Author: Chris Harshfield

ALAUX 035/21 CYBERSECURITY BEST PRACTICES AWARENESS REMINDER

united states coast guard

23 SEP 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 035/21

Subj:  CYBERSECURITY BEST PRACTICES AWARENESS REMINDER

1. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  All Auxiliarists are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant against cybersecurity threats and to actively apply strong countermeasures in their personal and Auxiliary activities. In 2017, more than 300,000 individuals in over 150 countries fell victim to the WannaCry ransomware attack in a single weekend causing the loss of countless files and billions of dollars in damages. Threats like these are still prevalent and dangerous, and it is critical that we all take the necessary steps to prevent an attack. The following ten practices are highly effective methods to achieve a strong cybersecurity posture: 

  • Use strong passwords and create separate passwords for each account.
  • Use current and supported operating systems.
  • Install all system security updates and patches.
  • Keep antivirus software up to date.
  • Regularly scan files for viruses.
  • Install spyware protection software.
  • Turn on firewall protection.
  • Regularly back up and securely store files.
  • Change default logon ID and passwords for operating systems and applications.
  • Use caution when opening emails and do not view emails in preview pane mode.

2. To view the entire U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Cybersecurity Awareness presentation, click here.

 

3. Internet Release is authorized.  

 

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

ALAUX 034/21 AUXILIARY COXSWAIN AND BOAT CREW INITIAL QUALIFICATION NIGHT TASKS NO LONGER WAIVABLE

united states coast guard

16 SEP 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 034/21

Subj:  AUXILIARY COXSWAIN AND BOAT CREW INITIAL QUALIFICATION NIGHT TASKS NO LONGER WAIVABLE – CG-BSX POLICY LETTER 21-03

To All Coast Guard Auxiliary Personnel

1. On 09 September 2021, the Chief Director of the Auxiliary signed CG-BSX Policy Letter 21-03, Auxiliary Coxswain and Boat Crew Initial Qualification Night Tasks No Longer Waivable.  The purpose of this policy letter is to make nighttime initial qualification tasks mandatory as part of the initial qualification process for Coxswain and Boat Crew Member.  All District Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUX), Operations Training Officers (OTO), and Auxiliarists must comply with the provisions in this Policy Letter.

2. The policy letter can be found on the Coast Guard Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-BSX) website at: BSX Policy Letters (uscgaux.info)

3. Internet Release is authorized.  

 

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

 

ALAUX 033/21 AUXDATA II SKILLS AND AVAILABILITY SEARCH

united states coast guard

15 SEP 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 033/21

Subj:  AUXDATA II SKILLS AND AVAILABILITY SEARCH

1. AUXDATA II is now the primary database for searching for Auxiliarists’ skills and availabilities, including willingness to travel and willingness to perform Coast Guard support missions. The former “Skills Bank” has been retired and is no longer accessible.

2. Auxiliarists’ skills and occupational codes are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) skills codes. They were updated from the 2010 codes in legacy AUXDATA to the more recent 2018 codes. In preparation for hurricane season, and because of the updated skills codes, ALAUX 012/21 asked all Auxiliarists to review and update their occupational skills, expertise, and availabilities in their AUXDATA II member records. 

3. There are now several ways to search for skills and availability in AUXDATA II:

a. By Member: This is useful when you want to determine the skills and availability of a known.

b. By Skill: This is useful when you want to get a quick idea of how many Auxiliarists possess a specific skill.  Although relatively easy, searching for skills in this manner does not allow for refining the search such as by district.

c. By Members With Skills (A Report): The Members With Skills Report is the most useful way to search for skills and availability as well as to filter the results by any desired criteria such as district, willingness to travel, etc. The only limitation is the need to become familiar with how to create reports.

4. Detailed instructions for each of these defined searches and the report are available on the “Member How To” page found at the AUXDATA II site at http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=IT-GROUP&category=auxdata-ii.

5. If you have any questions about how to search for skills and availability, contact your Flotilla Staff Officer for Information Services (FSO-IS).

