On August 4, 1790, at the urging of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, Congress authorized the construction of the Revenue Marine, the service that would eventually become today’s United States Coast Guard making it the nation’s oldest continuous seagoing military service.
For more than two centuries, Coast Guardsmen have safeguarded America’s maritime interests through search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, port security, counter-narcotics operations, icebreaking, environmental protection, and national defense. As one of the United States’ six armed services, the Coast Guard has served in every major American conflict while saving hundreds of thousands of lives closer to home.
Semper Paratus – Always Ready.
Happy Birthday to all past and present Coast Guardsmen, and thank you for your continued service to the Nation. 🇺🇸