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Volume 115, Issue 1
Page 25
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and Homeland Security
The three primary missions of the United State Coast Guard Auxiliary are recreational boating safety, providing
security and safety of our waterways and support of the active duty United States Coast Guard. By supporting
these missions the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is also supporting the homeland security of the United
States.
The recreational boating safety mission would include vessel safety exams as well as marine dealer and boat marina
visits to promote safety on the waterways. There is also the public education program covering the safe operations
of power boats, sailboats and paddle craft.
Providing security and safety of our waterways is accomplished by surface and air patrols. This includes assisting
boaters in distress, inspecting aids to navigation and monitoring environment issues. There are also patrols in
support of homeland security and the United States Coast Guard America’s Waterways Watch Program.
Support for the active duty Coast Guard is achieved by having Coast Guard Auxiliary members with advanced
training working on United States Coast Guard stations, small boats and Cutters in non-law enforcement and non-
military assignments to assist the active duty Coast Guard. This would include administrative functions,
communications watch standing and the inspection of commercial vessels and ports.
Recreational boating safety, providing security and safety of our waterways and support of the active duty United
States Coast Guard are worthy mission in support of the United States Coast Guard and the homeland security of
the United States.
Daniel J. Benny, Ph.D.
Dr. Benny’s 1964 Boston Whaler
USCGAUX Facility on the Susquehanna
River at Wrightsville, PA (Photo by Benny).