Division 7 - District 7 

Auxiliary Operations Program

Working with the Coast Guard on Missions

Security Patrols, Regatta Patrols, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Coast Guard Support Missions are a part of the Operations Mission. Any member of the Auxiliary may be trained to qualify as Boat Crew, Coxswain, Air Crew, Communications Watchstander, to work in Coast Guard offices and other Coast Guard mission areas. Our pilots and aircraft, working with our radio stations and boats, provide for complete operational support by working with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The purpose of the Auxiliary Operations Program is to assist the Coast Guard in their non-military, non-law enforcement activities on the waters of the United States. Flotilla 74 does this in Hillsborough Bay. These activities include:

• Security Patrols in the Port of Tampa and related high-risk areas.

• Safety Patrols by surface vessels during active periods of recreational boating.

• Search and Rescue missions by both vessels and aircraft facilities.

• Perimeter security for regattas and marine parades.

• Support transport missions (personnel and supplies) during natural disasters.

• Verification of Aids to Navigation and charts.

• Radio watchstanding in support of both Auxiliary and Coast Guard activities.