N THE MOST RECENT EDITION
of Over the Bow, we discussed the strong relationship that is developing between the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard's Research and Development Center, which is located in New London, CT. As part of that article, we recounted how, on 2 May 2017, Auxiliary District 1SR provided public affairs support to publicize RDC's initial testing of a new Maritime Object Tracking Technology (MOTT) device.
After evaluating the results of the initial experiment, RDC determined that further testing was needed. The second experiment was conducted on the morning of 18 October. As with the first experiment this test required that an RDC staff member drop the test devices 200 feet from the top of the I-95 Gold Star Bridge into the Thames River. The test also required two boats, one to track and retrieve the devices and another to keep maritime traffic clear of the drop zone. Due to other commitments, Coast Guard Station New London was unable to provide vessels. RDC, therefore, asked its trusty partner Auxiliary District 1SR to provide two Auxiliary surface facilities (AUXFACs) as well as a photographer to record the event.
Despite the short notice, Divisions 24 and 25 responded and provided the needed assistance. Seven AUX shipmates participated in the mission: Bruce Buckley, M. Edward Chale, Sean Fleming, Joseph Laudano, Joseph Romanowski, David Thiede and Kenneth Williams. In addition, Auxiliarist Tod Schaefer of Flotilla 25-03 was standing Communications Watch at Station New London that morning. John McLeod also participated in his capacity as the RDC Project Manager for this exercise. (John also is a Flotilla 24-04 shipmate.)
AUXFAC Pasquale, with Joe Laudano as Coxswain, and Joe Romanowski and Ken Williams as crew, was assigned to track and pick up the MOTT devices. John McLeod was aboard as the RDC’s primary on site representative for this test. In his capacity as SO-PA for Division 25, Ed Chale was also on board as the photographer in order to record the mission. AUXFAC Sugar Magnolia was assigned the task of keeping the drop zone clear of surface traffic while the units were being dropped and retrieved. Dave Thiede served as Coxswain with Sean Fleming as crew.
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