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"Nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer." --Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, April 18, 1942 SPAR Recruiting Poster, WW2 Join Flotilla 21As one of five flotillas in Division 02, Flotilla 21 is directly involved with USCG Auxiliary core missions in the Puget Sound area. The Auxiliary needs dedicated, motivated people more than ever. Here are some ways you can be involved: Homeland Security: We really do guard the coast! As its Homeland Security missions expand, the active duty Coast Guard looks to the Auxiliary to augment security missions. We seek volunteers to participate in activities ranging from security patrols to administration, often working side-by-side with active duty USCG personnel. Boating Safety: Members perform on-the-water patrols, search and rescue missions, and safety patrols during Seafair and local regattas. And you don't need to own a boat to participate: many members serve as crew personnel for Auxiliary vessels. Auxiliary members also staff boating safety booths at area boat shows, and teach public education courses to adults and children. PWC Program: Flotilla 21 is leading the way with a very active Personal Watercraft (PWC) program. Our patrols include Seafair, the Renton Cup, the Columbia Cup (in the Tri-Cities area of eastern Washington) and various safety and maritime security patrols of Elliott Bay. Any Auxiliarist interested in these areas can take advantage of the Auxiliary's member training program to become qualified as crew members, coxswains, or public education course instructors. Vessel Examination: Members of the Auxiliary perform free vessel safety checks, a key element of the Coast Guard's Recreational Boating Safety program. Along with checking vessels for compliance with safety requirements, Vessel Examiners answer questions about related topics such as charts and aids, or weather and sea conditions. Public Affairs: Keeping the public informed about the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary is an important mission, as is communicating to members about Auxiliary activities around the country, or up-to-the-minute operations needing Auxiliary involvement. Flotilla 21 members also stand watch at the Alki Point Lighthouse to greet visitors and share information about this historical facility. Aids to Navigation: Flotilla 21 is responsible for inspecting private aids to navigation like private mooring buoys, which are not maintained by the Coast Guard. Radio Communications: Auxiliarists who meet the Auxiliary's radio communications standards are eligible to serve as regular Watchstanders at Coast Guard Stations. But I'm not qualified in any of these areas. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides its members with the training to succeed, whether that training happens in a classroom, dockside, on-the-water, or from home via the Auxiliary's "distance learning" resources.
How do I join? Whatever your interest and whatever the amount of time you can contribute, there's a place--and a need--for you. Contact our Flotilla Staff Officer for Personnel Services for more information. We'll give you a call to tell you more about the Auxiliary and hear about your specific interests, and assist with preparing an application. Once the enrollment process is completed, you'll be on your way to becoming a member of Coast Guard Forces! Location: Flotilla 21 meets at Chuck Olson Chevrolet (170th and Aurora Avenue North in Shoreline). |
