Eastern Great Lakes Chief Petty Officer Association

06/10/2026

Today, we celebrate an incredible milestone for the Coast Guard and for America’s future in space exploration. 🚀

NASA has officially selected Coast Guard Reserve Cmdr. Andre Douglas to serve as a mission specialist on the Artemis III mission, targeted for 2027. A graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a former Coast Guard officer involved in search and rescue, maritime salvage, and national security operations, Douglas now represents the very best of service, leadership, and innovation on the world stage.

From protecting lives at sea to helping lead humanity’s return toward the Moon, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.

The entire Coast Guard community — and our nation — couldn’t be prouder. His selection proves that there are no limits to where dedication, courage, and service can take you.

Fair winds and following seas, Commander Douglas. The stars are calling. 🌎🌕✨

06/10/2026

🏌️‍♂️⛳ REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! ⛳🏌️‍♀️

The CPOA Golf Tournament is officially open for team registration for September 4, 2026!

Gather your foursome and get ready for a great day of golf, competition, prizes, and fun on the course. Team spots are limited and filling fast, so don’t wait too long to secure your place!

📅 Date: September 4, 2026
🏌️ CPOA Golf Tournament
📢 Register your team today before all slots are gone!

We’re looking forward to another amazing tournament — see you on the greens!

https://events.golfstatus.com/event/uscg-egl-cpoa/packages/?view=sponsor&fbclid=IwdGRjcASVi9dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeczEcVj7bzq3lz4gAe6StuKMCP232LDoKPy-7Vwga8kDdCctMB1bDnGhdufE_aem_y1RSlOj6vduqfyz_F-XHMg

06/09/2026

Congratulations to BMC Reggio - STA Niagara - on his advancement to Chief Petty Officer! This achievement is a testament to your hard work, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service.

The anchors are heavy, but they are well earned. As you join the ranks of the Chief’s Mess, you become part of a proud tradition of leadership, mentorship, and excellence that defines the backbone of the Coast Guard.

Welcome to the Chief’s Mess, Chief Reggio! We look forward to the leadership, experience, and positive impact you’ll continue to bring to our service and those who serve alongside you.

06/04/2026

The Chief Petty Officers Association sincerely thanks Chipotle Mexican Grill for their generous gift card donation and support of our initiatives. Your partnership helps strengthen our programs and positively impact our members and families.

We appreciate your commitment to our community and your continued support!

06/03/2026

🧑‍🎨 👕

Calling all artists!

The CPOA is seeking creative artists to help design a new logo for the back of our association t-shirt! We want a fun, attention-grabbing design that celebrates Buffalo and Western New York - think iconic local landmarks, RESPECTFUL symbols, or anything the region is known for.

The design MUST include ‘Chief Petty Officers Association,’ ‘Eastern Great Lakes’ and ‘United States Coast Guard’ or USCG.

Submission deadline: July 25, 2026.

After the deadline, CPOA will vote on a new design. The winning artist will receive a swag bag and a free t-shirt of their design.

If you’re interested in helping us showcase our pride in both community and the Coast Guard, we’d love to see your ideas!

Please submit your sketches or design to [email protected]

Thank you for supporting the CPOA and please share this out!

Below is the logo we currently use, CGEA’s logo and then some ideas 😊

06/01/2026

👀👀 Where’s your CPOA?

Last week, ANT Buffalo’s 49-foot Buoy Utility Stern Loading (BUSL) vessel made the trip from Buffalo to Detroit for a scheduled dry dock period. This essential maintenance will help extend the service life of this 27-year-old asset, ensuring it remains mission-ready to support aids to navigation throughout the eastern Great Lakes.

Regular dry dock maintenance is a critical investment in the reliability and longevity of our fleet, allowing us to continue providing safe and efficient waterways for the maritime community. We look forward to seeing the BUSL return to service and continue its important work across the region.

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Yesterday’s Eagles and Anchors event at Strikers Lanes brought Chiefs and Officers together for an afternoon of bowling, camaraderie, and meaningful conversation. Events like these provide a great opportunity to step away from the daily routine, strengthen professional relationships, and connect in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

The friendly competition on the lanes was matched by valuable discussions off them, helping foster teamwork, communication, and mutual understanding across the Mess and Wardroom. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the event a success. We look forward to continuing to build these connections and strengthening our team through future Eagles and Anchors events.

05/29/2026

‼️‼️‼️Attention to advancement‼️‼️‼️

Today we proudly welcome MKC King into the Chiefs Mess. Making the rank of E-7 is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects years of hard work, leadership, dedication, and commitment to service.

The title of Chief is more than a rank — it represents trust, accountability, mentorship, and the responsibility to lead Coast Guardsmen with integrity and professionalism every day.

Congratulations, MKC. Welcome to the Mess! Your new unit will be lucky to have you!

Buffalo Lighthouse