Semper paratus

TL;DR -- An little known example of being "prepared" is the U.S. Coast Guard which celebrates its 235th birthday this year (this weekend). The Owasco class cutter is one example from the long history of the Coast Guard.

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Of late, we have mentioned the 250th of the U.S. and its defense organizations: U.S. Army; U.S. Navy; U.S. Marines. With these, we will be studying the history of the Revolution. Today, we start to look at the U.S. Coast Guard and its history. 

The U.S. Coast Guard birthday was celebrated at The National WII Museum in New Orleans on 4 Oct 2025. 

DoD's site provided a nice overview of the service provided by the Coast Guard over 235 years. Also, see a definition of "semper paratus" there: always ready. The coast guard got its start with Washington approving expenditures for 10 cutters in 1790. Alexander Hamilton was the founder. 

Much focus might have an emphasis on "domestic" duty of the service. But, the Coast Guard supports the U.S. Navy in times of war. And example was use of the Owasco class cutter during the Vietnam conflict. 

See Vietnam service,
"Crew cititation"

Provisioning at sea
off Vietnam with
USS Guadalupe 

U.S. Navy battleship USS New Jersey and the
U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Owasco (WHEC-39)
off Vietnam in 1968

Paul Switlik (John's brother) served as an Electrician Mate on the USCGC Owasco (WHEC-39) on its Vietnam tour in 68/69. He tells the story of the photo . 

The Stars & Stripes newspapers had us come along side this big baby for the photo shoot. The headline read:

big N & little o says: "No TO THE VIETCONG"

The New Jersey was firing her 16" guns which was shaking the hell out of us. We kept hollering, get us the hell out of here before all of our nuts and bolts come loose.  

Remarks: Modified: 08/05/2025

08/05/2025 - Changed photos to clearer version. Added one for the rendezvous with the USS New Jersey. Included comment by Paul about the photo event with the battleship. 

U.S. Coast Guard History Program