The US Coast Guard turns 226-years-old today — here are 34 jaw-dropping photos of the branch in action

Today marks the 226th anniversary of the creation of the US Coast Guard. 

One of the five service branches in the US military, the Coast Guard is responsible for maritime rescue, drug interdiction, smuggling prevention, and humanitarian aid distribution. Tracing its history to August 4, 1790, the Coast Guard now operates throughout US internal waterways, the coasts, and even distant international waters.

In honor of the Coast Guard’s 226 years of service, we have collected some of the most amazing images of them in a range of missions. 

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The Coast Guard in Alaska operates in some of the most isolated parts of the US. Here, a Coast Guard vessel gets underway during a winter Bering Sea patrol.

Before taking part in operations, Coast Guard service members must receive substantial training, including in how to rescue people from icy waters.

Crew members of Alaskan Coast Guard ships conduct 100-yard survival swims in 39-degree waters.

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