U.S. Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River

🚨Marine Safety Information Bulletin🚨

Low Water Advisory - Sector Upper Mississippi River and Illinois River

NOTICE: DUE TO THE LAPSE IN FEDERAL FUNDING, INFORMATION ON THIS SOCIAL MEDIA SITE WILL NOT BE ACTIVELY MANAGED.

🚧 SAFETY ZONE ESTABLISHED – UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER MM 199.5 TO MM 200.5 🚧

The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone on the Upper Mississippi River from Mile Marker 199.5 to Mile Marker 200.5, extending 450 feet from the Right Descending Bank.

⚠️ Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Upper Mississippi River.

📢 This safety zone is being enforced through broadcast notice to mariners and on-scene patrol units.

📡 Mariners operating in the area are advised to monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for updates and instructions from Coast Guard units.

Your cooperation helps ensure the safety of all mariners and personnel in the area. Thank you.

🚨Coast Guard Responding to Helicopter Crash Near Alton, IL 🚨

The U.S. Coast Guard responds alongside partner agencies to a reported helicopter crash near Alton, Illinois.

To ensure the safety of all responders and the public, the Upper Mississippi River is temporarily closed to vessel traffic from mile marker 199 to 202 until further notice.

We urge all mariners to avoid the area and monitor official updates.

More information will be provided as it becomes available

🚨NOTICE TO UPDATE 🚨

The Western Rivers Command Center has a NEW phone number!

📞 1-866-360-3386 📞

Please update your contacts and spread the word! This number is your direct line to report emergencies, marine incidents, pollution, and other urgent matters on our nation’s inland waterways.

Available 24/7/365 - because safety on our rivers never stop.

Save this number. Share this post. Keep our waterways safe!

🎉🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Army! 🇺🇸🎉

From all of us at Sector Upper Mississippi River, thank you to our brothers and sisters in the U.S. Army — past and present — for 250 years of unwavering service, sacrifice, and commitment to this nation. The Army stood tall before we even became the United States of America and has continued to defend freedom across the globe ever since.

As proud members of the U.S. Coast Guard, ourselves 234 years strong, we salute each of you in the Army, an all-volunteer force that exemplifies courage, resilience, and honor across generations.

Here’s to a legacy older than the nation itself and to the Soldiers who continue to write its next chapter. ⚔️💪

Army Strong. Semper Paratus.

🚨 Enhancing Readiness: Reserve EMFR Team Hosts Tabletop Exercise 🛡️

On January 11-12, our dedicated Reserve Emergency Management and Federal Response (EMFR) Team conducted a comprehensive tabletop exercise to validate and refine proposed changes to the Sector Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). 📅🔍

🔹 Engaged Participants: Over 25 members from diverse backgrounds—including Reserve, Active Duty, Civilian, and Auxiliary personnel—joined forces to tackle 4 realistic scenarios. This collaborative effort provided an excellent opportunity to hone Incident Command System (ICS) position-specific skills, ensuring that every team member is prepared to respond effectively in any situation.

🔹 Exercise Highlights:

Scenario Simulation: Participants navigated through complex challenges, testing our sector’s ability to maintain operations during emergencies.

Skill Development: Focused on enhancing ICS roles, fostering better coordination and communication among all team members.

Collaborative Learning: Strengthened partnerships and unified our approach to emergency management and response.

👏 A Huge Thank You to everyone who participated for your dedication and teamwork! Your commitment to excellence is what makes our sector resilient and ready to protect and serve our waterways with unwavering preparedness.

Semper Paratus!

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Sector Upper Mississippi River! ✨🎄

As the holiday season envelops us in its warmth and cheer, Sector Upper Mississippi River extends heartfelt wishes to our Coast Guard family, partners, and the entire community we serve. 🌟

🎁 Reflecting on a Year of Service and Community 🎁

This year has been filled with dedication, teamwork, and countless moments of pride as we've worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our waterways. From maintaining navigational aids to supporting our veterans and engaging with the community through events like our Gingerbread Competition and volunteer initiatives, every effort has contributed to our mission of protecting and serving.

🕯️ Spreading Holiday Cheer 🕯️

During this festive season, our crew members have embraced the spirit of giving and camaraderie. Whether it's organizing holiday feasts, participating in community service projects, or simply sharing moments of joy with one another, the bonds we've strengthened are a testament to the true meaning of the holidays.

🚢 Honoring Traditions and Building Memories 🚢

Christmas is a time for traditions, and we cherish the memories we've created together. From decorating our vessels to celebrating with family and friends, these traditions remind us of the importance of unity and support both within our sector and the broader community.

🌟 A Special Thank You 🌟

To our dedicated personnel, partners, and the community members who continuously support us—thank you for your unwavering commitment and generosity. Your spirit fuels our determination to excel in all we do.

🎅 Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season 🎅

May your Christmas be filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Here's to a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year ahead!

Semper Paratus!



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📸 Swipe to see highlights from our holiday events and celebrations!

