U.S. Coast Guard

USCGC Acacia (WLB-406) was a 180-foot Iris-class buoy tender commissioned by the United States Coast Guard in 1944. Built for World War II service, Acacia was primarily tasked with maintaining aids to navigation, search and rescue, and icebreaking throughout the Great Lakes and surrounding waters. Over her distinguished career, she responded to numerous emergencies, including maritime accidents and environmental crises, earning a reputation for reliability. After more than six decades of service, Acacia was decommissioned in 2006 and later preserved as a museum ship in Manistee, Michigan.

Coast Guard Station Georgetown, located in Georgetown, South Carolina, traces its origins back to the early 20th century, serving as a critical life-saving and maritime safety outpost along the state's coastline. Throughout World War II, the station played a pivotal role in coastal defense and anti-submarine patrols during heightened threats in the Atlantic. In the decades following the war, Coast Guard Station Georgetown has focused on search and rescue operations, law enforcement, environmental protection, and maintaining aids to navigation for commercial and recreational vessels. Today, the station continues its proud tradition of safeguarding the waterways and supporting the local maritime community along the Grand Strand and Winyah Bay.

Coast Guard Station St. Joseph, located in St. Joseph, Michigan, was established in 1876 as part of the United States Life-Saving Service, which later merged with the Coast Guard in 1915. The station has played a crucial role in ensuring maritime safety on Lake Michigan, conducting search and rescue missions, law enforcement, and environmental protection. Over the decades, Station St. Joseph has responded to numerous emergencies, from aiding distressed vessels to supporting disaster relief efforts in severe weather. Today, it remains an active and vital component of the Coast Guard’s Ninth District, continuing its legacy of service and commitment to the Great Lakes region.

Coastal Forces were specialized naval units established by the Royal Navy during the First and Second World Wars, tasked with defending coastal waters and conducting offensive operations close to shore. These units operated fast, small craft such as Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs), Motor Gun Boats (MGBs), and Motor Launches (MLs), engaging enemy shipping, laying mines, and supporting amphibious operations. Coastal Forces played a vital role during the Battle of the Atlantic and in operations across the English Channel, North Sea, and Mediterranean. Their daring raids and patrols disrupted Axis supply lines and provided crucial support during major campaigns, earning a distinguished reputation for bravery and innovation.

The Columbia Basin Seattle military unit was established during World War II as part of the U.S. Army’s efforts to defend the Pacific Northwest from potential threats. Originally tasked with coastal defense, the unit played a key role in organizing anti-aircraft and surveillance operations along the Puget Sound and Columbia River regions. Throughout the Cold War, the unit adapted to new technologies, contributing to regional air defense and emergency response coordination. Today, Columbia Basin Seattle continues its legacy through National Guard and Reserve components, supporting both homeland security and overseas missions.

The Combined Rapid Tactical Command Group - Precision Team (CRTCGPT) was established in 2012 as a specialized multinational unit tasked with rapid response to emerging threats in complex environments. Initially formed from elite elements of allied armed forces, CRTCGPT quickly distinguished itself during Operation Iron Resolve, where its integration of advanced intelligence and precision strike capabilities proved decisive. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous joint exercises, enhancing interoperability and refining urban warfare tactics. Today, CRTCGPT remains at the forefront of coalition operations, renowned for its adaptability, technological prowess, and commitment to mission success.

The Governors Island Security Patrol was established during World War II to safeguard the strategic installations and military assets located on Governors Island in New York Harbor. Initially composed of Army personnel, the unit’s primary mission was to conduct regular patrols, enforce security protocols, and monitor for potential sabotage or espionage activities. Throughout its active years, the Security Patrol worked closely with other military and civilian agencies to maintain the island's operational readiness. The unit continued its security functions until the gradual drawdown of military operations on Governors Island in the late 20th century.

The Gulf Strike Team was established in 1973 as one of the United States Coast Guard’s three National Strike Force units. Tasked with responding to oil spills, hazardous material releases, and other environmental emergencies, the team operates primarily along the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States. Over the decades, the Gulf Strike Team has played a pivotal role in major incidents, including the response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. Renowned for its expertise in disaster response and environmental protection, the unit continues to support both national and international operations.

