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International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend

Once again Flotilla 5-12 teamed up with Flotilla 5-9 to put the Point Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes on the air on 16 and 17 August 2025. The occasion this time was the annual International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, an amateur radio event intended to raise awareness about lighthouses and the need for preservation of these historical structures. Amateur radio operators around the world activated over 400 lighthouses. Our station, N6AUX, made contacts with amateur radio operators in 16 US states and 8 countries, including four lighthouse-to-lighthouse contacts. Among the highlights of the weekend was a Morse code contact with a ship at sea in what is likely the first such contact for the Point Vicente Lighthouse in 45 years. It was a wonderful weekend of public affairs on the air and of fellowship as we stayed overnight and shared meals cooked over a Coleman camp stove.

US Coast Guard Cutter Eagle

WIX-327

The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle made a rare port call in Los Angeles in early August of 2025. Photos from Flotilla 5-12's Dan.

USCG Cutter Narwhal

WPB-87335

Change of Command

Flotilla 5-12 members Oscar (first from right), Dan (seventh from left), and Ed (fourth from left) were on hand as command of the Cutter Narwhal was transferred from LT Annabella Farabaugh to LTJG Jake Monson.

Special Event Station N6A

Point Vicente Lighthouse

Rancho Palos Verdes, California

To celebrate the Coast Guard Auxiliary's eighty-fifth birthday, Auxiliarists from all over the country operated amateur radio special event stations. The event coincided with the Point Vicente Lighthouse's monthly open house, so we had the opportunity to spread the word about the Coast Guard Auxiliary's boating safety mission both on the air and in person.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

Our own Daniel Shane was on hand was on hand for this year's Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Michigan, performing in the US Coast Guard Pipe Band.

Beach Cleanup July 2024

Flotilla 5-12 Change of Watch 2024

Cutter Narwhal Change of Command

Flotilla 5-12's own Daniel Shane was on hand as LT Dustin Smith relinquished command of US Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal (WPB-87335) to LTJG Annabella Farabough.