Happy 235th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard

[pappymac]

Happy Birthday to my brothers and sisters who have served or are serving in the United States Coast Guard.
The modern day Coast Guard was founded on August 4, 1790 as a "system of 10 cutters" to enforce laws and stop smuggling. First called the Revenue Marine and then the Revenue Cutter Service, The service has fought in every conflict the U.S. has been in since 1790, starting with the First Barbary War (where the Marines attacked "the Shores of Tripoli") and continuing to serve as part of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) in Bahrain today.

Semper Paratus!

 

[ssjones]

Wow, I had no clue that branch originated in 1790!

 

[tbradsim1]

yep Pappy they are the best, I Garronte!

 

[lraisch]

We had an old Chief who used to wake up the berth deck by walking through shouting, "New day, fresh start, little life, first in 1790".

 

[lraisch]

Regarding the motto "Semper Paratus". I recall someone posting a clipping of an article about penile implants which had a handwritten comment attached, "Is this what the Guard is really all about"?

 

[pappymac]

Regarding the motto "Semper Paratus". I recall someone posting a clipping of an article about penile implants which had a handwritten comment attached, "Is this what the Guard is really all about"?

That's also what the WestPac Widows would whisper to us Coasties at night in bars.

 

[spearheadbill]

Semper Paratus Pappy! My son is active duty now as an MK2 and it’s the greatest organization we have IMO. Thanx for your service!

 

[DeaconPiper]

My father served from 1975 to the mid-1990s, even had "Semper Paratus" tattooed on his arm.

I grew up hearing stories that inspired me to read, live and travel, too.

I joined in late 1998 and went to boot camp, like my father, in Cape May where I was born.

Stationed in Seattle, it was a fantastic experience that I relive even today. Roamed the decks of the Polar Star and downtown in a time when that city was bright, clean, and exciting for a 19-year-old kiddo.

Now, my 11-year-old son is curious. What a life!

 

[warren]

We have been well served for many years in war and peace. Happy birthday indeed!

 

[tbradsim1]

Did a week with the Surf boys in Washington, really opened my eyes up

 

[dozicusmaximus]

Happy birthday Coasties!

 

[pappymac]

My father served from 1975 to the mid-1990s, even had "Semper Paratus" tattooed on his arm.

I grew up hearing stories that inspired me to read, live and travel, too.

I joined in late 1998 and went to boot camp, like my father, in Cape May where I was born.

Stationed in Seattle, it was a fantastic experience that I relive even today. Roamed the decks of the Polar Star and downtown in a time when that city was bright, clean, and exciting for a 19-year-old kiddo.

Now, my 11-year-old son is curious. What a life!

I spent my first six years in Washington State. First two was on the Staten Island (WAGB-278). She was the first of the Wind Class icebreakers to be commissioned - originally as the Northwind in 1944 or 45 - but was given to the Russians as part of the Lend-Lease Act. They gave her back to the Navy in the 1950s and they renamed her Staten Island because the second Northwind had been built.

I actually did a lot of the press kits and publicity photos of the Polar Star before the commissioning. I was a photojournalist (Public Affairs Specialist) back then and actually was on duty when the captain ran her aground during sea trials.

I retired as a PACS in 1993. Washington State really went to crap after 2000.

 

[pappymac]

Wow, I had no clue that branch originated in 1790!

Al, check out this piece of history from the War of 1812...

 

[DeaconPiper]

I spent my first six years in Washington State. First two was on the Staten Island (WAGB-278). She was the first of the Wind Class icebreakers to be commissioned - originally as the Northwind in 1944 or 45 - but was given to the Russians as part of the Lend-Lease Act. They gave her back to the Navy in the 1950s and they renamed her Staten Island because the second Northwind had been built.

I actually did a lot of the press kits and publicity photos of the Polar Star before the commissioning. I was a photojournalist (Public Affairs Specialist) back then and actually was on duty when the captain ran her aground during sea trials.

I retired as a PACS in 1993. Washington State really went to crap after 2000.

Life aboard the Star are among my most memorable. And yes, Washington state is barely recognizable. Seattle was once a thriving, clean, safe and affordable city. It is none of those things today. Intentionally.