U.S. Coast Guard Birthday, Aug. 4

2017 marks the 227th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard. On Aug. 4, 1790, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, one of five federal services that would eventually make up the Coast Guard, was established under the control of the Treasury Department. Over the next century, four more distinct and separate federal services would be amalgamated to become the U.S. Coast Guard. While the service’s missions have grown and evolved over the 225 years of its history, today the Coast Guard remains concentrated on ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of the nation and its citizens. The Coast Guard first established its presence in the Pacific Northwest with the construction and operation of 16 lighthouses along the coast built between 1852 and 1858. The presence was reaffirmed in 1854 with the entry of the Revenue Cutter Jefferson Davis to Puget Sound. Today, District 13’s headquarters is located in Seattle, WA with three Sector offices managing operations in their respective areas – Puget Sound, Columbia River and North Bend. D13 is made up of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. More than 3,000 active duty and reserve members, Coast Guard Auxiliarists, and civilian employees are stationed in the Northwest. D13 operational assets include: 21 Cutters, 132 Boats, 11 Aircraft. D13 also provides support and a homeport to Coast Guard Pacific Area assets including two high endurance cutters, three medium endurance cutters, two icebreakers, a port security unit and a maritime safety and security team. Sector North Bend oversees USCG operations at Station Chectco River (Harbor), Station Coos Bay (Charleston), Station Depoe Bay, Station Siuslaw River (Florence), Station Umpqua River (Winchester Bay), Station Yaquina Bay (Newport), Aids to Navigation Team Coos Bay (Charleston), and USCGC Orcas (Coos Bay).