Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.
The purpose of this reprint is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc. All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and information.
There has been considerable concern recently about whether or not Auxiliarists may recite the Pledge of Allegiance when in uniform. The following is provided to re-iterate and confirm associated policy.
There is U.S. Code that addresses the Pledge. It is 4 U.S.C. 4 which states, "The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."
Specific provisional language exists in Coast Guard Auxiliary policy. Section 1.A.5.b. of the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1 (series)) states, "When the Pledge of Allegiance is given, Auxiliarists, in uniform or not, should face the National Ensign and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart." This provision is re-stated in Appendix A.6. of the Auxiliary Manual.
It is true that some convention exists among active duty and Reserve ranks to remain silent during the Pledge, if in uniform. However, it is also recognized that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Auxiliarists in uniform, with their right hand over their heart, has been a traditional mainstay of Auxiliary custom, ceremonies, and meetings, and that U.S. Code does not prescribe a mandate despite its implication of silence. The option for Auxiliarists in uniform to therefore recite the Pledge with right hand over the heart remains firmly in place, and section 1.A.5.b. and Appendix A.6. of the Auxiliary Manual remain firmly in effect.
CG-54211
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Want to join the USCG Auxiliary?
Having you been thinking about doing something meaningful with your life? Giving back to the community as a way of saying thanks for all your many blessings? Is so, read on. We need you.
My name is JC Caianiello, and I am the Auxiliary Personnel Services Officer for Flotilla 25-05, District 5, Southern Region. Thank you for your interest in joining the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCG AUX), the largest volunteer marine safety organization in the world. It is our hope that by reading this blog, you will become familiar with who we are and what we do. Please take the time to read this information and consider what the “commitment of membership” means to you. If you feel that the Auxiliary is an organization that you want to be a part of—35,000 civilian members strong—we will assist you in becoming an active and productive member.
Remember, we are NOT a Yacht Club. We are a service organization composed of volunteers with an emphasis on active support to the many and varied Coast Guard missions in which we participate. Keep in mind that although we want you to become a dedicated member, we understand that you will need to juggle your personal commitments to family, friends, home, work, and community; therefore, we allow you to proceed at your own pace and will work with you according to your availability.
I am enclosing links that you can use to access the information, forms, and materials that you will need to read, fill out, and study in order for me to get the your membership process started.
The basic steps for membership are as follows:
1. Learn about the Auxiliary, what we offer, and what you want to contribute
2. Complete the new member application/forms and indoctrination process (including a background check)
• Note: Member’s dues range between $30-60 annually. Uniforms will be approximately $200. All costs associated with your work with the Auxiliary are tax deductable.
3. Study, take, and pass the Auxiliary New Member Course/Exam (via online, self-study, mentored, or instructor-led class)
4. Attend, study, and pass a safety boating class/exam (via instructor-led or online)
If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact me at the numbers shown below. Thank you again for considering membership in the USCG Auxiliary. I look forward to meeting you.
For more information, go to www.flotilla2505.info
Semper Paratus,
Mr. JC Caianiello
Personnel Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO-PS)
5th District, Southern Region (5SR)
Division 25, Flotilla 5 (25-5), Alexandria, VA
408 839 6589 cell
flotilla2505@gmail.com
My name is JC Caianiello, and I am the Auxiliary Personnel Services Officer for Flotilla 25-05, District 5, Southern Region. Thank you for your interest in joining the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCG AUX), the largest volunteer marine safety organization in the world. It is our hope that by reading this blog, you will become familiar with who we are and what we do. Please take the time to read this information and consider what the “commitment of membership” means to you. If you feel that the Auxiliary is an organization that you want to be a part of—35,000 civilian members strong—we will assist you in becoming an active and productive member.
Remember, we are NOT a Yacht Club. We are a service organization composed of volunteers with an emphasis on active support to the many and varied Coast Guard missions in which we participate. Keep in mind that although we want you to become a dedicated member, we understand that you will need to juggle your personal commitments to family, friends, home, work, and community; therefore, we allow you to proceed at your own pace and will work with you according to your availability.
I am enclosing links that you can use to access the information, forms, and materials that you will need to read, fill out, and study in order for me to get the your membership process started.
