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. 

New Leaders at Helm

Karen Beehm

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.

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.

Paddlecraft Safety Training

With injuries and deaths occurring among the rapidly growing number of paddlesports enthusiasts, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 26 sponsored kayak safety training for members May 9 during its monthly meeting at its Sylvan Beach base.

A New Member Comes Aboard

Area Professor, Cybersecurity Expert Joins Flotilla 26

Andrew Carr joined Flotilla 26 in early 2018. We recently sat down with Andrew to learn about what prompted him to join and what he would like to do in the Auxiliary.

D-Train 2018 is coming!

District 9ER's 2018 D-Train is coming!

Click here to view a promotional brochure with all of the relevant details.

The 'Commander-in-Chefs'

Couple Tackles Food Service with Gusto

Bill Cummings and Helen “Lou” Held-Cummings of Utica have been Coast Guard Auxiliarists for more than 15 years. Each has distinguished records of service and leadership in the Auxiliary.