Photo & Press Releases

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

Contact: Christina Lambert
Public Affairs Officer
703-859-6468
cjlamb08@gmail.com
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Coast Guard Auxiliary Urges Boaters to Be Safe as They Return to the Water

ALEXANDRIA, VA – “The COVID-19 virus put a stop to many activities these past few months, including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s outreach programs. The Auxiliary urges the public to educate themselves on Recreational Boating Safety in preparation for venturing out on the water. Although boating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, it can become dangerous. There have been fatal boating accidents this year throughout the U.S. Some could have been avoided had the victims taken a boating safety course and exercised the proper precautions. Although COVID-19 curtailed most of the Auxiliary’s in-person boating safety courses, there are virtual resources that can teach boaters life-saving information, like the nautical “rules of the road” and how to use a VHF radio. Additionally, the Auxiliary urges all boaters (including kayakers, canoers, and jet skiers) to file a Float Plan (which can be done in the free U.S. Coast Guard Mobile App), wear their life jackets, and ensure they have all needed equipment before getting underway. And of course, follow the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines. Consider volunteering as a Coast Guard Auxiliarist! Learn more about the Auxiliary at http://cgaux.org/ and contact Tudorel “Ted” Caliga at johnbielli2@gmail.com if interested in joining. Volunteering your time is rewarding and could help save lives! U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

January 1, 2020
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Boating Safety Classes in 2020: Not Just for Beginning Boaters

CHESAPEAKE BAY, MD – “We’re pleased to announce our 2020 Boating Safety class schedule,” says Jack Crawford, Flotilla Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08 (Mount Vernon). “The days are getting longer and it’s time to prepare for the new boating season.” Virginia, Maryland and many other states as well as the District of Columbia require some form of certified boating safety training for operators of most powered boats and of personal water craft (“jet skis”). “We also invite seasoned boaters who took the class many years ago to consider taking it again to refresh themselves on boat handling and regulations, nautical ‘rules of the road,’ required equipment and other tips and practices to help prevent accidents, “adds Crawford. The one-day classes will be taught by experienced Flotilla 25-08 Instructors on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., on February 22, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20 and July 18 at the Washington Farm United Methodist Church, 3921 Old Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22309. To enroll in a class contact Ted Caliga at johnbielli2@gmail.com. Newcomers and experienced boaters alike are also encouraged to explore the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s “Welcome to the Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Web Site” to obtain free boating safety tools and materials. (Photo by John Stevens, USCG Auxiliary)

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

December 11, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Auxiliarists Help Coast Guard Monitor Maritime Communications on Potomac River

U.S. COAST GUARD STATION WASHINGTON – Coast Guard Auxiliarist volunteers help the U.S. Coast Guard perform many of its duties. For example, they stand radio communications watches at U.S. Coast Guard Stations around the country. Pictured is Al Daniels, a member of Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08 (Mount Vernon), on radio watch at Coast Guard Station Washington at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, monitoring marine radio channels and other communications devices for calls for assistance from boaters on the Potomac River. “Auxiliarists like Al are valuable force multipliers for us,” explains Lieutenant David McConky, Commanding Officer of Station Washington. “Their services such as radio watch standing, even for just a few hours a month, free Coast Guard personnel to carry out other public safety duties and equipment maintenance.” Auxiliarists also teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks, protect the environment, inspect shipping containers, check the condition of aids to navigation, and provide food services to the Coast Guard and Auxiliary, among other tasks. Learn more about the Auxiliary, which marked its 80^th Anniversary this year, at http://join.cgaux.org/. To join Flotilla 25-08 contact its Vice Flotilla Commander John Michael Milkiewicz at milkiewicz@gmail.com. (Photo by Christina Lambert, USCG Auxiliary)

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

August 15, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Miss the Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Classes in 2019? You have alternatives!

