Reno Flotilla 11-03
The Reno Flotilla is a branch of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary was authorized by Congress on June 23, 1939. This act authorized the Coast Guard to use civilian volunteers to promote boating safety on the nation's waterways. During World War II, many Auxiliarists joined the war effort in either active duty branches of the service, or as members of the Temporary Reserve. These Reservists watched waterfronts, performed coastal patrols and rescued survivors from sinking ships. On October 19, 1996 Congress greatly increased the responsibilities and training of the Auxiliary. The intent of Congress was to expand the ability of the Coast Guard to utilize the Coast Guard Auxiliary for missions not contemplated in 1939. The Coast Guard Authorization Act increased the scope of the Auxiliaries' duties to include any role, mission, or operation that the Commandant of the Coast Guard might envision. Thus, the Auxiliary, traditionally known for its Boating Safely Classes and Vessel Safety Checks, will have greatly increased responsibilities. Currently, the Auxiliary has 38,000 members in all 50 states.
The four pillars of the Auxiliary are Boating Education, Operations, Vessel Examinations and Fellowship. Truly the most important part of the Auxiliary is Fellowship. This is the glue that holds every flotilla together. Most flotillas, like ours, work closely together and become long term friends. The Reno Flotilla particularly enjoys a tight bond and we have fun doing volunteer activities for the State of Nevada, and our Country.
The Reno Flotilla was chartered in 1960. Membership initially consisted of just a few members. As the city of Reno has grown, so has our flotilla. We currently have more than 30 members. The Reno Flotilla is part of Division 11, which consists of the Northern part of Nevada. Three other flotillas are in our division, North Shore of Lake Tahoe, South Shore of Lake Tahoe and Carson City.
Our Flotilla meets the third Wednesday of each month. The meeting is held in the conference room of Round Table Pizza in the Reno Town Mall. The meeting starts at 7 PM and visitors are welcome to attend.
Members of the Reno Flotilla are active in all phases of boating.
Once someone joins the flotilla, they are free to pursue their own
interests. All of our members are boaters who are eager to learn as
well as to teach. The Auxiliary has specialized Operations Classes
that are free to members. These classes include Advanced Coastal
Navigation, Communications, Weather, Patrols, Search and Rescue and
Seamanship. These are detailed classes that are offered on a
rotational basis. Upon completion of all six classes, the
Auxiliarist achieves the Auxiliary Operations or AUXOP status, the
highest educational level in the Auxiliary.