The 

Aids to Navigation Bulletin 

National Aids to Navigation School Fall 2007
National Aids to Navigation School 

US Coast Guard Training Center, Yorktown, Virginia 

AtoN systems of the United States and its territories are 

established, operated, and maintained by the Coast 

Guard to assist mariners in locating their position and to 

warn of nearby dangers and obstructions. This is done 

for the benefit of commercial vessels, recreational boaters, and to support the operations of the Armed Forces. 

Title 14 of the US Code makes this a responsibility of 

the Coast Guard. 

The Bulletin is published to support the individuals and 

units involved in providing a reliable AtoN system for 

the mariner. The Bulletin seeks to meet the following 

objectives: 

• To provide a means of circulating job skill information among AtoN technicians, 

• To increase the professionalism and knowledge of 

all AtoN personnel, 

• To act as a channel for information flow amidst the 

AtoN servicing units, District Office staffs, Headquarters staffs, and units, and 

• To publish articles and photographs about people, 

units, or events which may be of general interest to 

the AtoN community. 

To satisfy these objectives, it’s necessary for all who 

read the Bulletin to take an active part in determining its 

contents. If you have found a “better way” or performed 

a unique evolution, share it with other people in the 

AtoN field. Submissions are welcome in any form. 

Articles and images may be submitted electronically to 

the editor via email at tracy.m.speelhoffer@uscg.mil or 

mailed to: 

AtoN Bulletin Editor (tnaton) 

US Coast Guard Training Center 

End of Highway 238 

Yorktown, VA 23690-5000 

Electronic submissions are preferred. Please keep photographs in original electronic form, and send them as 

separate files; do not imbed or copy them into word 

documents. 

The articles contained herein are non-directive and nonrecord material. They are published for informational 

purposes only. 

Special permission for reproduction, either in whole or 

in part, with the exception of copyrighted articles or 

artwork, is not required as long as credit is given to the 

Bulletin and the article’s author. 

School Telephone Numbers 

(757) 856-XXXX 

General Information/YN............... 2139

LT B. Huff, School Chief ............. 2143

LT M. Griffin, Asst School Chief. 2509

CWO D. Merrill, Tech Advisor.... 2145

LTjg T. Speelhoffer, Operations....2350 

BMCS W. Weir, Minor Aids........ 2066

EMCS J. Marzetta, Major Aids .... 2795 

BMC A. Hunter, Buoy Deck TT .. 2068 

Fax .............................................. 2326 

After Hours Technical Support Hotline 

(757) 449-3681 

Editor: LTjg Tracy Speelhoffer 

School Home Page: 

www.uscg.mil/tcyorktown/ops/naton/index.shtm 

Deadlines for Articles: 

Winter 2008 - 15 November 

Spring 2008 - 15 February 

Summer 2008 - Phonebook 

Fall 2008 - 15 August 

Volume 35, Number 1 

On the Cover:

BM2 Robert Graziano and EM2 

Javier Lopez of ANT San Diego 

service an aid at Ballast Point, Naval 

Base Point Loma, CA. Note the 

abundance of bird springs—a beautiful sight. 

Photo by PA1 Anastasia Devlin

 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

1 

IN THIS ISSUE . . . 

Editor’s Page 2 

FY08 Course Schedule 3 

News Clips 4 

 Positioning 14 

USCGC ANTHONY PETIT in Tracy Arm in front of the Sawyer Glacier near Juneau, Alaska 

Minor Aids 16 

NATON News 18 

Good Times 20 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

2 

New Bulletin Editor 

by LTjg Tracy Speelhoffer, NATON School 

I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself to all of our faithful Bulletin readers. My name is 

LTjg Tracy Speelhoffer, and I’ve taken over as editor of the AtoN Bulletin. I reported to NATON School as the new Operations Section Chief this past July after finishing up my first tour 

on CGC OAK out of Charleston, SC. I had a great two years on OAK, and want to thank the 

crew for a memorable and educational tour. I’m excited to be here at NATON, and look forward to continuing to work with all the fine folks in the AtoN community. 

That being said, I want to briefly talk 

about the individual I’ve relieved, 

LT Adam Buffington. Adam was 

the Operations Section Chief here at 

NATON and the AtoN Bulletin editor for three years, during which 

time he implemented into the curriculum some vast changes in the 

AtoN field, such as the introduction 

of IATONIS and AAPS. He made 

numerous great changes at the NATON School, and was an excellent 

instructor. I can tell from everyone’s attitudes around here that he 

was a great guy to work with, and 

I’d like to thank him for all of his help throughout our long relief process and for turning over a 

great product. Adam has returned to the civilian world, but is likely going to remain in the Reserves. He’s headed up to Ohio State to continue his education in psychology. I know I speak 

for all of the NATON staff when I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. 

