View source for United States Coast Guard

{{Short description|Maritime law enforcement and rescue service branch of the U.S. military}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                  = United States Coast Guard
| image                         = US-CoastGuard-Seal.svg
| image_size                = 170
| caption                       = [[Seal (emblem)|Seal]] of the United States Coast Guard
| start_date                    = {{ubl|{{start date|1915|1|28}} (as current service)|{{start date and age|1790|08|04}}<br/>(as the [[United States Revenue Cutter Service|Revenue-Marine]])<ref name="birth date">{{cite web |url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Frequently-Asked-Questions/ |title=Coast Guard History: Frequently Asked Questions – When was the Coast Guard (and its forerunners) established and what is its organizational history? |publisher=Coast Guard Historian's Office |access-date=29 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130072026/http://www.history.uscg.mil/Frequently-Asked-Questions/ |archive-date=30 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| dates                         = 
| country                       = {{Flagu|United States}}
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Coast guard]]
| role                          = {{ubli|[[Port security|Port and waterway security]]|[[Drug interdiction]]|[[Aids to navigation]]|[[Search and rescue]]|[[Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing]]|[[Marine safety]]|[[Naval warfare|Defense readiness]]|[[Border control|Migrant interdiction]]|[[Marine environmental protection]]|[[Icebreaker|Ice operations]]|[[Law enforcement]]}}
| size                          = {{ubli|40,558 active duty personnel|7,724 reserve personnel|21,000 auxiliarists<ref name="Auxiliary Policy Statement">{{cite web |last1=Fagan |first1=Linda |title=The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard – Auxiliary Policy Statement |url=https://media.defense.gov/2022/Aug/12/2003056218/-1/-1/0/AUXILIARY%20POLICY%20STATEMENT.PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220011938/https://media.defense.gov/2022/Aug/12/2003056218/-1/-1/0/AUXILIARY%20POLICY%20STATEMENT.PDF |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 December 2022 |publisher=The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard |access-date=2022-12-20}}</ref>|8,577 civilian personnel (as of 2020)<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Demographics: Profile of the Military Community |url=https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2020-demographics-report.pdf |publisher=Department of Defense |access-date=27 January 2023 |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215112503/https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2020-demographics-report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| command_structure             =
{{Tree list}}
*[[United States Armed Forces]]<ref>{{UnitedStatesCode|14|101}}</ref>
**[[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]]
**[[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]<!--Please do not change to Department of War until the name is officially changed --> <small>(during wartime)</small><ref name="Chapter 8 U.S. Coast Guard">{{cite web |url=https://prhome.defense.gov/portals/52/Documents/POPREP/poprep99/html/chapter8/chapter8-intro.html#:~:text=%5B3%5D%20During%20times%20of%20war,of%20the%20USCG%20are%20presented.|publisher=defense.gov |access-date=2025-06-04 |title=Chapter 8 U.S. Coast Guard}}</ref>
***[[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]]
{{Tree list/end}} 
| garrison                      = [[Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building]],<br />Washington, D.C., U.S.
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = {{unbulleted list|
"Coasties"<ref name="Benedetto2006">{{cite book|author=William R. Benedetto|title=Sailing Into the Abyss: A True Story of Extreme Heroism on the High Seas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bMd4k1R4YtcC&pg=PA161|date=February 2006|publisher=Kensington |isbn=978-0-8065-2646-1|page=161|access-date=23 February 2015|quote=Its sailors go by a handful of names including coasties, shallow-water sailors, hooligans, rum-runners, the Guard, and, now, the Home Security guys.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407085848/http://books.google.com/books?id=bMd4k1R4YtcC&pg=PA161|archive-date=7 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>|"The Guard"<ref name="Benedetto2006" />|"[[Puddle Pirates]]"<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 June 2007 |title=Duffey/Powers family We salute you |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15623832/the_palm_beach_post/ |access-date=7 December 2017 |work=[[Palm Beach Post]] |df=mdy-all |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=7 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207191844/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15623832/the_palm_beach_post/ |url-status=live }}{{free access}}</ref>}}
| motto                         = {{lang|la|Semper Paratus}}<br />Always ready<ref name="semper">{{cite web|title='Semper Paratus' (Always Ready)|url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/History-Heritage-Traditions/Semper-Paratus/|website=Coast Guard History – FAQ's|publisher=U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office|access-date=27 April 2020|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410072230/https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/History-Heritage-Traditions/Semper-Paratus/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| patron                        = 
| colors                        = CG Red, CG Blue, White<ref name="heraldry">{{cite web|title=Chapter 2. United States Coast Guard Emblem|url=https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/16/2001717495/-1/-1/0/CIM_5200_14A.PDF#page=14|format=PDF|publisher=United States Coast Guard|date=April 2011|id=COMDTINST M5200.14A|page=2|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209182245/https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/16/2001717495/-1/-1/0/CIM_5200_14A.PDF#page=14|archive-date=9 February 2018|url-status=dead }}</ref><br />{{color box|#E03C31}}&nbsp;{{color box|#006BA6}}&nbsp;{{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| colors_label                  = Colors
| march                         = "[[Semper Paratus (march)|Semper Paratus]]" {{audio|Semper Paratus by USCG Band.ogg|Play}}
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = [[List of equipment of the United States Coast Guard|List of U.S. Coast Guard equipment]]
| equipment_label               = 
| website                       = {{ubl|{{URL|www.uscg.mil|uscg.mil}}|{{URL|www.gocoastguard.com|gocoastguard.com}}}}
| battles                       = {{collapsible list
 | titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
 | title = ''See list''
|[[Quasi-War]]|[[War of 1812]]|[[Seminole Wars]] |[[West Indies Anti-Piracy Operations of the United States|West Indies Anti-Piracy Operations]]|[[African Anti-Slavery Operations of the United States|African Anti-Slavery Operations]]|[[Mexican–American War]]|[[American Civil War]]|[[Spanish–American War]]|[[World War I]]|[[World War II]]|[[Korean War]]|[[Vietnam War]]|[[Invasion of Grenada]]|[[United States invasion of Panama|Invasion of Panama]]|[[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]]|[[Operation Uphold Democracy]]|[[1999 NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Kosovo War]]|[[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]]|[[Iraq War]]|[[Operation Inherent Resolve]]
}}
| anniversaries                 = 4 August
| decorations                   = <!-- Decoration -->
| battle_honours                = <!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the President of the United States of America.svg|size=25px}} [[President of the United States|President]] [[Donald Trump]]
| commander1_label              = [[Powers of the president of the United States#Commander-in-chief|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Secretary of Homeland Security.svg|size=25px}} [[Kristi Noem]]
| commander2_label              = [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security|Secretary of Homeland Security]] <!--[[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] use only when under DoD -->
| commander3                    = <!--use only when under DoD-->
| commander3_label              = <!--[[United States Secretary of the Navy|Secretary of the Navy]]-->
| commander4                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.svg|size=25px}} [[Admiral (United States)|ADM]] [[Kevin Lunday|Kevin E. Lunday]] (acting)
| commander4_label              = [[Commandant of the Coast Guard|Commandant]]
| commander5                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Vice Commandant of the USCG.svg|size=25px}} ADM Kevin E. Lunday
| commander5_label              = [[Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard|Vice Commandant]]
| commander6                    = [[Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard|MCPOCG]] [[Phillip N. Waldron]]
| commander6_label              = [[Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard]]
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = 
| identification_symbol_label   = 
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Ensign of the United States Coast Guard.svg|border|150px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Flag of the United States Coast Guard#Coast Guard ensign|Ensign]]
| identification_symbol_3       = [[File:CGMark W.svg|100px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = [[#Service Mark ("Racing Stripe")|Service mark]]
| identification_symbol_4       = [[File:Flag of the United States Coast Guard.svg|border|150px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = [[Flag of the United States Coast Guard#Flag|Flag]]
| identification_symbol_5       = [[File:Jack of the United States.svg|border|150px]]
| identification_symbol_5_label = [[Jack of the United States|Jack]]
| identification_symbol_6       = [[File:Wordmark of the United States Coast Guard.png|150px]]
| identification_symbol_6_label = Wordmark
}}
{{United States Armed Forces sidebar}}

The '''United States Coast Guard''' ('''USCG''') is the [[maritime security]], [[search and rescue]], and [[Admiralty law|law enforcement]] [[military branch|service branch]] of the [[United States Armed Forces]].<ref>{{UnitedStatesCode|14|101}}</ref> It is one of the country's eight [[Uniformed services of the United States|uniformed services]]. The service is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the [[United States]] military branches for having a maritime [[law enforcement]] mission with jurisdiction in both domestic and [[international waters]] and a [[Federal government of the United States|federal]] [[regulatory agency]] mission as part of its duties. It is the largest [[coast guard]] in the world. 

The U.S. Coast Guard protects the United States' borders and economic and security interests abroad; and defends its sovereignty by safeguarding [[sea lines of communication]] and commerce across U.S. [[territorial waters]] and its [[Exclusive economic zone|Exclusive Economic Zone]]. Due to ever-expanding risk imposed by transnational threats through the maritime and [[Cyberspace|cyber]] domains, the U.S. Coast Guard is at any given time deployed to and operating on all seven continents and in cyberspace to enforce its mission. Like its [[United States Navy]] sibling, the U.S. Coast Guard maintains a global presence with permanently-assigned personnel throughout the world and forces routinely deploying to both [[Littoral zone|littoral]] and [[Blue-water navy|blue-water]] regions. The U.S. Coast Guard's adaptive, multi-mission "white hull" fleet is leveraged as a force of both diplomatic soft power and humanitarian and security assistance over the more overtly confrontational nature of "gray hulled" warships. As a humanitarian service, it saves tens of thousands of lives a year at sea and in U.S. waters, and provides emergency response and disaster management for a wide range of human-made and natural catastrophic incidents in the U.S. and throughout the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Coast Guard Strategic Plan 2018-2022|url=https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/seniorleadership/alwaysready/USCG_Strategic%20Plan__LoResReaderSpreads_20181115_vFinal.pdf?ver=2018-11-14-150015-323|access-date=27 December 2021|publisher=U.S. Coast Guard|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227194916/https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/seniorleadership/alwaysready/USCG_Strategic%20Plan__LoResReaderSpreads_20181115_vFinal.pdf?ver=2018-11-14-150015-323|url-status=live}}</ref>

The U.S. Coast Guard operates under the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|U.S. Department of Homeland Security]] during peacetime. During times of war, it can be transferred in whole or in part to the [[United States Department of the Navy|U.S. Department of the Navy]] under the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] by order of the [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] or by act of [[United States Congress|Congress]]. Prior to its transfer to Homeland Security, it operated under the [[United States Department of Transportation|Department of Transportation]] from 1967 to 2003 and the [[United States Department of the Treasury|Department of the Treasury]] from its inception until 1967.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cgaviationhistory.org/2003-coast-guard-transferred-to-the-department-of-homeland-security/ |title=2003 – Coast Guard Transferred to the Department of Homeland Security |website=Coast Guard Aviation History |publisher=Coast Guard Aviation Association |access-date=23 September 2020 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926182247/https://cgaviationhistory.org/2003-coast-guard-transferred-to-the-department-of-homeland-security/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cgaviationhistory.org/1967-united-states-coast-guard-transferred-to-the-department-of-transportation/ |title=1967 – United States Coast Guard Transferred to the Department of Transportation |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=Coast Guard Aviation History |publisher=Coast Guard Aviation Association |access-date=23 September 2020 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921133933/https://cgaviationhistory.org/1967-united-states-coast-guard-transferred-to-the-department-of-transportation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A congressional authority transfer to the Navy has only happened once: in 1917, during [[World War I]].<ref name="NavyTransferWW1">{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/docs/Timeline%20of%20Coast%20Guard%20Organizational%20History.pdf|title=Timeline of Coast Guard Organizational History|publisher=United States Department of Homeland Security|author=United States Coast Guard|access-date=18 January 2014|quote=6 April 1917: With the declaration of war against Germany the Coast Guard was transferred by Executive Order to the control of the Navy Department.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613180352/http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/docs/Timeline%20of%20Coast%20Guard%20Organizational%20History.pdf|archive-date=13 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> By the time the U.S. entered [[World War II]] in December 1941, the U.S. Coast Guard had already been transferred to the Navy by President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt|Franklin Roosevelt]].<ref name="NavyTransferWW2">{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/docs/Timeline%20of%20Coast%20Guard%20Organizational%20History.pdf|title=Timeline of Coast Guard Organizational History|publisher=United States Department of Homeland Security|author=United States Coast Guard|access-date=18 January 2014|quote=1 November 1941: President Roosevelt's Executive Order 8929 transferred the Coast Guard to Navy Department control. In compliance with Executive Order 9666, the Coast Guard returned to Treasury Department control.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613180352/http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/docs/Timeline%20of%20Coast%20Guard%20Organizational%20History.pdf|archive-date=13 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The U.S. Coast Guard was formed by a merger of the [[United States Revenue Cutter Service|U.S. Revenue Cutter Service]] and the [[United States Life-Saving Service|U.S. Life-Saving Service]] on 28 January 1915, under the Department of the Treasury. The Revenue Cutter Service was created by Congress as the [[United States Revenue Cutter Service|Revenue-Marine]] on 4 August 1790 at the request of [[Alexander Hamilton]], and is therefore the oldest continuously operating naval service of the United States.{{refn|Although the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] lists its founding as 1775 with the formation of the [[Continental Navy]], the U.S. Navy was entirely disbanded in 1785. The modern U.S. Navy in its present form was founded in 1794.|group="Note"}} As secretary of the treasury, Hamilton headed the Revenue-Marine, whose original purpose was collecting [[customs duties]] at U.S. seaports. By the 1860s, the service was known as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and the term Revenue-Marine gradually fell into disuse.<ref>{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Robert Irwin |year=1987 |title=Guardians of the Sea, History of the United States Coast Guard, 1915 to the Present |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=978-0-87021-720-3 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/guardiansofseahi00john/page/1 1–2] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/guardiansofseahi00john/page/1 }}</ref>

In 1939, the [[United States Lighthouse Service|U.S. Lighthouse Service]] was also merged into the U.S. Coast Guard. As one of the country's six armed services, the U.S. Coast Guard and its predecessor have participated in every major U.S. war since 1790, from the [[Quasi-War|Quasi-War with France]] to the [[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]].<ref name="USCG01">{{cite web |last=Scheina |first=Robert |title=The U.S. Coast Guard at War |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/h_CGatwar.asp |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=11 October 2012 |access-date=15 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928012221/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/h_CGatwar.asp |archive-date=28 September 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Reservist2012">{{cite journal |last=LaRouche |first=Monique |journal=Reservist |url=http://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/59936 |title=The Coast Guard RAIDs Afghanistan |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |volume=LXI |issue=1 |year=2012 |page=18 |access-date=15 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928173029/http://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/59936 |archive-date=28 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As of December 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard's authorized force strength is 44,500 active duty personnel<ref>{{cite web|title=[USC02] 14 USC 4904: Authorized levels of military strength and training|url=https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title14-section4904&num=0&edition=prelim#:~:text=%C2%A74904.-,Authorized%20levels%20of%20military%20strength%20and%20training,fiscal%20years%202020%20and%202021.|access-date=27 December 2021|website=uscode.house.gov}}</ref> and 7,000 reservists.{{refn|The number of uniformed personnel currently authorized by component. The number actually serving is usually less than the number authorized due to personnel turnover and recruitment efforts that have not filled all available vacancies.|group="Note"}} The service's force strength also includes 8,577 full-time civilian federal employees and 21,000 uniformed civilian volunteers of the [[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary|U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Official Web Portal |url=https://www.cgaux.org/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=www.cgaux.org |archive-date=24 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124143019/https://www.cgaux.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The service maintains an extensive fleet of roughly 250 coastal and ocean-going [[Cutter (boat)|cutters]], patrol ships, buoy tenders, tugs, and icebreakers; as well as nearly 2,000 small boats and specialized craft. It also maintains an aviation division consisting of more than 200 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.<ref name="uscg.mil1">{{cite web|url=https://www.work.uscg.mil/Assets/|title=Operational Assets|publisher=US Coast Guard|access-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016044657/https://www.work.uscg.mil/Assets/|archive-date=16 October 2019}}</ref> While the U.S. Coast Guard is the second smallest of the U.S. military service branches in terms of membership, the service by itself is the world's 12th largest naval force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://live.cgaux.org/?p=4791|title=Happy 225th Birthday to the United States Coast Guard! |website=Coast Guard Auxiliary Live|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710055425/http://live.cgaux.org/?p=4791|archive-date=10 July 2018|url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Coast Guard Organization and Administration, Chapter One |publisher=US Coast Guard|url=http://www.uscg.mil/INTERNATIONAL/affairs/Publications/MMSCode/english/Chap1.htm |access-date=7 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103063142/http://www.uscg.mil/INTERNATIONAL/affairs/Publications/MMSCode/english/Chap1.htm |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Mission==
{{main|Missions of the United States Coast Guard}}

[[File:Deepwater Horizon spill site DVIDS1096750.jpg|thumb|225px|A USCG [[HH-65 Dolphin]] helicopter flies overhead as the Coast Guard Cutter ''Resolute'' steams near [[Deepwater Horizon spill]] site, July 4, 2010.]]

