"Semper Paratus" -- Always Ready. That's the motto of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
That alert level must further surprise anyone unaware that central Arkansas merits a Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Each January the local Division 15 (8th Western Rivers) installs new officers as its first order of business. The division held its Change of Watch and Installation of the 2015 Division Bridge on Jan. 3 at the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce building.
A social hour and a dinner consisting of barbecue from Corky's preceded the ceremony, during which outgoing division Commander Philip Hunkins was recognized. Patricia Lewis was sworn in as new division commander, while John Clark was sworn in as vice division commander. Staff officers were also sworn in.
Capt. Timothy Wendt, commander of Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River, touched on the history of the Coast Guard in his remarks, its presence in Memphis since 1966, and the differences between the Coast Guard's inland and coastal patrols.
"You are the eyes and ears of us in the local community," he told the auxiliary members.
At the program's conclusion, Lewis handed out gifts and other tokens of appreciation to Hunkins and other key members.
Established in 1939, the auxiliary's mission is to promote and improve recreational boating safety; augment the Coast Guard in enhancing the safety and security of ports, waterways and coastal regions; and support the Coast Guard in operational, administrative and logistical requirements.
High Profile on 01/11/2015