U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11 - Bellingham, WA

Return to Full Mission Operations and Standard Uniform Wear

In a message to the district following the conclusion of the government shutdown, COMO Nijhuis announced that Coast Guard District Northwest is returning to fully active mission cycles and standard operational tempo. He asked all members to exercise caution and professionalism during the transition, particularly for surface operations, noting that skills and proficiency may have diminished during the extended time since many crews and operators were last underway. The Commodore directed members to take the time necessary to reestablish routines, verify readiness, and operate safely, while continuing to make safety and situational awareness a priority across every mission set.

The message also stated that, effective immediately, previous uniform restrictions have been lifted and the district is returning to normal uniform wear standards. COMO Nijhuis reminded members to wear the uniform correctly, professionally, and with pride, noting that appearance reflects the discipline, readiness, and commitment of the United States Coast Guard.

The Commodore closed by thanking all members for their professionalism, flexibility, and dedication throughout the shutdown period.

— Summarized from the official message issued by COMO Klaas Nijhuis, Coast Guard District Northwest

Also in this issue

  • Flotilla 13-01-01: 2025 Year in Review

    A data-driven look at Flotilla 11's 2025 activity hours, training completions and awards, drawn from AUXDATA II reporting.

  • Change Of Watch

    Flotilla 11 held its annual Change of Watch at Station Bellingham on January 17, installing Leslie Parks as Flotilla Commander for 2026.

  • Member Training

    New qualifications for Bret (Vessel Examiner) and Monica (Program Visitor), plus a list of the 13 training activities members have completed so far this year.

  • Navigation Systems

    Flotilla Aid Verifiers have been notified that 2026 PATON and bridge assignments are available, and one member completed AV training.

  • A History of Coast Guard Helicopter Aviation

    A tour of every helicopter type the Coast Guard has flown, from the Sikorsky HNS-1 of 1943 to the planned all-MH-60T Jayhawk fleet, with a profile of Air Station Port Angeles.

  • Recreational Boating Safety: 2024 in Review

    The Coast Guard's 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report recorded the fewest boating deaths on record, but paddle craft made up 26% of fatalities.

  • Station Bellingham Honored for Lummi Island Rescue

    A Station Bellingham boat crew received the 2025 Coast Guard Foundation Award for rescuing a family of five whose kayaks capsized near Lummi Island in June 2024.

  • New Beacons, New Radios

    What current PLBs and handheld VHF radios can do that older gear cannot, why MMSI and beacon registration matter to rescuers, and what Vessel Examiners and Program Visitors should ask boaters.

  • Parting Shot

    A Coast Guard response boat crew on patrol in the San Juan Islands.

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