For over 50 years, Coast Guard Station Milford Haven has protected life and commerce throughout the waterways of the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and the middle Chesapeake Bay. All that could change if the Coast Guard’s budget plan to downgrade their presence in the region isn’t stopped.
Recently, the Coast Guard announced plans to reduce operations out of Mathews County, a decision that could prove deadly. The proposal would end the current year-round Coast Guard presence at Milford Haven. If implemented, the station would only be manned half the year. Shifting to only summertime operations would significantly increase emergency response times and undermine safety in the region during the remainder of the year.
We all know that these critical waterways are popular throughout the year—and have been for generations—these waters are the lifeblood and livelihood of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Many marine businesses, fishermen, waterfowl hunters, watermen and recreational bo...