Flotilla 10-5 General Information

March 5, 2025

Contact: Rich O’Donnell

Public Affairs Officer

(631) 375-3572

[email protected]

http://cgaux.org

News Release

Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Southport Flotilla

Installs New Leaders For 2025.

SOUTHPORT, N.C. – The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-05 recently installed its new leadership team for 2025 in a ceremony at the Member’s Club in St. James. The annual ceremony celebrates the installation of newly elected and appointed officers who will manage the activities of the flotilla for the next year.

Flotilla leaders administer a boating safety program that includes boating safety classes for the public, extensive training programs for members of the flotilla, a vessel safety inspection program, a marine safety and environmental protection program and the distribution of boating safety literature to the public. The flotilla also provides direct service to boaters through its safety patrols and direct assistance to the Coast Guard by serving as communications watchstanders and culinary staff at Station Oak Island, inspecting rescue and survival equipment and helping with other duties. 

The distinguished guest speaker was Lt. Commander Melanie Collier, USCG, who serves as the Chief of Emergency Management for Sector North Carolina. Mr. William Curry, District Captain for the USCG Auxiliary in North Carolina, administered the oaths of office to the elected and appointed officers.

Bob Kielley was installed as the Flotilla Commander for his second term in 2025. Bob Kielley is a resident of St. James Plantation in Southport and has been a member of the Auxiliary since 2018.  He has previously served as Secretary of Flotilla 10-05, as the Staff Officer in charge of Human Resources, Vice Flotilla Commander and most recently as the Flotilla Commander. Mr. Kielley is a qualified boat crew member and was involved with overseeing all the flotilla staff officer activities and serves as the Auxiliary Unit Coordinator to Coast Guard Station Oak Island.

Frank Pope was installed as Vice Flotilla Commander. Mr. Pope is a resident of Sunset Beach and has been a member of the Auxiliary since October 2021.  Mr. Pope has recently served as the Staff Officer for Information Services and is a boat crew member and has achieved the coveted Operational Auxiliarist designation. Mr. Pope is an experienced vessel examiner and instructor and completed his first year as Vice Flotilla Commander in 2024.

The members of Flotilla 10-05 recognized two distinguished honorees for their commitment to the Auxiliary and for their active participation in flotilla events and activities for almost twenty years.  Auxiliarist Christopher Halladay and his wife Prentiss

Chris Halladay has served in numerous leadership roles including serving as flotilla commander for two separate terms.  Prentiss Halladay has been an active supporter of flotilla fellowship and social events.

Flotilla 10-05 leaders also commended two Auxiliarists for  their special contributions during 2024. Auxiliarist John Klotsko was recognized as Auxiliarist of the year and Auxiliarist Chris Noonan was recognized as the new flotilla member of the year.  Auxiliarist Jeffrey Innes was recognized for his steadfast commitment to the flotilla.

The work of the flotilla is coordinated by flotilla staff officers who manage different aspects of the operations.  Fourteen members were appointed as staff officers. They include David Pennell, Mark Lawson, Kent Olson, Patrick Ryan, Jeffrey Innes, Jody Burgart, John Klotsko, David Tester, Rich O’Donnell, Dawn Smith, Steve Bourne, Jim Baden, Edward Kamerer and Benjamin K. Fox.

Mr. Kielley reminded boaters to take a boating safety class, always wear a life jacket that fits and is appropriate for the nature of the activities you are participating in, use your engine cut off switch, schedule a free vessel safety check and never operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.  Information about classes, vessel safety checks or joining the USCG Auxiliary can be found on our website: www.Flotilla10-05.org

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org