===Role===
The Coast Guard carries out three basic roles, which are further subdivided into eleven statutory missions. The three roles are:
* [[Bering Sea Patrol|Maritime safety]]
* [[Maritime security (USCG)|Maritime security]]
* [[Missions of the United States Coast Guard#Protection of natural resources|Maritime stewardship]]

With a decentralized organization and much responsibility placed on even the most junior personnel, the Coast Guard is frequently lauded for its quick responsiveness and adaptability in a broad range of emergencies. In a 2005 article in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine following [[Hurricane Katrina]], the author wrote, "the Coast Guard's most valuable contribution to [a military effort when catastrophe hits] may be as a model of flexibility, and most of all, spirit." Wil Milam, a [[rescue swimmer]] from [[Alaska]] told the magazine, "In the Navy, it was all about the mission. Practicing for war, training for war. In the Coast Guard, it was, take care of our people and the mission will take care of itself."<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1122007,00.html The Coast Guard Gets It Right] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222051431/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1122007,00.html |date=22 December 2007 }} Amanda Ripley. TIME. 23 October 2005.</ref>

===Missions===
The eleven statutory missions as defined by law are divided into [[homeland security]] missions and non-homeland security missions:<ref>{{UnitedStatesCodeSub|6|468}}</ref>

====Non-homeland security missions====
* [[Icebreaker|Ice operations]], including the [[International Ice Patrol]]
* Living marine resources ([[fishery|fisheries]] [[law enforcement]])
* [[Marine environmental protection]]
* [[Marine safety (USCG)|Marine safety]]
* [[Navigation aid|Aids to navigation]]
* [[Search and rescue]]

====Homeland security missions====
* [[DEFCON|Defense readiness]]
* Maritime [[law enforcement agency|law enforcement]]
* [[Illegal immigration to the United States|Migrant interdiction]]
* [[Port Security|Ports, waterways and coastal security (PWCS)]]
* [[War on Drugs|Drug interdiction]]

===Search and rescue===
[[File:Coast Guard conducts search and rescue after Hurricane Irma 170911-G-VC567-1365.jpg|thumb|USCG helicopter, [[Rescue swimmer]]s conduct search and rescue after [[Hurricane Irma]]]]

The U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue (CG-SAR) is one of the Coast Guard's best-known operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Response-Policy-CG-5R/Office-of-Incident-Management-Preparedness-CG-5RI/US-Coast-Guard-Office-of-Search-and-Rescue-CG-SAR/|title=U.S. Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue (CG-SAR)|website=dco.uscg.mil|access-date=9 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316131352/http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Response-Policy-CG-5R/Office-of-Incident-Management-Preparedness-CG-5RI/US-Coast-Guard-Office-of-Search-and-Rescue-CG-SAR/|archive-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>  The ''National Search and Rescue Plan'' designates the Coast Guard as the federal agency responsible for maritime SAR operations, and the [[United States Air Force]] as the federal agency responsible for inland SAR.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/nsarc/NSARC%20-%20Natl%20SAR%20Plan%20(2007%20-%20Final).pdf |title=National Search and Rescue Plan (USA) 2007 |publisher=Uscg.mil |date=22 June 2012 |access-date=3 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624184210/http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/nsarc/NSARC%20-%20Natl%20SAR%20Plan%20(2007%20-%20Final).pdf |archive-date=24 June 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both agencies maintain [[Joint Rescue Coordination Centers|rescue coordination centers]] to coordinate this effort, and have responsibility for both military and civilian search and rescue.<ref name=NSARC1>{{cite web|title=National Search And Rescue Committee|url=http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/NSARC.asp|work=U.S. Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue|publisher=U.S. Coast Guard|access-date=26 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217001611/http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/NSARC.asp|archive-date=17 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The two services jointly provide instructor staff for the National Search and Rescue School that trains SAR mission planners and coordinators. Previously located on Governors Island, New York, the school is now located at [[Training Center Yorktown|Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown]] at Yorktown, Virginia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Training Center Yorktown, VA|url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Yorktown/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=forcecom.uscg.mil|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920025326/https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Yorktown/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===National Response Center===
Operated by the Coast Guard, the National Response Center (NRC) is the sole [[U.S. Government]] point of contact for reporting all [[oil spill|oil]], [[Pollution|chemical]], [[Radioactive contamination|radiological]], [[Pollution|biological]], and etiological [[pollution|spills]] and discharges into the environment, anywhere in the United States and its territories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/nrchp.html|title=National Response Center|work=USCG |access-date=21 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218204838/http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/nrchp.html|archive-date=18 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition to gathering and distributing spill/incident information for [[Federal On Scene Coordinator]]s and serving as the communications and operations center for the National Response Team, the NRC maintains agreements with a variety of federal entities to make additional notifications regarding incidents meeting established trigger criteria. The NRC also takes Maritime Suspicious Activity and Security Breach Reports. Details on the NRC organization and specific responsibilities can be found in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www2.epa.gov/emergency-response/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-pollution-contingency-plan-ncp-overview |title= National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) Overview |website= US EPA |date= 4 June 2013 |access-date= 2 December 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141016135849/http://www2.epa.gov/emergency-response/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-pollution-contingency-plan-ncp-overview |archive-date= 16 October 2014 |url-status= dead }}</ref> [[MISLE|The Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE)]] database system is managed and used by the Coast Guard for tracking pollution and safety incidents in the nation's ports.<ref>{{cite web |title= U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Management System (MSMS) |website=RITA {{!}} Bureau of Transportation Statistics |url=http://www.bts.gov/programs/maritime_data_working_group/uscg/marine_casualty_and_pollution_database/msms/pdf/msis_entire.pdf |access-date=29 March 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115132800/https://www.bts.gov/programs/maritime_data_working_group/uscg/marine_casualty_and_pollution_database/msms/pdf/msis_entire.pdf |archive-date= Jan 15, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) System|url=https://www.archives.gov/files/records-mgmt/rcs/schedules/departments/department-of-homeland-security/rg-0026/n1-026-05-015_sf115.pdf|access-date=|website=National Archives|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005131846/https://www.archives.gov/files/records-mgmt/rcs/schedules/departments/department-of-homeland-security/rg-0026/n1-026-05-015_sf115.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=USCG Port State Information Exchange Default Page|url=https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/|access-date=29 March 2021|website=cgmix.uscg.mil|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005131505/https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===National Maritime Center===
The National Maritime Center (NMC) is the merchant mariner credentialing authority for the USCG under the auspices of the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]]. To ensure a safe, secure, and environmentally sound marine transportation system, the mission of the NMC is to issue credentials to fully qualified mariners in the United States maritime jurisdiction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.edumaritime.net/uscg-mmc|title=USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) @ National Maritime Center (NMC)|website=Edumaritime.net|access-date=6 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140537/https://www.edumaritime.net/uscg-mmc|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Authority as an armed service===
{{multiple image
 | align     = right
 | header    = 
 | header_align = center
 | width     = 150
 | image1    = Member of Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West in Alaska, April 10, 20.jpg
 | caption1  = A member of USCG [[Deployable Specialized Forces#Maritime Security Response Team|Maritime Security Response Team]] West trains for a simulated terrorist threat aboard the motor vessel
| image2    = U.S. Sailors with a visit, board, search and seizure team and U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team 91104 prepare to attach a caving ladder to a dhow near guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) 090908-N-ZL677-060.jpg
| caption2  = [[Maritime Safety and Security Team]] conduct operations in the Gulf of Aden Sept. 8, 2009  part of [[Combined Task Force 151]], a multinational task force established to conduct counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
}}

[[Title 10 of the United States Code|Title 10 of the U.S. Code]] says that "[t]he term "armed forces" means the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard."<ref>{{UnitedStatesCodeSub|10|101|a|4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2046035/trump-signs-law-establishing-us-space-force/|title=Trump Signs Law Establishing U.S. Space Force|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US|access-date=21 December 2019}}</ref>
The Coast Guard is further defined by [[Title 14 of the United States Code]]: "The Coast Guard as established {{sic|January 2|8, 1915|hide=y}}, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times. The Coast Guard shall be a service in the Department of Homeland Security, except when operating as a service in the Navy."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf|title=14 USC §1. Establishment of Coast Guard|year=2011|website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]]|access-date=5 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131556/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf|archive-date=2 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
Coast Guard organization and operation is as set forth in [[Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations]].

On 25 November 2002, the [[Homeland Security Act]] was signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush, designating the Coast Guard to be placed under the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|U.S. Department of Homeland Security]]. The transfer of administrative control from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was completed the following year, on 1 March 2003.<ref name=DHSTransfer2003>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/Chron/Chronology_Mar.asp|title=Daily Chronology of Coast Guard History|author=United States Coast Guard|publisher=United States Department of Homeland Security|quote=2003 - Administrative control of the Coast Guard transferred to the newly created Department of Homeland Security from the Department of Transportation, where it had served since 1 April 1967.|access-date=18 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203010739/http://www.uscg.mil/history/Chron/Chronology_Mar.asp|archive-date=3 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-107publ296/pdf/PLAW-107publ296.pdf|title=Homeland Security Act of 2002|website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]]|date=25 November 2002|access-date=5 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324080341/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-107publ296/pdf/PLAW-107publ296.pdf|archive-date=24 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Homeland_Security_Baldinelli.asp|work=United States Coast Guard|publisher=United States Department of Homeland Security|title=The U.S. Coast Guard's Assignment to the Department of Homeland Security: Entering Uncharted Waters or Just a Course Correction?|date=9 December 2002|last=Baldinelli|first=D.C.|access-date=18 January 2014|quote=On November 25, 2002, President George Bush signed the Homeland Security Act, which called for the largest reorganization in the U.S. government since the formation of the Department of Defense. The reorganization plan will bring together twenty-two agencies or parts of agencies from other departments such as Justice, Commerce, Health and Human Services, etc., under the control of the Department of Homeland Security.... One of those agencies affected was the United States Coast Guard, which will be transferred from the Department of Transportation.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203010130/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Homeland_Security_Baldinelli.asp|archive-date=3 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The U.S. Coast Guard reports directly to the civilian secretary of homeland security. However, under {{UnitedStatesCode|14|3}} as amended by section 211 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, upon the declaration of war and when [[United States Congress|Congress]] so directs in the declaration, or when the [[President of the United States|president]] directs, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Defense as a service in the [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/889|title=Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006|website=Congress.gov|date=12 July 2006|language=en-US|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005131139/https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/889|url-status=live}}</ref>

As members of the military, coast guardsmen on active and reserve service are subject to the [[Uniform Code of Military Justice]] and receive the same pay and allowances as members of the same pay grades in the other uniformed services.<ref>{{cite web|title=14 U.S.C. § 2 - U.S. Code Title 14. Coast Guard § 2|url=https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-14-coast-guard/14-usc-sect-2.html|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Findlaw|language=en-US|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005131842/https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-14-coast-guard/14-usc-sect-2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The service has participated in every major U.S. conflict from 1790 through today, including landing troops on [[D-Day]] and on the Pacific Islands in [[World War II]], in extensive patrols and shore bombardment during the [[Vietnam War]], and multiple roles in [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. Maritime interception operations, coastal security, transportation security, and [[Law Enforcement Detachments|law enforcement detachments]] have been its major roles in recent conflicts in [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Long Blue Line: Coast Guard combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom |url=https://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2018/07/tlbl-uscg-combat-operations-in-oif/ |first1=William H. |last1=Thiesen |date= July 26, 2018 |access-date=12 May 2021|website= Coast Guard Compass |archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112045825/https://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2018/07/tlbl-uscg-combat-operations-in-oif/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 17 October 2007, the Coast Guard joined with the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] to adopt a new [[maritime strategy]] called ''[[A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower]]'' that raised the notion of prevention of war to the same philosophical level as the conduct of war.<ref name="Garamone">{{cite news |last=Garamone |first=Jim |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32655 |title=Sea Services Unveil New Maritime Strategy |work=Navy News Service |date=17 October 2007 |id=NNS071017-13 |agency=[[American Forces Press Service]] |access-date=30 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305040311/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32655 |archive-date=5 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This new strategy charted a course for the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps to work collectively with each other and international partners to prevent regional crises, man-made or natural, from occurring, or reacting quickly should one occur to avoid negative impacts to the United States. During the launch of the new U.S. maritime strategy at the International Seapower Symposium at the [[United States Naval War College|U.S. Naval War College]] in 2007, Coast Guard commandant admiral [[Thad Allen]] said the new maritime strategy reinforced the time-honored missions the service has carried out in the United States since 1790. "It reinforces the Coast Guard maritime strategy of safety, security and stewardship, and it reflects not only the global reach of our maritime services but the need to integrate and synchronize and act with our coalition and international partners to not only win wars ... but to prevent wars," Allen said.<ref name="Garamone" />

===Authority as a law enforcement agency===
[[File:U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro crew interdicts suspected drug smuggling vessel DOD 106999572-5d2aa0d64235b.webm|thumb|250px|USCG Munro [[Law Enforcement Detachments]] boarding team interdicts suspected drug smuggling vessel]]

{{UnitedStatesCode|14|102}} authorizes the Coast Guard to enforce U.S. federal laws.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf#page=1 |format=PDF |title=14 USC §2. Primary duties |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=5 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131556/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf#page=1 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> This authority is further defined in {{UnitedStatesCode|14|522}}, which gives law enforcement powers to all Coast Guard commissioned officers, warrant officers, and petty officers.<ref>Previously 14 USC 89 - {{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf#page=17 |format=PDF |title=14 USC §89. Law enforcement |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=5 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131556/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf#page=17 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike the other armed forces branches, which are prevented from acting in a law enforcement capacity by {{UnitedStatesCode|18|1385}}, the [[Posse Comitatus Act]], and [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] policy, the Coast Guard is exempt from and not subject to the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title18/pdf/USCODE-2011-title18-partI-chap67-sec1385.pdf |title=18 USC §1385. Use of Army and Air Force as posse comitatus |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131437/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title18/pdf/USCODE-2011-title18-partI-chap67-sec1385.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Further law enforcement authority is given by {{UnitedStatesCode|14|703}} and {{UnitedStatesCode|19|1401}}, which empower U.S. Coast Guard active and reserve commissioned officers, warrant officers, and petty officers as federal [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|customs officers]].<ref>Previously 14 USC 143 {{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf#page=30 |format=PDF |title=14 USC §143. Treasury Department |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=5 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131556/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI.pdf#page=30 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title19/pdf/USCODE-2011-title19-chap4-subtitleIII-partI-subparta-sec1401.pdf |title=19 USC §1401.(i) Officer of the customs; customs officer |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131145/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title19/pdf/USCODE-2011-title19-chap4-subtitleIII-partI-subparta-sec1401.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> This places them under {{UnitedStatesCode|19|1589a}}, which grants customs officers general federal law enforcement authority, including the authority to:
{{Blockquote|quote=<poem>
(1) carry a firearm;
(2) execute and serve any order, warrant, subpoena, summons, or other process issued under the authority of the United States;
(3) make an arrest without a warrant for any offense against the United States committed in the officer's presence or for a felony, cognizable under the laws of the United States committed outside the officer's presence if the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing a felony; and
(4) perform any other law enforcement duty that the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate.</poem>|sign=19 USC §1589a. Enforcement authority of customs officers<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title19/pdf/USCODE-2011-title19-chap4-subtitleIII-partV.pdf#page=7 |format=PDF |title=19 USC §1589a. Enforcement authority of customs officers |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131142/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title19/pdf/USCODE-2011-title19-chap4-subtitleIII-partV.pdf#page=7 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<!-- end of bq -->

