The U.S. Coast Guard has opened a new recruiting office in Lynbrook, giving Long Islanders a local place to learn more about joining the service.

The new location is designed to attract more local recruits by providing a closer place to meet directly with Coast Guard personnel, ask questions and learn about career opportunities in the service.

Chief Cory Green, the recruiter in charge of the office, said interest from Long Island has already been strong, with hundreds applying and some already heading off to boot camp.

"There are a lot of talented young men and women out here that have that desire to serve that know about the Coast Guard and had to drive into the city to do it or they don't know about the Coast Guard and we didn't have visibility out here," Green said.

For some of the newest recruits, interest in the Coast Guard began long before the office's grand opening Saturday.

Alex Burrisweller of Oceanside was one of six recruits sworn in Saturday. He said his decision to join was influenced by family tradition.

"My older brother was in the Coast Guard for a couple of years. It's a big family thing," said Burrisweller. "I just want to be the next generation to do it, and I hope my kids do it as well."

The six recruits were sworn in Saturday, each taking a different path that led to the same decision to serve.

For Andrew Perrone of Oceanside, college was not the direction he wanted to pursue. Instead, he was drawn to the opportunities available through Coast Guard service, particularly in aviation.

"The Coast Guard had an endless list of jobs, like aviation technician. That's what I am going for. I can sit in a helicopter and save people," said Perrone.

Coast Guard officials say that is why having a permanent presence on Long Island is important, making it easier for people interested in serving to learn where they might fit within the organization.

"This office is about bringing visibility and tapping into talent here in the Long Island region," Green said.

The recruiting office is located at 235 Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.