Naval Militia PB-230 Finds New Home at Echo Bay Marina

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle pulled out all the stops this weekend to welcome the Naval Militia Patrol Boat 230 (PB-230) to its new berth at the Municipal Marina in Echo Bay.

Dignitaries, including Deputy Mayor Martha Lopez, Councilmember Liz Fried, Veterans' Advisory Committee Chair Brett Morash, American Legion Post 8 Commander Peter Poulos and County Legislators Terry Clements and Damon Maher were on hand for the welcome ceremony. Captain Marylynn Marrese of the New York Naval Militia, Master Chief Niemitalo, Senior Chief Dick, Boatswainsmate 1st Class Kaul and Maritime Enforcement Specialist 2nd Class White represented the Naval Militia welcoming the boat to its new home at the city-owned marina.

“The Naval Militia will provide a layer of support to the operations of the Armed Forces, and law enforcement to enhance the safety and security of all New Rochellians,” Morash said in dockside comments embracing the PB-230’s new digs.

According to information provided by the New York Naval Militia, the fleet of PB-230 boats was built specifically for the Naval Militia . The all-aluminum, high speed boats operate in waters throughout the state, including the Atlantic Ocean, Lakes Champlain, Ontario and Erie, the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, and throughout the canal system. The boats are crewed and commanded by New York Naval Militia members, many of whom also serve in the reserve forces of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines.

In 2001, New York developed the fleet of small, versatile vessels to support homeland security efforts, particularly in the Hudson River at the Indian Point Energy Center. This effort developed into the New York State Military Emergency Boat Service (MEBS).

The fleet is currently tasked for missions exclusively in New York, but are subject to call-up by the federal government in times of emergency. Current missions include providing port security, supporting law enforcement, surveillance, evacuations and rescue operations.

The Naval Militia in New Rochelle has a long and storied history in the “City of Homes." During World War I, the Naval Militia and volunteers provided 24/7 security in the New Rochelle waters searching for Imperial German Navy U-Boats, according to a statement announcing the new berth for the PB-230. The Naval Armory, built in 1932, housed the militia for decades.

It is perhaps fitting that the New York Navy Militia marks a return to Echo Bay just as the city begins rehabilitation work with the goal of making the now dilapidated Naval Armory a centerpiece of a planned waterfront revitalization.

This story was updated to include a more accurate list of dignitaries in attendance at the ceremony.