United States Coast Guard Sector Eastern Great Lakes

06/02/2026

Coast Guard members from across the Great Lakes traveled to Lorain, OH for a two-week "Boat Crew College". 🛟⚓

Throughout the training, Coasties developed and refined essential skills such as line handling, navigation, damage control, and hands-on operation of the 29' Response Boat. The course was lead BY Coasties FOR Coasties and provided valuable experience both in the classroom and underway.

Training like this is critical to mission success. After two weeks of training, teamwork, and time on the water, they are ready to put their skills to work and help keep the Great Lakes safe.



📷 LTJG Baldwin

05/20/2026

🚨 ATTENTION ALL MARINERS 🚨
The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding mariners of a safety zone on the Niagara River. For your safety, do not enter this area.

📍 WHERE IS THE ZONE?
The U.S. waters of the Niagara River from the crest of the American and Horseshoe Falls, extending to a line drawn from the downstream side of Gill Creek's mouth to the upstream end of the Welland River breakwater.

The boundary is clearly marked by buoys. If you see the buoys, you are approaching the limit—turn back immediately. Entering this area is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous due to the proximity to the falls.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This safety zone is completely OFF-LIMITS to ALL vessels.

NO motorboats
NO kayaks
NO sailing vessels
NO exceptions

05/15/2026

Ever wonder what goes into keeping our ports safe and secure? ⚓🚢

Check out this behind-the-scenes look at operations in the port! From waterfront patrols to container inspections, Coast Guard crews work around the clock to protect our maritime transportation system and ensure commerce keeps moving safely.

📸 Big thanks to MST1 Loe from MSU Cleveland for this awesome video!

05/05/2026

Warmer weather means the boating season is approaching! 🕶️☀️

Pictured is the crew from Station Niagara conducting a routine boarding to ensure mariners have properly maintained, in-date gear. In this case, these boaters were squared away—life jackets, fire extinguisher, and throwable flotation device all ready to go if needed.

🚨 Take a moment to check your required safety equipment before heading out! Stay safe and be prepared!

04/03/2026

What you’re seeing is the detailed process of removing the oily water mixture from deep within the vessel and transferring it up and over to vacuum trucks.

While operations are underway, the worksite is closed to pedestrians, so this video offers the closest look at the work happening behind the scenes.

As of today, the removal numbers are:
USS The Sullivans: approximately 74,000 gallons
USS Croaker: approximately 58,000 gallons

Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park

03/26/2026

An update on the ongoing efforts at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park!

Explore the detailed process of oily water removal and see how much progress we've made so far.

Approximately 40,000 gallons have been removed from the USS Croaker, and about 30,000 gallons have been removed from the USS The Sullivans.

03/25/2026

Progress is being made daily at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park! 🚢 ⚓

The dedicated engineers and technicians tackling the complex and challenging work of oily water removal are truly exceptional. This project would not be possible without their precision and commitment.

An update video will be posted tomorrow! Stay tuned!

03/20/2026

This weekend you may see the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay in Buffalo.

We want to clarify that USCGC Bristol Bay is supporting icebreaking operations in the Buffalo area. They are not mooring in Buffalo to support the ongoing response at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.

This 140-foot icebreaking tug is primarily responsible for maintaining shipping lanes in the Great Lakes. Known as the "Workhorse of the Lakes," it plays a vital role in ensuring the continuous flow of commerce and the delivery of essential goods, such as heating oil and iron ore, during severe winter months.

If you happen to see the USCGC Bristol Bay, give them a wave for all the hard work they're doing to keep our waterways open! 👋🏻 ❄️

01/23/2026