U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-3: Greater Annapolis

06/23/2026

Today, we celebrate 87 years of dedicated volunteer service in support of the Coast Guard and our nation's maritime community. Thank you to all Auxiliary members who generously give their time and commitment to serving others. We appreciate all your efforts.

Photo by U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Jeff Holland

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

Yesterday, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-3: Greater Annapolis crews were out on the Severn River as we welcomed the Circle & Arrival of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as part of Commissioning Week in Annapolis.

Our auxiliary members are proud to support the the Blue Angels, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard by helping secure the maritime safety zone and show box during flight operations and demonstrations.

Today, our crews will once again be underway supporting the full Blue Angels air show while helping ensure the safety of the boating public throughout the event area.

It is an honor to support this incredible tradition and serve the boating community during one of Annapolis’ premier events of the year.

05/18/2026

Last week, Auxiliarist Bruce Johnson with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-3: Greater Annapolis conducted a UPV examination as part of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s support to boating safety and maritime compliance efforts.

A UPV examination is a dockside safety inspection for an Uninspected Passenger Vessel, commonly known as a “six-pack” charter vessel. These commercial vessels carry up to six passengers for hire and are commonly used for fishing charters, sightseeing tours, and other small passenger operations. During the exam, vessel safety equipment, documentation, navigation lights, firefighting equipment, lifesaving gear, and overall compliance with applicable federal safety regulations are reviewed to help promote safe operations on the water.

Qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary members are specially trained and certified to perform these exams in support of the Coast Guard’s marine safety mission. Auxiliarists complete extensive training, qualification requirements, and supervised inspections before earning certification to conduct UPV examinations independently.

Thank you to Bruce for supporting boating safety and helping keep our waterways safe for the maritime community.

05/18/2026

05/16/2026

Great day at West Marine in Annapolis supporting National Safe Boating Week. ⚓️🛥️🛟

Members of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-3: Greater Annapolis spent the day connecting with local boaters, sharing boating safety information, answering questions, and promoting safe and responsible boating ahead of the busy summer season on the Chesapeake Bay.

A special thank you to Auxiliarists Mark Bertacchi and Chris Rasmussen for representing the Auxiliary and engaging with the community throughout the event. We also appreciate West Marine for partnering with us to help promote recreational boating safety.

As you get underway this season, remember to wear your life jacket, carry the proper safety equipment, and always boat responsibly.

05/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to U.S. Coast Guard Station Annapolis, Maryland yesterday as we kicked off National Safe Boating Week! It was a beautiful day on the water and a great opportunity to connect with our boating community ahead of the busy summer season. 🛥️🇺🇸

The event showcased the strong partnership between the Active Duty Coast Guard and Auxiliary as we work together to promote safe and responsible boating across the Chesapeake Bay.

From response boat demonstrations to boating safety outreach and public engagement, the day highlighted the teamwork and mission focus that help keep our waterways safe.

We appreciate everyone who attended and supported the event. As boating season gets underway, remember to boat responsibly, file a float plan, and always wear your life jacket.



📸 AUX Joe Stanik U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-01 Annapolis

05/13/2026

Great community outreach this weekend by members of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-3: Greater Annapolis at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library on West Street.

A special shout out to AUX Ben Turk, Mark Bertacchi, Chris Rasmussen, and Holly Johnson for representing the Auxiliary and engaging with the local community on Saturday.

The event created several valuable new connections, including opportunities to support future children’s reading programs at the library and discussions with a representative from the U.S. Geological Survey who works with osprey tracking and aids to navigation (ATON) camera monitoring. We hope to welcome him to a future flotilla meeting to share more about his important work supporting the Chesapeake Bay environment and maritime community.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary, recreational boating safety, and volunteer service opportunities in our community.

05/12/2026

Join us as we kick off National Safe Boating Week with our partners from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 23, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Natural Resources Police at U.S. Coast Guard Station Annapolis, Maryland.

This media event will highlight recreational boating safety, public education resources, and on-water response capabilities ahead of the busy boating season. Attendees may have the opportunity to observe Coast Guard response boat crews conducting safety drills and speak directly with maritime safety professionals.

📍 Coast Guard Station Annapolis
📅 Friday, May 15, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

National Safe Boating Week is observed May 16–22 and serves as the annual launch of the Safe Boating Campaign. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or new to the water, boating safety starts with preparation, education, and wearing your life jacket.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Central Chesapeake Division 23 proudly supports our maritime community through boating safety education, public outreach, and operational support across Annapolis, Herring Bay, Drum Point, Solomons, and South River.



Media advisory attached.