The 2026 Oceania District Training (DTRAIN) marked a historic first – the first DTRAIN held on Guam, bringing Auxiliarists from across the Oceania District together on Guåhan for a landmark three-day professional development experience from September 4–6, 2026. DTRAIN was a resounding success under the leadership of COMO Jodie Nelson, with NACO Mary Kirkwood serving as the distinguished guest speaker and Captain Jessica Worst delivering the keynote address. The event successfully combined Coast Guard and Auxiliary leadership, port security and program overviews, operations and communications workshops, division leadership, award-writing, safety training, disaster accountability, flotilla presentations, fellowship, and open discussions with district leadership and DIRAUX. The inclusion of both in-person and Zoom participation further strengthened connectivity, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the geographically dispersed Oceania District, while the recognition of outstanding service celebrated the dedication and achievements of its Auxiliarists. The 2027 Oceania District Officer election was held during DTRAIN, selecting the leaders who will guide the District into its next chapter of service, growth, and excellence. The newly elected officers are: ⭐ COMO Jason Snellings – District Commodore (COMO) ⭐ DCOS Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera – District Chief of Staff (DCOS) ⭐ DCAPT-RBS Cheryl Parker – District Captain, Recreational Boating Safety ⭐ DCAPT-EXECUTION Jack Ary – District Captain, Execution ⭐ DCAPT-SUPPORT Robert Vasquez – District Captain, Support Together, this newly elected leadership team represents a renewed commitment to teamwork, professionalism, innovation, and service as the Oceania District moves forward into 2027. A major highlight of the successful 2026 Oceania District Training (DTRAIN) was the recognition of Auxiliarists whose dedication, leadership, training, and mission performance exemplified excellence in service. The Awards Banquet celebrated outstanding accomplishments across numerous areas of Coast Guard Auxiliary service. Notable Award Recipients Included: 🏆 Recognition & Appreciation for LCDR Melvin Torres, DIRAUX (2021–2026) 🏆 Jack Ary – Auxiliary Achievement Medal 🏆 Thomas “Tom” Bingham – Auxiliary Achievement Medal 🏆 Jonathan Levy – Auxiliary Letter of Commendation 🏆 Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera – 1st Place Instructor – Top Performer of the Year 2025; 1st Place Public Education – Top Performer; 1st Place Program Visitor – Top Performer; Century Club Award; Golden Key Award; Sustained Auxiliary Service Award (9th); and Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety Insignia. 🏆 Lyle Amine – 1st Place Member Training and 2nd Place Vessel Examinations, along with recognition in Public Education and the Century Club. 🏆 Robert M. “Bob” Sajnovsky – 2nd Place Instructor, 2nd Place Public Education, Golden Key Award, and recognition for outstanding service for nearly 50 years of Auxiliary service. 🏆 Cheryl Parker – Annual Service Performance – Auxiliary Operations Support and 2nd Place Program Visitor. 🏆 Thomas “Tom” Bingham – 1st Place Vessel Examinations and Auxiliary Achievement Medal. 🏆 Roland Zwicky – 1st Place Coxswain – Top Performer and recognition in Member Training. 🏆 Lonnie Briggs – 1st Place Boat Crew – Top Performer. 🏆 Annie Leighton – 1st Place Radio Watchstander – Top Performer. 🏆 Robert Emami – 1st Place Pilot – Top Performer. 🏆 Buzz Paxton – 1st Place Aircraft Observer – Top Performer. 🏆 Chris Robinson – 1st Place Recruiting – Top Performer. 🏆 Cheryl T. Parker – 1st Place Culinary Assistant – Top Performer. 🏆 2026 Core Connections Challenge Winner – American Samoa, 140-03-28. 🏆 Rosemarie P. Lava – 2025 New Auxiliarist of the Year. 🏆 Henry Cha – 2025 Oceania District Auxiliarist of the Year. 🏆 Flotilla 24 (Guam) – 2025 Flotilla of the Year, recognizing a collective tradition of service, leadership, and excellence. Overall, the awards showcased the depth of talent throughout the Oceania District – from public education and recruiting to operations, boating safety, vessel examinations, communications, and leadership – providing a powerful testament to the dedication of Auxiliarists and the success of DTRAIN in celebrating and strengthening a culture of excellence. Beyond training, DTRAIN provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships, develop capable leaders, share best practices, recognize excellence, and prepare the Oceania District for its next chapter under the newly elected 2027 leadership team. As the District looks toward the future, the spirit of “Forward Together” continues to guide its commitment to teamwork, service, and mission excellence. Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ & enjoy the DTRAIN snapshots below.
