USCG SLEP Program

Alert 11, Summer 2024

Peter Border arranged a tour of the USCG 47’ Motor Life Boat SLEP facilities in Bellingham on June 14th. This program extends the 25-year life of the motor life boats with a complete overhaul and updates. There are two facilities that perform this work, one on the east coast and one in Bellingham at the Birdon facility. Several Auxiliary members were able to take the tour, which was led by USCG MKC Shaine Wells.

Additional information about the SLEP program is available at https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/Newsroom/Latest-Acquisition-News/Article/1927421/coast-guard-awards-contract-for-47-foot-motor-lifeboat-service-life-extension-p/

• Fellowship & Events
• Coast Guard News

Also in this issue

• Squalicum Harbor Opening Day

  Flotilla members hosted a table and displayed a flotilla facility at Squalicum Harbor's opening day.

• Ski to Sea Race

  The flotilla provided a safety patrol for the kayak leg of the Ski to Sea race in Whatcom County on May 26.

• Awards

  Flotilla Commander Pam Chelgren-Koterba presented awards to several members at recent flotilla meetings.

• Member Training

  A list of the workshops and core training courses completed by flotilla members during the first half of 2024.

• Navigation Systems

  Flotilla aid verifiers have begun 2024 PATON verifications, and the last local NOAA raster charts are being retired in July.

• Operations

  The flotilla continues to run patrols and train new crew and coxswains, with several patrols planned in the coming weeks.

• 85th Anniversary of the Coast Guard Auxiliary

  The Coast Guard Auxiliary marked its 85th anniversary with a June 20 ceremony at USCG Headquarters, where it received a Coast Guard Unit Commendation.

• Parting Shot

  Coast Guard Station Bellingham and Air Station Port Angeles rescued four adults, a child and a dog near Lummi Island on June 9.