Repairing Aids to Navigation by Elisse Goldstein
Coast Guardsmen work to repair a buoy.
Hall PH-2 Flying Lifeboat,1936 by Gerard Provenza
Beginning in 1934, the Coast Guard began using a specially designed "flying lifeboat" -- equipped with specialized equipment and capabilities for search and rescue duties and capable of operating up to 1,000 mi... More
Vought Kingfisher, Circa 1942, OS2U-3 by William Ellsworth
The Vought OS2U Kingfisher, a scout and observation floatplane, began service with the Navy beginning in August 1940. They were built using spot welding. The Coast Guard flew both the OS2U-2 and OS2U-3 models... More
PBM-3 Circa 1943 by William Ellsworth
A PBM-3 amphibious airplane lifts off from the water. Public domain photograph of a bomber aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
USCGC Kickapoo, Vicksburg, Miss. by Trella Koczwara
Crewman working a nun buoy aboard the KICKAPOO. During WWII the KICKAPOO was classified as a buoy tender and given the hull number WAGL-56. She was assigned to Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, where she continued... More
Eagle under sail by Thomas Farrell
The Eagle is a 295-foot, three-masted sailing barque with 21,350 square feet of sail. It is homeported at the Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn. It is the only active (operational) commissioned sailing... More
USCGC Polar Star, WAGB 10 by John Wisinski
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter POLAR STAR is one of two Polar Class icebreakers, which, at 399-feet long, are among the largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard. These cutters, specifically designed for open-water ... More
Boat fire 1971, by Charles White
Our helicopters often work from larger cutters on law enforcement and search & rescue missions.
Hillsboro Light by John Wisinski
A beautiful 1975 watercolor painting of the waves crashing on to the Hillsboro Light.
Polar Star Under the Northern Lights by Evelyn Peters
The CGC POLAR STAR, a 399 ft icebreaker, was built and commissioned in Seattle, WA, its current homeport, in 1976. It was designed as a state of the art Polar Class icebreaker in the world. The main mission of ... More
USCGC Morgenthau - US Coast Guard photo
The Coast Guard Cutter MORGENTHAU is named for Henry Morgenthau, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury from 1934 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. MORGENTHAU, commissioned in 1969, is part of the 378-foo... More
Alaska: Sitkinak Refuel by Elisse Goldstein
A Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk helicopter stops off for a refuel on the island of Sitkinak, Alaska. This is a small island just south of Kodiak, within sight of the village of Akhiok. Sitkinak is one of the Trin... More
USCGC Morgenthau, WHEC 722 by John Wisinski
The Coast Guard Cutter MORGENTHAU is named for Henry Morgenthau, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury from 1934 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. MORGENTHAU, commissioned in 1969, is part of the 378-foo... More
Ice-bound in Alaskan Wates by Florence Lonsford
HH-3F "Pelican" helicopters, like the one in the picture, were in service from 1968 to 1994. The Pelican is patrolling in Alaskan waters as a fishing vessel may be in possible need of assistance. These helico... More
USCG Helicopter, Gloucester, Mass. by Thomas O'Hara
HH-3F "Pelican" helicopters, like the one in the picture, were in service from 1968 to 1994. The helicopters were capable of landing on the water. Water landing rescues were not always possible, of course, so... More
Guardians of America by Mary McGlynn
The 378-foot High Endurance Cutter Dallas. The 378s are the largest cutters, aside from the three major Icebreakers, ever built for the Coast Guard. They are powered by diesel engines and gas turbines, and hav... More
USCGC Eagle by Carol Schmitz, US Coast Guard Photo
Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE passes up river in New York during a 1983 tall ship parade.
Loss of the Alaskan Monarch by Ralph Starr
On March 14, 1990, Coast Guard cutter STORIS and an HH3F "Pelican" helicopter, both out of Kodiak, Alaska successfully saved all crewmembers of the crabber ALASKAN MONARCH off St. Paul Island as the vessel was ... More
USCGC Nantucket at GTMO by Karen Loew
USCG Cutter Nantucket docked at Guantanamo Bay for refueling, as observed from a vantage point near the joint armed services headquarters, known as the "Pink Palace."
