Coast Guard Auxiliary Members Honored for Exceptional Service in Eastern Long Island

Hampton Bays, NY — Two members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Eastern Long Island
Division were recognized for superior performance of duty during the Division’s Change of Watch Ceremony
held on March 21, 2026 at Edgewater Restaurant.

Chief Warrant Officer Chris Skala, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station Shinnecock, presented
the awards, highlighting the critical role Auxiliary volunteers play in supporting Coast Guard missions and
enhancing public safety.

Jim Agals, Vice Flotilla Commander of East Moriches Flotilla, received the Auxiliary Letter of
Commendation for his outstanding service throughout 2025. In addition to 154 officially reported hours, Agals
contributed numerous untracked hours in support of both the Auxiliary and active-duty personnel.

His service included conducting public education courses, performing vessel safety examinations, and
providing culinary support for Station Shinnecock personnel. Agals also coordinated morale and family-support
events, including seasonal programs and activities for Coast Guard families.

Demonstrating continued dedication, Agals stepped into the role of Ombudsman for Station Shinnecock
and expanded his service to support personnel and families at Sector Field Office Moriches and Station
Montauk, providing a vital link between command leadership and Coast Guard families.

John Nicholson, Immediate Past Division Commander of the Eastern Long Island Division and Vice
Flotilla Commander of Southold Flotilla, was awarded the Auxiliary Achievement Medal for superior
performance of duty during his tenure from January 2024 through December 2025.

Under Nicholson’s leadership, Division 18 recorded more than 19,000 volunteer hours in direct support
of Coast Guard operations. Division members conducted 745 hours of underway missions, including maritime
observation, search and rescue standbys, and aids to navigation verification.

Additional accomplishments included over 600 vessel safety examinations, more than 1,000 hours of
public boating safety education, hundreds of hours of culinary support, 575 hours of radio watchstanding, and
nearly 1,000 hours of public affairs outreach across the tri-state area.

According to Chief Warrant Officer Skala, the total volunteer service provided equates to
approximately seven full-time active-duty personnel for one year and represents a cost savings of more than
$500,000.

“The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our Auxiliary members directly contributes to
mission success and the safety of the boating public,” said Skala. “Their service is an essential force multiplier
for the United States Coast Guard.”

Want to learn more about the Auxiliary or how you can join please email easternli.cgaux@gmail.com.