The United States Coast Guard Celebrates its 236th Birthday– What You Need to Know

Alexander Hamilton proposed the construction of 10 new cutters to patrol the U.S. coastline in the interest of protecting the new nation's revenue on August 4, 1790. George Washington signed this proposal into law once approved by congress, and the fifth branch of the U.S. military was born. 

It was initially called Revenue-Marine and was under the Department of the Treasury of which Alexander Hamilton was the secretary until 1795. The service was officially renamed United States Revenue Cutter Service in 1894.

The Revenue Cutter Service combined with the Life-Saving Service on January 28, 1915 to officially form the U.S. Coast Guard as it is known today.

Today the Coast Guard remains true to its heritage, with some distinct differences in the scope of its mission. The force of just 10 cutters has increased to roughly 1,600 smaller boats and around 243 larger cutters. Their mission set is now also combined with the use of aircraft; around 200 aircraft, consisting mainly of helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes.

Missions are now carried out on both land and sea, providing rescue to those who need it most; be it natural disasters, or water-related human error and bad luck.

The U.S. Coast Guard has belonged to the Department of Homeland Security since 2003, after being designated under the Department of Transportation since 1967.

What most don’t know about the U.S. Coast Guard is that during peacetime, they are the only military branch to fall under the department of Homeland Security. In times of war, and with either an act of congress or an order from the president, the service can be temporarily joined with the U.S Navy under the Department of War. 

This change in department designation has only been enacted twice in its 236 years; during the first and second world wars.

Myrtle Hazard was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1918, during World War I, she enlisted and served as an electrical operator in Baltimore. 

Women were welcomed to serve in the Women's Reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve program (officially nicknamed "SPARs") in 1942 during the second world war. The program was demobilized in 1947; but by 1973, women were officially and permanently integrated into the service, allowed to serve in both active duty and reserve components.

Women have since served in leadership positions alongside their male counterparts, bringing their own trailblazing brand to the service of protecting the U.S. waterways.

The U.S. Coast Guard has come a long way, and the service is expected to grow by another 30 percent in personnel; along with the addition of new ships, aircraft, and advanced technology. This effectively means an increase of roughly 15,000 members in addition to the ones the Coast Guard Foundation currently supports.

The Coast Guard Foundation supports service members and their families through emergency financial assistance, disaster relief, and wellness programs. Individuals can help by donating, attending events, or spreading awareness.

As their mission advances, the need for support has never been greater.

Title Image: Credit: Coast Guard Collection, National Coast Guard Museum

A painting by Peter Rindlisbacher of the Cutter James Madison capturing the British merchantman Shamrock.