ABOUT THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Flotilla 13-03 is part of a very large, national organization.  We actively patrol our waterways and regularly meet with the boating public in marinas and classrooms.  The Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all of its missions except military and law enforcement actions.  auxiliarists also serve side by side with the active duty Coast Guard team at their stations in times of disaster.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, often referred to as the "Civilian Arm of the Coast Guard", was established by Congress in June of 1939.  The initial mission was to assist the Coast Guard, promote safety and educate the boating public.  As the war in Europe intensified, Congress, recognizing a need to properly guard our Coastlines, enacted a second bill in February of 1941.  In addition to their peacetime boating duties, auxiliarists became part of the Military Reserve.  With the return of peace, the auxiliary resumed its primary mission which continues to be assisting the Coast Guard and promoting boating safety through education. 

Today, there are nearly 38,000 members from all walks of life in the 50 States Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.  Members receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Team Coast Guard.  Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as Public Education, Vessel Safety Checks, Safety Patrols, Search and Rescue, Marine Environmental Protection and Coast Guard Academy Introduction Programs for youth.  Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.  For more information on the role of the Coast Guard Auxiliary click onto How We Serve You