Happy 84th Birthday, Coast Guard Reserve!

A big shout out to the Coast Guard Reserve which celebrates its 84th Birthday today.

Since 1941, the Reserve has been a cornerstone of mission readiness and excellence both at home and abroad. From patrolling, searching for enemies and conducting rescue operations during WWII, to providing port security in U.S. and Middle East after the 911 terrorist attacks, to assisting in major hurricane recovery and efforts to curtail illegal migration, the Coast Guard Reserve has been a surge force par excellence.

Over the past year, reservists have continued to support operational demands wherever and whenever they occur. Highlights include:

In March, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore, reservists were essential to the Coast Guard’s response efforts. They provided 86 personnel to assist with public safety, investigation, and restoring the Marine Transportation System (MTS) fundamental to economic prosperity.

In July, the first of many Embarked Security Teams (EST) of trained reservists were deployed from Coast Guard Port Security Units to provide underway security for the Navy and support for maritime missions throughout the Indo-Pacific and Oceania regions.

In total, Coast Guard reservists contributed over 28,000 duty days to carry out essential Coast Guard operations, including Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS). More than 300 reservists supported Department of Homeland Security efforts to interdict illegal aliens and secure our Southern Maritime Border.

As the Coast Guard looks to the future, Acting Commandant, Adm. Kevin Lunday, has reiterated our commitment to shaping the force, enhancing operational Reserve readiness, improving support structures, and meeting the challenges of the next decade.

So, let’s celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of every reservist and extend our deepest thanks for their outstanding service to the Nation.

Bravo Zulu and Semper Paratus!

-USCG-