April 2019 Newsletter FINAL

April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1

Welcome to 2019! The articles contained in this newsletter cover from
January through April, 2019. As you read these, keep in mind that we are
always looking for more stories of your experiences while conducting your
duties as a Coast Guard Auxiliarist. Your photos are always welcomed and
will be considered for publication in our Flotilla 06-02 as well as the
Division 6 newsletters.

Congratulations to Flotilla Table of Contents
06-02’s newly elected Meet your Bridge and Staff
Flotilla Commander Officers…………………….…….Pg 2
Jerry Myers Daughter of “Sarge” Sutis visits
Flotilla 06-02……………….…Pg 3
A special election was held in February, VEs conducted on boats at the
2019 to fill the vacancy for the Flotilla HHYC…………………………….Pg 4
Commander of Flotilla 06-02. Jerry
Myers (center) was elected and took the Meet Don Nguyen………..….Pg 5
helm on 27 FEB 19. Pictured below are Trident Award Issued………Pg 7
Flotilla 06-02’s Jon Ross, FSO-MT (left) Coastie visits Commonwealth
and Champ Clark, FSO-OP (right) who Elementary School………….Pg 7
conducted the Flotilla Commander
Shoulder Boards Placement Ceremony. TCOs visit Sector LA/LB….Pg 8
The Commissioning of the
Terrell Horne………………….Pg 9

Article: “Fire at Sea”...….….Pg 10
Bill Scholz provides training on
Communications…………….Pg 11

Introducing Huntington Beach
Radio 2………………………….Pg 11

4 Cornerstone event on the
th
Cutter Robert Ward………..Pg 12
A moment with Admiral
Schultz………………………Pg 13

Our next Flotilla 06-02 meeting
will be held on Wednesday, 25
Click HERE to visit our
APR 19 at 1900 hours at the “What’s New” section of our
Flotilla 06-02 Website to stay
Huntington Harbour Yacht Club. up to date.



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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1


Meet your Flotilla 06-02 Bridge and Staff












Jerry Myers John A. Randall
Flotilla Commander Vice Flotilla Commander

FSO-PA FSO-HR














Tom Oberlin Dr. Mark Monroe Victoria Jacobs Desiree de Liser Jim Haas
FSO-CM FSO-DV FSO-FN FSO-IS FSO-MS















Guy Talbott Jon Ross Champ Clark Rudy Lopez Gary Bean
FSO-MA / FSO-SR FSO-MT / FSO-NS FSO-OP FSO-CS / FSO-PB FSO-VE / FSO-PV



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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1


Daughter of Damaso “Sarge” Sutis invited to Division 6
dinner, Flotilla 06-02 Meeting on 27 FEB 19 Annual Picnic is
08 JUN 19
On 27 FEB 19, Sharon Sutis-Maka’ena, daughter of Damaso “Sarge”
Sutis, and her husband Dan attended the Flotilla 06-02 Meeting which When
took place at the Huntington Harbour Yacht Club. The significance of Saturday, 08 JUN 19

this was that “Sarge” Sutis, who was a member of Flotilla 06-02, Time
crossed the bar on 19 DEC 18. He was laid to rest on 27 DEC 18 and 1000 – 1500 hours
photos were taken of the ceremony by Flotilla 06-02. Following
dinner, Sharon and Dan were presented the photos stored on a thumb Where
drive as a memento and keepsake of “Sarge’s” ceremony. Sharon then Sunset Aquatics Marina
shared the specially made Challenge Coins honoring her father to each 2901 Edinger Ave,
member in attendance. Huntington Beach

Click HERE to view the photos of “Sarge” Sutis Ceremony located on More information will be
the Flotilla 06-02 Facebook page. out soon. Mark your
Photos taken by Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB. calendars now!










Photo above taken by Rudy Lopez
Jr, FSO-PB.