The U.S. [[Government Accountability Office]] Report to the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], Committee on the Judiciary on its 2006 Survey of Federal Civilian Law Enforcement Functions and Authorities, identified the Coast Guard as one of 104 federal components that employed [[law enforcement officer]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07121.pdf |title=Federal Law Enforcement Survey of Federal Civilian Law Enforcement Functions and Authorities |website=[[Government Accounting Office]] |date=December 2006 |id=GAO-07-121 |access-date=22 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501165559/http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07121.pdf |archive-date=1 May 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> The report also included a summary table of the authorities of the Coast Guard's 192 special agents and 3,780 maritime law enforcement boarding officers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/gao-07-223sp/law_enforcement_survey_table.html |title=Law Enforcement Survey Table |website=[[Government Accounting Office]] |access-date=3 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117053347/http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/gao-07-223sp/law_enforcement_survey_table.html |archive-date=17 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Coast Guardsmen have the legal authority to carry their service-issued firearms on and off base. This is rarely done in practice, however; at many Coast Guard stations, commanders prefer to have all service-issued weapons in armories when not in use. Still, one court has held in the case of ''People v. Booth'' that Coast Guard boarding officers are qualified law enforcement officers authorized to carry personal firearms off-duty for self-defense.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://handgunlaw.us/documents/LEOSACoastGuardCarryCourtCase.pdf |title=People v. Booth, ___ N.Y.S.2d ___, 2008 WL 2247068, 2008 N.Y. Slip. Op. 28206 (N.Y. Co.Ct. 2008) |date=24 May 2008 |access-date=23 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624183615/http://handgunlaw.us/documents/LEOSACoastGuardCarryCourtCase.pdf |archive-date=24 June 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of the United States Coast Guard}}

[[File:VTN Burning Trawler sm.jpg|thumb|225px|USCGC patrol boat forces North Vietnamese trawler aground after combat from direct fire ([[Vietnam War]])]]

The Coast Guard traced its roots to the small fleet of vessels maintained by the [[United States Department of the Treasury]] beginning in the 1790s to enforce tariffs (an important source of revenue for the new nation). [[Secretary of the Treasury]] [[Alexander Hamilton]] lobbied Congress to fund the construction of ten [[Cutter (boat)|cutters]], which it did on 4 August 1790 (now celebrated as the Coast Guard's official birthday). Until the re-establishment of the Navy in 1798, these "revenue cutters" were the only naval force of the early United States. As such, the cutters and their crews frequently took on additional duties, including combating piracy, rescuing mariners in distress, ferrying government officials, and even carrying mail.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1122007,00.html |title=How the Coast Guard Gets it Right |first=Amanda |last=Ripley |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=23 October 2005 |access-date=11 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222051431/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1122007,00.html |archive-date=22 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Initially not an organized federal agency at all, merely a "system of cutters," each ship operated under the direction of the customs officials in the port to which it was assigned. Several names, including "Revenue-Marine," were used as the service gradually becoming more organized. Eventually it was officially organized as the [[United States Revenue Cutter Service]]. In addition to its regular law enforcement and customs duties, revenue cutters and their crews were used to support and supplement the Navy in various armed conflicts including the [[American Civil War]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Long Blue Line: Civil War operations of the Revenue Cutter Service |first1=William H. |last1=Thiesen |date=April 19, 2018 |url=https://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2018/04/tlbl-civil-war-operations-of-the-revenue-cutter-service/#:~:text=In%20August%201861,%20the%20cutter,naval%20campaign%20against%20New%20Orleans.&text=The%20cutter%20Miami%20also%20served,command%20ship%20during%20the%20war.|access-date=12 May 2021|website= Coast Guard Compass |archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150229/https://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2018/04/tlbl-civil-war-operations-of-the-revenue-cutter-service/#:~:text=In%20August%201861,%20the%20cutter,naval%20campaign%20against%20New%20Orleans.&text=The%20cutter%20Miami%20also%20served,command%20ship%20during%20the%20war.|url-status=dead}}</ref>

A separate federal agency, the [[United States Life-Saving Service|U.S. Life-Saving Service]], developed alongside the Revenue-Marine.  Prior to 1848, there were various charitable efforts at creating systems to provide assistance to shipwrecked mariners from shore-based stations, notably by the [[Massachusetts Humane Society]]. The federal government began funding lifesaving stations in 1848 but funding was inconsistent and the system still relied on all-volunteer crews. In 1871, [[Sumner Increase Kimball]] was appointed chief of the Treasury Department's newly created Revenue Marine Division, and began the process of organizing the Revenue-Marine cutters into a centralized agency. Kimball also pushed for more funding lifesaving stations and eventually secured approval to create the Lifesaving Service as a separate federal agency, also within the Treasury Department, with fulltime paid crews.

In 1915 these two agencies, the Revenue Cutter Service and the Lifesaving Service, were merged to create the modern United States Coast Guard. The [[United States Lighthouse Service|Lighthouse Service]] and the [[Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation]] were absorbed by the Coast Guard 1939 and 1942 respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/h_USLHSchron.asp|title=Chronology of Aids to Navigation and the United States Lighthouse Service 1716-1939|first1=Truman R. |last1=Strobridge |date=Nov 17, 2014 |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard|access-date=21 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121115043/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/h_USLHSchron.asp|archive-date=21 January 2015|url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Steamboat_Inspection_Service.asp|title=U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service & the History of Merchant Vessel Inspection |date=Nov 17, 2014 |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard|access-date=21 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121115736/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Steamboat_Inspection_Service.asp|archive-date=21 January 2015|url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 1967, the Coast Guard moved from the [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Department of the Treasury]] to the newly formed [[United States Department of Transportation|U.S. Department of Transportation]], an arrangement that lasted until it was placed under the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|U.S. Department of Homeland Security]] in 2003 as part of legislation designed to more efficiently protect American interests following the [[September 11 attacks|terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Coast Guard joins Homeland Security Department|date=Feb 26, 2003|url=https://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/02/25/homeland.security/index.html|access-date=12 May 2021|website=CNN|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424195006/http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/02/25/homeland.security/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In times of war, the Coast Guard or individual components of it can operate as a service of the [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]]. This arrangement has a broad historical basis, as the Coast Guard has been involved in wars as diverse as the [[War of 1812]], the [[Mexican–American War]], and the [[American Civil War]], in which the cutter ''Harriet Lane'' fired the first naval shots attempting to relieve besieged [[Fort Sumter]]. The last time the Coast Guard operated as a whole within the Navy was in [[World War II]], in all some 250,000 served in the Coast Guard during World War II.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Our-Collections/Commemorations/World-War-II/|title=World War II|website=United States Coast Guard Historian's Office|access-date=21 April 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421013907/https://www.history.uscg.mil/Our-Collections/Commemorations/World-War-II/ |archive-date=Apr 21, 2019 }}</ref> A major fixture of the Coast Guard during WWII were the [[United States Coast Guard Beach Patrol|Beach Patrol units]], responsible for patrolling the shorelines of the United States on-foot and horseback.

[[Coast Guard Squadron One]], was a combat unit formed by the United States Coast Guard in 1965 for service during the [[Vietnam War]]. Placed under the operational control of the United States Navy, it was assigned duties in [[Operation Market Time]]. Its formation marked the first time since World War II that Coast Guard personnel were used extensively in a combat environment. The squadron operated divisions in three separate areas during the period of 1965 to 1970. Twenty-six [[Point-class cutter]]s with their crews and a squadron support staff were assigned to the U.S. Navy with the mission of interdicting the movement of arms and supplies from the [[South China Sea]] into [[South Vietnam]] by [[Viet Cong]] and [[North Vietnam]] [[Junk (ship)|junk]] and [[Naval trawler|trawler]] operators. The squadron also provided [[81mm mortar]] naval gunfire support to nearby friendly units operating along the South Vietnamese coastline and assisted the U.S. Navy during [[Operation Sealords]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Vietnam|url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Our-Collections/Commemorations/Vietnam/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=United States Coast Guard Historian's Office |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140348/https://www.history.uscg.mil/Our-Collections/Commemorations/Vietnam/ |archive-date=May 12, 2021 }}</ref>

[[Coast Guard Squadron Three]], was a combat unit formed by the United States Coast Guard in 1967 for service during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jacksjoint.com/cgvietnam.htm|title=The Coast Guard in Vietnam |publisher=Jack's Joint |work=The Coast Guard Reservist |first1=Vern |last1=Toler |date=November 1996 |access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703045046/http://www.jacksjoint.com/cgvietnam.htm|archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=usurped }}</ref> Placed under the operational control of the United States Navy and based in [[Pearl Harbor]]. It consisted of five USCG High Endurance Cutters operating on revolving six-month deployments. A total of 35 High Endurance Cutters took part in operations from May 1967 to December 1971, most notably using their 5-inch guns to provide naval gunfire support missions.<ref name=Larzelere124-128>{{cite book|last=Larzelere|first=Alex|year=1997|title=The Coast Guard at War, Vietnam, 1965–1975|publisher=Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland|pages=124–128|isbn=978-1-55750-529-3}}</ref>

Often units within the Coast Guard operate under [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]] operational control while other Coast Guard units remain under the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/doddir/navy/noc2010.pdf|title=Naval Operations Concept 2010|publisher=fas.org|access-date=11 May 2021|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926080739/https://fas.org/irp/doddir/navy/noc2010.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Deployable Operations Group/Deployable Specialized Forces===
{{main|Deployable Specialized Forces}}

The Deployable Operations Group (DOG) was a Coast Guard command established in July 2007. The DOG established a single command authority to rapidly provide the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] and other interagency operational commanders adaptive force packages drawn from the Coast Guard's deployable specialized force units. The DOG was disestablished on 22 April 2013 and reorganized into Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) units that were placed under the control of the Atlantic and Pacific Area Commanders.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navytimes.com/article/20130531/NEWS03/305310003/Deployable-Operations-Group-disbanded |title=Deployable Operations Group disbanded |work=Navy Times |access-date=21 January 2015}}</ref>

The planning for the unit began after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, and culminated with its formation on 20 July 2007. Its missions included maritime law enforcement, [[anti-terrorism]], [[port security]], pollution response, and [[Underwater diving|diving operations]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guard |first=U. S. Coast |date=28 June 2021 |title=Deployable Operations Group |url=https://www.military.com/special-operations/deployable-operations-group.html |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=Military.com |language=en |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927023005/https://www.military.com/special-operations/deployable-operations-group.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

There were over 25 specialized units within the Deployable Operations Group including the [[Maritime Security Response Team]], [[Maritime Safety and Security Team]]s, Law Enforcement Detachments, [[Port Security Unit]]s, the [[National Strike Force]], and Regional Dive Lockers. The DOG also managed Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and was involved in the selection of Coast Guard candidates to attend [[United States Navy SEAL selection and training|Navy BUD/S]] and serve with [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEAL Teams]].<ref name=DOG>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/articles/docs/dog.pdf |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20070926035042/http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/articles/docs/dog.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 September 2007 |title=Coast Guard Expects New Deployable Group Operating By Next Summer |website=Senior Coast Guard Leadership |access-date=3 February 2013 }}</ref>

====Images====
<gallery class="center">
File:Coast Guard Marines at Guam - ca. July 1944.jpg|[[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] Privates First Class William A. McCoy and Ralph L. Plunkett holding a sign thanking the Coast Guard after the [[Battle of Guam (1944)|Battle of Guam]] in 1944<ref>{{cite web |last=Papp |first=Robert J. Jr. |author-link=Robert J. Papp Jr. |url=http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2012/09/the-legacy-of-signalman-1st-class-douglas-munro/ |title=The legacy of Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro |work=Coast Guard Compass |date=27 September 2012 |access-date=9 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005183703/http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2012/09/the-legacy-of-signalman-1st-class-douglas-munro/ |archive-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
File:VTN Mortar Color Firing.jpg|A gun crew on board {{USCGC|Point Comfort|WPB-82317}} firing an 81&nbsp;mm mortar during the bombardment of a suspected [[Viet Cong]] staging area one mile behind An Thoi in August 1965
File:USCGC Duane (WHEC-33) shelling targets in Vietnam c1967.jpg|{{USCGC|Duane|WPG-33}} shelling targets in Vietnam in 1967, where the Coast Guard was a part of [[Operation Market Time]]
File:VTN USCGSQ1 Patch.jpg|United States [[Coast Guard Squadron One]] unit patch during the [[Vietnam War]]
File:Seal of the United States Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group.png|Seal of the [[Deployable Operations Group|United States Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group]]
File:US Navy 100528-N-7643B-241 The guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mellon (WHEC 717).jpg|{{USS|Vandegrift|FFG 48}} and {{USCGC|Mellon|WHEC-717}} cruising side by side in the [[Java Sea]] on May 28, 2010
File:LEDET 106 in NAG.jpg|A member of USCG [[Law Enforcement Detachments|Law Enforcement Detachment]] (LEDET) 106 performing a security sweep aboard a tanker ship in the North [[Persian Gulf]] in July 2007
File:USCoastGuardCocaineApr23.07.jpg|A Coast Guardsman stands guard over more than 40,000 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $500 million being offloaded from the Cutter ''Sherman'', 23 April 2007. 
File:United States Coast Guard Cutter Chandeleur.jpg|A boatswain's mate keeps watch on a small boat as it heads for the USCGC ''Chandeleur'' in 2008
File:United States Coast Guard Scott D. Rady pulls a pregnant woman from her flooded New Orleans home.jpg|A Coast Guard [[Aviation Survival Technician]] assisting with the rescue of a pregnant woman during [[Hurricane Katrina]] in 2005
File:Badge of the United States Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement.png|USCG [[Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist|Maritime Law Enforcement unit]] badge
</gallery>

==Organization==
{{main|Organization of the United States Coast Guard|List of United States Coast Guard units (2019)}}

The new Department of Homeland Security headquarters complex is on the grounds of the former [[St. Elizabeths Hospital]] in the [[Anacostia]] section of Southeast Washington, across the [[Anacostia River]] from former Coast Guard headquarters.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cacas |first=Max |url=http://federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=35&sid=1759290 |work=[[WFED]] |title=DHS marks new milestone with St. E's campus groundbreaking |date=10 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621214731/http://federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=35&sid=1759290 |archive-date=21 June 2011}}</ref>

The fiscal year 2016 budget request for the U.S. Coast Guard was [[United States dollar|$]]9.96 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/FY_2016_DHS_Budget_in_Brief.pdf |title=FY 2016 DHS Budget in Brief|access-date=6 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121055451/https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/FY_2016_DHS_Budget_in_Brief.pdf |archive-date=21 November 2016 }}</ref>
[[File:USCG Districts.png|thumb|USCG Districts]]

===Districts and units===

The Coast Guard's current district organization is divided into 9 districts which were previously numbered, they were renamed in 2025 for clarity and memorability using geographic area names.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Coast Guard renames operational districts |url=https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/4234635/coast-guard-renames-operational-districts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723223330/https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/4234635/coast-guard-renames-operational-districts/ |archive-date=23 July 2025 |access-date=2025-07-31 |work=United States Coast Guard |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> Their designations, district office and area of responsibility are as follows:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
|+U.S. Coast Guard districts
|-
! Former numerical district 
!Renamed geographic district<ref>United States Coast Guard. July 3, 2025. Press release: "Coast Guard renames geographic operational districts" https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4234537/coast-guard-renames-geographic-operational-districts/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250704225431/https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4234537/coast-guard-renames-geographic-operational-districts/ |date=4 July 2025 }}</ref>!! District office !! Area of responsibility !! Note
|-
|| Coast Guard District 1
|Northeast District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Northeast District]]||  [[Boston, Massachusetts]] || [[New England]] states, eastern [[New York (state)|New York]] and northern [[New Jersey]] || [http://www.uscg.mil/d1/ 1]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 5
|East District|[[U.S. Coast Guard East District]]|| [[Portsmouth, Virginia]] || [[Pennsylvania]], southern [[New Jersey]], [[Delaware]], [[Maryland]], [[Virginia]], and [[North Carolina]]||[http://www.uscg.mil/d5/ 5]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 7
|Southeast District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District]]|| [[Miami, Florida]] || [[South Carolina]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], eastern [[Florida]], [[Puerto Rico]], <br />and the [[U.S. Virgin Islands]]||[http://www.uscg.mil/d7/ 7]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 8
|Heartland District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Heartland District]]
|| [[New Orleans, Louisiana]] 
|| [[Mississippi River System|Western Rivers]] of the U.S. and the [[Gulf of Mexico]] 
||[http://www.uscg.mil/d8/ 8]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 9 
|Great Lakes District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District]]|| [[Cleveland, Ohio]] || [[Great Lakes]] || [http://www.uscg.mil/d9/ 9]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 11
|Southwest District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District]]|| [[Alameda, California]] || [[California]], [[Arizona]], [[Nevada]], and [[Utah]] || [http://www.uscg.mil/D11/ 11]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 13 
|Northwest District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Northwest District]]|| [[Seattle, Washington]] || [[Oregon]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], [[Idaho]] and [[Montana]] || [http://www.uscg.mil/d13/ 13]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 14
|Oceania District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District]]|| [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] || [[Hawaii]] and Pacific territories 
||[http://www.uscg.mil/d14/ 14]
|-
|| Coast Guard District 17
|Arctic District|[[U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District]]|| [[Juneau, Alaska]] || [[Alaska]] || [http://www.uscg.mil/d17/ 17]
|}

