Hudson Florida Coast Guard Auxiliary

Volume XLII Number 10

October, 2009

LUCKY SEVEN
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY

HELM Flotilla Staff

Officers
John W. Curtis, Sr., Flotilla Commander John Curtis Sr.
Flotilla Commander
Edna Schwabe
. Vice Flotilla Commander
Kitty Nicolai
Until next time, remember, we are Semper Paratus! Operations Officer

FSO-AN Tim Smith

FSO-CM Jack Smith
FSO-CS David White
FSO-FN Bob Yates
FSO-IS Edna Schwabe
FSO-MA Bill Kelly
FSO-MS John Curtis Sr.
FSO-MT Ernie Schwabe
FSO-PA Roy Higginbotham III
FSO-PB Amy Horn
FSO-PE Tom Wilson
FSO-PS Ernie Schwabe
FSO-PV Dave Taylor
FSO-SR James Gillman
FSO-VE Mike Figluizzi
Hospitality
Sunshine Stephanie Yates

Reminder

The regular Hudson

Flotilla meetings are held
on the second Monday of
the month at the Baptist
Church at the corner of
Hudson Ave. and Old
Dixie Highway in
Hudson. Meetings begin
at 1900 hours.

1
 A MESSAGE FROM Flotilla Vice Commander, Edna Schwabe

Can you believe it is already October? I can’t, this year has just flown by and we are already preparing
for another election, dues are coming in, and our (canceled and then rescheduled) annual picnic is just
around the corner.
Thanks are again due to all of the staff officers for their timely submission of monthly reports. We
were again one of three flotillas that had 100 % of their reports to Division on time. Keep up the good
work.
It has been a busy month, contacting members and registering them for the picnic and also reminding
them that dues should be sent by September 30 or the dreaded certified letter would have to be sent.
This has been very successful, at this point all but 9 have either paid or the check is in the mail.
The picnic seems to be an overwhelming success for Hudson 11-7, we have 52 people signed up to
attend the event at Sand Key. This should be a great day, there should be plenty of time for fellowship,
to renew old acquaintances and make new friends. The day is geared to entertaining the younger
prospective Auxiliarists and allow the more mature ones to relax and enjoy the day.
For those of you who might not know, our FC is running in the Division election for the office of
Division Vice Commander. This election will be held at the next Division meeting on October 17 at
Clearwater Air station in the Red Tail Lounge. I hope that as many of you as possible will make an
effort to attend this very special meeting and support our FC. Car pooling can be arranged, lets discuss
this at the upcoming meeting.
Everyone is doing a super job this year and I thank you for all of your support.

Staff
Reports
Jack W. Smith, FSO-CM
In September 09, we ran 13 patrols, 2 patrols occurring simultaneously were covered by our Watchstanders.

As always, those who are qualified are encouraged to participate, and those who are not qualified but wish to be
can contact me or Ernie Schwabe, and we will get you qualified.
.
Dave Taylor FSO-PV-MV
. September visits totaled 30 and required 26 hours to complete.

Pasco Discount Marine has moved into a new facility 1/2 mile south of the previous address. The new
location is at 15425 Rte # 19 in Hudson.

Jim's Boats has been sold. The new owner is Jeff Ison. Business continues to be very slow.

Ernie Schwabe FSO-PS

During this month one of the submittals from last month was approved, and we are still waiting for
word on the second one. We are working with several other prospects that have expressed interest in
joining the Auxiliary.

2
Edna Schwabe FSO-IS
 Staff
Staff Reports
Reports
Continued
Continued
Information Systems (IS) is current and up to date. Paperwork has been flowing and I have been getting a lot of
reports from our new members. If you are having any problems with getting your reports to me, please give me
a call and I will help you with whatever problems you might be having with the system.
I have noticed that some of your personal data is not current.
If you have made any changes to you phone number, home addresses or your e-mail, please complete one of
our 7028, Change of Membership forms and get it to me so I can make sure that all of your data is correct in
Auxdata. If your information is not correct in Auxdata you will not receive important e-mails and updates and
there have been a few lately.