L to R – Gary Bean, FSO-VE, Sharon and Dan Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB making the
Maka’ena, Bill French, Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB photos presentation to Sharon and
and Jon Ross, FSO-MT enjoying dinner prior to Dan Maka’ena during the Flotilla
the meeting. meeting.




REMINDER – Intro to Risk Management (100202) Update is due by Tuesday, 30 APR 19.




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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1


Flotilla 06-02 conducts Vessel Exams on boats preparing for the
Huntington Harbour Yacht Club Concours d’Elegance


The Huntington Harbour Yacht Club holds its Concours d’Elegance
every year prior to her Opening Day. The Concours d’Elegance, or
“competition of elegance” is a contest where boats are judged and
awards given for those found in an optimum condition.

As part of this tradition, the HHYC invites the Coast Guard
Auxiliary to participate by offering those boats a Vessel Safety
Check. On 13 APR 19, Flotilla 06-02’s Gary Bean and Guy Talbott
performed the Vessel Exams on two vessels, with each of them
passing the inspection. The Captains of each boat were then issued
the current safety sticker.



























Top row – Gary Bean, FSO-VE conducts a Vessel Safety Check and issues the safety sticker to Captain Jon Hamilton.
Bottom row – Guy Talbott, FSO-MA does the same and issues the safety sticker to Captain Dean Oliver. Pictured with Guy Talbott
and Captain Oliver in the last photo are Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB and Bill French, also from Flotilla 06-02. All photos taken by Rudy
Lopez Jr, FSO-PB and published with the permission of each Captain.


“What is the essence of Life? To serve others and to do good.”


-Aristotle, Greek Philosopher quoted over 2300 years ago.


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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1


One of our newest Flotilla 06-02 members gets sworn in,
the next week he’s being honored at Dodger Stadium


Meet Don Nguyen, Flotilla 06-02’s newest member.
Don came to us after stopping by the PA Booth set
up at the Veteran’s Day Celebration held at the O.C.
Fair in November, 2018. After talking to our Coast
Guard Auxiliary, he contacted Flotilla 06-02
inquiring about joining. On 27 MAR 19, Don was
sworn in at the Flotilla 06-02 meeting. A week
later, on 02 APR 19, Don was honored at a Los
Angeles Dodgers Baseball game held at Dodger
Stadium as the Military Hero of the Game.
Don is a 27 year military Veteran who retired in
January, 2015 as an U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel (O5)
with communications signal intelligence
cybersecurity IT expertise with multiple joint
humanitarian (hurricanes & medical) Jon Ross, FSO-MT reads the Oath to new members Joseph Fiori
and Don Nguyen on 27 MAR 19 while Jerry Myers, FC looks on.
communications disaster response operations with
FEMA, joint interagency drugs-narcotics
intelligence operations with US Coast Guard, DEA,
& multiple local/state/federal law enforcement
agencies, and multiple overseas Iraq War combat
deployments.

You see, Don’s wife heard about the Military Hero
of the Game Program at Dodger Stadium and in
November, 2018 submitted a letter for them to
consider selecting Don as their “Hero”.

In the letter, she wrote that Don Nguyen was born
in 1969 in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and
that following the war his family escaped and left
the newly occupied Vietnam Communist Regime
seeking freedom and opportunity for a better life in
1978. (L to R) Jon Ross, FSO-MT, Joseph Fiori, Don Nguyen and Jerry
Myers, FC.
(continued on next page)




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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1

One of our newest Flotilla 06-02 members gets sworn in, the next week
he’s being honored at Dodger Stadium (continued from page 5)

She further wrote that his family survived as political “boat
people refugees” and experienced starvation, dehydration,
turbulent weather, and without fuel, drifted in the South
China Sea until rescued by the UNICEF international
humanitarian effort. She added that Don was just ten
years old when he immigrated to America in November of
1979. He grew up in Houston, Texas and quickly learned
the English language, and how to become an American.
She included that Don began his military career with the
Air Force in 1988 and retired in 2015 as a U.S. Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel, having served in Operation Desert
Shield and Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War in
1991, served in post 9/11 Operation Noble Eagle, and
served in two consecutive combat deployment tours in
Operation Iraqi Freedom.