We had a few more changes to the staff this past transfer season. We welcomed BMC Colin 

Langeslay to the Minor Aids Section, BM1 Chris Wilcox to the Buoy Deck Training Team, 

BM1 Rudy Patten to the Operations Section, ET1 Bruce Britton and ET1 Mark Allen to the 

Major Aids Section, and YN2 Raven Lancaster as our new Staff Yeoman to keep things running smoothly. Last but not least, we have a new School Chief, LT Brian Huff, whom you’ll be 

hearing from later in this issue. 

Finally, I invite all of you to please continue submitting input for the Bulletin. No story is too 

small; if your unit does something of interest or comes up with a new way to do something, 

write it up and send it my way. Even if you don’t have anything to write about, I’m always 

looking for good photos to include, so send those as well. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from all of you. 

FROM THE EDITOR 

Farewell and Good Luck, Adam! 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

3 

FY 08 SCHOOL COURSE SCHEDULE 

Aid Positioning (ANC-AP) 

October 23 – November 1, 2007 

November 27 – December 6, 2007 

January 29 – February 7, 2008 

February 19 – 28, 2008 

March 25 – April 3, 2008 

May 13 – 22, 2008 

August 5 – 14, 2008 

September 9 – 18, 2008 

Officer Advanced AtoN (ANC-OA) 

March 17 – 21, 2008 

April 21 – 25, 2008 

June 9 – 13, 2008 

Officer Basic AtoN (ANC-OB) 

May 5 – 9, 2008 

July 28 – August 1, 2008 

August 25 – 29, 2008 

ANT OIC (ANC-ANT) 

January 14 – 18, 2008 

April 14 – 18, 2008 

September 22 – 26, 2008 

Minor Aids Maintenance (ANC-MAM) 

October 22 – 26, 2007 

November 26 – November 30, 2007 

February 4 – 8, 2008 

March 10 – 14, 2008 

April 21 – 25, 2008 

August 18 – 22, 2008 

Advanced Minor Aids Maintenance 

(ANC-AC) 

October 29 – November 2, 2007 

December 3 – 7, 2007 

February 11 – 15, 2008 

March 17 – 21, 2008 

April 28 – May 2, 2008 

June 23 – 27, 2008 

August 25 – 29, 2008 

River Tender Course (ANC-RIV) 

September 8 – 12, 2008

Buoy Deck Supervisor (ANC-BDS) 

February 25 – 29, 2008 

March 24 – 28, 2008 

May 12 – 16, 2008 

August 4 – 8, 2008 

Construction Tender Course (ANC-C) 

February 11 – 15, 2008 

August 11 – 15, 2008 

Construction Tender Course for MKs 

(ANC-C-MK) 

October 22 – 26, 2007 

Automated Lighthouse Technician (ANCLT) 

October 8 – 26, 2007 

January 22 – February 8, 2008 

July 28 – August 22, 2008 

Solar Powered Major Aids (ANC-SP) 

October 29 – November 2, 2007 

February 11 – 15, 2008 

May 5 – 9, 2008 

June 2 – 6, 2008 

August 18 – 22, 2008 

September 8 – 12, 2008 

Differential Beacon (ANC-DB) 

November 5 – 9, 2007 

December 3 – 7, 2007 

January 7 – 11, 2008 

March 3 – 7, 2008 

March 31 – April 4, 2008 

June 16 – 20, 2008 

September 22 – 26, 2008 

Training Team Management (ANC-TT) 

April 7 – 11, 2008 

NOTE: All course dates are subject to change. Please check TQC’s website (http://www.uscg.mil/

hq/tqc/index.shtm) for updates and to confirm course dates before submitting an ETR. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

4 

The Coast Guard Cutter KATHERINE WALKER – A 

Steward of the Environment 

by LT Amy Florentino, USCGC KATHERINE WALKER (WLM 552) 

Coast Guardsmen line the deck of the Coast Guard Cutter KATHERINE WALKER dressed in 

hard hats, life jackets and steel-toed boots. They prepare the large orange boom for deployment 

into New York Harbor to contain the oil that threatens the environment. A deck supervisor signals a command to the crane operator and expertly lowers a skimmer into the churning waters 

of New York Harbor. Among the din of activity on the deck, the crew pauses and sees a Coast 

Guard helicopter hovering above the ship providing information on the size and direction of the 

oil spill. This is a large-scale oil spill, but do not be alarmed. It was only an exercise. 

