PHOTO OF THE WEEK

So, today marks the new beginning of the photo of the week for the flotilla blog. If you have any photos you would like to submit, please email them to FSO-PB J. James.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Auxiliarists take a break from training to observe Coast Guard H-60 Jayhawk helicopter CG 6021 conducting a rescue demonstration on May 21, 2011 at the Marine Safety Unit Portland Open House. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Daren Lewis

The Final Secton of Davy Crockett to be Removed Thursday.

Article posted by FSO-PB J. James

ASTORIA, Ore. — The final section of the derelict barge Davy Crockett will be lifted out of the Columbia River near Camas, Wash., Thursday.

The 431-foot former World War II-era Liberty Ship partially sank Jan. 27, 2011, while moored near the Washington shoreline. The vessel buckled due to structural instability, likely caused by improper deconstruction practices. Approximately 70 gallons of oil discharged to the river in late January, causing patches of sheen 14 miles downriver. The Unified Command was established at that time to respond to the unknown environmental threat posed by the Davy Crockett.

A cofferdam and impermeable barrier were built to surround the barge during deconstruction to keep any hazardous material releases contained inside. The decision to do in-water deconstruction was made after exhausting all feasible dry dock options.

Work will continue for several more weeks while divers dredge the river bottom inside the cofferdam to remove contamination resulting from the deconstruction work. The cofferdam will be removed after worksite cleanup is complete.

To date:

Incident duration:	209 days
Personnel Currently Assigned	36 - response contractors, federal & state
Injuries	0
Total Oil water mixture recovered to date	1.6 million gallons*
Total steel removed	4.43 million pounds
Debris & oiled debris removed:	838,296 pounds
Bunker oil recovered:	32,669 gallons
Asbestos removed	4,850 pounds
Samples analyzed to date (e.g. water, oil sediment)	218
Obligated costs to date	$19.2 million

For more information and pictures of the incident, please click on the link:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/incidents/DavyCrockett/DavyCrockett.html

Article from District 13 Public Affairs website.

It's Time for a Picnic.

Hello all station, hello all station, hello all station. This is the Flotilla 76 Blog relaying an important message from your flotilla leadership.

This Sunday is the annual summer flotilla picnic catered by the only member in the flotilla that could give Gordan Ramsay a run for his money, Gary Bell. Gary will bring the Traeger grilled chicken, baked beans, and corn on the cob sickles with melted butter or chipotle lime mayonnaise.

If you have a favorite recipe you would like to show off to your fellow members or know of some great side dishes, please bring them along. I know I'm bringing some tasty bean and cheese dip I fell in love with at a friends party.

This years games and entertainment will be provided by Lura Walters. She will have some great games that will test your knowledge of things Coast Guard. Who knows, there may be some Frisbee Golf happening.

Don't forget the fellowship. There isn't a time limit on how long you can hang with your shipmates. No gates here to push us out. I look forward to seeing everyone and making some good memories.

P.S. This site has no covered picnic areas and a request has been made to members participating that if you have a canopy and your willing to offer it to be used for the picnic to please contact Gary Bell via email.

It is Sunday, August 21, and Gary will be serving the catered foods at 1300 (that's 1:00 pm for civilians).

The cost is either free, or $8 if you want to order the catered food. You don't have to participate in the catered food to join us, the cost is only for the food.

It is in the same place as the last two picnics: Columbia Park, on North Lombard between Woolsey and Chautauqua, and our site "D" is closest to the intersection of Lombard and N. Russet.

Look forward to see you all there.