MACKINAW CITY, Mich. – At the 9th Central District Change of Watch ceremony, held in Mackinaw City, Michigan on Nov. 4, 2023, Cullman native James Munger was sworn in as the next division commander for United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 26 in Northern Michigan. He was sworn into office by Active Duty BOSN Charles Palmer, Lt. Joseph Synder and Ensign Noah Adoff from Sector Northern Great Lakes.
Prior to becoming a division commander, Munger served as the vice flotilla commander and flotilla commander for the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla in Roscommon, Michigan. His wife Karen (Johnson) Munger is also a member of the USCG Auxiliary.
Munger stated, “It has been and continues to be an honor and privilege to serve as member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is often referred to as a ‘force multiplier’ as we work side-by-side with the Active Duty and Reserve Forces of the United States Coast Guard. It is our mission to promote and improve recreational boating safety, provide trained crew and facilities to augment the Coast Guard, enhance the safety and security of our ports, waterways and coastal regions, and to support Coast Guard operational, administrative and logistical requirements.”
There are 21,000 auxiliarists serving our nation and communities in 793 local units, who contribute nearly 4 million hours in support of the USCG including in the classroom, at the ramp and pier, and operating 1,800 vessel, 160 aircraft and 1,400 radio facilities.
After taking the oath, Commander Munger stated, “I am honored, energized, and excited by the opportunity to lead Division 26 as we move forward to meet new challenges and new opportunities. Being sworn into office by active-duty officers from Sector Northern Great Lakes, was the ultimate step in beginning this journey.”
USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan recently stated, “Tomorrow looks different. So will we. We will be a more adaptive and connected Coast Guard that generates sustained readiness, resilience, and capability to enhance our Nation’s maritime safety, security and prosperity.”
Munger encourages anyone who is interested in serving their community and improving recreational boating safety to consider becoming a member of the USCG Auxiliary to contact him directly at jgmcfps@bellsouth.net or visit https://join.cgaux.org.
