Flotilla 15-4 What's New!

On February 7, 2017 Flotilla 15-04 member, Alan McNamara was presented his “Ten Year Service” award by Flotilla 15-04 Commander Robert Currie. Alan is very active in flotilla activities and missions. He serves as a crewmember aboard flotilla safety patrol craft. In addition to his crewmember duties Alan is a certified communications specialist. This means when he is not on the water on patrol you may find him working in one of the two communications facilities operated by Homosassa Flotilla 15-04.

(Left to Right) Alan McNamara, Robert Currie, Flotilla 15-04 Commander, after presenting Alan McNamara with his ten year service award on February 7, 2017 in Homosassa, FL.

If you would like to be a part f this active and exciting USCG Auxiliary flotilla you need only to give David “Rusty: Hays a call at, 352-598-4369 or email him at, rhays1fla@aol.com. Here you will find something that you enjoy doing while at the same time being of service to the boating community and to your country!

Article and photo by Wilbur B. Scott.

Homosassa Flotilla 15-04 said farewell to long time member, Derek Johnson at the flotilla meeting on February 7, 2017. Derek served Flotilla 15-04 and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for fifteen years. During his service with the flotilla he has served as a crew member aboard the flotilla’s safety patrol crafts and latterly serving as the Flotilla Finance Officer. Prior to joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Derek had a career in retail banking in England.

(Left to Right) Pictured are, Derek Johnson and Flotilla 15-04 Commander Robert Currie after Commander Currie presented Derek with his retirement documents and his USCG Auxiliary “Retirement Pin”.

Originally from England, he has worked and lived in England, Scotland, Iceland, Morocco, Greece, South Korea and Honolulu, Hawaii. Both Derek and his Scottish wife, Nancy became U.S. citizens in 2001 and currently make their home in Homosassa.

Flotilla 15-04 Commander Robert Currie praised Derek for his many contributions to the flotilla and to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Commander Currie, after reading a citation and letter of congratulations from the Director of Auxiliary, X. Vicencio-Roldan, CDR, USCG. 7Th District, presented Derek with his USCG Auxiliary “Retirement” pin. Thank you, Derek! Your fellow members and shipmates wish you and Nancy happy days with fare winds and following seas!

Article and photo by Wilbur B. Scott.

On February 7, 2017, Homosassa Flotilla 15-04 Staff Officers were sworn in by Flotilla Commander Robert Currie and Vice Flotilla Commander George Dooris. Taking their oath of office were: Robert Ward, (Air Operations), Bill Schultz, (Vessel Examinations), Patricia Dooris, (Member Training and Navigation Services), Dolores Brand, (Marine Services), Deidre Imhoff, (Finance), Wilbur Scott, (Public Affairs), David “Rusty” Hays, (Human Resources).

(Left to Right) Robert Ward, Bill Schultz, Patricia Dooris, Robert Currie, (Flotilla Commander), Dolores Brand, Deidre Imhoff, Wilbur Scott, George Dooris, (Flotilla Vice Commander), David “Rusty” Hays.

Other staff officers that were appointed but unable to attend due to being out of the area are, LCDR Matt Dooris, (Communication Services), Claire Sampson, (Publications), Mike Mooney, (Information Services), and Charlie Law, (Materials).

It is worth noting that these staff officers while responsible for their individual areas of expertise, are, along with all Flotilla 15-04 members, involved with and participate in other flotilla missions and activities in support of the United States Coast Guard. For example, Flotilla Commander Currie also oversees the Radio Communications Center and Vice Flotilla Commander Dooris is the Flotilla Operations Commander.

If you are 18 years or over and would like to be a part of this very active organization please feel free to contact David “Rusty” Hays at 352-598-4369 or email him at, rhays1fla@aol.com. Veterans, seniors, all are welcome!

Article and photo by Wilbur B. Scott.

Boaters mark your calendar!

