|
Team Coast Guard is composed of an active-duty force of 35,000 men and women, augmented by the 8,000-member Coast Guard Reserve, the 30,000-strong all-volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a civilian workforce of 5,500.
As a unit of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 35-6 Chicago (formerly Flotilla 2-6) consists of nearly 30 members from the greater metropolitan Chicago area. We actively patrol Chicago area waterways and regularly meet with the boating public at marinas and in classrooms.
As the civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard, we directly support all of its missions except military and law enforcement actions. We also serve side-by-side with active duty and reserve members of Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor (located along the Lake Michigan shoreline at 98th Street in Chicago) and the Chicago Marine Safety Station located at the Chicago River Controlling Locks near Chicago's Navy Pier.
Since 2003, Flotilla 35-6 has been recognized as the "Most Active Flotilla" in its division, providing public educational programs, vessel safety checks, and assisting the U.S. Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as safety patrols, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.
Some of our other Division recognition for the 2009 boating season includes:
- 1st Place - Coast Guard Operations Support
- 1st Place - Member Training Instructor
- 1st Place - Operations
- 3rd Place - Recreational Boating Safety
When We Meet
Flotilla 35-6 Chicago meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at Grace Place, 637 South Dearborn Street, in Chicago's South Loop/Printer's Row neighborhood. Visitors are welcome, but please contact us for more information.
Flotilla 35-6 Chicago - 2010 Meeting Schedule
| Meeting Date |
Member Training Topic(s) |
| January 26 |
TBA |
| March 23 |
Assignement to Duty |
| May 25 |
Emergency Preparedness |
| July 27 |
TBA |
| September 28 |
TBA |
| November 23 |
Annual Meeting & Elections |
Membership
The Auxiliary has members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years old, and pass a basic check. There are no upper age limits or height/weight standards, although for operational activities, you must be physically able to perform certain tasks. There are no minimum service hours – you can serve as little or as much as you want.
You do not have to own a boat or participate in water-based operations to join the Auxiliary.
Finally, the Auxiliary supports its members through local unit meetings, regional conferences and enjoys heartfelt fellowship with each other.
Opportunities
We have numerous opportunities for members to become involved in all aspects of boating:
- Public Education - Teach courses on boating safety, navigation, and seamanship to recreational boaters of all ages.
- Vessel Safety Checks - Give free safety checks to recreational and commercial fishing vessels.
- Operations - Provide boaters and the Coast Guard helpful information and emergency assistance.
- Marine Environmental Protection - Help promote clean waterways through marine pollution awareness programs that help to recognize, protect and assess the environment.
- Recruiting - Build a stronger Coast Guard team through promoting awareness of career opportunities for service.
- Administrative Support - Assist the Coast Guard in areas such as computer operations, radio watchstanding, publications and public affairs.
Fun & Fellowship
Our dedication to boating safety provides a congenial atmosphere for getting together to exchange boating experiences. You'll find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists. We're sure you will make long lasting, meaningful relationships.
Knowing that you belong to a special group of people and directly participate in helping to save lives gives your membership a special meaning.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about becoming a member of our flotilla (or any other Flotilla), please feel free to:
|