Coast Guard Cutter KATHERINE WALKER recently arranged an opportunity to exercise its 

pollution response capabilities by deploying a Vessel of Opportunity Skimming System 

(VOSS) in New York Harbor. The VOSS is a modular oil recovery method that can be secured 

to, and operated from, a vessel at a spill site. It is pre-staged on a 48-foot low-bed tractor 

trailer in Earle, N.J. for immediate transport to the location of a spill. With this system, a vessel 

can quickly transform into an oil recovery platform with a maximum skimming capability of 

190 gallons per minute. The VOSS can be split between two vessels or used as a two-sided 

sweeping system on a single vessel. 

During this exercise, the VOSS was assembled and operated on the Coast Guard Cutter 

KATHERINE WALKER, a 175-foot buoy tender. The Coast Guard District One Response Advisory Team sailed aboard to evaluate the VOSS exercise. Other Coast Guard units participatNEWS CLIPS 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

5 

ing included 

Coast Guard 

Sector New 

York, Air Station 

Atlantic City and 

the Atlantic 

Strike Team. 

Two civilian 

agencies, Marine 

Spill Response 

Corporation and 

Clean Harbors 

worked in tandem with Cutter 

KATHERINE 

WALKER during the exercise. 

These agencies 

directed the 

NEW JERSEY 

RESPONDER, a 

210-foot oil spill recovery vessel, which deployed skimming equipment and participated in 

team maneuvers. This team deployment gave each agency the chance to learn more about each 

other’s capabilities. Adding to the excitement of the event was an environmental education 

group sponsored by Conoco Phillips, one of the port’s largest oil suppliers. The students of this 

science and technology program observed the exercise from the decks of Coast Guard Cutter 

LINE, getting a bird’s eye view of the VOSS equipment and its unique capabilities. Petty Officer Mark Posey, the deck supervisor, led the KATHERINE WALKER’s crew through the exercise. He stated, “I am very glad I was able to go to the Oil Spill Recovery training before we 

did this evolution. I was able to apply what I learned at the school in a real life experience. It 

really tested my ability to lead since there were resident experts onboard.” 

The crew of KATHERINE WALKER never needs to look very far to see why this type of oil 

spill recovery exercise is so important. One look at the crowded waters, the large tankers and 

the fleet of oil barges, reminds any onlooker that New York Harbor is the backbone of commerce for the North East corridor. In fact, the United States Energy Information Administration 

stated, “the New York Harbor area between New York and New Jersey has over 40 million barrels of refined product storage capacity (much of which is in New Jersey), making it the largest 

petroleum product hub in the United States.” To put these statistics into perspective, Captain 

Robert O’Brien, Commander US Coast Guard Sector New York, recently related a comparison 

drawing a parallel to more familiar terms. He said, “In one average winter over 500 home heating oil and gasoline barges transit the Hudson River. The amount of oil carried in these barges 

amounts to 50,000 tank trucks.” Can you imagine the extra load if these goods were carried on 

the highway systems - and that is just oil barges on the Hudson River during one winter to keep 

our homes warm!” 

NEWS CLIPS 

CGC KATHERINE WALKER maneuvers with CGC LINE and the NEW JERSEY RESPONDER with numerous oil barges in the background. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

6 

NEWS CLIPS 

Luckily, for the American public, the pilots who navigate their ships and the captains who drive 

their tugs are experts. They safely deliver goods and services during all seasons and through 

the most demanding of waterways. However, there are always mistakes, equipment problems 

and bad weather; making our emergency preparations all that much more important. In December 2006 the coastal tanker KRISTIN POLING ran aground in East Rockaway Inlet about 450 

yards from shore carrying 672,000 gallons of #2 home heating oil. In July 2007, just days after 

Cutter KATHERINE WALKER’s VOSS exercise, the M/V WHITE SEA ran hard aground four 

miles north of Sandy Hook, NJ. The 800-foot doubled-hulled tank ship was traveling outbound 

from Bayonne, N.J. with 556,000 barrels of low sulfur fuel oil en route to Singapore when it 

lost steering and ran aground just outside the shipping channel. The owners of both ships 

worked feverishly with the Coast Guard to lighten the ships and use tugs to pull them off the 

sandy bottom at high tide. Luckily, neither ship suffered a major hull breach and both were removed safely. For both of these incidents the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Strike Team and the 

Cutter KATHERINE WALKER were standing by ready to respond; glad they had practiced this 

exercise before. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

7 

CGC FIR, NOAA, OFCC Team up for Net Recovery Near 

Oregon Coast 

by D13 Public Affairs (dep) 

The crew of the Coast Guard 

Cutter FIR, homeported near 

Astoria, Oregon, and members of the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) teamed up with 

the Oregon Fishermen's Cable 

Committee (OFCC), Tyco 

Telecom and the crew of the 

fishing vessel SEEKER from 

Newport, Oregon to retrieve 

sacrificed fishing nets from 

the waters off the coast of Astoria this past April. 

