[LaHam] Ham Radio and the Coast Guard Auxillary

[Albert Dupont W5AFD]

QST to all Ham Radio Operators in 
Southeast Louisiana
March 16, 2006

The Jefferson Amateur Radio Club and the United States Coast Auxiliary are
working to form a partnership.  Plans are in the works to form a “Flotilla”
or group of Communication Specialists/Amateur Radio Operators.  

Captain Mike Howell, KE5CGO, of the Motor Vessel Manana and a member of the
US Coast Guard Auxiliary is in the process of getting together a group of
Auxiliary Members in a Flotilla that would specialize in communications. 
This Flotilla would specialize in “foxhunting” EPIRBS, stuck mics or
“problem children” on the marine frequencies.  The communication flotilla
would also serve as a backup communications for the US Coast Guard providing
local VHF communications as well as provide HF communications with the
Sector Command in Alexandria, Louisiana, as well as, other Coast Guard
stations and districts.

A Flotilla is the basic organizational unit of the Auxiliary and is
comprised of at least 15 qualified members who carry out Auxiliary program
activities.  The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is part of the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security and are known as “America’s Volunteer Lifesavers.”  (CG
Aux Website)  

If you would like to take part in this exciting new program please contact
one of the people listed below.  To take part, you would have to join the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and be trained in “AUXCOM’s” or Auxiliary
Communications.  There are plans to hold an AUXCOM’s course before June 1st,
2006 on a Saturday or Sunday for those interested.  You would also have to
go through a background check because you may be asked to pass secret or
classified information under Federal Orders.

There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 7:00
p.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Metairie, Louisiana before the
Jefferson Amateur Radio Club meeting at 7:30 p.m.  The U.S. Coast Guard
Station is located in Bucktown on the lakeside of the levee near the 17th
Street Canal.  The meeting will be held in the main building’s conference
room on the 2nd floor.    Go into the doors facing the parking lot and into
the elevator to the 2nd floor.  Out of the elevator, turn right and the
conference room is on the right.  To get onto the property, check in at the
Guard Shack on the lakeside of the levee and the Coast Guardsman will direct
you where to park.

For More Information Contact and if you are interested in attending please
email me or Capt. Mike at the address below.


Albert Dupont, W5AFD
w5afd at w5gad.org

Capt. Mike Howell, KE5CGO
captmike at manana.com

Jefferson Amateur Radio Club Website
http://www.w5gad.org

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Website
http://nws.cgaux.org/