They serve the Coast Guard as a volunteer organization, and they’re seeking new members to join in many activities, from vessel safety checks and boater courses to training support and educating students.
Serving the Upper Keys from Key Largo to Long Key, Flotilla 13-8 is one of the more active fleets within the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. With 100-plus volunteers serving in operations and public affairs, the auxiliary is seeking men and women of all ages to join. For Flotilla Vice Commander Peter Fickinger, the sociability factor is what he enjoys most about it all.
“What I get out of it is pleasure meeting new people and promoting the value I firmly believe in,” he said. “We go to schools and talk to little kids about swimming and life jackets. I’m pushing 80. I enjoy working with younger people; it keeps you younger.”
Fickinger said the auxiliary has two major functions: public affairs and educating people on boating safety, as well as operations and assisting Coast Guard air stations in training exercises. On the operations side, Fickinger said volunteers essentially learn how to be a Coast Guard member. In the Upper Keys, flotillas work with Islamorada Coast Guard Station and Miami Coast Guard Air members during training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“It’s really exciting. They work with the Coast Guard while out at sea, picking up dummies as they conduct search and rescues together,” he said. “When they go to work, it’s like going through basic training. They have to respond to Coast Guard commands.”
On the public affairs side, volunteers conduct boater safety education courses throughout the year. They also conduct inspections on boats for people whenever, wherever. While the auxiliary is not an enforcement agency, Fickinger said members work closely not only with Coasties, but also with Monroe County sheriff’s deputies and Florida Fish and Wildlife officers who patrol the waters.
“If I see someone breaking the law, the Coast Guard will be there,” he said. “We are the good guys. We’ll go out and inspect boats, and if they fail, we say get it fixed, come back and we’ll pass you. That is probably the best service we do.
“We go to your vessel on the water, on a trailer, in your backyard or anywhere for no cost,” he continued. “We come out at your convenience.”
What’s in it for volunteers? Fickinger said it’s the pride of being a part of the U.S. Coast Guard and working side-by-side with Coasties and auxiliary members, as well as the training and education experience and giving back to the community and country.
“I’m excited about the Auxiliary,” Fickinger said. “It’s been wonderful for me meeting great people and taking part in a great cause.”
Fickinger says volunteers are being sought in the Upper Keys, as well as Marathon and the Lower Keys. Those interested in joining can call 305-209-7874 or email uscgauxupperflkeys@gmail.com. To learn more about the full range of activities of Coast Guard Auxiliary activities, visit the national website at cgaux.org.
Right before World War II, the U.S. Navy took over the Coast Guard in 1939. In doing so, all Coast Guard job duties were left open. With formation of an auxiliary, groups of civilians took over shoreline coastal jobs, staffing lighthouses and keeping an eye on the water. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
