National Photography Corps
Photo of the Week
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is recognized for 60 years of boating safety education at the 12th annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) held in San Diego, CA.
Presenting the proclamation are Ruth Wood, Chair, National Safe Boating Council, and Arlyn Hendricks, President, National Water Safety Congress. Accepting the plaque on behalf of the Auxiliary is Commodore Warren McAdams- National Chief of Staff, and Robin Freeman, Chief- Education Department. The proclamation was also signed by John Fetterman, President, NASBLA. Photo by Ed Sweeney, USCGAUX.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Has A Great Story To Tell!
The
Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs Web Site is your resource for
media information about the Auxiliary. These stories, both press releases and
pre-written stories, are available at the
News Room. We also
have available, photos and video of various newsworthy Coast Guard Auxiliary
activities. These, as well as Public Service Radio Announcements are located at
Multimedia.
The Navigator is our quarterly print magazine that is available for on line viewing. Sitrep (Situation Report) is the Auxiliary's on line e news digest of recent events.
Members of the News Media are welcome to publish these stories about the Auxiliary. If you need further information, please contact us.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary was authorized by Congress on June 23, 1939. This act authorized the Coast Guard to use civilian volunteers to promote boating safety on the nation's waterways. During World War II, many Auxiliarists joined the war effort in either active duty branches of the service, or as members of the Temporary Reserve. These Reservists watched waterfronts, performed coastal patrols and rescued survivors from sinking ships.
On October 19, 1996 Congress greatly increased the responsibilities and training of the Auxiliary. The intent of Congress was to expand the ability of the Coast Guard to utilize the Coast Guard Auxiliary for missions not contemplated in 1939. The Coast Guard Authorization Act increased the scope of the Auxiliaries' duties to include any role, mission, or operation that the Commandant of the Coast Guard might envision. Thus, the Auxiliary, traditionally known for its Boating Safely Classes and Vessel Safety Checks, will have greatly increased responsibilities. Currently, the Auxiliary has 35,000 members in all 50 states.
