TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Every year on August 4th, the country celebrates the birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, which was established on August 4, 1790 as the “Revenue-Marine” under President George Washington.
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The Coast Guard is charged with maritime security, safety, and stewardship and while they operate under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, in times of war it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy, as it did in WWI and WWII.
According to their website, the Coast Guard is currently comprised of approximately 41,700 active duty personnel supported by an additional 7,800 reserve military part-time employees, 8,300 civilian full-time employees and 31,000 civilian auxiliary volunteers.
The Coast Guard’s organization overview states, “Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded the American people and promoted national security, border security, and economic prosperity in a complex and evolving maritime environment. The Coast Guard saves those in peril and protects the Nation from all maritime threats.”
The overview continues to say, “As a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency, a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community, and a first responder, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities, broad jurisdiction, flexible operational capabilities, and a network of partnerships. The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and inland waterways, along more than 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline, throughout the 4.5 million square miles of U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and on the high seas.”
They continue to say, “The over 50,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of 259 Cutters, 200 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and over 1,600 boats. Operational control of surface and air assets is vested in two Coast Guard geographical Areas (Pacific and Atlantic), nine Coast Guard Districts, and 37 Sectors located at strategic ports throughout the country.”
An average “Coast Guard Day” includes conducting 42 search and rescue cases, saving 12 lives, saving over $114K in property, seizing more than 1200 pounds of cocaine and 172 pounds of marijuana, conducting 133 waterborne patrols of critical maritime infrastructure, and much more.
The Coast Guard is currently one of seven armed forces and when it was authorized by Congress 233 years ago, they were called the “Revenue-Marine” under the United States Revenue Cutter Service. The force was established at the request of Secretary of Treasury’s Alexander Hamilton for it to serve as an armed customs enforcement service. In 1894, it was officially named the Revenue Cutter Service and operated under the authority of the U.S. Department of Treasury. Then in January of 1915, it was merged with the United States Life-Saving Service to form what we now know as the United States Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard and its service members are invaluable both to Michigan and the entire country. They are the most visible when Americans see their helicopters hovering over disaster areas and saving people like they did after Hurricane Katrina. In Michigan, they are often seen patrolling the Great Lakes and are very visible in the Coast Guard cities of Traverse City and Grand Haven. In the state of Michigan, the Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan is comprised of 21 Coast Guard Stations/Units that are responsible for 1,638 miles of shoreline and approximately 19,000 square miles of surface water.
Adm. Linda Fagan, Coast Guard Commandant says about the Coast Guard, “The U.S. Coast Guard has evolved to serve our nation by executing missions that only we can uniquely perform. Each time a new challenge or threat emerged, the Coast Guard responded to meet our country’s need. From domestic icebreaking and natural resource protection to drug interdiction and marine safety, our missions have broadened to firmly entrench our service as a vital element of national defense and international security.”
She added, “The Coast Guard will be a leader in global maritime governance, enforcing the rule of law, facilitating safe and secure maritime commerce, and protecting people and natural resources in a dynamic geopolitical landscape. We will explore and employ innovative ways to optimize our people, assets, and authorities to deliver security to the American public. The Coast Guard will continue to cultivate partnerships domestically and internationally to strengthen the fabric of homeland security.”
On today’s 233rd birthday, the U.S. Coast Guard went on X, formerly known as Twitter, to say, “Happy 233rd birthday, U.S. Coast Guard! Today, the #CoastGuard celebrates its members and their honorable contributions, past and present, to serving our Nation for 233 years. United by the core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty, the #CoastGuard we celebrate today consists of service members and civilians from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and strengths. Since 1790, America’s Maritime Guardians have been steadfast in their commitment to service. From saving lives to protecting our Nation’s waterways and maritime interests, the #CoastGuard remains #alwaysready.”
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