Anyone Want To Guess...

[boathealer]

Saw these guys last fall practicing chopper maneuvers on the St. Johns. They were chasing two 40+ footers doing 35-40 knots with 4-6 guys in each boat dressed all in black.

Way cool afternoon show from the anchorage.

 

[psneeld]

wonder if that was sniper practice?

 

[AUXOPdwp]

Did you mean to write CGAUX there?

Yes. Auxiliary OPFACS frequently maintain exclusion zones. Sometimes with 2 armed active duty coasties aboard, sometimes without. Why do you ask?

 

[menzies]

Yes. Auxiliary OPFACS frequently maintain exclusion zones. Sometimes with 2 armed active duty coasties aboard, sometimes without. Why do you ask?

I didn't believe that they had facilities that would be "lit" up? Or are you referring to "assets," which are termed as facilities? Such as their boats?

 

[AUXOPdwp]

I didn't believe that they had facilities that would be "lit" up? Or are you referring to "assets," which are termed as facilities? Such as their boats?

USCG's viewpoint is that they have Air and Surface assets, which includes active duty as well as Auxiliary facilities. Civilian owned aircraft and boats must be formally 'offered', inspected for capabilities compliance and formally accepted/authorized for use as a US Government Operational Facility. ONLY IF a boat is currently accepted as an official USCG OPFAC, is that vessel entitled to fly the 'blue ensign'. Only if the facility is 'under orders' will it fly the CGAUX 'Operational Ensign', i.e red racing stripe, to signify such. Flying either ensign requires that the US National Ensign be simultaneously flown to starboard (nothing is to the right of Old Glory).

If active duty USCG are aboard, their USCG vertically striped flag displaces either Auxiliary ensign. All can be seen here: https://www.google.com/search?sa=N&...WEg-AKHb8xBo44ChDsCXoECAoQHg&biw=1054&bih=476
Auxiliary facilities are not outfitted with blue lights to further clarify their status. This can create confusion and requires deft public intercourse. E.G. During Fleet Week in Baltimore, my USCG boarding team wanted to confront various boats anchored within 1500 yards of where Osprey aircraft would land POTUS Obama. Fortunately our red/amber flashers, flags and loud hailers were sufficient to allay anxieties in recreational boaters.

Formal orders stipulate OPFAC command. The Auxiliary OPFAC coxswain may be either an Auxiliarist or Coastie so long as the facility owner is in agreement. As a practical matter, crew participation is voluntary, so neither Auxiliarists nor Coasties are obliged to embark unless they have confidence in the cox'n/crew.

The first asset (SRU - Search And Rescue Unit) on scene in a SAR case is in command of the case until that cox'n and the SMC (Search Mission Coordinator) may decide to transfer command to another asset.

Blue light inconsistencies and other issues are confusing to the public as USCG employs Auxiliary personnel and Facilities as 'force mulitpliers'. Our Public Education courses endeavor to acquaint attendees with Day Shapes, Flags, Lights and COLREGs, but too few boaters ever develop adequate knowledge.

Semper Paratus
Don

 

[menzies]

Auxiliary facilities are not outfitted with blue lights to further clarify their status.
Don

That's what I was referring to. CGAUX boats do not light up, right?

 

[AUXOPdwp]

That's what I was referring to. CGAUX boats do not light up, right?

Not with a 'blue flasher' but we intensely hope our frenzied operation of our horn, loud hailer, red/amber flashers, spotlights, hand held signage and such will convey the message. It's especially interesting when we must block traffic from traveling north or south under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge during the annual 'Bay Swim'. As 'chase boats' four or five Auxiliary OPFACS sit aside each other across the width of the bay, 2000 yards from the bridge. Upon seeing a fast mover, you maneuver to align your bow with his and maintain the head-on course until he realizes he should back down. When they do not, it's a thrill to see the Police helicopter descend to very nearly land on his foredeck, which works without exception. A blue light would clearly be safer, if less exhilarating.

Semper Paratus
Don

 

[AlaskaProf]

Nuclear sub coming. Attack boats out of Cumberland and boomers out of New London. We have seen them both on this trip.

Sub Base Bangor (WA) seems to have three or more 65' CG security boats
for sub escort duty.

 

[AUXOPdwp]

Lest I leave the wrong impression menzies, CGAUX has no LE power by definition. Yet, it's often the case that LE has too few assets to address circumstances. When a dozen or two CGAUX facilities are maintaining an exclusion zone, two or more Response Boats are keeping station nearby, and will converge on an interdiction as may be required.

 

[PMF1984]

wonder if that was sniper practice?

Yes, they are trying to “tag” the engines. Boats stationed at Doctors Lake.

 

[jeffimac]

They’re trying to roll the boat over

 

[RonE]

... what these guys are doing?

Looks like they are trying to herd dolphins or sea lions.

