U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Lower Manhattan Flotilla

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.

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. 👑✨

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

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

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!⚓🚤

We were proud to represent the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at the 2026 New York Boat Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Connecting with boating enthusiasts, promoting safety awareness, and answering questions about recreational boating is an opportunity for meaningful outreach, great conversations, and the kind of camaraderie that reminds us why we serve. ⚓🚤

Our first meeting of the year began with a reaffirmation of our oath. A reminder of the commitment we make to serve, support, and stand ready and a strong start to the year ahead. ⚓

As we get ready this New Years Eve to spring into the New Year, remember to use that to make life easier when docking the boat this year. 📸: U.S.C.G Station Bellingham.

🖼: Rafael Baez, AUXPA3

🦺Charting New Horizons.🦺

We proudly congratulate our shipmate Aaron Brown, who graduated from USCG TRACEN Cape May this year and now serves as a Seaman E-3 Reservist at Station Philadelphia. As he prepares for Boatswain’s Mate A-School in 2026, his dedication and forward momentum reflect the very best of service and commitment.

Pictured here, Aaron receives his Auxiliary BQ status award from our Bridge Flotilla Commander Tuesday P. Brooks and Vice Flotilla Commander Michael D. Harmon.

Bravo Zulu, Aaron. Your journey inspires us all!

#2025

Ready When Called.🛟

During the 2025 NYC Marathon, Auxiliarists David Robles and Jordan Birnbaum stepped into an unanticipated moment of service supporting Morning Colors, the daily ceremonial raising of the American flag that marks the official start of the duty day.🫡

With no notice and no hesitation, they rose to the moment with professionalism, pride, and precision, joining the gold side officer. Their readiness reflects the very heart of the Auxiliary: showing up prepared, grounded in protocol, and ready to serve whenever duty presents itself.

Moments like these are why we train, why we stay engaged, and why we remain vigilant. We stay ready so we don’t have to get ready!

❄️⚓️ Closing the Year in Fellowship & Good Cheer ⚓️❄️

Our holiday gathering brought together everything that makes this flotilla special: great food 🍽️, big laughs 😂, meaningful fellowship 🤝, and plenty of purpose 💪. Our ugly sweater vibe needs work🧶, they were too cute.😅

We held the Trivia Challenge Championship 🧠🏆, cheered on and medaled🥇 some impressive Coast Guard & Auxiliary smarts, and enjoyed a CGMA presentation by Auxiliarist John Bilas 🇺🇸⚓️. Add in gifts 🎁, awards 🏅, and that unmistakable end-of-year camaraderie, and you’ve got a pretty fun way to wrap things up (even though FC not so subtly reminded us we can use more training😄 ).

Special thanks to our Division officers, Commander Salvador Rivera, and Staff Officer Maribel Rivera for joining in on our celebration, and their steady support throughout the year!🌟

A joyful close to 2025, shared in fellowship and looking ahead to what 2026 brings. ✨🚤

Bravo Zulu to Team Charlie! 👏🏼
You out-smarted, out-buzzed, and sank the competition.🏆

The 2025 Trivia Challenge brought plenty of laughs, friendly rivalry, and just the right amount of Coast Guard Auxiliary know-how. Team Charlie came out on top after a spirited best-of-three showdown, showing great teamwork and sharp thinking in what turned out to be a pretty fun member training exercise.

Congratulations to Team Alpha. You came, you buzzed, you battled, and came in strong at 2nd place. BZ Alpha Crew!

Thanks to all who played along and cheered from the sidelines. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year. Until then, well played, Team Charlie! ⚓️🧠