By Thomas H. Blount and Thomas F. Conlon

(written in 1993)

Once the Auxiliary began to function during the period 1939-1941, flotillas were established in the coastal and river areas of the United States, and particularly along the East Coast.

A flotilla was established in Washington, NC, with the designation of VI-04 (Division VI, Flotilla 04) in August, 1943, with an initial membership of 16 members and with eight boats available to assist the regular Coast Guard. The flotilla's charter was delivered to Roy Mayo, the first Flotilla Commander, by Lt (j. g.) D. G. Bell, USCGR, Assistant Director of Auxiliary, Fifth Naval District in Portsmouth (during World War II the Coast Guard came under the Navy.), at a ceremony held at the old Knotty Pine restaurant in Washington. The flotilla initially met at the Washington Park Service Station and later in a meeting room on the second floor of the Pamlico Chemical Company building. By February, 1945, the Washington Flotilla had grown to 53 members and 16 boats.

Like the rest of the Auxiliary, the Washington Flotilla declined rapidly in membership after World War II and was deactivated in the 1950s.

However, the number of pleasure boats operating along the Pamlico River grew steadily during the 1950s, and a need was felt for the reactivation of the Washington Flotilla to promote boating safety. At a ceremony held on 2 November 1964 at the Rendezvous Restaurant in Washington, the flotilla was reestablished and chartered as Flotilla IX-08 (Division IX, Flotilla 8), or Flotilla 98, as it was more commonly known. At that time Division IX was composed of seven Flotillas extending from Asheboro, NC, and Roanoke, VA, to Plymouth, NC, and Washington, NC.

By 1966 Division IX had grown to 13 Flotillas, and the Washington Flotilla, along with flotillas in Plymouth, Wilmington, and Morehead City, NC, was transferred to the then recently-established Division X. The Washington Flotilla became Flotilla X-04, or 10-04, as it was more usually referred to.

On 1 December 1973 the Washington Flotilla became the original unit of the newly established Division XVI. This division's area of responsibility was—and still is—northeastern North Carolina, including the rivers, sounds, inlets, lakes, and other waterways from the Pamlico River North to the Virginia-North Carolina state line, and East from Greenville, NC, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

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Recent History

 

By Donald Lindberg

In 2002, Flotilla 16-04 received the Group Cape Hatteras Certificate of Appreciation.

On 5 August, 2002, the Washington Flotilla left Division 16 and joined Division 20, Chartered as Flotilla 20-06.

In 2003, the Washington Flotilla received the Division 20 Operational Achievement Award.

In 2003, the Washington Flotilla received the Division 20 Award for VSC achievement for the most VSCs.

In 2003, Tressie Ward was named Division 20’s “Auxiliarist of the Year.”

In 2004, Tressie Ward received the District Commodore’s “VSC Silver Award” for 93 VSCs in 2004.

In 2004, Tony Weichel received the District Commodore’s “VSC Gold Award” for 176 VSCs in 2004.

In 2004, the Washington Flotilla received the Division 20 Operational Achievement Award.

In 2004 Flotilla 20-06 received a National Certificate of Achievement for being one of the top 100 performers in the Vessel Examination Program for 2004.

In February, 2005, the Washington Flotilla began the Pamlico Watch newsletter, garnering a Division 20 award for best newsletter and a 2^nd place in D5SR its first year (Donald Lindberg, FSO-PB).

In 2005, Flotilla 20-06 received the “VSC Achievement Award” and the “Operations Achievement Award” for the most VSCs and the most Operational Patrol Hours.

In 2005, Flotilla 20-06 received the D5SR award for the most VSCs in the district.

In 2006, Flotilla 20-06 received the Presidential Unit Citation.

In 2006, Flotilla 20-06 received an award from National Commodore Steven M. Budar for being one of the top 40 flotillas in the nation for 2006.

In September 2006, Don Lindberg received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for work on the BS&S text.

