The Portland Sail and Power Squadron came into existence in 1942 when 31 graduates of the first United States Power Squadron piloting course met in the Buckman School to organize a new squadron. The Second World War had already started and many squadron members joined the military. One of the most influential charter members of the Portland Squadron was Larry Barber who, in his many years as a Squadron member and writer for the Oregonian newspaper, promoted the Power Squadron throughout the community. At one point, the Portland Squadron grew to be the largest squadron in the country with more than 1,100 members. Times have changed since then. Two new squadrons split off from the Portland Squadron. Interest in boating education faded. The Portland Squadron shrunk to its current size of about 130 members. Lately, we've noticed that a lot of boaters are starting to get more interested in education and in the benefits of belonging to the best boating organization in the country. The Squadron is growing again.

The US Power Squadrons is a civilian membership organization devoted to promoting boating safety through education. The Power Squadrons grew out of exclusive yacht clubs of the Northeastern United States. These yacht clubs used military terminology and military type uniforms. Power Squadrons honor this yachting tradition but are neither military nor government organizations. Organized in 1914, USPS is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has some 60,000 members organized into 450 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is the world's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.