What is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is comprised of over 35,000 volunteers world-wide who serve as an integral part of Team Coast Guard. We are a civilian, non-military organization established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard with all missions except military operations and law enforcement. Our traditional role has been promoting recreational boating safety. However, Auxiliary volunteers played a prominent post 9-11 role conducting Operation Noble Eagle maritime safety patrols and participating in other Coast Guard support missions. Auxiliarists now serve as a force multiplier for the Coast Guard and provide maritime domain awareness and other volunteer services for the Coast Guard as part of the Operation Patriot Readiness Homeland Security mission. We still promote boating safety through our very active involvement in Operation BoatSmart. Auxiliary members also provide public education courses, assist with search and rescue missions and conduct marine safety patrols, support rega
