Happy Birthday, U.S. Coast Guard! “Semper Paratus”

Koch VETS is honored to celebrate the historic legacy of the United States Coast Guard today. We are thankful for the 231 years of selfless and faithful service of its members and support of their families.

United States Coast Guard personnel live by this credo: “You have to go out; you don’t have to come back.”

At the request of Alexander Hamilton, President George Washington approved the formation of the Revenue Cutter Service – on August 4, 1790. Congress authorized 10 cutters (vessels) and 100 revenue officers?to serve in the Department of the Treasury to combat smuggling and enforce tariff laws.?The Cutter Service merged with the Lifesaving Service, absorbed the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and was later renamed the U.S. Coast Guard. Since its creation, the Coast Guard has been patrolling our waters as part of the nation’s front-line defense, as well as providing search and rescue.

The U.S. Coast Guard has five operational goals:?maritime safety, national defense, maritime security, mobility and the protection of natural resources.

The Coast Guard served as the nation’s only armed force on the sea as an all-important maritime first responder until Congress reestablished the U.S. Navy eight years later. Today, it is a multi-missioned maritime service and a separate branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is designed 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.

In 2003, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security took over jurisdiction of the Coast Guard following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.?

The Coast Guard, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, is both a federal law enforcement agency and a military service (a branch of the armed forces). Often, at the direction of the President, it serves under the Department of the Navy and deploys with the navy or marine corps on certain missions. While the U.S. Coast Guard is the smallest of the U.S. military branches in terms of membership, the U.S. Coast Guard by itself is the world's 12th largest naval force.

The U.S. Coast Guard is our nation’s smallest armed service and the only military service assigned to the Department of Homeland Security.

The Coast Guard embodies the compassion at the heart of our American spirit. The brave men and women remain Always Ready – “Semper Paratus” – to answer the call to serve wherever needed.?They protect thousands of miles of coast, secure hundreds of ports, patrol millions of miles of ocean and carry out humanitarian and rescue missions around the world.?No matter the mission, they proudly answer the call.

Core Values:?honor, respect and devotion to duty Motto: “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready)

Today, the U.S. Coast Guard is in greater demand than at any time in our history. The challenges faced by our Nation, especially in our own Hemisphere, present opportunities and new demands for this Service.?Her exceptional international reputation is a direct result of the sustained mission excellence that Coast Guard men and women achieve every day.?

With a decentralized organization and much responsibility, the Coast Guard relies on its quick responsiveness and adaptability in a broad range of emergencies.

Today we honor the incredible courage, valor, discipline, and dedication of all the members of the United States Coast Guard – past and present.?We also thank their families whose steadfast resolve and patriotic devotion anchors our home front.?

Members of the Coast Guard have served in 17 wars and conflicts throughout U.S. history.

Happy 231st Birthday, United States Coast Guard.

Charlie-Mike

“Our Mission Is Your Success”

For those who are struggling with their military-to-civilian transition, visit Koch’s veteran career page and access all the great tips and best practices captured in our Transition Guide