Roy Higginbotham III FSO-PA

his month we had articles in the Sounding, Sun Coast News, Scuba West Newsletter,
Beacon Woods Newsletter and in the Southwinds Magazines. These articles were notices for our scheduled PE
Courses for September.
We took part in the Annual Coastal Clean-Up campaign again this year. We had six auxiliarist out in kayaks,
paddle boats, dingies and one small motorboats. The day was great and we all had a wonderful day on the
water. Our assigned area was Hudson Creek and we found it to be much cleaner than other years. I think the
public is beginning to be more aware of the problems that it causes and the harm that it does to the environment
when they litter and throw trash into the water..
We did however manage to collect about 100 lbs of trash most of that being several very heavy parts of an old
motor.
Submitted by: Edna Schwabe

William Kelly FSO-MA

There is nothing new to report.

Tim Smith, FSO-AN

November 2009 Navigational Service Report for Hudson 11-07 Floatilla:

All Aids TO Navigation are watching properly. That includes Day-Beacons ( DBNs ) and Lights ( LTS ) in the
Hudson Floatilla 11-07 Area Of Responsibility ( AOR ).

Ernie Schwabe FSO-MT

This month we continued the Member Training activity with Boat Crew/Cox sign-off sessions as well as Radio
Watchstander PQS training. We have three students working on Cox and four on Crew, and hope to be able to
schedule at least one QE soon.
We held one on-the-water night training session and plan another early in October.
Our new members all need the 8 hour TCT, if you would like to take that, let me know by Oct 15. The one-
hour TCT workshop will be given in November at our HQ, date TBD.

Kitty Nicolai-OPS
3
 Patrol Missions (September 2009)

September total patrols requested: 14

September total patrols cancelled (Mechanical): 1
September total patrols cancelled (Insufficient Crew): 1
September total patrols cancelled (Other): 2
September total patrols cancelled: 4

September total patrols completed: 10

B-0 AuxSAR (CGSTA Sand Key) 0

C-130 Missions 2
MOM (Maritime Observation Mission)/Training 7
Radio Facility SAR Mission 1

SARs or Assists this reporting period: 1

Remarkable patrol events:

• Area Familiarization – South, 20 SEP
○ Two (2) 11-07 vessels participated. (John Balazs, 7478 and Kitty Nicolai, 7045-PWC)
• Flotilla Night Exercise, 26 SEP
○ Three (3) 11-07 vessels participated. (John Balazs, 7478, Ernie Schwabe, 7336 and Kitty Nicolai, 7045),
Sixteen members counting Hudson Radio Watchstander
 Debrief and development of Lessons-Learned followed

Upcoming Remarkable Patrol Missions:

• B-0 A(ux)SAR
○ Tuesdays, Thursdays; every month, 0900-1400 at CGSTA Sand Key
• Superboat Race Series Offshore Powerboat Races
○ 4 OCT, Clearwater Beach
○ One (1) 11-07 vessel scheduled. (Kitty Nicolai, 7045-PWC)

Miscellany
• New version of the PMD (Pre-Mission Detail) to accommodate FY 2010 6-digit Patrol Order Numbers has been
distributed.
• New routing sequence for SAR Reports with copy to FSO-IS
• CG under Continuing Resolution and Aux may get reimbursable patrol orders
○ However, re-fuel at CGSTA Sand Key whenever possible
• POMS will be down for updates, 10-16 OCT 2009
• Auxiliarists can no longer wear Auxiliary-marked PFDs for pleasure boating