The operation took place as 

the third and final phase of the 

Oregon Derelict Gear Recovery Project, when members of 

NOAA and OFCC were taken by the crew of the FIR to where the crew of the SEEKER were 

searching for three units of trawl fishing gear that had been sacrificed to protect undersea fiber 

optic cables from damage. These nets also posed a threat to marine resources and created a potential for entanglement with other equipment used by fishermen. 

 

The crew of the SEEKER spent several hours using long range echo-sounding equipment and 

sonar to locate one of the errant nets before finally snagging it and reeling it in as the FIR 

stayed near in case of emergency. The net will be checked for damage and returned to its original owner if in good condition. For the work they put in, the crew of the SEEKER will be compensated by the OFCC. 

The OFCC is a partnership of the trawl fishing community and the submarine cable industry 

that works to resolve issues regarding undersea cables and fishing. In exchange for a waiver of 

liability, the fishing community learns methods for safely fishing near the underwater cable and 

agrees to sacrifice gear that comes too close to the lines. Phase one of the Oregon Derelict Gear 

Recovery Project involved commercial fishermen removing lost traps and local high school marine biology students identifying and cataloguing ensnared marine life. The second phase involved developing a program whereby the Coast Guard and the fishing industry report the locations of stray crab pots for future retrieval.

NEWS CLIPS 

Zach Lockman of the fishing vessel SEEKER sets the grapnel gear to snare a 

net sacrificed off the coast of Oregon as the Coast Guard Cutter FIR drifts 

nearby. As the crew of the Seeker kept an eye out for the lost net, the crew of 

Fir kept an eye out for any signs of emergency.
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

8 

Recovering Submarine Cable on USCGC HENRY BLAKE 

by LT Katie Blanchard, USCGC HENRY BLAKE (WLM 563) 

This past summer, the CGC HENRY BLAKE ventured into a new mission for the ship: the recovery of submarine cable. The cable was laid by the Coast Guard many years ago to power 

the lights on Waddah Island, across from Neah Bay, Washington. 

 

The work began several months prior during a meeting with Amy and Dale Jacobs, Coast 

Guard Auxiliarists from Flotilla 65 from Albany/Corvallis, Oregon. Dale and his father, Ed, 

designed and built a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) capable of finding sunken vessels and 

cars and studying sea life. Their ROV, capable of going to a depth of 1200ft, was constructed 

primarily of parts that could be purchased at your local hardware store—a pretty amazing and 

innovative design! In addition to the ROV, they also have side scan sonar that can produce detailed images. 

 

After this initial meeting, the ROV team headed out to Station Neah Bay over July 4th to do a 

survey of the cable and bottom. Utilizing the assistance of Station Neah Bay, Dale, Ed and 

Amy completed a bottom survey, locating several cables and potential hazards. Their efforts 

were reported via video clips that we reviewed 

in order to gain a better understanding of the 

task at hand. 

Ready to attempt recovery, HENRY BLAKE 

headed out to Neah Bay with our 17’ SAFE 

boat on deck and a basic plan. On 31 July, we 

conducted a survey of the bitter ends of cable 

determining that the best option was to have the 

small boat float the cable out to the ship. On 

August 1st, the small boat crew spent approximately two hours pulling the cable up as much 

as possible and rigging fenders. 

 

Next, we positioned the ship in the middle of 

the channel in hold position, hold heading and 

walked over towards the shoal in a controlled 

manner. The hold station capabilities added a 

safety factor and were vital to conducting this 

evolution. Utilizing a messenger line system, 

the small boat towed a lifting strap attached to 

several mooring lines wound up on the chain 

inhaul over to the cable and secured the lifting 

NEWS CLIPS 

Floats were attached to the end of the cable, helping 

bring it to the surface and making it easier to track as 

it was pulled. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

9 

strap to the cable on the beach. We then pulled the mooring 

line and cable just like we would haul chain. Once the inhaul was full, we used a stopper to secure the cable, cut the 

cable and then wound it up on deck. 

As the cable was wound up, we walked the ship slowly 

across the channel. In the middle of the channel, we spun 

around and continued walking towards the other bitter end. 

As you can see by the screen capture from ECPINS, the 

ship pretty much followed the originally anticipated track 

line of the cable. About 2/3 of the way across the channel, 

we found anchor chain on the sub cable, making the evolution just a little bit more challenging, but with the excellent 

crew on HENRY BLAKE, nothing was too hard for them to 

accomplish! Utilizing a few extra pelican hooks, the mechanical stopper and some 180’ chain pulling experience, 

we secured the chain, finished pulling the sub cable, and 

then recovered the chain. 