In June, 2007, the Goldsboro Detachment of the Washington Flotilla was formed. By October, 2008, the detachment had 13 members.

In 2007, Flotilla 20-06 received the Division 20 award for most VSCs in the division.

In 2007, Flotilla 20-06 received the Division 20 Cornerstone Award for most operational hours.

In 2008 Flotilla 20-06 received a National award for being one of the top 100 performers in the Vessel Examination Program for 2007.

2008 marked a period of great growth for the Washington Flotilla with 22 new members joining. The flotilla received the “NACO Membership Growth Award—Flotilla” for recruitment.

In 2008, Becky Kaurup received the “NACO Membership Growth Award—Individual” for recruitment.

In 2008 Flotilla 20-06 established its first web site (Jason Cyphers, FSO-CS).

In 2008, Donald Lindberg (VFC, FSO-HR, FSO-PB, SO-PB, BC-HCM) received D5SR’s “Publication of the Year” award for his Division 20 newsletter, 20-20 Vision.

In 2008, Donald Lindberg (VFC, FSO-HR, FSO-PB, SO-PB, BC-HCM) was named Division 20’s “Auxiliarist of the Year.”

In 2008, Donald Lindberg received the Auxiliary PE Service Award.

In 2008, five members of the flotilla received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for their PA efforts at ECU’s “Military Appreciation Day” honoring the Coast Guard.

In 2008, Flotilla 20-06 received the Division 20 award for most VSCs in the division.

In January 2009, Don Lindberg received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for his work on the SS&S text.

In 2009, Flotilla 20-06 received a National award for being one of the top 100 performers in the Vessel Examination Program.

In 2009, Flotilla 20-06 received the CG Unit Commendation.

In 2009, Jason Cyphers (FSO-CS, SO-CS) was named Division 20’s “Auxiliarist of the Year.”

In 2009, Ben Reed received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2010, Jason Cyphers (FSO-CS, SO-CS ) received a Letter of Commendation and ribbon from Capt. Mark Rizzo, Chief Director of the Auxiliary for his web work for the National Training Department; Tony Weichel (FSO-VE) received a Letter of Commendation and ribbon from CDR Steven D. Whitehead, Director of Auxiliary DIRAUX for his outstanding contribution to the VSC program in 2009; and Ben Reed (VFC, FSO-OP, SO-FN, SO-OP) was named Division 20’s “Auxiliarist of the Year.”

In 2010-2011, flotilla members served as DVC-TS (Jason Cyphers), BC-HCM (Don Lindberg), DSO-MA (Rhonda Stallings), ADSO-MA (James Stallings, Jackie Castle), DCDR (Gary Wruck), SO-CS (Jason Cyphers), SO-FN (Ben Reed), SO-MA (Lou Waters), SO-OP (Ben Reed), SO-PB (Don Lindberg).

In 2010, Ben Reed received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2011, Donald Lindberg (FC, FSO-HR, FSO-PB, SO-PB, BC-HCM) was named Division 20’s “Auxiliarist of the Year.” (2nd award)

In 2011 Don Lindberg (FC, FSO-HR, FSO-PB, SO-PB, BC-HCM) received the Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation and ribbon from Capt. Mark Rizzo, Chief Director of the Auxiliary at NACON for his work at his National Staff Position (BC-HCM).

In August 2012, Don Lindberg received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for his work on the Fingerprint Technician course.

In December 2013, Don Lindberg received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for ATON verification and another for combined operations.

In 2013, Tony Weichel (FSO-VE) received the first Bobby Swindell Award for performing VSCs at Havens Gardens in Washington every weekend for 15 years (in several years performing 300+ inspections).

In March 2014, Don Lindberg and John Anderson received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for ATON/PATON verification.