Area boaters are invited to bring their vessels to the Homosassa Walmart store on Sunday May 22, 2016 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM as Homosassa Flotilla 15-04 and Crystal River Flotilla 15-01 kick off “National Safe Boating Week, 2016”! Boaters will receive a totally free USCG Auxiliary “Vessel Safety Check”, (VSC). Those vessels passing the safety check will be awarded the prestigious USCG Auxiliary safety decal. Those vessels not passing the safety check will know immediately what equipment they will need to acquire or update to be in compliance with both state and federal requirements. Those boaters can then schedule a follow-up safety check at their area home or dock. Perhaps a prior commitment prevents you from attending this event. Not a problem! Just drop an email to Bill Schultz at gwillkari@gmail.com or call him at 352-464-3375 and he will arrange for a vessel examiner to come to your area home or dock.

Non boaters too will find something of interest at this event as well. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is concerned with more than just safety on our area waterways, but swimming pools ponds or canals as well that may be accessible to children. There will be literature available concerning safety precautions to be taken not only while boating but in and around all water sites. USCG Auxiliary personnel will be available to show boaters and shoppers the differences between the various types of personal flotation devices, (PFDs) and demonstrate their proper use. For the little ones there will be free coloring books available that will not only entertain, but educate them as well about water safety.

Curious about what we do as members of the USCG Auxiliary? Any of our Homosassa or Crystal River flotilla members will be happy to answer any questions that you may have concerning what we do and how we support the U.S. Coast Guard on the water, in the air and on land while in the classroom, conducting vessel examinations, communications or participating in a host of other missions!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Article by Wilbur B. Scott.

Homosassa Flotilla 15-04 recently honored Joe and Claire Sampson for their individual thirty years of membership and service with the U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary and their support of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Sampsons continue to serve as members of Flotilla 15-04.

(Left to right) Flotilla Commander George Dooris, Claire Sampson and Joe Sampson, pictured after receiving their membership award certificates from Commander Dooris for their individual thirty years of service with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The Sampsons have been boaters since 1970. In 1984 they moved from Pennsylvania to Florida to enjoy the beautiful and wonderful waters of the Sunshine State. Even with their knowledge of boating they thought it prudent to attend a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary “Boating Skills and Seamanship” course.

It was that exposure to the USCG Auxiliary and the professionalism of the instructors that sparked their interest in becoming members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Over the years both Joe and Claire have held prestigious positions within the Auxiliary. For example, Joe is the former Division 15 Vice Captain, Division Captain and Rear Commodore West as well as District 7 Member Training Officer.

While Joe was busy with his responsibilities, Claire was busy with her own important responsibilities as District 7 Staff Officer in charge of Operations. This included both air and surface operations within the District. If that was not enough she was also the Chief Qualifications Examiner, (QE) for District 7. In this capacity her responsibilities included certifying that all flotilla Coxswains of Auxiliary patrol craft within the district were indeed qualified to serve as such. The Coxswain is the person in charge of an Auxiliary patrol vessel.

Both Joe and Claire have served as Flotilla Commanders in the past. In addition, both have had the privilege of serving as members of the security team at the 1996 Olympics games in Atlanta, GA. During their distinguished USCG Auxiliary career they each, on four separate occasions, had “Lighthouse Duty” at Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas, each assignment lasting for one month.

Joe is a veteran having served in the U.S. Army. He also served in the U.S. Merchant Marine Service. Just recently this writer learned that Joe, at the age of sixteen, was the youngest crewmember onboard the maiden voyage of the SS UNITED STATES, America’s Flag Ship! Joe made a total of three voyages on board that great ship.

Flotilla 15-04 Commander George Dooris said he and his wife Patricia, (also a Flotilla 15-04 member and past Flotilla Commander), first met Joe and Claire as students attending a “crew class” being jointly taught by both Joe and Claire. Commander Dooris went on to say that “Joe was not above yelling at students for not putting forth a maximum effort”. He went on to describe Joe as a demanding instructor. Both George and Tricia, (Dooris), stated that they know the Sampsons have contributed thousands of volunteer hours in the areas of Operations, Public Education, Member Training and Communications.

Joe and Claire have returned to Pennsylvania and are kind of kicking back so to speak as far as the Auxiliary is concerned. Well, maybe I should say Joe has. Claire still is very busy as the editor and publisher of the Flotilla 15-04 monthly electronic newsletter, “Four Fathoms”. And, in addition, both return to Homosassa and Flotilla 15-04 during the Fall and assist with the training of flotilla members as well as conduct safety patrols on the Homosassa River and the Gulf of Mexico.