The entire recovery effort went smoother than we anticipated and resulted in approximately 4000’ of cable being removed. The sub cable evolution 

was another testament of both the buoy deck and bridge capabilities and advantages of the 175’ 

and 225’ platforms. It was successfully accomplished with a team effort from CG Auxiliary, 

CG Station Neah Bay and the entire crew of HENRY BLAKE! 

Please feel free to contact BMC Scott Steinbarger or LT Blanchard if you have any questions or 

want additional information.

NEWS CLIPS 

Pulling the cable off the 

drum—an arduous task—

was repeated numerous 

times 

ECPINS screen showing the path of the 

ship and the bearing line that was drawn 

at the beginning of the evolution. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

10 

NEWS CLIPS 

CGC HICKORY Conducts Clean-Up in Nikolski, AK 

by ENS Colby Schlaht, USCGC HICKORY (WLB 212) 

During a two week Aleutian Chain fisheries patrol, CGC HICKORY, home ported in Homer, 

AK, conducted a shoreline marine debris removal project in the village of Nikolski, AK. 

Nikolski is located 150 miles west of Dutch Harbor and is home to 27 Aleut natives. During the 

early 1900’s, the town was a ranch that had 250 head of cattle and 5000 sheep. In 1972, the land 

was sold back to the native Aleut population and the ranch was closed down. Since then, the 

shoreline of Nikolski has become littered by derelict fishing gear such as nets, lines, and floats, 

as well as other flotsam washed up on the beaches over the years. Twenty-five personnel from 

the HICKORY went ashore and over the better part of a day (in the land of the midnight sun) 

removed 150 cubic yards of debris from the beach and consolidated it for future disposal. 

With the hard work complete, the crew celebrated with a cookout for the villagers. The skewered shrimp and pork chops were rare treats for the remote village and were quickly eaten by 

the famished crew and village. With appetites satisfied, the villagers escorted the crew to the 

shoreline and wished HICKORY a safe journey on the rest of her patrol. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

11 

Cutter ELM deploys NOAA Buoys Off Puerto Rico 

by PA3 James P. Judge Jr., D7 Public Affairs 

This spring, the crew of Coast Guard Cutter 

ELM completed a 42-day deployment to the 

Caribbean where they set hurricane-detection 

buoys to improve weather forecasting. 

After departing from their homeport of Atlantic Beach, N.C., the ship made a stop in 

Miami, FL to correct an engineering casualty. Once the maintenance was complete, 

ELM headed to San Juan to embark National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) technicians and two new NOAA 

buoys. With the technicians and buoys on board, the crew placed the first two of a series of 

eight new NOAA buoys off Puerto Rico in an effort to fill a gap in important weather data coming from the warm, storm-generating waters of the Caribbean. The goal of generating this additional data is to improve forecasting during hurricane season. 

ELM placed the first buoy approximately 150 miles northeast of Puerto Rico and the second 

one approximately 200 miles south of Puerto Rico. 

The new NOAA buoys measure wind, waves, barometric pressure and air and sea temperatures 

to determine hurricane formation or dissipation, extent of wind circulation, maximum intensity 

and center location. Once gathered, the information is then relayed to meteorologists at the National Weather Service, and will help improve forecasting of 

these dangerous storms, said NOAA spokeswoman Theresa 

Eisenman. 

“The location of these buoys fills an important gap between 

coastal buoys and the six hurricane buoys deployed in the 

spring of 2005,” said Eisenman. “These will provide yearround data, but are more robust than the typical weather 

buoy.” 

The reason for a more robust, tougher buoy is simply because 

of the violent weather conditions these buoys will be subjected to. 

For more information on NOAA and hurricane buoys, contact 

Theresa Eisenmar at (301) 713-0622 x150. 

NEWS CLIPS 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

12 

CGC ELM Hosts Coast Guard Recruits 

by PA2 Christopher D. McLaughlin, D5 Public Affairs 

Coast Guard Training Center Cape 

May recruit companies Yankee and XRay 177 were given a unique opportunity to see first hand everything they 

learned during their eight weeks at 

Coast Guard basic training. 

On September 20, 2007, 45 recruits 

marched to the Training Center Cape 

May pier where the crew of the Coast 

Guard Cutter ELM, homeported in Atlantic Beach, N.C., welcomed them 

aboard for an afternoon underway. 

"We’re here to take both companies 

underway to show them what the Coast Guard is about," said LCDR Anthony Powell, Commanding Officer of ELM. "This will give them a heads up for what they're in for." 

Powell said he wanted the recruits to get a first-hand glimpse of what happens aboard a seagoing buoy tender and wanted them to know this is the real Coast Guard. 

The recruits graduated boot camp September 21 at a ceremony held on the parade field of the 

training center. One lucky recruit, Catherine Jojola from Los Lunas, N.M., will be reporting 

aboard the Cutter ELM October 4. 

