Coast Guard Aviation Workout to Remember 2026

On and around February 28, 2026, the Coast Guard community will gather at gyms, parks, air stations, and even on cutters at sea to honor fallen heroes through this year’s Coast Guard Aviation Workout to Remember.

The "6535 Memorial Workout" was created to honor the four crew members of helicopter CG-6535, lost in a 2012 crash in Mobile, Alabama. Today, the annual event commemorates all who have died during Coast Guard missions and training.

Through donations and the sale of commemorative Workout to Remember t-shirts and fitness gear, participants raise funds for the Coast Guard Foundation’s Fallen Heroes Scholarship program. Puddle Pirate, which produces the Workout to Remember t-shirt, has pledged 15% of every Workout to Remember sale to the cause.

Since 2012, the program has raised more than $24,000 to help the children of Coast Guard fallen heroes pursue college or trade school.

Max Cimoli, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who is leading the volunteer effort across the aviation community shared, "It’s really special because it pays tribute to the families of those crew members, but it just shows that their honor, their legacy lives on—they’ll never be forgotten." 

He emphasized that the workout is more than a physical challenge.

"It is a tradition that challenges us, humbles us, and allows us to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, respect, and remember those who gave everything they had. It’s a staple of the Coast Guard aviation and fitness communities."

Cimoli encourages participants from all Coast Guard units to join in.

You don’t have to show up at an air station. Do it at your house, your home gym, or CrossFit gym. Post your pictures and videos—anywhere you can get involved helps honor the crews and support the Coast Guard Foundation."

How to Support the 2026 Coast Guard Aviation Workout to Remember:

1. Organize a Workout to Remember for your air station or unit:  reach out to the Workout to Remember and let them know you are onboard for a workout with your shipmates.
2. Purchase a commemorative t-shirt or sweatshirt: Partnering with Puddle Pirate, a small business run by an active-duty Coast Guard member, 15% of sales support the Coast Guard Foundation.
3. Donate to the Fallen Heroes Scholarship program: Help provide 100% support for the education of the children of fallen heroes. Mark "honor gift" when completing your donation and write "workout to remember" in the notation.
4. Join the Coast Guard Aviation Workout to Remember community: Follow and engage on Instagram, Facebook, and online at cgwodtoremember.com.

Cimoli reflected on the broader meaning of the event.

"The last Coast Guard Workout to Remember had hundreds of people at the air station in Atlantic City. It was such a great, positive environment—people doing this workout together, sharing a meal, talking about it, and just trying their best to honor these crews that have passed away."

We invite you to join the Coast Guard Workout to Remember on and around February 28, 2026, and help honor the bravery and sacrifice of Coast Guard members everywhere.  #cgwodtoremember

Participants can complete the workout individually or in teams of two to four. The workout include:

4 Rounds

• 400m Run
• 65 Air Squats
• 35 Burpee Pull-Ups

Movement Standards and Scaling:

• Air Squats: Full squats performed below parallel.
• Burpee Pull-Ups: Complete burpee followed by a pull-up. Scaling options include band-assisted pull-ups, ring rows, or separate burpees and pull-ups.
• 400m Run: Run to a designated mark and return.

Time Limit: 60 minutes recommended for completion.