History

The original CPS gave up its Charter in 1942, the first full year of World War II. Many squadrons became inactive during the war.

The interest in having another squadron in Chattanooga was revitalized by Norman Hatker who had purchased his boat in the early 60’s and was seeking boating education courses. Becoming familiar with the United States Power Squadrons organization, he enrolled the then public course, Piloting, offered by the Atlanta squadron, which he joined. His interest in having a squadron in Chattanooga led him to the District 17 bridge officers who recommended the new squadron be a spin-off of the Knoxville Power Squadron since they shared the same river system.

A public Piloting Class was held in Chattanooga and many of the graduates of that class formed the Chattanooga Division of the Knoxville Power Squadron. Several other classes were offered in the Chattanooga area throughout 1972.

At the same time the group continued to work with the D17 officers toward the goal of becoming an independent squadron.

In June, 1972 a slate of officers was chosen with Norman Hatker as Commander. A Petition for Charter was signed, submitted, and approved on 23 September 1972 at the USPS Governing Board in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The temporary charter was presented to the Chattanooga Power Squadron at the D17 Conference in Asheville, NC. By the end of 1972 the Chattanooga Power Squadron had become incorporated by the State of Tennessee. In one year’s time, Norm Hatker’s goal was achieved.

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Burgee History: When the Chattanooga Squadron was charted in September 1972 it was the 410th squadron and thus carried the nickname "The Shotgun Squadron." This name was also intended to bring to mind the part played by Chattanooga in the Civil War.

In November 1972 the proposed design was sketched for the pennant. Colors referred to Old Glory and were bright and nautical. White for purity and red for courage to finish and Blue for loyalty to the United States.

In January 1973 Norm Hatker attended a meeting of the Flag and Etiquette Committee at the annual meeting in Miami Beach. The Shotgun design was deemed to be not nautical

In March 1973 the Exec Committee sent a design by Mack Edwards replacing the shotgun part of the burgee with a clipped signal flag code letter "C" representing Chattanooga. The design was approved by D-17 in March 1973 and by National in May 1973 and is in the upper right corner of this WEB page.