Lighthouse on Lynn Canal, Alaska by Margaret Graham Kranking
In February 1898, the three-masted passenger ship Clara Nevada, loaded with 800 pounds of gold and an illegal shipment of dynamite, ran aground and exploded at Eldred Rock, 20 miles southeast of Haines, Alaska.... More
Early Flight by Dante Bertoni, US Coast Guard Photo
An OL-5 amphibian airplane flies over St. Joseph North Pier Lights at Lake Michigan, 1926-1935. The Coast Guard purchased three Loening OL-5 amphibians in October 1926, soon after Congress appropriated $152,00... More
While on polar patrol, by Karen Loew
Scientists from the CGC POLAR STAR conduct tests beneath the polar ice cap.
Welder by Nate Ostrow, US Coast Guard Photo
Welder at work aboard a cutter
Jacob's Ladder by Chris Demarest
The boarding party of Coast Guard Cutter Aquideck climbs down the Jacob's ladder of a large container ship after completing its search for illegal cargo, munitions and unaccounted personnel. During the summer,... More
LCDR Rhonda Fleming-Makell by Lew Jackson
Lt. Cmdr. Rhonda Fleming-Makell made history in 2004 as the first African-American female commissioned officer to earn a 20-year retirement. The much decorated Fleming-Makell was a law enforcement specialist a... More
Narcotics Search, Gloucester, Mass. by Mary McGlynn
A 41-foot patrol boat checks out some fishing boats that have just returned to port at Gloucester, Massachusetts, for any indications of illicit narcotics traffic.
Gloucester 41399 and CG Auxiliary by Ward Mann
Coast Guard Station Gloucester is located in the heart of Gloucester, Mass., with the fishing fleet that became famous with the movie 'The Perfect Storm." The nearly 48 full-time active duty Coast Guard men an... More
Strife at Sea by Edward Dyson, US Coast Guard Photo
Search and Rescue overlaps Maritime Law Enforcement as the Coast Guard tries to persuade these Haitians to abandon their unseaworthy craft and allow themselves to be returned to Haiti.
After the Nor'Easter by Edwin Peterson
A Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk helicopter located a missing fishing boat breaking up on the shoals off Nantucket Sound following a particularly fierce New England nor'easter.
USCG Air Station Savannah Coast Rescue by Wilfred Ross
A Coast Guard rescue swimmer executes a rescue of an infirm senior citizen, whom he holds tightly as they are both hoisted to a helicopter.
Readying for boardings by Chris Demarest
An armed crew member from Coast Guard Station Charleston, S.C., prepares to go on patrol in Charleston Harbor. The Coast Guard is the sole member of the five armed forces with domestic law enforcement authority.
Helping Hands by Del-Bourree Bach
The members of the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, homeported in San Diego, Calif., are trained to respond to a variety of incidents-from intercepts of drugs and weapons to acting on suspected security t... More
BMC Jim Todd, USCG Hawser by Nate Ostrow
The 65' Cutter Hawser out of Bayonne, NJ patrols New York Harbor, normally performing such operations as icebreaking, law enforcement, and search and rescue. On September 11, 2001, however, the cutter was under... More
Flight mechanic Gary by Edwin Wordell
Flight mechanic Gary A. Jezierski, AD3, out of San Diego Coast Guard Air Station in 1984. The Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) is a very intense and demanding program. AMT's perform ground handling and s... More
Coast Guard arrives to rescue flood victims by Terrence Maley
HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and an HH-65A Dolphin hover above hurricane-damaged New Orleans, lifting flood victims to safety. At the height of Katrina rescue operations, over 60 Coast Guard aircraft were simulta... More
Aboard the Eagle by Art Weithas
Coast Guard Academy cadets on board the Academy training ship EAGLE, "Belaying the Sheets" or, tending to one of the 22 sails the three masted barque can carry at any one time.
Eagle Taking in Sail by Art Weithas
Cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are pictured out on the yardarm of the Coast Guard's Sailing Ship EAGLE preparing to sail.
Tough Way to Make a Living by George Schoenberger
An HH-3F helicopter bights wind and rain as it hoists a lucky survivor of a sinking to safety.
La Patrouille de France by Dante Bertoni
Symbolizing the Centennial of the Statue of Liberty celebrations, the torch of "Miss Liberty" holds forth as a group of French aircraft fly by. A Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter hovers in the background.
Evergreen at New London by Peter Eagleton
The Coast Guard Cutter EVERGREEN, launched in 1942, rests amid ice floes at New London, Ct.
