USCG Auxiliary Cape May celebrates 65th Anniversary

For 65 years the volunteers of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 82, Cape May have been making the waters of southern New Jersey safer for boaters.
The Flotilla was formed on Dec. 16, 1943 with 27 men from the vicinity who augmented the Coast Guard efforts in protecting the coastline and patrolling for downed planes and survivors of sunken vessels.
Following World War II, people began getting more involved in recreational boating, and the Auxiliary began serving more as a search and rescue force multiplier, conducting vessel safety inspections and teaching boating safety to the public.
The young Flotilla’s members were given a “baptism by fire” (or, more accurately, “by storm”) when the area was struck by “The Great Atlantic Hurricane” on Sept. 15,1944. The hurricane was one of the most powerful to traverse the Eastern seaboard, maintaining its strength at the time of its New Jersey landfall at 85 m.p.h.
The new Flotilla also pioneered a number of prominent Auxiliary events. On March 14, 1944 it was the first to serve our Coast Guard District and teach Boating Safety Classes to the public.
Thirty-two students from the surrounding area completed the Piloting and Seamanship class taught by Flotilla members. In later years, the Flotilla coordinated many local dedications and memorial events.
The largest Auxiliary unit in New Jersey, the 92 men and women members of Flotilla 82 still maintain the proud tradition of actively assisting the Coast Guard including missions never contemplated in 1939.
During an average boating season, they conduct 39 Boating Safety Classes, four Regatta patrols, 46 safety patrols, six air missions, five PWC patrols, 272 Courtesy Marine Exams, 60 USCG Operational Support Missions, 40 USCG Administration Support Missions, and 16 Public Affairs Missions.
Flotilla 82 will formerly celebrate its 65th anniversary during their Change of Watch ceremony on Dec. 12, with area Coast Guard Officers, New Jersey elected officials, and dignitaries in attendance.
Since the first meeting held on that winter evening 65 years ago, supporting the United States Coast and the recreational boating community has been the Flotilla’s first priority.
The members of Flotilla 82 are proud of their success over the years and plans to continue and grow stronger every year are always foremost in their minds.
For more information on the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Flotilla 82, or to volunteer, visit a0530802.uscgaux.info