United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the U.S. military responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Unlike the Navy, which is primarily focused on combat, the Coast Guard conducts search and rescue operations, enforces maritime laws, and protects the marine environment. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime but can be transferred to the Department of Defense during wartime. The USCG plays a vital role in national defense by ensuring safe and secure waterways, responding to emergencies, and assisting in disaster response efforts, both domestically and internationally.