The US Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the armed forces responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. It conducts search and rescue operations, enforces maritime laws, and protects natural resources along the nation's coastlines and waterways. The Coast Guard also plays a vital role in national defense and can be called upon to support military operations. Established in 1790, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime and can transition to the Navy during wartime, underscoring its crucial role in both safety and security at sea.