The City of New Rochelle today welcomed the Naval Militia Patrol Boat 230 (PB-230) to its new berth at the Municipal Marina. On hand for the ceremonies were Captain Marylynn Marrese NY Naval Militia, Master Chief Niemitalo, Senior Chief Dick and PB-230 crew BM1 Kaul and ME2 White from the Naval Militia; and Deputy Mayor Martha Lopez, Councilmember Liz Fried, Harbormaster Salvatore Gugliara, Veterans’ Advisory Committee Chair Brett Morash, American Legion Post 8 Commander Peter Paulos Poulos, and County Legislators Terry Clements and Damon Maher.

“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,” noted Brett Morash.

The history of the Naval Militia in New Rochelle goes back over a century. During World War I the Naval Militia and volunteers in the marine community provided 24/7 security in the waters off of New Rochelle searching for against the Imperial German Navy U-Boat threat. The Naval Armory on Main Street built in 1932 housed the militia replacing an earlier structure next door. This purpose built building was the home of the Naval Militia and later the Naval Services including the US Marine Corps Reserve into the 1990’s.  

Today, the Armory has undergone significant rehabilitation to its roof for stabilization purposes to preserve for a future use. Also completed onsite was interior and exterior debris removal, and demolition of out-buildings. Partial funding for these improvements was provided by the State through the RESTORE NY Program.