"I couldn't ask for anything better," said Seaman Recruit Catherine Jojola. "I was surprised I got 

orders to work aboard this buoy tender." 

During several hours underway on the Cutter ELM, the recruits participated in a man-overboard 

drill and watched the crew pull an 18,000 pound buoy onto the deck of the ship to perform 

maintenance on it. 

"I'm loving it," said Seaman Recruit Matthew Ferrel of Vineland, N.J. "This is a lot more intense than seamanship class." 

After the recruits returned from their trip underway, the crew of the Cutter ELM joined them for 

a pizza party at the Coast Guard Training Center. 

"It's awesome to see our recruits apply everything we've been teaching them," said Petty Officer 

1st Class Darril Kiest, a company commander with Training Center Cape May. "I hope they go 

out and rock the Coast Guard." 

NEWS CLIPS 

Coast Guard recruit companies Yankee and X-Ray 177 march 

toward cutter ELM, moored at Training Center Cape May 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

13 

NEWS CLIPS 

Carmanah 704-5 LED Lantern 

by Mr. Jon Grasson, CG-432 

The Carmanah 704-5 light emitting diode (LED) lantern has been added to the list of approved 

lanterns for operational use on Coast Guard aids to navigation. This information was posted on 

the CG Message System 131907Z SEP 07. The Carmanah 701, 702, and 702-5 LED lanterns 

have been very successfully used on low-light-intensity Coast Guard aids to navigation since 

the late 1990’s. The Carmanah 704-5 lantern is a newer, higher-intensity lantern that can be 

used on aids to navigation that need more light intensity than can be provided by the 701 and 

702 Carmanah lanterns. The technical data sheet for the Carmanah 704-5 is posted on the CG 

Ocean Engineering website under products/services. It provides extensive information on performance data, selection criteria, set-up, installation and maintenance instructions, and ordering 

procedures. The next change to the AtoN Technical Manual (CIM16500.3A) will be updated to 

reflect this new information. 

The Carmanah 704-5 lantern is a self-contained, omni-directional 

LED lantern with five solar panels, battery, flasher, daylight control 

and lantern assembly housed as a single unit. Every lantern has an 

inherent color (red, green, white or yellow), but the flash rhythms 

are programmable. The color of the lantern is identified by the color 

of the lantern’s base. 

The Carmanah 704-5 is an authorized replacement for a 155mm lantern on either a buoy or a fixed aid if it provides an acceptable effective intensity and if its solar system is sufficiently capable. At the 

high intensity setting, the effective intensity of a red or green Carmanah 704-5 falls between the intensity of a 155mm with 1.15 amp 

lamps and a 155mm with 2.03 amp lamps. At the low intensity setting, the effective intensity of a red or green Carmanah 704-5 is between that of a 155mm with 0.77 amp lamps and a 155mm with 

1.15 amp lamps. The effective intensity of a white or yellow Carmanah is less than that of a 

155mm lantern (all lamps). A white or yellow 704-5 shall not be used to replace a 155mm lantern unless District has determined that a drop in intensity is acceptable. 

If the District has determined that a Carmanah 704-5 will provide an intensity that meets the 

operational needs for a specific aid, then the next step is to see if the 704-5’s solar system is capable of maintaining an acceptable battery state-of-charge (for the desired location, flash characteristic, and intensity setting). Because the 704-5 comes with a one-sized solar system, solar 

sizing ultimately comes down to a “go” or “no go” determination. The table contained in the 

technical data sheet should be used to make a “go” vs. “no go” determination for year-round 

aids with standard flash characteristics. 

For more information, visit the CG Ocean Engineering website to obtain the technical data 

sheet for the Carmanah 704-5 lantern. http://www.uscg.mil/systems/gse/gse2/Products.htm 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

14 

POSITIONING 

I-ATONIS v1.4/AAPS v5.3 Update 

by Ms. Marie Sudik, NAVCEN 

Updates to I-ATONIS and AAPS were released this fall. Some of the more important changes 

are summarized below. More details will be available on the I-ATONIS website via the SUPPORT menu option (http://iatonis.uscg.gov/atnsweb/atonis.show_support) in the Release Notes. 

AAPS Version 5.3 

• When you click on the REMARKS tab from the Plot Screen, your cursor will automatically 

be ready to accept text in the REMARKS text box. 

• Battery Interval Field will be able to handle values up to 120 months (AAPS 5.2 can enter 

up to 99 only). 

• The Configuration Screen will now display the specific mobile vessel (Mobile 1, Mobile 2, 

etc.). 