From this writer and all of the members of Flotilla 15-04 and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, we say, thank you Joe and Claire for a job WELL DONE!

Article and photo by Wilbur B. Scott.

Are you looking for something interesting and exciting to do while at the same time providing a valuable service to your fellow boaters? Then look no further. No matter what your area of interest is, you will find it with Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

For those of you who love boats and being on the water, we have a place for you as a member of one of our boat crews, participating in surface patrols, exciting search and rescue missions as well as interesting training operations with the U.S. Coast Guard. Perhaps your interest is in the environment. Then join us as we patrol for oil spills and other hazardous material and dangers to our waterways. Perhaps you would rather qualify as one of our “Courtesy Vessel Examiners”, providing a valuable service to both recreational boaters and some commercial vessels as well.

You say that you enjoy the water, but you love flying more? Then why not be a part of our air wing as a well trained air observer flying air patrols over our Gulf waters and along the coastline. If you are a licensed pilot or aircraft owner we can definitely use you and perhaps your aircraft as well.

Perhaps you enjoy teaching others. Then why not become one of our certified instructors, teaching a variety of subjects to the boating public as well as training your fellow U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members?

Maybe you are someone who has always wanted to be a reporter, writer or photographer. If so, then our “Public Affairs” officer would sure like to have you come onboard covering patrols and rescue missions, writing stories and meeting with members of the local press.

Perhaps you are an amateur radio operator or someone who has an interest in radio communications. If so, then become one of our “Communications Specialists”, standing radio watches, (you really don’t have to stand), monitoring and participating in exciting search and rescue operations and patrols. If that isn’t exciting enough for you then perhaps you will be invited to stand radio watches at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Yankeetown”. If you happen to be one of those communications equipment technician types then you may find enjoyment here keeping our equipment in tip top shape.

These are just some of the interesting and exciting areas of Flotilla 15-4 in which you can be a part of. Fellowship too plays a large role in our flotilla and “Team Coast Guard”. Here you will meet new friends and find a common bond with others who enjoy being of service while at the same time serving your country. Men and women, veterans and non-veterans, young and senior citizen alike are welcome as members of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4. We invite you to join us and

wear our uniform proudly. If you are a veteran, you may proudly wear your earned military ribbons and devices as well. Join us and become a part of the U.S. Coast Guard family.

We in Citrus County are indeed fortunate to have so many worthwhile volunteer organizations in our area. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, known far and wide as “America’s Volunteer Life Savers”, is the only volunteer service that was created by an “Act of Congress” back in 1939. I became a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary17 years ago after completing a 40 year law enforcement career and retiring to Homosassa. I chose Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 because of the public educational programs and services that they provide to the boating public, as well as the training they continue to provide to their members. Why not join us and see for yourself? You can easily obtain membership information by calling David “Rusty” Hays at 352-598-4369 or you can email him at, rhays1fla@aol.com. We meet at the West Citrus County Senior Center, 8940 West Veterans Drive in Homosassa on the first Tuesday evening of every month at 7:00 PM.

Why not stop by and give us a look?

Pictured left to right is Flotilla 15-4 Commander George Dooris and Flotilla 15-4 member Mike Mooney. On July 7, 2015 in Homosassa, Commander Dooris presented Mr. Mooney with his certification as a USCG Auxiliary, “Recreational Boating Safety Visitor Program” representative. In addition, Mike was presented a Certificate of Completion of an in-service “Navigation A” training course. Photo by Wilbur B. Scott.

On July 7, 2015, Neil D’Agata of Homosassa was sworn in as the newest member of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Neil is one of many area veterans from all of the branches of service who have joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. These veterans serve alongside non veteran men and women members who love being of service to the boating public and to their country. Neil’s interest in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is not surprising since he is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran having served on board the USCG Cutter, “Steadfast”, (USCGC 623), as well as various shore installations.

