Today is the 232nd birthday of the United States Coast Guard.
Created on August 4, 1790, when Congress authorized then Secretary of the Treasure Alexander Hamilton to construct ten sea vessels to combat smuggling and enforce tariff laws, the role and mission of this organization has changed over the years.
In 1915 the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form what we now know as the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is a maritime military service with multiple missions; to protect the public, protect the environment and protect U.S. economic interests in the nation's waterways, as well as along the coast. The Guards also work in international waters or in any maritime region as required to support national security.
We are thankful for the men and women who have serve and continue to serve to keep our waterways safe. Happy birthday US Coast Guard.