[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FLOTILLA 81 OF OCEAN CITY, NEW 
                                 JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, June 1, 2010, marks the 70th Anniversary 
of the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 81, in Ocean 
City, New Jersey. Flotilla 81 was the fifth Auxiliary unit formed in 
the United States and was made up of volunteering yachtsmen who had 
summer homes in Ocean City. Their first meeting was held at the Ocean 
City Yacht Club on June 1, 1940.
  As the United States was thrust into World War II, the Coast Guard 
Auxiliary was reorganized in 1941 to include only civilians and 
civilian vessels. During World War II, the flotilla from Ocean City 
engaged in off-shore rescues and conducted observation patrols along 
the New Jersey coastline on a near daily basis, with 8 months of daily 
coverage in 1942--a mission which was unmatched by any other flotilla 
in the United States at that time. Even during the famous Hurricane of 
1945, the Ocean City Flotilla played a major role in the rescue and 
preservation of lives and property by providing nearly 4,000 man-hours 
of service in a 3-day period.
  After the war, the flotilla and the auxiliary went through an 
evolution. As changes in membership and activity caused other auxiliary 
flotillas to be deactivated, other auxiliaries began to fill a need for 
public education and vessel safety examinations.
  As the mission of the Coast Guard has been expanded over the years, 
the importance of the auxiliary has grown. Congress is adding more 
responsibilities and the Coast Guard is increasing the training 
opportunities and duties for the auxiliary, and Flotilla 81 is leading 
the way. From important safety patrols and operational support to Coast 
Guard missions, to educational briefings on boating safety and vessel 
safety checks, Flotilla 81 is providing a vital service to the region, 
and serves as an example to the country.
  With an honorable and distinguished history, and a dedicated and 
enthusiastic membership today, it is my honor and pleasure to recognize 
the 70th Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 81 of 
Ocean City, New Jersey. I encourage all members to recognize the 
service of Coast Guard auxiliarists in their districts.

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