Coast Guard Auxiliary Making a Come Back After COVID-19

SEWAREN, NJ – US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 44, District 014 has been serving the Woodbridge area of Middlesex County for decades and its members remain fully dedicated to serving the community during the COVID-19 crisis.

As the Flotilla begins to reopen and again serve the public following the recent interruption of its operations, the Auxiliary is committed to ensuring the safety of its members and the public.  All Auxiliarists who interact with the public are being instructed on how to follow the latest COVID-19 safety guidelines issued by the US Coast Guard and the US Department of Homeland Security.

“I’m happy to report that we are once again accepting applications for new members who want to help the Auxiliary provide our services to the public.  We are also supplying local stores and marinas with safe boating literature and conducting free vessel safety inspections.  In conducting these activities, our members are carefully following required COVID-19 safety guidelines,” said Flotilla Commander Mike Rebeck.

The Auxiliary’s mission falls into three main areas:

• Educating recreational boaters about on-water vessel safety through a State of New Jersey approved boating safety course and the distribution of safe boating literature,
• Inspecting vessels (free of charge) to ensure they meet US Coast Guard and local safety requirements and,
• Working with active duty Coast Guard units across a range of safety and security missions, including safety patrols on Raritan Bay.

COVID-19 took its toll on the Auxiliary and the vital services that it provides the Woodbridge community. “We are regaining our momentum while promoting stringent safety procedures (including social distancing and use of facemasks) for our members and the community at large.  As an all volunteer organization, we provide free training to anyone who wants to serve,” adds Rebeck.  The members of Flotilla 44 are ready to go and look forward to a speedy return to delivering on their motto “Semper Paratus” which means Always Ready! And they are.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the all-volunteer, uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas.  An Act of Congress created the Auxiliary in 1939.

For more information on becoming a member or for boating safety classes and free Vessel Safety Checks, email us at: USCGAUXILIARY44@AOL.COM