Monday, June 22, 2020

81st Anniversary of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary

united states coast guard
R 221212 JUN 20 
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CCG// 
TO ALCOAST 
UNCLAS //N16790// 
ALCOAST 244/20 
COMDTNOTE 16790 
SUBJ:  81ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
1. Congratulations to the Coast Guard Auxiliary on its 81st birthday. Since inception
in 1939, the men and women of the Auxiliary have been steadfast shipmates and invaluable
assets to our Service.
2. Our 23,000 uniformed volunteers are profound examples of selfless devotion to duty
who have not only embraced and exemplified my watchwords of "Ready, Relevant, and
Responsive," but have proudly added "Resilient" to that list. The Coast Guard has
always upheld a solemn promise to serve our Nation, conducting operations under the 
umbrella of eleven statutory missions, including responding to disasters, rescuing 
boaters in distress, and educating America's boating public. These missions were 
performed in exemplary fashion this past year, enabled by superlative Auxiliary 
involvement. Examples include two Auxiliarists with emergency management expertise 
providing expert support to the Coast Guard's Hurricane Dorian response center and 
briefing the White House; an Auxiliary boat crew in the Fifth District (Northern Region) 
saving the lives of six passengers on a small boat that capsized in the Delaware 
River; and Auxiliary flotillas across the Nation establishing specialized training 
and partnerships with Sea Scout youth under provisions of the new AUXSCOUT program. 
Even more impressively, against the unprecedented constraints imposed by the COVID-19 
pandemic, the Auxiliary supported myriad Coast Guard missions throughout the year while
remaining the vanguard for Recreational Boating Safety (RBS). Auxiliarists delivered 
over 2.4 million hours of support, performed more than 121,500 vessel safety checks 
and marine dealer visits, and taught over 6,800 boating safety classes, significantly 
enhancing safety on America's waterways.
3. The aforementioned accomplishments and characteristics reflect a highly dynamic, 
diverse and dedicated organization of servant leaders, experienced counselors, and 
true patriots. It is our privilege to include them on our Coast Guard Watch, Quarter, 
and Station Bill, and have them serve alongside for every mile we steam. On June 23
2020, I strongly encourage all Coast Guard units to hoist the Auxiliary colors in 
recognition of the exceptional Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty that are consistently 
displayed by our Coast Guard Auxiliarists. On the 81st anniversary, we thank them for 
their exemplary service.
4. ADM K. L. Schultz, Commandant, sends.
5. Internet release is authorized.

COMO David G. Porter
Asst. National Commodore 
National Diversity Team
US Coast Guard Auxiliary