From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

By Christine Benedict, New York

The Coast Guard is one of America's six armed  forces and traces its founding to August 4, 1790. That's when the first Congress authorized construction of 10 vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of federal revenue. Responsibilities added over the years include humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress. Every year, August 4th is celebrated as the U.S. Coast Guard Birthday, commemorating the military organization for its valor and discipline. Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has kept the nation’s waterways safe, playing a critical role in national security.

The service received its current name in 1915 when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form a single maritime service dedicated to the safety of life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. The Coast Guard is a multisession maritime military service. Its mission is to protect the public, the environment and U.S. economic interests in the nation's waterways, along the coast, on international waters or in any maritime region as required to support national security.

The missions of the Coast Guard include: Ports, waterways, and coastal security; Drug interdiction Aids to navigation Search and rescue; Living marine resources; Marine safety; Defense readiness; Migrant interdiction; Marine environmental protection; Ice operations and other law enforcement.

The U.S. Coast Guard patrols our coasts for drug smugglers, human trafficking and both domestic and international terrorism. As the bad guys (and girls) have gotten savvier with technology, the Coast Guard has developed sophisticated, effective technology to combat crimes on the water and at our ports. It’s a 24/7 job.  Today, let’s give the U.S. Coast Guard the love it deserves.

U.S. Coast Guard is celebrating its 233rd Birthday in 2023.

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard!