U.S. Coast Guard Day 2024: List of Coast Guard Cities and States in United States

Every August 4, America pauses to honor the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard. Coast Guard Day celebrates their unwavering commitment to protecting our nation’s waterways, shores, and maritime interests and commemorates the service’s founding in 1790 as the Marine Corps.

Originally a small force charged with collecting customs duties, the Coast Guard has grown into a multifaceted organization with a wide range of responsibilities. Today, the Coast Guard has many responsibilities, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, homeland security, and national defense operations.

What is the history of United States Coast Guard Day?

The Coast Guard traces its roots to August 4, 1790, when the Treasury Department, under the leadership of Alexander Hamilton, established the Anti-Smuggling Cutters Service. This initial fleet of ten cutters was tasked with enforcing the nation’s first tariff law and combating smuggling.

The Armed Forces Day website states: “August 4 is designated as Coast Guard Day in honor of the Treasury Department’s creation of the Anti-Smuggling Fleet in 1790, the forerunner of today’s Coast Guard. On that day, Congress, under the direction of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and President George Washington, signed the Tariff Act of 1790, authorizing the construction of a fleet of ten cutters to enforce the first tariff law Congress had enacted under the Constitution.”

What is the significance of U.S. Coast Guard Day?

U.S. Coast Guard Day is significant for the following reasons:

  • Honoring Unwavering Service: Coast Guard members dedicate their lives to ensuring safety at sea, protecting our nation’s interests, and responding to emergencies. This day is a day to recognize their sacrifice and dedication.
  • Emphasizing Diversity of Duties: The day highlights the breadth of the Coast Guard’s mission, which includes search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection and homeland security.
  • Inspiring Future Generations: Celebrating the Coast Guard’s accomplishments and encouraging young people to consider careers in maritime service and public safety.
  • Strengthening Community Ties: Many coastal communities rely on the Coast Guard for protection and assistance. Coast Guard Day fosters solidarity and gratitude between the Service and the public.

United States Coast Guard Day 2024: List of Coast Guard cities and states

The Coast Guard’s mission relies heavily on strong relationships with the communities it serves. To foster mutual understanding and support, the Coast Guard has designated certain cities as “Coast Guard Cities.”

These cities have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of Coast Guard personnel and their families, creating a welcoming environment that enhances morale and operational readiness. Currently, there are 34 officially recognized Coast Guard cities in the United States. Below is a complete list.

No.

City

state

Specified date

1

Grand Haven

Michigan

November 13, 1998

2

Eureka

California

June 3, 2000

3

Mobile

Alabama

July 4, 2002

4

Wilmington

North Carolina

July 25, 2003

5

Newport

Oregon

March 28, 2005

6

Alameda

California

April 14, 2006

7

Kodiak

Alaska

September 15, 2007

8

Rockland

Maine

June 16, 2008

9

Portsmouth

Virginia

November 17, 2009

10

Traverse City

Michigan

April 7, 2010

11

Astoria

Oregon

May 1, 2010

12

Sitka

Alaska

February 14, 2011

Thirteen

Qingshui Town

Florida

December 23, 2011

14

Newburyport

Massachusetts

December 23, 2011

15

Sturgeon Bay

the state of Wisconsin

January 23, 2014

16

Camden County

Georgia

January 23, 2014

17

Cape May County

New Jersey

May 8, 2015

18

Hull

Massachusetts

May 11, 2015

19

Ketchikan

Alaska

May 11, 2015

20

Elizabeth City

North Carolina

May 29, 2015

twenty one

New London

Connecticut

May 24, 2015

twenty two

Carteret County

North Carolina

July 7, 2015

twenty three

San Diego

California

February 23, 2017

twenty four

Florence

Oregon

May 20, 2017

twenty five

New York

New York

February 4, 2018

Twenty-six

Chatham County

Georgia

October 18, 2018

Twenty-seven

Cordoba

Alaska

September 30, 2019

Twenty-eight

Westport

Washington

September 30, 2019

Twenty-nine

Valdez

Alaska

7 April 21

thirty

Key West

Florida

August 4, 22

31

Bay County

Florida

15 May 23

Thirty-two

Homer

Alaska

May 22, 23

33

Garibaldi

Oregon

December 17, 23

Thirty-four

Charleston

South Carolina

January 26, 24

Coast Guard Day is more than just a celebration; it is a reminder of the unwavering dedication of the men and women who serve in this vital branch of the armed forces. As we honor their service, let us also recommit ourselves to supporting their mission and protecting our nation’s maritime heritage.