2017 Press Releases
Massing of the Colors
Inverness, FL - Sunday November 12, 2017, 5 members of Flotilla 15-1, one member of 15-2 , and one member from USCG Station Yankeetown participated in the “Massing of the Colors” at the First Baptist Church in Inverness. The guest speaker was Sheriff Mike Prendergast, a 31-year combat Veteran. The group representing the USCG and Auxiliary carried in American, Coast Guard, and Coast Guard Auxiliary flags as part of this moving tribute to our country’s Veterans. This was the final event to recognize all Veterans during Veterans’ week in Citrus County.
by: Linda R. Jones, Flotilla Commander, 15-1
District 7 Auxiliarist Of The Year
I am pleased to announce that Jim Nasetlli, Flotilla Commander 15-8, has been selected as District 7 Auxiliarist of the Year for 2016!
Jim's flotilla placed his name in nomination in February of this year. The award was to be presented at DTRAIN this year. Since DTRAIN had to be cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, the announcement was made by Commodore Hudson. The award will be presented to Jim at the Division 15 Change of Watch.
Congratulations Jim! You make us proud! BZ
Andy Render, Division Commander, 15
Coast Guard Auxiliary 15-1 Assist Coast Guard Following Hurricaneby Linda Jones
Crystal River, FL - Working together as part of Team Coast Guard, Crystal River Auxiliary Flotilla 15-1 was the first flotilla in Citrus County to carry out a Post-Storm Damage Assessment patrol per request of USCG Station Yankeetown. The five-member crew surveyed Kings Bay and Crystal River for hazards to navigation and to check Aids to Navigation markers.
The next day, Station Yankeetown requested Flotilla 15-1 to travel to the Suwannee River area to do another Post-Storm Damage Assessment. Members of the crew came from Crystal River, Ocala, Homosassa, Pine Ridge and Dunnellon to travel the 204 miles round trip assisting the Coast Guard with this mission.
Dedication to duty, the desire to help people, and the willingness to assist the Coast Guard is what makes the Auxiliary members extraordinary volunteers.
Don Jones, Coxswain, discusses conditions and the mission with the crew, Dan Farrar, Vince Maida, Andy Render (not in picture – Larry Berman) Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Linda Jones.
USCG AUX Flotilla 15-1 departs Best Western dock for Post-Storm Damage Assessment in Crystal River and Kings Bay. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Linda Jones.
Coastal Cleanup This was a win for Mother Ocean!
We had a very productive Coastal Cleanup in Cedar Key" stated John Caddigan, Flotilla Commander 15-2. "Working alongside the city, UF IFAS, Nature Coast Conservancy and a lot of volunteers." The Auxiliary and Coastguardsman from USCG Station Yankeetown, led by AUXLO Kyle Tappan recovered trash from the sea and seaside areas. Coast Guard Auxiliary photos by John Caddigan.
All Gave Some, Some Gave ALL - USCG Douglas Munro Memorial Day
This year is the 75th anniversary of the WW II battle of Guadalcanal. In recognition of the many service members who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and throughout the history of the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 15 invited the public to attend their annual Memorial Day ceremony. It took place on May 27, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the USCG Douglas Munro Monument in Crystal River at Little Springs Park.
The U. S. Coast Guard Douglas Munro monument was built in honor of USCG Douglas Munro. Munro is the only Coast Guardsman to earn the Medal of Honor because of his heroic actions during the battle of Guadalcanal.
This project came about through the efforts of personnel at the USCG Station Yankeetown and Ken Harrington who spear-headed the project. Mr. Harrington was a Crystal River resident and member of the Crystal River Fraternal Order of Eagles.
A few years ago, when Mr. Harrington was interviewed about the monument by Linda Jones, Flotilla Commander and Public Affairs Officer, he said "this monument was erected to honor not only Douglas Munro and the U.S. Coast Guard, but ALL the men and women of the armed forces who gave their lives while serving their country." Sadly, Mr. Harrington passed away last year.
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