I am the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Fleet Staff Officer Communications for Flotilla 73 located in Channel Islands Harbor, California.

The FSO-CM exercises supervision over all matters pertaining to flotilla communications and keep all members informed of all developments in this area. The FSO-CM will ensure that every activation of an Auxiliary Radio Facility is under Coast Guard orders and will inspect all flotilla land and land mobile radio facilities is qualified as a Communications Specialist.

Other general duties of the FSO-CM included, but are not limited to, submission of articles to Auxiliary publications to keep members updated on new developments, to encourage member use of radio facilities and participation in communication drills, participate in any required Auxiliary operations seminars, maintaining an updated list of Communications Specialists, and working closely with USCG radio stations toward provision of qualified Auxiliarists for possible communications watch-standing opportunities, telephone watches, etc. The FSO-CM will maintain and publish an up-to-date emergency telephone “calling tree” for member alerting both land line and available OPFAC and land mobile radio facility call signs.

Supporting the US Coast Guard and Homeland Security is a way for you to volunteer your time to our country and security. Amateur radio operators, ex-military communications officers, etc., can provide valuable expertise to the Auxiliary. I have participated in MARS and CAP for communications. While MARS has declined in its operation, there is still a lot of valuable participation in the Auxiliary. I encourage you to consider participating. Contact me for more information.