It was an easy decision for the Dodger Organization in
making their selection, citing his Vietnam War Political
Refugee survival, his immigration to America and his
military service to our Nation.
Lt. Col Don Nguyen (retired) and current Division 6,
Flotilla 06-02 is very fortunate, proud and honored to Flotilla 06-02 member as Dodger Stadium’s Military
have Don as a member. We thank him for his service and Hero of the Game.
welcome him to the Coast Guard Auxiliary.












rd
Photos left to right: Dodger 3 Base Coach Dino Ebel congratulates Don; Dodger player Joc Pederson shakes Don’s hand; Dodger
player Justin Turner hands Don an autographed baseball. All photos provided by Don Nguyen and published with his permission.





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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1


Flotilla 06-02’s James J. Haas earns the
Auxiliary Marine Safety (Trident)
Award

On 07 MAR 19, James J. Haas, FSO-MS from Flotilla 06-
02 was awarded the Auxiliary Marine Safety Trident
Device for his completion of the required training,
certifications and service. Presenting the award was
Captain Monica L. Rochester, Coast Guard Sector Los
Angeles-Long Beach. Jim received the honor in front of
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel during
morning Reveille at Sector LA-LB. Auxiliarist Debbie
Haas, wife of James was invited up front and witnessed
the presentation. Bravo Zulu James.

PHOTOS
1) Debbie Haas, James Haas both of Flotilla 06-02 and Captain Monica
L. Rochester
2) Debbie and James Haas with his Trident Certificate
3) Members of Division 6 who were there in support of James Haas’
accomplishments
All photos taken by Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB


COASTIE visits the children at Commonwealth Elementary School
On 15 MAR 19, the kids at Commonwealth
Elementary School in Fullerton, CA were treated to,
courtesy of a teacher who visited the PA Booth at the
O.C. Fair’s Veterans Day Celebration in November,
2018, a visit by Coastie. This visit became the start
of promoting Boating Safety Week which officially
starts 20 MAY 19. The children from the
Kindergarten, 1 and 2 grades came out and were
st
nd
shown the reasons for, and the proper wearing of
PFDs while on the water. The kids then chatted
with Coastie and received coloring books to enjoy.

PHOTO - (L to R) Rudy Lopez Jr - FSO-PB (06-02) and Rick
Weiss, VFC (06-03) with the class. Photo taken by Bill French
(06-02). Photo released with permission of Commonwealth
Elementary School.

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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1
TCO’s visit Coast Guard Sector LA-LB
Communications and the Marine Exchange
of Southern California

On 21 FEB 19, a special tour of the Communications Operations of
the Coast Guard Sector LA-LB for some of our local
Telecommunications Operators (TCO) was arranged by John Olson,
TCO (05-09). John, along with Chuck Hutchings FC (Flotilla 06-
01), Mark Hilstad VFC (Flotilla 06-01), Thomas Oberlin FSO-CM
(Flotilla 06-02), and Rudy Lopez FSO-PB (Flotilla 06-02) were able
to see the systems at Sector overseeing our southern California coast
lines at work. The TCOs were able to learn about the
communications protocol that was to be followed during the State of
the Coast Guard and the Terrell Horne Commissioning taking place
at Sector in the following weeks.
They also visited the Marine Exchange of Southern California where
Captain Kip Louttit, Executive Director at the Marine Exchange
provided insight on how the ships coming to and leaving our ports
are controlled.
All photos taken by Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB.


