Feel free to share your own holiday moments with us by tagging ! 🎉

🎄 Gingerbread Showdown: Sweet Success at Sector Upper Mississippi! 🍪✨

This holiday season, Sector Upper Mississippi River unleashed their creativity and competitive spirit in our annual Gingerbread Competition! 🏆🍭

👥 Competing Teams:
- Prevention Department
- Health Services Technicians
- Supply Department
- Command Center
- Yeomen
- Incident Management Division

All teams put their best frosting forward, crafting intricate and festive gingerbread masterpieces. From towering candy canes to beautifully decorated houses, the creativity and teamwork on display were truly inspiring. 🎨🏠

👏 Congratulations to Our Champions: A huge Bravo Zulu to the Prevention Department and our Health Services Technicians for taking 1st Place! 🥇 Your stunning creations not only dazzled the judges but also perfectly captured the holiday spirit. Your hard work and dedication truly paid off!

📸 Check Out the Highlights: Swipe through the photos to see the amazing designs and the fun-filled moments of friendly competition. 📷✨

🎉 Thank You to All Participants: Every team gave it their all, making this event a delightful success. Your enthusiasm and festive cheer brought our community closer and added extra joy to the holiday season. 🎅🤶

Let's continue to celebrate our teamwork and creativity as we approach the holidays. Semper Paratus and happy holidays to all! 🌟🎁



📸 Don't forget to tag your colleagues and share your favorite moments from the competition!

🚢 CGC CHEYENNE Returns Home After Successful ATON Mission ⚓️

We’re excited to announce that USCGC CHEYENNE has safely returned to homeport after a productive four-day mission to Cape Girardeau, MO! 🌊

🔧 ATON Operations: While USCGC CHIPPEWA has been undergoing an extended drydock, CHEYENNE has been diligently covering a portion of their Area of Responsibility (AOR). From Upper Mississippi River Mile 052 in Cape Girardeau to the southern edge of our AOR at Chester, IL (UMR Mile 110), our crew reset over 60 buoys and groomed the channel to ensure safe navigation during low water conditions. 🛠️🗺️

👥 Team Collaboration: We had the pleasure of hosting Auxiliarist Todd Wilkinson from Springfield, MO, who assisted on the bridge as a lookout and even took the Command (CON) helm a few times. Additionally, two crew members from USCGC CHIPPEWA joined us, gaining valuable ATON experience while their ship completes drydock work. 🤝🔍

🚨 Search and Rescue Response: At the end of our mission, CHEYENNE responded to a Sector Western Rivers PAN-PAN-B broadcast regarding a possible person in the water near the Eads Bridge in St. Louis. Demonstrating our crew’s versatility and dedication, we swiftly transitioned from ATON operations to Search and Rescue (SAR). The cutter diligently searched the southern approaches to the Eads Bridge and around both the Eads and Martin Luther King Jr. bridges. Although no one was found, our team’s “can do” attitude shone brightly, proving that even black hulls can conduct effective SAR missions! 🛟✨

👏 A Big Bravo Zulu to the entire CHEYENNE crew for their hard work, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our waterways. Your efforts ensure the safety and efficiency of the Marine Transportation System, and we couldn’t be prouder! 🌟

Semper Paratus!



📸 Check out some more highlights from CHEYENNE’s mission below!

🎄 Spreading Holiday Cheer to Those Who Serve 🎁

Recently, several dedicated members from Sector Upper Mississippi River, Base St. Louis, and USCGC CHEYENNE volunteered alongside The Kaufman Fund to distribute over 300 Christmas trees to local veterans and active-duty service members! 🇺🇸

Braving the chilly weather, our team—comprising four Chiefs and one Warrant Officer—joined forces to bring festive joy to those who have given so much to our country. Despite the cold, spirits were high, and hearts were warm as we witnessed the smiles and gratitude of our fellow service members receiving their well-earned gratitude and Christmas care packages.

It was truly a heartwarming experience to give back to our veteran community and share in the holiday spirit. Moments like these remind us of the importance of unity, service, and compassion.

A huge thank you to The Kaufman Fund for organizing this incredible event and to all the volunteers who made it possible. We are proud to stand beside you in support of our veterans.

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday season!

Semper Paratus!

🦃 A Feast of Gratitude and Camaraderie 🍁

Today, members of Sector Upper Mississippi River, Base St. Louis, USCGC GASCONADE, and USCGC CHEYENNE gathered for an early Thanksgiving Feast hosted by our wonderful Chiefs Association!

It was an afternoon filled with delicious food, laughter, and the warmth of Coast Guard family. The Chiefs Association outdid themselves, providing a bountiful spread that left everyone with full bellies and grateful hearts. 🥧🍗

Events like these remind us of the strong bonds we share and the importance of camaraderie in accomplishing our mission. Sharing stories and creating memories strengthens our teamwork and dedication.

A huge thank you to our Chiefs Association for organizing this fantastic event and to everyone who contributed to making it a success. We're proud to serve alongside such amazing shipmates.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving season!

Semper Paratus!