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> United States
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| Website | http://www.uscg.mil/USCG.shtm |
| Established | 00, 1790 |
| Disbanded | Still Active |
| Contributor | Gerald Farinas |
| Last Modified | Gerald Farinas April 30, 2004 04:15pm |
| Description | United States Coast Guard
What is now known as the United States Coast Guard was born on August 4, 1790 as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service. Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of the federal revenue. The service received its present name in 1915 under an act of Congress when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the Life-Saving Service. The nation now had a single maritime service dedicated to saving life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws.
The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and, until the Navy Department was established in 1798, it served as the nation's only armed force afloat. It has continued to protect the nation throughout its long history and has served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts. The United States Coast Guard's national defense responsibilities remain one of its most important functions even today. In times of peace it operates as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing laws at sea, protecting the coastline and ports, and saving lives. In times of war, or on direction of the President, it serves under the Navy Department.
As of October 2001, the United States Coast Guard has served and continues to serve under the Department of Defense, directed by the Secretary of the Navy. |
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