Who Founded Coast Guard

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The United States Coast Guard traces its roots to a pivotal moment in American maritime history on August 4, 1790, when Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, established the Revenue Marine Service. This groundbreaking organization would become the foundation of what we now know as the United States Coast Guard, making it the oldest continuously operating naval service in the United States.

The Birth of a Maritime Protector

Hamilton’s vision was clear and practical. At the request of the first Congress, he authorized the construction of ten vessels designed to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling along the young nation’s coastlines. These initial cutters represented more than just boats; they were a critical component of the newly formed United States’ economic and maritime security strategy.

Evolution Through the Centuries

The service underwent several transformative changes throughout its history: • In 1863, the organization was renamed the Revenue Cutter Service • On January 28, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Coast Guard Act, merging the Revenue Cutter Service with the United States Life-Saving Service • In 1939, the U.S. Lighthouse Service was incorporated into the Coast Guard • The Coast Guard became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003

More Than Just a Maritime Force

The Coast Guard has always been unique among military branches. It serves simultaneously as a military force and a federal law enforcement agency. Its motto, “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready), perfectly encapsulates its versatile mission of protecting American waters, saving lives, and defending the homeland.

Historical Contributions

Throughout its 235-year history, the Coast Guard has been instrumental in numerous critical missions: • Enforcing maritime laws • Conducting search and rescue operations • Protecting marine environments • Supporting military operations during wartime • Intercepting illegal maritime activities

🚢 Note: The Coast Guard has participated in every major U.S. war since its founding, demonstrating its crucial role in national defense.

The service continues to evolve, with Linda L. Fagan making history in 2022 as the first woman to become Commandant of the Coast Guard and the first woman to lead one of the U.S. armed forces.

From its humble beginnings with ten small cutters to its current fleet of sophisticated vessels and aircraft, the Coast Guard remains a testament to American maritime innovation, courage, and commitment to protecting both national interests and human lives.