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.

The Spirit of Norfolk is in tow and meeting the Coast Guard Station Portsmouth 45-foot response boat crew

Spirit of Norfolk Hearings Begin: Cruise Ship Had Technical Issues in Weeks Before June Blaze, Investigators Say

The hearing, led by Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board officials, revealed new details about issues the...

Rear Adm. Brendan Mcpherson disembarks a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk

US Coast Guard Commander: There's a Plan in Place for Mass Migration from Cuba, Haiti

As hundreds of Cuban migrants washed ashore on New Year’s Day in the Florida Keys, local officials complained to the state...

Tug boats have the Spirit of Norfolk in tow under Coast Guard supervision

Spirit of Norfolk Fire Hearings Begin This Week as Coast Guard Searches for Answers

More than 100 people were aboard the passenger vessel for a two-hour lunch cruise on the Elizabeth River June 7 when a fire...

A U.S. Coast Guard C-144 Ocean Sentry circles above Cay Sal Bank in the Bahamas

Coast Guard Stops Boat with 400 Haitians Off the Bahamas That Was Likely Headed to Florida

The Coast Guard has intercepted more than 2,000 people from Haiti and 5,180 Cubans migrating by boat since the beginning of...

U.S. Coast Guard C-144 Ocean Sentry above the Florida Straits.

How a Coast Guard Plane Scoured Islands Looking for Migrants — And What the Crew Found

Cuban migrants are increasingly using routes far to the east and north of the traditional maritime path to South Florida.

U.S. Coast Guard members patrol offshore.

Coast Guard Tracking Russian Intelligence Ship 100 Miles Off Hawaii

The vessel, identified by trackers as the Vishnya-class auxiliary intelligence ship Kareliya, is no stranger to the island...

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.