The Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay homeported in Detroit, Michigan, works aids to navigation in the Cleveland harbor.
USCG photo by PA2 Paul Roszkowski
The U.S. Coast Guard traces its roots to U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, which was established by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton on Aug. 4, 1790. At the time, the Revenue Cutter Service was the only naval force of the United States.
Today, the U.S. Coast Guard consists of approximately 42,000 active duty personnel, 252 cutters, 1,600 boats and 194 aircraft.
The Coast Guards primary missions are to ensure maritime safety, maritime security, maritime mobility, national defense and the protection of natural resources. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard are eligible for full membership in The American Legion if they served honorably during The American Legion war-time eligibility periods.
