More than 37 years ago, a group of Lake Wylie sailors, who were active members of the Charlotte Power Squadron, a unit of the all North Carolina based District 27, began the process of forming a new independent USPS Squadron based on Lake Wylie, SC just across the state line of North Carolina.

A USPS Charter was issued 13 September 1964 formally establishing the Catawba Power Squadron to further the objectives of the United States Power Squadrons in the three county area of York, Chester and Lancaster. The Squadron took its name from the Catawba Indian Tribe who were the first settlers in the Catawba River Basin which encompasses Lake Wylie.

Effective December 2002, the name of the Squadron was changed to:

in order to reflect that all type of boaters, not only power boaters, are welcome in the Squadron.

One of the leaders of the founding group was John H. Marshall, Manager of Industrial Relations for Rock Hill Printing & Finishing Comp. This company was  York county's largest employer with more than 4,500 workers at that time and was a high profile sphere of influence for the fledgling new squadron. He became the first Squadron Commander in 1965 and was succeeded by a steady procession of dedicated leaders up to the present 38th Commander Howard S. Awbrey, S.

For a complete history of all Past Commanders see this page.

During those two years two Catawba Squadron Commanders extended their leadership role through elective District Bridge officers to become Commanders of District 27, which now includes 18 Squadrons. P/D/C Melvin L. Roberts, SN was Catawba Squadron Commander in 1973 and District 27 Commander in 1979. P/D/C L. Douglas Jones, JN was Squadron Commander in 1984 and District Commander in 1993.

Although the active membership in the Catawba Squadron is smaller than many of the older and more populous squadron locations, the quality and effectiveness of its membership has been widely recognized and honored throughout the District and National levels, notably in educational achievement  and co-operative charting programs. P/C Lewis F. Hicks, AP has become legendary in all levels of USPS and NOAA for his award winning accomplishments in recovering Geodetic Survey Markers. He led the nation in this major USPS contribution to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1999.

Of the 37 charter members we had in 1964, two of those members remain active today:

P/D/C Melvin L. Roberts, SN
and
P/C William L. Oates, AP

We thank these members for their many years of dedicated service to our Squadron.

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