The Indian River Inlet Coast Guard Lifeboat Station, located on the Delaware coast, was originally established in 1876 as part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service to provide rescue operations for shipwrecked mariners along the treacherous waters of the Atlantic. After the formation of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, the station became a key site for maritime patrols, search and rescue missions, and coastal defense during both World Wars. The station’s crew responded to numerous emergencies, saving countless lives from storms, shipwrecks, and wartime hazards. Today, the Indian River Inlet station remains an active Coast Guard facility, continuing its proud tradition of maritime safety and security.

LORAN-A Station Cape Christian was a United States Coast Guard navigational facility established in the early 1950s on the northeastern tip of Baffin Island, near Clyde River in Nunavut, Canada. The station was part of the wider LORAN (Long Range Navigation) network, which provided critical radio navigation support for military and civilian vessels and aircraft operating in the Arctic during the Cold War. Staffed and maintained by rotating Coast Guard crews, Cape Christian’s remote location and harsh weather posed significant logistical challenges. The station operated until its closure in 1974, after which advancements in satellite navigation rendered the LORAN-A system obsolete.

LORAN A-C Station Nantucket was a United States Coast Guard navigation facility located on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Established during World War II, the station became a critical link in the Long Range Navigation (LORAN) system, aiding ships and aircraft in navigating the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. Operating first with LORAN-A and later upgraded to LORAN-C technology, the station provided precise timing signals that contributed significantly to maritime and aviation safety. The Nantucket LORAN station remained active through the Cold War era, eventually closing in the late 20th century as satellite-based GPS navigation rendered the LORAN system obsolete.

Loran Station Estartit was a United States Coast Guard-operated LORAN-C (Long Range Navigation) transmitting station situated near L'Estartit, on the Costa Brava in Spain. Established in the early 1960s during the Cold War, the station was part of the Mediterranean LORAN-C Chain, providing crucial navigational signals to NATO naval and air units operating in the region. Staffed by U.S. military personnel, Loran Station Estartit played a significant role in ensuring accurate maritime navigation until advances in satellite navigation technology rendered the system obsolete. The station was decommissioned in the late 1980s, marking the end of its strategic military importance.

MSO Anchorage, formally known as Military Sealift Organization Anchorage, is a U.S. Navy support unit named after the city of Anchorage, Alaska. Established to provide critical logistics and maritime support, the unit has played a key role in replenishing naval vessels and transporting military cargo across the Pacific region. Over the years, MSO Anchorage has participated in numerous joint exercises and humanitarian missions, enhancing operational readiness and strengthening alliances. Its legacy is marked by reliable service and a commitment to sustaining fleet operations around the globe.

MSO Providence, located in East Providence, Rhode Island, served as a key Maritime Safety Office under the United States Coast Guard. Established to enhance maritime safety and security in the Narragansett Bay region, the unit was responsible for vessel inspections, port safety, and environmental protection. Throughout its operational years, MSO Providence played a pivotal role in responding to maritime emergencies, oil spills, and enforcing federal maritime regulations along the Rhode Island coastline. The unit's mission and functions were eventually integrated into the larger Sector Southeastern New England as part of the Coast Guard's reorganization efforts in the early 2000s.

Port Clarence, Bodega Bay, and Point Ledge were significant coastal defense sites established by the United States military during World War II to protect the western coastline from potential enemy incursions. Port Clarence, located in Alaska, served as a vital staging point for aircraft ferrying missions as part of the Alaska-Siberia (ALSIB) route, supporting the Lend-Lease program to the Soviet Union. Bodega Bay, situated on the northern California coast, housed radar stations and coastal artillery batteries, forming part of the West Coast's early warning and defensive network against Japanese naval threats. Point Ledge, near Nome, Alaska, operated as a lookout and communications post, playing a crucial role in monitoring maritime activity in the Bering Sea and supporting regional defense operations. Collectively, these sites contributed to the broader American effort to secure the Pacific frontier during the conflict.

Port Security Unit 308 (PSU-308) is a United States Coast Guard Reserve unit established in 1998 and based in Kiln, Mississippi. Specializing in expeditionary port security, PSU-308 provides critical force protection for military and civilian maritime operations worldwide. The unit has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, conducting security missions in the Middle East and other regions. PSU-308 regularly participates in joint exercises and domestic security operations, demonstrating rapid deployment capabilities to safeguard America’s strategic ports and waterways.

