United States Coast Guard

United States Coast Guard
Unit name	United States Coast Guard
Dates	4 August 1790 – present
Country	United States
Type	Coast guard
Role	Maritime security, search and rescue, law enforcement
Size	40,992 active duty personnel (2023)
Command structure	United States Department of Homeland Security (peacetime), United States Department of the Navy (wartime)
Garrison	Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building, Washington, D.C.
Motto	Semper Paratus (Always Ready)
Battles	Quasi-War, War of 1812, American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Global War on Terrorism
Anniversaries	4 August

United States Coast Guard. It is the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service, tracing its origins to the Revenue Cutter Service established in 1790. Operating under the United States Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, it can be transferred to the United States Department of the Navy by the President of the United States or Congress during wartime. Its diverse missions encompass maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and ensuring maritime security.

History

The service's founding is rooted in the Tariff Act of 1790, signed by President George Washington, which authorized the construction of ten revenue cutters to combat smuggling and enforce tariff laws, forming the Revenue Cutter Service. This service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service in 1915 to create the modern Coast Guard. It has participated in every major conflict, serving as part of the United States Navy during both World War I and World War II, where it notably manned landing craft during invasions like D-Day and conducted anti-submarine warfare patrols. Key historical figures include Captain John H. "Hell Roaring" Smith and Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, the service's only Medal of Honor recipient. Significant modern milestones include its transfer from the United States Department of Transportation to the newly formed Department of Homeland Security in 2003.

Organization

The service is headed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, a four-star admiral confirmed by the United States Senate, who reports to the Secretary of Homeland Security. It is divided into two major operational commands: Coast Guard Atlantic Area, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Coast Guard Pacific Area, based in Alameda, California. These areas are further subdivided into nine districts, such as District 1 (Boston) and District 7 (Miami). Key operational units include the Coast Guard Aviation arm, the Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group for specialized missions, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut commissions future officers.

Missions and responsibilities

Its statutory missions are defined under Title 14 of the United States Code. Primary roles include maritime law enforcement, such as intercepting vessels involved in illicit drug trafficking and enforcing fisheries law. A core function is search and rescue, coordinated through Rescue Coordination Centers and famously exemplified by the 1952 rescue of the SS *Pendleton* by the crew of USCGC *Yocona*. It maintains maritime security by protecting ports and waterways, conducts icebreaking operations in polar regions with vessels like USCGC *Polar Star*, and ensures marine environmental protection by responding to incidents like the Exxon Valdez oil spill. It also administers the Maritime Transportation System.

Personnel and training

Personnel consist of approximately 41,000 active-duty members, 7,000 reservists in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, and over 20,000 civilian auxiliarists in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Officer candidates are primarily trained at the United States Coast Guard Academy, while others commission through the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School or direct commissions. Enlisted members receive basic training at the Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in New Jersey. Specialized training occurs at centers like the Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Notable personnel include Admiral Linda L. Fagan, the first woman to serve as Commandant.

Equipment and vessels

The fleet is one of the world's largest, comprising over 1,800 boats and cutters. Major cutter classes include the 418-foot National Security Cutters like USCGC *Bertholf*, medium-endurance cutters like the Famous-class cutter, and fast-response cutters. For icebreaking, it operates the Polar-class and the new Polar Security Cutters. Aviation assets are critical, featuring aircraft such as the HC-130 Hercules, MH-60 Jayhawk, and MH-65 Dolphin. It also maintains a network of Aids to Navigation like lighthouses and buoys, and operates the Automatic Identification System for vessel tracking.

Culture and traditions

Its culture is defined by the motto "Semper Paratus" and core values of **Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty**. The distinctive service emblem, the **Coast Guard Shield**, dates to 1927. The **Coast Guard Ensign** is flown during law enforcement duties. Important traditions include the **Change of Command** ceremony, the observance of **Coast Guard Day** on 4 August, and the singing of the service march, "Semper Paratus." The **Coast Guard Gold Lifesaving Medal** and **Silver Lifesaving Medal** are awarded for extreme heroism. Its history is preserved at the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut.

Category:United States Coast Guard Category:1790 establishments in the United States Category:Coast guards