USCG International Ice Patrol by Linda Cheek
The Coast Guard has conducted the International Ice Patrol (IIP) since 1913 in order to detect icebergs in North Atlantic shipping lanes and warn shipping accordingly. The IIP is funded by 19 signatory nations ... More
Lighthouse in window by Edward Leddy
Looking through a window at a lighthouse. The Lighthouse Service, created in 1789, became part of the Coast Guard in 1939. The tradition of ensuring the safe navigation of the seas that began with the running ... More
Coast Guard Pilots First Plane to Cross the Atlantic Bay, 1919 by Geor...
The Coast Guardsman, Lieutenant Elmer Stone, piloted this plane, the NC4, across what we know as the Atlantic Ocean today, but was often called the Atlantic Bay in the early days of flight. Stone was the first ... More
Overfalls: Proud Sentinal of the Past by Rich Buchwald
The 102-foot lightship WAL-524, a mariner's marker serving on Overfalls from 1926-1951, now maintains a quieter vigil in its decommissioned status.
Cmdr. Elmer Stone, CG Aviator No. 1 by Ferdinand Petrie
CDR Stone was a Coast Guard and Naval aviation pioneer who established a world speed record for amphibious planes and made history as one of the pilots of the first aircraft to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. St... More
Coast Guard Albatross, 1951-1983 by William Ellsworth
This amphibious plane was able to take-off and land in sheltered waters and stop in less than 900 feet. On at least one occasion it took off in seas as high as seven feet.
Abandoned Light House by John Wisinski
The Lighthouse Service, created in 1789, became part of the Coast Guard in 1939. The tradition of ensuring the safe navigation of the seas that began with the running of lighthouses continues today. The Coast... More
Curtis F-Boat, circa 1915 by William Ellsworth
The famous Curtiss "F" flying boat was used as a trainer for the first Coast Guard aviators. They were originally procured by the Navy beginning in 1912 and saw service through at least 1918, when they were re... More
Grumman JRF-56 'Goose,' Circa 1951 by William Ellsworth
Prior to the war these amphibians carried out search and rescue missions and aerial mapping flights and participated in the Coast Guard's contribution to the enforcement of the Neutrality Patrol. During the wa... More
Last Voyage: The Raritan by James Dyekman
The USCGC RARITAN was a 110-footer tug that was launched in 1939 and decommissioned in 1988. She distinguished herself with service out of Portsmouth, VA; Milwaukee, WI; Grand Haven, MI; and Governors Island, NY.
Lighthouse on Lynn Canal, Alaska by Margaret Graham Kranking
In February 1898, the three-masted passenger ship Clara Nevada, loaded with 800 pounds of gold and an illegal shipment of dynamite, ran aground and exploded at Eldred Rock, 20 miles southeast of Haines, Alaska.... More
Early Flight by Dante Bertoni, US Coast Guard Photo
An OL-5 amphibian airplane flies over St. Joseph North Pier Lights at Lake Michigan, 1926-1935. The Coast Guard purchased three Loening OL-5 amphibians in October 1926, soon after Congress appropriated $152,00... More
Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, US Coast Guard Photo
The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the first 418-foot National Security Cutter, is designed to perform the full scope of Coast Guard missions. The cutter includes an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hul... More
Leaving Thomas Point Lighthouse by William Trotter
The Thomas Point Light is arguably the most widely recognized lighthouse in Maryland. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, south of Annapolis, the lighthouse was manned until 1986 and was the last lighthouse on the C... More
USCGC Gallatin to the Rescue by Stephanie Fracasso
Home ported in Charleston, South Carolina, the GALLATIN provides service to the people in the Seventh Coast Guard District. The 378-foot High Endurance Cutter is powered by two diesel engines and two gas turbi... More
Hillsboro Light at Night by John Wisinski
The Hillsboro Inlet light station was built in 1907. It has been given to a non-profit organization for historical preservation and public education. The Lighthouse Service, created in 1789, became part of th... More
Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, US Coast Guard Photo
The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the first 418-foot National Security Cutter (NSC), gets underway, escorted by a fixed wing medium range surveillance aircraft, the HC- 144A and a multi-mission helicopter, the M... More
USCG Historic Motor Lifeboat by Edward Dyson
The USCG motor lifeboat 36500 replaced earlier rowing-type boats. It is 36 feet long. On February 18, 1952 this boat rescued passengers from the US Pendleton, which broke in half 10 miles east of Chatham, Mas... More
USCGC Iris on Patrol off Oregon Coast by Robert Tandecki
The cutter IRIS, in service from 1944 to 1994, was stationed on the West Coast and helped to maintain aids to navigation as well as respond to emergencies on the coastal waters.
