Guardians of the Coast: Celebrating the U.S. Coast Guard’s Birthday

Each year on August 4, we honor one of the nation’s oldest and most versatile maritime services, the United States Coast Guard. Established in 1790 by Alexander Hamilton, the Coast Guard has served as a sentinel of the seas for over 230 years, keeping mariners safe, protecting our shores, and standing ready at a moment’s notice.

Often called the “Silent Service,” the Coast Guard may not always make the headlines, but its contributions are felt every day. From search and rescue missions in rough Alaska waters to enforcing environmental protections in delicate marine ecosystems, their work echoes the values of courage, dedication, and service. They respond to hurricanes and oil spills, interdict drug smuggling operations, maintain aids to navigation, and even inspect cruise vessels like ours to ensure safety at sea.

For those of us at UnCruise Adventures, the U.S. Coast Guard is more than just a federal agency. It’s a partner in preserving the wild, remote places we love to explore. Their presence in ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, Honolulu, and Seattle demonstrates the shared responsibility we hold to keep the ocean safe and sustainable.

We are especially grateful for the service members we’ve welcomed aboard as guests, those on our crew, and those who have family ties to our crew and company. Their stories of storm rescues, midnight boardings, and international deployments remind us that adventure on the water is often built on a foundation of quiet heroism.

On August 4, we raise a toast (perhaps with a Beary Cosmo) to the men and women of the Coast Guard, past and present. Your vigilance and service make our adventures possible, from the Inside Passage to the Sea of Cortez.

Did You Know?

• The Coast Guard is the only military branch that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime.
• Their motto is Semper Paratus — “Always Ready.”
• They were originally created as the Revenue Cutter Service to enforce tariff laws.

You can learn more about the Coast Guard’s mission and history at Military.com’s Coast Guard Birthday page.

To our Coasties, we say thank you. May the seas you sail be calm, and the light you shine always guide the way.