The Coast Guard Foundation Salutes the United States Coast Guard in California

The Coast Guard Foundation hosted the 2026 Salute to the Coast Guard on the famous ocean liner Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, on September 22. The evening included updates from Coast Guard Foundation President Susan Ludwig and Captain Joseph Meuse, Chief of Staff for the Coast Guard’s Southwest District. 

Susan praised the supporters of the Coast Guard through their gifts to the Foundation, saying, “Every contribution made through the Foundation helps reinforce the strength and resilience of the Coast Guard and ensures that those who serve know they are valued, supported, and never alone. Tonight, as we honor their remarkable achievements and sacrifices, we also celebrate the collective generosity of supporters whose commitment makes this vital mission possible.”  

The reception is one of the Foundation’s more intimate gatherings, with 85 guests in attendance raising nearly $30,000 from the evening; proceeds will be used to fund programs that support the Coast Guard nationwide.

The members of the Southwest District are committed to their area of responsibility, which spans the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah; the coastal and offshore waters out over thousand miles and the offshore waters of Mexico and Central America down to South America. Coast Guard units are located throughout California. Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California, hosts the District and Pacific Area headquarters along the east side of San Francisco Bay. 

That’s over 3.3 million square miles of water in their district. More than 2,400 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel are employed in support of the Southwest District’s mission.  

Captain Meuse shared remarks of his own, showing gratitude, “to the Foundation leadership, the sponsors, and every donor in this room: thank you for your steadfast commitment to our Coast Guard family. Your generosity directly fuels our readiness and honors the sacrifices of our service members. To the guardians of District 11 (Southwest): thank you for your vigilance, your courage, and your devotion to duty.”  

We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous sponsors of the Salute in Long Beach, without whom these tributes would not be the success that they are in supporting the Coast Guard.

Title image: Guests gather to listen as Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation President, addresses the room.