6. Internet release is authorized.

 

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

 

ALAUX 032/21 PASSING OF PAST NATIONAL COMMODORE

united states coast guard

15 SEP 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 032/21

SUBJ:  PASSING OF PAST NATIONAL COMMODORE

1. We are saddened to inform all Auxiliarists of the passing of Past National Commodore Viggo C. Bertelsen, Jr. who passed away on September 3, 2021.  Commodore Bertelsen led an incredible life dedicated to service to our Nation in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and U.S. Power Squadrons.

2.  Commodore Bertelsen joined the Auxiliary in 1975 and was an active member in his flotilla in Bellevue WA.  He proudly served in several national positions, as the District 13 Commodore, and as the National Commodore from 2001-2002.  He was instrumental in guiding our Nation through the extraordinary challenge wrought by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Applying unparalleled operational expertise, insight, and initiative, he quickly composed the Auxiliary’s Operation Patriot Readiness.  This comprehensive road map fully integrated Auxiliary skills and resources into the Coast Guard’s missions and has helped protect and safeguard our Nation ever since.  

3. COMO Bertelsen is survived by his wife Sandy, his son, daughter and two grandchildren.  A funeral service will be conducted at Tahoma National Cemetery on September 16, 2021.  Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers to Commodore Bertelsen’s family and friends in this difficult time.

4. Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

 

ALAUX 031/21 AVAILABILITY OF A NEW BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN ONLINE TRAINING COURSE

united states coast guard

03 SEP 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 031/21

 

SUBJ:  AVAILABILITY OF A NEW BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN ONLINE TRAINING COURSE

 

1.  Successful completion of the Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) training course remains a requirement for Auxiliarists to be assigned to duty performing ordered patrol missions for Coast Guard commands.  

 

2.  A new version of the BBP training course is now available to be completed through the Auxiliary Online Classroom (http://classroom2.cgaux.org/moodle/course/view.php?id=205).  This version is an acceptable alternative to the BBP training course that has been available in the COVID portfolio of the Auxiliary course catalog in the Auxiliary Learning Management System (AUXLMS / https://auxlearning.uscg.mil/).   When taken through the Auxiliary Online Classroom, a screen shot of the course completion notice must be sent by the Auxiliarist to their servicing Information Services (IS) officer as validation for subsequent AUXDATA II entry.  Until a link to record this course completion in AUXDATA II is established, Auxiliarists should still retain a copy of their course completion (electronic acceptable) to provide an Order Issuing Authority (OIA) if necessary.

 

3. Internet release is authorized.

 

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

 

ALAUX 030/21 2020 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR

united states coast guard

23 AUG 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 030/21

 

Subj:  2020 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR

 1. Auxiliarist Patrick M. Brown of Eighth District-Eastern Region (D8-ER), Flotilla 11-5 in Nashville, TN is the 2020 Auxiliarist of the Year. The following ALCOAST recently announced his selection. Congratulations to Auxiliarist Brown!

Respectfully,

Captain Troy P. Glendye

Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-BSX)

 

R 191828Z AUG 21

FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC

TO ALCOAST

BT

UNCLAS

ALCOAST 298/21

SSIC 16790

SUBJ: 2020 AUXILIARIST OF THE YEAR

1. I am pleased to announce the selection of Auxiliarist Patrick M. Brown of Eighth District-Eastern Region (D8-ER), Flotilla 11-5 in Nashville, Tennessee as the 2020 Auxiliarist of the Year.