==== Former U.S. Coast Guard Districts ====
Previously the U.S. Coast Guard had two additional districts, the 15th and 16th, which have since been decommissioned. The 15th district previously encompassed the waters around the [[Panama Canal Zone]], as well as the canal itself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fifteenth Naval District |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/research-guides/lists-of-senior-officers-and-civilian-officials-of-the-us-navy/district-commanders/fifteenth-naval-district.html |access-date=31 July 2025 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |archive-date=1 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401034328/https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/research-guides/lists-of-senior-officers-and-civilian-officials-of-the-us-navy/district-commanders/fifteenth-naval-district.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The 16th district was formerly the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naval Districts |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/n/naval-districts.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401044434/https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/n/naval-districts.html |archive-date=1 April 2025 |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=www.history.navy.mil |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Shore establishments===
[[File:Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building - Image 5 of 7.jpg|thumb|The Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters building in St. Elizabeths West Campus]]

Shore establishment commands exist to support and facilitate the mission of the sea and air assets and [[Coastal defense and fortification|Coastal defense]]. U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters is located in Southeast Washington, D.C. Examples of other shore establishment types are [[United States Coast Guard Sector|Coast Guard Sectors]] (which may include Coast Guard Bases), Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC),<ref>{{cite web|title=Surface Forces Logistics Center|url=https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/our-organization/assistant-commandant-for-engineering-logistics-cg-4-/logistic-centers/surface-forces-logistics-center/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Dcms.uscg.mil|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005131129/https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/our-organization/assistant-commandant-for-engineering-logistics-cg-4-/logistic-centers/surface-forces-logistics-center/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[List of United States Coast Guard stations|Coast Guard Stations]], [[United States Coast Guard Air Stations|Coast Guard Air Stations]], and the [[United States Coast Guard Yard]]. Training centers are included in the shore establishment commands. The military college for the USCG is called the [[United States Coast Guard Academy]]<ref>{{cite web|title=United States Coast Guard Academy|url=https://www.uscga.edu/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Uscga.edu|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413230236/https://www.uscga.edu/|url-status=live}}</ref> which trains both new officers through a four year program and enlisted personnel joining the ranks of officers through a 17 week program called Officer Candidate School (OCS).  Abbreviated TRACEN, the other Training Centers include [[United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May|Training Center Cape May]] for enlisted bootcamp,<ref>{{cite web|title=Training Center Cape May, NJ|url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Cape-May/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Forcecom.uscg.mil|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005154413/https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Cape-May/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Training Center Petaluma]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Training Center Petaluma, CA|url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Petaluma/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Forcecom.uscg.mil|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005131116/https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Petaluma/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Training Center Yorktown]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Training Center Yorktown, VA|url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Yorktown/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Forcecom.uscg.mil|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920025326/https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Yorktown/|url-status=live}}</ref> for enlisted "A" schools and "C" schools, and [[Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City|Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) Elizabeth City, NC|url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ATTC/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Forcecom.uscg.mil|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513172925/https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ATTC/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Mobile Regional Airport#U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard Activity|Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile, AL|url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ATC/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Forcecom.uscg.mil|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513153429/https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ATC/|url-status=live}}</ref> for aviation enlisted "A" school, "C" schools, and pilot officer training.

==Personnel==
The Coast Guard has a total workforce of 87,569.<ref name="uscg.mil">{{cite web |title=United States Coast Guard > Our Organization > Workforce |url=https://www.work.uscg.mil/Workforce/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016043323/https://www.work.uscg.mil/Workforce/ |archive-date=16 October 2019 |access-date=16 October 2019 |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard}}</ref> The formal name for a uniformed member of the Coast Guard is "coast guardsman", irrespective of gender. "Coastie" is an informal term commonly used to refer to current or former Coast Guard personnel. In 2008, the term "guardian" was introduced as an alternative but was later dropped. Admiral [[Robert J. Papp Jr.]] stated that it was his belief that no Commandant had the authority to change what members of the Coast Guard are called as the term coast guardsman is found in Title 14 USC, which established the Coast Guard in 1915.<ref name="PappMessage">{{cite web |last=Leavitt |first=Michael P. |author-link=Michael P. Leavitt |title=Coast Guardsman, Not Guardian |website=Flotilla 23-1 Annapolis, MD |url=http://www.annapoliscgaux.org/Policies/Coast_Guardsmen.pdf |access-date=24 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117075639/http://www.annapoliscgaux.org/Policies/Coast_Guardsmen.pdf |archive-date=17 November 2011 }}</ref>{{#tag:ref|The term ''Coast Guardsman'' is the official term used by the U.S. Coast Guard to refer to a member regardless of the person's gender. In an ALCOAST message effective 1 December 2011 the Commandant, Admiral Papp, directed that the language of the [[U.S. Coast Guard#The Guardian Ethos|Guardian Ethos]] be superseded by the [[U.S. Coast Guard#The Coast Guard Ethos|Coast Guard Ethos]] in an effort to use terminology that would help with the identity of personnel serving in the Coast Guard. The term ''Coast Guardsman'' is the correct form of address used in Title 14 USC and is the form that has been used historically.<ref name="ALCOAST 554/11">Shipmates 17 - The Coast Guard Ethos</ref>|group=Note}} "Team Coast Guard" refers to the four components of the Coast Guard as a whole: Regular, Reserve, Auxiliary, and Coast Guard civilian employees.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}}

===Commissioned officers===
{{Main|United States Coast Guard officer rank insignia}}

Commissioned officers in the Coast Guard hold [[pay grade]]s ranging from O-1 to O-10 and have the same rank structure as the Navy.<ref name="ranks">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI-chap3-sec41.pdf |title=14 USC §41. Grades and ratings |year=2011 |publisher=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131557/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partI-chap3-sec41.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="paygrades">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title37/pdf/USCODE-2011-title37-chap3-sec201.pdf |title=37 USC §201. Pay grades: assignment to; general rules |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102132442/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title37/pdf/USCODE-2011-title37-chap3-sec201.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Officers holding the rank of ensign (O-1) through lieutenant commander (O-4) are considered junior officers, commanders (O-5) and captains (O-6) are considered senior officers, and rear admirals (O-7) through admirals (O-10) are considered flag officers. The [[commandant of the Coast Guard]] and the [[Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard|vice commandant of the Coast Guard]] are the only members of the Coast Guard authorized to hold the rank of admiral.<ref>[[Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015]], Section 201</ref>

The Coast Guard does not have medical officers or [[Military Chaplain|chaplains]] of its own. Instead, [[United States Navy Chaplain Corps|chaplains from the U.S. Navy]], as well as officers from the [[United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps|U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps]] are assigned to the Coast Guard to perform chaplain-related functions and medical-related functions, respectively. These officers wear Coast Guard uniforms but replace the Coast Guard insignia with that of their own service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/requireduniforms.asp |title=Required Uniforms |website=USCG Uniform Distribution Center |date=23 May 2013 |access-date=16 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928051213/http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/RequiredUniforms.asp |archive-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Navy and Coast Guard share identical officer rank insignia except that Coast Guard officers wear a gold Coast Guard Shield in lieu of a line star or staff corps officer insignia.

{| style="background-color:#F7F8FF; border:1px solid #8888aa; padding:5px; margin-bottom:15px; font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
|+ '''Commissioned officer grade structure of the United States Coast Guard'''

|- style="background-color:#CCC;"
!'''[[U.S. uniformed services pay grades#Officer pay grades|US DoD Pay Grade]]'''||O-10||O-9||O-8||O-7||O-6||O-5||O-4||O-3||O-2||O-1
|- align=center
|- style="background:#CCCCCC;"
!'''[[Ranks and insignia of NATO#Ranks|NATO Code]]'''||OF-9||OF-8||OF-7||OF-6||OF-5||OF-4||OF-3||OF-2||colspan=2|OF-1<!--The NATO Code for Lieutenant (junior grade) is OF-1, not OF-2. Please DO NOT change-->
|-style="text-align:center;"
|'''Insignia'''
| [[File:USCG O-10 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:US CG O9 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:US CG O8 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:US CG O7 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:US CG O6 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:US CG O5 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:USCG O-4 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:US CG O3 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:USCG O-2 insignia.svg|70px]]
| [[File:USCG O-1 insignia.svg|70px]]
|-style="text-align:center;"
| '''Title'''
| [[Admiral (United States)|Admiral]]
| [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice admiral]]
| [[Rear admiral (United States)#Rear admiral|Rear admiral]]
| [[Rear admiral (United States)#Rear admiral (lower half)|Rear admiral (lower&nbsp;half)]]
| [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]]
| [[Commander (United States)|Commander]]
| [[Lieutenant commander (United States)|Lieutenant commander]]
| [[Lieutenant (navy)|Lieutenant]]
| [[Lieutenant (junior grade)#United States|Lieutenant (junior&nbsp;grade)]]
| [[Ensign (rank)|Ensign]]
|-style="text-align:center;"
|'''Abbreviation'''
| ADM
| VADM
| RADM
| RDML
| CAPT
| CDR
| LCDR
| LT
| LTJG
| ENS
|}

===Warrant officers===
{{main|Warrant officer (United States)}}

Highly qualified enlisted personnel in pay grades E-6 through E-9 with a minimum of eight years' experience can compete each year for appointment as warrant officers (WO). Successful candidates are chosen by a board and then commissioned as chief warrant officer two (CWO2) in one of twenty-one specialties. Over time, chief warrant officers may be promoted to chief warrant officer three (CWO3) and chief warrant officer four (CWO4). The ranks of warrant officer (WO1) and chief warrant officer five (CWO5) are not currently used in the Coast Guard. Chief warrant officers may also compete for the Chief Warrant Officer to Lieutenant Program. If selected, the warrant officer will be promoted to lieutenant (O-3E). The "E" designates over four years' active duty service as a warrant officer or enlisted member and entitles the member to a higher rate of pay than other lieutenants.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
|+ '''Warrant officer grade structure of the United States Coast Guard'''
|- style="background:#ccc;"
![[U.S. uniformed services pay grades#Warrant Officer pay grades|US DoD Pay Grade]]!!W-4!!W-3!!W-2
|- style="background:#ccc;""text-align:center;"
!NATO Code||WO-4||WO-3||WO-2
|- style="text-align:center;"
|| '''Insignia'''
|| [[File:US CG CW4 insignia.svg|center|45px]]
|| [[File:US CG CW3 insignia.svg|center|45px]]
|| [[File:US CG CW2 insignia.svg|center|45px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''Title'''
| [[Warrant officer (United States)|Chief Warrant Officer 4]]
| [[Warrant officer (United States)|Chief Warrant Officer 3]]
| [[Warrant officer (United States)|Chief Warrant Officer 2]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''Abbreviation'''
||CWO-4
||CWO-3
||CWO-2
|}

===Enlisted personnel===
{{See also|List of United States Coast Guard enlisted ranks|List of United States Coast Guard ratings}}
Enlisted members of the Coast Guard have pay grades from E-1 to E-9 and also follow the same rank structure as the Navy. Enlisted members in pay grades of E-4 and higher are considered ''[[Petty officer#United States|petty officers]]'' and follow career development paths very similar to those of Navy petty officers.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Coast Guard: List of Ranks, Insignia, and Pay Range |url=https://www.federalpay.org/military/coast-guard/ranks |access-date=13 November 2022}}</ref>

Petty officers in pay grade E-7 and higher are ''[[Chief Petty Officer#United States|chief petty officers]]'' and must attend the Coast Guard [[Training Center Petaluma#Chief Petty Officer Academy|Chief Petty Officer Academy]], or an equivalent Department of Defense school, in order to be advanced to pay grade E-8. The basic themes of the school are:
* Professionalism
* Leadership
* Communications
* Systems thinking and lifelong learning

Enlisted rank insignia is also nearly identical to Navy enlisted insignia. The Coast Guard shield replacing the [[List of United States Navy enlisted rates#E-4 to E-6|petty officer's eagle]] on collar and cap devices for petty officers or enlisted rating insignia for seamen qualified as a [[List of United States Navy enlisted rates#E-1 to E-3|"designated striker"]]. Group Rate marks (stripes) for junior enlisted members (E-3 and below) also follow Navy convention with white for seaman, red for fireman, and green for airman. In a departure from the Navy conventions, all petty officers E-6 and below wear red chevrons and all chief petty officers wear gold.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USCG Military Uniforms Branch |url=https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Personnel-Service-Center-PSC/Personnel-Support-Division-PSC-PSD/Military-Uniforms-Branch-PSC-PSD-mu/ |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=www.dcms.uscg.mil |archive-date=9 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250309141420/https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Personnel-Service-Center-PSC/Personnel-Support-Division-PSC-PSD/Military-Uniforms-Branch-PSC-PSD-mu/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{|style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
|+ '''Enlisted and non-commissioned officer grade structure of the United States Coast Guard'''<br /><small>''{{nobold|Note: Crossed anchors in the graphics indicate a rating of [[Boatswain's mate (US Coast Guard)|Boatswain's Mate]]}}''</small>
|- style="background:#ccc;"
![[U.S. uniformed services pay grades#Enlisted pay grades|U.S. DoD Pay grade]]||Special||colspan=3|E-9||E-8||E-7||E-6||E-5||E-4||E-3||E-2||E-1
|- style="background:#ccc;" "text-align:center;"
!NATO Code||colspan=4|OR-9||OR-8||OR-7||OR-6||OR-5||OR-4||OR-3||OR-2||OR-1
|- align=center
||'''Insignia'''
|| [[File:USCG MCPOCG Collar.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG MCPOCG.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG MCPO Collar.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG MCPOCG (reserve).svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG MCPO Collar.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG CMC.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG MCPO Collar.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG MCPO.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG SCPO Collar.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG SCPO.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG CPO Collar.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG CPO.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:Insignia of a United States Coast Guard petty officer first class.svg|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG PO1.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG-PO2.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG PO2.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG-PO3.png|41px]]<br />[[File:USCG PO3.svg|center|40px]]
|| [[File:USCG SM.svg|45px]]
|| [[File:USCG SA.svg|45px]]
|| [[File:USCG SR.svg|45px]]
|- align=center
||'''Title'''
|| [[Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard]]
|| [[Master Chief Petty Officer|Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard]] or<br />Other senior enlisted leaders{{refn|
* Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force
* Command Master Chief Petty Officers for the Deputy Commandants
* Area Command Master Chief Petty Officers|group="Note"}}
|| [[Command Master Chief Petty Officer]]
|| [[Master Chief Petty Officer]]
|| [[Senior Chief Petty Officer]]
|| [[Chief Petty Officer]]
|| [[Petty Officer First Class]]
|| [[Petty Officer Second Class]]
|| [[Petty Officer Third Class]]
|| [[Seaman (rank)|Seaman]]
|| [[Seaman Apprentice]]

|| [[Seaman Recruit]]

|- align=center
|'''Abbreviation'''||MCPOCG||DMCPOCG||CMC||MCPO||SCPO||CPO||PO1||PO2||PO3||SN||SA||SR
|- align=center
|colspan="14"|
|}

===Training===

====Officer training====
[[File:Coast Guard training near North Head Lighthouse.jpg|thumb|Training exercise at [[Cape Disappointment State Park|Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington]] ]]

