Overview

The overarching mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions. We will balance our missions of Recreational Boating Safety and Coast Guard Support with Maritime Homeland Security and other challenges that emerge as a result of our growing understanding of changes required in the post-9/11 era.

Mission History

Since 1939 the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has safeguarded our Nation’s maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe.

We protect the maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as America’s Maritime Guardian — Always Ready for all hazards and all threats.

Today

Today’s U.S. Coast Guard, with nearly 32,000 men and women, is a unique force that carries out an array of responsibilities touching almost every facet of the U.S. maritime environment.

The primary mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is Recreational Boater Safety. We also have the mission to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions, as directed by the United States Coast Guard. We will support the overall mission by improving the quality and delivery methods of our educational products. We will work with other like-minded organizations to improve the overall knowledge of the boating public to increase awareness of safety on the water.

The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready."

You can find out more about our mission by reading National Commodore Jim Vass's 2011 Strategic Plan.