US Coast Guard News, Coast Guard Pay & Fitness Resources

The Coast Guard was established on Aug. 4, 1790. The Coast Guard is charged with maritime security, safety, and stewardship. While the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, during times of war, it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy, as it did in WWI and WWII.

The Coast Guard is comprised of approximately 40,000 active duty personnel supported by an additional 7,000 reservists.

Coast Guard News

Find the latest news and information on the U.S. Coast Guard including top stories, technology, policies, leadership, and more.

Two Coast Guard K9 handlers and their canine partners.

Part-Time Service Could Be the Future of the Coast Guard, Commandant Says

During a forum at the Brookings Institution, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan said she has instructed her team to...

The back window of a pickup truck is decorated with an American flag as a motorist parks outside the Atlanta VA Medical Center.

VA Investigating Atlanta Shooter’s Mental Health Care

Shooting suspect Deion Patterson had been treated at the Atlanta VA in Decatur for mental health problems since March.

Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew hovers over an airstrip

Coast Guard Helicopter Nearly Crashes into Gulf of Mexico in Alabama Coast Cruise Ship Rescue

A severe downwind nearly pushed a Coast Guard helicopter into the Gulf of Mexico as it attempted to rescue a cruise ship...

A man carries a piece of furniture through a neighborhood in Virginia Beach, Va. The City of Virginia Beach declared a state of emergency after a tornado moved through the area and damaged dozens of homes, downed trees and caused gas leaks.

Coast Guard Aids Stranded Boaters as Tornado Ravages Virginia Coast

Two boaters were rescued from a marshy island in Virginia after they were stranded in poor weather, the U.S. Coast Guard said...

the 44-foot (13.5 meter) sailing vessel “Ocean Bound.”

Mexico Ends Search for Missing Americans, Coast Guard Says

A Coast Guard statement said that Mexican forces and U.S. assets had searched about 200,000 square nautical miles, an area...

Crew of Coast Guard heavy icebreaker Polar Star prepares for training.

Coast Guard Pleads for Commercial Icebreaker as Timeline for New Polar Cutter Falls Apart

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan could not give Congress a timeline for construction of the service's new heavy...

Coast Guard Ships, Aircraft and Technology

The U.S. Coast Guard uses many different types of equipment. Learn about the ships, aircraft, weapons and technology the Coast Guard utilizes to carry out missions and defend the United States.

MH-60 Jayhawk

Cyclone Class Coastal Patrol Ship - PC

C-37A

Coast Guard Fitness

Looking to challenge yourself and improve both your physical fitness and mental toughness? Reach your fitness goals and pass the Coast Guard physical fitness test (PFT) with military workouts and exercise tips to get Coast Guard fit.

A member of the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team complete a physical fitness test.

Coast Guard Basic PFT

The Coast Guard physical fitness program is designed to ensure that all members have the strength and stamina to perform...

A Coastie goes through her exercise routine.

Coast Guard Fitness Requirements

Coast Guard recruits run around a track.

USCG Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)

An Army reservist gets done with a workout.

What You Should Know About Military Body Composition Tests

A soldier performs push-ups during an Army physical fitness test.

Why Boot Camp Is No Place to Show Up Out of Shape for Military Service

Join the Coast Guard

Looking to join one of Americas elite forces? Learn everything you need to know about joining the United States Coast Guard. Find out what you can expect when you join the Coast Guard, information on Coast Guard jobs, and physical fitness standards to get you started with a successful career as a coastie.

The History and Roles of the Coast Guard

The Unique Role of the US Coast Guard

Coast Guard Jobs at a Glance

Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative

How to Become a Coast Guard Officer

Coast Guard Weight Requirements at a Glance

Class is in session at Coast Guard training center at Cape May, N.J.

Coast Guard Boot Camp Timeline at a Glance

Coast Guard Special Pay

Learn about Coast Guard Special Pay. In addition to a coastie's basic pay they may receive special pay and incentives pay. Coast Guard Special Pay can vary depending on occupation, specific assignments, and geographic location.