Welcome to the Division 3, District 8CR Web Site
2024 A Year In Review
Veterans Day 2024
With the threat of rainy weather the Veterans Day Parade Rolled on. All branches of our military were well represented during this years parade. Our United States Coast Guard members were in full force. Members from Sector Mobile, Station Dauphin Island, Air Training Center, Gulf Strike Team, ANT Team, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Coast Guard Reserves were all present and ready to participate in this years event. Crowds cheered on our finest and thanked them for their hard work and dedication in severing our country.
A special thanks goes out to all the Auxiliary members that volunteered to be Parade Marshals. Bravo Zulu for helping to make it happen.
USCGC ARGUS Christening and Launch
USCGC ARGUS Christening and Launch an awesome event for Active duty, Auxiliary and Reserve. Coast Guard Auxiliary District Captain Bill Lauber and Auxiliary Sector Coordinator Michael Hocks were invited as guest VIP's to attend the Christening and Launching of the Fleets Newest Cutter in Panama City FL. Commandant Fagan, MCPOCG Jones and Captain Kelley ret.(christening) along with many other dignitaries were on hand to officiate and witness this grand event. District 8CR Commodore Scamardo was stationed on board Station Panama City 87' patrol boat with several Division one Facilities in the vicinity for area security and traffic control. Bravo Zulu to all the Auxiliary Members covering the event.
If you would like to watch the Christening or Launch from the District Captain's POV. Clicks the Links Below.
You can see all related Argus photos in the Division Three Photo Album just click the link in the column.
The New 2024 District Captain East Takes Oath.
Our New 2024 District Captain takes the oath of office during the Division One Meeting in Panama City Florida. Division Captain elect Doug Ritchie of flotilla 1-4 Destin FL. takes the oath office. The oath is usually given after the election unfortunately there was technical issues during the Septrain closing ceremonies and the oath was overlooked. To make it official the oath must be administered. Commodore Scamardo traveled to Panama City and held a special ceremony during the Division One meeting to make it in accordance to regulation.
Congratulation District Captain Elect Doug Ritchie! May you have a successful term of office.
Division Three 4th Quarter Meeting
The Division three 4th quarter meeting and elections was held October 21st 2023
Division
Commander Michael Smith Commissioned a New Division Bell
to replace the lost one that has been missing for sometime. The New Bell
was to have a dual function for call to order and for ceremony it was
also to memorialize the passing of a prominent member of Division Three,
Mr. Richard Geiger. Mr. Geiger was our Division Commander and
Auxiliary Sector Coordinator. He worked these positions until his
crossing of the bar. Anyone that knows Mr. Geiger knew he was a fighter.
He did what he like to do all the way to the end and that was to serve for the good
of others. For that he has my complete admiration. Mr.Geiger maybe
gone but he will never be forgotten. Each time the Division bell rings
his memory of giving and doing good for others should ring out and be a
testament for all. Bravo Zulu my friend Fair Winds and Following Seas. Thank you Commander Smith for making such a noble gesture priority for Division Three.
The Division 3 Elections the incumbents win 2024
Division Commander Michael Smith and Vice Commander Eric Beck
Congratulations and may you have a successful 2024 term.
Septrain 2023
The 2023 Septrain in Mobile AL brought Auxiliary Members together from all across the 8th Coastal Region. New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The three day event was held at the River View Plaza Hotel in historical Downtown Mobile Alabama. Events started off Thursday Evening with Commodore's Fellowship all Casual Dinner at Felix's on the Causeway. Seeing Old Friends and New Faces of our 8th Coastal Region Family was on the menu. It was an awesome treat to be reunited with friends and catch up with what's been happening since we last seen everyone.
Friday morning started early with all the New Shining Stars training. A two day 16 hour AuxLAM Residential training Course given by National Staff Member Dr. Michael Brzezicki.
While the Shining Stars were busy with their studies DIRAUX was bringing News of the future and and the things to come.
District business was on hand with motion and seconded motions on the floor. Voting and approving old and new business. A busy day indeed for the district staff topped off by the Commodores Hawaiian Shirts mixer and fellowship at the end of the day.
More training for the the 3rd day of the event. Training included Auxdata 2, Culinary Assistant, How to put on a Crew Member College, E2 Travel systems by OTO Boatswain Smith which I thought was very informative. The end of the event was was filled with the Commodores Banquet Awards Ceremony and Gala. Everyone was dressed for this formal event and It's a grand event that everyone should attend at least once in their life.