• When you create a New Federal or Target Position, Description Type field (designating an 

aid as a Lighted Buoy (LB), Unlighted Buoy (ULB), etc.) must be completed (along with 

Aid Name, Aid Type, Sub Type). 

• Aid Availability Category was added to the Aid Detail Screen to match I-ATONIS. 

• Lantern Quantity was added to the Aid Light System Screen to match I-ATONIS. 

• Report changes 

• APR Heading prints with leading 0’s

• FID 

 - Add Aid Availability Category information 

- Display unit name in the Remarks section 

- Display the light sectors correctly 

- Correct the Reason for Visit field so the label is associated with the data 

- Add the unit of measure to the water depth field 

- Correct alignment for different fields 

IATONIS Version 1.4 

• Several Light List-related creation fixes 

• Waterway headers are now printing correctly

• Font Style of the Aid Name in the Light List will print correctly

• Aids with more than one “Primary” light system will print correctly

• Screen Changes 

• When creating an aid, the Description Type (Lighted Buoy (LB), Daybeacon 

(DBN), etc.) field is now a mandatory field and must be completed. 

• The DRF2 has been redesigned to match COMDT INSTR 16500.7a precisely (see 

Chapter 9 for DRF2 checklist). 

• Lantern Quantity has been added to the Light System screen. 

• Case Sensitivity has been removed when entering DTG, to allow for easy data entry 

of this field. 

• Transferring battery ownership between units is now done by a button click instead 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

15 

POSITIONING 

of entering several battery actions. 

• LOV’s – new values are added to the drop-downs of the following fields: 

• Lamp Type 

• Lantern Type 

• Light Characteristic 

• Power Setting 

• Solar Panel Type 

• ATON Depot Name 

• Chain Use 

• Last Visit Reason Type 

• Temporary Discrepancy Status 

• Temporary Status Type 

• Report Improvements: 

• New discrepancies will be printed in bold on the LNM to make it easier for the 

mariner to differentiate ongoing discrepancies and temporary changes from new discrepancies. 

• FID formatting changes (see AAPS section above). 

• The FID Report request (Reports|Aid|Federal Aid| FID) is now easier to navigate by 

allowing Aid Name or Light List number searches. 

As always, if you have any questions, the I-ATONIS team is ready to help: 

• OSC Customer Support can be reached at 1-877-872-4797. 

• CG-3PWN-1: LTjg Krystal Stevens at (202) 372-1572. 

• NAVCEN: Marie Sudik at (703) 313-5813 or Dave Amburn at (703) 313-5820. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

16 

Battery Rack Pulling Made Easy 

by BMC Scott Adler, CGC ANTHONY PETIT (WLM-558) 

For many years, pulling 

Battery racks out of 6, 8, 

and 9 footers has been an 

arduous and dangerous task. 

There are many rigs and 

many different thoughts on 

how to do it safely. On a 

flat bottom buoy, the pocket 

is almost vertical. This 

makes use of the crane to 

install or pull a rack practical. On any other buoy, the 

angles one deals with make 

the job much more challenging. In Alaska, it is common to have up to eight batteries in a rack. Typically a 

chain fall, come a long, or 

block and tackle has been rigged somewhere up into the cage, or to some random fitting high up 

on the tender. The rack is gently pulled until it is 7/8 of the way out. From here, a second line is 

attached to the bottom of the rack and fairlead through an upper bale on the buoy to allow a 

controlled and gentle descent to the deck. However, as we all know battery pockets run at a 

slight angle. This causes pinching and binding of the rack when pulling the old rack out. 

Having been previously stationed 

with my current skipper on an old 

180, we have a tendency to work 

through problems together and 

come up with a solution. Our latest achievement is a buoy rack 

pulling anchor system named the 

“SmiLer”. We chose the name 

“SmiLer” because it is a combination of his last name (CWO3 

Smith) and mine (BMC Adler). 

As seen in the pictures, this apparatus very easily clamps in place 

to the lantern ring on the buoy. It 

is aluminum and weighs in at less 

than 25lbs. In combination with a 

MINOR AIDS 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

17 

MINOR AIDS 

wire rope come a long and endless round sling, I had the set up pull tested to 1300lbs. The testing was achieved with the SmiLer in place on the lantern ring and a dynamometer connected 

between the come a long and buoy bale. The SmiLer installs in seconds and perfectly aligns the 

lifting eye directly over the center of the battery pocket. As before, the rack is pulled almost all 

the way out, and then a second line is attached near the bottom of the rack. From here, we continue to ease it out and lower it safely to the ground. 

