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This marks the eighth year I have emceed the open house in New Haven. It was a beautiful day and all who attended had a wonderful time. This is the first year that I can remember so many changes at "Group" and "Station" This was Captain Boynton's first year as CO of GLIS ( which will become Sector Long Island on the 31st of the month). This was the first year for the new station Chief Brule. This was also Ensign Vanessa Loney's first year as PA officer for the group.

The 1000 to 1400 hour affair featured various vessels from area law enforcement agencies, the DEP and State police. The US Coast Guard was well represented with the "41footer" a UTL boat, SAFE boat, three buoy tenders and the 140 foot Cutter Morro Bay. The auxiliary had the "73" from flotilla 24-3 and a trailered OPFAC owned by Ray Dennison, commander of flotilla 24-8. The New Haven Harbor Master brought a jet ski. One of the most unusual boats was a restored Vietnam era River Patrol Boat , restored with machine guns and grenade launcher.

There were Aton displays, DCS, life raft, and flare demonstrations. One of the day's featured events was the Connecticut State Canine demonstration. Sea Partners and Sea Scouts were on hand with booths as was the Academy. There was a performance by "Coastie". and "Joe Coastie" the huge mascot of the Coast Guard. A display by the New Haven Police department featured underwater gear and SWAT TEAM armament.

The Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Corps put on a half hour show of revolutionary war era music plus a salute to the Coast Guard with their rendition of Semper Paratus. Captain Boynton presented the leader of the corps with a Coast Guard medallion as a token of appreciation.

The themes of Armed Forces Day and Safe Boating week were maintained in displays and demonstrations. Several members of USCG AUX Division 24 were on hand to help with everything from directing traffic to Manning booths and displays. Also on hand were COMO Bill Hulling, COMO Arthur Rechling, John Ilberg RCO and Lil Hains DCP-24.

The highlighting every year has always been the Helicopter Mock Rescue Demonstration. I found myself "stretching" on mic until we received word that the "helo" had hoist problems and wouldn't be coming. The team from New Haven Station came to the rescue when they put together a rather impressive impromptu demonstration of a mock Homeland Security Operation with the SAFE boat.

Bill Rock SO-PA Div.24

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