Topside Spring 2019 Newsletter | Page 15

topside Volume 116, Issue 1 Page 15 Division 16 Article by Noreen Schifini, IPDCDR Division 16 Division 16 is celebrating our 60 th Anniversary in 2018, officially activated on January 1, 1958. We cover an area in New Jersey that it is spread across multiple counties, from Toms River to the south and Eatontown to the north. It is a somewhat diverse area in that the most eastern portion of the AOR is filled with very active boating communities where there is access to the Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat Bay, several rivers as well as lakes as you head west. We are called “Jersey Shore North” as we cover approximately 27 miles on the Atlantic Ocean and the corresponding beaches as well as numerous rivers, creeks and coves. Our Division membership has remained consistent and is comprised of 179 members divided amongst 6 Flotilla’s. Our members provide direct support for the Coast Guard in the following areas: 6 members Helo Ops qualified; 3 watch standers and 1 trainee for the Atlantic Strike Team; 4 qualified AUXFS; 3 Watch standers at Station Manasquan; 1 – Ombudsman and 1 member that is USCG Boat Crew qualified who also assists with general maintenance. Our Division is very active in operations as we have 17 Operational Facilities helmed by 22 Coxswains and manned by 32 Boat Crew members. We also have 3 Qualification Examiners. We support Station Manasquan and Station Small Shark River performing MOM Patrols promoting boating safety and respond to situations as directed by Station Manasquan. Here’s our boat crew providing a security zone for the Firework Displays at Windward Beach as well as the Offshore Powerboat races. We assist Station Manasquan with two boat OPs Training weekly. Photo by Auxiliarist Noreen Schifini, PA3 Specialist