Coast
Guard History, The United States Coast Guard, Details of Revenue Cutter Service, Detailed list of Cutters Ships Boats Vessels,
US Coast Guard American Civil War History, Coast Guard Facts
United States
Coast Guard History
The United States Coast Guard, one of the country's five armed services,
is a unique agency of the federal government. We trace our history back to 4 August 1790, when the first Congress authorized
the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of the federal
revenue. Known variously as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, we expanded in size and responsibilities as
the nation grew.
The service received its present name in 1915 under an act of Congress when the Revenue Cutter
Service merged with the Life-Saving Service. The nation then had a single maritime service dedicated to saving life at sea
and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. The Coast Guard began to maintain the country's aids to maritime navigation, including
operating the nation's lighthouses, when President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the transfer the Lighthouse Service to the
Coast Guard in 1939. Later, in 1946, Congress permanently transferred the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation to the
Coast Guard, thereby placing merchant marine licensing and merchant vessel safety under our purview.
The Coast Guard is
one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and, until the Navy Department was established in 1798, it
served as the nation's only armed force afloat. The Coast Guard has continued to protect the nation throughout history
and has served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts. The national defense responsibilities remain one of its
most important functions.
In times of peace it operates as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as
the nation's front-line agency for enforcing the laws at sea, protecting the coastline and ports, and saving life.
In times of war, or on direction of the President, it serves under the Navy Department.
Source: uscg.mil
Product Description
The
Guardian offers satisfying entertainment with a no-nonsense combination of Hollywood formula and good old-fashioned star
power. While honoring the men and women who serve as rescue swimmers for the U.S. Coast Guard, this predictable yet appealing
drama is a well-crafted showcase for Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, who bring welcome depth and dimension to their formulaic
roles. It's basically Top Gun for the Coast Guard, with Costner playing a legendary rescuer haunted by recent tragedy
and the impending break-up of his marriage, and Kutcher as the hot-shot recruit whose bravado is tested when Costner takes
over a grueling 18-week basic training course, where a 50% attrition rate ensures that only the best will make the grade.
There's nothing particularly inventive about Ron L. Brinkerhoff's screenplay, but it's intelligently written and well-directed
(by The Fugitive helmer Andrew Davis) as it shows how seasoned veteran and troubled but talented trainee build mutual
respect while sorting through the trauma of accidents that left each of them as sole survivors, tormented by self-doubt and
guilt.
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