At the National Archives, researchers can find a wide range of information on the United States Coast Guard and its predecessor agencies. These agencies include the Revenue Cutter Service, which patrolled waterways in the early days of the Republic; the U.S. Life Saving Service, which protected shipwrecked mariners; and the U.S. Lighthouse Service, which kept watch along American shores. Today, the modern Coast Guard performs all of these functions and more to safeguard the United States and its maritime operations.
In 1790, when Alexander Hamilton founded the Revenue Cutter Service, there were no insignia or uniform regulations. Nine years later, Congress authorized the revenue cutters to fly what is now known as the Coast Guard ensign and pennant. The words "Semper Paratus" ("always ready") on the seal proclaim the Coast Guard's proud tradition, now more than a century and a half in duration. In 1927, the seal was officially authorized by the Honorable Andrew W. Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury, under President Calvin Coolidge.
Approved insignia designs and seals are held in trust by the National Archives in the Military holdings.
