Semper Paratus

When you think about the United States Coast Guard, the image that likely comes to mind is of daring rescues at sea, brave mariners plowing through turbulent waters to save lives. Maybe it’s a scene of cutters intercepting smugglers or standing watch along the coastlines. But the story of the Coast Guard goes much deeper than that. It’s a tale of resilience, adaptability, and a service that has quietly but consistently safeguarded the United States since the nation’s earliest days. And like all good stories, it has a fascinating beginning.

Today, on Dave Does History, we’re diving into the history of the modern Coast Guard. You might be surprised to know that this crucial branch of the military didn’t spring into existence in 1915, even though that’s the year Congress officially created the United States Coast Guard. Instead, its roots stretch all the way back to 1790 and the early years of the Republic, when Alexander Hamilton—yes, that Hamilton—pitched an idea that became the cornerstone of maritime law enforcement in the United States.

Picture this: it’s 1790, and the fledgling United States government is strapped for cash. The Revolutionary War has drained the coffers, and the Articles of Confederation have left the country with a weak federal government and no real ability to raise revenue. Enter Hamilton, the newly appointed Secretary of the Treasury. His solution? A fleet of ten small ships—called cutters—that would patrol the coastline, collect tariffs, and enforce trade laws. It might sound modest, but these “revenue cutters” were about to lay the foundation for what would eventually become one of the most versatile maritime forces in the world.

The Revenue Cutter Service, as it came to be known, wasn’t just about collecting taxes. It also fought piracy, enforced the abolition of the slave trade, protected natural resources, and even acted as America’s only naval force between the disbanding of the Continental Navy in 1785 and the establishment of the United States Navy in 1798. These cutters and their crews became the Swiss Army knives of the seas, handling everything from law enforcement to military operations.

At the same time, another maritime force was beginning to take shape. In the early 19th century, coastal communities in the United States began forming volunteer organizations to help mariners in distress. These early lifesaving efforts were often informal and underfunded, but by 1871, the federal government stepped in to create the United States Life-Saving Service. Under the leadership of Sumner Increase Kimball, the service expanded and professionalized, with dedicated crews and stations dotting the coastlines.

Despite their different missions, the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-Saving Service shared a common goal: protecting lives and property at sea. By the early 20th century, it became clear that merging these two organizations would create a more efficient and unified force. And so, on January 28, 1915, Congress officially created the United States Coast Guard by combining the two services. It was a big step forward, solidifying the Coast Guard’s identity as both a military branch and a humanitarian force.

On that day, the newly minted Coast Guard consisted of just over 4,000 officers and enlisted personnel, 25 cruising cutters, 280 lifeboat stations, and a mandate to safeguard America’s waterways and coastal communities. But the Coast Guard’s mission was far from static. Within just a few years, it would be drawn into the chaos of World War I, taking on convoy escort duties and fighting German U-boats in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic.

Over the next century, the Coast Guard would prove its adaptability time and time again, tackling challenges that ranged from enforcing Prohibition in the 1920s to participating in amphibious landings during World War II. It would pioneer search-and-rescue missions, enforce environmental regulations, and even play a role in the Space Race, retrieving astronauts and spacecraft from the ocean after splashdown.

What’s remarkable about the Coast Guard is its ability to evolve while staying true to its core mission: saving lives and protecting America’s interests at sea. It’s a service that doesn’t always get the spotlight—it doesn’t have the same cultural cachet as the Navy or the Air Force—but its contributions are no less significant. Whether it’s rescuing hurricane survivors, intercepting drug smugglers, or patrolling the Arctic ice, the Coast Guard embodies its motto: Semper Paratus—always ready.

As we explore the Coast Guard’s history today, we’ll not only look at the events that shaped the service but also the broader context of its evolution. What led to its creation in 1915? How did it navigate the tumultuous waters of two world wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War? And what role did it play during the Space Race of the 1960s, a time when the United States was looking not just to the seas but to the stars?

The Coast Guard’s story isn’t just about ships and sailors—it’s about the intersection of history, politics, and human resilience. It’s about the ways in which this unique branch of the military has adapted to the needs of the nation, sometimes in ways that seem almost prescient. It’s a story of quiet heroism, of men and women who have dedicated their lives to service, often in the face of great danger.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join me as we chart a course through the history of the United States Coast Guard. By the end of this episode, you’ll see why this often-overlooked branch of the military deserves a place of honor in America’s story—and why it’s still as vital today as it was when Alexander Hamilton first envisioned it.