Fall 2021 | Page 51

04 AUG 2021 FM : CHDIRAUX TO : ALAUX ALAUX 028 / 21
Subj : UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ' S 231ST BIRTHDAY
1 . Today , the United States Coast Guard celebrates its 231st year of dedicated service to the maritime public across the world . Its distinguished history is highlighted by the devoted support it receives every
day from its uniformed volunteers of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary . Please read the following ALCOAST message recognizing this special milestone … and happy birthday , U . S . Coast Guard ! topside Volume 79 , Issue 4
Respectfully , Captain Troy P . Glendye Chief Director of Auxiliary ( CG-BSX )
R 041230Z AUG 21 FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC TO ALCOAST BT UNCLAS ALCOAST 279 / 21 SSIC 5700 SUBJ : UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ' S 231ST BIRTHDAY 1 . Today , as we celebrate the Coast Guard ’ s 231st birthday , I reflect on our rich history and heritage , as well as the extraordinary level of service of our talented Coast Guard workforce delivered throughout the past year . Across the globe , our Service responded amidst the ongoing global pandemic , adapting to constantly changing conditions and always maintaining a taut watch . Every one of you — active duty , reserve , civilian , and auxiliary — delivered mission excellence and remained " Always Ready ."
2 . The Coast Guard performs complex missions in the most challenging maritime environments . Our multi-mission capabilities , broad authorities , organizational agility and flexibility , and incident response expertise position the Service for excellence and leadership in the maritime domain ; this year is no exception . As Americans stepped-up to support their neighbors , and healthcare and service workers faced uncertain risks in their devoted care of others , our workforce faced each day with courage and skill . Coast Guard Day presents a terrific opportunity to pause for a moment and thank all those who have supported us through this dynamic 231st year . 3 . What a year it has been . Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic , our operational units have been working incredibly hard , deployed globally to enhance maritime security , partnerships , and vital national interests . CGC POLAR STAR conducted a two-month winter patrol in the Arctic , the first such patrol in 38 years , while CGC HAMILTON completed a historic deployment to the Black Sea – our first major cutter patrol there since 2008 . And CGC MIDGETT and CGC OLIVER BERRY recently participated in 3rd Fleet training exercises with the Carl Vinson Strike Group off Hawaii , while CGC MUNRO is currently enroute to support 7th Fleet and INDOPACOM operations . Coast Guard Districts , Sectors , cutters , aircraft , and other assets responded to 12 storms impacting our U . S . coastline during the busiest Atlantic Basin hurricane season on record . They also assisted in wildfires in Oregon and California , deployed personnel in response to record flooding in the heartland , and provided medical and logistical support to DHS partners operating along the Southwest Border . Our inland cutters and Sectors responded to over 1,100 marine incidents including casualties , oil discharges , hazardous material releases , and myriad security threats . In May , our Coast Guard Advanced Interdiction Team embarked aboard USS Monterey , a Guided Missile Cruiser , boarded a dhow in the Northern Arabian Sea and confiscated thousands of illicit weapons . Of note , all of the aforementioned operational successes and accomplishments were enabled by the professionalism and responsiveness of our Mission Support workforce . 4 . As we celebrate our 231st birthday , it is your perseverance and dedication that make the United States Coast Guard the best in the world . This year has truly accentuated a Coast Guard that is Ready , Relevant , and Responsive ! I thank each and every one of you for your continued service , and your