Square-rigged Ship, WWII USCG-manned DE by John D. Wisinski (ID # 9012...
A Coast Guard manned Naval Destroyer Escort during WWII accompanies a square-rigged ship. During WWII, under an agreement made between the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations, Coast Guard crews manned... More
Big Red' Holland Harbor, Mich. by John Stedman
The Holland Harbor lighthouse marks the way home for returning boaters. The Lighthouse Service, created in 1789, became part of the Coast Guard in 1939. The tradition of ensuring the safe navigation of the sea... More
Service Call, Mile Rocks by Ralph Starr
Their helo standing by on the landing platform of Mile Rocks Light, CGmen make repairs on the structure. At one time, Mile Rocks was the site of a 1906 lighthouse. 4 stories of the 5 were removed in 1965 to c... More
Hail to the Auxiliary by William Sturm
The Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939. Each year, Coast Guard Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours conducting harbor patrols, teaching boating safety classes, offering vesse... More
USCGC Iris Tends Buoys by Douglas Michie
The seagoing buoy tender IRIS, in service from 1944 to 1994, places buoys along the Northwest coast to aid navigation in these waters. She was based in Astoria, Oregon.
Search and Rescue Mission by George Cooper
Since 1915, the service's maritime responsibilities have continued to grow and expand. The Coast Guard adapted by embracing its multi-mission role. All Coast Guard cutter's are multi-mission capable. They ma... More
Lightship Nantucket Sunk by RMS Olympic by Charles Mazoujian
One of the most monotonous, arduous and dangerous duties that the early Coast Guard performed was manning lightships. The Nantucket station, established in 1854, had become the major beacon that guided vessels... More
Windward Point Lighthouse by Karen Loew
Located at the U.S. Naval Station at the entrance to Guantanamo Bay at the southeastern tip of Cuba, the historic 60' high tower was built in 1904, of white conical cast iron. It was deactivated in 1955. Frame... More
The USLSS to the Rescue, 1880 by Lou Diamond
A U.S. Life Saving Service crew heads out to assist a vessel in distress.
Forty Mile Light by Robert Koch
40 Mile Point Light is located on the shore of Lake Huron in Michigan. The location is aptly named, being situated 40 miles southeast of Old Mackinac Point and 40 northwest of Thunder Bay. The lighthouse stati... More
J2F, Circa may 1941 by William Ellsworth
When Europe was in the early stages of WWII, the United States enforced its neutrality by patrols. The Coast Guard was particularly involved in protecting the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. The J2F was o... More
Lighthouse Ruf Stuff by John Wisinski
The Lighthouse Service, created in 1789, became part of the Coast Guard in 1939. The tradition of ensuring the safe navigation of the seas that began with the running of lighthouses continues today. The Coast... More
Where needed, we go by William Ellsworth
An OS2U Kingfisher sea plane enters a storm on search patrol. In service from 1940 through 1944, the planes patrolled for enemy submarines and scouted for and protected coastal merchant convoys.
