Each year on June 23, the United States celebrates the birthday of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, honoring the dedicated volunteers who support the missions of the United States Coast Guard. The Auxiliary traces its origins to June 23, 1939, when Congress established the organization as the civilian component of the Coast Guard to promote boating safety and assist with maritime operations.

The organization was originally created as the United States Coast Guard Reserve, a non-military volunteer force composed largely of civilian boat owners who helped improve safety on the nation’s waterways. In 1941, Congress reorganized the program, creating the military Coast Guard Reserve and redesignating the volunteer organization as the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the name it carries today.

During World War II, Auxiliary members played a critical role in supporting homeland security efforts, conducting coastal patrols, harbor surveillance, and other missions vital to national defense. In the decades that followed, the Auxiliary expanded its responsibilities to include public education, vessel safety examinations, marine environmental protection, search-and-rescue support, and assistance during natural disasters.

Today, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is one of the largest volunteer maritime organizations in the world. Auxiliarists contribute millions of service hours annually, supporting nearly every Coast Guard mission except direct law enforcement and military combat operations. Their work includes teaching boating safety courses, conducting recreational vessel safety checks, promoting environmental stewardship, and assisting with emergency response efforts.

Membership is open to qualified U.S. citizens who wish to serve their communities and nation through maritime service. Auxiliary volunteers come from diverse backgrounds but share a common commitment to the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus”, Always Ready.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday is an opportunity to recognize generations of volunteers who have strengthened maritime safety and security for more than eight decades. On June 23, the nation honors these citizen volunteers whose dedication, professionalism, and spirit of service continue to support the Coast Guard and protect America’s waterways.