The East area of District 7 goes from Indian River County on the North, to Key West on the South and Lake Okeechobee to the West. It also includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It encompasses 6 divisions, 36 flotillas, and almost 2,131 Auxiliarists. We serve Sectors Miami, Key West and San Juan. We support Coast Guard Air Stations Borinquen and Miami and Stations Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Islamorada, Key West, Lake Worth Inlet, Marathon, Miami Beach and San Juan. In 2014 we contributed more than 301,200 hours to our assigned Coast Guard Stations and Sectors, and to other Auxiliary missions. That is a lot of volunteer time requiring talent, skills, experience, certifications, continual training, effort and sacrifice.
We are now in 2015 and what matters is what we do today and tomorrow and in the future. We are in the third year of emphasizing leadership principles that promote performance improvement, growth, and expansion along with initiating new and creative programs. What we do today and tomorrow is important for the future of our missions. Data from specific performance measures consists of the number of graduates from our public education programs, number of vessel examinations, number of program visitations, member training hours, marine and air patrol hours, and member number. These figures are gathered, charted and discussed for each Flotilla and Division. For each flotilla and division these figures are gathered, charted and discussed. These measurements are important in guiding us as we plan and implement strategies needed to meet our goals. They also show our progress toward our objectives and determine what we’re doing well and what needs more attention. Discussions about the data give us insight to overcome obstacles and to celebrate forward movement. We have become more comfortable with the organizational improvement process, and more accepting of the principles of good leadership. There is no doubt that in 2015 we will not only do more, but do it better!
Our main focus is boating safety, particularly in areas of boating education, vessel examinations and partner program visits. As always, our primary goal is to save more lives on the water, reduce injuries, reduce the number of accidents, and prevent property damage and loss. We will strive to become more proficient and efficient in everything we do. We will identify more ways to partner with appropriate community agencies, and we will continue to develop the skills of our current members to become future leaders.
I am enjoying meeting you, learning and working with you, and also having some fun together while we serve the United States Coast Guard, our communities, and our country. Remember, your Flotilla Commanders, Division Commanders and staff are here to help you. If you have questions, contact them. I am also here to help. Let’s all work together as a cohesive unit to better accomplish our goals, support the Coast Guard and serve our country.
Semper Paratus