ALEXANDRIA, VA – There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a lazy Saturday on the water after a hectic work week. But did you know the U.S. Coast Guard’s most recent compilation of recreational boating casualty data (2017) counted 4,291 incidents that resulted in 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries, and approximately $46 million dollars of property damage due to boating accidents? Yikes! The U.S. Coast Guard’s volunteer Auxiliary helps boaters avoid becoming grim statistics. Every year, the Auxiliary offers Boating Safety classes that teach boat handling and regulations, nautical “rules of the road” and other vital information that can prevent mishaps on the water. Knowledgeable Auxiliarists such as Jack Crawford, pictured teaching a Boating Safety class offered by Flotilla 25-08 (Mount Vernon) in Alexandria, Virginia, helped teach a total of 123 students this year from February through his Flotilla’s final 2019 class in July. Other Flotillas throughout the United States also offered classes. This training is required for operators of recreational boats in VA, DC and MD, as well as most other states. Did you miss out? Don’t worry, there are alternatives. For example, Virginians can still take the Virginia Boating Safety Course Online, Marylanders can take BoatUS Foundation's Online Course, and DC residents and non-residents can take the District of Columbia Boating Safety Course online. For a comprehensive list of training options visit the USCG Boating Safety Courses page and explore the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s “Welcome to the Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Web Site” to obtain free boating safety tools and materials. It’s not too late to get smart on boating safety in 2019! But if you still want a live class Flotilla 25-08 and other Flotillas will again offer classes starting in early 2020. (Photo by Christina Lambert, USCG Auxiliary.) ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

June 9, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Coast Guard Marks 80^th Anniversary of Founding of its Volunteer Auxiliary

CHESAPEAKE BAY, MD – If you enjoy boating and appreciate the navigational aids and other resources that make America’s waters safe, you can give much of the credit to the U.S. Coast Guard and to its unpaid, volunteer Auxiliary, whose 80th anniversary is this month. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress on June 23, 1939 to help address an increase in boating accidents as the United States emerged from the Great Depression and more Americans could afford boats. During WW II Auxiliarists were authorized to serve as temporary Coast Guard reservists. Like the Auxiliarist on lookout in the black and white photo, they helped secure America’s waters. Today, the Auxiliary’s 26,000 volunteers provide nearly four million hours of service annually in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam, offering Boating Safety classes, free Vessel Safety Checks and Safety Patrols such as the one conducted in the photo by Auxiliarists John Sawyer (left) and Jim Bach (right) from Flotilla 25-08 (Mount Vernon) in Alexandria, Virginia. Modern day Auxiliarists do not have law enforcement or military responsibilities, but do provide radio watch standers at Coast Guard stations and assist with search and rescue when called upon by the Coast Guard. Like their active duty and reserve Coast Guard counterparts, Auxiliarists are “Semper Paratus” (always ready) - and always looking for volunteers. Contact Flotilla 25-08’s Vice Flotilla Commander Ted Caliga at johnbielli@gmail.com, to learn how to join. (Color photo by John Stevens, USCG Auxiliary. Inset photo of Auxiliarist in WW II by Alfred T. Palmer, Office of War Information/Library of Congress.) ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

June 1, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Coast Guard Auxiliarists Clean Up Litter in Four Mile Run Park

ALEXANDRIA, VA – “Besides assisting the U.S. Coast Guard in encouraging Recreational Boating Safety, volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliarists support many other Coast Guard functions including environmental protection. On Saturday, June 1, 2019, Auxiliarists from Flotilla 25-08 (Mount Vernon), in cooperation with the non-profit Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation, cleared litter from Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria, Virginia. They removed nearly 75 pounds of trash, much of it plastic, from the park’s shore lines, natural areas and playing fields, preventing it from polluting Four Mile Run stream and eventually harming the Potomac River. Pictured is Auxiliarist John Milkiewicz clearing trash from the bank of a small stream that flows into Four Mile Run. Coast Guard activities in support of maritime safety are inseparable from those that protect the marine environment and economic waterways. Flotilla 25-08’s efforts at Four Mile Run Park contributed to that holistic approach. Learn more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary at http://join.cgaux.org/. Consider volunteering a few hours a month to participate in various activities that benefit our community and country. Contact Flotilla 25-08’s Vice Flotilla Commander Tudorel “Ted” Caliga at johnbielli@gmail.com to discuss joining the Auxiliary. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

April 28, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

National Safe Boating Week: May 18-24, 2019. Make safety a year-round habit!

