The United States Coast Guard was formed on August 4, 1790 as the Revenue Marine. On January 28,1915, the modern day Coast Guard was formed with the merger of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and the U.S. Life Saving Service. Today, the Coast Guard acts as the country's coastal defense and conducts maritime search and rescue and law enforcement activities.
The Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security, however, during wartime, the president can transfer their assets to the Department of the Navy. In virtually every war and conflict the United States has been involved in, the president has done just that. The Coast Guard was involved in WWII prior to the United States entering the war when they were sent to the North Atlantic to patrol after Germany invaded Denmark.
The motto of the Coast Guard is Semper Paratus meaning, Always Ready. The men and women of the United States Coast Guard are indeed always ready to put themselves in harms way and to protect the United States and to keep us safe and secure. This August 4th, we wish them all a happy birthday. Stay safe!