Fabrication of the SmiLer: Being co-located with ISC Ketchikan, I initially walked over and 

spoke with the weld shop. Not having an engineering background, I explained what I needed 

and roughly what our idea was. Three hours later, I had the SmiLer. ISC Ketchikan Industrial 

welder Kenneth Horn was the fabricator and welder on this task. Ken has recorded measurements and templates for this apparatus. Should anyone be interested, they need to contact ISC 

Ketchikan Industrial General Foreman Dennis Diamond. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

18 

NATON NEWS 

Out with the Old and In with the New 

by BMC James Darsch, USCG (Ret.) 

Today’s ATON field is changing. Much like when we went from Acetylene-burning lanterns to 

electric illumination, the job of the ATON tech has become quicker and easier. 

 

With the introduction of self-contained LED lights, we can now skip most of the general maintenance and trouble shooting by simply bolting on a new lantern. Replacing a defective blocking diode in a solar panel is now a snap that can even be done in the field. And of course new 

buoys that will be lighter, easier to work with, and less trouble to maintain are in the works. 

Yes, the world of Aids to Navigation is moving into the modern age, making life on the buoy 

deck faster, easier and much safer for the crew. Gone are the days of the 180’ WLB’s. Climbing down on the sinker as it hangs from the chain stopper to replace the split key in the shackle. 

Heaving around on and surging the hogger line as it slips over the gipsy head. Gone are the 45’ 

BU’s with their open bows and sloshing about in the buoy well knee deep in slop. The term 

culling lamps is now all but extinct and the FA 251 rotating beacon is a distant memory that just 

serves to take up storage space. The only thing left to be conquered is self-cleaning buoy critters, but then again what would we have to snack on between aids? 

Really though, I am not writing to talk about new Carmanahs or Vagas, but rather the end of 

another old, rusty, archaic and obsolete piece of deck equipment. Yes that’s right, my retirement from the Coast Guard. Over the last twenty-three years I have seen many changes, all for 

the better I believe; I have traveled across the globe, seen exotic ports, and survived the worst 

that good King Neptune could throw at us, but most of all I have served with some truly remarkable people. I am proud to have called you all Shipmates and will miss working side by 

side with such a dedicated group of individuals. Yes I know the old guy is getting mushy now, 

but I can honestly say that I cannot think of any organization that I would be more proud to 

have been a member of. To those that I have worked with and have had the pleasure and honor 

to call Friend, know that the stories of our adventures will serve to entertain my companions at 

the retirement home for hours on end. Thank you all, I doubt I will find the same level of dedication, devotion, ethics and camaraderie as I enter the civilian sector and I shall truly miss it. 

For those of you that have known me, please feel free to look me up and stop by when you’re in 

port. I salute you all and as I throw the proverbial oar 

over my shoulder and head inland, I leave the watch in 

your capable hands. 

Now if I could just figure out what they are planning to 

put in that new display case in the NATON museum. 

Fair winds, my friends. 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

19 

Message from the Helm 

by LT Brian Huff, NATON School Chief 

Ahoy AtoN World! That’s Nautical for “Hello.” 

As the assignment year comes to a close, and some are eagerly awaiting the AO to assign them 

to another AtoN unit, I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself as the new Chief of the National Aids to Navigation School. 

I began my career in Cape May in 1984, and was subsequently assigned to CGC MUNRO. After graduating BM-A School, the first of nine stops in Yorktown for me, I reported to Station 

Chincoteague, Va., and subsequently Group Eastern Shore/LEDET 5E. I then served on CGC 

SHEARWATER (WSES-3), CGC SITKINAK, CGC POINT JACKSON, and upon advancement to BMC, I entered the AtoN community as the XPO of CGC RAMBLER. Upon decommissioning of cutter RAMBLER, I served as the OIC of Station Cortez for 11 months before 

my appointment to BOS’N, and then served as 1LT on CGC FIREBUSH. Why I would depart 

the black hull for CGC KNIGHT ISLAND only God knows...but mercifully, he led me to 

Command Afloat and an appointment as “temporary” LT and assignment as XO of CGC OAK, 

and ultimately CO of CGC WILLIAM TATE. 

As I begin my tour at Yorktown as the NATON School Chief, I want to ensure that we continue 

to provide exceptional training which assists you in your operations. I will strive to lead the 

school in changes which will improve our service to you. If we are not serving your needs, 

please feel free to contact me with your recommendations. Our goal is to ensure that all of our 

students are left watching properly! 

NATON NEWS 
The AtoN Bulletin Volume 35, Number 1 

20 

GOOD TIMES 

ATON WORD SEARCH! 
National Aids to Navigation School 

AFTER HOURS 

Technical Support Hotline 

(757) 449-3681 

Call for after hours and weekend technical support questions! 

Underway on Friday night? Sunday? Have a Question? 

WE CAN HELP!!
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 

Commanding Officer 

US Coast Guard Training Center 

Yorktown, VA 23690-5000 

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