Coast Guard flotilla members honored in Milton
From staff reports • April 21, 2010 PNJ.com
At its awards banquet recently at Ryan's in Milton, several members of
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 01-08, the "Guardians of the
Blackwater," were recognized for outstanding performance during the past
year.
Although a new flotilla, chartered in September of 2008, Flotilla 01-08 in
Milton quickly has organized to one of the 10 most active flotillas in the
Eighth Coastal Region, which encompasses portions of seven states, and was
awarded the Silver Oar for exceeding performance objectives.
During calendar year 2009 the flotilla accrued 240 hours of operational
missions, provided 24 boater assists, conducted 89 courtesy vessel safety
examinations, taught 15 separate boater safety classes and carried out 264
hours of public affairs activities. Flotilla membership increased from 19 to
31 members over the course of the year, earning them the Betty A. Finnigan
Growth Award.
The overall performance of the flotilla was reflected in the performance of
several individual members. Flotilla Commander Paul Fernandez was recognized
for having completed more than 7,500 hours of service since joining the
auxiliary in December of 2001.
Members of Flotilla 01-08 received three of the six prestigious Division
Awards: FSO-PS John Mount received the Larry L. Radell Memorial Award,
recognizing the personnel officer whose new members have been most active in
the various phases of flotilla accomplishments; FSO-PE John McKinley
received the William F. Valentine Award for most outstanding public
education officer; Flotilla Vice Commander / FSO-PA John E. Reble received
the Ivary A. Adams Award for the new auxiliarist with the greatest
participation in at least three auxiliary program areas.
The Commanding Officer of United States Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Captain
Steven D. Poulin, of Pace, was present to present the division awards.
"I am very proud of the work this flotilla has done in the short time since
it was chartered," Captain Poulin said. "This flotilla has been a great help
to the Coast Guard in Station Pensacola's most remote area of
responsibility," Poulin said.