POTOMAC RIVER, MD – “The most important thing people can do to help save their own life and the lives of family and friends while boating is to have everyone wear life jackets,” urges Jeff Burt, Flotilla Commander of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08. “This should be a habit like wearing a seat belt while driving, not just a Safe Boating Week resolution.” Though wearing life jackets is recommended, in states where no children's life jacket law is in place a USCG interim rule requires children under 13 on moving boats, like the girl pictured here, to wear a USCG-approved life jacket that fits. Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia regulations follow the USCG interim rule. The Coast Guard’s most recent Recreational Boating Statistics found: “Where cause of death was known 76% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 84.5% were not wearing a life jacket.” Besides promoting life jacket use the Auxiliary invites boaters to take advantage of its free Vessel Safety Checks for power boats, sail boats, jet skis and paddle craft, and to enroll in a one-day Boating Safety class if they have not already done so. (Photo by Lt. Dan Sweeney, U.S. Coast Guard) ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

April 23, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Volunteer Auxiliarist honored by U.S. Coast Guard for Potomac River Rescue

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Following a careful review the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) awarded volunteer Auxiliarist Peter Wang (left) the Coast Guard Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit for rescuing three people and their dog after their canoe capsized in the Potomac on October 22, 2017. Wang, a member of Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08 (Mount Vernon), who was boating but not on duty at the time, spotted the two adults and a small boy calling for help as they floated just southwest of National Harbor. His immediate actions to bring them and their pet aboard his boat and return them, with their partially submerged canoe under tow, to Belle Haven Marina prevented them from suffering hypothermia, being struck by other boats, or drowning. The three were wearing life jackets, which significantly increased their chances of survival. Lieutenant David McConky (right), Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station Washington, presented the Medal to Wang at Flotilla 25-08’s April 2019 meeting. To learn more about the Auxiliary and inquire about volunteering contact Ted Caliga at johnbielli2@gmail.com, visit Flotilla 25-08 online and explore the Auxiliary's Recruiting website. (Photo by Dan Viglione, USCG Auxiliary) ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

March 26, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Cast off in 2019 with a free Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – Whether you own a powerboat, sailboat, jet ski, or paddle craft, increase your chances of enjoying a mishap-free season on the water this year with a free Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Mount Vernon Flotilla on Saturday, April 27 at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club, or Saturday, May 4 at the Alexandria City Marina. You can also schedule a Vessel Safety Check for other days and other locations by contacting Steve Rybicki at sjrybicki@gmail.com; Tel: 703-887-0415. During the Safety Check, a Flotilla examiner will discuss the purpose of specific marine safety equipment, clarify various federal and state regulations, explain nautical safety procedures, and answer boating related questions. What a great opportunity to increase your safety and that of your passengers! Learn more about Vessel Safety Checks and what is required to have your boat pass successfully by visiting the Mount Vernon Flotilla's Vessel Examinations page. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

February 18, 2019
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Boating Safety classes in 2019 are here. Mark your calendar!