The Recruiting Office Saint Louis has served as a pivotal gateway for military enlistment in the Midwest, tracing its roots to the early 20th century when regional recruitment became essential for mobilizing forces during major conflicts. Throughout World War I and II, the Saint Louis office played a crucial role in enlisting thousands of soldiers, supporting the nation’s war efforts and expanding the U.S. military's ranks. In the subsequent decades, the office adapted to changing recruitment needs during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, employing innovative outreach programs within local communities. Today, the Recruiting Office Saint Louis continues its legacy by connecting qualified men and women to careers in the Armed Forces, upholding a proud tradition of service and commitment to national defense.

**Station Washington DC** has served as a critical hub for United States military operations and administration since its establishment. Strategically located in the nation’s capital, the unit has supported command and control functions for numerous Department of Defense activities, providing essential logistical, security, and ceremonial support. Throughout its history, Station Washington DC has played a pivotal role during key national events, including presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and periods of national emergency. Its personnel have consistently demonstrated professionalism and adaptability, ensuring the effective coordination of military resources within one of the most important cities in the world.

Support Center Kodiak, located on Kodiak Island, Alaska, traces its origins to World War II, when it was established as a key U.S. Navy base to defend the northern Pacific approaches and support operations in the Aleutian Islands. After the war, the installation transitioned to the U.S. Coast Guard, becoming one of the branch's largest bases and serving as a vital logistics and support hub for maritime operations in Alaska’s challenging waters. Over the decades, Support Center Kodiak has provided essential maintenance, supply, housing, and administrative services for cutters, aircraft, and personnel engaged in search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Coast Guard operations in the North Pacific, ensuring mission readiness and support for units safeguarding the region.

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen was established in November 1971 at Rafael Hernández Airport, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, taking over from the former Coast Guard Air Detachment at San Juan. The unit’s primary missions include search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security operations throughout the Caribbean region. Over the decades, Air Station Borinquen has played a vital role in responding to maritime emergencies, interdicting illegal drug trafficking, and supporting disaster relief efforts. With a fleet of MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, it continues to serve as a critical hub for Coast Guard operations in the region.

Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Fort Macon, North Carolina, is a United States Coast Guard unit responsible for maintaining and servicing navigational aids along the central coast of North Carolina. Established to ensure safe passage for both commercial and recreational vessels, ANT Fort Macon oversees buoys, beacons, and other critical maritime markers within its area of responsibility, including the busy waters near Morehead City and Beaufort. The unit plays a key role in supporting maritime safety and security along the Atlantic coast, particularly in the challenging conditions presented by the region's shifting shoals and inlets. Throughout its history, ANT Fort Macon has contributed to countless search and rescue operations and disaster response efforts, upholding the Coast Guard's core missions.

USCG Coos Bay, Oregon, is a United States Coast Guard unit with a longstanding presence on the southern Oregon coast. Established in 1915, the station has played a critical role in maritime safety, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement in the challenging waters near the entrance to Coos Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Over the decades, the unit has responded to countless emergencies, assisting distressed vessels and protecting the local maritime community. Today, USCG Coos Bay continues its vital mission, upholding the Coast Guard’s legacy of service and dedication along the rugged Oregon coastline.

USCGC Dogwood (WAGL-259) was a 114-foot buoy tender built for the United States Coast Guard and commissioned in 1941. Primarily assigned to the Eighth Coast Guard District, the Dogwood operated out of Vicksburg, Mississippi, performing vital aids to navigation duties along the Mississippi River system. During World War II, the cutter also conducted river patrols and supported wartime logistics efforts. After decades of service, Dogwood was decommissioned in 1989, having played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of inland waterways.

USCG LORSTA Sellia Marina, located in southern Italy, was a United States Coast Guard LORAN-C (Long Range Navigation) station operational from 1972 to 1994. Established to enhance navigation accuracy for both military and civilian vessels in the Mediterranean region, the station played a critical role during the Cold War by supporting NATO maritime operations. Staffed by USCG personnel, LORSTA Sellia Marina transmitted precise timing signals as part of the Mediterranean LORAN-C chain, significantly improving navigational safety. The station was decommissioned as satellite-based GPS systems became the standard for global navigation.