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.

FILE – A doctor examines a patient while another doctor oversees the procedure, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jack Sanders)

How Does a Government Shutdown Affect Health Care for Military Service Members and Veterans?

In the event of a government shutdown, for most active-duty service members and military veterans, your health benefits...

Duck boats make their way along the Charles River

Coast Guard Issues New Rules for Repurposed WWII-Era Duck Boats Aimed to Improve Safety

Five years after 17 people died when a duck boat sank on a Missouri lake, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued new rules for the...

The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant patrols the waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Man Riding Human-Sized Hamster Wheel In Atlantic Faces Charges After Coast Guard Interdiction

The officers said the vessel was “afloat as a result of wiring and buoys” and determined that Reza Ray Baluchi was conducting...

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez repatriated 59 migrants to Dominican Republic, Aug. 31, 2023, following the interdiction of two overloaded vessels in Mona Passage waters off the west coast of Puerto Rico.

59 Migrants Sent Back to Dominican Republic After Coast Guard Intercepts 2 Vessels

U.S. maritime authorities repatriated 59 migrants to the Dominican Republic on Thursday following the interception of two...

Philippine supply boat, center, maneuvers around Chinese coast guard ships as they try to block its way near Second Thomas Shoal

Coast Guard Will Enforce Maritime Law Around Palau as Competition with China Intensifies

The United States has signed a new agreement with Palau, which gives Coast Guard ships the authorization to unilaterally...

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly over the Pacific Ocean.

NORAD Scrambled 2 F-16 Fighter Jets to Flag Down an Aircraft That Got Too Close to Biden's Vacation Spot

Flares caught the pilot's attention and the fighter jets helped escort the civilian aircraft out of the Lake Tahoe area.

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.