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By Chuck Baker 
(Las Vegas, NV) – “Our core values are honor, respect and devotion to duty.” That statement encompasses what is expected of members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. 
 
Most American military organizations (Army, Navy, etc), operate under the Department of Defense. But there is one group that differs — the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security. It is the principle federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in all U.S. ports, the inland navigable waterways, and more than 100,000 miles of coastline. If one views the statistics reported on the USCG website, it won’t take long to see that the workforce of more than 40,000 Guardsman worldwide is spread thin. While they work around the clock and give it their all, it can be difficult to physically meet the demands of what they have been tasked to do. Enter the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  
 
Since its establishment in 1939, it has grown to nearly 30,000 volunteers logging more than two million volunteer hours per year. Nationwide the Auxiliary has approximately 2,250 vessels, 180 aircraft, and about 1,700 radio facilities. It is the only organization of volunteers that is under the direct authority of Homeland Security via the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. 
 
In Southern Nevada there are two Auxiliary Flotillas. The Commander of Flotilla 9-5 is Bob Cromley, and his group meets at the North Las Vegas Airport on the second Thursday evening of each month. While many members are in fact veterans, being a veteran is not a prerequisite to joining the Auxiliary. But there are certain federally mandated qualifications, and if one is a veteran, having a DD214 can help the process along. Those who apply must be at least 17 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Cromley is quick to point out that a third prerequisite may be the most important. “Probably the most critical aspect of being a member of the Auxiliary is enthusiasm and commitment to the unit. That is the basis for all we do. Our core values are honor, respect and devotion to duty,” he said. And in today’s exceedingly detailed and complicated world, Coast Guard leadership is quick to point out that active duty personnel as well as Auxiliary members are expected to comply with, and support, policies against sexual harassment, discrimination and drug and alcohol abuse. 
 
Individuals often ask why any Coast Guard presence is needed in the desert, and Cromley is always pleased to reply to those questions. “Lake Powell has more shoreline than the entire West Coast, about 2,000 miles, and Lake Mead has about 400 miles. We do safety patrols during holiday events, inspect aids to navigation, conduct vessel safety examinations and attend numerous public affairs events in our area.” Last year the Flotilla exhibited at Aviation Nation at Nellis Air Force Base, highlighting a USCG H65 helicopter from the Coast Guard Station in San Francisco. The group also participated in the Veterans Day Parade in Las Vegas. In an accompanying photo, members of the local Auxiliary Flotillas are shown at the start of the Veterans Day parade. Mark Himes is on the far right. In a separate photo, three Auxiliary women pose with Coastie, a remote controlled device used at public gatherings to promote safe boating awareness. And in a group photo, members and guests of Flotilla 9-5 are shown at a recent joint meeting. In addition, there is a picture of two Auxiliary members setting up a display of safety equipment for boating. 
 
Being in the Auxiliary, individuals are allowed to apply for specialized training. “All Coast Guard mission areas are open to the Auxiliary with the exception of combat and law enforcement,” Cromley pointed out. “Most of our missions, training, and the events that we participate in deal with boating safety and education. For example, we teach the proper use of safety equipment required on any boat, and we explain rules of the road (they have them on the water also.)” Cromley continued, “We encourage individuals to ‘see something, say something,’ and provide other important information. The training itself covers many specialized areas with classes, seminars and conferences available to members.” 
 
Cromley explained in detail that while some of the talents needed by the Auxiliary are taught by Flotilla experts, there are areas that are not taught, although they are needed nonetheless. Individuals who can volunteer in such areas as cooking, working in music programs, joining the interpreter corps, coxswain duties, HAM radio operating, experts in finance and bookkeeping, as well as in computer programming and speaking foreign languages (Spanish in particular, as will be shown below), are always welcomed. 
 
Currently Flotilla 9-5 does not have a boat of its own, but expects to obtain a vessel this year. “But we work on land inspecting all types of watercraft,” he explained. “We also offer vessel examinations at homes in owner’s driveways. All they need is a boat and current registration,” he said. All Auxiliary vessel safety examinations are always offered at no cost to the public. 
 
“Vessels” can be crafts other than boats. “Nationally, eight percent of drowning victims involved paddle craft such as boards, canoes and kayaks, which are the fastest growing segment of water craft,” Cromley explained. “Those items are inexpensive, there are no required classes to attend, and they need very little or no instruction. When it comes to safe practices, communication and visibility is a must, no matter what type of water experience is being undertaken.” In addition, boats are inspected for Quagga Mussels, the most invasive aquatic species in America. They are at a critical stage when it comes to overtaking a lot of Nevada marine life. With no known predators, they are almost impossible to eliminate, except by boat users inspecting their crafts and removing them. Owners are encouraged to wash their boats regularly, and often told, “Don’t move a Mussel!” For more information or to explore becoming a Flotilla member, go to joincga95.org. 
 
The second Auxiliary in Southern Nevada is Flotilla 9-6, under the direction of Commander Mark Himes. His mission is the same as other Flotillas, but he has taken on a special task. Because the Hispanic population is experiencing growth in Southern Nevada, there are many more Hispanics taking advantage of the State’s beaches and waterways, Himes notes. Some are inexperienced in swimming and boating, and often are finding difficulty in the water. “We’ve already had four Hispanic individuals drown this year in Lake Mead, and one other in Lake Mohave. Recently we celebrated National Safe Boating week, and locally we geared activities toward educating the Hispanic community,” Himes said. “We need help in getting the word out about water safety and about wearing life jackets.” The Auxiliary points out that other safety equipment is often needed. Such items as rescue whistles, air horns, flares, life rafts, life rings and emergency position-indicating radio beacons can save lives in emergencies. 
 
To learn more or to join his Flotilla, Himes said all anyone has to do is Google Flotilla 9-6, and it will take them to his website. “We meet on the last Wednesday of each month at the Bass Pro Shop on Dean Martin Drive, at 6 p.m.” 
 
Recruiting men and women for the Auxiliary is an on-going process and all are always welcome, Himes said. His unit has 36 members, and he would like to especially recruit anyone who is a Spanish speaker to join his unit. “We’re working with the National Park Service, the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, reaching out to everyone to help promote water safety.” (For the record, there are also Flotillas in the Reno-Tahoe area. Google USCGAUX and add a Zip Code, and local Flotilla details will show up.) 
 
Himes pointed out that even individuals who are great swimmers can find themselves in difficulty. “The water is warm, but then they get out in the middle of the lake and enter a cold spot, and the initial shock sets in. Bodies tense up and right then and there they are in trouble.” By being an Auxiliary member, or even by merely taking time to learn safe techniques to utilize while engaging in water activities, citizens can help ensure that their own experiences will be fruitful and fun. And Auxiliary members are there to help others. When it comes to water safety and education, they are anxious to exhibit their core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.