Navy League Battle Creek-Kalamazoo Council Tours Coast Guard Station St. Joseph; Takes Sunset Cruise

St. Joseph, MI --- Members of the Battle Creek-Kalamazoo Navy League Council had the unique opportunity to visit U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Joseph, Michigan, on September 12th and were treated to a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan aboard the Coast Guard's 47-foot surf boat.

Twenty members and their guests met for the council's monthly dinner meeting in the Michigan harbor town and were updated on Navy League activities, including the Lake Michigan Division of Naval Sea Cadet Corps who drill at the Coast Guard Station; and other issues facing the U.S. Navy.

Following dinner, everyone proceeded to the USCG Station at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. The group was briefed on the history and mission of the facility by Coast Guard Boatswain Mate Chief Matt Buckman, officer in charge of the station. Members donned orange USCG jackets and boarded the surf boat which took the group out into Lake Michigan as the sun set on a beautiful Michigan day.

The surf boat is a rescue vessel designed for use in extremely heavy surf. Although waves and surf on Lake Michigan never reach the intensity of the ocean, the vessel is capable of rolling 360 degrees and returning to an upright position. The vessel is frequently used during heavy weather rescue missions on Lake Michigan when wave and surf conditions put small craft in peril.

“I was extremely impressed with the Coast Guard’s facility and boat. I never knew there was such a capable rescue presence right on Lake Michigan,” Jim Hill, retired Navy Captain and council member, said.

The Battle Creek-Kalamazoo Council sponsors the Windward Division of Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a youth service and career exploration organization for youths 11-17 years of age.

The monthly council meetings host interesting speakers from the sea services in the Great Lakes region and from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and other maritime organizations.

For more information on the local Navy League Council, contact T. R. Shaw at 269-979-3838 or visit www.navyleague.org. Navy League is a civilian support organization and prior military service is not a prerequisite for membership.