Auxiliary History
1939 - Founded as Coast Guard Reserve
Congress establishes the Coast Guard Reserve (civilian) on June 23, 1939, as war clouds gather in Europe. Civilian boat owners volunteer to assist the Coast Guard with coastal patrol duties.
1941 - World War II Service
After Pearl Harbor, Reserve members patrol America's coastline for submarine activity, perform search and rescue, and support port security. Over 50,000 serve during the war.
1941 - Temporary Reserve Created
A military Temporary Reserve is created from civilian Reserve members who want to serve in uniform. The civilian Reserve continues non-military duties.
1950 - Renamed "Auxiliary"
The civilian organization is renamed the Coast Guard Auxiliary to distinguish it from the military Coast Guard Reserve.
1996 - Mission Expansion
The Auxiliary Authorization Act expands Auxiliary missions beyond recreational boating safety to include support for all non-military Coast Guard missions.
Today
The Auxiliary continues to serve with approximately 21,000 members nationwide, contributing over 4 million volunteer hours annually to Coast Guard missions.