Position Secure by Herb Mott, US Coast Guard Photo
Captain Vivian Crea, commanding officer of USCG Air Station Clearwater, Florida, reports the location and status of a burning merchant vessel while serving as pilot aboard one of the station's HC-130 long-range... More
Goodbye, G.I. by James Dyekman, US Coast Guard Photo
On Sunday, October 13, 1986, the sign outside the South Battery Club on Governors Island, New York, said it all, "All hands invited to Closing Party on July 13th at 1800," a reminder of the farewell event that ... More
On Patrol by Stephanie Fracasso
An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a 210-foot medium endurance cutter patrol the ocean.
Alaska: Seized Russian Fishing Vessel by Elisse Goldstein
A Russian fishing vessel, seized by the Coast Guard for fishing inside U.S. waters, is shown dockside, likely in the custody of the National Marine Fisheries Service, with the crew detained onboard. Coast Guar... More
Final check before suiting up, US Coast Guard Photo
Members of the Atlantic Strike Team of the National Strike Force conduct training exercises underground in the National Response Tunnel in Charleston, W.Va. The National Strike Force is a highly trained cadre o... More
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program 2014 Collection, ‚"Final Exam‚" ID# 201403, students with the National Motor Lifeboat School demonstrate boat-handling skills near the mouth of the Columbia Ri... More
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program 2014 Collection, "'Rollin', Rollin‚Rollin''" ID# 201401, crewmembers and their 47-foot Motor Life Boat roll in the surf during training exercises in waters nea... More
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program 2015 Collection, “Vertical Surface Training,” ID# 201503, a rescue swimmer is being lowered by the flight mechanic of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flying along ... More
Hail to the Auxiliary by William Sturm
The Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939. Each year, Coast Guard Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours conducting harbor patrols, teaching boating safety classes, offering vesse... More
Let's Go by Thomas Picard, US Coast Guard Photo
H-C130 Hercules assigned to CG AIRSTA Clearwater, Florida, is ready for an overflight counter-narcotics and migrant interdiction surveillance mission off the coast of Florida. The aircraft is equipped with CASP... More
The Bridge, USCGC STURGEON BAY by Elisse Goldstein
Commanding Officer and Crew Icebreaking
A Big Tow by Nina Buxton, US Coast Guard Photo
A 27-foot Coast Guard utility boat monitors towing of an oversized section of an oil platform in Morgan City, Louisiana.
Rainbow Astern, Key West, Fla. by Eric Gebhardt
Spray and mist created from the Coast Guard Surface Effect Ship SEA HAWK catches the South Florida sun, making a rainbow as it patrols off Key West.
Semper Paratus, Delaware 1987 by Margaret Graham Kranking (ID # 90224)
The 41 foot Utility Boat (UTB) entered service beginning in 1973. It is designed to operate under moderate weather and sea conditions where its speed and maneuverability make it an ideal platform for a variety ... More
Solid Shield '89 by George F. Schoenberger (ID # 88369)
The USCGC GALLATIN, a high endurance cutter and the SPRUANCE, a U.S. Navy guided missile frigate, refuel at sea from fleet oiler AG98 during military exercise SOLID SHIELD 89.
Change of Command by Eric Gebhardt
Picryl description: Public domain image of naval activity, ship, sea, 19th-20th century navy, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
USCGC Gallatin by Robert Livingston
The 378-foot High Endurance Cutter GALLATIN, based in New York, NY, races off on patrol with a boatman nonchalantly rowing in the foreground.
Night Scene, Al Jabail: PSU 301 by Darrell Orwig
Port Security Unit (PSU) 301 deployed to Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield. Three port security units (PSU's), consisting of 550 Coast Guard reservists are ordered to the Persian Gulf in suppo... More
Alaska: LORAN Station Attu by Elisse Goldstein
Crewmembers of a Coast Guard C-130 search plane. It is not unusual for a search and rescue mission to last 12 hours or more.
Loma Prieta Damage by Wilma Parker
Earthquake damage in Loma Prieta, California, is checked out from the vantage point of a Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter.
