Feb. 17, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Hispanic-American History of the U.S. Coast Guard

Hispanic-Americans have served in the U.S. Coast Guard for nearly 200 years – most of the lifespan of the service. During this time, they have come a long way, persevering with a dedication to the Coast Guard that has benefitted all who serve in it.The original St. Augustine Lighthouse, first tended under U.S. Lighthouse Service control by

Feb. 17, 2022

The Long Blue Line: The Cutter Mercury and War of 1812 Operations in North Carolina

Before the War of 1812, revenue cutters enforced trade laws and interdicted smuggling. During the war, the cutters cemented many of the combat and homeland security missions performed today by the U.S. Coast Guard, including intelligence gathering.During the attempted British invasion of North Carolina, the Revenue Cutter Mercury proved the value

Feb. 17, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Four missions that made Coast Guard Cutter Seneca famous

Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC-906) is part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Famous”- Class of medium-endurance cutters. Many may wonder why the modern Seneca’s namesake became “famous” until they learn of the original Seneca’s heroic 28 year career. Destroying derelict ships, saving lives in World War I, initiating the International Ice Patrol, and

Feb. 17, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Cutters Sea Cloud and Hoquiam—Barrier-breaking ships in U.S. Desegregation

This vessel . . . performed all its duty creditably, survived all inspections and had no major problems. There was no segregation by compartments, departments or messes and white and colored performed the duties of their rates.Lt. Cmdr. Carlton Skinner, Coast Guard-manned USS HoquiamIn the quote above, Skinner related the success he experienced as

Feb. 17, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Coast Guard ice operations

Painting showing the 1892 transfer of Siberian reindeer by Revenue Cutter Bear under the command of Capt. Michael Healy. U.S. Coast Guard image." data-image-description="Painting showing the 1892 transfer of Siberian reindeer by Revenue Cutter Bear under the command of Capt. Michael Healy. U.S. Coast Guard image."

Feb. 17, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Commodore Barry and the Battle of Little River

“[At] about 1 p.m. five launches of men (about 250) started from them [Royal Navy ships] for the harbor. In a few minutes the firing commenced and continued for nearly two hours, then it ceased.”Maine fisherman who witnessed the Battle of Little River, Aug. 3, 1812In the quote above, an anonymous Maine fisherman recounted the engagement between

Feb. 14, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Lt. John Farrell McGourty in WWI

The clouds of war hung thick in the air as Mildred Culver McGourty lay ill with influenza at her parents’ home in New London, Connecticut. It was Oct. 3, 1918, and World War I would end just weeks later. Newspapers carried that wave of hope for the families of loved ones serving overseas. Mildred’s life was just beginning at 25, newly married, with

Feb. 14, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Fast Response Cutters – the mainstay of the Coast Guard’s coastal patrol fleet

Fast Response Cutter Webber, first in the class of the “Sentinel”-class of Fast Response Cutters. (U.S. Coast Guard Collection)" data-image-description="Fast Response Cutter Webber, first in the class of the “Sentinel”-class of Fast Response Cutters. (U.S. Coast Guard Collection)"

Feb. 14, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Bloody Callaway—the Coast Guard’s Silver Star Ship

The air is filled with screams of wounded and dying men. The smell of burning flesh fills the nostrils; the eyes smart from thick smoke. The chaplain administers the rites to the dying. Coast Guard Combat Artist Norman Thomas, USS Callaway, Jan. 8, 1945

Feb. 14, 2022

The Long Blue Line: Merry Christmas Coast Guard—180 years of search and rescue!

Illustration of a typical revenue cutter in the early days of the Revenue Cutter Service. (U.S. Coast Guard Collection)" data-image-description="Illustration of a typical revenue cutter in the early days of the Revenue Cutter Service. (U.S. Coast Guard Collection)"