Friday, February 27, 2015

Potential Government Shutdown and Auxiliary Operations

Good Evening,

If a funding lapse occurs, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1G) Chapter 2, paragraph B.25 require the Auxiliary to cease all activities where individual members depart home, unless supporting one of the exempt functions identified in law & policy.  An Active Duty Order Issuing Authority must SPECIFICALLY call for Auxiliary assistance to support an above mission.  The message MAY be relayed through the Chain of Leadership.  Any orders will be the exception.  To be clear, the Auxiliary is specifically prohibited from travel for training, meetings (including Change of Watch), all RBS activities, or any other authorized activity until funding is restored.  Auxiliary members are encouraged to complete tasks from home, including online training modules.

If there is a lapse in DHS funding for FY2015, no further financial obligations may be incurred by DHS, except for those related to the orderly suspension of DHS operations or performance of exempted activities as defined in Chapter 6.4.2 of the Financial Resource Management Manual (FRMM), COMDTINST M7100.3E. Exempt functions include distress phase search and rescue, significant [federal] aids to navigation outage affecting the safe flow of commerce, or domestic ice operations to move critical energy supplies or prevent flooding.

Please contact me immediately if you have any questions or concerns regarding whether an activity is exempt or non-exempt.  I am working closely with the Order Issuing Authorities to identify their expectation for Auxiliary support of exempted missions.

I understand that this is a frustrating period.  These guidelines are solely based on appropriation law and this is in NO WAY a reflection of the value of the Auxiliary to the Coast Guard or the American people. Thank you for your patience and perseverance as  we move forward together.

Very Respectfully,
CDR Laura Moose, USCGR
Director of Auxiliary, First District Southern Region
Auxiliary Specialist Karen Wagner
1 South Street
New York, NY 10004


DDC-SP David G. Porter, IPDCAPT
1st Southern Region - Sends...