Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA)

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA) U. S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association It was an effort of small groups gathered along district lines. There were 29 charter members in March 1933.

In 1933, the Chief Petty Officers organized themselves into an association that would make their issues and concerns known to Coast Guard Headquarters. They did not initially receive full endorsement by CGHQ. However, the Association went forward anyway and in December 1933, met at the War Memorial Building in Baltimore, Md. This meeting was described as "the most significant of any previous meeti

ng in the affairs of CPOs and the real corner stone of the organization was laid." However, the actual establishment date was March 25, 1933, at the Coast Guard Depot at Curtis Bay, Md., which allowed Curtis Bay to lay claim to being the first CPOA chapter in the Coast Guard. The framers of the CPO Constitution drew their constitutional ideal from the U.S. Constitution and adopted the motto "Ut Prosimus" meaning "That we may be of Service." The CPOA was re-founded in 1969 after being disbanded during World War II. ADM Willard J. Smith officially recognized CPOA on April 7, 1969. CPOA now has 55 chapters nationwide with approximately 8,500 members.

08/29/2026
08/27/2026

MCPOCG (Ret.) Charles "Skip" Bowen just shared a simple message...

Life happens. And when it does, we help our own.

At the 2026 CPOA/CGEA Convention in Houston, Master Chief Bowen reflects on his own family’s experience during the 2018–2019 government shutdown, the stigma that can come with financial hardship, and why asking for help should never be confused with failure.

He also shares what Coast Guard Mutual Assistance looks like in action, from helping a family move life-sustaining medical equipment during a PCS to supporting members escaping domestic violence.

His challenge to enlisted leaders is equally clear: know the resources, make sure your people know them, and help sustain support for next generation of Coasties.

We are the U.S. Coast Guard.
We are Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
We help our own.
That’s the Power of Us.

Watch Master Chief Bowen’s full remarks, including the Power of Us campaign introduction right here.

Learn about CGMA programs: https://mycgma.org/get-help/

To start or update an allotment: https://mycgma.org/give-help/allotment-payroll-deduction/

08/27/2026

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