Guarding the Coast with Grit and Grace: New Fort Myers Beach Station Opens

by Richard Luthmann

Last week, the Coast Guard celebrated the grand opening of its new station in Fort Myers Beach with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The event marked a significant milestone after a year’s delay caused by hurricane damage. Rear Admiral Amy Grable, Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics, spearheaded the ceremony.

The new three-story facility will house the Station Fort Myers Beach and Coast Guard Cutter Crocodile crews. It features berthing rooms, a galley, training rooms, and a fitness room equipped to support a variety of missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime security, environmental protection, and migrant operations.

Spanning an operational area from Boca Grande Pass to Rabbit Key, Station Fort Myers Beach is crucial in safeguarding the Southwest Florida coastline. With a crew size of approximately 60 members, the station has two 45-foot Response Boat–Mediums and two 29-foot Response Boat–Smalls to execute its multifaceted missions effectively. The Coast Guard Cutter Crocodile, stationed at Fort Myers Beach, focuses on combatting drug smuggling and illegal immigration, ensuring ports, waterways, and coastal security, enforcing marine fisheries, and supporting search and rescue operations. 

Chief Warrant Officer Christopher C. Cone, Commanding Officer at Station Fort Myers Beach, expressed his gratitude and pride at the opening.

“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,” he stated. “This new facility will allow Coast Guard crews to continue mission support and operational excellence throughout the Southwest Florida coastline.”

The new station is a testament to the Coast Guard’s resilience and dedication to protecting America’s waters and those who use them.