Flotilla 85 Division 8 District 5SR Flotilla 85 History

As Smith Mountain Lake developed during the 1960s, public interest and activities demanded more Auxiliary
presence on local waterways. Flotilla 85 was added to the recently formed Division 8 on September 11, 1966. 
Early rosters read like a "Who’s Who" of the Division and included: John Roarke; J. Jennings; Claude Woodson;
Kenny Woodson; John Earle; Billy Frazier; George Lewis; BH Blankenship; Raeford Goode; Earl Wilkinson;
Billy Martin; Tom White; Herbert Frazier; and many others. 

Rescues from collisions; groundings; capsizings; sinkings; and fires were all part of being a service-oriented
volunteer lifesaver of Flotilla 85. Records cite several significant events which led to a variety of awards,
commendations and recognitions by the US Coast Guard to Flotilla 85 and its members.
View some early photos of Flotilla 85.

Flotilla 85 members, many whom have been with the flotilla since its inception, continue to maintain a close
relationship with sister flotillas; law enforcement agencies and the US Coast Guard. Members actively participate
in skills maintenance; practice; and emergency response training. F85 members stay busy with emphasis on
training; patrols; public education; and the Vessel Safety Check program. 

The post-911 environment and culture have led to changes throughout the United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary with security screening and training  becoming more significant and necessary. New members
continue to be added and a priority of the flotilla is using emerging technology. Print and broadcast
media; an expanded
newsletter and a presence on the “web” have been added to the Flotilla’s resume.

Flotilla 85 has a proud, rich past and a positive future. The tremendous service record and contributions
of early members have set the example for the next generation of Auxiliarists. As long as there is a boating
public and a need for assistance on the water the all-volunteer lifesavers of Flotilla 85 will be ready to respond.                     
                    "Semper Paratus"   Always Ready!                             
 

COPYRIGHT 2009 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Flotilla 85 of the 5th District of the 8th Division