Founded on Ausust 4th, 1790, The United States Coast Guard is the only military service part of the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces whose primary responsibility is to maintain the security and safety of the U.S. people through the enforcement of maritime law.

Despite being one of the country’s oldest military organizations, many people still don’t know about the history and responsibilities of this military branch. In honor of their 234th birthday, here are 5 things you might not have know about our U.S. Coast Guard.

1. The U.S Coast Guard Is Part of the Military 

The long-held misconception about the U.S. Coast Guard is that it’s not part of the military. Nothing could be further from the truth. The U.S.C.G. may not be part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), but it is an arm of the United States Armed Forces. Previously, the U.S.C.G. fell under the Department of Transportation, but after passing a recent legislative law, it was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.

The U.S. Coast Guard is considered an arm of the military because, during conflict or war, the president has the power to transfer U.S. Coast Guard assets to the Navy. Additionally, the U.S.C.G. seniority ranks are similar to that of the Navy. The most senior Coast Guard officer is the four-star admiral Coast Guard commandant.

2. The Coast Guard Has Two Flags

The Coast Guard has two flags, the Coast Guard Ensign and the Coast Guard Standard. The Coast Guard Ensign flag consists of 16 perpendicular stripes in alternating red and white, representing the 16 U.S. states at the time, with the union of the ensign in dark blue on a white background in the corner. The main purpose of the Coast Guard Ensign flag was to distinguish Revenue Cutter vessels from merchant vessels.

The earliest illustration of the Coast Guard standard flag was created in 1917 it went through a couple differnet revisions until ultimatly adopting the current U.S Coast Guard flag in 1964.

3. You Have to be and Excellent Swimmer to Join the Coast Guard

Being an excellent swimmer to join the Coast Guard may be common knowledge, but it’s surprising to learn that half of the people who try out the Coast Guard swimming test fail. Many underestimate the skill required to become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

For the Coast Guard rescue team swimming test, an instructor will ask participants to dive into a pool from a 5-foot height and swim for 328 feet in about five minutes. These recruits aren’t allowed to use swimming goggles or touch the side or bottom of the pool. Additionally, they’ll need to pass a five-minute treading water test without using a life jacket. If they fail these tests, they’ll need to supplement their regular training classes with additional swimming lessons. Passing the swimming test is a mandatory requirement for graduating from basic U.S. Coast Guard training. 

4. The Coast Guard Has a History that Dates Back More than 230 years

Until the establishment of the Navy Department in 1798, the Coast Guard was the only armed force afloat. The Coast Guard’s history started in 1790 after President George Washington signed an act authorizing the construction of vessels to prevent smuggling and to enforce trade laws and federal tariffs. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, these vessels were referred to as a “system of cutters” or “revenue cutters.” Later, they adopted their official name and became the Revenue Cutter Service.

They continued to use this name until 1915, when they were renamed the Coast Guard after Congress merged their service with the U.S. Life-Saving Service. The Life-Saving Service consisted of several stations distributed on the coastline. They were operated by crew members willing to risk their lives to save those working and traveling by sea.

5. The Coast Guard has served in all of our nation's wars and conflicts

In times of war, the Coast Guard or individual components of it can operate as a service of the Navy. The Coast Guard has been involved in wars as diverse as the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the American Civil War. The last time the Coast Guard operated as a whole within the Navy was in World War II.

The Coast Guard has a long and distinguished history of service. Participating in the events that aided in the formation of our incredible nation, the Coast Guard's versatile, unique abilities have been invaluable to our country for  234 years. Happy Birthday U.S. Coast Guard!