History

Basic Introduction to the Coast Guard

An overview presentation of Coast Guard History

Basic Introduction to the Coast Guard (BIC)

The purpose of this course is to facilitate an in-depth discussion of items useful to new and seasoned Auxiliarists. It draws on extensive resources freely available from the USCG and USCG Auxiliary. It was originally developed by Flotilla 054-25-12 for use with that unit’s new members, but may be freely used by individual units wishing to provide such training.

Course Components: NASBLA-approved “Safe

Boating Course” » “Basic Qualification”

ICS-100 online course/exam» Offered by FEMA

Character in Action by ADM James Loy (Ret.)» Read and discuss

Complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP)» Do this with a coach/mentor

Classroom lectures and discussions» Demonstrate knowledge

mastery with signoffs

September 19, 2009 Coast Guard History 2

Core Values at the Core of of our Service

Honor “Integrity is our standard. We demonstrate uncompromising

ethical conduct and moral behavior in all of our actions. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.”

Respect “We value our diverse workforce. We treat each other with

fairness, dignity, and compassion. We encourage creativity through empowerment. We work as a team.”

Devotion to Duty “We are professionals, military and civilian, who seek

responsibility, accept accountability, and are committed to the successful achievement or our organizational goals. We exist to serve. We serve with pride.”

Honor is to serve yourself; Respect is to serve others; Devotion to Duty is to serve your country.September 19, 2009 3Coast Guard History

The Guardian Ethos

I am America’s Maritime Guardian.I am America’s Maritime Guardian.

I serve the citizens of the United States.I serve the citizens of the United States.

I will protect them.I will protect them.

I will defend them.I will defend them.

I will save them.I will save them.

I am their Shield.I am their Shield.

For them I am Semper Paratus.For them I am Semper Paratus.

I live the Coast Guard Core Values.I live the Coast Guard Core Values.

I am a Guardian.I am a Guardian.

We are the United States Coast Guard.We are the United States Coast Guard.September 19, 2009 4Coast Guard History

The Nation’s Oldest Continual Sea Service

“…They will endeavor to overcome difficulties, if any are experienced, by a cool and temperate perseverance in their duty – by address and moderation, rather than by vehemence or violence.” –Alexander Hamilton

The Revenue Cutter Service was established by Congress on August 4, 1790 (the “Coast Guard’s Birthday”);

Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury and “Father of the Coast Guard”, was the principle advocate for the service’s creation as a means to protect and ensure revenue collection;

Hopley Yeaton was the service’s first commissioned officer; Ten cutters were ordered at $1,000 each;

» Captain Williams of USRC Massachusetts ordered special modifications from the builder that made his cutter the largest and most expensive, at approximately $2,000.

September 19, 2009 5Coast Guard History

Discuss

HOW HAS HAMILTON’S VISION SHAPED THE USCG?


Defining Moments in Coast Guard History

Much has happened since Commodore Ellsworth Bertholf became the first Commandant of the modern Coast Guard, formed when the Revenue Cutter Service and Life Saving Service merged in 1915. Sinking of the Titanic and creation of the International Ice Patrol; Action in World War II and the establishment of the Auxiliary:

» Initially called “Coast Guard Reserve” when established in 1939;» Renamed when military Coast Guard Reserve was created in 1941;

Exxon Valdez and new emphasis on environmental protection; Establishment of written “Core Values” in 1994; September 11, 2001, new Department of Homeland Security,

and expansion of Coast Guard and Auxiliary mission portfolio; Hurricane Katrina and subsequent environmental disasters; Fleet recapitalization challenges and the “Deepwater Program”; Modernization during first decade of the 21st Century.


Douglas Munro, Medal of Honor Recipient

September 27, 1942 at Point Cruz on Guadalcanal, Signalman First Class Munro led the rescue of a detachment of Marines trapped on the beach by the attacking Japanese. Using his vessel as a shield from the enemy, four other Higgens boats loaded the Marines. Munro, fatally wounded, was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Only CG award of the Medal of Honor; Mother was a LTJG in the Reserve; Last words: “Did they get off?”


History’s Pioneering Guardians

David Jarvis Officer aboard USRC Bear; Led Bear crew and reindeer

in 900-mile rescue of whaling crew at Barrow’s Point, AK;

Most of the whaler’s crew were saved after long winter.

Joshua James Saved 600 lives after family

died on a ship when he was 15 years old;

Required a special act of Congress to remain on active duty, where he died at age 74.

Elmer Stone Recognized as the “Father of

Coast Guard Aviation”; Co-pilot on history’s first

trans-Atlantic airplane flight; Developed early carrier

catapult and arresting gear.

Elmer StoneSeptember 19, 2009 9Coast Guard History

History’s Pioneering Guardians (continued)

Michael Healy Son of Irish immigrant and a

slave woman; Commanded USRC Bear

and brought reindeer to AK; Icebreaker, CGC Healy, was

named in his honor; His brother became first

black bishop in the US.

Ida Lewis Operated Lime Rock Light

from age 14 through 64; Act of Congress made her

the light’s keeper; Credited saving 18 lives

(perhaps as many as 237); Forebear to heritage of

women in the Coast Guard.


Discuss

EXPLAIN THE TRADITION OF ACCOUNTABILITY.

“On the sea there is a tradition older even than the traditions of the country itself. It is the tradition that with responsibility goes authority, and with them both goes accountability.”


The Coast Guard’s Pride and Joy is the Barque Eagle. She is a 295 foot barque training vessel home ported in New London, Connecticut. She was built in 1936 in Germany, and acquired as a war prize at the end of WWII.

Coast Guard Academy training vessel;» Officer Candidates sail aboard also;

One of two sailing ships in U.S. Fleet; Some Auxiliarists serve aboard.

“The Coast Guard’s Pride and Joy”


Discuss

HOW DO USCG CORE VALUES REFLECT OUR HISTORY?

Honor – Respect – Devotion to Duty


Additional Resources

The Coast Guardsman’s Manual http://www.amazon.com/Coast-Guardsmans-Manual-George-Kr

ietemeyer/dp/1557504687/

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary History http://www.history.auxpa.org/

U.S. Coast Guard History on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard#History

U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office http://www.uscg.mil/history/


http://www.amazon.com/Coast-Guardsmans-Manual-George-Krietemeyer/dp/1557504687/

http://www.amazon.com/Coast-Guardsmans-Manual-George-Krietemeyer/dp/1557504687/

http://www.history.auxpa.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard

http://www.uscg.mil/history/

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