By Kathi Neal

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Outer Banks Flotilla 054-16-07 

The Outer Bank Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary observed their annual Change of Watch ceremony this month. It was a celebration of family relationships.  They enjoy collaborating with their fellow Auxiliarists and the U.S. Coast Guard teams they support at Station Oregon Inlet in Nags Head, the Coast Guard Air Station in Elizabeth City and the Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team at Wanchese.

Albert Douglass, the Outer Banks Flotilla Commander, will lead this flotilla into the new decade with his spirit and dedication. This flotilla proudly boasts high service hours both on and off the water. They have new and returning members filling the Staff Officer positions to support their Commander. Current Vice Commander Timothy Baker is moving up to Division Vice Commander. John Lawing is the new Flotilla Vice Commander,  a dedicated Coxswain who also serves in Public Visitation and Aids to Navigation.  Another member who excels at multi-tasking combined with creativity is John Horst.  Last year he served as Operations Officer and will add to his Auxiliary responsibilities the role of Public Education Officer. John also is admired for organizing the 1st annual Guardian Golf  Open for North Carolina Coastal Division Coast Guard and Auxiliary units.  Much fun was had by all who participated.

The Change of Watch program includes the swearing in of the Flotilla Staff Officers and recognizing a few Auxiliarists with awards.  This year, they awarded John Horst with the Inspirational Leader of the Year award which was richly deserved as John continually boosts the moral and confidence of our members.  Kathi Neal, who will continue to serves as Public Affairs officer, was awarded the Auxiliarist of the Year award. She was surprised and humbled to receive this award.

Membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is voluntary, personally challenging, and able to use as much time as an individual is willing to give.  The rewards of supporting Coast Guard training, providing safe boating training for children and adults, and interacting with the community at public events are beyond gratifying.  And it’s fun!

The Outer Banks Flotilla hopes you will join their Auxiliary family.  Membership is available to all men and women in the community with a desire to serve and a willingness to learn.   All the flotilla members will help you succeed.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, visit www.cgaux.org.

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