Musket Fire Signals Start of Boating Season Operations

Civil War re-enactors.

Volleys of musket fire echoed through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 Base at Sylvan Beach Sunday afternoon (June 2, 2013).

The squad of Civil War re-enactors paid tribute to the fallen men and women of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary. The musket fire also brought to a close annual base commissioning ceremonies, officially signaling the start of the flotilla's Oneida Lake operations for the 2013 boating season.

Civil War Re-Enactors to Help Commission Base

The sound of musket fire by Civil War re-enactors and a flag raising by Civil Air Patrol cadets will highlight the base commissioning of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 on Sunday, June 2.

District Symposium Open to All Members

The Combined District Symposium in April is jam-packed with training sessions for members.

Awards Highlight Change of Watch Dinner

Robert Newton

David Troutman

SYLVAN BEACH -- Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 held its Change of Watch dinner Jan. 12, installing elected leaders and appointed staff officers. A highlight of the Change of Watch was the presentation of awards to top performers, including the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation to the search-and-rescue team of David Troutman of Rome, Robert Newton of Blossvale, Ralph Moore of Sauquoit and Mitch Ford of Utica.

Flotilla Elects 2013 Leaders

Karen Beehm

Bill Cummings

SYLVAN BEACH -- Karen Beehm of Hubbardsville has been elected commander of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 based in Sylvan Beach.

William Cummings of Utica has been elected vice flotilla commander.

They lead the flotilla in 2013.

Crew Finds Stranded Boaters During Night Search

SYLVAN BEACH -- It was after sunset and getting darker on a moonless mid-August night when 911 got a cell phone call from two boaters stranded on Oneida Lake. They had run out of gas, and weren't sure where they were. Then the cell phone died.

The 911 dispatcher contacted Coast Guard Station Oswego watchstanders, who dispatched a search-and-rescue crew from Flotilla 26 in Sylvan Beach.

Flotilla Members Receive Commendations

D. Troutman accepted team award

Flotilla 26 members were awarded Coast Guard Meritorious Commendations at the 9th District Eastern Region Fall Conference, held Sept. 13-16 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Syracuse. 

The conference also saw Commodore Robert Laurer elected to lead the 9ER District for the next two years, succeeding Commodore Nancy Rudiger.