In 2014 Flotilla members served as DVC-AS (Jason Cyphers), BC-HCM (Don Lindberg). DSO-MA (Rhonda Stallings), ADSO-MA (James Stallings, Jackie Castle), SO-FN (Ben Reed), SO-MA (Lou Waters), SO-PB (Don Lindberg).

In June 2014, the flotilla received the CG Unit Commendation.

In 2014 Jason Cyphers (DVC-AS) received the Auxiliary Commendation Medal from CAPT F. T Boress, Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety; Jerrold Hopfengardner received the Coast Guard Auxiliary Achievement Medal from CAPT F. T Boress, Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety; and Don Lindberg (FC, FSO-HR, FSO-PB, SO-PB, BC-HCM) received the Auxiliary Commendation Medal from CAPT F. T Boress, Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety.

In 2014 John (Andy) Anderson (FSO-NS) started the Auxiliary University Program (AUP) at East Carolina University (ECU).

In 2014 Ben Reed received the Lifetime Achievement Award (finalist) from D5SR.

In 2014 Tom Blount received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2015 D5SR saluted members of Flotilla 20-06 for the following:

   Total Hours Supporting Coast Guard Active Duty/OCS Recruiting during 2015—Blount, Thomas H, 3rd Place

   Total Hours Spent on Internal Publications during 2015—Lindberg, Donald G, 466.3 hours 1st Place

   Total Hours Spent Advancing Public Affairs Missions during 2015—Lindberg, Donald G, 497.5 2nd Place

   Total Number of Vessel Safety Checks Performed during 2015—Weichel, Anthony A, 234  (5th in D5SR)

   Total Hours Spent on Watchstanding Missions—Blount, Thomas H, 448, 3rd Place, CG STA Fort Macon and CG STA Hobucken

   Total Hours TOP 5% OF D5SR—Stallings, Rhonda R, 2,796.0; Lindberg, Donald G, 1,383.9

In 2015, John (Andy) Anderson received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2016, Five members of the flotilla received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Rhonda Stallings-17,139.50 hrs, Don Lindberg-11,720.25 hrs, Tom Blount-8,400.60 hrs, Ben Reed-6,472.75 hrs, James Stallings-5,882.00 hrs.

In 2016 Tony Weichel (ret) received another Century Club award for more than 100 VSCs in 2015.

In 2016 Tom Blount received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2016, John (Andy) Anderson received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2016 Flotilla 20-06 added 8 new members.

In 2017 Flotilla 20-06 received the NACO 3-Star Award for Excellence (Mandated Training).

In 2017 Tom Blount received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2017, Pamlico Watch was First Runner-up in D5SR’s Publication Contest.

In 2017 flotilla members served as SO-DV, SO-FN, SO-MA, SO-PB, BC-HSM, BA-BRPX.

In 2018 flotilla members served as SO-FN, SO MA, SO-OP, SO-PB, SO-VE, ADSO-IM, BA-ASGA, BA-BRPX, BA-HNVC, BA-UCCB.

In 2018 Tom Blount received the Auxiliary Oprns Service Award.

In 2018 Tom Marchisello received the Auxiliary VE/MDV Service Award.

In 2018 Melissa McLauren received the Coast Guard Commandant's Letter of Commendation (ACLOC).

In 2019 Flotilla 20-06 received the NACO Three Star Award for Excellence in Diversity leading to Division 20 also receiving the award.

IN 2019 Flotilla 20-06 received another CG Unit Commendation.

In 2019, David Silberstein received the Auxiliary VE/MDV Service Award.

In 2019 Flotilla members served as SO-CM, SO-DV, SO-FN, SO MA, SO-MT, SO-OP, SO-PA, SO-PB, SO-VE, ADSO-PB, ADSO-IM, BA-ASGB, BA-BREP, BA-HNVC, BC-UCW. (9 division, 3 district, 4 national).

In 2020, Flotilla members served as IPDCDR, SO-CM, SO-DV, SO-FN, SO-PB, SO-MT, SO-NS, SO-PA, ADSO-IM, ADSO-PB, BC-UCW, BA-BREP, BA-HNVC.

