U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Lower Manhattan Flotilla

06/21/2026

05/29/2026

We're volunteers, and moments like these are the reward. 💙⚓

Memorial Holiday Weekend duty on The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.



📸 Aux John Bilas

05/22/2026

⚓🚤 starts young!

Auxiliarist Brooks set out armed with stickers, and buttons, Sammy the Sea Otter Activity Books, and crayons.
(She 🫶🏾 tiny humans.🤭)

🖍Today's Mission:: boating safety outreach and tactical coloring book & crayon deployment operations.😄

LIFE JACKET STYLES

🛟 INHERENTLY BUOYANT
• Use foam or other buoyant materials to stay afloat
• Available in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes
• Options for adults, children, and pets of all sizes
• Features buckles and clasps for a snug fit

🛟 INFLATABLE OPTIONS
• Uses inflatable technologies
• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Recommended for strong swimmers
• Many inflate automatically when immersed in water while others inflate when a cord is pulled
• Require additional maintenance

🛟 CHILDREN’S SIZES
• Available in bright colors and cartoon characters
• Safety features such as head support and additional straps to help pull a child from the water
• Never buy a life jacket for a child to “grow into”

🛟 PET OPTIONS 🐾
• Do not forget your four legged friends
• Look for a style with a handle on top to easily pull your pet out of the water
Safe boating starts with preparation and the right life jacket can make all the difference. 💙

05/21/2026

⚓🛟 For National Safe Boating Week our auxiliarists were out at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal sharing boating safety information with families and talking about the importance of being before heading out on the water. 🚤💙

SAFE BOATING TIPS

🛟 Wear a life jacket
No matter what adventure you have planned on the water, always wear a life jacket. Incidents can happen much too fast to put on a stowed life jacket. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your activity, and fits properly.

📖 Know state boating laws
Rules and laws can differ from state to state, and violations can result in ticketing, fines, or worse.

🎓 Take a boating safety course
Know your skill level. A NASBLA approved boating safety course can teach valuable skills that may save your life in unexpected situations and may even lower your boat insurance costs.

⚓ Make sure your boat is prepared
Schedule a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or America’s Boating Club before heading out on the water. Be sure to know your boat’s capacity. Overloading a boat can make it unstable and increase the risk of capsizing.

🌦️ Check the weather and know the area
Review the latest marine weather forecast, pay attention to changing conditions, and learn your route in advance including potential hazards and emergency locations.

Safe boating starts before you leave the dock. 💙

05/16/2026

Today is the start of National Safe Boating Week 2026 (May 16th - 22nd) officially kicking off the summer boating season!

Responsible on-the-water practices include life jacket wear, safety gear checks, and boater education. Remember to complete a NASBLA approved boating safety course for your state if you plan to be on the water.🌊🏞 🚤🚣🏾‍♀️🚣‍♂️🛶⛵️

No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always remember to wear a life jacket.

Tell Someone Your Float Plan: Always inform a friend or family member of your exact launch location, the route you plan to take, and your expected return time.

Carry Waterproof Communication: Never rely solely on a bare cell phone. Keep your phone in a dedicated Waterproof Case and securely attach a loud whistle to your PFD. For open or remote waters, consider bringing a VHF Marine Radio.

Check the Weather and Tides: Rapidly changing winds and tidal currents can quickly exhaust your paddling endurance.

   

04/18/2026

Lifting All Boats: Lessons from Black Maritime Pioneers was the theme this February evening!🚢

An engaging affair of maritime history, modern perspectives, and networking, hosted by the New York Council, Navy League of the United States, Executive Director Jessica LM Hitchen.

Featured guests included CAPT Thurraya Kent, USN (Ret.), Strategic Growth Director of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets; Andre Stuckey, Executive Director of the New Jersey Maritime Pilot and Docking Pilot Commission; US Naval Officer Kamara Wade-Watta, US Navy, Officer Programs Department Head; and Gary Johnson, Founder of Paradise Express Ferry & Harlem Rocket.

Moments like these reinforce the importance of perspective, leadership, and a shared commitment to service. ⚓

CGD-NE-SR, Division 5 US Coast Guard Auxiliarists Elizabeth Wooley, and Tuesday P. Brooks. 🛟

Images:
-USS Mason crew mustered in Dress Blues on the ships bow while moored at New York Harbor 1944.
-Dr. Olivia Ho**er, the first African American woman to enlist in the Coast Guard SPARS during World War II and to wear its uniform.

03/02/2026

Bonjour! Dobre dien! Goed dag! Güten Tag! Hola! Sawubona! Salam Aleikhum! Konnichiwa!

Today we proudly celebrate one of our own who has officially earned U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Interpreter Certification for the French language! 🎉⚓

The Auxiliary thrives when we leverage the full spectrum of skills and talents our members bring to the table and this achievement is a perfect example of that spirit in action. As a qualified interpreter (and fluent in 10 other languages!🤯), she strengthens our ability to serve diverse communities, public affairs, outreach, and mission coordination.

We are incredibly proud to have such depth of talent within our ranks. Bravo Zulu! 👏⚓💙

Fun Fact: FSO Angie is also a Knight, awarded the Belgian Order of the Crown at the rank of Knight in recognition of her service to science and public health in her professional life. 👑✨

02/26/2026

Recognizing excellence in training and achievement. Congratulations to our members who advanced their qualifications and continue to strengthen our flotilla. ⚓

Bravo Zulu!

🛟Aux A. Carter - Annual Service Performance
🛟Aux D. Robles - Vessel Examiner

02/24/2026

We’re proud to recognize members who achieved important training milestones and advanced their qualifications this month. Their commitment to learning strengthens our flotilla and reinforces our readiness to serve.

Bravo Zulu to each of you!

🛟Aux D. Thayer
🛟Aux G. Harting
🛟Aux A. Sainclair
🛟Aux M. Dilone
🛟Aux J. Pabon
🛟Aux J. Giacobbe

02/21/2026

At the 2026 New York Boat Show our members had the opportunity not only to engage the boating public, but also to enjoy time together in fellowship and service. We shared laughs, experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that makes serving side by side so rewarding. What an all around gratifying event!⚓🚤