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Changing of the guard at the Local USCG Auxiliary

William Sword (right) – flotilla commander; Michael McDonald – vice commander
Source: USCG Auxiliary

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Tuesday the 25th of February the local Auxiliary flotilla installed new officers. The ceremony was held at the Gataivai terminal conference room. The officers for 2020 are: William Sword – flotilla commander; Michael McDonald – vice commander; Terry Shimasaki – treasurer; John Goeke –secretary.  

According to Vice Commander Mike McDonald, 2020 will be a busy year. They expect a lot of new and active members this year. The USCG Auxiliary is focused on boating safety and participates in boating related events with an information booth and safety equipment demonstrations. In addition the auxiliary assists the local US Coast Guard with vessel safety inspections and pollution detection. This year the overall mission also includes the introduction of a boating safety course.

Taulapapa Will Sword also heads up the Boat Crew and Coxswain team and has organized training for the second week in March. If you are interested, contact Will at 258 9455.  

This year, in addition to the regular monthly meetings and coast watch/ cleanup events, the auxiliary will participate with information and outreach booths at:
    •    -    I’a Lapoa game fishing tournament – May
    •    -    National Boating Safety Week – May 16 -23                
    •    -    Coast Weeks – September                              
    •    -    Fisheries Council Fisher’s Forum – October.                

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all its service missions. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org