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Unique Auxiliary Buildings
Researched by COMO Joseph Giannattasio
(Photos by COMO Joseph Giannattasio or individual Auxiliary units’ media.)
Set amidst towns, cities and communities throughout the United States and its territories are unique Coast Guard Auxiliary unit buildings that that sets a mood, cultivates tradition, inspires heritage or just seems to fit the personality or spirit of the locale.
Featured are some remarkable Auxiliary headquarters that provide an inspiring backdrop to any meeting or event.
One of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s most enduring hallmarks is its versatility. And these diverse quarters are a testament to Auxiliary adaptability.
Photo Captions:
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When the Alaska Railroad retired a fleet of cabooses, the city of Whittier, Alaska acquired one in 1990 and allowed the Auxiliary to use the caboose as the home for Flotilla 02-04 (D17). Area Auxiliarists renovated and painted it in Team Coast Guard colors and it soon became a Whittier icon. To local Auxiliarists, "The Caboose" is a focal point of Auxiliary activities. For the public, everyone notices its unique colors and is mindful of the Coast Guard’s presence.
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Affectionately referred to as “The Shack” by resident Auxiliary members, the headquarters of Flotilla 08-02 (D5NR) Cape May, NJ is a national treasure first utilized in 1890 by the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment as a Boathouse and Waiting Point for Lightship personnel. The building served as a Coast Guard Life Boat Station in 1939 when the Lighthouse Service was amalgamated with the Coast Guard. On September 1, 1947, the building was licensed to the Cape May flotilla. The Flotilla is tasked with routine maintenance and upkeep of the property, the members receive great satisfaction showing honor, respect, and devotion to duty by protecting and maintaining an important piece of Coast Guard history.
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With the combined effort of local Auxiliarist of Ft. Pierce, FL, USCG Station Fort Pierce, DIRAUX (D7) and USCG Sector Miami, in 1973 Flotilla 05-08 was granted use of the Old Boat House/Garage located on the west side of USCG Station Fort Pierce. Built in 1936, this 1600 square-foot building has required major upgrades over the years and remains an active testament to Coast Guard heritage.
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In the mid 1950’s, Flotilla 11-03 (D7) in Madiera Beach, FL conducted Public Boating Education classes at private venues or city hall. The members took the initiative to raise funds to construct a building which was completed in 1957 and has served as wonderful quarters for Flotilla activities, educational classes, meetings, and fellowship ever since.
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The familiar proverb, “Good things come in small packages.” exemplify the compact headquarters of Flotilla 11-06 (D7) New Port Richey, FL. Located on the bank overlooking Big Bayou, this quaint building serves as a communication building, classroom for boating safety classes, and meeting place for Auxiliarist to conduct business and enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
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The Reading Flotilla Training Base was donated to the local Auxiliary unit by the City of Reading, PA in 1953. The original building, which dates from the late 1700’s, was abandoned and in disrepair. Auxiliary volunteers rebuilt the structure and refitted all utilities. Materials were purchased by issuing debentures to the members. In the 1960s, an annex was added, again with member labor and donations. This annex added a new classroom and dining area to the back of the building. Today, the building serves as home to Division 21 (D5NR) and is used for meetings and fellowship, as well as public education and member training
