PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard Reserve is celebrating its 75th anniversary Friday in Portsmouth and across the nation. The Reserve and Auxiliary Act of 1941 was signed on Feb. 19, 1941, distinguishing the Coast Guard Auxiliary from the Reserve and making reservists official members of the military. The theme for Friday's anniversary is “Thank You,” as the organization shows appreciation to its service members and the public for their support.“The nearly 7,000 women and men who make up the Coast Guard Reserve want to use the opportunity of our 75th anniversary to thank the American public for the privilege of allowing us to serve them,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Eric L. Johnson, the most senior enlisted member of the Reserve.The Coast Guard Reserve was established as a responsive, “always ready,” organization and has proven to be of crucial support to the Coast Guard. Members drill two days a month and two weeks a year, but are required and encouraged to maintain physical, mental and financial readiness. Members have participated in many major military engagements, including World War II, Operation Desert Storm and Deepwater Horizon. “I cannot applaud enough the great work our reservists continually perform, time and time again, since 1941,” said Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard.For 75 years, the Coast Guard Reserve has taken on the job of “utility responder,” meaning reservists have the unique ability to respond to a multitude of crises and amplify the service’s ability to ensure the safety, security and stewardship of America’s waters.“The Coast Guard depends on the Reserve Force to be always ready to mobilize with critical competencies in boat operations, contingency planning and response, expeditionary warfare, marine safety, port security, law enforcement and mission support,” said Rear Adm. Kurt B. Hinrichs, director of Reserve and Military Personnel.The Reserve responds to a variety of situations presented to the safety of the United States and its people.
“Portsmouth, Virginia, has a long-standing relationship with the Coast Guard, going back to the days of the Revenue Cutter Service,” said Elizabeth P. Psimas, the Vice Mayor of the City of Portsmouth. “We are proud to be an official Coast Guard City, as enacted by Congress. We offer our very vest wishes to the Coast Guard Reserve on its 75th birthday!”Please visit our social media pages for more information at “USCGMidAtlantic” on Facebook and Twitter, and #USCGR75 on Instagram.