The Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Program Ribbon honors Coast guard Auxiliarists who qualify successfully in any of the following roles: air observer, AtoN verifier, Auxiliary crew member, Coast Guard boat crewman, Coast Guard boat engineer, or Coast Guard watchstander.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was created by Congress on June 23, 1939 to provide support for Coast Guard operations in roles that do not entail military engagement or enforcement. Its 2015 numbers were estimated at 32,000 members.
Auxiliary members are permitted to engage in the proceedings listed below:
-Academy Admissions Partner Program (AAPP)
-Administrative Support for Coast Guard Units
-Auxiliary Food Service (AUXFS)
-Bridge Program
-Civil Air Patrol Support
-Coast Guard Unit Support
-Contingency Preparedness
-Health Care Services Assistance
-Language Interpretation
-Legislative Liaison Committee
-Licensing of Merchant Mariners
-Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection
-Maritime Domain Awareness
-Multi-Mission Harbor Safety
-National Safe Boating Week
-Navigation Systems
-Operational Support
-Port Safety and Security
-Program Visitation
-Public Affairs Support
-Public Education
-Recreational Boating Safety
-Recruitment
-Search and Rescue Operations
-State Liaison Officer Program
-Vessel Inspections/ Examinations
-Vessel Safety Check Program
-Waterways Management
The ribbon is yellow with two vertical gray stripes toward the center.
Multiple qualifications may be indicated by star devices; the examiner wears an “E” device.