Clara Wells

In 1933, the Chief Petty Officers organized themselves to "encourage fidelity, integrity to the Service, and better understanding and fellowship, and to advance the best interests of the enlisted personnel of the Coast Guard, especially of those associated as members of this organization, and to extend all possible relief to their widows and children; to foster the cultivation of military discipline and true allegiance to the United States of America...." Description 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.