Dec. 10, 2021

The Long Blue Line: Teenage Coast Guardsman Morris Dankner, the African-American experience in World War II

When the United States entered World War II, it became clear that for the nation to prevail, it would take a whole national effort. Understanding that the need to draw from all elements of society, a drive to recruit underrepresented elements of our society to the cause was of the utmost importance.When it came to the Coast Guard and its

Dec. 3, 2021

The Long Blue Line: The attack on Pearl Harbor—“a date that will live in infamy”—80 years ago

In his war declaration speech, President Franklin Roosevelt labeled Dec. 7, 1941, as a “date that will live in infamy.” On that day, without forewarning or a declaration of war, forces of Imperial Japan attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In the battle, Coast Guard units served alongside the Navy firing anti-aircraft barrages

Nov. 26, 2021

The Long Blue Line: Charleston—over 230 years of Coast Guard service and growth in South Carolina!

The City of Charleston, S.C., has been a Coast Guard base of operations for over 230 years and its importance to the service has increased throughout its history.The nation’s first Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton, founded the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service in 1790, stationing one of the “first fleet” of 10 cutters, the South Carolina, in

Nov. 12, 2021

The Long Blue Line: Harold Tantaquidgeon, Chief Boatswain’s Mate and Chief of the Mohegans

Prohibition was an era of illicit liquor, bootleggers, and adventure on the high seas, most notably on the East Coast. It became illegal to produce, sell, or transport liquor for consumption on Jan. 17, 1920. The United States Coast Guard had its share of the action searching for bootleggers offshore and along the U.S. coastline and inland

Nov. 5, 2021

The Long Blue Line: “Sooner Squadron”—First Native American Women to enlist in the Coast Guard 

At least six women from Oklahoma’s tribal nations served in the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserves (“SPARS”) during World War II. They enlisted for the same reasons as other American women and performed the same duties, yet newspaper reporters sensationalized their stories with popular culture stereotypes. These SPARS allowed male Coast Guardsmen

Nov. 5, 2021

More than 230 years of service: Veterans Day reminds us of the sacrifices of those who have remained Semper Paratus 

Take time to learn more in ‘The Long Blue Line’ 

Oct. 29, 2021

The Long Blue Line: Cold War Cutter Courier—“Valiant fighter in the cause of freedom” 

I am speaking to you today from a ship. It is a special kind of ship, and it will perform a very special mission. This vessel will not be armed with guns, or with any instruments of destruction. But it will be a valiant fighter in the cause of freedom. It will carry a precious cargo--and that cargo is truth. ~ President Harry S Truman, U.S. Coast

Oct. 22, 2021

The Long Blue Line: Satterlee—the last full measure of devotion

Captain Satterlee was a particularly competent and efficient officer and made a record of which the best might well be proud.    “Official Record of Charles Satterlee,” Coast Guard Personnel Office, October 18, 1918Charles Satterlee was born in Essex, Connecticut, in 1875. His naval career began after completing the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service’s

Oct. 15, 2021

The Long Blue Line: Pacific War veteran Sy Siegel, 101 years strong and still Semper Paratus! 

Sy Siegel is one of many distinguished combat veterans of the long blue line.

Oct. 8, 2021

The Long Blue Line: GITMO Lighthouse standing the watch for 120 years, still Semper Paratus!

It has been 121 years since the Guantanamo Lighthouse was built, remaining Semper Paratus thanks to numerous Coast Guard members who have preserved this unique piece of Coast Guard history.