2. Mr. Brown enrolled in the Auxiliary in April 2014 and immediately became an active participant by holding various flotilla leadership positions including Vice Flotilla Commander and eventually Flotilla Commander. Along with serving as the District Commodore’s Aide, in 2020 he was appointed as the National Branch Chief for Media/Video. In this capacity, Mr. Brown answered the call of Auxiliary national leadership to develop a safe and secure method to conduct elections during the COVID-19 pandemic. He adeptly applied his superb skills to facilitate virtual elections at the Auxiliary’s national, district, division and flotilla levels. Mr. Brown ensured appropriate software and programs were effectively used and numerous test runs were performed to identify potential issues and ensure they were rectified. As the Auxiliary’s Election Administrator, he managed the polling website during all electronic elections and immediately resolved concerns as they arose. He was instrumental to the development of the “Election of Unit Officers Through the Use of Electronic Means” Standard Operating Procedure, a comprehensive policy document issued by the Chief Director of Auxiliary that established ground-breaking procedures for the Auxiliary’s virtual elections. His meticulous effort enabled rapid Auxiliary-wide familiarization with this new technology, facilitated successful conduct of over 1,000 time-sensitive Auxiliary elections, ensured Auxiliary leadership continuity despite the pandemic’s restrictive impacts, and resoundingly proved the efficacy of virtual elections. Devoted to professional development and service, he also maintained currency as an Auxiliary instructor and vessel examiner, and logged over 745 hours of activity.

3. Committed to service and helping others, Mr. Brown also led community cleanup efforts following the EF4 tornado that devastated several middle-Tennessee communities in March 2020. He oversaw the removal of over 50 tons of home and storm debris from local neighborhoods, including vital storm water canals that fed directly into the Old Hickory watershed in the Cumberland River system.

4. I applaud Mr. Brown’s dedication to the success of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the face of the challenging COVID-19 pandemic and his compassionate contributions to his local community.

5. POC: CDR Edgardo Cruz, COMDT (CG-BSX-11) at: Edgardo.Cruz@uscg.mil.

6. RDML John W. Mauger, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy (CG-5P), sends.

7. Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

ALAUX 029/21 FINANCIAL SYSTEM BLACKOUT/CUTOVER IMPACT ON AUXILIARY PATROL ORDERS

united states coast guard

16 AUG 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 029/21

Subj:  FINANCIAL SYSTEM BLACKOUT/CUTOVER IMPACT ON AUXILIARY PATROL ORDERS

(a) COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 301527Z JUN 21/ALCOAST 237/21

1.  As announced in reference (a), the Coast Guard will start its final Go-Live system check and transition to the new DHS financial management and procurement system called the Financial Systems Modernization Solution (FSMS) from October 01, 2021 to November 15, 2021. The FSMS interfaces with many Coast Guard information systems including the Coast Guard’s Auxiliary information system of record, AUXDATA II. During this time, referred to as the financial system blackout/cutover period, there will be significant impacts on all of these information systems including on the processing of Auxiliary patrol claims in AUXDATA II. Most notably, any Auxiliary patrol order claims submitted after October 01, 2021 will not be processed for reimbursement until after November 15, 2021.

2. In anticipation of the upcoming blackout/cutover period, any patrol orders currently in AUXDATA II need to be closed out prior to September 20, 2021. This will allow several days to resolve any potential claim issues prior to the last allowable close out date of September 24, 2021. Any claims not processed prior to this date will not be processed by the Coast Guard Finance Center (FINCEN) until after the scheduled end of the blackout/cutover period, November 15, 2021.

3. Only Auxiliary patrols determined by the Order Issuing Authority (OIA) to be mission essential should be performed during the blackout/cutover period. Auxiliarists performing such patrols must understand that their claims for reimbursement of associated authorized expenses will not be settled until after the period’s end, November 15, 2021.

4. If there are questions, please use your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) or Chain of Command as appropriate. 

5. Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

 

ALAUX 028/21 UNITED STATES COAST GUARD’S 231ST BIRTHDAY

united states coast guard

04 AUG 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 028/21

 

Subj:  UNITED STATES COAST GUARD’S 231ST BIRTHDAY

 1. Today, the United States Coast Guard celebrates its 231st year of dedicated service to the maritime public across the world.  Its distinguished history is highlighted by the devoted support it receives every day from its uniformed volunteers of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.  Please read the following ALCOAST message recognizing this special milestone…and happy birthday, U.S. Coast Guard!

Respectfully,

Captain Troy P. Glendye

Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-BSX)

 

R 041230Z AUG 21

FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC

TO ALCOAST

BT

UNCLAS

ALCOAST 279/21

SSIC 5700

SUBJ: UNITED STATES COAST GUARD’S 231ST BIRTHDAY

1. Today, as we celebrate the Coast Guard’s 231st birthday, I reflect on our rich history and heritage, as well as the extraordinary level of service of our talented Coast Guard workforce delivered throughout the past year. Across the globe, our Service responded amidst the ongoing global pandemic, adapting to constantly changing conditions and always maintaining a taut watch. Every one of you—active duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary—delivered mission excellence and remained “Always Ready.”

