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.
