Return to District 13's Home Page.
History
Read more on the USCG Auxiliary's History Webpage: http://www.auxadept.org/auxhistoryFounding
When the Coast Guard "Reserve" was authorized by act of Congress on June
23, 1939, the Coast Guard was given a legislative mandate to use
civilian volunteers to promote safety on and over the high seas and the
nation's navigable waters. The Coast Guard Reserve was then a
non-military service comprised of unpaid, volunteer U.S. citizens who
owned motorboats or yachts.
Two years later, on Feb. 19, Congress amended the 1939 act with passage of the Auxiliary and Reserve Act of 1941. Passage of this act designated the Reserve as a military branch of the active service, while the civilian volunteers, formerly referred to as the Coast Guard Reserve, became the Auxiliary.
February 19 is formally recognized as the
birth of the Coast Guard Reserve while June 23 is recognized as birthday
of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
On Dec. 7, 1941, Lt. Cmdr. Frank D. Higbee ordered the Auxiliary to duty in the 11th Naval District (Calif.) and told them in effect: “Come back with your shield, or on it!” When America entered World War II, 50,000 Auxiliary members joined the war effort. They guarded waterfronts, carried out coastal picket patrols, rescued survivors from scuttled ships and did anything else they were asked to do. Many of their private vessels were placed into service.
After the war, Auxiliarists resumed their recreational boating safety duties. The Auxiliary's four cornerstones--Vessel Examination, Education, Operations and Fellowship--were established and remain the Auxiliary's pillars today.
Today's Auxiliary
Auxiliarists continue to be a vital part of the Coast Guard. Under legislation passed in 1996, the Auxiliary's role was expanded to allow members to assist in any Coast Guard mission, except direct law enforcement and military operations, as authorized by the Commandant.
Thus, Auxiliarists can be found examining commercial fishing vessels, flying in C-130 aircraft, working in Coast Guard offices, and crewing with regulars. The three components of the service–the active duty Coast Guardsmen, the Reservists, and Auxiliarists–truly constitute TEAM COAST GUARD.
Auxiliary members:
- Perform free Vessel Safety Checks,
which helps boaters ensure their craft complies with Federal boating regulations.
- Teach boating safety to recreational boaters of all ages.
- Operate safety and regatta patrols and
are an integral part of the Coast Guard Search and Rescue team.
- Stand
communication watches, assist during mobilization exercises,
perform harbor and pollution patrols, provide platforms for unarmed boarding parties.
- Recruit and can provide initial training for people
wanting to join the Active Duty or Reserve Coast Guard.
- Assist in other Coast Guard functions, duties, roles, missions or
operations as authorized by law.