United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA, USCGAUX, CGAux, or USCG Aux) is the uniformed, non-military volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Congress established the unit on 23 June 1939, as the United States Coast Guard Reserve. On February 19, 1941, the entity was renamed the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary's purpose is to bolster all USCG undertakings both at sea and in the sky, with the exception of tasks necessitating "direct" law enforcement or military actions. As of 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boasted around 21,000 members.
| United States Coast Guard Auxiliary | |
|---|---|
Seal of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary | |
| Founded | June 23, 1939 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | U.S. Coast Guard |
| Type | Volunteer uniformed auxiliary service |
| Role |
|
| Size | Approximately 21,000 auxiliarists |
| Part of | Homeland Security |
| Motto(s) | Semper Paratus (Always Ready) |
| Colors | White, Red, Blue |
| March | "Semper Paratus" |
| Engagements | World War II September 11 attacks |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation DHS Outstanding Unit Award Coast Guard Unit Commendation |
| Website | https://www.cgaux.org/ |
| Commanders | |
| Commandant of the Coast Guard | Admiral Linda L. Fagan |
| Chief Director of Auxiliary | Captain Troy P. Glendye, USCG |
| National Commodore | Commodore Agostino Formato |
| Insignia | |
| Racing Stripe | |
| Flag | |
| Flag (1940) | |
The Auxiliary collectively dedicates over 4.5 million service hours annually and has accomplished close to 500,000 missions in aid of the Coast Guard. Annually, members of the Auxiliary are instrumental in saving around 500 lives, aiding 15,000 mariners in distress, performing over 150,000 recreational vessel safety checks, and imparting boating safety knowledge to over half a million learners. Collectively, the Coast Guard Auxiliary's efforts save taxpayers several hundred million dollars every year.