What is now our Coast Guard began on August 4, 1790 as the Revenue service, then part of the Department of the Treasury.
It's chief duty was interdicting merchant vessels trying to sneak into our ports without paying the required tariffs and duty on goods delivered.
Border patrol was also a responsibility.
In some ways the most versatile and interesting of our military branches, our modern Coast Guard, founded on January 28, 1915 requires mastery of many "hats".
Although in peacetime part of the Dept of Homeland Security since 2003, "Coasties" are members of the military, subject to the U.C.M.J. (Uniform Code of Military Justice), and earn the same pay and benefits for their rank as any other military personnel.
During times of war they come into the Dept of the Navy.
U.S.C.G. Patrol boat on station off the coast of Vietnam, U.S.C.G. Photo
During WWI and WWII, on the home front they engaged in anti-submarine patrol, port security and anti-spy activities.
In theater duties included patrol and search and rescue, convoy screening and anti-submarine warfare.
On many of our beaches on the east coast you may still see some of the concrete towers built during WWII for submarine lookouts.
Most of our working lighthouses are now manned and maintained by the Coast Guard.
Current duties include Law Enforcement and anti-drug patrol and interdiction.
Maritime Safety and instruction (Coast Guard Power Squadrons), equipment and registration are a key part of civilian interaction.
Port security and tariff and entry enforcement are still vital duties.
But, most of us think of the Coast Guard as guardian angels.
We regularly hear tales of daring and heroic rescues of boats in distress and people enjoying outdoor experiences that suddenly take a turn to disaster.
Coast Guard Search and Rescue personnel risk life and limb to help those in peril, often perishing themselves in the attempt.
Growing up near a major U.S.C.G. base in Opa Locka Florida, I was always comforted to see that familiar white and orange scheme on Coast Guard Aircraft flying over our house.
An excellent movie about Coast Guard rescuers starring Kevin Costner, "The Guardian " was released last year.
The next time you are boating or swimming and the local Coasties stop you to make certain that you are safe and shipshape, make sure to thank them for their service!
Coast Guard Amphibious Aircraft, photo courtesy U.S.C.G.
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