2. The Coast Guard performs complex missions in the most challenging maritime environments. Our multi-mission capabilities, broad authorities, organizational agility and flexibility, and incident response expertise position the Service for excellence and leadership in the maritime domain; this year is no exception. As Americans stepped-up to support their neighbors, and healthcare and service workers faced uncertain risks in their devoted care of others, our workforce faced each day with courage and skill. Coast Guard Day presents a terrific opportunity to pause for a moment and thank all those who have supported us through this dynamic 231st year.

3. What a year it has been. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our operational units have been working incredibly hard, deployed globally to enhance maritime security, partnerships, and vital national interests. CGC POLAR STAR conducted a two-month winter patrol in the Arctic, the first such patrol in 38 years, while CGC HAMILTON completed a historic deployment to the Black Sea – our first major cutter patrol there since 2008. And CGC MIDGETT and CGC OLIVER BERRY recently participated in 3rd Fleet training exercises with the Carl Vinson Strike Group off Hawaii, while CGC MUNRO is currently enroute to support 7th Fleet and INDOPACOM operations. Coast Guard Districts, Sectors, cutters, aircraft, andother assets responded to 12 storms impacting our U.S. coastline during the busiest Atlantic Basin hurricane season on record. They also assisted in wildfires in Oregon and California, deployed personnel in response to record flooding in the heartland, and provided medical and logistical support to DHS partners operating along the Southwest Border. Our inland cutters and Sectors responded to over 1,100 marine incidents including casualties, oil discharges, hazardous material releases, and myriad security threats. In May, our Coast Guard Advanced Interdiction Team embarked aboard USS Monterey, a Guided Missile Cruiser, boarded a dhow in theNorthern Arabian Sea and confiscated thousands of illicit weapons. Of note, all of the aforementioned operational successes and accomplishments were enabled by the professionalism and responsiveness of our Mission Support workforce.

4. As we celebrate our 231st birthday, it is your perseverance and dedication that make the United States Coast Guard the best in the world. This year has truly accentuated a Coast Guard that is Ready, Relevant, and Responsive! I thank each and every one of you for your continued service, and your families for their perpetual support in these most worthy endeavors.

5. ADM K. L. Schultz, Commandant (CCG), sends.

6. Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

ALAUX 027/21 EXTENSION TO AUX-SOP-004(A) 04 Sep 20 ELECTION OF UNIT OFFICERS THROUGH THE USE OF ELECTRONIC MEANS

united states coast guard

03 AUG 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 027/21

 

Subj:  EXTENSION TO AUX-SOP-004(A) 04 Sep 20 ELECTION OF UNIT OFFICERS THROUGH THE USE OF ELECTRONIC MEANS

1.  Due to the ongoing restrictions of face-to-face meetings across the country from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Director of Auxiliary has granted an extension on AUX-SOP-004(A) for the 2021 election cycle.

2. These changes are effective immediately albeit on a temporary basis the duration of which shall end as determined by the Chief Director of Auxiliary.

4.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

 

ALAUX 026/21 2021 INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS

united states coast guard

28 JUL 2021

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 026/21

Subj:  2021 INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS

 

 1. Please see the following ALCOAST announcement of the 2021 Inspirational Leadership Award recipients. Congratulations to District 1-Southern Region Auxiliarist Alexander Rico for you selection as the Commodore Charles S. Greanoff Award winner. Honorable mention also goes out to District 5-Southern Region Auxiliarist Joseph Espino. Bravo Zulu!

