Happy Birthday U.S. Coast Guard!

By Chuck N. Baker
The U.S. Coast Guard will mark a celebration this month. On August 4, 2018 the Coast Guard will celebrate its 228^th birthday! The Coast Guard is America’s oldest maritime defenders, established in 1790. The Coast Guard served as the nation’s only armed force on the sea until Congress launched the Navy Department eight years later. Since then, the Coast Guard has protected the U.S. throughout its long history and served proudly in every one of the nation’s conflicts.

The Coast Guard and its Auxiliary both work under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Guard is responsible for protecting the coast lines of American waterways from threats of all kind. The Auxiliary is entrusted to other areas of responsibility, including operating vessel safety checks.

“Safe Boats Save Lives!” is a constant thread that runs through the conversations of most Auxiliary members. Several times a year members hold safety checks, educate vessel owners about safety equipment, explain applications of federal, state and local regulations and answer any related questions at no charge to boat owners.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary celebrates its birthday on June 23^rd. According to the Auxiliary website, the volunteer membership is now approximately 32,000 strong. There are many volunteer positions offered. In addition to the reward of serving and protecting our country, the Auxiliary provides other benefits seen here: http://join.cgaux.org/ben.php

For more information on becoming a member of the Auxiliary, go here:

http://join.cgaux.org/gouscgaux.php