As Wilmington Coast Guard Auxiliary installs leaders, 6 things to know on changes
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-06, which serves Wilmington, New Hanover County and the surrounding area, recently installed its new leadership team for 2023.
What is the Coast Guard Auxiliary?
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas.
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Who are the newly elected officers?
Rob DAlessandro, Flotilla Commander: DAlessandro served as Vice Command of Flotilla 10-06 this past year. He is also the diversity staff officer for the Flotilla. DAlessandro is a lifelong North Carolinian and moved to the area from Fayetteville in 2012. In Fayetteville he was a high school teacher for 32 years in Cumberland County Schools.
Mike Opiela, vice commander: A Leland resident, Opiela serves as the Flotilla staff officer as program visitation. As the new vice commander, he is designated as chief of staff.
What is the purpose of the Auxiliary Change-of-Watch?
The Auxiliary Change-of-Watch is to install the newly elected officers and recognize the accomplishments and service of the outgoing officers. The annual Change-of-Watch is often the only formal gathering of division and flotilla members during the year. The ceremony itself is patterned after the Coast Guard's formal, time-honored change-of-command ceremony. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by the rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a custom that is formal, follows military protocol, and is designed to strengthen the respect for the continuity of command that is vital to military organization.
The culmination of the ceremony is reached when both officers read their orders, face one another, salute and transfer responsibility for the command. This provides the entire command with the knowledge that the officer, directed by proper authority, is taking command and provides an opportunity to witness this transfer of responsibility.
How often is the Change-of-Watch held?
The Change-of-Watch is carried out in January each year after an election is held for a new flotilla commander and vice commander.
What are the requirements to join?
The Auxiliary is an organization of uniformed volunteers. Membership is open to any citizen of the United States and its territories and possessions who is 17 years of age or older (no mandatory maximum age). Membership is predicated on full and successful completion of the Auxiliary enrollment application, including the passing of the New Member Exam and acknowledgement of CGAuxA Inc. membership. It is also predicated upon receipt of a favorable Personnel Security Investigation. Individuals who hold dual citizenship with the U.S. and another country may become members of the Auxiliary.
When does the Flotilla meet?
The Flotilla 10-06 meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Sector North Carolina on Medical Center Drive, Wilmington. Anyone interested in attending a meeting can contact Allan Pagett at 910-619-9327.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: As Wilmington Coast Guard Auxiliary installs leaders, 6 things to know