The [[United States Coast Guard Academy|U.S. Coast Guard Academy]] is a four-year [[United States service academies|service academy]] located in [[New London, Connecticut]]. Approximately 200 cadets graduate each year, receiving a [[Bachelor of Science|Bachelor of Science degree]] and a commission as an [[Ensign (rank)|ensign]] in the Coast Guard. Graduates are obligated to serve a minimum of five years on active duty. Most graduates are assigned to duty aboard Coast Guard cutters immediately after graduation, either as Deck Watch Officers (DWOs) or as Engineer Officers in Training (EOITs). Smaller numbers are assigned directly to flight training at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], Florida or to shore duty at Coast Guard [[United States Coast Guard Sectors|Sector]], District, or Area headquarters units.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

In addition to the Academy, prospective officers, who already hold a college degree, may enter the Coast Guard through [[Officer Candidate School]] (OCS), also located at the Coast Guard Academy. OCS is a 17-week course of instruction that prepares candidates to serve effectively as officers in the Coast Guard. In addition to indoctrinating students into a military lifestyle, OCS provides a wide range of highly technical information necessary to perform the duties of a Coast Guard officer.<ref>{{cite web |title=OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS) |url=https://www.gocoastguard.com/get-started/officer-applications/officer-candidate-school-ocs |website=Go Coast Guard |access-date=31 March 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331225301/https://www.gocoastguard.com/get-started/officer-applications/officer-candidate-school-ocs |url-status=live }}</ref>

Graduates of OCS are usually commissioned as ensigns, but some with advanced graduate degrees may enter as [[Lieutenant (junior grade)|lieutenants (junior grade)]] or [[lieutenant]]s. Graduating OCS officers entering active duty are required to serve a minimum of three years, while graduating reserve officers are required to serve four years. Graduates may be assigned to a cutter, flight training, a staff job, or an operations ashore billet. OCS is the primary channel through which the Coast Guard enlisted grades ascend to the commissioned officer corps. Unlike the other military services, the Coast Guard does not have a [[Reserve Officers' Training Corps]] (ROTC) program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pocketsense.com/coast-guard-rotc-scholarships-7259234.html|title=Coast Guard ROTC Scholarships|website=Pocketsense.com|access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/college-student-pre-commissioning-initiative |title=College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (Scholarship Program) |website=GoCoastGuard.com |date= |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=19 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319132812/https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/college-student-pre-commissioning-initiative |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the [[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary|Coast Guard Auxiliary]] offers the [[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs|Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs]] (AUP), which provides college students with leadership training and experience in Coast Guard activities, though participation does not guarantee a commission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs |url=https://www.cgauxedu.us/ |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs |language=en-US}}</ref> The Coast Guard also operates the Select Reserve Direct Commission  program, for prospective candidates interested serving as a Coast Guard Reserve Officer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Direct Commission Officer Programs |url=https://www.gocoastguard.com/get-started/officer-applications/direct-commission-officer-programs |website=United States Coast Guard |access-date=6 October 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007192001/https://www.gocoastguard.com/get-started/officer-applications/direct-commission-officer-programs |url-status=live }}</ref>

Lawyers, engineers, intelligence officers, military aviators holding commissions in other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces requesting interservice transfers to the Coast Guard, graduates of maritime academies, and certain other individuals may also receive an officer's commission in the Coast Guard through the [[Direct Commission Officer]] (DCO) program. Depending on the specific program and the background of the individual, the course is three, four or five weeks long. The first week of the five-week course is an indoctrination week. The DCO program is designed to commission officers with highly specialized professional training or certain kinds of previous military experience.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Direct Commission Programs {{!}} GoCoastGuard.com |url=https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/direct-commission-programs |access-date=28 October 2022 |website=www.gocoastguard.com |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028204714/https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/direct-commission-programs |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Recruit training====
[[File:Flags Across America 111105-G-ZR255-029.jpg|thumb|Recruit companies visiting [[Arlington National Cemetery]] for their one day of off-base liberty, which is their only break in an eight-week boot camp at the [[United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May|Coast Guard Training Center]] in [[Cape May, New Jersey]]]]
Newly enlisted personnel are sent to eight weeks of [[recruit training]] at [[United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May|Coast Guard Training Center Cape May]] in [[Cape May, New Jersey]]. New recruits arrive at [[Charles W. Sexton|Sexton Hall]] and remain there for three days of initial processing which includes haircuts, vaccinations, uniform issue, and other necessary entrance procedures. During this initial processing period, the new recruits are led by temporary company commanders. These temporary company commanders are tasked with teaching the new recruits how to march and preparing them to enter into their designated company. The temporary company commanders typically do not enforce any physical activity such as push ups or crunches. When the initial processing is complete, the new seaman recruits are introduced to their permanent company commanders who will remain with them until the end of training. There is typically a designated lead company commander and two support company commanders. The balance of the eight-week boot camp is spent in learning teamwork and developing physical skills. An introduction of how the Coast Guard operates with special emphasis on the Coast Guard's core values is an important part of the training.

The current nine Recruit Training Objectives are:
* [[Self-discipline]]
* Military skills
* [[Shooting|Marksmanship]]
* Vocational skills and academics
* Military bearing
* Physical fitness and wellness
* Water survival and swim qualifications
* [[Esprit de corps]]
* [[U.S. Coast Guard#Symbols|Core values]] (Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Portals/3/Documents/TCCM/Documents/Helmsmannew.pdf?ver=2017-05-23-160144-093 |title=Training Center Cape May |publisher=United States Coast Guard |access-date=17 January 2024}}</ref>

====Service schools====
Following graduation from recruit training, most members are sent to their first unit while they await orders to attend advanced training in [[Class "A" Schools]]. At "A" schools, Coast Guard enlisted personnel are trained in their chosen [[List of United States Coast Guard ratings|rating]]; rating is a Coast Guard and Navy term for enlisted skills synonymous with the Army's and Marine Corps' [[United States military occupation codes|military occupation codes]] (MOS) and Air Force's [[Air Force Specialty Code]] (AFSC). Members who earned high [[ASVAB]] scores or who were otherwise guaranteed an "A" School of choice while enlisting may go directly to their "A" School upon graduation from Boot Camp.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASVAB score requirements changing for "A" schools |url=https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2816942/asvab-score-requirements-changing-for-a-schools/https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2816942/asvab-score-requirements-changing-for-a-schools/ |access-date=8 August 2022 |website=www.mycg.uscg.mil |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Civilian personnel===
The Coast Guard employs over 8,577 civilians in over two hundred different job types including [[Coast Guard Investigative Service]] [[special agents]], lawyers, engineers, technicians, administrative personnel, tradesmen, and federal firefighters.<ref name="uscg.mil"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/civilian/default.asp |title=USCG Civilian Careers |publisher=United States Coast Guard |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=16 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110052727/http://www.uscg.mil/civilian/default.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Civilian employees work at various levels in the Coast Guard to support its various missions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Civilian Careers (CG-121) {{!}} U.S. Coast Guard |url=https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1-/Civilian-Human-Resources-Diversity-and-Leadership-Directorate-CG-12/Office-of-Civilian-Human-Resources-CG-121/Civilian-Careers/ |access-date=8 August 2022 |website=www.dcms.uscg.mil}}</ref>

==Equipment==
{{main|List of equipment of the United States Coast Guard}}

===Cutters===
[[File:USCG National Security Cutter BERTHOLF (WMSL-750).jpeg|thumb|right|{{USCGC|Bertholf|WMSL-750}}, the first [[Legend-class cutter|Legend-class]] national security cutters]]
The Coast Guard operates 243 cutters,<ref name="uscg.mil1"/> defined as any vessel more than {{convert|65|ft}} long, that has a permanently assigned crew and accommodations for the extended support of that crew.<ref name=cutterdef>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/5000-5999/CIM_5000_3B.pdf#page=122 |format=PDF |title=United States Coast Guard Regulations, Chapter 10 – Classification and Status of Coast Guard Vessels |year=1992 |id=COMDINSTM 5000.3B |access-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103063017/http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/5000-5999/CIM_5000_3B.pdf#page=122 |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[National Security Cutter]] (WMSL): Also known as the Legend-class, these are the Coast Guard's latest class of {{convert|418|ft|m|adj=on}} cutter. At 418&nbsp;ft. these are the largest USCG military cutters in active service. One-for-one, Legend-class ships have replaced individually decommissioned 1960s {{sclass|Hamilton|cutter|2}}<nowiki/>s, also known as [[High Endurance Cutter|High Endurance Cutters]] (WHEC). A total of eleven were authorized and budgeted; as of 2021 eight are in service, and two are under construction.
* [[USCG medium endurance cutter|Medium Endurance Cutter]] (WMEC): These are mostly the {{convert|210|ft|m|0|adj=on}} ''Reliance''-class, and the {{convert|270|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Famous-class cutters, although the {{convert|283|ft|adj=on}} {{USCGC|Alex Haley|WMEC-39|2}} also falls into this category. Primary missions are law enforcement, search and rescue, and military defense. [[Heritage-class cutter]]s are expected to eventually replace the ''Reliance''- and Famous-class cutters as they are completed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/07/21/eastern-shipbuilding-protests-coast-guard-offshore-patrol-cutter-award-to-austal-usa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006000542/https://news.usni.org/2022/07/21/eastern-shipbuilding-protests-coast-guard-offshore-patrol-cutter-award-to-austal-usa |url-status=live |archive-date=6 October 2022 |title=Eastern Shipbuilding Protests Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Award to Austal USA |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=21 July 2022 |website=news.usni.org |publisher=USNI News |access-date=6 October 2022}}</ref>
* {{sclass2|Polar|icebreaker}} (WAGB): There are three WAGB's used for icebreaking and research though only two, the heavy {{convert|399|ft|m|0|adj=on}} {{USCGC|Polar Star|WAGB-10|2}} and the newer medium class {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} {{USCGC|Healy||2}}, are active.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/Healy.asp |title=420-foot Icebreaker (WAGB) |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111033408/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/Healy.asp |archive-date=11 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/icepolr.asp |title=399-foot Polar Class Icebreakers (WAGB) |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110102541/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/icepolr.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/16608825/article-Alaska-Lt--Gov--calls-for-US-icebreakers-? |title=Alaska Lt. Gov. calls for US icebreakers |agency=[[Associated Press]] |newspaper=[[Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]] |date=30 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120040330/http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/16608825/article-Alaska-Lt--Gov--calls-for-US-icebreakers- |archive-date=20 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/october-2013-navy-world-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-news/1311--northrop-grumman-to-supply-polar-ice-breaker-navigation-support-for-us-coast-guard.html |title=Northrop Grumman to Supply Polar Ice Breaker Navigation Support for U.S. Coast Guard |date=20 October 2013 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021120752/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/october-2013-navy-world-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-news/1311--northrop-grumman-to-supply-polar-ice-breaker-navigation-support-for-us-coast-guard.html |archive-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{USCGC|Polar Sea|WAGB-11|2}} is located in Seattle, Washington but is not currently in active service. The icebreakers are being replaced with new heavy icebreakers under the [[Polar Security Cutter program|Polar icebreaker program]], the world's largest coast guard vessel due for delivery in 2025.
* [[USCGC Storis (WAGB-21)|''USCGC Storis'']]: A 360-foot (110 m) icebreaker previously used by [[Shell plc|Shell]] before being bought by the Coast Guard in December 2024.
* {{USCGC|Eagle|WIX-327|6}}: A {{convert|295|ft|adj=on}} sailing barque used as a training ship for Coast Guard Academy cadets and Coast Guard officer candidates. She was originally built in Germany as [[Horst Wessel#Memorial namings|''Horst Wessel'']], and was seized by the United States as a [[prize of war]] in 1945.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 June 2013 |title=U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle (WIX-327) |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/wixtrain.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110061929/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/wixtrain.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |access-date=14 November 2009 |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 June 2017 |title=USCGC Eagle |url=http://www.lotsofhonor.com/blog/2017/06/02/uscgc-eagle-port-canaveral/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006015533/http://www.lotsofhonor.com/blog/2017/06/02/uscgc-eagle-port-canaveral/ |archive-date=6 October 2017 |access-date=5 July 2017 |publisher=Lots of Honor}}</ref>
* {{USCGC|Mackinaw|WLBB-30|6}}: A {{convert|240|ft|m|0|adj=on}} heavy icebreaker built for operations on the [[Great Lakes]].
* [[USCG seagoing buoy tender|Seagoing Buoy Tender]] (WLB): These {{convert|225|ft|m|adj=on}} ships are used to maintain aids to navigation and also assist with law enforcement and search and rescue.
* [[USCG coastal buoy tender|Coastal Buoy Tender]] (WLM): The {{convert|175|ft|m|adj=on}} Keeper-class coastal buoy tenders are used to maintain coastal aids to navigation.
* {{sclass2|Sentinel|cutter|0}} [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|cutter]] (WPC): The {{convert|154|ft|m|adj=on}} Sentinel-class, also known by its program name, the "Fast Response Cutter"-class and is used for search and rescue work and law enforcement.
* {{sclass2|Bay|tugboat|0}} [[Icebreaker|icebreaking tug]] (WTGB): {{convert|140|ft|m|adj=on}} icebreakers used primarily for domestic icebreaking missions. Other missions include search and rescue, law enforcement, and aids to navigation maintenance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/140wtgb.asp |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |title=140-foot Icebreaking Tug (WTGB) - Bay Class |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=11 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110125248/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/140wtgb.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Patrol Boat]]s (WPB): There are two classes of WPBs currently in service; the {{convert|110|ft|m|0|adj=on}} {{sclass2|Island|patrol boat|1}}s and the {{convert|87|ft|m|0|adj=on}} {{sclass2|Marine Protector|patrol boat|1}}s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/110wpb.asp |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |title=110-foot Patrol Boat (WPB) - Island Class |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107203719/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/110wpb.asp |archive-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/87wpb.asp |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |title=87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat (WPB) - Marine Protector Class |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110123940/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/87wpb.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[USCG 65' Small harbor tug|Small Harbor Tug]] (WYTL): {{convert|65|ft|m|adj=on}} small icebreaking tugboats, used primary for ice clearing in domestic harbors in addition to limited search and rescue and law enforcement roles.

===Boats===
[[File:USCG response boat medium 45607 Yorktown.jpg|thumb|U.S. Coast Guard {{convert|45|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Response Boat Medium (RB-M)]]

The Coast Guard operates about 1,650 boats,<ref name="uscg.mil1"/> defined as any vessel less than {{convert|65|ft}} long, which generally operate near shore and on inland waterways.

The Coast Guard boat fleet includes:
* [[47-foot Motor Lifeboat]] (MLB): The Coast Guard's {{convert|47|ft|adj=on}} primary heavy-weather boat used for search and rescue as well as law enforcement and homeland security.
* [[Response Boat – Medium]] (RB-M): A new multi-mission {{convert|45|ft|adj=on}} vessel intended to replace the {{convert|41|ft|adj=on}} utility boat. 170 planned
*[[USCG Deployable Pursuit Boat|Deployable Pursuit Boat]] (DPB): A {{convert|38|ft|adj=on}} launch capable of pursuing fast cocaine smuggling craft.
* [[Long Range Interceptor]] (LRI): A {{convert|36|ft|adj=on}} high-speed launch that can be launched from the stern ramps of the larger Deepwater cutters.
* [[Aids to Navigation Boat]] (TANB/BUSL/ATON/ANB): Various designs ranging from {{convert|26|to|55|ft}} used to maintain aids to navigation.
* Special Purpose Craft – Law Enforcement (SPC-LE): Intended to operate in support of specialized law enforcement missions, utilizing three {{convert|300|hp}} [[Mercury Marine]] engines. The SPC-LE is {{convert|33|ft}} long and capable of speeds in excess of {{convert|50|kn}} and operations more than {{convert|30|mi}} from shore.
* [[Response boat - Small II|29-foot Response Boat Small II]] (RBS-II): The successor to the [[Defender-class boat|25-foot RB-S]], the RBS-II is a 29 foot (9 m) high speed, multi-mission boat commonly used for search and rescue, [[port security]], and law enforcement. Improvements from the RB-S include improved visibility and modernized electronic chart plotter capabilities.
* [[25-foot Transportable Port Security Boat]] (TPSB): A {{convert|25|ft|adj=on}} well-armed boat used by [[Port Security Unit]]s for force protection.
* Special Purpose Craft, Shallow-water (SPC-SW): {{convert|24|ft}}{{clarify|reason=Needs more; |date=August 2013}}
* [[Cutter Boat – Over the Horizon]] (OTH): A {{convert|23|ft|adj=on}} rigid hull inflatable boat used by medium and high endurance cutters and specialized units.
* [[Short Range Prosecutor|Short Range Prosecutor (SRP)]]: A {{convert|23|ft|adj=on}} rigid hull inflatable boat that can be launched from a stern launching ramp on the National Security Cutters.