Governors Island Church by John Wisinski
Historically, the Coast Guard has always had a strong tradition of service in the New York region. So when the Army left Governors Island in 1966, The Coast Guard looked forward to a new home. Governors Islan... More
Snare Boom and Skimmers by Mike Mazer
National Strike Force (NSF) members discuss with an environmental consulting firm the best ways to remediate the 2003 Buzzard's Bay, Mass., oil spill, which polluted more than 100 miles of shoreline and shut do... More
Up on the roof by James Consor, US Coast Guard Photo
A Coast Guardsman stands watch on the bridge of the Coast Guard Cutter Diligence. The large, stationary binoculars allow for viewing distant targets with clarity under all light conditions. They are affection... More
Ready, aim, fire ID# 201203, US Coast Guard Photo
During training exercises, the gunner's mate aboard a helicopter sights his rifle on a boat suspected of carrying illegal drugs. He is a member of the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) from Ja... More
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program 2014 Collection, "Christmas Ship‚" ID# 201410, crew members with the USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB 30) unload Christmas trees at the Navy Pier in Chicago. The crew bro... More
PBM-3 Circa 1943 by William Ellsworth
A PBM-3 amphibious airplane lifts off from the water. Public domain photograph of a bomber aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Alaska patrol by Robert Blevins
The CGC Sherman and an HH-65A Dolphin helicopter patrol fishing grounds near Kodiak, Alaska. Commercial fishing is the second most dangerous occupation in America. One of the Coast Guard's many missions is to... More
Selendang Ayu by Priscilla Messner-Patterson
HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters run rescue missions to Malaysian freighter Selendang Ayu which ran aground in the western Aleutian Islands in December 2004. The vessel snapped in two, producing the worst oil spill i... More
The Chase by Annie Strack, US Coast Guard Photo
Underway on 24-foot utility boat, Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles personnel conduct a port security patrol and check of maritime critical infrastructure along the Calcasieu River.
Tillamook Lighthouse by John Wisinski
Public domain photo of lighthouse, sea shore, seascape, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Working the Stay Sails Aboard USCGC Eagle by Joseph McGlynn (ID # 9034...
The artist has captured the action as Coast Guard cadets work the sails aboard the U.S. Coast Guard sail training ship.
Lighthouse in New England by John Wisinski
Public domain photo of lighthouse, sea shore, seascape, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Move Over, Bird; We're in a Hurry by Salvatore Giglio
The HU-25 Falcon Jet is a medium-range surveillance fixed-wing aircraft that is used to perform search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction, marine environmental prot... More
Three Heroic Flyers Stake Their Lives to Save Lives by Thomas Picard
Crews from three pelican helicopters coordinate their response to rescue crewmen from a stricken merchant vessel.
Eagle, Home from the Sea by Thomas Picard
Public domain image of a sailing ship, caravel, harbor, sea, naval battle, 16th-17th century maritime seascape, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description
A painting of a helicopter and a boat in the ocean Untitled by Mary Du...
The crew aboard an HH-65A Dolphin helicopter hoists capzied boaters to safety from roiling seas.
US COAST GUARD CG Artists, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
SEATTLE - Coast Guard artists are recognized by the Pacific Northwest Officer's Association for their contributions to the Coast Guard at Pier 36 in Seattle, Mar. 29, 2012. Coast Guard artists are volunteer, pr... More
Station Bodega Bay training ID# 201213
Crew from Station Bodega Bay, Calif., conduct a live man overboard drill aboard a 47-foot motor life boat. Crews undergo rigorous training to ensure they can respond to distress calls and maritime emergencies ... More
Capt. Loebl, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York,
Capt. Loebl, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, and Robert Pillsbury, president of the Salmagundi Club, present Tom Hedderich with a Public Service Commendation Award for his contrabution to the 2014 col... More
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program
In this work from the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program 2015 Collection, “Shuttle Launch Security,” ID# 201517, a Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral crew aboard a 45-foot response boat-medium patrols the waters off ... More
Harbor bound, by Stephanie Fracasso
The CGC STURGEON BAY facilitates commerce in the winter seasons.
Rescue at Morris Island Lighthouse by Robert Blevins
Helicopter from Charleston Air Facility after rescuing skipper of sail boat from Yugoslavia near Folly Beach, SC
Harbor Rendezvous by Karen Loew
New York Coast Guard harbor patrol prepares to transfer passengers for OpSail 2000 festivities to the USCGC Willow in the early morning hours of July 4, 2000. Throughout the day, the harbor patrol will diligent... More
Funeral Procession: LT Jack Rittichier by Margaret Graham Kranking
LT Jack Rittichier, Coast Guard aviator killed in action in Vietnam in 1968, is buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in October, 2003. He joined the United States Coast Guard on 26 S... More
Christmas in Homeport, St. Ignace, Michigan by Margaret Graham Krankin...
The 140-foot icebreaking cutter BISCAYNE BAY is all decked out for Christmas, a Christmas tree decorating the top of the bridge.
Castle Hill by Bill Farnsworth, US Coast Guard Photo
Coast Guard personnel conduct a boarding of a pleasure craft.
Ready for Patrol Duty by Ferdinand Petrie
MK2 Rick Cremean's equipment for patrol duty consists of an M-16, a 45, life jacket, flashlight and handcuffs at Coast Guard Station, Gloucester, Mass.
