Flotilla Communications Officer John McEwen receives a special award for 31 years of service at the Flotilla 88 Annual Tie Out on Friday, September 30, and Thursday, October 1, 2011. From left to right, Wayne Farnholtz, USCG CWO Curtis Barthel, John McEwen and Rich Thomas. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 88 of Lake County once again hosted the annual “tie out” on Clear Lake on Friday, Sept. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 1.

Flotilla members from Humboldt-Del Norte, Mendocino and Sacramento counties attended as well as members from the Bay Area.

Also in attendance were USC Guardmen Chief Warrant Officer Curtis Barthel from USCG Station Group Humboldt Sector in McKinleyville and Chief Warrant Officer Danny Kilburger, Operations Training Officer stationed at Coast Guard Island, Alameda.

The day activities on Friday and Saturday were held at Braito’s Marina. The Konocti Yacht Club graciously allowed the Flotilla to use the new building located at Braito’s Marina for the classroom portion of the training.

The purpose of the tie out is training and testing of new crew members and coxswains.

Current members who have previously obtained their crew and/or coxswain positions were also tested for three and five year re-qualification.

The testing and training are done on the water. Because of inclement weather, night maneuvers were not performed and the USCG helicopter which usually comes down from Humboldt Sector during the training on Saturday was not able to participate.

Saturday’s activities ended with a banquet dinner held at Zino’s Ristorante on Soda Bay Road.

During the evening festivities, Flotilla Staff Officer Harold Hauck from Flotilla 87 of Mendocino County was “frocked” (received new shoulder boards) from DC Bruce Rogerson because he was elected to be division vice commander.

Also honored was John McEwen, communications staff officer of Flotilla 88, who was presented with a special recognition award for 31 years as a Flotilla member and is now retiring.

With another year of safety patrols, training, public education and recruiting new members completed , Lake County can be proud of its Flotilla and of the hundreds of volunteer hours contributed to help make recreational boating safer and are known nationwide as America’s Volunteer Life Savers.