ALAUX 010/26

Subj: AUXILIARY OPERATIONS DURING A LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS

1. The partial federal government shutdown has resulted in the absence of an enacted appropriation or continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security. As a result, the Coast Guard must implement an orderly suspension of certain operations and activities. Guidance has been provided to Coast Guard elements regarding operations during this period. The Coast Guard will continue legally authorized operations necessary for the safety of human life, protection of property, or national security, including emerging contingency operations.

2.  Auxiliary operational activities, including operational training missions necessary to ensure the currency and readiness of Auxiliary crews to support these activities, may only be performed if specifically ordered by a Coast Guard Order Issuing Authority (OIA) in direct support of an excepted function. These functions are primarily limited to urgent search and rescue (SAR), aids to navigation (ATON) outages, and security threats. Auxiliary volunteer activities, such as flotilla/division meetings, recreational boating safety outreach, and public education, may proceed in accordance with the Auxiliary Manual, provided there is no obligation of Coast Guard funds. Emphasis must be placed on ensuring that Auxiliary operational activities are specifically ordered by a Coast Guard OIA and that other volunteer activities are conducted only if they do not require Coast Guard funding.

3.  Liability coverage remains unaffected during the shutdown for Auxiliary activities, including meetings, all-hands gatherings, vessel exams, public affairs, culinary, chaplain, and administrative support functions.

4.  Auxiliary augmentation of Coast Guard units remains authorized for non-operational missions, activities, and functions, as long as they do not incur Coast Guard appropriated fund expenditures. Funded orders cannot be issued during this time, but non-funded orders may be issued to ensure liability coverage.

5.  Auxiliarists are not authorized to attend “C” school training on funded orders during this lapse. Auxiliarists may, however, attend “C” school training on no cost orders as circumstances allow for the school to be held as scheduled.

6.  For any questions, please refer to the Chain of Leadership and Management.

7.  Internet release is authorized.