===Aircraft===
[[File:Coast Guard Airframe Fleet.jpg|thumb|Every aircraft in the U.S. Coast Guard fleet in June 2024. From left: [[HC-130J]], [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|C-27J]], [[EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry|HC-144]], [[C-37B]], [[MH-60T]], [[Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin|MH-65E]]]]
The Coast Guard operates approximately 201 [[List of active United States military aircraft#Coast Guard|fixed and rotary wing aircraft]]<ref name="uscg.mil1"/> from 24 [[United States Coast Guard Air Stations|Coast Guard Air Stations]] throughout the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Most of these air stations are tenant activities at civilian airports, several of which are former Air Force Bases and Naval Air Stations, although several are also independent military facilities. Coast Guard Air Stations are also located on active Naval Air Stations, [[Air National Guard]] bases, and Army Air Fields.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Coast Guard aviators receive Primary (fixed-wing) and Advanced (fixed or rotary-wing) flight training with their Navy and Marine Corps counterparts at [[NAS Whiting Field]], Florida, and [[NAS Corpus Christi]], Texas, and are considered [[United States Naval Aviator|Naval Aviators]]. After receiving [[Naval Aviator insignia|Naval Aviator Wings]], Coast Guard pilots, with the exception of those slated to fly the HC-130, report to [[Coast Guard Aviation Training Center|U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center, Mobile, Alabama]] to receive 6–12 weeks of specialized training in the Coast Guard fleet aircraft they will operate. HC-130 pilots report to [[Little Rock AFB]], Arkansas, for joint C-130 training under the auspices of the [[314th Airlift Wing]] of the [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]].{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Fixed-wing aircraft operate from Air Stations on long-duration missions. Helicopters operate from Air Stations and can deploy on a number of different cutters. Helicopters can rescue people or intercept vessels smuggling migrants or narcotics. Since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the Coast Guard has developed a more prominent role in national security and now has armed helicopters operating in high-risk areas for the purpose of maritime law enforcement and anti-terrorism.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

The Coast Guard is now developing an [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)]] program that will utilize the [[MQ-9 Guardian|MQ-9 Reaper]] platform for homeland security and search/rescue operations. To support this endeavor, the Coast Guard has partnered with the Navy and [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] to study existing/emerging unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities within their respective organizations. As these systems mature, research and operational experience gleaned from this joint effort will enable the Coast Guard to develop its own cutter and land-based UAS capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gocoastguard.com/about-the-coast-guard/experience-the-coast-guard/coast-guardsman-pioneers-unmanned-aerial-0|title=COAST GUARDSMAN PIONEERS UNMANNED AERIAL SURVEILLANCE|publisher=gocoastguard.com|date=2021|access-date=21 January 2023|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122134510/https://www.gocoastguard.com/about-the-coast-guard/experience-the-coast-guard/coast-guardsman-pioneers-unmanned-aerial-0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Current aircraft===
{{avilisthead|nonstandard}}
|-
! Type
! Manufacturer
! Origin
! Class
! Role
! Introduced
! In service<ref>{{cite web|title = The Scramble Military Database USA-Coast Guard|url = https://www.scramble.nl/index.php?option=com_mildb&view=search&Itemid=60&af=uscg|website = scramble.nl|access-date = 1 May 2019}}{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
! Notes
|-
| [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|C-27J Spartan]]
|Alenia Aeronautica
| U.S.<br />Italy
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2014
| 14
| Former Air Force aircraft, acquired in return for the release of seven HC-130H aircraft to the [[United States Forest Service]] for use as aerial tankers.
|-
| [[Gulfstream V|C-37A]]
|Gulfstream
| U.S.
| Jet
| Priority Airlift
| 1998
| 1
| Priority Airlift for high-ranking members of the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] and U.S. Coast Guard.
|-
| [[Gulfstream G550|C-37B]]
|Gulfstream
| U.S.
| Jet
| Priority Airlift
| 2017
| 1
| Priority Airlift for high-ranking members of the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] and U.S. Coast Guard.
|-
| [[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130H Hercules]]
|Lockheed Martin
| U.S.
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 1974
| 14
| Most have been removed from service and are being replaced by HC-130J aircraft. Seven were turned over to the United States Forest Service to be converted to aerial firefighting tankers.
|-
| [[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130J Hercules]]
|Lockheed Martin
| U.S.
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2003
| 12
| More on order, currently being manufactured to replace HC-130H.
|-
| [[EADS CASA HC-144 Ocean Sentry|HC-144A Ocean Sentry]]
|Airbus
| U.S.<br />Spain
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2009
| 15
| 
|-
| [[EADS CASA HC-144 Ocean Sentry|HC-144B Minotaur]]
|Airbus
| U.S.<br />Spain
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2016
| 3
| Minotaur upgrade of HC-144A aircraft includes advance navigation and search and rescue equipment.
|-
| [[Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk|MH-60T Jayhawk]]
|Sikorsky
| U.S.
| Helicopter
| Medium Range Recovery (MRR)
| 1990
| 51
| may remain in service until 2035
|- 
| [[Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin|MH-65E Dolphin]]
|Eurocopter
| U.S.<br />France
| Helicopter
| Short Range Recovery (SRR)
| 1984
| 46
| Upgraded version of MH-65D with advanced avionics and search and rescue equipment
|}

===Weapons===
[[File:US Navy 090711-G-3885B-128 Sailors aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Legare (WMEC 912) fire the ship's MK-75 76mm cannon during an underway gun shoot exercise.jpg|thumb|USCGC Legare fire the ship's MK-75 76mm cannon]]

====Naval guns====
Most Coast Guard Cutters have one or more naval gun systems installed, including:

*The [[Oto Melara 76 mm]], a radar-guided computer controlled gun system that is used on Medium Endurance Cutters. The 3-inch gun's high rate of fire and availability of specialized ammunition make it a multi-purpose gun capable of anti-shipping, anti-aircraft, ground support, and short-range anti-missile defense.
*The MK 110 57&nbsp;mm gun, a radar-guided computer controlled variant of the [[Bofors 57 mm L/70 naval artillery gun|Bofors 57 mm gun]]. It is used on the [[Legend-class cutter|Legend-class cutter, also known as the National Security Cutter (NSC)]]. It is a multi-purpose gun capable of anti-shipping, anti-aircraft, and short-range anti-missile defense. The stealth mount has a reduced radar profile. Also, the gun has a small radar mounted on the gun barrel to measure muzzle velocity for fire control purposes and can change ammunition types instantly due to a dual-feed system. It can also be operated/fired manually using a joystick and video camera (mounted on gun).
*The [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk 38 Mod 0]] weapons system consists of an M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun and the Mk 88 Mod 0 machine gun mount. A manned system, its gyro-stabilization compensates for the pitching deck. It provides ships with defensive and offensive gunfire capability for the engagement of a variety of surface targets. Designed primarily as a close-range defensive measure, it provides protection against patrol boats, floating mines, and various shore-based targets.
*The [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk 38 Mod 2]] weapons system is a remotely operated Mk 38 with an electronic optical sight, laser range-finder, [[FLIR]], a more reliable feeding system, all of which enhance the weapon systems capabilities and accuracy.
*The [[Phalanx CIWS]] (pronounced "sea-wiz") is a close-in weapon system for defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles. it can also be used against a variety of surface targets. Consisting of a radar-guided 20&nbsp;mm 6-barreled [[M61 Vulcan]] cannon mounted on a swiveling base, it is used on the Coast Guard's National Security Cutters. This system can operate autonomously against airborne threats or may be manually operated with the use of electronic optical sight, laser range-finder and FLIR systems against surface targets.
*The [[CROWS|Sea PROTECTOR MK50]] is a remotely controlled gyro-stabilized [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun]]. The sight package includes a daylight video camera, a thermal camera and an eye-safe laser rangefinder operated by a joystick. It is also furnished with a fully integrated fire control system that provides ballistic correction. The Mk50s are used on only four [[Marine Protector-class patrol boat|Marine Protector-class]] Cutters, the {{USCGC|Sea Fox|WPB-87374}}, {{USCGC|Sea Devil|WPB-87368}}, {{USCGC|Sea Dragon|WPB-87367}} and {{USCGC|Sea Dog|WPB-87373}}

====Small arms and light weapons====
[[File:USCG SIG P229.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[P229|SIG P229R]]-DAK is the [[List of equipment of the United States Coast Guard|standard sidearm of the U.S. Coast Guard]].]]

The U.S. Coast Guard uses a wide variety of small arms and light weapons that include:
{| class="wikitable" border="0" width="100%"
! width="25%" |Name
! width="25%" |Country of origin
! width="25%" |Type
!Status
|-
|[[M1911 pistol|Colt Gold Match M1911]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Marksmanship badges (United States)|EIC Competition Use]]
|-
|[[M16 rifle|Colt M16A4]]
|[[Assault rifle]]
|-
|[[Glock|Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS]]
|{{Flag|Austria}}
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| rowspan="6" |Standard issue
|-
|[[Remington 870|Remington 870P]]
| rowspan="8" |{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Shotgun]]
|-
|[[M4 carbine|Colt M4]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Assault rifle]]
|-
|[[Close Quarters Battle Receiver]]
|-
|[[M14 rifle#M14 Tactical|M14 Tactical]] 
|[[Battle rifle]]
|-
|[[M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System|Mk 11 Mod 2 precision rifle]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Sniper rifle]]
|-
|[[Barrett M82|Barrett M107 .50-caliber rifle]]
|Used by marksmen from the [[Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron]] and [[Law Enforcement Detachments]] to disable the engines on fleeing boats.
|-
|[[M240 machine gun]]
|[[General-purpose machine gun]]
| rowspan="2" |Standard issue
|-
|[[Mk 19 grenade launcher|Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher]]
|[[Grenade launcher]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Crew-Served Weapon, MK-19, 40mm Machine Gun Course (MK-19) |url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/SMTC/Training/Crew-Served-Weapon-MK-19-40mm-Machine-Gun-Course-MK-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318195341/http://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/SMTC/Training/Crew-Served-Weapon-MK-19-40mm-Machine-Gun-Course-MK-19/ |archive-date=18 March 2018 |access-date=25 April 2018 |website=Forcecom.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|}

==Symbols==
===Core values===
The Coast Guard, like the other armed services of the United States, has a set of core values that serve as basic ethical guidelines for all Coast Guard active duty, reservists, auxiliarists, and civilians. The '''Coast Guard Core Values''' are:

{{Blockquote|quote=<poem>'''Honor''': Integrity is our standard. We demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior in all of our personal actions. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.
'''Respect''': We value our diverse workforce. We treat each other with fairness, dignity, and compassion. We encourage individual opportunity and growth. We encourage creativity through empowerment. We work as a team.
'''Devotion to Duty''': We are professionals, military and civilian, who seek responsibility, accept accountability, and are committed to the successful achievement of our organizational goals. We exist to serve. We serve with pride.</poem><ref name="CGCV">{{cite web |title=U.S. Coast Guard Core Values |url=https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=114-06-02&category=core-values |website=U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |access-date=29 April 2022 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920023756/https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=114-06-02&category=core-values |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<!-- end of bq -->

===The Guardian Ethos===
In 2008, the Coast Guard introduced the Guardian Ethos. As the commandant, Admiral Allen noted in a message to all members of the Coast Guard: [The Ethos] "defines the essence of the Coast Guard," and is the "contract the Coast Guard and its members make with the nation and its citizens."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/call/docs/10-52/ch_3.asp |title=The Coast Guard and Homeland Security |website=United States Army Combined Arms Center |date=July 2010 |access-date=26 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227004050/http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/call/docs/10-52/ch_3.asp |archive-date=27 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===The Coast Guard Ethos===
In an ALCOAST message effective 1 December 2011 the Commandant, Admiral Papp, directed that the language of ''Guardian Ethos'' be superseded by the ''Coast Guard Ethos'' in an effort to use terminology that would help with the identity of personnel serving in the Coast Guard.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shipmates 17 - The Coast Guard Ethos |url=http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/ALCOAST/554-11_alcoast.txt |format=txt |id=ALCOAST 554/11 |website=CGMS General Messages |date=30 November 2011 |access-date=26 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106080309/http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/ALCOAST/554-11_alcoast.txt |archive-date=6 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The term ''coast guardsman'' is the correct form of address used in Title 14 USC and is the form that has been used historically. This changed the line in the Guardian Ethos "I am a Guardian." to become "I am a Coast Guardsman."<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/documents/budget/2009_Posture_Statement.pdf#page=59 |format=PDF |section=The Guardian Ethos |title=U.S. Coast Guard Posture Statement |publisher=United States Coast Guard |date=February 2008 |page=17 |access-date=11 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412083826/https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/documents/budget/2009_Posture_Statement.pdf#page=59 |archive-date=12 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Ethos is:
{{Blockquote|quote=<poem>In Service to our Nation 
With Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty 
We protect 
We defend 
We save 
We are Semper Paratus 
We are the United States Coast Guard</poem>|sign=The Coast Guard Ethos<ref name="ALCOAST 554/11"/>}}

===Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman===
{{main|Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman}}
The "Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman" was written by Vice Admiral [[Harry G. Hamlet]], who served as Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1932 to 1936.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/HGHamletBio.asp |title=Harry G. Hamlet 1932-1936 |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=26 January 2012 |access-date=8 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623125613/http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/HGHamletBio.asp |archive-date=23 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Blockquote|quote=<poem>I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman.
I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world.
I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged.
I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders.
I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share.
I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties.
I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems.
I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others.
I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live.
I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril.
With God's help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works...
A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN.</poem>|sign=Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/History/faqs/creed.asp |title=Coast Guard History: Frequently Asked Questions - Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman |first=Harry G. |last=Hamlet |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=10 October 2012 |access-date=8 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826091059/http://uscg.mil/history/faqs/creed.asp |archive-date=26 August 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<!-- end of bq -->

==="You have to go out, but you don't have to come back!"===
This unofficial motto of the Coast Guard dates to an 1899 [[United States Lifesaving Service]] regulation, which states in part: "In attempting a rescue, ... he will not desist from his efforts until by actual trial, the impossibility of effecting a rescue is demonstrated. The statement of the keeper that he did not try to use the boat because the sea or surf was too heavy will not be accepted, unless attempts to launch it were actually made and failed."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/LSSmotto.asp |title=Coast Guard History: Frequently Asked Questions - What is the origin of the saying "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back"? |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=10 October 2012 |access-date=1 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520071918/http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/LSSmotto.asp |archive-date=20 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Coast Guard ensign===
[[File:Ensign of the United States Coast Guard.svg|thumb|Ensign of the United States Coast Guard]]
[[File:Ensign of the United States Coast Guard (1915-1953).png|thumb|Former Coast Guard ensign, used from 1915 to 1953]]

The Coast Guard [[Ensign (flag)|ensign]] (flag) was first flown by the [[Revenue Cutter Service]] in 1799 to distinguish revenue cutters from merchant ships. A 1 August 1799 order issued by Secretary of the Treasury [[Oliver Wolcott Jr.]] specified that the Ensign would be "sixteen perpendicular stripes (for the number of states in the United States at the time), alternate red and white, the union of the ensign to be the arms of the United States in a dark blue on a white field."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |title=U.S. Coast Guard Flags |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=26 January 2012 |access-date=21 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620095732/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |archive-date=20 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

This ensign became familiar in American waters and served as the sign of authority for the Revenue Cutter Service until the early 20th century. The ensign was originally intended to be flown only on revenue cutters and boats connected with the Customs Service but over the years it was found flying atop custom houses as well, and the practice became a requirement in 1874. On 7 June 1910, President [[William Howard Taft]] issued an executive order adding an emblem to (or "[[Defacement (flag)|defacing]]") the ensign flown by the Revenue cutters to distinguish it from what is now called the [[:File:Flag of the United States Customs Service.svg|Customs Ensign]] flown from the custom houses. The emblem was changed to the official seal of the Coast Guard in 1927.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Traditions.asp |title=The Coast Guard Ensign |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |access-date=15 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621093322/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Traditions.asp |archive-date=21 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbp.gov/custoday/jan2000/tradtn.htm |title=Tradition, Service, Honor: The Customs Ensign |first=Anne |last=Saba |website=U.S. Customs Today |date=January 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023181113/http://www.cbp.gov/custoday/jan2000/tradtn.htm |archive-date=23 October 2011 }}</ref>

The purpose of the ensign is to allow ship captains to easily recognize those vessels having legal authority to stop and board them. It is flown only as a symbol of law enforcement authority and is never carried as a parade standard.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |title=U.S. Coast Guard Flags |date=17 November 2014 |access-date=26 February 2015 |quote=As it was intended in 1799, the ensign is displayed as a mark of authority for boardings, examinations and seizures of vessels for the purpose of enforcing the laws of the United States. The ensign is never carried as a parade or ceremony standard. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226191031/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |archive-date=26 February 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Coast Guard standard===
The Coast Guard standard is used in parades and carries the battle honors of the Coast Guard. It was derived from the [[Maritime flags#Jacks|jack]] of the Coast Guard ensign which was flown by revenue cutters. The emblem is a blue eagle from the coat of arms of the United States on a white field. Above the eagle are the words "United States Coast Guard" below the eagle is the motto, "Semper Paratus" and the inscription "1790."<ref>{{cite web |title=Trademarks and Emblems |url=https://www.uscg.mil/Community/Trademark/insignia |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015155156/https://www.uscg.mil/Community/Trademark/insignia/ |archive-date= Oct 15, 2023 }}</ref>
[[File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - Indonesian and U.S. Coast Guard ships transit the Java Sea while conducting ship formation exercises during the at-sea phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2012 Indonesia. (1).jpg|thumb|The Service Mark was developed to distinguish Coast Guard cutters from other government and commercial ships.]]

