Flotilla 46 is comprised of Coast Guard Auxiliarists that live throughout the bay area, but most are centered on the mid-peninsula area of San Francisco Bay.
Located in Redwood City, California, we are the northernmost flotilla within the District’s Division 4, and we like to think of ourselves as the gateway to the southern portion of San Francisco Bay. We are very fortunate to be located at the southernmost deepwater port in the Bay, and it is not unusual to see kids sailing their dinghies right next to berthed 600-foot long bulk cargo carriers from across the globe.
Since 1939, the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have volunteered millions of hours supporting the active duty Coast Guard and the boating public. As the uniformed civilian arm of the Coast Guard, we provide key public services in two mission areas – Recreational Boating Safety and support of Maritime Homeland Security.
Flotilla 46 is active in many areas of service. Our members come from widely diverse backgrounds and lend their expertise in our Area of Responsibility and throughout the Bay Area, including work at Coast Guard Station San Francisco. Our mission is to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions.
We also “own” a portion of NOAA nautical chart 18651 and our flotilla receives published credit for conducting chart update patrols. These chart updates are reflected in subsequent printings of the chart.
As a Coast Guard Auxiliarist, each member is eligible for much of the same training and education as active duty CG personnel at no charge. Qualified Auxiliarists teach basic boating safety and seamanship skills to the general boating public. We are also involved in marine safety patrols, search and rescue, and other surface and air operations. Other activities include conducting vessel safety checks and audits on both recreational and commercial vessels to ensure that they comply with all Federal and State requirements.
We meet at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Tower at Redwood City Harbor, which has been our meeting place for business meetings for decades. Please feel free contact me or any of our other officers – we’ll be happy to talk to you about the opportunities available to you.