The basic steps for membership are as follows:
1. Learn about the Auxiliary, what we offer, and what you want to contribute
2. Complete the new member application/forms and indoctrination process (including a background check)
• Note: Member’s dues range between $30-60 annually. Uniforms will be approximately $200. All costs associated with your work with the Auxiliary are tax deductable.
3. Study, take, and pass the Auxiliary New Member Course/Exam (via online, self-study, mentored, or instructor-led class)
4. Attend, study, and pass a safety boating class/exam (via instructor-led or online)
If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact me at the numbers shown below. Thank you again for considering membership in the USCG Auxiliary. I look forward to meeting you.
For more information, go to www.flotilla2505.info
Semper Paratus,
Mr. JC Caianiello
Personnel Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO-PS)
5th District, Southern Region (5SR)
Division 25, Flotilla 5 (25-5), Alexandria, VA
408 839 6589 cell
flotilla2505@gmail.com
Monday, September 28, 2009
Safety Tips for Fall Boating from BoatUS
Labor Day marks the start of the fall boating season, a time for cooler temperatures, uncrowded waterways, and great sailing. But this time of year also brings its own safety challenges.
Here are some fall boating safety tips:
Cold water quickly saps your strength. Wearing a life jacket could give you the time you need to safely re-board if you accidentally fall overboard.
Also ensure you have a means to quickly get back on board without assistance, such as a ladder or a dock line.
Don't let sunny skies fool you. Dress appropriately and recognize that even slight weather changes can make hypothermia a real threat if you are unprepared.
In the fall there are very few boaters nearby -- your closest potential rescuers. Without the help of fellow boaters, your float plan is your only back-up. Share with a family member or trusted friend where you plan to go and when you expect to return, so they may notify authorities if you are overdue returning.
A VHF radio is a must. Depending on where you are, a cell phone or personal locator beacon may be additional pieces of important communication gear.
Here are some fall boating safety tips:
Cold water quickly saps your strength. Wearing a life jacket could give you the time you need to safely re-board if you accidentally fall overboard.
Also ensure you have a means to quickly get back on board without assistance, such as a ladder or a dock line.
Don't let sunny skies fool you. Dress appropriately and recognize that even slight weather changes can make hypothermia a real threat if you are unprepared.
In the fall there are very few boaters nearby -- your closest potential rescuers. Without the help of fellow boaters, your float plan is your only back-up. Share with a family member or trusted friend where you plan to go and when you expect to return, so they may notify authorities if you are overdue returning.
A VHF radio is a must. Depending on where you are, a cell phone or personal locator beacon may be additional pieces of important communication gear.
Monday, September 7, 2009
One in a Million
All too often, boat owners take the Coast Guard for granted. We assume they'll be there, somehow, magically, to save our bacon if we get into trouble offshore. All we have to do is dial Channel 16 and push transmit, no?
In real life, it's a bit more complicated than that, but the fact is the men and woman of the Coast Guard—all highly trained professionals, whether on ships or in the air—risk their own lives day in and day out to save ours and those of our fellow boaters.
This year the Coast Guard is celebrating its one-in-a-million campaign—because the Coast Guard has saved more than one million lives since it was established in 1790, a year after George Washington became the first president.
How the Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Coast Guard members and their families, has launched the Are You One in a Million? campaign, asking those who have been rescued by the Coast Guard to come forward and share their stories.
Just last year, the Coast Guard responded to 24,000 search-and-rescue calls and saved more than 4,000 people. If you or anyone you know has been at the receiving end of Coast Guard heroism, go to one-in-a-million-rescued.org to share your story.
Semper Paratus.
Source: Motorboating.com, September 2009, pg. 16.
In real life, it's a bit more complicated than that, but the fact is the men and woman of the Coast Guard—all highly trained professionals, whether on ships or in the air—risk their own lives day in and day out to save ours and those of our fellow boaters.
This year the Coast Guard is celebrating its one-in-a-million campaign—because the Coast Guard has saved more than one million lives since it was established in 1790, a year after George Washington became the first president.
How the Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Coast Guard members and their families, has launched the Are You One in a Million? campaign, asking those who have been rescued by the Coast Guard to come forward and share their stories.
