U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thomas Allan, acting vice commandant of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Petty Officer Jahmal Pereira, deputy master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard, participate in a cake-cutting ceremony at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 14, 2025. NWC hosted a Coast Guard Day celebration to commemorate the Coast Guard's birthday. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard birthday cake cutting ceremonies are an annual renewal of the service's commitment to the nation. The birthday cake is traditionally cut with a sword, as a reminder that the services are bands of warriors, committed to carrying arms so that the nation may live in peace. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriel Wisdom)