Upcoming Events

08 MAY 19 - Aux Ops Workshop, Huntington Harbour Yacht Club, Huntington Beach.
Contact Jon Ross at [email protected]

11 MAY 19 - Dockwalker Training, Plaza at Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro
Contact Vivian Matuk at [email protected]

09 JUN 19 - Anaheim Flag Day Parade, Pearson Park, Anaheim.
Contact Ann Evans at [email protected]


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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1

Flotilla 06-02 join members of Division 6 at the Terrell Horne Commissioning

Flotilla 06-02’s Bill Kopenski, DCAPT, Bill French, John
Counts, and Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB joined Division 6’s
Joel Kaplan, DCDR (06-06), Brian Tankersley, VCDR
(06-06) and Ajit Badami (06-01) in attending the
Commissioning of the Terrell Horne that took place on
Friday, 22 MAR 19 at USCG Sector LA-LB.

The Terrell Horne is a fast-response cutter named after
Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III,
who was murdered by suspected drug smugglers who
intentionally rammed the boat he and fellow Coast
Guardsmen were aboard during law enforcement
operations near Santa Cruz Island off the Southern
California coast in December 2012. The Terrell Horne is
the third of four FRCs to be homeported in California.
It was a very touching ceremony that included the family
of Terrell Horne in attendance. Admiral Karl Schultz,
Coast Guard Commandant was present and spoke
during the ceremony on this very special day.

Click HERE for additional photos taken at this event.

All photos taken by Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB



























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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1
ARTICLE

Handling Fire at Sea
By Mark N. Monroe, M.D. FSO-DV

“FIRE” is the scariest word on a boat. There is no place to escape to and help will take too
long to get there. You have to prepare by outfitting your boat with the proper types and US
Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers determined by the boat size. The fire extinguishers
should be able to handle A (wood, paper and plastics), B (flammable liquids i.e. oils, gasoline
and paints), and C (electrical) fires.

The minimum number of fire extinguishers required by US Coast Guard is as follows:
If the boat is less than 26 feet, only one mounted B1 fire extinguisher is required. Boats 26 to 40 feet long
require two B1s or one B2 or one B1 with an automatic fixed system. Boats 40 to 65 feet must have three
B1s, or one B1 and one B2, or two B1s or one B2 with an automatic fixed system. Boats longer than 65 feet
are no longer considered small crafts. These boats require one – eight B2s plus additional requirements
in the machinery space such as automatic fire extinguishing systems. The fire extinguishers must be
installed in areas where you can get to it quickly in a bracket on the bulkhead, not in a compartment
where you have to search for it.

Fire prevention includes having a working ventilation system that is used properly for five minutes prior to
starting engines. Your nose near the bilge is your best sensor for detecting any flammable fumes in the engine
compartment. Practice fire drills with your crew. This includes:
1. Position the boat so that the fire is downwind so as not to inhale the smoke.
2. Stop the engines and all should put on life jackets.
3. If there is a way, shut off the fuel to your engine(s). Do not open the engine compartment. Letting the
oxygen in can produce a flare up.
4. Since the average fire extinguisher only lasts 10-15 seconds, aim the fire it at the base of the flames by
sweeping back and forth. Remember P.A.S.S.:
P: Pull the pin
A: Aim at the base of fire
S: Squeeze the handle
S: Sweep side to side
5. Summon help with your VHF marine radio by calling out MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY.

If it’s an electrical fire and your VHF radio is out, consider having an EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio
beacon) or PLB (personal locator beacon) or hand-held VHF radio. Some VHF radios have an automatic
emergency red button that can transmit your position and emergency for you if you have an FCC registered MMSI
number. Request a courtesy US Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel examination at the beginning of every year to help
prevent fires.

Dr. Monroe works in Santa Ana, CA and specializes in Family Medicine. Dr. Monroe is affiliated with Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
& Medical Center and South Coast Global Medical Center. He is also the FSO-DV for Flotilla 06-02. Article posted and released with
Dr. Monroe’s permission.



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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1

Bill Scholz presents updated information on Communications
at Flotilla 06-02’s Meeting

During the 27 FEB 19 meeting of Flotilla 06-02, Jon Ross,
FSO-MT arranged to have radio specialist Bill Scholz, FC
(Flotilla 11-05)/ADSO-CM speak to the group about radio
communications protocol, provide updates, and express the
importance of the functions of the TCO. The training was
very informative and well received by those in attendance.

