A Brief History of the 8-3

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 8-3 was originally chartered as the Metropolis Flotilla. A name change took place when District lines were changed, to the Lower Ohio Valley Flotilla.  The 8-3 was founded by Byron McGill and a charter ceremony took place on May 20, 1989 at Montego's Restaurant in Metropolis, Illinois.  Present for the Charter ceremony were: Byron and Diane McGill, Jack and Sandra Mizell, Bill and Jane Webster, Bill and Libby Krumrey, J.D. Holley, Bill Gower, Kent Bowman, Tony Randall, and John and Cynthia Stanton.  Shirley Johnson represented  Division 8.

Mr. McGill, known to his friends as "Barney", was interested in starting a boating club with his friends, and since he was a member of the 8-5, suggested that a new flotilla be formed along the Ohio River.   Patrols started in 1991. Recently some of the original charter members got together and recalled a most memorable event working the flood of 1993 at Olive Branch, Illinois. Over the years many boating safety courses have been taught including a marathon 3 - day session in 2005 at which 57 members of the Paducah, Kentucky Fire Department were trained on the occasion of getting a search and rescue boat for the city's waterfront.

In 2005,  as part of the river mapping project, all 65 miles of the Ohio from Smithland Dam to the Mississippi were  surveyed .  Surverying of the Smithland pool was completed in 2006.

Christmas parties, fish fries, picnics and boat trips provide happy opportunities for fellowship. Prospective members and transient boaters are encouraged to contact the flotilla for information or assistance.
 

Crittenden County Letter