US Coast Guard News, Coast Guard Pay & Fitness Resources

The Coast Guard was established on Aug. 4, 1790. The Coast Guard is charged with maritime security, safety, and stewardship. While the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, during times of war, it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy, as it did in WWI and WWII.

The Coast Guard is comprised of approximately 40,000 active duty personnel supported by an additional 7,000 reservists.

Coast Guard News

Find the latest news and information on the U.S. Coast Guard including top stories, technology, policies, leadership, and more.

Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba crew members search for people in the water near Rodriguez Key, Florida.

‘This Is Obscene’: Haitians Angered by Babies Being Sent Back After Reaching Florida Keys on Boat

The 190 individuals — 89 men, 55 women and 46 children — were returned to Haiti aboard the cutter Escanaba.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry conducts a Living Marine Resources Patrol in South Pacific.

Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry Returns Home Following 7,000-Nautical-Mile Patrol in South Pacific

The Coast Guard has increasingly focused on fishery enforcement missions as illegal fishing runs rampant.

Cruise ship approaching a Coast Guard member in the water near Jacksonville, Florida.

'Miracle': Missing Cruise Ship Passenger Found OK in Water

Coast Guard Lt. Seth Gross called the rescue “a miracle especially on a holiday like Thanksgiving.”

Babies Rescued From a Migrant Boat in Trouble Off the Florida Keys

Coast Guard crews initially rescued 22 people, but the group was much larger and the operation to get the others to safety...

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River representative talks with federal official in Astoria, Oregon.

Coast Guard Cracks Down on 'Paper Captains'

A "paper captain" is a term given to an American citizen who is listed as the captain of a U.S.-flagged vessel, when in...

A U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan mobile command center is stationed next to the command center building in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Rescues 12 Haitians from Tiny Island near Puerto Rico

A dozen Haitian migrants who spent five days on a tiny, uninhabited island near Puerto Rico where human smugglers abandoned...

Coast Guard Ships, Aircraft and Technology

The U.S. Coast Guard uses many different types of equipment. Learn about the ships, aircraft, weapons and technology the Coast Guard utilizes to carry out missions and defend the United States.

MH-60 Jayhawk

Cyclone Class Coastal Patrol Ship - PC

C-37A

Coast Guard Fitness

Looking to challenge yourself and improve both your physical fitness and mental toughness? Reach your fitness goals and pass the Coast Guard physical fitness test (PFT) with military workouts and exercise tips to get Coast Guard fit.

A member of the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team complete a physical fitness test.

Coast Guard Basic PFT

The Coast Guard physical fitness program is designed to ensure that all members have the strength and stamina to perform...

A Coastie goes through her exercise routine.

Coast Guard Fitness Requirements

Coast Guard recruits run around a track.

USCG Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)

An Army reservist gets done with a workout.

What You Should Know About Military Body Composition Tests

A soldier performs push-ups during an Army physical fitness test.

Why Boot Camp Is No Place to Show Up Out of Shape for Military Service

Join the Coast Guard

Looking to join one of Americas elite forces? Learn everything you need to know about joining the United States Coast Guard. Find out what you can expect when you join the Coast Guard, information on Coast Guard jobs, and physical fitness standards to get you started with a successful career as a coastie.

The History and Roles of the Coast Guard

The Unique Role of the US Coast Guard

Coast Guard Jobs at a Glance

Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative

How to Become a Coast Guard Officer

Coast Guard Weight Requirements at a Glance

Class is in session at Coast Guard training center at Cape May, N.J.

Coast Guard Boot Camp Timeline at a Glance

Coast Guard Special Pay

Learn about Coast Guard Special Pay. In addition to a coastie's basic pay they may receive special pay and incentives pay. Coast Guard Special Pay can vary depending on occupation, specific assignments, and geographic location.