Outer Banks U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 16-07 conducted its annual change of watch ceremony on December 15th, installing new officers effective January 1, 2022.
During the event, incoming Flotilla Commander Jack Horst relieved Tim Baker who has served as Flotilla Commander for the past 2 years. Auxiliary District Captain Wayne Early presided over the event.
Horst previously served as flotilla Vice Commander and is also the flotilla Operations and Public Education Officer. As Commander, he will provide primary leadership and supervision to the flotilla with responsibility to ensure that the flotilla carries out the primary mission of increasing boating safety awareness while supporting local Coast Guard air and sea operations.
Jack is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and holds an array of Coast Guard Auxiliary certifications including Boat Crew Coxswain, Vessel Examiner, Instructor and Aids to Navigation Verifier.
“This is an amazing flotilla with a rich history of serving the Outer Banks recreational boating community,” said Horst. “Tim did an outstanding job leading the flotilla over the past two years and I hope build on his success by increasing our outreach activities, supporting the Coast Guard, and expanding on-the-water time with our new utility boat – definitely be looking for us, we’ll be out there!”
Baker, who led the flotilla to National Flotilla of the Year in 2019, will continue to serve the Coast Guard Auxiliary as Immediate Past Flotilla Commander, and in roles as Assistant District Staff Officer for Navigation Services (Aids to Navigation), and Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training.
“It has been an honor to serve as the commanding officer of Flotilla 16-07 these past two years,” said Baker. “The flotilla excelled at every mission we were tasked with. I could not be more proud of the impact the members have had in carrying out our objectives. Even with the challenge of remaining operationally effective through the COVID-19 pandemic, the flotilla members have answered the call and were always ready. I am thrilled to be relieved by Jack whom I have known for many years. I know he will lead this talented crew to future success.”
Other new Flotilla 16-07 staff officers include Vice Flotilla Commander Tom Mattingly and Public Affairs Officer Bruce Burkley.
The change-of-command ceremony is a historic military tradition representing the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The event reinforces the continuity of command and provides an opportunity to recognize the flotilla’s accomplishments.
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. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information about a boating course near you or to learn more about water safety or becoming one of America’s Volunteer Lifesavers, please visit our website at a0541607.wow.uscgaux.info/ or www.cgaux.org.