CHESAPEAKE BAY. – Warm weather is coming! Prepare for an accident-free boating season by taking one of the Boating Safety classes offered by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08 on the following Saturdays: March 16, April 13, May 18, June 15 and July 20 at the Washington Farm United Methodist Church, 3921 Old Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22309. 7:30 am - 5:00 pm. Register with Jeff Burt at jdburt@verizon.net; telephone (703) 307-6482. Learn about boat handling and regulations, nautical “rules of the road,” trailering, required gear and more - knowledge that can prevent boating mishaps. Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia have varying requirements for boaters before they may legally operate certain motorized vessels on their respective waterways. Each jurisdiction has some requirement for a safe boating class. Also explore the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Welcome to the Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Web Site to obtain free boating safety tools and materials. (Photo by John Stevens USCGAUX) ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

December 4, 2018
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Sea Rescue Inspires 17 Years as Volunteer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – Colonel James "Rich" Miller commanded the U.S. Army Nuclear Power Program when a vessel and crew under his authority were nearly lost at sea. The Army’s floating nuclear plant MH-1A Sturgis (pictured) while being towed from Panama to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia in January 1977 was badly damaged off Cape Hatteras, endangering its 17-person Army crew. Colonel Miller was inspired by the Coast Guard’s subsequent valiant rescue of all 17. After retiring from the Army, Col. Miller volunteered with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, dedicating a year of service for each Army crewman saved. He fulfilled his vow this year, retiring as a respected leader and mentor of Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08 who also conducted countless Boating Safety classes and vessel safety checks that benefited the public. Auxiliarists, who are civilian volunteers, support the Coast Guard’s recreational boating safety mission, assist with search and rescue, and perform other vital maritime tasks. But you don’t need to have colleagues rescued at sea to volunteer! Learn how you can join the Coast Guard Auxiliary! Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

March 9, 2018
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Four Reasons to Volunteer with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

PISCATAWAY CREEK, MD. – If you seek adventure, want to serve your country, help your community and have fun in the process, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wants you. Pictured (L to R) are Coast Guard Auxiliarists Tom Walsh, John Sawyer and Arnie Daxe during a safety patrol on the Potomac River and some of its tributaries, illustrating just one of the Auxiliary's missions that include search and rescue, free vessel safety checks, boating safety classes, inspecting aids to navigation, helping the U.S. Coast Guard stand radio watches and more. Auxiliary Flotilla 25-8 in Alexandria, Virginia is looking for volunteers now. To learn more contact Tudorel "Ted" Caliga at johnbielli2@gmail.com, visit the Flotilla 25-8 website and explore the Auxiliary's recruiting website. (Photo by John Stevens USCGAUX) ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

January 7, 2018

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 25 Commander and Vice Commander Sworn In

CAPTION: (From left to right) Commander Mike W. Batchelder, Deputy Sector Commander of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Maryland - National Capital Region, swears in two USCG Auxiliary officers of USCG Auxiliary Division 25: Woodrow Johnson (center) as the new Vice Commander and Ronald Woody (right) as the ongoing Commander. The ceremony was held at Division 25's annual Change of Watch on Sunday, January 7, 2018, at Joint Base Anacostia - Bolling.

CREDIT: Rich Miller, USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

January 4, 2018
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Save the date! Prepare for summer 2018 with an About Boating Safety Class.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Get ready for a fun-filled, accident-free boating season by taking one of these About Boating Safety classes offered on the following Saturdays by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08: February 24, March 24, April 28, May 19 and June 23 at the Washington Farm United Methodist Church, 3921 Old Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22309. To register contact Moses “Top” Pettigrew at msgtop@verizon.net; telephone (202) 616-8987.

Learn about boat handling and regulations, nautical “rules of the road,” trailering and required equipment - knowledge that can prevent mishaps on the water. While Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia have varying requirements for boaters before they may legally operate certain motorized vessels on their respective waterways, each jurisdiction has some requirement for a safe boating class.