===Service Mark ("Racing Stripe")===

The Racing Stripe, officially known as the Service Mark, was designed in 1964 by the industrial design office of [[Raymond Loewy]] Associates to give the Coast Guard a distinctive, modern image. Loewy had designed the colors for the [[Air Force One]] fleet for [[Jackie Kennedy]]. President [[John F. Kennedy|Kennedy]] was so impressed with his work, he suggested that the entire Federal Government needed his make-over and suggested that he start with the Coast Guard.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Sea History (magazine)|Sea History]] |number=139 |date=Summer 2012 |title=The History of the 'Racing Stripe' Emblem and Brand |first=William H. |last=Thiesen |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/StripeHistory.pdf |access-date=2 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512082309/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/StripeHistory.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/10000-10999/CIM_10360_3C.pdf |title=Coatings And Color Manual |website=CG-612 Directives and Publications Division |id=COMDTINST M10360.3C |date=11 March 2005 |access-date=19 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225020659/http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/10000-10999/CIM_10360_3C.pdf |archive-date=25 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> The stripes are canted at a 64-degree angle, coincidentally the year the Racing Stripe was designed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coast Guard History: Frequently Asked Questions - When did the Coast Guard adopt the "slash" for its cutters, boats, and aircraft? |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/slash.asp |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=8 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103062908/http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/slash.asp |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The racing stripe is borne by Coast Guard cutters, aircraft, and many boats. First used and placed into official usage as of 6 April 1967, it consists of a narrow blue stripe, a narrow white stripe between, and a broad CG red bar with the Coast Guard shield centered.<ref name="heraldry" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/USCG_Painting_Regs_1973.pdf |title=U.S. Coast Guard Coatings and Color manual |id=CG-263 |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=16 July 1973 |access-date=8 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103062911/http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/USCG_Painting_Regs_1973.pdf |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Red-hulled icebreaker cutters and most HH-65/MH-65 helicopters (i.e., those with a red fuselage) bear a narrow blue stripe, a narrow empty stripe the color of the fuselage (an implied red stripe), and broad white bar, with the Coast Guard shield centered. Conversely, black-hulled cutters (such as buoy tenders and inland construction tenders) use the standard racing stripe. Auxiliary vessels maintained by the Coast Guard also carry the Racing Stripe, but in inverted colors (i.e., broad blue stripe with narrow white and CG red stripes) and the Auxiliary shield. Similar racing stripe designs have been adopted for the use of other coast guards and maritime authorities and many other law enforcement and rescue agencies.{{#tag:ref|For example, the National Park Service operates various vessels with a green racing stripe, as seen at [[Channel Islands National Park#Vessels]] ([https://fineartamerica.com/featured/national-park-service-research-diving-boat-sea-ranger-ii-jason-o-watson.html image]) or at [[Sleeping Bear Dunes]] ([https://www.munsonboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Munson-Model-26-42-8.jpg image]). Other agencies include the [[commons:File:Virginia Beach Police Department Marine Patrol Unit Hull Number 146.JPG|Virginia Beach Police Department Marine Patrol]], the [[commons:File:Chinese Coast Guard ship during DiREx-15.jpg|China Coast Guard]], the [[commons:File:Turkish Coast Guard Kaan 33 class patrol boat 312.jpg|Turkish Coast Guard]], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/89903901@N00/47558755441 Baltimore Police Marine Unit], and the [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/uspp/images/marine-unit.jpg US Park Police]. |group=Note}}

==Uniforms==
[[File:USCG Uniforms.png|thumb|right|Photo showing a variety of Coast Guard uniforms. From Left: Service Dress White, Tropical Blue, Service Dress Blue, Winter Dress Blue, Camouflage Utility Uniform, Operational Dress Uniform]]
{{main|Uniforms of the United States Coast Guard}}

For most of the Coast Guard's history, its uniforms largely mirrored the style of U.S. Navy uniforms, distinguishable only by their insignia. In 1974, under the leadership of Admiral [[Chester R. Bender]], the initial versions of the current Coast Guard Service Dress Blue and Tropical uniforms were introduced. This represented a major departure from many common conventions in naval and maritime uniforms. Notably, "Bender's Blues" was a common service dress uniform for all ranks, dispensing with the [[sailor suit]] and [[sailor cap]] formerly worn by enlisted members.<ref name=Regs>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/2009USCGUniformRegs.pdf |id=COMDTINST M1020.6F |title=Uniform Regulations |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=18 February 2009 |access-date=8 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616005319/http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/2009USCGUniformRegs.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rank insignia remained consistent with the naval pattern and some distinctly-nautical items such as the [[pea coat]], officer's sword, and dress white uniforms remained.<ref name=Regs/>

Today, the Coast Guard's uniforms remain among the simplest of any branch of the armed forces, with fewer total uniforms and uniform variants than the other armed services. There are only three uniforms that typically serve as standard uniforms of the day—the Operational Dress Uniform, Tropical Blue, and Service Dress Blue (Bravo).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/09/2002451108/-1/-1/0/CIM_1020_6K.PDF|title=Uniform regulations, Comdtinst m1020.6k|date=7 July 2020|publisher=United States Coast Guard|location=Washington DC|pages=1–5|type=Manual|department=U.S. Department of Homeland Security|archive-date=25 October 2020|access-date=23 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025011047/https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/09/2002451108/-1/-1/0/CIM_1020_6K.PDF|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Coast Guard Reserve==
[[File:USCG TPSB.jpg|thumb|right|A USCG [[Port Security Unit]] boat patrolling in [[Umm Qasr]], Iraq in 2003]]
{{main|United States Coast Guard Reserve}}

The [[United States Coast Guard Reserve]] is the reserve military force of the Coast Guard.<ref name=14USC704>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partII-chap21.pdf |title=14 USC PART II—Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary |year=2011 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=9 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131517/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title14/pdf/USCODE-2011-title14-partII-chap21.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Coast Guard Reserve was founded on 19 February 1941. The Coast Guard has 8700 reservists<ref name="uscg.mil"/> who normally drill two days a month and an additional 12 days of active duty each year, although many perform additional drill and active duty periods, to include those mobilized to extended active duty. Coast Guard reservists possess the same training and qualifications as their active duty counterparts, and as such, can be found augmenting active duty Coast Guard units every day.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

During the [[Vietnam War]] and shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard considered abandoning the reserve program, but the force was instead reoriented into force augmentation, where its principal focus was not just reserve operations, but to add to the readiness and mission execution of every-day active duty personnel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenges at many levels: Holistic view of readiness allows Army to meet new demands |url=https://www.army.mil/article/233273/challenges_at_many_levels_holistic_view_of_readiness_allows_army_to_meet_new_demands |access-date=19 July 2022 |website=www.army.mil |date=2 March 2020 |language=en |archive-date=19 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719121755/https://www.army.mil/article/233273/challenges_at_many_levels_holistic_view_of_readiness_allows_army_to_meet_new_demands |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since 11 September 2001, reservists have been activated and served on tours of active duty, to include deployments to the [[Persian Gulf]] and also as parts of Department of Defense combatant commands such as the [[United States Northern Command|U.S. Northern]] and [[United States Central Command|Central]] Commands. Coast Guard [[Port Security Unit]]s are entirely staffed with reservists, except for five to seven active duty personnel. Additionally, most of the staffing the Coast Guard provides to the [[Navy Expeditionary Combat Command]] are reservists.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2021 |title=Assessing the Health Readiness of Coast Guard Reservists: Results from Coast Guard Reserve Respondents to the HRBS |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.7249/ig149.7 |doi=10.7249/ig149.7|s2cid=241884762 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The Reserve is managed by the Assistant Commandant for Reserve, Rear Admiral James M. Kelly, USCG.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rear Admiral James M. Kelly |url=https://www.reserve.uscg.mil/News/Article-View/Article/2656440/rear-admiral-james-m-kelly/ |website=United States Coast Guard |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831193201/https://www.reserve.uscg.mil/News/Article-View/Article/2656440/rear-admiral-james-m-kelly/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Women in the Coast Guard==
{{main|Women in the United States Coast Guard}}

[[File:SPARS - NARA - 515462.jpg|thumb|[[SPARS]] recruiting poster during [[World War II]]]]

There have been women in the United States Coast Guard since 1918, and women continue to serve in it today.<ref name="cbc.ca">{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/military-international/ |title=Women in the military — international |date=30 May 2006 |work=CBC News |url-status=dead |access-date=10 August 2015 |archive-date=18 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518040804/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/military-international/ }}</ref><ref name=WHC>"Women's History Chronology", Women & the U. S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office</ref><ref name="womensmemorial">{{cite web |url=http://www.womensmemorial.org/Education/timeline.html |title=Women In Military Service For America Memorial |publisher=Womensmemorial.org |date=27 July 1950 |accessdate=8 September 2013 |archive-date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403045042/http://www.womensmemorial.org/Education/timeline.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During [[World War I]], in January 1918, radio and telegraph operator [[Myrtle Hazard]] enlisted as an electrician. She was the only woman to serve during the war and she is the namesake of [[USCGC Myrtle Hazard|USCGC ''Myrtle Hazard'' .]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Long Blue Line: Myrtle Hazard—first woman in the United States Coast Guard |url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Research/THE-LONG-BLUE-LINE/Article/3382820/the-long-blue-line-myrtle-hazardfirst-woman-in-the-united-states-coast-guard/https://www.history.uscg.mil/Research/THE-LONG-BLUE-LINE/Article/3382820/the-long-blue-line-myrtle-hazardfirst-woman-in-the-united-states-coast-guard/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=United States Coast Guard |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> While some newspapers reported that twin sisters Genevieve and Lucille Baker were the first women to serve in the Coast Guard, their attempt to enlist was rejected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vojvodich |first=Donna |date=2023-03-24 |title=The Long Blue Line: The Baker Twins—Re-searching the first female Coasties - or were they? |url=https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3311017/the-long-blue-line-the-baker-twinsre-searching-the-first-female-coasties-or-wer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324225445/https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3311017/the-long-blue-line-the-baker-twinsre-searching-the-first-female-coasties-or-wer/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 March 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=United States Coast Guard |language=en-US }}</ref>

==Coast Guard Auxiliary==
[[File:AUX W.svg|thumb|Badge of the [[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary]]]]
{{main|United States Coast Guard Auxiliary}}

The [[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary]] is the uniformed, civilian volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, created on 23 June 1939 by an act of Congress.<ref name="Title14">{{cite web |title=Title 14, United States Code, Section 821 |url=https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-2000-title14-section821&num=0&edition=2000 |website=United States Code |publisher=U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Law Revision Counsel |access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref> Although it is a civilian organization, it was originally named the "[[United States Coast Guard Reserve]]" and was later re-named the "United States Coast Guard Auxiliary" on 19 February 1941 when a [[military reserve force]] for the Coast Guard was created. As part of "Team Coast Guard" (the term used to collectively describe all active, reserve, auxiliary, and civilian employees), the auxiliary carries out, or assists in, nearly all of the Coast Guard's noncombatant and non-law enforcement missions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg3/cg3pcx/cginfo/CGA_Policy.pdf |title=US Coast Guard Auxiliary Policy Statement |first=Robert J. Jr |last=Papp |author-link=Robert J. Papp Jr. |access-date=9 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524055944/http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg3/cg3pcx/cginfo/CGA_Policy.pdf |archive-date=24 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Auxiliarists are subject to direction from the commandant of the Coast Guard. As of 2022, there were approximately 26,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Coast Guard Auxiliary {{!}} Homeland Security |url=https://www.dhs.gov/us-coast-guard-auxiliary#:~:text=It%20is%20comprised%20of%2026,000,,%20waterways,%20and%20coastal%20regions. |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=www.dhs.gov}}</ref>

Coast Guard policy has assigned many of its duties related to recreational boating safety to the Auxiliary, including public boating safety education and outreach. This includes offering boating skills courses, liaising with marine-related businesses at the local level, and providing voluntary Vessel Safety Checks (formerly called Courtesy Examinations) to the public.<ref>{{cite web |title=CG Auxiliary Vessel Examiner Manual |url=http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/CIM_16796_2E.pdf |date=20 August 1996 |id=COMDTINST M16796.2E |website=CG-612 Directives and Publications Division |access-date=1 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103062703/http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/CIM_16796_2E.pdf |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, Auxiliarists use their own vessels, boats, and aircraft (once registered as Coast Guard facilities) to provide operational support to the Coast Guard by conducting safety patrols, assisting in search and rescue missions, inspecting [[aids to navigation]], and performing other tasks on behalf of the Coast Guard.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Prior to 1997, Auxiliarists were largely limited to activities supporting recreational boating safety. In 1997, however, new legislation authorized the Auxiliary to participate in any and all Coast Guard missions except direct military and direct law enforcement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title33-vol1/pdf/CFR-2013-title33-vol1-sec5-31.pdf |title=33 CFR § 5.31 Power and authority |year=2013 |website=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] |access-date=9 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102132623/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title33-vol1/pdf/CFR-2013-title33-vol1-sec5-31.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Auxiliarists may directly augment active duty Coast Guard personnel in non-combat, non-law enforcement roles (e.g. radio communications watch stander, interpreter, cook, etc.) and may assist active duty personnel in inspecting commercial vessels and maintaining aids-to-navigation. Auxiliarists may support the law enforcement and homeland security missions of the Coast Guard but may not directly participate (make arrests, etc.), and Auxiliarists are not permitted to carry a weapon while serving in any Auxiliary capacity.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/OurOrganization/auxiliary/publications/AUXMAN.pdf?ver=2017-07-02-093004-213|title=Auxiliary Manual}}</ref>

==Medals and honors==
{{main|Awards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard}}
{{See also|Awards and decorations of the United States military}}

One coast guardsman, [[Douglas Albert Munro]], has earned the [[Medal of Honor]], the highest military award of the United States.<ref name="Munro">{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/MunroDouglasIndex.asp |title=SM1c Douglas Albert Munro |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=10 October 2012 |access-date=13 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031071727/http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/MunroDouglasIndex.asp |archive-date=31 October 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Fifty-five coast guardsmen have earned the [[Navy Cross]] and numerous men and women have earned the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (USA)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

The highest peacetime decoration awarded within the Coast Guard is the [[Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal]]; prior to the transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, the highest peacetime decoration was the [[Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal]]. The highest unit award available is the [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Presidential Unit Citation's history of heroism |author=Joshua Skovlund |date=1 September 2023 |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/presidential-unit-citation/ |access-date=25 Dec 2023 |archive-date=26 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226064529/https://taskandpurpose.com/news/presidential-unit-citation/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In wartime, members of the Coast Guard are eligible to receive the Navy version of the Medal of Honor. A Coast Guard Medal of Honor is authorized but has not yet been developed or issued.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 June 2012 |title=Medal of Honor, Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.navy.mil/moh/faq.html |access-date=30 January 2022 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605001140/http://www.navy.mil/moh/faq.html |archive-date=5 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In May 2006, at the Change of Command ceremony when Admiral [[Thad Allen]] took over as Commandant, President [[George W. Bush]] awarded the entire Coast Guard, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the [[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation]] with hurricane device, for its efforts during and after [[Hurricane Katrina]] and [[Hurricane Rita|Tropical Storm Rita]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation|url=http://www.militarymedals.com/medals/coast-guard-presidential-unit-citation/|access-date=16 July 2021|website=Military Medals|language=en-US|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716163535/http://www.militarymedals.com/medals/coast-guard-presidential-unit-citation/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notable coast guardsmen==
{{main|List of U.S. Coast Guard people}}

Numerous celebrities have served in the Coast Guard including tennis player [[Jack Kramer]], golfer [[Arnold Palmer]], All Star baseball player [[Sid Gordon]], boxer [[Jack Dempsey]]; surfer and inventor [[Tom Blake (surfer)|Tom Blake]]; musicians [[Kai Winding]], [[Rudy Vallee]], [[Derroll Adams]], and [[Tom Waits]]; actors [[Buddy Ebsen]], [[Sid Caesar]], [[Victor Mature]], [[Richard Cromwell (actor)|Richard Cromwell]], [[Alan Hale Jr.]], [[William Hopper]], [[Beau Bridges]], [[Jeff Bridges]], [[Cesar Romero]]; author [[Alex Haley]]; and Senator [[Claiborne Pell]].