Respectfully,

Captain Troy P. Glendye

Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-BSX)

 

R 201300Z JUL 21

FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC

TO ALCOAST

BT

UNCLAS

ALCOAST 261/21

SSIC 1650

SUBJ: 2021 INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS

1. I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Coast Guard Inspirational Leadership Awards. Bravo Zulu to the following winners:

      a. CAPT JOHN G. WITHERSPOON AWARD-Active Duty:

          LCDR Kyra Dykeman, CG SECTOR LA/LB

      b. CAPT JOHN G. WITHERSPOON AWARD-Reserve:

          LTJG Avery Lowe, CG PSU 308

      c. MCPO ANGELA M. MCSHAN AWARD-Active Duty:

          BMC Raymond Coleman, CG ANT FORT LAUDERDALE

      d. MCPO ANGELA M. MCSHAN AWARD-Reserve:

          HSC Travis Roberts, CG PSU 305

      e. MR. GEORGE R. PUTNAM AWARD:

          Mr. John Bragaw, CG YARD

      f. COMO CHARLES S. GREANOFF AWARD:

          FC Alexander Rico, UPPER MANHATTAN FLOTILLA

      g. CAPT DAVID H. JARVIS AWARD:

          LCDR Stephen Bor, CG SECTOR LA/LB

      h. SM1 DOUGLAS A. MUNRO AWARD:

          MST2 Kristin Melgar, CG MSD PORT CANAVERAL

2. I applaud the exceptional actions of these individuals and all award nominees. Through dedication to duty and leading by example, these individuals inspire others while advancing the Coast Guard’s outstanding service to the nation.

3. CCG and MCPOCG have contacted award recipients and their commands directly to ensure the appropriate level of recognition for these prestigious awards.

      a. The Jarvis, Munro, Witherspoon, McShan, Putnam, and Greanoff awards will be presented at the District level.

4. Honorable mention goes to the following nominees by category:

      a. CAPT JOHN G. WITHERSPOON AWARD-Active Duty:

          LCDR Elizabeth Tufts, CGC SPENCER

      b. CAPT JOHN G. WITHERSPOON AWARD-Reserve:

          CDR Andrea Holt, CG SECTOR GUAM

      c. MCPO ANGELA M. MCSHAN AWARD-Active Duty:

          DCC Gregory Douthit, CGC WAESCHE

      d. MCPO ANGELA M. MCSHAN AWARD-Reserve:

          BMC Patrick R. Davis, CG STA MAYPORT

      e. MR. GEORGE R. PUTNAM AWARD:

          Mr. Scott Rettie, COMDT (CG-93)

      f. COMO CHARLES S. GREANOFF AWARD:

          FC Joseph Espino, WEST ANNAPOLIS FLOTILLA

      g. CAPT DAVID H. JARVIS AWARD:

          LTJG Susan West, CGC DOUGLAS MUNRO

      h. SM1 DOUGLAS A. MUNRO AWARD:

          SN Katlin Kilroy, CG BASE PORTSMOUTH

5. The selection panel members were:

      a. CAPT Eva VanCamp, CG SECTOR LONG ISLAND SOUND

      b. CDR Jeffrey Zamarin, CG SECTOR VIRGINIA

      c. LCDR Emir Holmes, CG PSU 308

      d. LT Laura Delgado, CG CEU OAKLAND

      e. Mr. Layne Carter, COMDT (CG-SAR-2)

      f. CSCS Ivan Garrido, CGC STRATTON

      g. YN1 Jessica Olmeda, CG DISTRICT SEVEN

      h. COMO Gary Barth, DNACO-RBS

6. The eight-member panel thoroughly deliberated 108 nomination packages across all eight categories.

7. The Panel recommends that members who were nominated but not selected for these prestigious awards receive due recognition from their commands. At a minimum, documentation of award nomination should be reflected in nominees’ performance evaluations or personnel files. 8. For future award submissions, Commands are reminded to adhere to the award nomination criteria, format, and endorsement standards outlined in the award solicitation. Information and eligibility requirements for the Inspirational Leadership Awards are available on the COMDT (CG-128) website (Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/leadership/awards

8. POC: CWO Nicole McKenzie, COMDT (CG-128), at 202-475-5518 or Nicole.E.McKenzie@uscg.mil.

9. Admiral Karl L. Schultz, Commandant (CCG), sends.

10. Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.