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The United States Congress passed the Revenue Marine Act on Aug. 4, 1790, establishing the Revenue Cutter Service at the urging of the first Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Today, the Revenue Cutter Service is known as the U.S. Coast Guard.
Ten ships, known to be called “cutters” for their fast moving and shallow draw were to be built to enforce the tariffs of the newly established Federal Treasury Department. The ships were to be stationed at ports among the new states with enforcement of duties and customs on shipping coming into the United States.
Over the two centuries in existence, the U.S. Coast Guard has taken on functions and assumed missions of many other government departments voluntarily or through Congressional legislation.
In 1915, the Coast Guard merged with the United States Live Saving Service to establish what many see as the prime mission of search and rescue duties. In 1939 the Coast Guard absorbed the U.S. Lighthouse Service – the oldest U.S. Government agency created in August of 1789.
Over the course of U.S. history, the Coast Guard has been involved in nearly every U.S. military conflict, from the Quasi War with France from 1798 to 1801, the first shots of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter, the beaches of Normandy in World War II, up to patrolling the Persian Gulf for smugglers during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many times there has been debate in Congress about incorporating the U.S. Coast Guard into the U.S. Navy, but the missions and capabilities of the Coast Guard are too unique to be a good fit for a combined service.
Thus, when Congress debated the matter in 1914 during World War I, a decision was made that there would be separation and independence of these branches of the military. And to confirm Congress’ intent it proclaimed “The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times.”
As we mark the 235th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, we celebrate the many members of the IAM who are also veterans of the U.S. Coast Guard!
