Flotilla 63

   Poquoson, VA

Operations

Area of Responsibility

Flotilla 63 focuses its operations on the Poquoson River, York River and Back River.  Our members support Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads, Station Cape Charles, Station Portsmouth, and Station Milford Haven, as well as Training Center Yorktown.  Flotilla 63 is proud of its member’s level of activity.  Our members were visible at large events such as the Yorktown 4^th of July, Langley Air Show, Poquoson Seafood Festival Workboat Races, Hampton Bay Days, and at various USCG and US Navy training exercises in the area.  Through our frequent patrols, we have also assisted countless individuals in need of assistance on the water.  

USCG and Flotilla 63 members escorted the USS RONALD REAGAN as she sails under her own power for the first time on Shipbuilder's Sea Trials.

Our Patrols

Flotilla 63 members are an integral part of “COAST GUARD FORCES” in Hampton Roads and the lower Chesapeake Bay.  We actively support the requests of local Coast Guard organizations such as manning stations and supporting regattas and local boat races.  Patrols are conducted for safety and assistance to recreational boaters, member training, search and rescue, aids to navigation and chart updates and verification, and for monitoring of hazards and pollution.

Member Qualifications

To participate in patrol activities, Auxiliarists are required to achieve either Crew or Coxswain qualification.  Members achieve the Crew qualification by training in the fundamentals of safe boating including first aid, navigation, communication, boat handling, and basic mission functions.  Coxswains complete a higher level of training in order to be able to safely and effectively operate a boat and direct the crew.  In addition to Crew training, Coxswains learn extensive boat handling, navigation, search and rescue, weather and first aid.

Members may also achieve the Auxiliary Operations (AUXOP) qualification by expanding their boating knowledge even further through specialized training focused in six different fields – Seamanship, Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue, Patrols, and Weather.  Eight of Flotilla 63s members currently hold this qualification.