The U.S. Coast Guard, established in 1790, is one of the oldest federal organizations, initially created to enforce tariffs and prevent smuggling. Over its long history, it has expanded its roles through mergers and transfers, including responsibilities for maritime safety, navigation, and merchant vessel regulation. Today, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security and serves as both a law enforcement agency and a military force, protecting U.S. waters in peacetime and wartime.
Throughout its history, the Coast Guard has played a vital role in national defense and maritime safety, serving in every U.S. conflict and taking on additional responsibilities such as lighthouse management and merchant marine regulation. It was transferred to different departments over time, most recently to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, reflecting its multifaceted mission of law enforcement, environmental protection, search and rescue, and national security.
Currently, the Coast Guard oversees over 100,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways within a vast Exclusive Economic Zone. With more than 56,000 personnel operating a fleet of cutters, aircraft, and boats across nine districts, it conducts daily operations including search and rescue, drug interdiction, port security, environmental response, and vessel inspections. Its broad authority and operational scope make it a critical component of U.S. maritime safety, security, and humanitarian efforts.
The U.S. Coast Guard, established in 1790, is one of the oldest federal organizations, initially created to enforce tariffs and prevent smuggling. Over its long history, it has expanded its roles through mergers and transfers, including responsibilities for maritime safety, navigation, and merchant vessel regulation. Today, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security and serves as both a law enforcement agency and a military force, protecting U.S. waters in peacetime and wartime.
Throughout its history, the Coast Guard has played a vital role in national defense and maritime safety, serving in every U.S. conflict and taking on additional responsibilities such as lighthouse management and merchant marine regulation. It was transferred to different departments over time, most recently to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, reflecting its multifaceted mission of law enforcement, environmental protection, search and rescue, and national security.
Currently, the Coast Guard oversees over 100,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways within a vast Exclusive Economic Zone. With more than 56,000 personnel operating a fleet of cutters, aircraft, and boats across nine districts, it conducts daily operations including search and rescue, drug interdiction, port security, environmental response, and vessel inspections. Its broad authority and operational scope make it a critical component of U.S. maritime safety, security, and humanitarian efforts.