The flotilla helps authorities enforce recreational boating safety around the ocean and other waterways and aid as well during times of natural disasters or crises.
Fernando Camacho, vice commander of the flotilla, said the membership is open to any U.S. citizen age 18 and above with good moral character.
He said volunteers record the hours they render for the Saipan flotilla auxiliary mainly to prove that it’s still in active existence.
Their hours of services are also considered whenever the Coast Guard allocates funding for auxiliary groups to enable them to buy supplies and conduct training or workshop for themselves.
“We are volunteers. The hours are collected to show the national (chapter) that we exist and we are active. Those hours are reported so that when the budget comes you get some funding,” said Camacho.
Dennis Chapla, commander of the Saipan flotilla, said those interested to participate can join and learn more about their activities by logging in at www.uscgaux.org.
They can also email him at [email protected].
“I’d be glad to connect them with whatever they need to do,” said Chapla.
The Saipan flotilla was recently organized and its officers were inducted by Hawaii-based Commodore Burkhard L. Berger of the 14th District Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Berger said although the members of the auxiliary do not engage in any combat activities, they are important allies of the military in case of a national disaster, threat of a terrorist attack and in terms of monitoring safety at sea and other waterways.
The U.S. Coast Guard had been tapping the services of the civilian community since 1939 through the auxiliary concept.
