PORT CLINTON, OHIO — Since 1896 a special organized military unit known as the Ohio Naval Militia has served the state of Ohio along the shores of Lake Erie and our country during times of natural disasters.

Its goal is to keep the public safe when members of the Ohio National Guard qualify with weaponry and fire live rounds into Lake Erie.

They meet one weekend a month, every month, and patrol a very specific three-mile radius to keep boaters safe. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Naval Militia has been serving since 1896

  • Sailors patrol a 3-mile radius on Lake Erie when members of the Ohio National Guard are qualifying with weaponry prior to deployment

  • They meet one weekend a month, every month

  • Many members have prior military experience and very different careers and background in the civilian world

“It definitely is for safety because there’s live rounds coming out here and we just want to keep everybody safe,” said NCC Keith Searfoss.

Having to warm boaters to stay out of the impact zone happens all the time.

Crew members say it’s usually a pretty easy going exchange and they get to spend hours out on the water.

Many, like Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Rich, Chief Petty Officer Keith Searfoss, and Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Cole, have prior military experience.

“I’m retired Navy, retired Navy federal police officer and I just wanted to get back into the camaraderie of being around sailors. I also work with sea cadets, so the sea is sort of in my veins,” Searfoss said.

“My position is to help sailors kind of understand their role within the Ohio Naval Militia, to see what their goals are, what jobs they would like to do. I kind of navigate that with them so that’s more professional, more personable like going back to school, things of that nature,” said NC2 Matthew Rich.

“I’m also in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, I started there first ten years ago and discovered the Ohio Navy and checked that out and I really enjoy coming up here and the camaraderie with everyone in the unit and serving my state,” said CWO2 Thomas Cole.

When they’re not serving in Ohio’s Navy, they each have very different careers in the civilian world.

Searfoss is a hospice chaplain, Rich is a social worker at the VA, and Cole is an IT specialist.

The flexibility of the job is something many members enjoy.

“I joined back in October, so it’s been quite a few months. It’s been pretty fun so far. I’ve enjoyed everything,” said Naomi  Strausbaugh, as she unpacked her bag for the weekend and prepped her space in the barracks.

SN Strausbaugh just graduated high school and will start college soon.

“I think it’s interesting to come join because you get to defend your state and kind of have a civilian life as well. You kind of get the best of both worlds because you get to learn how the military does their thing and you get to enjoy your life as well. So it’s the best of both,” she said.

All Sailors receive basic military and batting education training like navigation, radio communications, and maintenance.

Every member also has the chance to learn to operate the boat and become part of the boat crew.

While learning the military drills on land is vital, many will agree that being on the water is the best part.

“The best part ever. We get to be on the lake and that’s what we’re here to do,” said Strausbaugh as she stepped on the vessel for her turn on patrol.

Right now there ate 46 serve members and they are looking for more volunteers.

To qualify, you must be over 17 and pass the physical fitness test.

For more information, click here.