Vice Admiral [[Thad Allen]] in 2005 was named Principal Federal Officer to oversee recovery efforts in the Gulf Region after [[Hurricane Katrina]]. After promotion to Admiral, on the eve of his retirement as Commandant, Allen again received national visibility after being named National Incident Commander overseeing the response efforts of the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].

Former Coast Guard officers have been appointed to numerous civilian government offices. After retiring as Commandant of the Coast Guard in 2002, Admiral [[James Loy]] went on to serve as [[United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security|United States deputy secretary of homeland security]]. After their respective Coast Guard careers, [[Carlton Skinner]] served as the first [[Civilian Governor of Guam|civilian governor of Guam]]; [[G. William Miller]], 65th [[United States Secretary of the Treasury|secretary of the treasury]], and retired vice admiral [[Harvey E. Johnson Jr.]] served as Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] (FEMA) under President [[George W. Bush]]. Rear Admiral [[Stephen W. Rochon]] was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the director of the executive residence and [[White House Chief Usher|White House chief usher]], beginning service on 12 March 2007, and continued to serve in the same capacity under President [[Barack Obama]].

Two Coast Guard aviators, Commander [[Bruce E. Melnick]] and Captain [[Daniel C. Burbank]], have served as [[NASA]] [[astronauts]]. [[Coast Guard Reserve]] commander [[Andre Douglas]] was selected in 2021 to join [[NASA Astronaut Group 23]].<ref name="Shapiro">{{cite web |last1=Shapiro |first1=Zach |title=Meet the Newest Coast Guard Astronaut |url=https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3727555/meet-the-newest-coast-guard-astronaut/ |website=MyCG |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |access-date=1 July 2024 |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701164036/https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3727555/meet-the-newest-coast-guard-astronaut/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Signalman First Class [[Douglas Albert Munro]] was awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] posthumously, and is the only coast guardsman to ever receive this honor.

==Associations==

===Coast Guard Aviation Association===
Those who have piloted or flown in Coast Guard aircraft under official flight orders may join the [[Coast Guard Aviation Association]] which was formerly known as the "Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl" ("Flying Since the World was Flat"). The Ancient Albatross Award is presented to the active duty USCG member who qualified as an aviator earlier than any other person who is still serving. Separate enlisted and officer awards are given.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aoptero.org/htm/alaward.htm |title=Ancient Albatross Award |website=Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl |access-date=3 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117053350/http://www.aoptero.org/htm/alaward.htm |archive-date=17 January 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/AncientAlbatross.pdf |title=The Bird That Continues to Fly: A History of the Ancient Albatross Award |first=Nora L. |last=Chidlow |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |access-date=7 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427222541/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/AncientAlbatross.pdf |archive-date=27 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Coast Guard CW Operators Association===
The Coast Guard CW Operators Association (CGCWOA) is a membership organization comprising primarily former members of the United States Coast Guard who held the enlisted rating of Radioman (RM) or Telecommunications Specialist (TC), and who employed International Morse Code (CW) in their routine communications duties on Coast Guard cutters and at shore stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comm-one.org |title=Coast Guard CW Operators Association |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703123925/http://www.comm-one.org/ |archive-date=3 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===USCG Chief Petty Officers Association===
Members of this organization unite to assist members and dependents in need, assist with Coast Guard recruiting efforts, support the aims and goals of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Academy, keep informed on Coast Guard matters, and assemble for social amenities; and include Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief Petty Officers, active, reserve and retired. Membership is also open to all Chief Warrant Officers and Officers who have served as a Chief Petty Officer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscgcpoa.org/ |title=U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association |access-date=27 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060803075734/http://uscgcpoa.org/ |archive-date=3 August 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===USCG Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association (CWOA)===
Established in 1929, the Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association, United States Coast Guard (CWOA) represents Coast Guard warrant and chief warrant officers (active, reserve and retired) to the Congress, White House and the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, the association communicates with the Coast Guard leadership on matters of concern to Coast Guard chief warrant officers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cwoauscg.org/ |title=USCG Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association |access-date=27 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313045850/http://www.cwoauscg.org/ |archive-date=13 March 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==In popular culture==
<!-- The subject of this article has appeared in popular cultural contexts such as films, video games, novels, strip cartoons, and the like. These are mostly trivial mentions, and listing them adds no value to the encyclopedic treatment of the subject.Before adding items to this section, please read [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history/Content guide#Popular culture]]. Additions that appear to be insignificant and/or are not attributed to a reliable source WILL be removed.If an item you have added has been removed and you wish to contest its removal, please start a discussion on this article's talk page proposing that it be restored. -->

The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a Motion Picture and Television Office (MOPIC) in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood, California]], along with its sister services at the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] dedicated to enhancing public awareness and understanding of the Coast Guard, its people, and its missions through a cooperative effort with the entertainment industry.<ref name="MOPIC">{{cite web |author=USCG Department of Public Affairs |title=U.S. Coast Guard Motion Picture & Television Office (CG-0922M) |url=https://www.uscg.mil/publicaffairs/MOPIC |access-date=13 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313220457/http://www.uscg.mil/publicaffairs/MOPIC/ |archive-date=13 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Coast Guard In Film">{{cite web |last1=Commander Judd |first1=Ralph, USCG (ret) |title=The Coast Guard In Film |url=https://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/FilmIndex.asp |website=USCG: Frequently Asked Questions |access-date=13 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313214039/https://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/FilmIndex.asp |archive-date=13 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===In film===
* ''[[Don Winslow of the Coast Guard]]'' (1943), based on the [[Don Winslow of the Navy]] comic strip, depicts a Coast Guard intelligence officer hunting down Japanese spies on the west coast of the United States during WWII. 
* ''[[Fighting Coast Guard]]'' (1951), depicts Coast Guard trained to help win WWII.<ref name="Coast Guard In Film" />
* ''[[The Boatniks]]'' (1970), a slapstick comedy depicting a clumsy Coast Guard ensign newly assigned as skipper of a cutter in the [[Newport Beach]] area.
* ''[[The Guardian (2006 film)|The Guardian]]'' (2006), depicts the [[Aviation Survival Technician]] (AST) program.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=A.O |title=Costner Is Back in the Water, and He's Stoically Swimming to Save Everybody |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/29/movies/29guar.html |access-date=8 April 2023 |date=September 29, 2006 |archive-date=13 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713042416/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/29/movies/29guar.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Pain & Gain]]'' (2013), starring [[Dwayne Johnson]] and [[Mark Wahlberg]], depicted the Coast Guard [[Deployable Specialized Forces]] in action.<ref name="Coast Guard In Film" />
* ''[[The Finest Hours (2016 film)|The Finest Hours]]'' (2016), A film portraying the rescue of the crew of ''[[SS Pendleton]]'' by [[coxswain]] [[Bernard C. Webber]] and the three other crewmen of ''[[Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat CG 36500]]''.<ref name="Coast Guard In Film" />
* ''[[Deepwater Horizon (film)|Deepwater Horizon]]'' (2016), depicts the events of 20 April 2010 when the mobile drilling platform Deepwater Horizon [[Deepwater Horizon explosion|suffered a mass casualty explosion]] that resulted in the deaths of 11 crew members. The film also depicts the Coast Guard's coordination and response in the immediate aftermath of the explosion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lodge |first1=Bill |title=Casting call seeks real oil workers for 'Deepwater Horizon' movie starring Mark Wahlberg |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/nation_world/casting-call-seeks-real-oil-workers-for-deepwater-horizon-movie-starring-mark-wahlberg/article_033b9469-5c2d-587d-b08b-33676acadad4.html |access-date=8 April 2023 |agency=The Advocate |date=March 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Dave |title=Deepwater Horizon the film – A review |url=https://www.ishn.com/articles/105043-deepwater-horizon-the-film-a-review |website=Industrial Safety & Hygiene News |access-date=8 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408015931/https://www.ishn.com/articles/105043-deepwater-horizon-the-film-a-review |url-status=live }}</ref>

===On television===
The Coast Guard has been featured in several [[television series]], including:
* ''[[Coast Guard Alaska|Coast Guard Alaska: Search and Rescue]]'', a series on [[The Weather Channel]] that features a Coast Guard search-and-rescue unit based in [[Kodiak, Alaska]]. Several series have [[Spin-off (media)|spun off]] the original to focus on units based in [[Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment|Cape Disappointment]] and [[Miami, Florida|Florida]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brooks|first1=James|title=Kodiak Coast Guardsmen cheer their debut on national TV|url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/kodiak-coast-guardsmen-cheer-their-debut-national-tv/2011/11/13/|newspaper=Alaska Dispatch News|date=12 November 2011|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315174648/https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/kodiak-coast-guardsmen-cheer-their-debut-national-tv/2011/11/13/|archive-date=15 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/03/12/the-weather-channel-greenlights-new-original-series-coast-guard-florida-produced-by-al-roker-entertainment-387301/20120312weather01/|title=The Weather Channel Greenlights New Original Series "Coast Guard Florida,"|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lagan|first1=Christopher|title=Coast Guard Pacific Northwest will be focus of new Weather Channel series|url=http://allhands.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/02/06/coast-guard-pacific-northwest-will-be-focus-of-new-weather-channel-series/|website=Coast Guard All Hands|date=6 February 2014|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906183815/http://allhands.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/02/06/coast-guard-pacific-northwest-will-be-focus-of-new-weather-channel-series/|archive-date=6 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
===U.S. Coast Guard===
{{Div col}}
* [[AMVER]]
* [[Badges of the United States Coast Guard]]
* [[Chaplain of the United States Coast Guard]]
* [[Coast Guard Day]]
* [[Coast Guard Intelligence]]
* [[Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations|Code of Federal Regulations, Title 33]]
* [[Joint Maritime Training Center]]
* [[List of United States Coast Guard cutters]]
* [[List of United States Coast Guard stations]]
* [[Maritime Law Enforcement Academy]]
* [[Maritime Security Risk Analysis Model]]
* [[MARSEC]]
* [[National Data Buoy Center]]
* [[Naval militias in the United States]]
* [[North Pacific Coast Guard Agencies Forum]]
* [[Patrol Forces Southwest Asia]]
* [[SPARS]]
* [[United States Coast Guard Legal Division]]
* [[United States Coast Guard Police]]
* [[United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center]]
* [[U.S. National Ice Center]]
{{Div col end}}

===Related agencies===
* [[List of United States federal law enforcement agencies]]
* [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement]]
* [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (ICE)
* [[United States Maritime Service]]
* [[United States Merchant Marine]]

{{Portal bar|Oceans|United States}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last=Dolbow|first=Jim|title=The Coast Guardsman's Manual|edition=11th|publisher=Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland |year=2017|isbn= 978-1682471890}}
* [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo40673 Coast Guard: Observations on Progress Made and Challenges Faced in Developing and Implementing a Common Operational Picture: Testimony before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives] [[Government Accountability Office]]
* {{cite magazine |last1=Rankin |first1=Robert H. |last2=Rubin |first2=Norman N. |date=June 1959 |title=The Story of Coast Guard Aviation |url=https://cgaviationhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/Rankin-Rubin-The-Story-of-CG-Aviation.pdf |url-access= |magazine=[[Proceedings (magazine)|Proceedings]] |volume=85 |number=6 |location=Annapolis, Md. |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |pages={{nowrap|86–99}} |issn=0041-798X |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115232401/https://cgaviationhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/Rankin-Rubin-The-Story-of-CG-Aviation.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |access-date=January 23, 2025}}
* {{cite book |last1=Rankin |first1=Robert H. |last2=Rubin |first2=Norman N. |year=1964 |orig-year=Reprinted from ''Proceedings'' by permission; Copyright © 1959 by U.S. Naval Institute |title=The Story of Coast Guard Aviation |others=(As brought up to date by Public Information Division, U.S. Coast Guard) |url=https://media.defense.gov/2021/Oct/08/2002870823/-1/-1/0/1959_CG-215_STORYCOASTGUARDAVIATION.PDF |url-access= |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116013206/https://media.defense.gov/2021/Oct/08/2002870823/-1/-1/0/1959_CG-215_STORYCOASTGUARDAVIATION.PDF |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=January 23, 2025}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|United States Coast Guard}}
*{{Official website}}
**[http://www.uscg.mil/top/about/ About U.S. Coast Guard]
** [http://www.uscg.mil/magazine Coast Guard Magazine]
** [https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Featured-Content/Proceedings-Magazine/ USCG Proceedings Magazine]
** [https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-C4IT-CG-6/The-Office-of-Information-Management-CG-61/About-CG-Directives-System/ Coast Guard Directives and Publications]
** [http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp Coast Guard Flags]
** [https://homeport.uscg.mil/ USCG Homeport Website]
* {{cite web |last1=Tilley |first1=J. A. |title=A History of Women in the Coast Guard |url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/Women/ |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office |access-date=10 May 2020}} Women & the U. S. Coast Guard
* {{cite web |title=Women in the U. S. Coast Guard: Moments in History |url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/Women/Women-in-Coast-Guard-Historical-Chronology/ |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office |access-date=10 May 2020 |date=4 December 2019}}
* [https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/coast-guard Coast Guard] in the [[Federal Register]]
* [https://www.oig.dhs.gov/reports/audits-inspections-and-evaluations?field_dhs_agency_target_id=7 Reports on the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General]
* [[A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower]] [https://www.navy.mil/local/maritime/150227-CS21R-Final.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430074801/https://www.navy.mil/local/maritime/150227-CS21R-Final.pdf |date=30 April 2020 }}
* [https://www.youtube.com/uscgimagery U.S. Coast Guard Videos]
* [http://www.gisearch.com/ Military search and social network for current and former members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812102745/http://www.gisearch.com/ |date=12 August 2012 }}
* [http://www.cgaux.org/ U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Website]
* [http://www.coastguardchannel.com Coast Guard Channel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502223726/http://www.coastguardchannel.com/ |date=2 May 2021 }}
* [http://www.coastguardnews.com Coast Guard News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505101530/http://www.coastguardnews.com/ |date=5 May 2021 }}
* [[Congressional Research Service|Congressional Research Service (CRS)]] Reports regarding the U.S. Coast Guard [https://crsreports.congress.gov/search/#/?termsToSearch=us%20coast%20guard CRS Search Results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105195755/https://crsreports.congress.gov/search/#/?termsToSearch=us%20coast%20guard |date=5 November 2021 }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/present-future-past365584.aspx|website=Maritime Reporter and Marine News magazines online |title=USCG ... Past, Present & Future |author=Greg Trauthwein |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=26 February 2015}}
* [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/90034/ US Coast Guard Network Group on LinkedIn]
* {{cite web |url=https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/Inspections-Compliance-CG-5PC-/Port-and-Facility-Compliance-CG-FAC/Americas-Waterway-Watch/ |title=America's Waterway Watch |publisher= U.S. Coast Guard Office of Port & Facility Compliance |access-date=10 May 2020 |date=26 June 2017}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970129071209/http://www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/ |date=29 January 1997 |title=United States Coast Guard }}

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