Station Sandy Hook is one of the most popular life – saving stations and one of the original ones. It was built in 1848 one – half mile south of point of Hook at a site on bay side. This site was change many times as the years passed by because of the change in land or request of the War Department that owned the land. Just like in 1882, the position was said to be east of the main light then it was later rebuilt in 1891. It was mentioned on the 1905 Annual Report that the station was developed during that year. Later in 1915, financing was provided to move the buildings to a new site and the title was unclear during that time until it was formalized in May 1936. On October 15, 1950, the land was formally transferred to the Coast Guard. In spite of the changes in sites, the station remained in commission until today.
Aaron Bower was appointed in 1856 as the first keeper of Station Sandy Hook. He was followed by John C. Patterson who was appointed on 1 July 1869 at the age of 41. Patterson served at the station until he was transferred to Shark River Station on November 15, 1883. He was followed by Trevonian H. Patterson who served until January 1, 1908 after resigning to enter the Revenue Cutter Service.
Chester Lippincott followed next starting his service on January 13, 1908 until July 22, 1915 when he was promoted to District Superintendent of the Fourth District. He was followed by Loren Tilton serving from January 1916 to 1925, followed by Elwood Butler serving as the keeper from September 30, 1925 to July 5, 1929. And from 1929 to 1933, the station was commanded by Chief Boatswains Mate E. Hulse. On August 1, 1993, George F. Morin assumed command.
Funds were provided for new station boats and equipments through the Work Relief and Public Works Appropriation Act of 1938. The Act also provided a boathouse, launchway and bulkheading for the station.
On July 27, 1885, keeper John Patterson was awarded the gold life – saving medal and silver life – saving medals were awarded to surfmen John Redmond, John H. Pearce, John H. Smith, David Kittell, Henry A. Bennett and Edward Brand when they rescued the crew of yacht Foam during a heavy onshore gale.
All through 1978, Coast Guard Sandy Hook responded to 2,275 calls saving 41 people and assisted 4, 645 people. Properties which were saved was valued over 27 million dollars while three lives were lost during a winter storm on January 21, 1978 from the 37 foot pilot boat Interport.
In honor of the people serving at Station Sandy Hook a round 1.5″ challenge coin with an antique brass finish was created by U. S. Challenge Coins. This USCG Auxiliary Division 2 is a two sided challenge coin that is available on a limited edition.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary divisions are the brave men and women who voluntary serve in service of the country. They add to the nation’s safety and security to the citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions with their main mission as Recreational Boater Safety.