So you want to help out?
Membership in the US
Coast Guard Auxiliary is open to any US
Citizen, 17 years of age or older, and who has never been convicted of certain offenses1.
Traditionally, ownership of a “facility” — aircraft, boat, fixed or mobile
radio — had been a prerequisite for membership. This is no longer the case, and many members
join who have had no prior experience.
Are you a Veteran? Reservist? Currently serving? The Auxiliary welcomes you. Your training and
experience is very valuable, and will allow you to continue to serve your country.
Pilots & Aircraft Owners
If you own an aircraft and/or have an FAA
Airman Certificate, Air Station Caldwell is the place for you. If you meet the Auxiliary’s requirements
2 and complete the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s training program, you are eligible
to fly patrols, logistics and SAR flights for the Coast Guard with Auxiliary Aircraft. If your plane is accepted
as an operational facility, you are eligible for reimbursement for fuel and maintenance (at standardized rates
3) for the time you fly while under orders.
Boat Owners & Boating Enthsiasts
Do you own a motorboat? Sailboat? Personal Watercraft (JetSki®)?
If you do, or even if you are just interested in boating, you can train to be a Coast Guard Auxiliary
Coxwain or Boat Crew. Coxwains pilot their vessels on patrols, SAR cases, and assist the Coast Guard
in training with their boats and aircraft. Boat Crew positions assist the Coxwain on missions and are
a required crew position.
As with the aircraft owners, a boat accepted as a Facility2 is eligible
for reimbursement for direct operational costs when the facility is operated under orders.
Aviation Enthusiasts
Even if you are not a pilot, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has a spot for you4.
Flying, especially in our area, can be a very busy job for the pilot. In the Auxiliary, there is a need for
qualified Observers and Air Crew. Observers keep communications with the Coast Guard, and, on many missions,
are the “cargo” that the pilot is flying. The Observer will take notes and prepare the report
to the Coast Guard for the mission.
Air Crew is a second non-pilot position on the crew. The Air crew performs all the duties of the Observer,
and is trained and qualified to assist the pilot in flight planning, in-flight communications, and generally
helps to even out the workload in the cockpit.
Amateur Radio Operators
The Coast Guard Auxiliary has need for fixed and mobile radio Facilities. Fixed radio Facilities help to
fill in gaps and difficult reception areas near our waterways, and assist the Coast Guard in working SAR
cases5. Also, stations equipped with direction finding equipment are needed.
Mobile Facilities can help to interface with local jurisdictions in the event of natural disaster or other
widespread problems. The main operational difference between the Auxiliary radio facilities and other similar
organizations is our direct link to the US Coast Guard.
For further information, join us at one of our monthly meetings, or contact our
Vice Flotilla Commander, Rob Silano by
e-mail.
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