Flotilla 11-7 Minutes

September 14, 2009

1915 - Meeting called to order by Flotilla Commander J. W. Curtis,

4 Sr.
1917 - Flotilla Commander Curtis led the Flotilla in the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence was observed for
our service personnel.
1920 - Motion made to accept last month’s minutes as printed in the “Lucky Seven”. Motion to adopt by Ken Googe and
seconded by Bill Kelly. Motion was carried.
1926 - New Member sworn in. Stephen Tindell sworn in by Flotilla Commander as newest member. He is a pilot and
plans to pursue aviation related activities as well as the other projects within the flotilla.
1930 - Awards: William Kelly - Sustained Auxiliary Service Award (2nd award); John Balazs - Sustained
Auxiliary Service Award (9th award).
1935 - Meeting break
1940 - Meeting called back to order
1945 - Announcements:
1. Some annual dues have been received - all are due before September 30th.
2. Coastal clean-up on Sep 19th. This is an annual event with the Hudson Beach Yacht Club.
Volunteers are needed.
3. Thanks to all who brought food items for the “pot-luck” dinner.
1950 - Staff Reports: The meeting was then turned over to Vice Commander Edna Schwabe for Staff Reports.
Treasurer report was read and accepted. FSO reports are published in the Lucky Seven.
1955 - Committee Reports:
1. Ernie Schwabe reporting for FSO-CS Dave White - they met with the Elks on what supplies were needed to
run lines to Headquarters to give us an efficient internet and phone service. A motion was made by Tom Wilson and
seconded by Bill Kelly to approve an amount not to exceed $500 minus any contribution by the Elks. The motion was
carried. Committee continues with more information expected at the next Flotilla meeting.
2. The election eligibility committee reported two letters of intent to run for office. Both of the candidates are
qualified for nomination. Further information due at the next Flotilla meeting.
Old Business:
The communications room is functioning. Radio watchstanders are urged to “sign up” on the sheet provided.
New Business:
A committee was formed consisting of Ernie Schwabe and Kitty Nicolai to determine the type of radio equipment
we will need to purchase and the cost. Discussion was held in depth, but no decisions were reached. A further report is to
be presented at the next flotilla meeting.
2105 - As there was no further business to be addressed by the flotilla, a motion for adjournment was made by Ralph
McCullough and seconded by Tom Wilson. The motion was carried.
2105 - Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
James D. Gillman FSO-SR 1107

L-R, JW Curtis, FC presented auxiliarist William Kelly his JW Curtis, FC and Edna Schwabe, VFC swear in new
2nd. Sustained Auxiliary Service Award and John Balazs his member John Tindell at our September meeting.
9th Sustained Auxiliary Award at the September meeting. Picture by: Amy Horn
Picture by: Amy Horn

The conference, was held right here in our own backyard (St. Petersburg) from Thursday, September 10th – Sunday
September 13th.On Thursday, Commodore Don Frasch hosted the Commodore’s Reception at the scenic “Windjammer
Club”, located waterside, on CG Sector St. Petersburg. This event was
casual dress, free, and open to all
Auxiliarists. We had several auxiliarists
and their families in attendance, all
attending enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs
Pictured LtoR Kitty Nicolai 5 Flotilla Commander John Curtis and Vice Flotilla
socializing with SN Ranstead, Commander Eda Schwabe, enjoying socializing with
Admiral Branham’s driver, at the several members attending the Commodores Reception.
Connodores’ Reception. Photo By: Photo by: Amy Horn
Italian sausage and cold drinks. On Friday several table top information tables were available, the district store was open
and the Commodores Banquet took place. Early Saturday morning and throughout the day presentations were given. The
presentations were informative. On Saturday night everyone enjoyed a get-together western style. On Sunday everything
wrapped with several presentations.

Picture Above - JW Curtis, Coxswain Trainer, conducting a

Picture Above - L-R Operations Officer Kitty Nicolai, JW Curtis, Coxswain pre underway briefing to his crew (L-R) Stan Martilik, Joe
Trainer, Stan Martilik, and Joe Horn plotting their night problem. Horn.

Picture Below – A beautiful sunset as the crew proceeds out to the Gulf from Picture Below -JW Curtis at the helm of the September 26th.
the Sea Pines Channel. night training mission.
Pictures by Amy Horn Pictures by Amy Horn
 WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT KAYAKS, CANOES
We’ve all seen many on car tops on our highways, but have you ever tried one yourself? Kayaking and canoeing is one
of the fastest growing activities, and we are blessed with living in an almost ideal kayaking and
canoeing region. Rivers, lakes, and near-shore gulf areas are great, and nothing matches the
ability to glide silently through absolutely clear water to the head springs such as at Weeki
Wachee, Homosassa or Crystal River.

When you are on the water, please remember that the same rules of safety apply to kayaks and
canoes as to any other watercraft. You must have a life jacket close to hand, or as the rules say
“readily accessible”. From a practical perspective, things can go wrong in a real hurry in a small craft, and there is no
substitute for actually wearing the life jacket at all times when you are near the water. And with the newer jackets, this
has become much easier as many have been developed for specific purposes, including fishing, hunting, and of course
kayaking and canoeing. But if you insist on not wearing one, at least keep it within arm’s reach, secured so that it does
not float away from you in the event of a capsize. Incidentally, in Florida all children 6 and under MUST wear an
approved life jacket (look for the Coast Guard Approval Number ), and beyond state jurisdiction more than 9 miles
offshore in the Gulf and 3 miles offshore in Atlantic water, as well as in many other States, the requirement is that anyone
under 13 must wear a life jacket.

