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The History of Flotilla 38 

as researched by Jack E. Grubb 

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla in Olympia, Washington has been in existence since several months prior to the Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately we do not have a charter supporting this date but it is so stated in the 13th Naval District publication named "NORWESTER" in its 1945 Annual Edition. I have reviewed this book at the Washington State Library - Washington Room (Call # "RARE 351.79 NORTHEWEST 1945).  

To summarize the Olympia Flotilla information as presented in NORWESTER:

1.      Unit 46 in Olympia, WA organized several months before Pearl Harbor, pg. 75, third paragraph, and first sentence.

2.      The first four (4) commanders are listed in fourth, fifth & sixth paragraphs, page 75. While the length of incumbency is not given I have assumed it to be one year in view of the fact that ENS. Paul Loudin is listed as the fourth commander and is the Commander in 1945.  

3.      Unit 46 was renamed Flotilla 49 in 1945 as stated in paragraph ten (10), page 75. 

Some time in the late 1970's I became interested in the history of the Olympia Flotilla. At that time there were a number of members still living that had joined in the '50's & '60's. After interviewing many of these members I compiled a listing of the Flotilla Commanders by the year of service. This information is shown on a plaque made by one of our past members. It will be noted there are nine (9) years unaccounted for, but this indicates the Olympia Flotilla has been in continuous existence since its inception in 1941. The plaque shows the Olympia Flotilla held several different unit designations. The history of these changes is: 

I.       Unit 46 - Original designation in 1941.

2.      Flotilla 49 - Name and designation change in 1945. (1 joined Flotilla 49 on 1/6/76. Flotilla 49 was a member of Division 4, composed at that time of the Flotillas on the Olympic Peninsula. These Flotillas were located in Port Angeles, Port Ludlow, Bremerton, Port Townsend, Poulsbo and Olympia.)

3.      Flotilla 12-7 - While I was Flotilla Commander in 1980 the nation experienced a gasoline shortage. With the approval of Flotilla 49 members I proposed to District EXCOM that Flotilla 49 be transferred to Division 12 (Tacoma Area) thus reducing gasoline usage to attend Division meetings. This proposal was approved.

4.      Flotilla 38 - In 1985 there was a District 13 Auxiliary reorganization study, resulting in the elimination of Division 12 and what had been Flotilla 12-7 became Flotilla 38 on 12/7/85. 

As a further backup to our lengthy existence I reviewed a letter dated August 27, 1971 from Frank Whitmarsh asking for Permanent Membership stating he joined the Auxiliary on February 26, 1948. 

In view of all this information I recommended that Flotilla 38 be awarded the '50 Year Battle Streamer" as having been in existence for nearly fifty-nine (59) years.