed providing Operational Excellence as the Mission Leader in such activities as; (5) Tall Ship/Fleet Week Ops, Papal Visit, US Secret Service support for V-POTUS Detail and Underway transfers, and operational support for USCGC EAGLE and USCGC HAMILTON.
Mr. Sarac has reached Qualification Examiner, AUXOP, Vessel Examiner, Coxswain, and Instructor credentials. Additionally, Mr. Sarac has been awarded the following awards; US Coast Guard AWARD OF OPERATIONAL MERIT (B), Divisional Coast Guard Auxiliarist of the year, several US Coast Guard OPERATIONAL SERVICE AWARDS, SPECIAL OPERATIONS SERVICE RIBBON, COAST GUARD UNIT COMMENDATION, several CG MERITORIOUS TEAM COMMENDATION, as well as others.
Mr. Sarac has been married to his wife Jodi for 31 years, and they have four children- Amanda (27), Kurt “Peter” Jr. (25), Timothy (23), and Jacob (21). The Sarac Family is actively involved in several charities through their Family Foundation, which consists in mentoring youth and provides educational opportunities in the US, Haiti, Africa, and India to build productive youth through education and keep these youths in their native countries.
Commodore’s and Other District Staff
|
Noreen Schifini
District Chief of Staff
Auxiliarist Noreen Schifini was born, raised and educated in the Bronx. After graduating from Herbert H. Lehman College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, Noreen began to teach at local elementary schools. Her true passion became a reality when she joined the NYC Police Department. Having served in various units and locations, she retired and moved to New Jersey shortly thereafter.
While looking for an opportunity to volunteer her time, she saw an ad for the local Flotilla. Noreen joined the USCG Auxiliary in 2003.
She quickly became crew qualified as a member of Flotilla 16-03 and soon after began her ascent to various elected officer positions. She most recently served 2 terms as the District Captain East and currently serves as a Commodore’s Aide.
Additionally, Auxiliarist Schifini serves as the DSO-Culinary Assistance, formerly known as the Aux chef and Food Services programs. Her CA’s provide galley assistance at TRACEN Cape May, Stations Indian River, Barnegat Light, Manasquan and the galley at Sector Delaware Bay. She is also a Branch Chief for the Eastern area of the CA program.
Her additional qualifications include being an AUXPA2, working on her PA1 PQS, a Vessel Examiner, Program Visitor and an Instructor. She has also earned her AUXOP device, RBS device as well as the Division 16 Auxiliarist of the Year Award.
Noreen currently works in the field of Real Estate where she is the Regional Sales Manager for Fortune Title Company.
The District Executive Committee(EXCOM) shall be comprised of the District Commodore, as Chairperson, the District Chief of Staff, each District Captain, the Director, and the Immediate Past District Commodore. EXCOM is charged with managing the day-to-day operations and business of this District and will meet as determined by the District Commodore and Director. EXCOM will review the progress of the Auxiliary in the District, will study suggestions received from District members and will provide recommendations to Divisions and Flotillas where problems develop and when assistance is requested or needed.
Michael “Mike” McElwee District Captain-West (Divisions 15, 19, 20, 21)
Michael (Mike) McElwee is the District Captain for the Western Area of District 5 Northern Region, which consists of the central and eastern portions of Pennsylvania with 352 members. The areas range from State College down to Chambersburg, from the Poconos to Lancaster, Northern New Jersey, and everything in between
Mike enrolled in the Auxiliary in 2002, and this year will be his 21st year. He is a member of Flotilla 21-04 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He became interested in joining the Auxiliary while attending a Public Education class in 2002 taught by his parents, Carolyn, and Barry McElwee. He was fortunate to receive The Auxiliary Achievement Medal as well as multiple Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation awards, He is qualified as a Vessel Examiner, Marine Dealer Visitor, and certified coxswain. Past leadership roles included Vice Flotilla Commander, Flotilla Commander, Vice Division Commander, and Division Commander. Mike currently serves as a Flotilla Staff Officer in Diversity, Human Resources, and Operations.
Mike is born and raised in Berks County, Pennsylvania where he currently resides with his wife Mary. He is an inventory control specialist for an electronics firm in Berks County. He attended Penn State University for Hotel and Restaurant management.