Pictured left to right is Flotilla 15-4 Commander, George Dooris swearing in new Flotilla 15-4 memberNeil D’Agata at the July 7, 2015 Flotilla meeting in Homosassa, FL. Mr. D’Agata is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran having served on board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Steadfast, (USCGC 623) as well as various shore installations. Photo by Wilbur B. Scott.

On July 7, 2015 Patricia and George Dooris of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary received the prestigious “Auxiliary Performance Award”. This couple continues to contribute numerous volunteer hours of service teaching public education courses as well as conducting in-service training courses for flotilla personnel.

Both George and “Tricia”, along with their crews and other patrol crews conduct surface safety and environmental patrols on the Homosassa River and Gulf of Mexico. Often they work hand in hand with a Flotilla 15-4 air crew. Especially during search and rescue missions.

In addition to receiving this award, it is interesting to note that both Patricia and George have been recognized for the many volunteer hours they continue to spend at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Yankeetown, FL as Communication Specialists. Each of them contribute an average of sixty hours per month in this endeavor alone.

Flotilla 15-4 and their members are very active assisting the boating public and the U.S. Coast Guard by providing safe boating programs for the boasting public conducting free vessel safety checks, operating safety patrols on the Homosassa river and our coastal waters, participating in search and rescue missions, as well as air patrol operations and many other activities.

Pictured left to right are Patricia and George Dooris who on July 7, 2015 in Homosassa, FL received the prestigious, U.S. Coast Guard “Auxiliary Performance Award” for their numerous and continuing contributions of service to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and to the U.S. Coast Guard. Photo by Wilbur B. Scott.

On July7, 2015 Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 member Wilbur B. Scott was presented with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary “Sustained Service Award” by Flotilla 15-4 Commander George Dooris. This award is presented to a member who has contributed a minimum of 750 hours of documented volunteer service to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

It is interesting to note that this is the fourth such award presented to this member, thus representing 3000 hours of documented volunteer service.

Pictured are Flotilla 15-4 Commander George Dooris, (left), and Flotilla 15-4 member Wilbur B. Scott, (right), after Commander Dooris presented Scott with his fourth “Sustained Service Award”, representing 3000 documented volunteer hours to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Photo by Patricia Dooris.

On August 4, 2015 Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 member David “Rusty” Hays was presented with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary “Sustained Service Award” by Flotilla 15-4 Commander George Dooris. This award is presented to a member who has contributed a minimum of 750 hours of documented volunteer service to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

It is interesting to note that this is the third such award presented to this member, representing 2250 hours of documented volunteer service. Rusty has served Flotilla 15-4 as a past Flotilla Commander, boat crew member, Communications Specialist and Instructor. He is also the “Go To” guy for those of you who may be seeking membership in Flotilla 15-4. He became a member of Flotilla 15-4 because he enjoys being of service to others and being active in community affairs. When not “on duty” with the USCG Auxiliary Rusty manages his own business as a Certified Financial Planner.

Though Rusty has traveled throughout the world and has visited many wonderful places, he feels that his home state of Florida, with its natural beauty, is his favorite spot to be. He loves being on the water and when not on patrol with the USCG Auxiliary he enjoys fishing from his boat along with his pal, “Gemma”, a Golden Lab who also just happens to be the Flotilla 15-4 mascot.

Like many members of Flotilla 15-4 Rusty is a veteran having served in the U.S. Navy on board the Attack Transport ship, USS Monrovia, (APA-31) and the Destroyer Tender, USS Yellowstone, (AD-27). 

Pictured left to right is Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 Commander George Dooris congratulating David “Rusty” Hays after presenting him with the USCG Auxiliary “Sustained Service Award”. This is the third such award presented to Mr. Hays and represents 2250 documented hours of volunteer service to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Mr. William “Bill” Mauer, a member of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, was recognized for his ten years of dedicated service to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. On August 4, 2015 Bill was presented with the “U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Membership Service Award” by Flotilla 15-4 Commander George Dooris.

Mr. Mauer has served as a crew member aboard Flotilla patrol vessels as well as serving as a Communications Specialist. Bill currently serves as the Flotilla Staff Officer in charge of Communications, a post he has occupied for several years. In addition he serves as an instructor teaching safe boating classes for the members of the boating community as well as training Flotilla 15-4 personnel in the area of communications. Bill has always enjoyed teaching, but then that should come as no surprise considering his background.

