80 Proceedings Fall 2025 nuances. Winter in western Alaska might not resemble winter in Southeast Alaska, and ice conditions on the Yukon River differ significantly from those in the Bering Sea. An outside team might not pick up on these subtle variations. A local volunteer, however, has a depth of experience and credibility that newcomers may need months—or even years—to acquire. Long-Term Stability Active-duty Coast Guard personnel in the district usu- ally rotate every two to four years, carrying invaluable knowledge with them when they transfer out. Although incoming personnel bring fresh insights, they must often start from scratch in building relationships with local communities. Auxiliarists, by contrast, can spend decades in the same towns or regions. These volunteers T he Coast Guard’s Arctic District spans some of the most remote areas in the United States. From Alaska’s Aleutians to the North Slope, long dis- tances, harsh weather, and minimal infrastructure amplify the service’s challenges in search and res- cue (SAR), pollution response, and maritime security. Expanding the Coast Guard Auxiliary in these Arctic and near-Arctic communities is an increasingly logi- cal step. Although smaller in total numbers, the Arctic District Auxiliary has more than 10 times as many mem- bers per capita as districts in the Lower 48 states—and each member logs nearly twice the national average of volunteer hours. This heightened involvement has real value in Alaska’s far-flung regions. A single auxiliarist in a dis- tant village can serve as the Coast Guard’s local eyes and ears, shorten response times, and strengthen rela- tionships with residents who might otherwise feel overlooked. Below, we look at the importance of tap- ping local knowledge, targeted recruitment, and col- laborative partnerships to enhance the Coast Guard’s readiness. We will also highlight the power of engaged volunteers in a rugged environment. Local Knowledge and Continuity Proximity and Community Trust In isolated Alaskan villages, maritime incidents—oil spills, boating accidents, unreported hazards—often go unseen by federal or state authorities until they reach a critical stage. By contrast, an auxiliarist who lives in the area year-round can relay information almost imme- diately. Because these volunteers are neighbors, teach- ers, commercial fishermen, or volunteer firefighters, residents are more likely to share concerns with them. This grassroots familiarity and trust allow the auxiliary to serve as a conduit for timely, accurate reports that inform Coast Guard decisions. Equally important, auxiliarists can interpret local Expanding the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Arctic and Near-Arctic Alaska by lCdR C.J. sChleCK Director of Auxiliary Arctic District U.S. Coast Guard Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, CGC Douglas Denman, Sitka Mountain Rescue, and Sitka Fire Department conducted a week-long search and rescue exercise in Sitka, Alaska, in May 2023. Crews tackled a series of mini scenarios ranging from lost hunters to an avalanche. The exercise culminated with a mass- casualty event involving multiple agencies responding in concert to a scene with 40 survivors in distress. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Don Kluting Key People and Strategies