Mike will always be appreciative of the mentors he had in his first twenty-one years in the Auxiliary. He looks forward to supporting the Division Commanders and all the Flotillas as needed. His hope is that through his leadership and mentoring of other leaders he can help shape the future of the United State Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Thomas J. Don – District Captain – East, (Divisions 7, 8, 16, 18)
I was born in Paterson, NJ and raised in the town of Saddle River, NJ. My family relocated to Rumson, NJ while I was still in school. Upon my graduation from High School I attended Johns Hopkins University before joining the United States Coast Guard in 1965. I followed in my Father’s and Brother’s footsteps in joining the Coast Guard. I spent the first four years on active duty. My first tour of duty after Boot Training was aboard the Buoy Tender Mistletoe stationed in Portsmouth Virginia. After serving on the Mistletoe my next assignment was serving at the Field Testing and Development Center at Curtis Bay Maryland. When my tour of duty was completed at FT&DC I received orders for Group Sandy Hook, NJ from there I served at Station Barnegat Light, NJ and Station Beach Haven, NJ performing SAR duty. I also had some active-duty time on the Buoy Tender Sassafras stationed at TRACEN Cape May. I also served as a CG Recruiter in the Coast Guard Recruiting Office in both Philadelphia, PA and Atlantic City, NJ. My last tour of duty was aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Hornbeam Stationed at TRACEN Cape May, NJ. Over the years I have been awarded many service Ribbons and Medals including the Cutter Device and the Coxswain Device. Both were awarded to me by the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I have been Honorably Discharged eight times in my career in the US Coast Guard. I retired from the Coast Guard in 1998 with 33 years of service. I joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary the same year I retired. This year marks my 24th year with the CG Auxiliary. I have served in the positions of VFC, FC, DCDR and currently DCAPT E 5NR. I have also served as DSO-PV, ADSO-PV and numerous Staff positions at both the Flotilla and Division level. I hold the following qualifications: Coxswain (archived), Instructor, Vessel Examiner, Program Visitor.
I consider serving the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary “A Great Honor and Privilege”. I try very hard to lead by example embracing the Core Values in which I took a solemn oath to uphold. I have had the privilege to meet some truly amazing members which has inspired and motivated me to perform my duties to the best of my ability. The past two years for the Coast Guard Auxiliary membership has presented challenges that I believe no one in the History of our organization could have possibly imagined. The COVID Pandemic literally caused upheaval within our ranks and our personal lives as well. Throughout the Pandemic our Shipmates have showed Great Resilience and Determination to carry on the duties that they pledged to uphold. The introduction of the Virtual Zoom platform enabled our Divisions and Flotillas to meet remotely and kept our Shipmates engaged in Business matters and Training. Without this technological wonder our CG Auxiliary would be in bad shape. We are finally beginning to emerge from the Pandemic after two years of shutdowns and quarantine restrictions. Our Division Commanders and Flotilla Commanders are busy at work making plans for the upcoming 2022 Boating Season. Many of our Training courses are now available online which should make it very convenient for our Shipmates to complete in a timely manner and remain qualified for the year. We need to promote our Recruiting efforts. Our membership has been in decline over the last few years and we need to find new members who show enthusiasm in joining our ranks. There is much work to be accomplished in the new year. We have a very talented group of Auxiliarists that possess the skills necessary to support the missions of the Coast Guard. I admire and respect our Shipmates for their Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty!
Timothy Precht District Captain – Central (Divisions 1, 4, 12, 17) Elect Term begins 2023
Joesph Giannattasio – 2022 Current Commodore – Immediate Past Commodore (IPDCO)
As the District Fifth-Northern Region Commodore in 2021 and 2022, Joe led the way for everyday business of the district continuing despite a global pandemic and guided members through significant events like transitioning seamlessly to conducting virtual meetings, workshops and training classes. Joe spearheaded members contributing beyond the district’s boundaries by augmenting DHS surge deployments in support of the Southwest Border and conducting public education coordination and surface/air exercises with neighboring districts.
COMO Giannattasio joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2003 and is a member of the Cape May, NJ flotilla. His decision to serve in the Coast Guard Auxiliary was a direct result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A Licensed Captain and Private Pilot, COMO Giannattasio has earned his Coxswain device, Co-Pilot wings, and the Auxiliary’s Operational Specialty device. He is also qualified as In-port Officer of the Deck onboard 87ft. USCG Cutters home-ported in Cape May.
COMO Giannattasio is a native of Cape May, NJ and had lived in the US Virgin Islands. He is semi-retired and is the owner/operator of an Ice Cream & Mini Golf establishment in North Cape May. His numerous decorations include the Auxiliary Award for Operational Merit, the Auxiliary Commendation Award, and the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation. Joe has accumulated over 45,000 Auxiliary hours and was selected as the Coast Guard’s National Auxiliarist of the Year for 2017.
Mickey Price
Chief Warrant Officer (BOSN)
United States Coast Guard
BOSN Price was raised in Oklahoma and enlisted in the Coast
Guard in 1998 after completing his BS in Psychology. He has completed tours of assignment at Aids to Navigation Team Galveston, TX, USCGC HAMMER, USCGC CLAMP, USCGC HARRY CLAIBORNE, USCGC CIMMARRON, USCG Sector Corpus Christi, TX, and USCG Sector San Francisco CA where he served as the Aids to Navigation Officer.
BOSN Price holds various COXN and Underway OOD qualifications and his collateral duties have focused on service to the Coast Guard Workforce. BOSN Price has extensive experience as a Critical Incident Stress Management Peer, Command Drug and Alcohol Representative, and a Coast Guard Mutual Assistance representative. He has served as the Chairperson for Sector San Francisco’s Leadership Diversity Advisory Committee and worked a volunteer instructor for Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma’s Apprentice Leadership Program.
He is married to Karyn Price, and they have 3 children, Sydney, Tucker, and Lauren. BOSN Price enjoy’s running as well as collecting & restoring antique straight razors.