He was awarded a PhD in Science Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1991. Bill’s teaching career spans more than 38 years teaching Chemistry in both high school and in college. He is indeed a great asset to Flotilla 15-4.

On those few occasions when he is not involved with USCG Auxiliary activities Bill enjoys being on the water with his wife, Cathy, who incidentally is also a valuable member of Flotilla 15-4.


Pictured left to right is Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 Commander George Dooris congratulating William Mauer after presenting him with the USCG Auxiliary Membership Service Award. This award represents ten years of dedicated service to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

On September 1, 2015, Alan McNamara was presented the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary “Sustained Service Award”. This award is presented to a member who has contributed 750 hours of documented volunteer hours of service to the USCG Auxiliary. The award was presented by Flotilla 15-4 Commander, George Dooris at the flotilla’s September meeting in Homosassa.

Alan joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary almost ten years ago shortly after attending a “Boating Skills and Seamanship” course presented by Flotilla 15-4. He said he was impressed with the knowledge and professionalism of the Flotilla 15-4 instructors. He loves being on the water and being of service to others.

While serving with Flotilla 15-4 Alan has participated in many surface patrols aboard flotilla patrol vessels as a certified crew member and has participated in several search and rescue missions over the years. He is has also qualified and been certified as a USCG Auxiliary “Communications Specialist”.

Alan, who resides in Beverly Hills, FL and is a welder by trade is looking forward to
retirement in the not too distant future. He feels he will then have more time doing the things he loves, enjoying more time with his family, traveling and spending more time on the water with Flotilla 15-4!

Pictured left to right is Homosassa Flotilla Commander George Dooris, as he congratulates flotilla member Alan McNamara after presenting him with the USCG Auxiliary “Sustained Service” award.

Flotilla 15-4 is always looking for new members. Why not join us? Become a member of one of our boat or air crews, public education instructors, vessel examiner, communications specialist or any number of other areas of interest. We would love to have you! For membership information please feel free to give David “Rusty” Hays a call at 352-598-4369 or email him at rhays1fla@aol.com.

Article by Wilbur B. Scott.

Eight area boaters recently participated in graduation ceremonies on October 30, 2014 after successfully completing a 16-hour U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary “Boating Skills and Seamanship” course sponsored by Homosassa Flotilla 15-4. The group consisted of local boaters including novice and experienced boaters alike. Some are longtime residents while other have moved here recently or are seasonal visitors.

Pictured in the photo are class participants, Ron Mehn, Mary Palmer, Todd Hockert, Ron May, Richard Mahar, Penny Peterson, Pamela Gudim and Ben Blackshear. Also pictured, (in uniform), are Flotilla 15-4 Instructors, Bob Currie and Anna McQuade.  Photo by Ned Barry.

When you learned to drive a car, you had to take lessons. You learned traffic signs identification, signals and rules of the road. You gained skill through experience and learned to use common sense and good judgment. Boating requires no less! On today’s crowded waterways it is much too dangerous to learn by trial and error. You too should do as these eight safe boaters have done and attend a “Boating Skills and Seamanship” program offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Wilbur B. Scott may be contacted via email at, seacapt34448@yahoo.com.

On July 1, 2014, Vice Flotilla Commander, Robert Currie was presented with the “Auxiliary  Commandant’s Letter of Commendation”. As a five year member of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 Bob serves as a crew member aboard flotilla patrol vessels as well as a Vessel Examiner, Public Education Instructor and Communications Specialist. In addition, he personally visits with area marine dealers, answering their questions and providing them and their customers with valuable safe boating literature.

 
From left to right: Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 Commander David “Rusty” Hays congratulates flotilla 15-4 member Robert Currie after presenting him with the prestigious, “Auxiliary Commandant’s Letter of Commendation” award.

The citation award said in part, “You are commended for your outstanding performance of duty. By your meritorious service you have upheld the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary”.