Just last year, the Coast Guard responded to 24,000 search-and-rescue calls and saved more than 4,000 people. If you or anyone you know has been at the receiving end of Coast Guard heroism, go to one-in-a-million-rescued.org to share your story.
Semper Paratus.
Source: Motorboating.com, September 2009, pg. 16.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
July 1 Declared National Boating Day By Congress Recognizing Boating Industry's Economic Contribution
With the arrival of peak boating, and boat selling, season, yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate passed S. Res. 199, introduced by Senators Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), declaring July 1, 2009 National Boating Day. The resolution recognizes the important role recreational boating and the boating industry play in the lives of the nation’s 70 million boaters and the U.S. economy.
“I am very pleased that the Senate passed this resolution recognizing July 1 as National Boating Day. The boating industry is very important to the economy of North Carolina and provides families with the opportunity to enjoy our state’s scenic treasures, from our mountain lakes to the Outer Banks,” said Senator Richard Burr.
”The boating industry has always been an integral part of Wisconsin’s landscape,” said Senator Herb Kohl said. “From the boat manufacturing jobs it supports to the millions of dollars generated by recreational boating, it has a tremendous impact on our economy and has made our state a tourist destination. This resolution recognizes the many ways boating has shaped Wisconsin.”
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports in its 2008 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, released this week, that there are more than 17 million recreational boats on the water, of which nearly 95 percent are less than 26 feet in length. What’s more, the Abstract show that contrary to boating’s reputation as only for the ‘affluent,’ 76 percent of boat owners have a household income less than $100,000 per year. Other highlights from the NMMA’s data include:
* The U.S. recreational boating industry contributed $33.6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2008
* The average price of a new outboard boat, engine and trailer package in 2008 was $29,388
* May, June and July were the most active months for boat sales in 2008
* Adult participation in boating increased six percent to an estimated 70.1 million from 66.4 million
* There were 704,820 new boats sold in 2008 (including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft)
* There were 203,00 new powerboats sold in 2008 for a dollar value of $7.6 billion
“The entire marine industry and recreational boaters nationwide look forward to celebrating National Boating Day,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “Not only is recreational boating a beloved pastime, but marine businesses are important parts of their communities and our national economy, creating business opportunities and local jobs. Our thanks go to all of the Members of Congress behind this resolution for their strong support of the boating industry.”
With the nation’s average price for gas hovering around $2.50 per gallon, much lower than 2008’s nearly $4 per gallon, boaters are expected to hit the water in larger numbers this summer. In fact, a May survey of more than 30,000 members of the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.) found that 92 percent of motorboat owner respondents plan to boat this summer if gas prices are lower than last summer; of that, 39 percent noted they would go boating more often. What’s more, 96 percent of all respondents said the economic downturn would not cause them to stop using their boat this summer.
Industry experts continue to stress, for those in the market for a boat, now is the time to buy. Dealers and marinas nationwide have rolled out special incentives on boats, accessories, slips, and services, pulling out all the stops for the crucial summer selling season. Discover Boating, the recreational boating industry’s national awareness campaign, has also created a one-stop online resource for those looking to get their ‘feet wet’ in boating, www.DiscoverBoating.com.
In addition to Senators Kohl and Burr, more than 20 Senators co-sponsored the resolution, including Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), David Vitter (R-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).
A companion measure, H. Res. 410, sponsored in the House by Congressmen Ron Klein (D-Fla.) and Henry Brown (R-S.C.), along with Congressional Boating Caucus Co-Chairs Candice Miller (R-Mich.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss), passed unanimously in the House of Representatives on June 9 with 27 bipartisan co-sponsors.
“I am very pleased that the Senate passed this resolution recognizing July 1 as National Boating Day. The boating industry is very important to the economy of North Carolina and provides families with the opportunity to enjoy our state’s scenic treasures, from our mountain lakes to the Outer Banks,” said Senator Richard Burr.
”The boating industry has always been an integral part of Wisconsin’s landscape,” said Senator Herb Kohl said. “From the boat manufacturing jobs it supports to the millions of dollars generated by recreational boating, it has a tremendous impact on our economy and has made our state a tourist destination. This resolution recognizes the many ways boating has shaped Wisconsin.”
