On this date in 1941, the passage of the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary Act established the Coast Guard Reserve. At its founding, there were Regular Reservists and Temporary Reservists, with the former serving on active duty during World War II, and the latter performing coastal patrols and port security work. One of seven reserve components of the armed forces, the Coast Guard Reserve made up over 90 percent of the 214,000 members serving in the Coast Guard in World War II.

Today, Coast Guard Reservists contribute to the national response to terrorism, disasters and more, and provide valuable expeditionary support to the Department of Defense through eight Port Security Units. Reserve personnel have been activated to support 12 hurricane and six major flood operations, and 1,650 Reservists participated in Operations Desert Shield/Storm. Coast Guard Reserve units also supported Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and continue to play a role in joint military exercises worldwide.

Happy birthday and thank you to Coast Guard Reservists everywhere!