On this special day, we celebrate the 234th birthday of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Established on August 4, 1790, the USCG has evolved into one of the nation’s most essential and versatile armed services, embodying dedication, courage, and resilience. Happy Birthday to all past and current Coast Guard sailors who have served our nation with honor and distinction!

The Coast Guard traces its origins to Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who founded the Revenue Marine Service to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. Initially the nation’s only armed force afloat until the Navy Department was established in 1798, the Revenue Marine Service played a crucial role in the country’s early maritime law enforcement.

In 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Lifesaving Service, forming the modern Coast Guard. This merger combined the missions of life-saving and law enforcement into a single maritime service dedicated to protecting life and enforcing the nation’s maritime laws. President Franklin Roosevelt further expanded the Coast Guard’s responsibilities in 1939 by transferring the Lighthouse Service under its jurisdiction, enhancing the safety of maritime navigation.

Throughout its storied history, the Coast Guard has continually adapted to meet the needs of a growing nation. In 1946, Congress transferred the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation to the Coast Guard, placing merchant marine licensing and vessel safety under its authority. The service also assumed the administration of bridges over navigable waterways in 1967.

In peacetime, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the frontline agency for maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and port security. It enforces federal laws on the high seas and within U.S. territorial waters, maintaining the safety of ports and vessels through aids to navigation, including lighthouses, lightships, buoys, and electronic navigational aids like loran stations and radio beacons.

The Coast Guard’s wartime duties are equally critical. When directed by the President or in times of war, the USCG operates as part of the U.S. Navy, securing ports, escorting ships, and crewing transports. Its efforts in national defense have been pivotal in numerous conflicts throughout American history.

One of the Coast Guard’s unique roles is operating the International Ice Patrol, which monitors icebergs in the North Atlantic shipping lanes, ensuring the safety of maritime traffic. Additionally, the Coast Guard gathers data for the National Weather Service, assists distressed ships and planes, and combats illegal narcotics entering the United States via coastal waters.

The Coast Guard Reserve, established in 1939, and the inclusion of women in the regular Coast Guard since 1973, have further strengthened the service. In 2022, Admiral Linda L. Fagan made history as the first woman to be appointed commandant of the Coast Guard and the first woman to lead any branch of the U.S. armed forces.

The Coast Guard’s commitment to its core missions of maritime safety, security, and stewardship is unwavering. As a military force and federal law enforcement agency, it remains dedicated to saving lives, protecting the environment, and defending the homeland.

On this 234th anniversary, we honor the legacy and future of the United States Coast Guard. Happy Birthday to all who have served and continue to serve, safeguarding our nation’s waters with valor and dedication.

Semper Paratus – Always Ready!