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports in its 2008 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, released this week, that there are more than 17 million recreational boats on the water, of which nearly 95 percent are less than 26 feet in length. What’s more, the Abstract show that contrary to boating’s reputation as only for the ‘affluent,’ 76 percent of boat owners have a household income less than $100,000 per year. Other highlights from the NMMA’s data include:
* The U.S. recreational boating industry contributed $33.6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2008
* The average price of a new outboard boat, engine and trailer package in 2008 was $29,388
* May, June and July were the most active months for boat sales in 2008
* Adult participation in boating increased six percent to an estimated 70.1 million from 66.4 million
* There were 704,820 new boats sold in 2008 (including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft)
* There were 203,00 new powerboats sold in 2008 for a dollar value of $7.6 billion
“The entire marine industry and recreational boaters nationwide look forward to celebrating National Boating Day,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “Not only is recreational boating a beloved pastime, but marine businesses are important parts of their communities and our national economy, creating business opportunities and local jobs. Our thanks go to all of the Members of Congress behind this resolution for their strong support of the boating industry.”
With the nation’s average price for gas hovering around $2.50 per gallon, much lower than 2008’s nearly $4 per gallon, boaters are expected to hit the water in larger numbers this summer. In fact, a May survey of more than 30,000 members of the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.) found that 92 percent of motorboat owner respondents plan to boat this summer if gas prices are lower than last summer; of that, 39 percent noted they would go boating more often. What’s more, 96 percent of all respondents said the economic downturn would not cause them to stop using their boat this summer.
Industry experts continue to stress, for those in the market for a boat, now is the time to buy. Dealers and marinas nationwide have rolled out special incentives on boats, accessories, slips, and services, pulling out all the stops for the crucial summer selling season. Discover Boating, the recreational boating industry’s national awareness campaign, has also created a one-stop online resource for those looking to get their ‘feet wet’ in boating, www.DiscoverBoating.com.
In addition to Senators Kohl and Burr, more than 20 Senators co-sponsored the resolution, including Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), David Vitter (R-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).
A companion measure, H. Res. 410, sponsored in the House by Congressmen Ron Klein (D-Fla.) and Henry Brown (R-S.C.), along with Congressional Boating Caucus Co-Chairs Candice Miller (R-Mich.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss), passed unanimously in the House of Representatives on June 9 with 27 bipartisan co-sponsors.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Presidental Letter to the Auxiliary
In recognition of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's 70 years of outstanding service, President Obama issued the following letter to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. It was read at yesterday's anniversary celebration at Coast Guard Headquarters, and a framed copy was presented to National Commodore Nick Kerigan by Admiral Thad Allen.
June 19, 2009
From the President of the United States of America
I send my warmest regards to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in celebration of your 70th anniversary of service to our Nation.
Formed by an act of Congress on June 23, 1939, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has distinguished itself through gallant service in support of the U.S. Coast Guard and the safety of our Nation's recreational boaters. Today's 29,000
Auxiliarists, and the legions of those who have gone before them, have willingly sacrificed their time and resources to save hundreds of lives, conduct thousands of search and rescue missions, and prevent millions of dollars in property loss.
In the wake of staggering national challenges posed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary selflessly served millions of hours to protect our citizens and improve maritime safety and security. Members of the Auxiliary have always displayed unparalleled devotion to the welfare of America's recreational boaters through public education programs, vessel safety checks, and marine dealer visits. These efforts have proven invaluable to accident prevention and the vast enjoyment of our Nation's coasts, rivers, and lakes.
I congratulate you for your steadfast commitment to the highest standards of citizenship, patriotism, and community service. On behalf of all Americans, I wish you all the best for a memorable celebration. May you continue to find happiness and fulfillment in your many contributions to our country.
Barack H. Obama, President
June 19, 2009
From the President of the United States of America
I send my warmest regards to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in celebration of your 70th anniversary of service to our Nation.
Formed by an act of Congress on June 23, 1939, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has distinguished itself through gallant service in support of the U.S. Coast Guard and the safety of our Nation's recreational boaters. Today's 29,000
Auxiliarists, and the legions of those who have gone before them, have willingly sacrificed their time and resources to save hundreds of lives, conduct thousands of search and rescue missions, and prevent millions of dollars in property loss.
