ALCOAST 302/11 COMDTNOTE 16790 SUBJ: SEVENTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY 1.

JUNE 23 MARKS THE SEVENTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF OUR COAST GUARD AUXILIARY. FOLLOWING THEIR FORMATION IN 1939, AMERICA SOON ENTERED WWII. DURING THE WAR, SOME 50,000 VOLUNTEER AUXILIARISTS STOOD WATCH OVER OUR SHORES, PORTS AND WATERWAYS. 2. TODAY IS NO DIFFERENT. THIS YEAR OUR 31,000 COAST GUARD AUXILIARISTS DELIVERED OVER 3.2 MILLION HOURS OF OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. AT SEA, IN THE AIR, AND EVEN IN THE INCIDENT COMMAND CENTER, THEY FORTIFIED OUR RESPONSE TO THE DEEPWATER HORIZON SPILL, ASSISTED WITH MIDWEST FLOOD OPERATIONS, AND PROVIDED COMPASSIONATE ASSISTANCE TO WEST COAST COMMUNITIES THREATENED BY A TSUNAMI. 3. EVERY DAY THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY WORKS TO MAKE OUR WATERS SAFER FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS THROUGH EDUCATION, SAFETY INSPECTIONS AND STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOATING SAFETY COALITION. 4. I CONSIDER THEIR WORK A SPLENDID PATRIOTIC SERVICE, AND I ENCOURAGE ALL UNITS TO HOIST THE AUXILIARY COLORS ON JUNE 23 TO HONOR THEIR PROUD TRADITION AND WORTHY MISSION. SEMPER PARATUS. 5. ADMIRAL BOB PAPP, COMMANDANT, SENDS. 6. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.