U.S. Coast Guard Station Shinnecock

• Established in 1939: U.S. Coast Guard Station Shinnecock was established in 1939, making it one of the longstanding Coast Guard stations on Long Island, New York. • Location: The station is strategically located at the eastern end of Long Island, near the Shinnecock Inlet, providing crucial access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Shinnecock Bay. • Predecessor Lifesaving Station: Before the Coast Guard Station, the area was served by the U.S. Life-Saving Service’s Shinnecock Life-Saving Station, which dates back to the 19th century. • Hurricane of 1938: The infamous "Long Island Express" hurricane of 1938 devastated the region and influenced the modern placement and construction of the station to improve disaster response. • Primary Missions: The station’s chief missions include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and homeland security. • Busy Summer Season: During the summer, the station handles a dramatic increase in boating activity, making it one of the busiest Coast Guard stations on the East Coast for search and rescue operations. • Shinnecock Inlet Formation: The Shinnecock Inlet itself was created by the 1938 hurricane, and the station was vital in establishing safe navigation channels for commercial and recreational vessels. • Rescue Operations: Station Shinnecock has responded to dramatic rescues, including saving mariners in nor'easters, assisting distressed fishing vessels, and responding to capsized boats in treacherous inlet waters. • Community Engagement: The station is active in educating the public about boating safety and often hosts open houses, demonstrations, and participates in local maritime festivals. • Modernization: In recent years, the station has upgraded its facilities and boats, including the deployment of 47-foot Motor Lifeboats, enhancing its ability to respond in severe weather and heavy surf conditions.