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Below is a feature highlighting the amazing members of Flotilla 53, Suisun City, California.  These people donate time and dedicate themselves to being "America's Volunteer Lifesavers" and supporting the missions of the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.

(This section is under construction as we collect member data and photos.)

USCG Auxiliarist Mark Waters:  

I joined the family business in the HVACR and Electronics field since 1971. I then joined the Air Force in 1973 and served for six years.  Around 2000, I joined the USCG Auxiliary and have had many interesting years in service. I have served two years as Flotilla Commander and have had many great experiences on the water, both on Patrols and pleasure as well. I have owned many different type of boats as well.

I have also been an avid Corvette and Muscle Car enthusiast since 1973 and have had many old cars over my lifetime. I currently have a low mileage 1969 Corvette and a 1972 Mustang Convertible in my collection. 

USCG Auxiliarist Lew Derfuss:

 Brooklyn NY native that joined the USAF in 1972. During and after (honorable retirement after 26-years of active duty), I joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  2020 marked my 31-year volunteering for this essential organization.  Over the years, I primarily held the Materials Officer position as well as Flotilla Commander five separate times. I have received many awards and accolades in the Auxiliary but the highest being the CG Plaque of Merit for my crew and myself for a life save in the Napa River in December of 2001.  In 2019 I was nominated and elected as Division 5 Commander and currently get to lead and guide 5 Flotillas.  I also serve as Division Operations Officer and Flotilla Operations Officer.  The CG Auxiliary is a great organization to belong to and volunteer your services.  

USCG Auxiliarist Randy McCormick: 

Randy McCormick joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2009 shortly after his son enlisted in the Coast Guard.  He has served in many leadership roles with his most recent being Div. 5 Commander.  Randy has received many awards and citations including the USCG Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation for a Life Saved on Lake Berryessa in 2016.  He is currently an active Boat Crew Coxswain and serves as the Finance Officer for Division 5 and also serves as the Human Resources and Diversity Officer for Flotilla 53.

USCG Auxiliarist Rhoda Jones

Rhoda Jones joined the USCG Auxiliary in 2010.  She joined because she loves the ocean; a passion she carried from living in Puerto Rico. She has served the last 10 years as the ISO officer.  She looks forward to serving and helping the USCG auxiliary for the next 10 years or more so!

USCG Auxiliarist Wade MacAdam:

Wade MacAdam joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2018.  He quickly became a Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO) for Communication Services (CS) [FSO-CS] and then a Division Staff Officer (SO) also for Communication Services (CS) [SO-CS] and Publications [SO-PB].  He is certified in Program Visitation and he is working on his Vessel Examination certification and Boat Crew certification.  Wade's passion is for patrol operations and he enjoys working the delta and the bay (especially during Fleet Week).

 Wade is also the Division Staff Officer (SO-AS) and Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO-AS) for the AUXScout Sea Scout program.  He enhances the alliance between BSA Sea Scouts and the USCG Auxiliary.

 USCG Auxiliarists Bob and Kit Galvin: 

Bob Galvin joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2018.  Kit Galvin (AKA Karensue Galvin) also joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2018 shortly after moving to Fairfield with her husband, Bob. As a retired School Psychologist in San Jose, she was a strong advocate for community involvement, education, and serving others. Finding like minds in the Auxiliary has provided her with many opportunities to continue growing and sharing in those areas. Promoting boating safety and assisting in patrol operations rate high on her list of favorite things to do – along with halibut fishing! You can expect her to be asking lots of questions, eager to expand her knowledge and to be a part of everything.

USCG Auxiliarist   Jeffrey Silva

USCG Auxiliarist Rene Steinhauer

Rene Steinhauer has been in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2014.  He is also a veteran who served in both the Army and the Air Force.  He is a nurse practitioner specializing in emergency medicine.  Rene is a qualified boat crew member and is also the Branch Chief of the Pacific for AUXMED.

USCG Auxiliarist  Elizabeth Teruya

USCG Auxiliarist  Allie Belafsky

Allie Belafsky joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2018 because she wanted to give back to her community. Allie is a private pilot currently in school working on her ratings, and loves to fly. She loves the ocean and everything about water. Allie has received a Challenge Coin for her completion of Basic Qualifications in record time, in addition to being recognized by the Pacific Area Commodore who also presented her with a Challenge Coin for her accomplishments. Allie looks forward to helping the USCG both as boat crew and in the air.

USCG Auxiliarist Michael Gonzaga

Why not join us? 

United States Coast Guard Auxiliarists are made up of everyday people just like yourself that are willing to contribute a little bit of time in support of their country.  As you can see from the biographies above, not all Auxiliarists have vessels, boats or personal watercraft to offer.  Your efforts can still have a positive impact on boating safety whether you have a boat to contribute or not.  Contact us today to join, get involved and make a difference.