Always On Guard

The bonds between Charlevoix and the U.S.Coast Guard run back to the community's earliest days as a major Great lakes harbor. Today two major Coast Guard units are stationed in Charlevoix - the Cutter sundew and coast Guard group Charlevoix. 　The Group has its headquarters at the Charlevoix Coast guard station on the Railroad bridge channel, directly east of the Chicago Club. The new station building is one of the finest on the Great Lakes. Commanded by Lt.Cdr. Charles Millradt, the Charlevoix Coast Guard Group is responsible for all light houses and sub-stations from Alpena to Charlevoix and Beaver Island. This includes 14 stations and 83 men. Visitors are welcome at the station anytime during the day. Formal visiting hous are from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 　The Sundew, with approximately 50 men and officers, is assigned to ice breaking, buoy tending and rescue missions. 　Admiral Willard J. Smith, co,,amder pf all Coast Guard operations on the great Lakes, is a Charlevoix High School graduate.

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