Flotilla 15-4 Commander David “Rusty” Hays said, “Bob’s hard work and dedication not only earned him this prestigious award, but the sincere admiration and appreciation of his shipmates as well”.

If you would like to become a member of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 please feel free to contact Ned Barry at 352-249-1042 or email him at nedbarry115@gmail.com.

Article (and Photo) by Wilbur B. Scott

With just under three years of service as a member of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4, Georgia Young has been one busy lady! With her love of boating and working with people she found Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 just to be what she was looking for. One of her first assignment requests was to become a “Public Education Instructor”. As an instructor she, along with other flotilla instructors, teaches various safe boating courses to the boating community. These courses cover a variety of topics including basic boating skills and seamanship as well as both state and federal regulations. These courses she points out, are for both novice and experienced boaters alike and are free except for a small fee for materials which the student may keep.

Left to right: Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 Commander, David “Rusty” Hays is pictured congratulating flotilla member Georgia Young after presenting her with the “United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Performance Award” on July 1, 2014.

Georgia is also one of several flotilla 15-4 vessel examiners who conduct courtesy vessel examinations to assure the boat owner/operator that his or her vessel has all the required safety equipment on board and is functioning properly. These vessel safety checks are totally free and may be conducted at your residence or at the dock. If your vessel is found to comply with the federal and state requirements then your vessel will be awarded the coveted safety decal that will be displayed on your craft. If it does not meet all of the requirements, then you will be told what you need to do to correct the deficiency and be awarded the decal. No enforcement action is taken for vessels that fail as a result of this vessel safety check.

If Georgia isn’t already busy enough, you will find her visiting some twenty seven Marine dealers and marinas in the Homosassa area that she refers to as “partners in safe boating”. Here she answers questions about safe boating issues put to her by the dealers and/or their customers. In addition she provides the dealers with a quantity of brochures covering boating safety and local, state and federal regulations that are available for the boating public.

For her outstanding volunteer contributions to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary it is no wonder that on July 1, 2014 she was presented with the “United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Performance Award”. “Wouldn’t surprise me any if she doesn’t already have her eye on other areas of the USCG Auxiliary where she can be of even more service to the boating public, perhaps as a crew member on one of our flotilla 15-4 patrol boats or aircraft” said Flotilla 15-4 Commander David “Rusty” Hays.

If you would like to receive information on how you too can become a member of this very active and exciting group of volunteers you need only to call Ned Barry at, 352-249-1042 or email him at, nedbarry115@gmail.com.

Article (and Photo) by Wilbur B. Scott

 
Tricia and George Dooris returning from a safety patrol of the Homosassa River and Gulf of Mexico (Photo by Anna Hughes).

A group of area USCG Auxiliary members recently completed the “Auxiliary Patrol” (AUXPAT) course. The course of study was completed over a three week period and included topics such as Patrol Requirements, Safety and Survival Equipment, Crew Duties and Responsibilities as well as Patrol Organization and Health Hazards to the Crew. The course was taught by Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 Instructors Patricia and George Dooris. During the course of study the students also had to complete many hours of homework assignments.

Participating in the program were Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 members David “Rusty” Hays, Herb Zimmerman, Danielle Walker and Robert Currie. From Crystal River Flotilla 15-1 were members Linda Jones, Richard Culp and Daniel Farrar who also completed the course successfully.

Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 members, (pictured left to right), after receiving their certificates are David “Rusty” Hays, Herb Zimmerman and Danielle Walker. Not pictured but also successfully completing the course were Flotilla 15-4 member, Robert Currie as well as Crystal River Flotilla 15-1 members, Linda Jones, Richard Culp and Daniel Farrar.

In service training plays an important role in U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary membership. It is necessary for members to keep abreast of the latest developments in mission techniques, equipment and regulations.

If you would like to become a member of this important volunteer arm of The United States Coast Guard please feel free to contact Ned Barry at 352- 249-1042 or via email at nedbarry115@gmail.com.

Article (and Photo) by Wilbur B. Scott  

Color Guard: Leading and carrying the U.S. Flag is American Legion member, Jimmy White. Left to right first row behind White are, Wilbur Scott, USCG Aux Flotilla 15-4 and American Legion member, Joe Barry. Left to right in last row is ? Dolan, USCG Aux Flotilla 15-8 and American Legion member, Harold Beville.

