Welcome to the District Seven Response Directorate Website. The Response Directorate includes AUX Surface Operations, AUXAIR and AUX Communications in District 7.  We are here to promote operations across the district and to support all of our members who wish to train and qualify for these elite positions and those who are currently serving the USCG.

District 7 supports 6 sectors: Charleston, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Miami, Key West and San Juan.  We also support 4 Air Stations: Savannah, Clearwater, Miami and Borinquen.  The Response department is committed to:

AUX Surface Operation (DSO-OP) Chris Juall

District Seven, the largest and busiest district in the U.S. Coast Guard, relies heavily on the Auxiliary Surface program to support and augment active-duty personnel in achieving mission success. The Auxiliary Surface program oversees all Auxiliary surface assets within the district, working as a force multiplier to ensure the U.S. Coast Guard maintains the highest levels of mission readiness and efficiency. Our primary goal is to be ready, relevant, and responsive in providing support across a wide range of operations, including recreational boating safety, search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, and environmental protection.

Chris Juall has served in the Auxiliary for over 25 years. He currently serves as the Sector Coordinator for USCG Sector St. Petersburg and is the National Branch Chief of Surface Safety. Chris is a Qualified Examiner, Past Flotilla Commander, and a USCG Licensed Captain (Masters). He is an Auxiliary Coxswain, USCG-Certified Boat Crewman, and a National Safe Boating Council Certified On-Water Instructor. With over 30 years of boating experience, Chris has also served as the Auxiliary Unit Coordinator for Station Cortez, contributing significantly to Auxiliary operations and surface safety.

Under the leadership of the District Staff Officer - Operations, the Auxiliary Surface Division strives to integrate seamlessly with every USCG Unit in District 7, fostering stronger collaboration, improving operational capabilities, and enabling our members to thrive both in quality and quantity. By preparing proactively for future missions and expanding our role in Auxiliary operations, we aim to continually elevate our service and uphold the highest standards of member satisfaction and mission effectiveness.

Want to know more or join the team:  https://www.uscga-district-7.org/operations.php

AUX Communications (DOS-CM)– Joe Blanchard

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications program (AUXCOM) plays a critical role in supporting U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) operations and other partner agencies by providing communications capabilities for life-saving missions, recreational boating safety, disaster response, and environmental protection. AUXCOM's responsibilities include managing operational communications, contingency communications, and special mission communications. AUXCOM members, including Telecommunications Operators (TCOs) and watchstanders, utilize both VHF and HF radio systems to ensure operational success. The program also supports key systems like AUXMON, a direct support mission to ensure the quality control of marine HF broadcasts and related services.

AUXCOM's primary function is to augment the USCG's operational assets during joint missions, enabling the Coast Guard to maintain operational readiness and enhance coordination. The division provides a wide range of services, including monitoring critical communications, supporting Marine Domain Awareness (MDA), and contributing to Search & Rescue (SAR) operations. AUXCOM also supports GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), emergency operations, and provides essential support during times of surge or communications failure. Additionally, AUXCOM fosters a culture of continuous training and development to maintain proficiency, preparing members for both routine and special mission requirements.


Want to know more or join the team: https://www.uscga-district-7.org/cm.php

Response District Staff Officers (DSO-AV)
AUX Air - Wilson Riggan 
 

Wilson Riggan serves as District Staff Officer for Aviation (DSO-AV).

Welcome to the District 7 Auxiliary Aviation (AUXAIR) program, where Auxiliary members volunteer their time and aircraft to support U.S. Coast Guard missions, including Search & Rescue, Coastal Security, Marine Safety, Pollution Response, and more. AUXAIR operates from four U.S. Coast Guard air stations across District 7: Savannah (SVN), GA, Clearwater (CLW), FL, Miami (MIA), FL, and Aguadilla/Borinquen (BQN), PR. The program is led by a partnership of an Auxiliary Aviation Coordinator and an Auxiliary Liaison Officer at each air station. AUXAIR employs both pilots and non-flying roles, including Air Crew and Observers, who provide essential support in carrying out these missions, ensuring professional-level performance while assisting in the Coast Guard's objectives.


The program at each air station is led by a partnership of an Auxiliary Aviation Coordinator and an Auxiliary Liaison Officer. AUXAIR utilizes both pilots and non-flying crew members, including Air Crew and Observers, who provide essential support in carrying out these missions, ensuring professional-level performance while assisting in the Coast Guard's objectives.


Wilson Riggan brings over 54 years of professional aviation experience, including 34 years at a major international airline. His aviation expertise spans a wide range of aircraft, from small two-seat single-engine planes to Boeing 777s.  Wilson is an Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot/Flight Examiner for the USCG Auxiliary, in addition he holds qualifications in surface and communications operations.  He plays a key role in advancing the Auxiliary's aviation efforts in the Auxiliary on the National Staff and in District 7.

Want to know more or join the team: https://www.uscga-district-7.org/av.php

DDC-R Bio

Doug Armstrong is the District Directorate Chief - Response for District 7, the Coast Guard's largest and most active Auxiliary District, where he is responsible for overseeing Air, Surface, and Communications operations for nearly 4,000 members strong volunteer force. In this leadership role, he focuses on fostering a culture of excellence, streamlining operational processes, and improving member engagement. Doug's responsibilities include ensuring that training processes are clear and accessible, seeking out new mission opportunities for the Auxiliary members and improving member satisfaction though a reduction in red tape, use of new technologies and improved communications with the deck plate.


Key Response Goals include:


Doug has held several positions, including Flotilla Staff Officer, Flotilla Commander, Division Commander, District Captain East, District Flight Safety Officer, CG Instructor Pilot, mentor, and Check Airman. He is also the Branch Chief for Research in the Measurements Directorate on the national staff. Doug has accumulated over 25,000 service hours and 1500 airborne mission hours during his service in the USCG Auxiliary. Doug joined the USCG Auxiliary in 2008 after a successful entrepreneurial career and brings a broad perspective on Auxiliary operations, including Air, Surface, and Communications.  He currently holds qualifications in all three.


During his Coast Guard Aux career, he has participated in many notable missions, including the largest drug interdiction in Auxiliary history, recovering 42 bales of cocaine worth over $37 million, and served as aircraft commander on the first ordered flight to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Doug has received numerous awards, including two Meritorious Service Medals, three Medals of Operational Merit, five Commendation Medals, three Achievement Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, and various service and unit awards.


Doug is originally from the US Virgin Islands and holds a degree in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. An avid aviator, radio and communications operator, SCUBA diver, and recreational boater.  Doug and his wife Liz are currently completing the Great Loop in their 43-foot Leopard Catamaran. He operates a Citation Mustang in the service of the Coast Guard.  Doug is also passionate about building technology, renewable energy systems, and photography.


Doug is supported by his wife Liz and their three children: Dillon, Megan, and Katy.