Picnic at Hillsboro Light by John Wisinski
The Hillsboro Inlet light station was built in 1907. It has been given to a non-profit organization for historical preservation and public education. The Lighthouse Service, created in 1789, became part of th... More
USCGC 'Katie' Walker Homeward Bound by Nate Ostrow
The "Keeper" class coastal buoytenders are named for the lighthouse keepers who played a critical lifesaving role in the Coast Guard's history. The namesake of the cutter Katherine Walker tended the Robbins Ree... More
Boat fire 1971 by Charles White
Picryl description: Public domain image of naval activity, ship, sea, 19th-20th century navy, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Almost Neutrality by William Ellsworth
In the 1938-1941 period -- just before the U. S. entrance into World War II -- all U. S. forces were on "Neutrality Patrol." However, with most personnel not enamored by Hitler, the official policy tended on t... More
Iceberg Patrol, Circa 1939 by William Ellsworth
A Hall PH flying boat conducts an International Ice Patrol overflight in the North Atlantic. Fourteen of the rugged bi-wing planes were used by the Coast Guard beginning in 1938 for patrol and rescue work in e... More
Star of Falkland Rescue by Tom Hall
The Coast Guard cutter Haida and the lighthouse tender Cedar prepare to rescue the passengers and crew from the sailing vessel Star of Falkland near Unimak Pass, Alaska on May 23, 1928. The Star of Falkland, a... More
Changing: 1960-1992 by Ralph Starr
Picryl description: Public domain image of a helicopter, aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
GTMO Morning by Karen Loew, US Coast Guard Photo
Called to active duty, Coast Guard reservists from Port Security Unit 305 ensure the safety of U. S. assets at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (May 2002)
Muster on a Basketball Court by Karen Loew
0630 Wednesday, May 22,2002, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The day begins for Port Security Unit 305 with muster on a recreational court behind military family housing. Captain Robert Grabb, Commanding Officer, prese... More
Working on the Abbie Burgess, by Mary Duer Brown
CGC ABBIE BURGESS is a part of a new class that is unmatched in maneuverability.
Serving Her Country by Norma Johansen Struck
Coast Guard woman in her dress uniform with the American Flag in the background.
Phoenix by Gloria Moschel, US Coast Guard Photo
The Coast Guard played a pivotal role in responding to the events of September 11, 2001.
Coast Guard: Clearwater, Florida by Nate Ostrow
A Coast Guard HC-130 aircraft, on the tarmac at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida.
At Sea #1 by Nina Buxton, US Coast Guard Photo
A Coast Guard buoy tender conducts maintenance on aids to navigation at sea. CGC Cowslip, Astoria, Oregon.
USCG Eagle Salutes 9/11/01 Tragedy, by Thomas Picard
The Coast Guard training Barque Eagle sails up the Hudson River past the area of the World Trade Center tragedy, saluting as it passes during Fleet Week activities.
Unscheduled Maintenance Du Jour by William Ellsworth
During World War II, the Coast Guard served with the U. S. Navy and found itself in odd places, circumstances and conditions.
Securing the Lines by Sharon Way-Howard
A Coast Guard member secures a boat's mooring line to a bollard. Coast Guard recruits are taught basic seamanship, such as knot tying and how to secure lines, during basic training in Cape May, N.J.
The Tamaroa in the Storm by Terrence Maley
The 205-foot Coast Guard Cutter Tamaroa weathers a storm at sea. One of the most publicized events in the Tamaroa's history occurred in 1991 during the so called "No Name Storm of Halloween 1991," immortalized... More
Law Enforcement Boarding by Ward Mann
Gloucester, Mass.41-foot Utility Boat, law enforcement, station gloucester, ward mann, mann, boarding. USCG photo by Ward Mann
While on polar patrol, by Karen Loew
Scientists from the CGC POLAR STAR conduct tests beneath the polar ice cap.
Rescue, by Betty Gates, US Coast Guard Photo
Cradling a rescued child in his arms, a Coast Guard pilot makes his way across the landing pad after a successful rescue operation. The HH-65B Dolphin helicopter shown in the background is a state of the art, s... More
Always on Call by Del-Bourree Bach
A Coast Guardsman speaks on a sound powered telephone, a cutter's internal communications system. Sound powered telephones are ideal for shipboard communication, in that they function without an external power source.
Rescue on Lake Champlain by John Ward
The artist writes, "My watercolor painting was inspired by a day I spent with the U. S. Coast Guard on Lake Champlain. The Burlington, VT station was good enough to let me go out with one of their boats and tak... More
Fired Up at GTMO by Karen Loew, US Coast Guard Photo
USCG Reservists, called to active duty with the PSU from Fort Eustis, Virginia, take rifle practice on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The unit was at GTMO from January to June, 2002.
