The Coast Guard Foundation Eagerly Anticipates the 2026 Salute to the United States Coast Guard in California

The Coast Guard Foundation is proud to announce the Salute to the Coast Guard in California, returning to Long Beach at 6:30 p.m. on September 22 at the Queen Mary Hotel. Join in to pay tribute to the Coast Guard Southwest District with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, presentations on the latest updates from the service and the Foundation, and inspiring company. 

The night will honor the Coast Guard men and women of the Southwest District for their commitment to mission excellence. 

Coast Guard service members in the Southwest District have quite a large role to fill. The district itself covers California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah; including coastal waters and waters over a thousand miles offshore. This district is also responsible for Coast Guard operations offshore of Mexico, Central America, and all the way down to South America. 

Their operational units are located all throughout California, ready to fly to the rescue at a moment’s notice. As their vision statement says, “deliver exceptional mission performance and support of our personnel through bold, compassionate leadership, innovation, partnerships and professionalism.” 

The Coast Guard first started serving in California in 1848. The Revenue Cutter Lawrence was sent to San Francisco to maintain order in the West Coast waters during the chaos of the Gold Rush. Now, the Southwest District includes 43 units, employing more than 2,400 active duty, reserve, and civilians. 

Service members in this district carry out search and rescue, homeland security, maritime law enforcement, marine safety, and aids to navigation missions over 3.3 million square miles of water. Each year, they’re responsible for responding to thousands of search and rescue cases, saving hundreds of lives, and millions of dollars in property. 

After September 11, 2001, the Coast Guard took on the role in protecting the district’s major ports, including six tier-one ports; San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Oakland, and Richmond. 

Their missions are critical to the safety and security of our coastline and the people who reside in the district. The Salute is a chance to thank them for all that they do and recognize the special work they accomplish daily. 

This will be a night to remember. For information on tickets, sponsorships, and more, visit the event page.  

Title Image: guests mingle during cocktail hour at the 2025 Salute in Long Beach, California.