United States Coast Guard Emblem of the United States Coast Guard Founded 28 January 1915 (U.S. Coast Guard) (102 years, 11 months) 4 August 1790 (creation of the Revenue Marine) (227 years, 5 months) Country United States of America Type Coast guard Role Coastal defense, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue Size Civilian employees: 7,064 Active duty personnel: 36,235 Selected reservists: 7,351 Auxiliarists: 29,620 238 cutters 1,523 boats 187 aircraft Part of DHS (2003 -- present) USDOT (1967 -- 2003) DoT (1946 -- 1967) DoN (1941 -- 1946) DoT (1919 -- 1946) DoN (1917 -- 1919) DoT (1915 -- 1917) Headquarters Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building Washington, D.C. Nickname (s) "Coasties '', "Shallow water sailors '', "The Guard '', Motto (s) Semper Paratus (English: Always ready) Colors White, CG Blue, CG Red March "Semper Paratus '' Play (help info) Anniversaries 4 August Engagements See list (show) Quasi-War War of 1812 Seminole Wars Mexican -- American War American Civil War Spanish -- American War World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War Persian Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War Decorations Presidential Unit Citation Commanders Commander - in - Chief President Donald Trump Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen Commandant ADM Paul F. Zukunft Vice Commandant ADM Charles D. Michel Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard MCPOCG Steven W. Cantrell Insignia Standard Ensign Seal Mark Guidon Pennant
what is the motto of the coast guard
Semper Paratus (English: Always ready)