On August 4, 2025, the United States Coast Guard proudly celebrates its 235th birthday. Founded in 1790 by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, the Coast Guard began as the Revenue Cutter Service with just ten cutters protecting the young nation’s coasts. Today, it stands as a global force — safeguarding lives, securing maritime borders, defending the environment, and supporting national defense, all under its enduring motto: Semper Paratus — Always Ready.

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A Legacy Forged in Maritime Excellence

The Coast Guard’s history is marked by adaptability, courage, and innovation. It merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service in 1915 to form the modern Coast Guard and later absorbed the Lighthouse Service in 1939. Through two world wars, peacetime missions, and 21st-century challenges, it has protected America’s shores and ensured the safe flow of commerce, all while responding to natural disasters, law enforcement needs, and national security demands.

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Connecticut’s Proud Role in the Coast Guard Story

Connecticut has always held a special place in Coast Guard history. Home to the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, the state plays a central role in training the next generation of leaders. Cadets graduate with the highest levels of academic, physical, and ethical preparation, ready to lead missions around the globe.

In 2025, the Academy completed major enhancements to its campus infrastructure, supporting improved maritime technology training and state-of-the-art safety systems. These upgrades reflect the service’s dedication to both operational excellence and future readiness.

Across Connecticut’s coastline, Coast Guard crews actively safeguard local waters. From patrolling Long Island Sound to overseeing safe commercial and recreational navigation, their presence is both vital and constant. In April 2025, coordinated efforts between Coast Guard stations and partner agencies helped rescue a disabled sailboat after it became stranded off the coast, reflecting their daily readiness to protect life at sea.

Following increased recreational activity in 2024, Coast Guard teams proposed new navigational safety measures along the Connecticut River and at Old Saybrook to improve visibility and reduce boating hazards. These improvements will support even safer waterways in the years ahead.

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National and Global Achievements (August 2024 – July 2025)

Arctic Operations – Operation Nanook
In August 2024, the USCGC Northland took part in Operation Nanook, a multinational Arctic mission with Canada and Denmark. The exercise strengthened international coordination in search and rescue, law enforcement, and defense readiness in the high north — an increasingly important region for global maritime stability.

Pacific Patrols and Fisheries Protection
Also in August, Coast Guard units participated in Operations Blue Pacific and Kurukuru to monitor illegal fishing across the Western and Central Pacific. USCGC Frederick Hatch and long-range surveillance aircraft ensured environmental protection and upheld international maritime law in some of the world’s most critical fisheries.

Drug Interdiction and Border Security
Throughout 2025, Coast Guard cutters disrupted dangerous trafficking networks through high-seas interdictions:

• In July, the USCGC Resolute returned from the Eastern Pacific with over $93 million in seized narcotics.
• Earlier missions by the USCGC Mohawk and Vigilant removed an additional $214 million in illegal drugs from the Caribbean transit zone.

These operations protected communities at home by keeping deadly cargo off American streets.

Fleet Readiness and Modernization
The Coast Guard’s aging fleet saw renewed strength in 2025:

• The USCGC Spencer completed a service life extension in March, equipping it for missions into the 2030s.
• The icebreaker Polar Star continued its multi-phase overhaul, ensuring year-round capability in the polar regions.
• A long-term modernization plan for the icebreaker Healy is now underway to preserve America’s Arctic presence through mid-century.

Organizational Realignment for the Future
On July 3, 2025, the Coast Guard officially transitioned from numbered to geographic district names. What was formerly known as “District 1” is now the U.S. Coast Guard Northeast District, streamlining coordination with regional partners, including those in Connecticut, for faster response and clearer communication.

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Looking Ahead: Stronger Than Ever

As the U.S. Coast Guard marks 235 years of service, its impact continues to grow — from the icy reaches of the Arctic to the ports of New England and beyond. In Connecticut, its legacy lives not only in the operations that protect local waters, but in the education of cadets whose futures will shape the Coast Guard’s course for generations to come.

With a renewed focus on modernization, global partnerships, environmental stewardship, and homeland security, the Coast Guard remains anchored in tradition — but always looking forward.

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Happy 235th Birthday, United States Coast Guard
Thank you for your dedication, your courage, and your enduring commitment to serve.

Semper Paratus — Always Ready.