In the wake of staggering national challenges posed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary selflessly served millions of hours to protect our citizens and improve maritime safety and security. Members of the Auxiliary have always displayed unparalleled devotion to the welfare of America's recreational boaters through public education programs, vessel safety checks, and marine dealer visits. These efforts have proven invaluable to accident prevention and the vast enjoyment of our Nation's coasts, rivers, and lakes.
I congratulate you for your steadfast commitment to the highest standards of citizenship, patriotism, and community service. On behalf of all Americans, I wish you all the best for a memorable celebration. May you continue to find happiness and fulfillment in your many contributions to our country.
Barack H. Obama, President
Friday, June 19, 2009
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
A STATEMENT ISSUED BY ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN, USCG COMMANDANT, READS AS FOLLOWS:
JUNE 23, 2009, IS A SIGNIFICANT DATE FOR THE COAST GUARD AS IT WILL MARK OUR AUXILIARY'S 70TH YEAR OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE NATION.
WE TAKE TREMENDOUS PRIDE IN CALLING THESE VOLUNTEER GUARDIANS OUR SHIPMATES, KNOWING THAT THEIR SELFLESS DEVOTION TO DUTY AND UNWAVERING PRIDE HAVE GIVEN US INVALUABLE SUPPORT THROUGHOUT OUR DAILY ROUTINES AND GREATEST CHALLENGES.
FOR SEVEN DECADES, AUXILIARISTS HAVE NOBLY OFFERED THEIR TIME, EFFORTS AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE COAST GUARD.
SPECIFICALLY DURING THE PAST TEN YEARS, A PERIOD OF UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE TO OUR NATIONAL SAFETY, SECURITY AND SPIRIT, AUXILIARY CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN STAGGERING IN THEIR BREADTH AND SCOPE.
THESE UNDAUNTED VOLUNTEERS HAVE PERFORMED OVER 1.2 MILLION RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS, OVER 980 THOUSAND HOURS OF BOATING SAFETY COURSE INSTRUCTION, AND MORE THAN 7.7 MILLION HOURS OF OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AND PATROL MISSIONS.
THE COSTS OF SUCH PERFORMANCE HAVE ALSO BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY BORNE BY AUXILIARISTS AS THEY HAVE LOGGED OVER 23.7 MILLION HOURS OF STAFF WORK, TRAVEL, PREPARATION, TRAINING, AND SELF-ADMINISTRATION.
THIS HAS ALL BEEN UNSELFISHLY DELIVERED AS AUXILIARISTS HAVE STOOD SIDE BY SIDE WITH THEIR COAST GUARD COUNTERPARTS TO CONFRONT AND OVERCOME A ROLL CALL OF CHALLENGES: Y2K, 9/11, HURRICANE KATRINA, AND MANY OTHER NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTERS.
THE AUXILIARY CONTINUES TO ALIGN ITSELF WITH THE COAST GUARD, MODERNIZING ITS ORGANIZATION ACROSS ALL SECTORS, DISTRICTS, AND HEADQUARTERS DIRECTORATES TO SHAPE OPTIMAL SUPPORT OF COAST GUARD MISSIONS TODAY AND INTO THE FUTURE.
MOREOVER, THE AUXILIARY HAS GAINED EVEN GREATER HEADWAY AS IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BROADENED ITS ABILITY TO COMPREHENSIVELY ADDRESS MORE AND MORE NON-TRADITIONAL MISSION AREAS SUCH AS INTERPRETER, VESSEL DOCUMENTATION, LEGAL, AND HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT.
I GREATLY ADMIRE THE ORGANIZATIONAL COURAGE AND DETERMINATION OF ALL AUXILIARISTS AS WE MAKE OUR FINAL APPROACH ON ACHIEVING A FULLY MODERNIZED AND INTEGRATED COAST GUARD.
AUXILIARY PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF STELLAR, AND ITS GREATEST IMPACTS ARE READILY REFLECTED BY AUXILIARISTS SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM AND DEDICATION TO THE COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN WITH WHOM THEY SERVE.
