Happy 233rd Birthday, United States Coast Guard!
August 4th marks the 233rd birthday of the United States Coast Guard. As the nation’s oldest continuous seagoing service, the USCG has a long and distinguished history of protecting America’s waterways and serving her people.
Don’t let their snappy navy blue Coast Guard uniforms fool you – serving in the nation’s longest seafaring service is not for the faint of heart. Whether they’re protecting our nation’s ports, conducting search and rescue missions, or stopping illegal drug smugglers in their tracks, members of the U.S. Coast Guard, sometimes called “Coasties,” perform a diverse array of duties crucial to safeguarding U.S. waterways.
Originally formed as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790, the Coast Guard has evolved into a multi-mission, maritime force over the past two centuries. Today, with approximately 41,700 active duty members, the Coast Guard carries out vital operations including:
– Maritime security and law enforcement
– Search and rescue missions
– Marine safety and regulation enforcement
– Environmental protection and pollution response
– Icebreaking operations
– Drug interdiction
In addition to their operational duties, the Coast Guard promotes strong partnerships, remains always ready and upholds their core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
Semper Paratus to the men and women of the Coast Guard who faithfully continue to protect and defend our nation’s waters.
