Air Station Caldwell

Operations and Marine Safety

The Coast Guard has taken on a tremendous job as the lead organization in the new Department of Homeland Security. This has thinned the already stretched resources of the Active Duty and Reserve components of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 expanded the purpose of the Auxiliary as follows:

“The purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard as authorized in performing any Coast Guard function, power, duty, role, mission, or operation authorized by law.”

Today's auxiliary does so much more than courtesy inspections (now called Vessel Examinations), and public boating classes. The Auxiliary acts as a force multiplier for the Coast Guard to provide trained and qualified personell and facilities to fulfill the missions of the Coast Guard. Auxiliary members participate aboard Auxiliary air, sea, and land facilities, conducting and supporting patrols, Search and Rescue (SAR), logistics and familiarization missions. Auxiliarists also partcipate directly with the active duty Coast Guard as watchstanders, crew, and general assistants.

A qualified auxiliarist could find themselves flying on a safety patrol over the Hudson River one day, staffing a Coast Guard radio console the next, and later in the week, patrolling Raritan Bay with the Active Duty Coast Guard. Thorough training is provided, though the more experience you bring with you, the better.

If you find yourself asking “What can I do to help”?, the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be for you. To find out more, click on the “Help Wanted” link above.

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