Flotilla 18-11 History

On 16 May 1984 Division 11 of District 9 Central Region of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary chartered a new Flotilla, Flotilla 11-11 of Canton, Michigan. The chartering ceremony was held at the “ Hillside” restaurant in Plymouth, MI. Fifteen members were present and the Flotilla began with Gene Olson as Flotilla Commander and Robert Kinsler as Vice Flotilla Commander. The early meetings were held at the Fire Station at Cherry Hill and Canton Center Road in Canton, Michigan. The conditions were crowded but the Flotilla managed to take shape. Through training and hard work, members began qualifying for Auxiliary programs such as Operations, Vessel Examinations, and Public Education.

As Public Education Instructors became qualified, the Flotilla discovered a real need in the Plymouth and Canton area for boating education. The Flotilla’s first Boating Safety & Seamanship class had 100 students. Operations programs were directed through USCG Station Belle Isle and the Flotilla patrol area was in the southern sector (Grosse Isle area) of the Detroit River.

The Auxiliary Grosse Isle radio station afforded another opportunity to serve as members became qualified as communications watch standers at the station. The Vessel Examination programs also became active with VE “blitzes” at different marinas and recreational boat launch and sometimes trial and error, the Flotilla became very cohesive both in the missions involved and in the camaraderie among the membership. Fellowship was the glue that held things together.

In December 1993, District 9 Central Region was restructured and Flotilla 11-11 became part of the new Division 10 as Flotilla 10-11, Plymouth-Canton. One of the Flotilla members, Hal Young, became the first Vice Division Captain of this new division.

Years later, and as of today in 2022, we are in the 9th Central Region, District 18 serving as Flotilla 18-11.  We are one of the most active groups in the area, participating in many programs, having almost 40 members. 

Over the years the following members have served as Flotilla commanders:

• 1984-85 Eugene Olson
• 1986 Joseph Dakoske
• 1987 -88 Robert Kinsler
• 1989 Lydia Olson
• 1990-91 Hal Young
• 1992-93 Art Mulligan
• 1994-95 Jerry Rodziewicz
• 1996 Richard Wade
• 1997-98 Mike Baker
• 1999 Steve Riggan
• 2000-01 David Lent
• 2002 Stanley Sionkowski
• 2003-04 Ray Roberts
• 2005-06 Paul Shooshanian
• 2007-08 Angie O'Connor
• 2009-10 Chuck McCall
• 2011-12 Tom Chalifoux
• 2013-14 John Rose
• 2015-16 Paul Shooshanian
• 2017-18 Kyle Corcoran
• 2019- 20 Anne Wright 
• 2021- 22 Mark Noble
• 2023-      Joseph Kowalski

If you are ready to come aboard, Join Here! or contact our Flotilla Commander, Mark Noble at mnoble.uscgaux@gmail.com