I THEREFORE INTEND TO DULY RECOGNIZE THE AUXILIARY WITH AN AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD UNIT COMMENDATION AS PART OF ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT COAST GUARD HEADQUARTERS ON JUNE 23.
PLEASE JOIN ME IN SETTING ASIDE TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE EXCEPTIONAL HONOR, RESPECT, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY SO CONSISTENTLY DISPLAYED BY OUR COAST GUARD AUXILIARISTS, AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE.
JUNE 23, 2009, IS A SIGNIFICANT DATE FOR THE COAST GUARD AS IT WILL MARK OUR AUXILIARY'S 70TH YEAR OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE NATION.
WE TAKE TREMENDOUS PRIDE IN CALLING THESE VOLUNTEER GUARDIANS OUR SHIPMATES, KNOWING THAT THEIR SELFLESS DEVOTION TO DUTY AND UNWAVERING PRIDE HAVE GIVEN US INVALUABLE SUPPORT THROUGHOUT OUR DAILY ROUTINES AND GREATEST CHALLENGES.
FOR SEVEN DECADES, AUXILIARISTS HAVE NOBLY OFFERED THEIR TIME, EFFORTS AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE COAST GUARD.
SPECIFICALLY DURING THE PAST TEN YEARS, A PERIOD OF UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE TO OUR NATIONAL SAFETY, SECURITY AND SPIRIT, AUXILIARY CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN STAGGERING IN THEIR BREADTH AND SCOPE.
THESE UNDAUNTED VOLUNTEERS HAVE PERFORMED OVER 1.2 MILLION RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS, OVER 980 THOUSAND HOURS OF BOATING SAFETY COURSE INSTRUCTION, AND MORE THAN 7.7 MILLION HOURS OF OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AND PATROL MISSIONS.
THE COSTS OF SUCH PERFORMANCE HAVE ALSO BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY BORNE BY AUXILIARISTS AS THEY HAVE LOGGED OVER 23.7 MILLION HOURS OF STAFF WORK, TRAVEL, PREPARATION, TRAINING, AND SELF-ADMINISTRATION.
THIS HAS ALL BEEN UNSELFISHLY DELIVERED AS AUXILIARISTS HAVE STOOD SIDE BY SIDE WITH THEIR COAST GUARD COUNTERPARTS TO CONFRONT AND OVERCOME A ROLL CALL OF CHALLENGES: Y2K, 9/11, HURRICANE KATRINA, AND MANY OTHER NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTERS.
THE AUXILIARY CONTINUES TO ALIGN ITSELF WITH THE COAST GUARD, MODERNIZING ITS ORGANIZATION ACROSS ALL SECTORS, DISTRICTS, AND HEADQUARTERS DIRECTORATES TO SHAPE OPTIMAL SUPPORT OF COAST GUARD MISSIONS TODAY AND INTO THE FUTURE.
MOREOVER, THE AUXILIARY HAS GAINED EVEN GREATER HEADWAY AS IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BROADENED ITS ABILITY TO COMPREHENSIVELY ADDRESS MORE AND MORE NON-TRADITIONAL MISSION AREAS SUCH AS INTERPRETER, VESSEL DOCUMENTATION, LEGAL, AND HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT.
I GREATLY ADMIRE THE ORGANIZATIONAL COURAGE AND DETERMINATION OF ALL AUXILIARISTS AS WE MAKE OUR FINAL APPROACH ON ACHIEVING A FULLY MODERNIZED AND INTEGRATED COAST GUARD.
AUXILIARY PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF STELLAR, AND ITS GREATEST IMPACTS ARE READILY REFLECTED BY AUXILIARISTS SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM AND DEDICATION TO THE COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN WITH WHOM THEY SERVE.
I THEREFORE INTEND TO DULY RECOGNIZE THE AUXILIARY WITH AN AWARD OF THE COAST GUARD UNIT COMMENDATION AS PART OF ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT COAST GUARD HEADQUARTERS ON JUNE 23.
PLEASE JOIN ME IN SETTING ASIDE TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE EXCEPTIONAL HONOR, RESPECT, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY SO CONSISTENTLY DISPLAYED BY OUR COAST GUARD AUXILIARISTS, AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE.
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