America’s hidden gem – The United States Coast Guard

August 2011 - Navy
By LCDR Steven Rogers

When people think of the country’s uniformed armed services, what easily comes to mind are the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Yet what many people do not know is that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is also part of this group.

President Obama said it best in part of his commencement address in May at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The President said, “I’ve seen your pride, when I was in, of all places, Afghanistan. I was in Bagram, thanking our troops for their service. And I was giving a shout-out to every service — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. And then, way in the back of the crowd, a voice shouted out: ‘and Coast Guard!’ There was no ocean in sight. Not a body of water visible anywhere. But the Coast Guard was there, serving with honor, as you have in every major conflict that our nation has ever fought.”

Formed as the Revenue Cutter Service by Alexander Hamilton in 1790, this operation was the only naval force of the early United States that enforced tariff and trade laws to prevent smuggling until the Navy Department was established in 1798. In 1915, under an act of Congress, the Revenue Cutter Service was merged with the Life-Saving Service and the Coast Guard name was officially born.

Keeping with the tradition and core values of being on patrol protecting the U.S. borders, the CG adopted the motto “Semper Paratus,” which stands for “Always Ready.” The men and women in the Coast Guard greatly exemplify this motto with their service and dedication.

An example of this dedication can be found in LTJG Christine A. Jean-Charles, who has been active duty with the CG just under two years as an aviator. She recently graduated from Navy Flight School and has the honor of being only the second African-American fixed wing pilot with the CG. Asked how she felt about earning this distinction, Jean-Charles replied, “It feels great! I worked hard within the CG to get where I’m at and I’m proud to serve as an example for others to follow.”

Also a dedicated Coastguardsman, from the Reserve, is Chief Petty Officer Robert Laura, who will be retiring next year. Laura is in charge of the Public Affairs (PA) Unit in Lower Manhattan and has been with the CG Reserve for 24 years. Having run the PA office during 9/11, handling 18 Fleet Weeks,and several Presidential visits, he has been involved with myriad of events and activities. When asked about his best times he said, “There is no best one, but it has all been one heck of an experience.”

This is just a small example of what a hidden gem the US Coast Guard is to the United States of America!

“The story of the Coast Guard at war is replete with incidents which, in combat or otherwise, demonstrated consummate skill, great devotion to duty, and heroism worthy of special mention in any wartime history of the Service.”–– Malcolm F. Willoughby, USCGG, author of The U.S. Coast Guard in World War II.

This article was written and submitted by Rajiv Fernando and LCDR Steven Rogers.