 

[HiDHo]

Don, you seem to be well versed on the CG Aux. I have seen there boats occasionally and noticed no uniform ranks or rates, I assume however owns the boat is in charge. But assuming who is in charge and chain of command usually doesn’t work well in emergency situations. Can you advise what structure the CG Aux uses ? Also because it’s a volunteer group does the CG compensate the boat owner for fuel and maintenance while on patrols?

 

[Rocky Champagne]

Practicing

You are way over analyzing this. They are probably just practicing chasing each other. It could be sanctioned training or just screwing around. (Retired State Trooper)

 

[menzies]

Guys see post #21.

 

[AUXOPdwp]

Don, you seem to be well versed on the CG Aux. I have seen there boats occasionally and noticed no uniform ranks or rates, I assume however owns the boat is in charge. But assuming who is in charge and chain of command usually doesn’t work well in emergency situations. Can you advise what structure the CG Aux uses ? Also because it’s a volunteer group does the CG compensate the boat owner for fuel and maintenance while on patrols?

Interpreting 'who's who' in the CGAUX is difficult 'from the outside looking in'. I'll cite a number of facts that you must digest to make sense of it.

1st - CG Auxiliary employs a "chain of leadership" instead of a "chain of command". 'Rank' is not as powerfully authoritative as it is in active duty.
2nd - CG Auxiliarists earn 'officer' ranks: e.g. Ensign (Flotilla Staff Officer), Lt JG (Flotilla Vice-Commander), Lt (Flotilla Commander), Lt Cmdr (Division Vice Commander), Cmdr (Division Commander), Captain (District Captain), Commodore, etc. by being elected to positions of increasing administrative responsibility. Such devices are not generally worn on Operational Dress Uniforms (ODUs), lest they confuse young non-commissioned Coasties, especially when participating in On-The-Water (OTW) Operations.
3rd - Many organizations have come to recognize that members progress either: through managerial, or, technical career tracks. In this context, CGAUX awards Offices (analogous to ranks) that are qualified by color coded insignia, intended to distinguish 'elected' versus 'appointed' offices. Elected Officers swing a politically heavier bat than appointed officers, of course.
4th - Some highly experienced/talented Executives/Professionals join CGAUX to refine OTW skills yet hoping to avoid the administrative/managerial duties they're retiring from. Conversely, some minimally accomplished people join CGAUX to acquire and exercise authority they've dreamed of. Therefore, rank is not automatically indicative of skill, intelligence or authority.
5th - Boat Crews are easier to understand because they are limited in size and the mission demands it. The Coxswain (wearing crossed oars over the left breast - see photo) is in command, regardless of the offices/ranks of other persons on board (POB). The Cox'n may or may not be the boat owner. A boat owner may terminate the mission at any time but yields operational control to the Cox'n at all times. Uncommonly, Active Duty may wear a Surfman's device, and an Auxiliarist may wear a Trident in place of the Coxswain Device.

6th - The OIA (Order Issuing Authority, which is typically the local Small Boat Station) in concert with CGAUX 'Operations' chain of leadership will typically match Cox'ns skills/experience to mission requirements.
7th - Until recently another reliable means of identifying senior expertise in boat crews was to observe an AUXOP device over the Name tape on the right breast (see photo). This device signified completion of training in Seamanship, Weather, Patrol Management, Communications, Advanced Coastal Navigation and Search And Rescue. However, CGAUX has reduced requirements, and offered alternative electives, to permit various Auxiliarists to earn & wear the elite badge previously indicating mastery of all Surface Operator skills. Consequently, the AUXOP device is no longer a reliable indication of expertise or capabilities.
8th - When encountering a CGAUX OPFAC, the Cox'n likely will have appointed a crewman as the 'talker', for training or skills maintenance purposes, and also because the Cox'n persistently attempts to maintain situational awareness (of all crew, traffic, instruments, etc.). More than one person communicating can be confusing. There is nothing wrong with someone asking "who is the coxswain"?
9th - Fuel reimbursement, solely for patrol hours/miles, must be justified by credible receipts. Frugal allowances for meals and boat maintenance, are computed and awarded based on clock time and horsepower.


Auxiliary membership is generally very gratifying but infrequently depressing when Rescues evolve into Recoveries. Teaming with retired: combat helicopter pilots (incredible dexterity!), USN Commanders of DDG 51 Destroyers & Aircraft Carriers and the thoroughly professional mariners graduated from our Merchant Marine Academies has enriched my boating knowledge and skills more than I imagined. The voice you hear on VHF 16 is very often an Auxiliarist relieving active duty personnel.



Years ago, CGAUX senior surface operators were awarded greater responsibility/authority based on demonstrating their ability to competently operate more than a dozen different kinds of boats. Although this standard is long forgotten, Qualification Examiners (QEs) regularly confirm that "our best surface operators are those who entered training with extensive recreational boating backgrounds". The flip side is that CGAUX is increasingly governed by the US Government's ever expanding political correctness. which may be demotivating.
I hope the foregoing fulfills your curiosity.


Semper Paratus,
Don