Sunday, January 7, 2024

Flotilla Has New Commander

Sara Barden
Sara Barden of Durhamville is the new commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26. Elected to a one-year term, Barden was previously vice flotilla commander. She also has served a recreational boating safety program visitor as well as a diversity officer for the flotilla and Central New York Division 2.

Raised in the St. Lawrence River area in Jefferson County, Barden said she has “always spent time on the water since I can remember,” helping her father work on his boat and becoming adept at sailing. “I relish my time on the water,” especially sailing “my 18-foot Oday”

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Conroy, Barden Lead Flotilla in 2023

John Conroy
John Conroy of Cazenovia has been elected commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26, and Sara Barden of Durhamville has been elected vice flotilla commander. Their one-year terms run until December 31, 2023.

Monday, August 1, 2022

Conroy Is Interim Commander

John Conroy
John Conroy
Vice Commander John Conroy has taken over as interim flotilla commander since the passing of Flotilla Commander Mark Kimber on May 31. “We are all heartbroken from this loss,” Conroy said. “He fought a courageous fight and was optimistic throughout his ordeal.”

Kimber, of Williamstown, had been an Auxiliarist since 2011. He has served as a boat crewmember as well as in several staff positions, including vice commander and operations officer. Prior to transferring to Sylvan Beach Flotilla, Kimber served as a staff officer with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14.

 

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

'Semper Paratus' is commander's guiding motto

Mark Kimber, the new Sylvan Beach Flotilla 2-6 commander, looks to live up to the Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus (Always Ready), by encouraging training and member mentoring. The aim is to be mission-ready, he notes, whether it involves teaching boating safety, conducting safety patrols, or participating in search and rescue.
 
Joining him at the helm is John Conroy, the new vice flotilla commander.
 

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Flotilla Installs 2021 Leaders

Austen Givens
John Ressue
Austen D. Givens is the new commander of Sylvan Beach Flotilla, and John D. Ressue is the vice flotilla commander. Assuming the helm Jan. 1, both serve one-year terms. 


A member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2017, Austen has served as public affairs officer for the flotilla as well as for Division 2, which encompasses five flotillas throughout Central New York. 

Friday, January 18, 2019

New Leaders at Helm

Karen Beehm
Karen Beehm
John Ressue
John Ressue
Karen Beehm of Hubbardsville is the new commander of Sylvan Beach Flotilla, and John D. Ressue of Little Falls is the new vice flotilla commander. Assuming the helm Jan. 1, both serve one-year terms.

Karen and John are certified boat crew members for Coast Guard-approved patrols and search-and-rescue missions.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Base Opening Signals Arrival of Boating Season

David Troutman
By Austen Givens, Flotilla 26 public affairs officer

With the smell of grilling hamburgers drifting through the open door while rows of American flags fluttered in the breeze outside, David Troutman, a 38-year member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, eased back in his chair, marine radio to one side, and contemplated the meaning of Flotilla 26’s annual Base Commissioning on June 3.