The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary celebrates its 86th birthday this Monday, June 23. Strange and unnecessary as it may seem, the Coast Guard has both a Reserve as well as an Auxiliary component. While BVA and other Veterans Service Organizations have supportive Auxiliary organizations, the functions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary are different. Duties include those similar to or in support of the regular Coast Guard, but these functions also promote and support general maritime safety, foster recreational boating safety, fight pollution, and even conduct successful rescues.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an unpaid force of 21,000 volunteers in 793 local units who contribute 3.8 million hours per year in support of the regular Coast Guard both in the classroom and at the ramp and pier. They operate 1,800 vessels, 160 aircraft, and 1,400 to facilities under the motto “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready, or Always Prepared).

Legislation passed in the mid-1990s authorized the Auxiliary to support any Coast Guard missions not involving law enforcement or real-world military operations under the Department of Transportation. Further legislation has been realigned to the Coast Guard, Reserve, and Auxiliary under the Department of Homeland Security, not to the Department of Defense as are its Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force counterparts.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary has several missions. Among them the word “safety” comes up often. Therefore, an appropriate way to celebrate the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s birthday is to participate in making boating, seafaring, and waterway use as safe as possible.

For more information about the Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit its official website.