Also explore the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s “Welcome to the Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Web Site” to obtain free boating safety tools and materials.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

October 18, 2017
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Coast Guard Auxiliarists Help Inspect Shipping Containers at Port of Baltimore

PORT OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – Working with active duty U.S. Coast Guard personnel, Coast Guard Auxiliarist John Milkiewicz, a member of Auxiliary Flotilla 25-08 in Alexandria, Virginia, prepares to open a shipping container during a Multi-Agency Strike Force Operation (MASFO). These container inspection exercises are conducted jointly by Coast Guard Marine Safety specialists, trained volunteer Auxiliarists like Milkiewicz, and law enforcement officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, and Maryland Transportation Authority Police. MASFOs ensure container regulatory compliance, educate industry and provide corrective action if necessary.

To learn how you can become a volunteer Auxiliarist and assist the active duty Coast Guard in a wide range of vital tasks such as Marine Safety, Recreational Boater Safety and Telecommunications, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

August 9, 2017
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Auxiliarists Check Condition of Private Aids to Navigation

POTOMAC RIVER – John Rankin, a member of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-6 based in Alexandria, Virginia, heaves a weighted line to measure the depth at which a Private Aid to Navigation (PATON) is anchored in the Potomac River near Mount Vernon, Virginia. Like regular Aids to Navigation (ATONs), PATONS are subject to Coast Guard inspection to ensure they are not damaged and have not drifted from their authorized positions. Rankin, assisted by Auxiliarists from Flotillas 25-6 and 25-8, inspected several PATONs during this patrol, using the boat’s electronic depth finder for additional precision. The findings were reported to the Coast Guard. This is one of many functions that Auxiliarists, who are civilian volunteers, do to support recreational boating safety and other vital Coast Guard tasks throughout the United States and its territories.

To learn how you too may join the Auxiliary and support the safe boating efforts of the Coast Guard visit the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

July 8, 2017
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Beginning Boaters Learn About Boating Safety from Coast Guard Auxiliary

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Thomas J. Pojeta, an instructor with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-8, taught boat handling as part of an “About Boating Safety” class in Alexandria, Virginia on July 8, 2017. The class educated boaters about boat handling and regulations, nautical “rules of the road,” trailering, and required equipment - knowledge that can help prevent mishaps on the water. Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia each identify different requirements for boaters before they may legally operate certain motorized vessels on their respective waterways, but each of these jurisdictions has some requirement for a safe boating class. Flotilla 25-8’s instructors are members of the community with years of boating and sailing experience.

Visit the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Boating Safety Education to learn more.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

June 10, 2017
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

Vessel Safety Checks Help Increase Recreational Boating Safety

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Boat owner Eugene D. Smith signs a Vessel Safety Check form with members Dan Viglione (center) and Tom Walsh (right) of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 25-8, June 10, 2017. Mr. Viglione, who is training to be a Vessel Safety Examiner, Mr. Walsh, his instructor, and other members of Flotilla 25-8 provided complimentary Vessel Safety Checks for boaters at the City of Alexandria docks. Vessel Safety Checks are a fast and easy way to find if a boater has all of their required and recommended safety equipment. Members of Flotilla 25-8 are civilian volunteers supporting the Coast Guard by promoting recreational boating safety through patrols on the Potomac River and its tributaries, boating safety classes and other vital maritime tasks.

Flotilla 25-8 meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club and is accepting applications for new members. Go to Flotilla 25-08's Homepage for more information and to contact a member.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

April 4, 2017
Contact: John Stevens
Public Affairs Officer
703-628-7256
johnestevens@earthlink.net
http://cgaux.org

Photo Release

A Solemn Pledge to Flag and Country

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Members of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary Flotilla 25-8 (Mt. Vernon) recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of their March 16 meeting at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club in Alexandria, Virginia. Members of the Auxiliary are unpaid volunteers committed to public service who support the Coast Guard in many ways, including performing safety patrols on the Potomac River and surrounding waters, teaching safe boating classes, performing complimentary safety checks for recreational vessels, monitoring aids to navigation, and providing support for USCG Station Washington.

Flotilla 25-8 meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club, and is accepting applications for new members. Go to Flotilla 25-08's Homepage for more information and to contact a member.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by John Stevens. ###