|
 Flotilla
73 was chartered in 1955 and is one of the oldest flotillas in the Portland
and Northwest. Our members serve in many different capacities, ranging from
Recreational Boating Safety as Vessel Examiners and Program Visitors, to
trainers in Public Education classes, Aids to Navigation Verifiers and in
Operations as qualified Boat Crew and Coxswains. The opportunities are many
and the training is great.
Flotilla 73 is part of the largest all-volunteer group
in America. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary (“America’s Volunteer Lifesavers”)
is comprised of over 35,000 members who share a passion to serve their
country and support US Coast Guard missions.
Our area of patrol responsibility includes the
Willamette River from the Oregon City Falls to Kelly Point, and the Columbia
from Bonneville Dam to St. Helens. You will often see us underway at major
maritime events, such as the Rose Festival, Yacht Club Opening Day,
Christmas Ship escort duty, Fourth of July fireworks shows in Portland and
Vancouver, barge launches, “make way” patrols for commercial shipping, and
marine safety/security patrols.
If you are actively seeking a volunteer position at
this time or just desire to learn about the auxiliary, I urge you to come
for a visit. We hold our monthly general membership meeting on the third
Thursday of each month at the Tyee Yacht Club on NE Marine Drive in
Portland. We appreciate your interest in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and
Flotilla 73.
Don
Verkest, Flotilla Commander |
