Coast Guard Makes a Million Saves

A Remarkable 1,109,310 Lives Saved By the Service Since 1790

Oct 10, 2007

The United States Coast Guard has reached a remarkable public service milestone. The service has rescued more than one million people since it's inception in 1790.

Marking its 217th birthday in the communities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg, Michigan, the United States Coast Guard marked the passing of a major milestone during its annual celebration. Officials announced that the service has saved 1,109,310 lives since its inception in 1790.

Recognition from the Top - In a press release issued for the Grand Haven event, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says of the Coast Guard, "When things are at their worst, America's Coast Guard is at its best. What began as a revenue enforcement agency with a fleet of ten cutters established by Alexander Hamilton more than 200 years ago has evolved into the world's premiere multi-mission, maritime and military service. It's fitting that we celebrate the Coast Guard's 217th birthday this August 4th as we recognize its brave men and women for saving more than 1 million lives over the course of its long and storied history."

One of the Armed Services - The smallest of the five armed forces of the United States, the Coast Guard started it service to the country on August 4, 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service commissioned to enforce tariff laws and reduce smuggling. The young agency's mission grew to include maritime safety and rescue of mariners in distress. The service changed its name to the Coast Guard after merging with the Life Saving Service and Lighthouse Service in 1915, establishing a single organization devoted to marine safety and law enforcement.

Data Source - To find the number of lives saved, historians at the Coast Guard researched logs and records from all the agencies that would eventually form the current organization. Additionally, using information gathered in the project, the historian's office assembled what it thought were the ten most significant rescue events in the service's long record of public service. The list records a remarkable variety and breadth of rescues over the last 217 years. "While this top-ten list is subjective, it certainly conveys the heroism of our people conducting this vital mission," said Rear Admiral Mary Landry, Coast Guard Director of Governmental and Public Affairs.

Coverage by NPR - Michele Norris of National Public Radio (NPR) broadcasted a story about the Coast Guard's million saves mark on the program All Things Considered.

With many additional duties arising from new homeland security missions, many worry the Coast Guard will neglect its traditional marine safety mission. Development of the Rescue 21 Program, a field command system organizing disparate resources into Sectors, funding the Deepwater Acquisition Program, updating its Boat Forces Strategic Plan, and establishment of multi-mission stations are efforts underway meant to enhance the service's mission performance.

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