My dad (84 years old now and living on Cape Cod) was in the Coast Guard in the 40s--it became part of the Navy during the war and he served on the U.S.S. Bayfield (Normandy invasion, etc.) I have a cousin, now about 50, who asked my Dad for career advice and he suggested the Coast Guard. So my cousing enlisted and wound up serving in places ranging from
the Maine Coast to the Pacific island of Yap. Now he's a
recruiter for the CG up in New Hampshire. He's had an
enjoyable career with them.
Years ago, the CG was part of the Dept. of the Treasury.
Now it's part of Homeland Security.
The CG runs announcements for recruits and they point out
the CG's role in drug interdiction, saving lives,
homeland security, polar icebreaking, safe boating courses, etc. Their slogan is "Semper Paratus". Always ready.
My grandfather also served on the U.S.S. Bayfield in WWII. Small world.