US COAST Guard AUX 4-1 Salem MA

• Historic Roots in Salem: US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 4-1 is based in Salem, Massachusetts, a city with a rich maritime history dating back to the early days of the United States. • Oldest Auxiliary Flotilla in Massachusetts Bay: Flotilla 4-1 is one of the oldest active Coast Guard Auxiliary units in the Massachusetts Bay area, with a legacy of decades of service. • Support for Coast Guard Station Gloucester: Members of 4-1 regularly assist Coast Guard Station Gloucester, engaging in joint patrols, search and rescue drills, and public education missions. • Role in Search and Rescue: The flotilla has participated in numerous real-life search and rescue operations off the North Shore, helping to save boaters in distress during severe weather and emergencies. • Annual Safe Boating Events: Every year, Flotilla 4-1 hosts safety events at Salem Willows and Pickering Wharf, providing vessel safety checks and boating education to the local community. • Civilian Volunteers: The Auxiliary is made up entirely of civilian volunteers, many of whom are veterans or experienced mariners, contributing thousands of hours annually to support the Coast Guard’s mission. • Role in 9/11 Response: Members of Flotilla 4-1 were mobilized to support security and port operations in Boston Harbor in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. • Salem Haunted Happenings: The flotilla provides additional maritime safety patrols during Salem’s famous Halloween festivities, ensuring the safety of increased boating traffic and waterfront visitors. • Marine Environmental Protection: Flotilla 4-1 participates in coordinated efforts to monitor and protect the coastal environment, including oil spill response training and marine debris cleanups. • Boating Classes for Youth: Through partnerships with local schools and youth organizations, the flotilla offers boating safety classes and seamanship training to the next generation of mariners in Salem and the North Shore.