Coast Guard celebrates 236 years of service with strong Eastern North Carolina ties
N.C. — The United States Coast Guard is celebrating its 236th birthday Tuesday, honoring generations of service members who have protected the nation’s waterways and saved lives at sea.
Congress established the service on Aug. 4, 1790, by authorizing 10 vessels to enforce federal trade laws and prevent smuggling. Originally known as the Revenue Marine and later the Revenue Cutter Service, it became the United States Coast Guard in 1915.
The service now carries out missions involving search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, port security and environmental protection.
Gov. Josh Stein has proclaimed Aug. 4, 2026, as the United States Coast Guard Birthday in North Carolina. The proclamation recognizes the service’s presence at Base Elizabeth City and other locations along the North Carolina coast. Read the governor’s proclamation.
Eastern North Carolina has particularly strong ties to the Coast Guard. Elizabeth City is officially designated as a Coast Guard City and is home to one of the service’s largest aviation facilities. Coast Guard crews also operate from stations throughout the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.