The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique federal service branch tasked with maritime safety, security, and stewardship, blending military, law enforcement, and humanitarian roles. Established in 1915 by merging the Revenue Cutter Service with the Life-Saving Service, it is one of the oldest U.S. armed services and functions both as a military force and a federal law enforcement agency[2][6]. The Coast Guard’s core missions fall into three broad categories: maritime safety, maritime security, and maritime stewardship. It executes eleven statutory missions, including search and rescue, drug interdiction, migrant interdiction, marine environmental protection, and port security. These missions reflect its multifaceted role in protecting lives at sea, enforcing U.S. laws, combating transnational crime like drug trafficking and human smuggling, and safeguarding marine resources[1][2][5]. Key operational focuses include maritime law enforcement, emergency response, prevention of accidents and environmental disasters, management of the marine transportation system, and national defense. The Coast Guard operates a diverse fleet of cutters, aircraft, and shore facilities, coordinating closely with other federal agencies and international partners across a vast operational area spanning U.S. coastal waters and international zones[3][5][7]. Historically, the Coast Guard has been praised for its flexibility and rapid response in crises, exemplified during events like Hurricane Katrina. It also oversees aids to navigation, including lighthouses and buoys, ensuring safe maritime commerce valued at over $5 trillion annually[2][6][5]. Today, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. Its enduring mission combines protecting U.S. maritime interests, supporting national security, and preserving the marine environment, making it a critical player at the intersection of business, technology, and national defense[6][8].