The definitive, official illustrated book on the U.S. Coast Guard, published in a fully updated and revised edition. Since September 11, the Coast Guard’s motto—Semper Paratus, "Always Ready"—has taken on new meaning. From protecting our coastlines to drug interdiction, combat missions, and guarding against terrorism as part of the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard maintains a constant vigil in the safeguarding of Americans. Written by an outstanding team of historians and distinguished officers, including the current Commandant USCG Admiral Thad Allen, The Coast Guard has more than 350 pages that tell the story from its origins as both the Revenue Cutter Service and U.S. Lifesaving Service to lighthouses, ice breakers, and the heroes of Hurricane Katrina. Essays on history, search and rescue, and aviation all have one common focus: the incredibly trained and highly motivated people that make up the Coast Guard.

About The Author

Lieutenant Commander Tom Beard, USCG (Retired), split his military flying career between a Vietnam tour as a Navy carrier pilot and work as a Coast Guard rescue pilot. He possesses an airline transport pilot’s rating and Coast Guard Masters license.

Walter Cronkite, named "the most trusted man in America," was an iconic former TV broadcast journalist whose accomplishments won him acclaim from journalism colleagues and the American public alike.