Flotilla 96 in Joint Exercise

Coxswain Heinz Janke and crewmen Ned Herrmann and Richard Brant aboard Franconia participated in a joint training exercise outside Doctor’s Pass with the Coast Guard and nearby flotillas May 11.   The Coasties joined Franconia and La Bella Vista from Naples Flotilla 93, which also included crewmen from Marco Island’s flotilla 95,

The Coast Guard vessel, a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft for Law Enforcement (SPC-LE), took the auxiliarists aboard two-at-a-time for a first-hand look at how the Coast Guard conducts search patterns for a SAR.

“I personally gained from the exercise in that it closely paralleled our training curriculum and execution,” said Coxswain Janke.

“It was a great opportunity to meet fellow Coast Guard Auxiliarists,” added Richard Brant, “and realize the importance and benefits of joint training exercises.”  Crewman Ned Herrmann agreed, adding “The exchange will improve our effectiveness.”

For further coverage of the exercise, check out pages 16 and 17 of the Division’s June newsletter, Now Hear This, at http://a07009.uscgaux.info/pdf/Jun2011.pdf.

Photos by Mike Ludwig, FSO-OP, FL95