District Desktop

Southwest District

Southern Region

The Southwest District, Southern Region, serves U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members and communities throughout Southern California and portions of the inland Southwest. Its area extends from the central California coast south to the Mexican border and includes Arizona and portions of Nevada and Utah, encompassing coastal waters, major lakes, rivers, and other recreational boating areas. The district provides administrative, training, operational, and supervisory support to its divisions and flotillas while advancing Coast Guard and Auxiliary missions in recreational boating safety, public education, vessel safety examinations, search-and-rescue support, marine safety, communications, and other forms of service to the boating public and the Coast Guard.

District Mobile

Southwest District

Southern Region

Auxiliary

About the Coast Guard Auxiliary

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, established in 1939, is the uniformed volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. For over 80 years, Auxiliarists have supported Coast Guard missions and strengthened maritime safety and security across the nation.

Members promote recreational boating safety through vessel exams, public education, and community outreach. They also support operational missions such as search and rescue, environmental protection, and aids-to-navigation verification, as well as modern efforts in cybersecurity and emergency management.

Joining the Auxiliary offers a meaningful way to serve your community and country while gaining valuable skills in seamanship, leadership, and emergency response. Whether on the water, in the classroom, or behind the scenes, Auxiliarists play a vital role in protecting lives and our waterways.

Becoming part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary means upholding a proud legacy of service and joining a dedicated team committed to safety and mission excellence.

COMMODORE Rodney Donohoo

District Commodore – Southwest District — Southern Region, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Welcome to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Southwest District, Southern Region. As District Commodore, it is my honor to welcome you to our official website and to the dedicated community that defines our organization.

Our mission is simple yet vital: Support the United States Coast Guard through a steadfast commitment to education, safety, and service. Across the Southwest, our members volunteer their time, skills, and passion to promote maritime safety, conduct public outreach, and assist in operations that help protect our waterways and the people who rely on them.

Whether you are a current member, a prospective volunteer, or a member of the public, I invite you to explore our resources, learn more about our programs, and discover how the Auxiliary serves our region and our nation.

Thank you for visiting, and for your interest in the work we proudly do. We look forward to serving alongside you on the water, in the air, and throughout our communities.

Become a Member

Who Can Join?

To volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements. There are no upper age limits or specific physical requirements beyond being able to perform the tasks of your chosen role.

Start your Application

Find a Flotilla

✔ Age: Minimum 17 years old — no upper age limit.

✔ Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.

✔ Physical Capacity: Able to perform the tasks of your chosen role.

✔ Background Check: Subject to a Coast Guard security background investigation.

Some of our Missions

Surface Operations

Certified boat crews assist with recreational boating safety, search and rescue, and marine safety patrols alongside active-duty Coast Guard personnel.

AUXAIR (Aviation)

Auxiliary aviation members participate in Search and Rescue, Port Over Flights, Waterways and Coastal Security, Marine Safety, and Pollution Response missions.

Public Education

Certified instructors deliver Coast Guard-approved boating safety courses on navigation, rules of the road, and emergency procedures to the public.

Vessel Safety Checks

Free Vessel Safety Checks help boaters ensure their vessels meet federal and state safety requirements — covering life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and more.

Health Services

Primary care medical and dental professionals are eligible to volunteer their skills in CG Clinics/Sickbays where the CG is already providing a similar level of health care.