BHC Navy League Newsletter: THE COMMODORE

Issue 101, Beverly Hills Council, Navy League of the United States

President’s Message: I hope all of our Navy League members enjoyed the holidays and had a productive and prosperous 2016. I am very honored to serve as your President of the Beverly Hills Council of the U.S. Navy League. I look forward to a great and eventful 2017 for the Navy League. For 115 years, Navy League members have worked tirelessly to support our sea service men and women, and educate our fellow citizens — particularly our elected officials and community leaders — on the importance of maintaining strong, capable and ready maritime forces. 

And finally, as we look to the future we are firming board positions and working plans to have a through planning and goal setting session to continue to strengthen what our council does to support the sea services in our community long into the future. I am so honored to be working with our board and the entire council in these very important times in support of our sea services.

Raphael Maga?a

Beverly Hills Council, Navy League of the United States

-

2016 – Beverly Hills Council (BHC) activities in review. 

2016 was another great year for our council. We presented a number of awards to our sponsored units and commands deserving of recognition.

UCLA – NROTC. On May 3, the Beverly Hills Council presented MIDN 1/C Ryan Rodriguez (left) with the Honorary Sword. The award was sponsored by BHC President Raphael Maga?a, at the UCLA NROTC's Annual Midshipman's Ball. In addition, the Command witnessed a change in leadership from Colonel Hitesman USMC to Colonel Michelson USMC. BHC welcomes Colonel Michelson with a resounding Semper Fi!

SCG HALIBUT – Sailor of the Half Awards. On Thursday July 7, the Command of the USCG HALIBUT awarded its bi-annual Sailor of the Half Award at the Coast Guard's Station in Marina del Rey to SN Joseph Crawford. This award recognizes SN Crawford’s outstanding performance of his duties. Complementing this award, the BHC presented SN Crawford a Navy League of the U.S. Certificate, plus a Gift Card. Making this presentation on behalf of the council was Ron Dutton, BHC's president emeritus (center), SN Crawford (left) and HALIBUT'S Commanding Officer, LT. Matt Hurtt (right).

SPECIAL CEREMONY. A subsequent ceremony was held to honor LT Matt Hurtt, SN Joseph Crawford, and MK3 Chiara Russon. Each was presented with the Coast Guard's Achievement Medal by the Sector Deputy Commander for their actions which saved the lives of two people who were involved in a highway collision. LT Hurtt and the two crewmen, while driving back to Los Angeles from a training exercise at Port Huemene, witnessed two cars on the side of the highway in need of aid. LT Hurtt immediately maneuvered his car to the site of the accident and all three rendered aid and directed traffic until first responders arrived. Holding their citations in the photo are LT Hurtt (right), SN Crawford (center) and MK3 Chiara Russon (left).

On Wednesday December 28, BHC's president emeritus Ron Dutton, joined with the HALIBUT'S Command in recognizing and awarding the Command's Sailor of the (Second) Half award to BM1 Michael Meadows (left). The Awards Ceremony took place at the Coast Guard's Station in the Marina del Rey Small Boat Harbor.

The Sailor of the Half (or in larger commands, of the Quarter) is one of the highest honors given by a ship or station's command to a crew member(s) for the outstanding performance of their duties. This honor is designed to show appreciation to the recipient and weighs heavily on performance reports. 

The BHC has enjoyed a close working relationship with the USCGC HALIBUT and its predecessor the USCGC PT BRIDGE for over forty years.

USCG Air Station Los Angeles. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

The disappointing news this year was the closing of the Coast Guard Air Station at LAX. President Emeritus Ron Dutton attended the official decommissioning ceremony held May 20th at the USCG Air Station HQ, LAX. Several distinguished guests were on hand to wish the command a fond farewell including Rear Adm. Joseph A. Servidio, 11th Coast Guard District commander, Cmdr. Thomas Cooper, commanding officer, Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles, Cmdr. Ben Maule, executive officer, Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles, the command and crew of Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles as well as active duty, reserve, retired, and auxiliary members from all over the United States. Due to airport expansion,  The Coast Guard shifted helicopter operations in the area to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Naval Base Ventura County Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Helicopters operating from the FOB will continue to support Coast Guard missions such as search and rescue, law enforcement and port security along the California coast from Dana Point to Morro Bay until a permanent station is built.

On June 3, 2016 the Coast Guard Station held its final awards ceremony in Los Angeles issuing its two highest awards named after honored past crewmen: the LT Robert A. Perchard award and the YN1 Edna Renee Russell award. This year, the recipients of the awards were AMT2 Andrew Heidt (top left), presented with the LT. Robert A. Perchard Award and YN2 Ricky Wilson (bottom left), presented with the YN1 Edna Renee Russell Award.

The awards were presented by the Coast Guard Air Station's commanding officer, CDR Tom Cooper and BHC president emeritus Ron Dutton.

Council Mission - 2017: The Beverly Hills Council is focused improving your membership experience and increasing overall league membership. Expect more notices and news being forwarded to you via email and posted on our website. The BHC values your input and encourages you to ‘sound off’ via email or submit comments/suggestions.

                          Thank you for your membership and support! 

Calendar/Events 2017:

Feb 24-25 Desert Outing Naval Air Training Exercise. This event held at the Naval Air Facility El Centro hosted by the Imperial Valley Council is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with the Navy's top pilots and to see them in action. For Reservations and info call 760 - 791 - 7345. Website: / www.lvnavyleague.com.

30 August to 5 September Fleet Week.  On Labor Day week the Navy will return to the Port of Los Angeles. The LA Fleet Week Foundation, based upon the huge success of last year's Fleet Week, now plans to expand the attractions, concerts, demos and more ships! LA Mayor Garcetti will be Fleet Week chairman.

Member mixers. BHC is looking to schedule 3-4 mixers to be held in different areas of Los Angeles.

EDITOR: Chris McEntee