Bill also joined several members for dinner at the
Huntington Harbour Yacht Club prior to the start of the
meeting.

For questions about the training mentioned here, you can
contact Bill Scholz at [email protected].


Introducing Huntington Beach Radio 2

Coast Guard Auxiliary’s newest
Fixed Land Radio Facility

The Coast Guard Auxiliary now has another fixed land
radio facility working the area of Huntington Beach. The
station, officially recognized as Huntington Beach
Radio 2 (HBR2) is a fixed land based station operated
principally by Tom Oberlin, FSO-CM (pictured) from
our Flotilla 06-02.

HBR2, located in Huntington Beach, was inspected and
deemed operational this year and adds an ever-so-
important radio link to our base-to-patrol boats and to
the Coast Guard. The benefits of this location also allows
communications to reach some areas not easily
attainable by Auxiliary Radio Newport due to terrain.

This station now compliments our radio systems
capabilities along the southern California coast.
For more information about HBR2, contact Tom Oberlin
at [email protected].

All photos taken by Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB.

Page | 11 Flotilla 06-02 “Four-One-One”

April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1
Division 6 joins the crew aboard the
cutter Robert Ward on a Familiarization Cruise



Several members of Division 6 boarded the Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward on Friday, 19 APR 19 for another
th
4 Cornerstone event, a Familiarization Cruise arranged by Joel Kaplan, DCDR. 17 souls joined the crew of
the Robert Ward which is currently docked at Coast Guard Sector LA-LB. The Commanding Officer,
Lieutenant Benjamin Davne, provided information about the cutter’s capabilities and arranged for us to tour
the ship. The Robert Ward then took to sea and demonstrated what she could do. What was impressive was
the speed the cutter was able to attain, and the use of its “fins” that greatly reduced the motion of the vessel
while underway. Upon returning to port, the vessel side tied to another cutter using her thrusters that gently
moved the Robert Ward into the perfect position.

At the conclusion of the familiarization cruise, Joel Kaplan, DCDR presented Lt. Davne with a plaque
thanking him and the crew for the time they spent with the Auxiliary.
More photos of the trip can be found on Flotilla 06-02’s website. You can access them HERE.

All photos taken by Rudy Lopez Jr, FSO-PB (06-02) and Ray Evans, FSO-CS (06-06).



































NOTE: While on deck and at the request of Lt. Davne, due to the speed of the cutter, covers were removed while the
ship was in motion to prevent loss to the wind.

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April, 2019 Volume 2 Issue 1


A moment with the Admiral

Photo: Admiral Karl L. Schultz and Auxiliary
Sector Coordinator (ASC) Jon Ross at the
Chairman's Reception for the Coast Guard Cutter
Terrell Horne commissioning at Sector LA-LB on
Thursday, 21 Mar 19.

As the ASC Jon served on the CGC HORNE
Commissioning Committee. Jon also serves as our
Flotilla 06-02's FSO-MT.


Photo provided by ASC Jon Ross, FSO-MT






Rudy Lopez Jr is the Flotilla Staff Officer – Publications, or FSO-
PB. He is also the editor of The Flotilla 06-02 “Four-One-
Area for DSO
One” Newsletter which contains news, stories and events from Approval Stamp
around the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Flotilla
06-02. Publications will generally be released bi-monthly unless
otherwise indicated.





The FLOTILLA 06-02 “FOUR-ONE-ONE” is the official newsletter of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 06-02 and is intended as
a publication to keep the membership apprised of the activities of the Auxiliary. All articles and photographs submitted must be
consistent with the policies of the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary and may not be returned. Personal information of members is
protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. The use of these rosters, addresses and telephone numbers on any computer or online
service including the Internet is prohibited by the Act.









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