MACKINAW CITY, Mich. – At the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Change of Watch ceremony, held in Mackinaw City, Michigan on Nov. 2, 2025, Cullman native James Munger was sworn in as the next district captain for United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – Great Lakes District Central Region. He was sworn into office by Active-Duty Captain James Bendle Commander, Sector Northern Great Lakes, Active-Duty BOSN Charles Palmer, Sector Northern Great Lakes, District Commodore Mark Villeneuve Great Lakes District and Chief of Staff Chris Stevens.
Prior to becoming a district captain, Munger served as a division commander, vice flotilla commander and flotilla commander. He and his wife Karen (Johnson) Munger are both members of the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla in Roscommon, Michigan.
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 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, 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 as we move forward to meet new challenges, new opportunities and be part of the goals in the Force Design 2028 Report from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and USCG Commandant Admiral Kevin E. Lunday.
“Force Design 2028 is the plan for the USCG to become more agile, capable and responsive to best serve the American people. FD 2028 is focused on four campaigns: People, Organization, Acquisition and Contracting and Technology. Specific to the USCG Auxiliary, Force Design 2028 provides that:
“We will prioritize agility, resilience and mission readiness across our workforce – Active Duty, Reserve, Civilian, Auxiliary and our families – by investing in the overhaul of our talent management systems, optimizing training pipelines, and leveraging technology.
“We will charge the Coast Guard Auxiliary to develop innovative ways to leverage private sector experience to enhance recruiting outreach.
“We will bolster Coast Guard Auxiliary recruitment across the country, targeting those who desire to serve the Nation in the Coast Guard but are otherwise unable to serve in Active or Reserve status.”
Munger added that being sworn into office by active-duty officers from Sector Northern Great Lakes was the ultimate step in beginning this journey.
Munger encouraged 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.
