USCG Aux 114-06-02

10/07/2026

Watch-It Wednesday: #10 – Great Lakes Icebreaking Operations | U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year

When winter locks the Great Lakes in ice, the mission doesn’t stop.

Each year, U.S. Coast Guard cutters enter some of North America’s harshest conditions to keep one of the world’s busiest freshwater shipping systems moving. During Operation Coal Shovel, crews aboard USCGC Mackinaw, USCGC Neah Bay, and other Great Lakes icebreakers clear channels, es**rt commercial vessels, and keep vital cargo moving.

This year’s operation included es**rting the 678-foot Wilfred Sykes through heavy ice on Lake Huron, guiding the 1,004-foot American Spirit through Lake Erie, and shifting from icebreaking to search and rescue when Mackinaw rescued a man stranded on the ice near Mackinac Island during blizzard conditions.

These are the missions most Americans never see, but millions depend on every winter.

This is Video #10 in the 2026 U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year competition, presented by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.

🎬 Watch Video #10:https://youtube.com/shorts/OALAUld8VT8

When winter locks the Great Lakes in ice, the mission doesn't stop....

10/07/2026

⚓ Training Tuesday: Know Your VHF Radio

When you’re on the water, a marine VHF radio can be one of your most important pieces of safety equipment. Unlike a cell phone, a VHF distress call can be heard by nearby vessels and rescue authorities.

For an emergency, use VHF Channel 16. If lives or your vessel are in immediate danger, clearly say “MAYDAY” three times, then provide your vessel name, location, nature of the emergency, and number of people onboard.

Before heading out:
• Know how to operate your radio
• Make sure it is working and easy to reach
• Know your location
• Speak slowly, clearly, and calmly during an emergency

A little preparation before leaving the dock can make a big difference when every second counts.

🎥 Video credit: Captain Retriever



https://fb.watch/v/3vVxLoKOF/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e

09/30/2026

Watch-It Wednesday: #9 – Force From Above | U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year

Most drug smugglers never expect the Coast Guard to come from above.

The Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) is the only U.S. Coast Guard unit dedicated exclusively to airborne use of force. Operating from cutters thousands of miles from home, HITRON crews locate, pursue, and, when authorized, disable the engines of suspected drug-smuggling vessels with extraordinary precision.

In 2025, HITRON reached a historic milestone with its 1,000th successful interdiction. During the operation, a HITRON aviation detachment aboard USCGC Midgett helped stop a suspected smuggling vessel approximately 372 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 3,600 pounds of co***ne valued at approximately $49 million.

This is Video #9 in the 2026 U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year competition, presented by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance in celebration of the Coast Guard’s 236th Birthday.

🎬 Watch Video #9:

https://youtube.com/shorts/5w1kuCEoIdk?si=J77iSL7vMeyfTNLC

Most drug smugglers never expect the Coast Guard to come from above...

09/29/2026

⚓ Welcome Aboard, Irish Aguila! 🇺🇸

We are thrilled to welcome Irish Aguila as a new member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 6-2!

Irish brings a strong spirit of service as a Registered Nurse, along with valuable experience from her time with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. Her service has included maritime safety, environmental stewardship, coastal cleanups, mangrove planting, and community relief efforts during emergencies.

Her healthcare background and commitment to helping others will be a great addition to our diverse flotilla.

Please join us in giving Irish a warm Flotilla 6-2 welcome! ⚓🇺🇸

09/27/2026

⚓ New Member Training Class

Recently, Flotilla 6-2 welcomed our newest members for New Member Training!

The class provided an introduction to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, our missions, member responsibilities, and the many opportunities to train, serve, and support boating safety in our community.

Welcome aboard to our new members. We look forward to serving alongside you! 🇺🇸⚓

Semper Paratus!

09/26/2026

Proud to support our partner, Sea Scout Ship 566 – Sea Wolf in Long Beach! ⚓🐺

Sea Scouts gives youth ages 13–20 hands-on experience in boating, navigation, seamanship, leadership, teamwork, and safety while building friendships and enjoying adventures on the water.

A special thank you to Sea Scout Ship 566 for their continued support and assistance to Flotilla 6-2. We truly appreciate the partnership and their commitment to serving our maritime community.

📍 Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 PM
🔗 Seawolf566.org

09/24/2026

Thursday Recap ⚓🛟

Another successful Boat America Class by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 6-2 and Schock Boats!

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week to learn more about boating safety and responsible boating. We appreciate Schock Boats for partnering with us to help promote safer waterways in our community. 🇺🇸⚓

09/23/2026

Watch-It Wednesday: #8 – Advanced Helicopter Rescue School | U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year

Before Coast Guard aircrews respond to hurricanes, breaking surf, cliff rescues, or floods, they train where mistakes can happen safely.

For more than 30 years, the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School in Astoria, Oregon, has prepared pilots, flight mechanics, and rescue swimmers for some of the world’s most challenging search-and-rescue environments.

This video earned the No. 8 spot in the 2026 U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year competition.

🎬 Watch Video #8:

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZjvG7YO8n3g?si=b9iqdq2Z7HeohW0u

Before Coast Guard aircrews launch into hurricanes, breaking surf, ...

09/23/2026

✈️⚓ One of the coolest things we get to do as members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is support major community events like the annual Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach!

Auxiliarists from Division 6 will once again be out there promoting public safety, engaging with the community, and proudly representing the Auxiliary.

📅 October 2–4, 2026
📍 Huntington Beach
⏰ 8-hour volunteer shifts
👕 Uniform of the Day: TROPS or ODU

It’s a great opportunity to serve, meet the public, work alongside fellow Auxiliarists, and be part of one of Southern California’s biggest events.

✅ Sign up to volunteer:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePj_LEPiT-6ZOKyRMEKQOPL0j9xJC0Ys8V6Llnah9nN6v21g/viewform?usp=send_form

Come be part of the action and help make a difference! 🇺🇸⚓✈️

09/16/2026

Watch-It Wednesday: #7 – National Motor Lifeboat School | U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year

Every Surfman starts with one lesson: respect the ocean.

At the National Motor Lifeboat School on the Columbia River Bar, known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” Coast Guard crews refine the judgment, precision, and confidence needed to operate in some of the world’s most challenging surf conditions.

Watch as students train aboard the legendary 47-foot Motor Lifeboat, learning to read the waves, make split-second decisions, and carry on a tradition of courage passed down through generations.

This is Video #7 in the U.S. Coast Guard Top 10 Videos of the Year competition.

🎬 Watch Video #7:https://youtube.com/shorts/pyk1FOe2Hco?si=p3HkxNhappTBvIbr

Every Surfman starts with one lesson: respect the ocean.At the Na...