Mission Statement

The Response Directorate serves the US Coast Guard (CG) by ensuring our members are properly trained, qualified, and equipped to support all authorized US Coast Guard activities present and future.

• Proficient – Air, Surface, and Telecommunications members are highly trained to accurately provide mission support to the Coast Guard.
• Safe – Our crews are initially and recurrently trained to a high level to support Coast Guard missions without incident.
• Professional – Our crews are held to a high standard in looks and actions enabling them to represent the Coast Guard honorably and effectively.

 These watchwords, combined with our core values, guide the management of all Response programs.  Our members must be proficient, safe, and professional while enjoying what they are doing.  We must balance the safety of our members and the boating public with the challenges of accomplishing our missions in support of the Coast Guard.  We must be ready and willing to adapt to changing conditions. The Response Directorate is mindful of our members being volunteers, respect their contributions, and work to make our programs rewarding, interesting, and satisfying.

These precepts form the foundation of the Response Directorate and every strategy and decision we implement.

The Response Directorate will:

• Recognize the member is the most important asset of the organization.
• Train them properly and encourage participation and personal achievement while providing satisfaction in all activities.
• Continually strive to improve the quality and safety of the operations programs.
• Realize the true multi-mission nature of Auxiliary surface and air patrols by integrating elements of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) in all missions.
• Encourage cross training among all Auxiliary operational elements (Aviation, Surface, and Telecom), CG active duty/reserve forces, and local emergency response/law enforcement units.
• Maintain strong communication and collaboration with CG Headquarters units, other Auxiliary Departments, and external agencies or organizations.
• Embrace new program opportunities consistent with the overall organizational strategies.
• Encourage ongoing training for specific knowledge and skill sets to match evolving operational demands; promote member attendance in "C" schools and other training opportunities.
• Advocate good stewardship of limited resources.
• Empower members at all levels to identify opportunities to advance the goals of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• Reinforce the responsibility of each member to honor their commitment to Coast Guard Auxiliary activities.
• Recognize our members are volunteers, and they must find personal reward and satisfaction in their activity; if they do not enjoy their participation in the programs, they are unlikely to continue to volunteer.

Strategic Goals

• Determine the Coast Guard’s need for surface, air, and communication assets and activities in normal and surge conditions.
• Provide strategies for the training and qualification of members.
• Research and evaluate technology advances and determine how technologies should be integrated into Auxiliary operations.
• Ensure the supporting organizational infrastructure accommodates change.
• Provide tools for success in Auxiliary operations, including but not limited to, policy guidance, funding, reward systems, and safety equipment.
• Leverage information system technology to improve processes and enhance communication.
• Value the contributions and be responsive to the needs and concerns of the member, including recruiting, retention, and personal satisfaction.
• Continually evaluate our programs to improve safety and effectiveness.