This past Sunday marked the 223rd anniversary of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and it is a day we all should celebrate. But first, a little history.
The Coast Guard traces its roots to the Revenue Cutter Service, which was created by congressional act in 1790. It had the first formally recognized mission of preventing the trade of slaves from West Africa. Based on exceptionally meritorious action, the mission of the USCG was continually expanded and eventually linked to the task of not only protecting the United States from Ocean-borne threats, but also protecting the ocean itself. The United States Coast Guard Academy was officially designated and recognized in 1915 as a significant source of the USCG Officer Corps.
Flashing forward to 2013, the USCG has grown to more than 90,000 active duty, reservists, civilian employees, and volunteers. They maintain a fleet of 1,776 vessels dedicated to protecting our waterways and shores as well as safeguarding and policing the same.
Last year, the USCG conducted almost 20,000 search and rescue missions resulting in 3,560 lives saved and more than $77 million in recovered property. They screened 436,000 vessels and 29.5 million embarked crew members before permitting these vessel access to U.S. Ports. The USCG also investigated 3,300 reported water pollution events to ensure compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act.
In conjunction with the Legacy of Valor's drive to honor veterans, inspire patriotism, and embrace freedom, hear from our region's own Anibal Martinez, a Maritime Enforcement Specialist with the United States Coast Guard. He has spent the past six years dedicating his life to service.
Did you know the U.S. Coast Guard has an official blog? Hear directly from service men and women about why they serve. Find information about our regional USCG sector serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.
