Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County celebrates ‘change of watch’

: Dorothy De Lope; Posted On Sunday, 01 January 2023 01:09; 01 January 2023

Capt. Wayne Farnholtz administers the oath of office to Flotilla Commander Kevin Kealey and to Vice-Commander Arthur Martinez at the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County “change of watch” ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Kelseyville, California. Photo courtesy of Flotilla 08-08.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — On Sunday, Dec. 11, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County held its annual “change of watch” for the new year at Riviera Hills Restaurant.

Officiating at the ceremony was District Captain Wayne Farnholtz.

Kevin Kealey accepted the office as flotilla commander again for 2023.

Arthur Martinez took the oath of vice-commander for 2023 and was awarded new shoulder boards indicating his new command.

Flotilla Commander Kevin Kealey and past Vice Commander Gary Jolley attach new shoulder boards to Vice-Commander Arthur Martinez at Flotilla 08-08’s “change of watch” ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Kelseyville, California. Photo courtesy of Flotilla 08-08.

Receiving the Award for Auxiliarist of the Year was Dorothy “Bunny” De Lope, public affairs officer.

Among the invited guests were Elizabeth Larson, editor and publisher of Lake County News, and guest speaker William Fox, program coordinator of Lake County Water Resources.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Auxiliary consists of over 30,000 volunteer members throughout our country who provide operational support to the USCG and are dedicated to promoting recreational boating safety.

For more information about the group, visit its website.

Dorothy De Lope is public affairs officer for Flotilla 08-08.