Coast Guard Auxiliary Celebrates 68 Years of Service
On June 23rd, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will celebrate its 68th year of service to the United States Coast Guard and the American people. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and law enforcement actions. The Auxiliary is the primary provider of boating safety outreach and education for the Coast Guard.According to Adm. Thad Allen, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard,"The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides an invaluable service to our Nation. We rely on their generosity and patriotism to help keep Americans safe and secure all around the country." The Coast Guard's philosophy is to be SEMPER PARATUS (ALWAYS READY) against all threats and all hazards. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of that philosophy and the Coast Guard Forces. "The Auxiliary is an integral part of the Coast Guard and they assist with virtually every Coast Guard mission. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Adm. Allen. Auxiliary members conduct safety patrols on local waterways, assist the Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, as well as many other activities.