Semper Paratus

Most only think of them as a group, often times made up of auxiliary members, who go after over zealous powerboaters on our lakes and rivers. Or acting as cops on the water, speeding after skippers who have had a tad too many bloody marys prior to shoving off on the nations waterways. Or the ones who instruct on boating safety as well as inspect your boat or ship for compliance with current maritime regulations.

Some would also know they patrol the nations waterways and coastlines. Searching for downed aircraft, answering distress calls from ships of all makes and nationalities. Inspecting ships, as warranted, which enter our coastal boundaries. Fewer know they are a key part of the on going war on drugs. Placing their lives on the line while helping to stop the flow of illicit drugs and other contraband from entering the country.

In peace time, they are under the Department of Homeland Security, but during times of national crises, as directed by the President, or during time of declared war, They fall under the Department of the Navy.

They are by many, the forgotten branch of the armed forces.

"They" are the United States Coast Guard.

The United States Coast Guard, one of the country's five armed services, is also one of the most unique agencies of the federal government. We trace our history back to 4 August 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of the federal revenue. Known variously as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, we expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew.

These added responsibilities included humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress. Our law enforcement functions also continued to expand. Congress tasked us with enforcing laws against slavery, piracy, and enlarged our responsibilities to prevent smuggling. We were also given the responsibility to protect the marine environment, explore and police Alaska, and chart the growing nation's coastlines, all well before the turn of the twentieth century.

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. We began to maintain the country's aids to maritime navigation, including operating the nation's lighthouses, when the Lighthouse Service was transferred to the Coast Guard in 1939. Later, in 1946, Congress permanently transferred the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation to the Coast Guard, thereby placing merchant marine licensing and merchant vessel safety under our purview.

source US Coast Guard

I thought it would be fitting to remember them. The men and women who serve with pride, in the Coast Guard, have some of the toughest and unheralded jobs of any of the services. They traditionally get the smallest appropriations, are asked to do more with less, long before it really gets hard for the other branches, and are tasked with an ever changing and demanding set of challenges.

And I am as guilty as any for cracking the usual "Coastie" joke about having to be 6' tall in order to become one. But you know what? It's true. Every man and woman in the Coast Guard is six foot tall (or more)in spirit, drive, and guts. With shoulders wide enough to carry any load given them. And that they do...with pride, and professionalism. For on a moments notice the Coast Guard may have to answer any thing from a call for help, to a nations call to action... and in doing so rightfully earn their motto "Semper Paratus".

This was also cross posted to my regular home on the web, as I feel they deserve to hear "thanks" from as many sources as possible.