WWII Service in Northern Waters by Peter Eagleton
Picryl description: Public domain image of a ship in the sea, harbor, maritime, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Lowering Star-1 by Dale Dumas, US Coast Guard Photo
Coast Guardsmen on board the Ice Breaker POLAR STAR prepare a small boat for launching. A small iceberg is seen in the background.
Drug Enforcement in Key West by Eric Gebhardt
Coast Guard personnel on wharf examine suspicious cargo from freighter BARLOVENTO as an island class Coast Guard cutter stands by in the background.
Ellis Island Revisited by Dante Bertoni
A U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 "Guardian" fan-jet out of Air Station Brooklyn flies by Ellis Island's Great Hall, July 4, 1990.
Rescue Swimmer Away by Jerry Anderson
A Coast Guard rescue swimmer deploys from an HH-60J "Jayhawk" helicopter, typical of harrowing rescue scenarios that rescue swimmers are called upon to perform.
A Friend in Need by Douglas Michie
A Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter prepares to lower an injured crewman from a merchant vessel to a waiting Coast Guard cutter.
Sandy Point Light by Edward Leddy
Public domain photo of lighthouse, sea shore, seascape, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
USCG fights fire by Thomas Picard
Coast Guard firefighters spray a burning vessel.
Checking out the "25" by Chris Demarest
Crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Maui practices firing a 25 mm machine gun. The Coast Guard has been supporting the Coalition Forces of Operation Iraqi Freedom since early 2003. The cutter Maui, originally ... More
USCGC Nantucket at GTMO by Karen Loew
USCG Cutter Nantucket docked at Guantanamo Bay for refueling, as observed from a vantage point near the joint armed services headquarters, known as the "Pink Palace."
Semper paratus, preventive maintenance by Margaret Graham Kranking
This 41-foot utility boat is a versatile workhorse. Designed to operate under moderate weather and sea conditions, its speed and maneuverability make it an ideal platform for numerous missions, including homel... More
Rescue over New Orleans by Lou Diamond
The crew aboard an HH-65A Dolphin helicopter lifts Hurricane Katrina flood victims to safety. While the Coast Guard was rescuing victims, many of its team members were themselves victims of Katrina. Over 28 p... More
To the rescue by Karen Loew, US Coast Guard Photo
Crew from the CGC Polar Sea boards a Kiribati-flagged vessel and assists in humanitarian operations. The boat was picking up patients from outlying islands in this small Pacific nation of coral atolls when it ... More
USCGC Northland Rescues Haitians by Herb Mott (ID # 90230)
The cutter Northland (WMEC 904),a 270-foot medium endurance cutter,assists in rescuing Haitians on a vessel at risk in choppy seas. The cutter is homeported in Portsmouth, Va.
Coast Guard City, USA by Walter Struck
Coast Guard parade, Grand Haven Michigan Public domain photograph of military parade, army ceremony, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Helo Operations by Robert Semler
A 44-footer and a HH-52A helicopter practice hoisting operations with the rescue basket off the New Jersey coast.
Guardians of the Sea by Robert Semler
A Coast Guard 41-footer crosses the bow of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier while conducting an escort. Naval vessels are given wider berths as they ply U.S. waters while Coast Guard crews escort the ship safely ... More
BM Turner at Work by Robert Blevins
Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Turner steers a Coast Guard Station Fort Macon, N.C., small boat on patrol near Cape Lookout. As coxswain, he has responsibility for the boat's crew and the safety of stranded marine... More
And Still They Come by Ralph Starr
Haitians by the dozens are having their flight from their homeland interrupted; and many times having their lives saved as they attempt to flee in unseaworthy craft.
Dropping Anchor off El Moro by Elisse Goldstein
The anchor detail prepares to set anchor for the 110-feet patrol Attu Island as it sits off El Moro in San Juan, Puerto Rico
United States Coast Guard photo - Cold debrief
At the Coast Guard's Advanced Helicopter Rescue School in Astoria, Ore., Coast Guard helicopter pilots and crews receive training in executing rescues in heavy weather and surf conditions on the high seas and o... More
New York City's Salmagundi Club
NEW YORK - From left, Claudia Seymour, president of New York City's Salmagundi Club, Karen Loew, Coast Guard Art Program chairwoman and Coast Guard Rear Adm. Linda Fagan, Commander of Coast Guard Sector New Yor... More
25mm Cannon- Watercolor by Chris Demarest
Watercolor painting by Chris Demarest depicting three Coastguardsmen conducting target practice on a 25mm cannon off the Coast of Iraq. The Coast Guard's mission was to protect the oil platforms of the North Ar... More