Coast Guard and Immigrants Flamingo Kay, SB, by Thomas Picard
On April 25, 2002, a ship carrying 290 Haitian migrants ran aground on the uninhabited Flamingo Cay in the southern Bahamas after 11 days at sea. At least 14 died of dehydration by the time the Coast Guard ship... More
Harbor bound, by Stephanie Fracasso
The CGC STURGEON BAY facilitates commerce in the winter seasons.
Escorting the Harriet Lane by Karen Loew
Following the events of September 11, the Coast Guard was called into service at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a longtime U. S. Navy base that was used as a holding area for Al Qaeda and Taliban detainees. This piece i... More
Time Check by Nate Ostrow, US Coast Guard Photo
A crewmember aboard the 175-foot buoy tender, the Coast Guard Cutter Katherine Walker, checks his watch.
The Coast Guard Saves Again by Thomas Picard
Coast Guard helicopter 6042 carries out another successful rescue.
At Sea #3 by Nina Buxton, US Coast Guard Photo
The Coast Guard Cutter Northland at sea. Commissioned in 1984 and homeported in Portsmouth, Va., Northland is one of 13 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters in service Coast Guard-wide. The cutter's beam is 38 ... More
In the Wakeï¾… of 9/11 by Karen Loew
In the wake of September 11, 2001, this 25' Boston Whaler was the typical craft the USCG used to patrol key waters. Coast Guard reservist members of Port Security Unit 305, based in Fort Eustis, Virginia, were... More
On Rescue Mission by Nydia Preede
A Coast Guard boat crew rescues the stranded crew of a disabled submarine.
Mission Preparation by Edwin Wordell
This painting was executed in late 1986 based on a visit by the artist to the San Diego USCG Air Station. It was exhibited in 1987 at the celebration of the air station's 50th anniversary.
Coast Guard watches Cocaine Seizure, by Nydia Preede
Coast Guard watches Cocaine Seizure
Monitoring the San Francisco Bay by Margaret Graham Kranking
A Coast Guard telecommunications specialist uses computer technology to monitor vessel traffic on the San Francisco Bay.
Cape Lookout by Annie Strack, US Coast Guard Photo
In order to carry out its assigned missions, Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Fort Macon uses three small boats. CG 55109 Aids to Navigation Boat (ANB) is 55 feet long with a beam of 17 feet and drafts 5 feet 1 i... More
Out of Key West by Jim Stagner, US Coast Guard Photo
out of Key West, past Sand Key, passing the metal flame light.
Going Home by Staphanie Fracasso
The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Amberjack heads home to South Padre Island, Texas.
HH-65A - Dolphin West Hampton Beach, NY, by Leonard Leone
This HH-65A Dolphin pictured was a part of the search and rescue effort associated with the unfortunate John F. Kennedy, Jr. tragedy.
717 full dress, by Nina Buxton, US Coast Guard Photo
The CGC MELLON is part of the Coast Guard's fleet of deepwater assets.
The line at Bayonne, by Peter Eagleton
CGC LINE pictured at the dock. It breaks ice in the winter and maintains navigational aids.
USCGC Healy at Sea by Thomas Picard
The cutter Healy on patrol.
Terrorism Alert by Thomas Picard
Container ships -- potential terrorist vehicles -- are monitored by the Coast Guard. Here, the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett deploys boarding team via small boat.
Rescue in Tampa Bay by Lew Jackson
Depiction of Coast Guard training operations in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Container Inspection by Robert Dykes
Coast Guard safety inspectors check cargo containers entering our country. Public domain photograph of freight train, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Healy by Stephanie Fracasso, US Coast Guard Photo
Cutter Healy at sea in icy water
Unsung Heroes by Priscilla Messner-Patterson
Coast Guard air crew member prepares to drop a rescue basket.
Boarding Party by Edwin Wordell
The artist writes, "in early November 2001, I met LTJG Mike Ferebee, executive officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Tybee at the Coast Guard Naval Air Station, San Diego. He, a coxswain, another crewmember and my... More
USCGC Ridley: A Stern Reception by Karen Loew
Returning from a run, the small boat will dock inside the USCGC Ridley by driving right into its "garage." A US Coast Guard Barracuda Class patrol boat, the Ridley has a stern ramp rather than a traditional hoi... More