Congratulations to all that received awards. The hard work and dedication of these members show their commitment to the mission and their love for the guard. Bravo Zulu on a job well done.
Thank you to all the Septrain Event Staff. Thank you for your hard work and making the 2023 Septrain a complete success!
To enjoy a Slideshow of the Septrain 2023 events Click Here.
To see all Septrain 2023 pictures visit the Div.3 Photo Album in the links column on the left.
AIR DROP PRACTICE WITH AN HC144
Is that Sam The Sham and the Pharaos looking for a Ring Dang Doo? No but that's Rick Quinn and the Crew from Flotilla 3-7 on the Ring Dang Doo performing another successful Air Drop Mission with Aviation Training Center Mobile.
Many don't know in Division three that ATC Mobile works closely with the Auxiliary in their training missions. One such mission is the HC 144 airdrop training mission performed off the Coast of Mississippi. Air Training Center in collaboration with Station Gulfport and Flotilla 3-7 routinely performs this mission. Rick Quinn and the Crew from flotilla 3-7 sets up the targets for the HC 144 and retrieves the drop and returns it back to Station Gulfport.
Practice of these Air Drops are beneficial and plays a vital role for the new Pilots in honing their drop skills. These practices are keeping Flotilla 3-7 very active in their surface operations. So active they often reach out to other flotillas for crew support. Flotilla 3-5 and Flotilla 3-8 surface crews often join in to lend their support. What an awesome mission to be involved with. Bravo Zulu to Rick Quinn and the Crews of Flotillas 3-5, 3-7 and 3-8. Keeping Division 3 a valuable resource for ATC Mobile.
Elections 2023 Are Upon Us
It's that time of the year and Bridge Officer Elections are right around the corner for District Captain, Division Commander, Division Vice Commander, Flotilla Commander and Flotilla Vice Commander. If you ever thought of holding an Elected Office now is the time to make sure your letters of intent have been recognized. Make sure you are eligible prior to submitting your letter. The Election committee will verify your claim. Good Luck to all who apply. The biggest part of being a leader is taking that first step. Bravo Zulu to all that submitted a letter this year.
Coming Together for the 2023 Boat Show on the Bay at Battleship Park
Thanks to several flotillas from across Division the 2023 Boat Show on the Bay at Battleship Park was a huge success. Interacting with boating public spreading the word of safe boating, Boating Education and Recruiting for the Auxiliary and Active Duty.
The three day event took several shifts of 2 and 3 members for each shift starting at 0800hrs and ending at 1800hrs. Long days with what seem like non-stop activity with the public. Our members stayed busy with greeting smiles and plenty of literature and coloring books for everyone that stopped by.
Thank you to all the flotillas that participated in making the 2023 Boat Show on the Bay a huge success. Bravo Zulu Flotilla 3-10, Flotilla 3-6, Flotilla 3-9 and Flotilla 3-8.
Coast Guard Auxiliary 84th Birthday, Milestone and Achievements
Captain Tucker Deputy XO Sector Mobile and National Commodore Pat Feighery were on hand to help celebrate the Coast Guard Auxiliary 84th Birthday. The Air Training Center officers lounge was the setting for the celebration and there was more to celebrate than just our 84th Birthday. Flotilla 3-9 celebrated its 50 year Anniversary milestone. Congratulations Flotilla 3-9 and we look forward to seeing you for another 50 years.
Congratulations to James Higdon of Flotilla 3-6 Eastern Shores for winning the 2023 Shooting Star Award. Your hard work and dedication has been recognized. Keep up the good work and being an example of what we can accomplish. On their 50th Anniversary Flotilla 3-9 would like to welcome their newest member. Welcome Aboard Shella Osborne Beck. Welcome to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. (Pictures by Charlie Harnner Flotilla 3-6)
Flotilla 3-6 Held America's Boat Course at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Instructors Murphy and McGrew held America's Boating Course to almost packed house.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary have some of the best in person Recreational Boating Courses available on the Gulf Coast. When you need an extra degree of attention an in person class maybe what you're looking for. Enjoy a hands on interactive course that gives you real world instructions using actual marine safety equipment. Check out our Boat Courses page to find out the next available course in your area.
Click here to navigate to our Boating Courses Page.
