U.S. Coast Guard celebrates 220th birthday

CLEVELAND -- The men and women of the Ninth Coast Guard District join the rest of the service in celebrating the U.S. Coast Guard's 220^th birthday August 4, 2010.

“The recent christening of our third national security cutter, the Stratton, highlights how far we’ve come since Alexander Hamilton submitted an estimated $10,000 proposal to congress in 1789 for 10 revenue cutters to serve along the eastern seaboard,” said Rear Adm. Michael Parks, commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District. “The talent of our people and quality of our newest assets represent the enormous advances we’ve made across every mission area and give us a glimpse into a new and exciting future for the Coast Guard.”

The Coast Guard is a multi-mission, maritime, military service responsible for protecting the public, the environment and U.S. economic interests in the nation's waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security. The service officially became known as the United States Coast Guard when the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and the U.S. Lifesaving Service merged in 1915.

To recognize the achievements of his Coast Guard shipmates, Rear Adm. Parks said in a District-wide message, “I am continually impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and can-do spirit you all demonstrate on a daily basis despite the increased workloads thrust upon you as a result of the service’s unprecedented response to the deepwater horizon oil spill. It has certainly been a challenge, but you have risen to meet all obstacles with incredible perseverance and diligence, and I am humbled by your outstanding accomplishments.”

With more than 300 men and women of the Ninth Coast Guard District assisting in the nation's largest oil spill response and recovery effort in the Gulf of Mexico, few here will have an opportunity to celebrate this milestone. Most will continue to stand the watch protecting the Great Lakes, ready to assist those in need as the region has recently seen more tragedies than usual. Since July 23, 2010, there have been 10 drownings across the Great Lakes.

No matter the occasion, the Coast Guard urges residents to recreate safely on the water and wear life jackets while enjoying time on the lakes.

During an average year in the Ninth District, the men and women of the Coast Guard will:

Save 640 lives
Respond to 3,248 search and rescue cases
Respond to 191 oil and hazardous material spills
Save $9.6 million in property
Maintain or service 2,300 aids to navigation

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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

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