ALCOAST 226/22 - JUNE 2022 83RD BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

R 231719Z JUN 22   MID200001867686U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 226/22
SSIC 16790
SUBJ: 83RD BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
1. To the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Happy 83rd
Birthday from everyone in our United States Coast Guard!
2. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and its exceptional heritage of
service dates back to 1939, when Congress authorized the formation
of the Coast Guard's "Volunteer Reserve", an organization of
enthusiastic volunteers dedicated to the promotion of recreational
boating safety throughout the United States. This organization has
grown and evolved remarkably over the last eight decades. The
men and women who serve in the Auxiliary have selflessly
devoted their time, skills, and expertise across an increasingly
diverse array of roles and missions to assist the Coast Guard, and
to preserve and protect our Nation's maritime interests.
3. As the world continues to navigate through the challenges
created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we celebrate the Auxiliary's
commitment to service, and its adaptability in overcoming the
complexities presented by this virus. Persevering through these
uncertain and unprecedented times, the Auxiliary and its membership
have continued to make significant impacts nationwide. Auxiliarists
have faithfully augmented Coast Guard units as watchstanders at
communications centers, delivering critical assistance to resolve
search and rescue cases; as culinary specialists, preparing
outstanding meals in dining facilities ashore and at sea on multiple
long voyages aboard the CGC EAGLE and CGC HEALY; as healthcare
professionals, providing much needed healthcare services and
augmenting our shortage of Flight Surgeons. Coast Guard Auxiliary
interpreters provided critical services on over 75 translation
missions in support of DHS and the Coast Guard. Auxiliary Chaplains
have improved the mental and spiritual health of our workforce by
contributing over 10,000 hours of operational support in crisis
care and religious ministry. The Auxiliary never wavered from its
determination to promote safety amongst our Nation's recreational
vessel operators. In 2021, the Auxiliary completed over 42,000
vessel safety checks and nearly 50,000 marine dealer visits;
truly extraordinary results that highlight the exemplary commitment
displayed daily by the Auxiliary to ensure safety on our waters.
4. We also recognize the Coast Guard Auxiliary for its continued
growth and dedication to finding new and innovative ways to support
the Coast Guard. During the past year, the Auxiliary has worked
closely with Coast Guard Cyber Command to establish an Auxiliary
Cyber (AUXCYBER) program; an exciting initiative that will leverage
Auxiliarists with high-level cyber expertise to support the Coast
Guard in strengthening and protecting the Nation's Maritime
Transportation System. More recently, Auxiliarists have supported
the Coast Guard's response along our Nation's Southwest border.
Their dedication and support has proven invaluable to the
preservation of our Service's readiness and capabilities upon which
the Nation relies.
5. We are extremely proud of our Coast Guard Auxiliary. Please join
me in recognizing this significant milestone by congratulating our
Auxiliarists on their outstanding performance, and for their
exceptional Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Bravo Zulu and
Semper Paratus!
6. POC: CDR Bradly Winans, COMDT (CG-BSX-1) at:
Bradly.G.Winans@uscg.mil.
7. ADM Linda L. Fagan, Commandant (CCG), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.