Valley Ho Power Squadron

  Our General membership is in the San Fernando Valley.  Our monthly meetings generally meet on the first Thursday of the month at Galpin Ford, 15555 Roscoe Blvd, North Hills CA at 1900 hours. Scroll down for further information:

United States Power Squadrons ® (USPS ®) is a private, nonprofit, non-governmental, and non-military organization of men, women and families who are socially compatible and have a common love of recreational boating. There are no barriers to membership on the grounds of gender, race, religion or ethnic background. USPS is the largest non-profit safety Boating Organization, founded in 1914 and comprises of some 60,000 members   - Valley Ho Power Squadron is one of the 18 squadrons in District 13 which is one of the 450 Districts comprising the USPS.  The Squadron is unique in it's close, warm, and energetic camaraderie in Boating Education and activities.

The USPS Educational Program is diverse and challenging. It offers to the members the promise of greater enjoyment and safety in their own boating activities. In addition, the Educational Program offers the satisfaction of personal accomplishment, and the opportunity to share with others the knowledge and skills the individual member has acquired.
If you are interested in learning more about USPS, please contact the toll free national help line 1-888-FOR-USPS (1-888-367-8777). You can also visit the USPS National web site at http://www.usps.org and you can visit the FAQ ("Frequently Asked Questions") page in the USPS national website at http://www.usps.org/u_stuff/FAQ.html
To find a public boating safety class near you, call 1-800-SEA-SKIL (1-800-732-7545)  What's the First Step?
Enroll in the standard eight-session USPS Boating Safety course or in the accelerated two-session USPS Boat Smart course. Call (888) FOR USPS for additional information and for locations and dates of classes near you. These two offerings meet the boating safety education requirements of both state and federal regulations.
Completion of either course immediately qualifies you for a significant discount on your boat insurance. You will also be eligible to join the United States Power Squadrons and become active in boating-related activities and additional boating education courses. What Does Your USPS Membership Mean?
Greater Boating Education, Families Together, Social Events, Community Involvement, Cruises
Significant programs have been established and continue to be added to make your USPS membership more beneficial to you.  Your membership in USPS makes you a part of the finest boating organization in the world, and supports its important mission, that of Safe
Boating Through Education.
Sharing Boating Knowledge
Learn from our experienced instructors. 

Advanced Grade, Elective, and Learning Guide materials are continually updated to prepare our members for the 21st century.  Self-study courses are available on a variety of subjects.
A Network of Activities for You and Your Family
On the Water activities, cruises, rendezvous, sail races, fishing derbies, and more.
For the relatively new boater - another boater with whom to cruise Squadron social events, parties, picnics.  Dinner dances, speakers of interest.
Youth programs involve your children in boating. Giving Back to Your Community
Joint programs with the Department of Natural Resources and the U. S. Coast Guard.
Participation in various community projects. Boat Shows, National Safe Boating Week.
Service to NOAA by providing revisions to existing charts through our Cooperative Charting Program.

Marine Insurance
Most comprehensive boat insurance.  Low rates with additional discounts for educational achievements.  Special claims consideration.  Personal attention. Call USPS Boat Insurance Program at (800) 763-8777.
First USA Visa Card     Low and competitive interest rates.  No annual fee.
Cash-back incentives to benefit your squadron.  Call (800) FIRST USA.
Port Captains Program   Extensive listing of USPS members to assist you in unfamiliar waters and cities.
USPS Publications
Timely and informative boating and USPS information received via The Ensign® magazine. District and Squadron publications.

 Federal Tax Exempt Status
501(c)(3) status allows personal tax deductions for selected USPS expenses for Squadron, District, and National participation.
Travel Discounts to National Meetings
· Airline discounts available through Delta and American.
· Auto rental discounts and upgrades available through Hertz and Alamo.

USPS Customer Service Center

Call (888) FOR USPS (367-8777) for all your USPS needs.
Knowledgeable and courteous staff to answer your questions and process your requests.
USPS national web site http://www.usps.org.
USPS apparel and accessories available through Ship's Store.

VALLEY HO History

The birth of Valley Ho Power Squadron took place on January 2, 1959 in the form of a letter to eighty members of the San Fernando Power Squadron living west of Balboa Boulevard. The motive appeared to be that the San Fernando Squadron was getting too large and cumbersome to effectively serve its membership. Therefore, a separate squadron seemed justified.
A select committee was formed by the San Fernando Squadron to investigate the establishment of an independent squadron. On May 18, 1960 a formation meeting held at the Canoga Park Masonic Lodge petitioned the National Governing Board for a local Squadron charter.
At a dinner meeting on May 19, 1960, the first Bridge Officers were elected: Frank Rider, N - Commander; Jack Adamson, JN - Lieutenant Commander Executive Officer; Walt Allen, AP - Lieutenant Commander Administrative Officer; Julio Eisenbruch, AP - Secretary; and Jesse Haggerty - Treasurer. Jerry Harper, AP was elected to the Executive Committee.
The name Valley Ho appears to have been originated by John Burks, N who was inspired, no doubt, by the thought of a crewman, high above the deck, in the crow’s nest first glimpsing the infant squadron and crying.....”Valley Ho!”.
The Valley Ho Burgee was designed by Sig Woodjack, AP and accepted on September 11, 1961. First flown by Jack Adamson, it had been meticulously hand-sewn by Jeanne Adamson for its historic debut.
This original Burgee today resides in the memorabilia of the Squadron and is prominently displayed at special events selected by the Squadron Commander.

Updated: July 09, 2004     Copyright, 2002, Valley Ho Power Squadron    Created: 2-Apr-2002