United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla, 66, Mathews, held its 73rd annual Change of Watch ceremony on Dec. 10 at the Cole Building in Deltaville.
Leadership was transferred from current Flotilla Commander Mary McCoig to incoming Flotilla Commander Mike Moore, with Dr. Jim McCoig, MD, taking over the role of Vice Flotilla Commander. The ceremony was presided over by Coast Guard Station Milford Haven Aids to Navigation Chief Petty Officer Dana Wise.
Scott Burnett was awarded Auxiliarist of the Year in recognition of his energized first year with the auxiliary, progressing from a new member in February 2024 to Basically Qualified status with qualifications in Boat Crew and Vessel Safety checks by mid-July. Scott is additionally the Rescue and Survival Systems Officer for the flotilla, a release stated. This position is responsible for the overall safety of flotilla members and equipment provided to them for water operations.
The ceremony noted the retirement of Jim Gierlak, after 20 years of service in the flotilla. His accomplishments and service of 22 years with the United States Army as a Commissioned Officer were also highlighted. He was presented a bronze pocket compass memento for his service. Gierlak has held many roles with the Mathews flotilla including that of Flotilla Commander, Finance Officer, and Boat Crew.
The flotilla marked an extremely productive year, with over 5,100 volunteer hours recorded, 91 small boat missions, involving 13 search and rescue cases, presented 65 hours of public education classes with 55 students completing the coursework, carried out 162 vessel safety checks and supported the station with 475 hours on active-duty vessels as well as standing watch at Coast Guard Station Milford Haven. Six new members joined the team in 2024, with three members qualifying as boat crew within their first year of participation.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is an all-volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Anyone with an interest in supporting the United States Coast Guard as an auxiliarist through on the water operational support, public education, vessel safety checks, marine safety and pollution control, among many other missions is invited to contact Flotilla Commander Mike Moore at mikemoore.cgaux@gmail.com.