Coast Guard News
News from the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary at large.
Rescue at Sucia IslandAll eleven people aboard a Kenmore Air floatplane survived its July 23 crash in Shallow Bay at Sucia Island, with Station Bellingham and Air Station Port Angeles among the responders.
Changes of CommandFlotilla 11 members attended the changes of command at Coast Guard Station Bellingham on May 21 and aboard USCGC Sea Lion on July 9.
- The Coast Guard Steps Forward in the Western Pacific
The Coast Guard has moved its six-cutter expeditionary squadron from Bahrain to Singapore and Subic Bay, taking on a larger presence and partner-building role in the Western Pacific.
- The Coast Guard in the News
Adm. Kevin E. Lunday sworn in as 28th Commandant, the Force Design 2028 modernization push, and an Air Station Cold Bay rescue of nine crab boat crew in the Bering Sea.
A History of Coast Guard Helicopter AviationA 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 RescueA 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.
- Return to Full Mission Operations and Standard Uniform Wear
Following the end of the government shutdown, COMO Klaas Nijhuis announced that Coast Guard District Northwest is returning to full mission operations and normal uniform wear.
Mount Vernon Heavy Weather Surf BoatsThe Coast Guard awarded Rozema Boat Works of Mount Vernon, Wash., a contract for up to six 64-foot heavy weather boats to be homeported in the Pacific Northwest.
- US Coast Guard Websites
A guide to Coast Guard websites useful to the public, covering boating safety, navigation information, news, local units and recruiting.
- Auxiliary in WW2
A summary of retired Captain Bob Desh’s MyCG article on the World War II “Corsair Fleet,” the Coastal Picket Force of civilian boats modeled on the Auxiliary.
- Emergency Management Team
Sector Puget Sound is establishing an Auxiliary Emergency Management Team to support contingency exercises, ICS training and contingency planning, coordinated by Auxiliarist Stephen Hueffed.
Terrapin Change of CommandCommand of the Bellingham-based 87-foot cutter USCGC Terrapin passed from LTJG Katya L. Armbrecht to LTJG Jane A. Alandydy.
FEMA Geospatial Damage AssessmentsAuxiliarists trained on FEMA’s mapping system help record disaster damage; a flotilla member’s team identified damaged buildings in Ruidoso, New Mexico, supporting a federal disaster declaration.
USCG Band PerformanceThe U.S. Coast Guard Band performed at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center on Feb 22 during its centennial tour, and flotilla member Ray White staffed an Auxiliary information table.
USCG MuseumA look at the U.S. Coast Guard Museum in New London, Conn., which is moving from the Coast Guard Academy campus to a new purpose-built facility nearby.
- American Forces Travel Service
ALAUX 035/24 confirmed that active Coast Guard Auxiliarists are eligible to use the American Forces Travel Service booking platform and its travel discounts.
USCGC EagleLyle Schrag served as Auxiliary Chaplain aboard the USCG Cutter Eagle in May and June 2024 during the first phase of the cadet training cruise to the Caribbean.
- Recent ALAUX
A list of recent ALAUX announcements from the Coast Guard applicable to Auxiliary members, issued August and September 2024.
USCG SLEP ProgramFlotilla members toured the Birdon facility in Bellingham where the Coast Guard's 47-foot Motor Life Boats undergo the Service Life Extension Program overhaul.
- 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.
March Flotilla MeetingMKC Shaine Wells of Station Bellingham described the service life extension program for the Coast Guard's 47-foot Motor Lifeboat at the March 2024 flotilla meeting.
Flotilla Meeting SpeakerLTJG Katya Armbrecht, commanding officer of CGC Terrapin, spoke at the October 2023 Flotilla meeting.
Change of Watch/CommandChanges of command in June and July 2023 at Coast Guard Station Bellingham and the cutters Sea Lion and Terrapin, attended by Flotilla 11 members.
New UniformsThe Auxiliary is getting two new uniforms, an Auxiliary version of the active duty CGU work uniform and the new Auxiliary Working Uniform (AWU).