Marcelo Freire, an information systems manager at Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, has been elected commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Flotilla 6-11, effective Jan. 1.  Freire is one of six Carnival employees to serve as a volunteer in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which operates from the U.S.C.G. station on Miami Beach, Fla.   

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary promotes boating safety, security and stewardship by conducting vessel safety checks, harbor patrols, safe boating courses, search and rescue operations, and marine environmental protection efforts, always striving to abide by to their motto of “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready). 

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that the auxiliary service donates more than two million volunteer hours annually to benefit boaters and their families.

The six Carnival Cruise Lines employees who serve in the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary are pictured here at the company’s offices (from left):  Nick Krauss – U.S.C.G. Auxiliary past officer, operations; Audri Amoro – U.S.C.G. Auxiliary public affairs officer; Nathalie Vilaire –U.S.C.G. Auxiliary member training officer; Raul Lopez – U.S.C.G. Auxiliary chairman, change of watch committee; Marcelo Freire – U.S.C.G. Auxiliary flotilla commander; and Wagner Canteras – U.S.C.G. Auxiliary navigation systems officer.