Greetings from Group Grand Haven, Mich

Coast Guard Magazine, Oct, 2004 by Daniele Keating

Grand Haven, Mich., the only town known as "Coast Guard City, U.S.A.," is a quaint, historic Midwest town where the nostalgia of TV Land crosses over into the modern era. The seemingly quiet town of 11,000 inhabitants comes alive each summer, demonstrating its citizens' ardent patriotism and unparalleled bond with the Coast Guard.

Group Grand Haven is situated on the town's waterfront, just a few blocks from the heart of downtown. With more than 6,000 nautical miles of coverage, and the oversight of eight stations, one air station, and one Auxiliary detachment, the Group is responsible for more than 200 search and rescue cases a year. More than one million people are registered boat owners in Michigan, making it the largest boating community in the country. Manned with only six officers and 31 enlisted members, Group personnel remain exceptionally busy responding to incidents in the vast and sometimes treacherous Lake Michigan.

Group Grand Haven is also the host command for Electronics Support Detachment Grand Haven and MSO Grand Haven.

During the 1930s, Grand Haven served as the homeport of the CGC Escanaba and was home to most of its crew. Today, it is the national memorial site of the Escanaba, in remembrance of the 101 Coast Guardsmen who died when the cutter was sunk by a German U-boat during World War II. Ray O'Malley, now the sole living survivor to escape the sinking ship, returns year after year to Grand Haven's Coast Guard Festival to be honored, as are all members of the Coast Guard and their families.

During the ten-day festival, which pays tribute to the Coast Guard, generations of families migrate from all over the country to celebrate. The event fills the streets downtown with festivities including carnival rides, concerts, games, parades, pageants, dances and many other events, all commemorating and honoring the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Festival isn't the only draw to this lakeside town. Fishing, hunting, boating, horseback riding, skiing, sledding, and four-wheeling are readily available. For those who prefer a more placid adventure, the two-and-a-half-mile long boardwalk is dressed with more than 25 restaurants, as well as antique shops, boutiques, and pier shops. A farmer's market and local marina also provide a variety of things to do. A well-preserved bike path meanders through town, extending for miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

No matter whether you come to Grand Haven for the Coast Guard Festival, to enjoy the hot summer days on the beaches of Lake Michigan, or to serve as a member of the Coast Guard in Coast Guard City, U.S.A., one thing is for certain: Grand Haven is a place that many people only dream of knowing, where "Leave It To Beaver" and "Pleasantville" meet "7th Heaven", and only a lucky few have the opportunity of experiencing!

Check out Coast Guard career opportunities! Call 877-NOW USCG

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Housing

Single-family homes range in price from $85,000 and up, condos from $90,000.

Education

Five colleges, as well as both public and private schools, are in the immediate area. Also, Grand Rapids, Mich., 35 miles to the east, has two Big 10 University extension campuses.

Facilities

The group offers a medical facility and a small exchange. For medical and dental care beyond the scope of the group, contracted doctors and dentists in the local community provide the necessary care.

Weather

Temperatures vary widely from season to season, with an average of 20 degrees in January, and 80 degrees in July.

Story by Ensign Daniele Keating, Group Grand Haven