In 2020, Flotilla received Coast Guard Unit Commendation. Don Lindberg received the Coast Guard Commandant's Letter of Commendation (ACLOC) and Melissa McLauren received the Coast Guard Commandant's Auxiliary Achievement Medal (AAM).

A list of the Flotilla Commanders (FCs) and Vice Flotilla Commanders (VFCs) since the Washington Flotilla (16-04)—(20-06) was reestablished in 1964 follows.

 

Years                            Flotilla Commanders            Vice Flotilla Commanders

1964 & 1965              Robert M. Langley                      Sam Mallison

1966                             Sam Mallison                           Crawford Mann

1967                             Sam Mallison                           Champlin Buck

1968                             Champlin Buck                        John Leach

1969                             John Leach                              James L. Lupton

1970                             James L. Lupton                      Robert Perry

1971 & 1972              Druie D. Winstead                      James R. Oakley

1973                             James R. Oakley                      Van P. Brinson, Jr.

1974                             Van P. Brinson, Jr.                    Robert Fleming

1975                             Robert Fleming                        Robert Forrest

1976                             Robert E. Morlock                   James L. Lupton

1977                             James L. Lupton                     Thomas H. Blount

1978 & 1979                Thomas H. Blount                    James R. Oakley

1980 & 1981                James R. Oakley                    Thomas H. Blount

1982                             James R. Oakley                    Paul B. Blount

1983                             Paul B. Blount                         John N. Wheeler

1984                             Paul B. Blount                         Thomas F. Conlon

1985                             Thomas F. Conlon                   James L. Lupton

1986                             Thomas F. Conlon                   Athalia A. Gravely

1987                             Athalia A. Gravely                  George H. Freeman

1988                             George H. Freeman              Rolin C. Jones

1989 & 1990                 Rolin C. Jones                      Walter H. Brauckmann

1991                             William R. Sprenkle              Thomas F. Conlon

1992                             Rolin C. Jones                       Emory K. Worley

1993                             Emory K. Worley                   Byron E. Martin

1994                             Byron E. Martin                     Joe Sizemore

1995                             Joe Sizemore                       Fred Drummond

1996                             George Freeman                  Fred Drummond

1997 & 1998              Fred Drummond                     Jeremy Johnson

1999                             Jeremy Johnson                   Fred Drummond

2000                              Jeremy Johnson                  Charles King

2001                             Tony Weichel                        Ray Ward

2002 & 2003                 Ray Ward                              Ben Reed

2004                             Ben Reed                              Phillip Nepper

2005                              Lib Jenkins                           Phillip Nepper

2006 & 2007                 Gary PC Wruck                     Ben Reed

2008                              Donald Lindberg                   Ben Reed

2010                              Donald Lindberg                   Louis Waters

2011                              Donald Lindberg                    Jason Cyphers

2012                              Ben Reed                              Donald Lindberg

2013                              Paul Hale                               Anthony Weichel

3013                              Anthony Weichel (acting FC)

2013                              Donald Lindberg                     Rhonda Stallings

2014                              Donald Lindberg                     Rhonda Stallings

2015 & 2016                 Rhonda Stallings                    Ben Reed

2017                              John (Andy) Anderson         Donald Lindberg

2018                              John (Andy) Anderson         Anthony (Tony) LoPinto

2019 & 2020                 Anthony (Tony) LoPinto       Tom Marchisello

2021 & 2022                  David Silberstein                   Dale Benson

2023 & 2024               Dale Benson                    Ken Barefoot

Like other long-established Flotillas in the Auxiliary, the Washington Flotilla has had its ups and down, ranging in membership from the original 16 members in August, 1943, to 53 members in February, 1945, to 40 members in 1993, and to 52 members in 2008. Its sizeable membership is evidence of the continuing need for a U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla in Washington, NC.

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