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US Coast Guard Celebrates 236 Years with Historic Funding From Congress
Congress approved nearly $25 billion for new icebreakers, cutters, helicopters and surveillance systems as the Coast Guard expands its modernization push.
On Tuesday, the United States Coast Guard celebrated its 236th anniversary following Congress and the Trump administration's record nearly $25 billion funding commitment to modernize operations and strengthen national security.
President George Washington founded the service on August 4, 1790, signing the Tariff Act to authorize 10 vessels; it originally operated as the Revenue Marine and later the Revenue Cutter Service.
During 2025, the Coast Guard covered 95,000 miles of coastline and facilitated more than $5.4 trillion in commerce, while crews interdicted more than 231 metric tons of drugs and completed more than 6,700 search and rescue cases.
The investment funds 17 new icebreakers, 21 cutters, and more than 40 helicopters, while the service simultaneously announced plans to open the 80,000-square-foot National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut, next year.
Coast Guard Admiral Kevin Lunday noted the service faces historic strategic consequences amid increased aggression from Russia and China, with new Arctic security cutters under construction in Texas.