On Wednesday the Coast Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the new Coast Guard Station on Fort Myers Beach. The building was set to be completed one year ago, but was delayed due to hurricane damage. It includes berthing rooms, a galley, training rooms and a fitness room.
Station Fort Myers Beach and Coast Guard Cutter Crocodile crews will utilize the new three-story building.
Station Fort Myers Beach is a multi-mission station capable of conducting search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime security, environmental protection operations and migrant operations from Boca Grande Pass to Rabbit Key.
The station has a crew size of about 60 members and their assets include two 45-foot Response Boat–Medium and two 29-foot Response Boat–Smalls.
The cutter Crocodile’s missions include combating drug smuggling, illegal immigration, ports, waterways and coastal security, marine fisheries enforcement and search and rescue support.
“It is an honor and a privilege to accept this new multi-mission facility on behalf of Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach and Coast Guard Cutter Crocodile,” said Chief Warrant Officer Christopher C. Cone, commanding officer, Station Fort Myers Beach. “This new facility will allow Coast Guard crews to continue mission support and operational excellence throughout the Southwest Florida coastline.”
Rear Adm. Amy Grable, assistant commandant, Engineering and Logistics, presided over the ceremony.