Flotilla 41-04 Operations

One of the four cornerstones of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary is Operations. Operations are divided into two main areas: ‘on the water’ and air operations. The mission of both these functions is to support to the US Coast Guard.

Our flotilla provides ‘on the water’ support to the Coast Guard on both the ‘Chain of Lakes’ and Lake Michigan. We do so by conducting schedule patrols on Coast Guard approved auxiliary facilities (boats). There are two primary types of patrols. The first type is training. We spend a large amount of time working on our skills so that when called upon, we handle the situation in an efficient and organized manner. The second type of patrol is the Safety patrol. On this type of patrol, we attempt to promote safe boating practices and render aid to boats in trouble. There are several other types of patrols which are usually required for special events such as the Air Show and Navy Pier fireworks.

Any member interested in joining the operations program would be given sufficient training in the skills required to become certified crew. Once this is completed, the member would be given the opportunity to request assignment on one of the scheduled patrols. In my opinion being on the water, either on the ‘Chain’ or on Lake Michigan is what the operations program is all about.

Operations Training on Fox Lake