New!! Aux Emergency Communications page

Members of the Auxiliary have the opportunity to train in operational specialty courses. An AUXOP member has completed an upper number of  specialty courses & is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform.

Flotilla 4-08

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

 "Where The Action Is!"

      Operations is the heart of the Coast Guard Auxiliary mission...and Division 4 Auxiliarists are where the action is, whether it's safety patrols along the waterfront, cruising the fishing hot spots, aviation, or communications. Division 4 patrols stand ready to offer assistance to the recreational boater. Flotilla 4-08 maintains an active member training program towards helping members to obtain the boatcrew qualification and supporting those already qualified with new learning opportunities.

       Several flotillas in Division 4 offer a focus on surface operations while maintaining an equal emphasis on Recreational Boating Safety. Even our communications flotilla or the Marine Safety flotilla are still invited to crew on boats of the Ops flotillas. This way crew can get training and support locally,, and the division maximizes available manpower/resources available "to surge". It allows for rotation, flexibility, and guards against burn-out.

       Auxiliarists can join a flotilla that's local, or another that has a focus they enjoy, or another that just "fits" with their combination of interests and non-interests. Members can also maintain membership in one flotilla and play in the other. If someone is mostly into communications, but wants to crew on the boats of the other flotilla as a secondary interest, that's fine. We have a flotilla that specializes in communications, another that focuses on marine safety and protection, while others focus on Ops, helo support and RBS. All maintain an active member training program and can assist a new member find whatever program that interests them.

Surface Operations

      Members must earn Boat crew, Coxswain, boat forces or watchstander ratings to qualify for operations. Patrol members are trained in various elements of boat handling and navigation, as well as search and rescue. Training is available in six operational areas through advanced courses, including navigation, communications, and meteorology. Or members can train in watchstander roles to augment Active Duty forces on Cutters, small boat operations, or shore bases.

"Team Coast Guard"

Auxiliary members provide important operational support to the U.S. Coast Guard and are considered members of "Team Coast Guard." Patrols are often called upon for search and rescue assistance, Helo Ops co-ordination drills, and other training missions. In addition, special patrols may check navigational markers, update charts, or monitor the waters for hazards and environmental pollution. Division 4 takes on as much as it can reliably handle, making Active Duty assets and resources available for other uses, or available to "standby for surge" operations when necessary. A few definitions and thoughts on the meaning and importance of the US Coast Guard here.

Boating Events

Auxiliarists take a front row seat as they secure spectator areas at regattas and other boating events. At the request of the Coast Guard, patrols assist in maintaining safe perimeters for on the water recreation.

Air Operations 

Members can elect to become an active component of the Coast Guard Air Program. Senior Pilots, Pilots in training, and the average civilian can volunteer their time and offer their aircraft for use as an asset in support of the many missions of the U.S. Coast Guard. These missions vary in scope from standard safety patrols to search and rescue. In the changing and expanding service of the Coast Guard in the Department of Homeland Security, Air Operations may include harbor patrol, Marine Safety,  Maritime Domain Awareness, and other vital operations to support the defense of this great nation.

Due to operational security, we cannot divulge where we fly or when, but we can say that the aviators in the Auxiliary fly on a changing schedule to perform training, conduct safety patrols, SAR-Search and Rescue, Routine Transports, and “other needs as tasked”. The active duty members of the Coast Guard consider the Auxiliary a vital asset to their team because of the many capabilities that we bring as part of our volunteer service. First, our civilian aircraft add number and variety to the list of air assets that the Coast Guard can call upon for vital missions. Second, civilian aircraft cost a great deal less money per hour to operate. Third, many of the missions that we are tasked to do either would not be done for lack of funding / man power or would remove essential air assets and man power from the operational readiness, leaving those assets available for surge. And lastly, in times of emergency, the Auxiliary is a dependable, well trained force multiplier that can put more eyes on a Search and Rescue Mission and other activities.

The Trident Program and Marine Safety

Not only do Auxiliary members have the opportunity to do direct augmentation on cutters and active duty shore bases, the National Board has started the Trident Program to give USCG Auxiliary members the option of augmenting Coast Guard Marine Safety and Environmental operations, as well. Coast Guard Auxiliary members completing the PQS requirements of the Trident Program are the core team of specialists in marine safety and environmental protection.

Our mission is to support the marine safety and environmental protection programs of the United States Coast Guard and to train and support members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary who join us in this effort.

The Content of these web pages is explanatory and not authority for action. Views and opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Coast Guard. Information may be reprinted except news stories and articles republished from other sources. Commercial use of Coast Guard emblems, logos, or other graphics must be approved by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

NOTICE - DISCLAIMER:  Links to non-Coast Guard entities are not under the control of the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and are provided for the convenience of our customers. They do not, in any way, constitute an endorsement of the linked pages or any commercial or private issues or products presented there. We cannot make any warranty or representation concerning the content of these sites, or secondary sites from the pages to which they link. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE - PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 The information contained in this website is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, and may only be used for the official business of the United States Coast Guard or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Semper Paratus