2024 Flotilla Commander Bard Mansager

I joined the Auxiliary late in 2018. As a retired Army infantry officer, I knew very little about the Coast Guard and virtually nothing about the Auxiliary.

It was my West Point classmate, long time friend and District Captain, Jerry Edelen, that convinced me that the Auxiliary would be a great fit for me. Was Jerry ever right on target!

I love the operational aspects of the Auxiliary and the Monterey flotilla in particular. Coxswains COMO Wally Smith, Mark McLaughlin and Steve McCann inspired my participation in getting Boat Crew qualified. District Chief of Staff, Jim Losi, provided the mentorship getting me through the demanding Auxiliary Cutterman qualification.

I spent 45 days in summer of 2023 on the icebreaker HEALY doing polar operations. As much as I enjoyed that experience, my best experiences are serving as a crew member of the 87 foot cutter HAWKSBILL which is stationed right here in Monterey.

As the Monterey Flotilla Commander, I want to encourage each flotilla member to get involved in one of the many opportunities to serve ..whether it be surface operations, vessel examinations,  or communication watches and enjoy the fellowship that comes along  with that service. The hours that we devote to boating safety and supporting of the active duty Coast Guard service members, make this a much better community!