Another safety requirement is that you must be able to signal for help should you
need it. A whistle is very effective in attracting attention, and to keep it readily
available, the Coast Guard recommends we attach it to the life jacket. In fact,
some of the inflatable jackets, which are so comfortable you’ll hardly notice
you are wearing one, come with a whistle already attached. Another safety device
recommended for longer kayak or canoe trips, especially if you might be on the
water in poor visibility or darkness, is a waterproof flashlight. A small compass is also a good idea as you’d be
amazed how quickly showers can form on our waters, and how quickly they can completely obliterate the
shoreline.

Finally, always carry lots of water. When you are out in the sun, you dehydrate rapidly and failure to replace
lost water can have serious health implications. With all the healthy exercise you will get in your kayak or
canoe a quart of water per hour is not excessive.

What else do I bring along? A good broad-brim hat, high SPF sunscreen, and depending on where you are
going, a good bug spray should be in every kit. Put your cell-phone in a water-proof baggy, and take along a
plastic sponge to mop up any water that might get in the boat—and with our springs at 72 degrees year-round is
ideal for cooling down. Enjoy.

Apply these rules and suggestions when you are out in any Small Utility Boat such as a Paddle Boat, Dinghy or
PWC.

Submitted by: Edna Schwabe

6
 On September 19, Hudson Flotilla hit the waterways paddling, rowing, motoring and walking. We went in row
boats, kayaks, paddle boats and one very small dinghy with a
motor.
We all met at the Hudson Municipal ramp for breakfast and coffee
provided by the local
Hudson Beach Yacht Club. Approximately 200 people were involved in
this adventure. After a brief period of instruction and fellowship
everyone collected Tee shirts, trash bags and water bottles and was off in
a different direction to clean
up their part of Hudson’s
extensive canal frontage. Our
assigned area to clean up was
Hudson Creek. It probably
has a shoreline about 2 ½ to 3
miles long considering all of
the little ins and outs and the
New member Steve Tindell, participating in his first
channel down to the springs. Coastal Cleanup. Picture by: Amy Horn
The day was perfect, sun was
hot, breeze was cool and the
water calm and we just paddled and rowed up and down the creek
picking up all of the trash that we saw. One of our team got hung up at a dock trying to pickup some old clay
pots that must have been there since last year. But he managed to get out with the pot and went on down the
creek.
We collected about 100 lbs of trash, including some very heavy parts of an old
boat engine or motor of some kind. We got tree limbs, plastic bottles, bicycle parts, plastic buckets, fishing line, fishing
lures, clay pots and a lot of plastic bags and soda bottles and cans. All in all we had a very productive day and everyone
had a great time.
The only mishap was that the row boat was tied to a dock and on a rising
tide found its way under the
stationary dock. The tide filled
it and there she sank. But no
harm no foul, she was recovered
and drained and is now back on
her favorite spot on top of our
sailboat, Sunshine.
The waterways were very clean
this year, I think the clean up

Commander, JW Curtis working his way down the canal

Ernie Schwabe rowing down the canal while Amy at the Coastal Cleanup . Picture by: Amy Horn
Horn enjoys the ride. Picture by: Edna Schwabe
each year has brought an awareness to
the community and they are beginning to realize how important it is to keep trash out
of the water. Maybe they are also becoming more aware of what the litter and trash is doing to the animals and sea life in
our waterways and our Gulf. I hope so.

Those participating in the Clean Up were, John Curtis, Amy Horn, Stan Martilik, Robert Mathes, Edna
Schwabe, Ernie Schwabe and Steve Tindell.
Submitted by: Edna Schwabe

8
Department of Homeland Security
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
FSO-PB 11-7 D7
6391 Pinestand Ct.
Spring Hill Florida 34609-9338

352-293-3337
jjahjag@tampabay.rr.com

The Lucky Seven

Official Business