The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary celebrated its 85th anniversary with a ceremony held at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C. on June 20th, 2024. The ceremony was attended by Coast Guard and Auxiliary leadership and recognized the Auxiliary’s rich history as a primary promoter of recreational boating safety and as an integral force multiplier for Team Coast Guard.
Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, served as the presiding official for the ceremony and spoke on the wide variety of contributions the Auxiliary has made to the nation over its 85 year history. Auxiliary National Commodore Gus Formato also provided remarks thanking the hundreds of thousands of Auxiliarists who have volunteered over the eight plus decades and spoke on the exciting future that the organization has in store in the years to come.
The ceremony also included a number of special recognitions to the Auxiliary. In appreciation of the Auxiliary’s service over the last five years, the Auxiliary received a letter from President Joe Biden thanking the organization for its many contributions to the safety of our nation’s waterways. The Auxiliary was also recognized on the floors of Congress, as Representative Nick LaLota (R-NY) read aloud a proclamation that expressed appreciation for Auxiliarists and their dedication to volunteerism. A copy of this proclamation was presented to Auxiliary National Commodore at the ceremony for display in the Chief Director of Auxiliary office at Coast Guard Headquarters. In recognition of the Auxiliary’s commitment to service of America’s boating public and augmentation efforts of Coast Guard missions, Rear Adm. Arguin also presented to the Auxiliary, on behalf of the Commandant of the Coast Guard, a Coast Guard Unit Commendation.
Finally, the ceremony was concluded with a very special recognition, as the Auxiliary was presented with the American Campaign Streamer. This streamer recognizes those that helped protect and defend the United States during World War II, and brings light to the Auxiliary which provided national defense support during the early stages of that conflict following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in December 1941. Rear Adm. Arguin, on behalf of the Commandant of the Coast Guard, affixed this streamer to the Coast Guard Auxiliary flag, which is now authorized to display this streamer on its organizational flag.
This ceremony and the recognition that the Auxiliary received for its 85 years of service to the nation are all due to the amazing volunteers that make up this extraordinary organization. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Auxiliary please reach out to a flotilla near you!
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