What is the Auxiliary

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and law enforcement actions.

The Coast Guard's philosophy is to be SEMPER PARATUS (ALWAYS READY) against all threats and all hazards. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of that philosophy and the Coast Guard Forces.

We conduct safety patrols on local waterways, assist the Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, as well as many other activities.

The Auxiliary has members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,American Samoa, and Guam.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years old, and pass a basic background check. There are no upper age limits or height/weight standards, although for operational activities, you must be physically able to perform certain tasks. There are no minimum service hours; you can serve as little or as much as you want.

You do not have to own a boat or participate in water-based operations to join the Auxiliary.

Finally, the Auxiliary supports its members through local unit meetings, regional conferences and enjoys heartfelt fellowship with each other.

Members of Flotilla 87 at a recent meeting at Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Mrs. Carolyn Gunn sits in front of an old sextant she owns. Behind Mrs. Gunn are from left to right, Therese Musch, Randall Murphree, Zak Kosan, Greg Knight, Betty Brand, Como Dr. Oliver Brand, and Joan Beth Smith. The tropical blue uniforms worn by Therese and Zak, and the ODU worn by Greg are optional uniforms our members wear.