Pictured left to right is Flotilla 15-4 Commander David “Rusty” Hays congratulating flotilla member Georgia Young after presenting her with her certification credentials as U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Examiner. Georgia is also very active in various other components of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4.

Photo by Wilbur B. Scott

Pictured left to right is Flotilla 15-4 Commander David “Rusty” Hays congratulating flotilla member Jack Sparling with his ten year membership award in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. During his ten years with Flotilla 15-4 Jack has been very active serving as a Vessel Examiner and crew member as well as serving in various other important capacities within Flotilla 15-4.

Photo by Wilbur B. Scott 

Lots of boaters and other members of the public took advantage of receiving free boating information and visiting with members of Flotilla 15-4 while shopping at the Homosassa Walmart store on Saturday May 17, 2014. Saturday was the first day of National Safe Boating Week. Numerous boaters made appointments to have Flotilla 15-4 Vessel Examiners come to their homes to conduct a totally free vessel safety check of their boat(s). Still others brought their boats along with them to Walmart and received an on the spot vessel safety check.

Flotilla 15-4 member Robert Currie, (2nd from left), makes a point while discussing boating safety issues with an unidentified shopper at the Homosassa Walmart store on Saturday May 17, 2014 which was the first day of National Safe Boating Week. Flotilla members Herb Zimmerman, (far left), and Elaine Miranda, (Far right), looking on.

Crystal River resident Robert Gregg, (Right), is pictured with Flotilla 15-4 Vessel Examiner, Elaine Miranda, (Left), after his boat successfully passed the Vessel Safety Check at the Homosassa Walmart store on Saturday May 17, 2014. A second boat can be seen at the left waiting his turn for a totally free vessel safety check. 

Each of the six Flotilla 15-4 members who participated in this safe boating activity felt it was a huge success and each agreed that answering the many questions put to them by shoppers about our area waterways and safe boating issues as well as information concerning membership in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was very encouraging.

Flotilla 15-4 Commander David “Rusty” Hays wishes to thank the management of the Homosassa Walmart Store and their wonderful staff for their continued support of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and it’s efforts in promoting boating safety. It is indeed appreciated!

If you would like information how you too can receive a totally free vessel safety check or information regarding membership in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary please feel free to contact Ned Barry at 352-249-1042 or via email at nedbarry115@gmail.com.

Article (and Photos) by Wilbur B. Scott  

Ray Koeppel of Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary recently received the “Sustained Service” award. This award is presented to members who have contributed a minimum of 750 hours of documented volunteer service to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. It is interesting to note that this is the ninth such award he has received!

 
Left to right: Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 Commander David “Rusty” Hays presenting Flotilla 15-4 Operations Commander Raymond Koeppel with his ninth “Sustained Service Award. The presentation was made May 6, 2014 at the West Citrus Community Center on Veterans Drive in Homosassa, FL.

Flotilla 15-4 is very active assisting the US Coast Guard with promoting homeland security, providing safe boating programs for the boasting public, conducting free vessel safety checks, safety patrols on the rivers and coastal waters, search/rescue operations and air patrols along with many other activities.

Flotilla 15-4 is always looking for dedicated individuals who have an interest in these endeavors. Anyone interested in joining Homosassa Flotilla 15-4 is encouraged to contact Ned Barry via email at, nedbarry115@gmail.com or call him at 352-249-1042.

Article (and Photo) by Wilbur B. Scott

On May 1, 2014 seven area boaters graduated from a boating safety course entitled, “Boating Skills and Seamanship”. These students were provided with information and instruction on such subjects as Federal and state regulations as it pertains to the safe operation of boats and other watercraft, navigational aids and identification and numerous other subjects designed to improve their skills as operators of their pleasure craft as they enjoy our area’s beautiful waterways. The course was presented by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-4 in Homosassa, FL.

If you would like to enroll in one of Flotilla 15-4’s boating safety courses or would like USCG Auxiliary membership information please feel free to email Ned Barry at nedbarry@tampabay.rr.com or call him at 352-249-1042.