About UsUS Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 66 is the volunteer component of Team Coast Guard serving all of Southwest Louisiana. Our Area of Responsibility (AOR) for surface operations (boat patrols) extends from the Cameron Jetties Northward to Sam Houston State Park on the West Fork of Calcasieu River; and East and West on the Intracoastal Waterway 20 miles in each direction. Air Operations AOR encompasses Cameron, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, Beauregard and Allen Parishes, as well as the Southeastern most counties of Texas.
Members of Flotilla 66 work closely with Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Lake Charles, Coast Guard Station Sabine; Aids to Navigation Team Sabine, and Coast Guard Air Station Houston, assisting those units with the fulfillment of their various missions.
Members, while volunteers, are required to qualify for various operational positions using the same qualification standards as the Active Duty force. While performing their duties, members are essentially unpaid employees of the Department of Homeland Security, and as such enjoy the same benefits and bear the same responsibilities as the paid employees. Our members pay annual dues (currently $50), buy their own uniforms and accessories, and provide for many of their own expenses. The Coast Guard reimburses members for certain operational expenses involved with the use of their personal vessels and aircraft.
In addition to our operational missions, Flotilla 66 also is involved with Boating Safety Programs, Vessel Safety Checks, Marine Dealer Visits, Safety Program Presentations and many other auxiliary-sponsored events and programs. Additionally, selected individuals may receive specialized training to qualify to work with active duty Coast Guard units performing as Boat Crew Members aboard Coast Guard Cutters; Watchstanders at Coast Guard Stations; Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiners; Vessel Arrival Officers; and many other vital functions.
To become a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary candidates must be at least 17 years of age (no maximum age), a U.S. Citizen, be able to pass Personal Security Screening appropriate to the type of duties performed, and physically able to perform duties as assigned. Physically disabled persons are welcome, as many jobs require "brain power" only. The Coast Guard Auxiliary values diversity!!
