GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Members of the Maritime Safety and Security Team 91101, from Seattle, Wash., celebrated the U.S. Coast Guard's birthday, Aug. 4. The celebration marked 219 years of service to the nation.
The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, multi-mission, maritime service within the Department of Homeland Security and one of the nation's five armed services. Its core roles are to protect the public, the environment and U.S. economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports and inland waterways.
At U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, MSST 91101 plays an integral role by providing anti-terrorism force protection within the naval defense sea area of Guantanamo Bay. The team also provides landside security for the Expeditionary Legal Complex during the military commissions process for detainees.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Espitia, a boatswain's mate with MSST 91101, said he was enjoying the opportunity to recognize his branch's birthday and the years of service and sacrifice by its members.
"This is an important day for us Coast Guardsmen and we are glad we can take this time to recognize it," said Espitia.
On Aug. 4, 1790, Alexander Hamilton led the Congress in authorizing the construction of 10 vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling and protect the collection of federal revenue. This small fleet would come to be known as the Revenue Cutter Service and formed the precursor of the modern Coast Guard. When the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Lifesaving Service in 1915, the Coast Guard adopted its present name. The branch continued to expand in later years as it absorbed the Lighthouse Service and the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Raquel Spear, the lead watch stander with MSST 91101, said she is proud of her service and has had a number of unique experiences celebrating the Coast Guard's birthday.
"Wherever I am each year I end up doing something a little different," Spear said. "This year is unique because I am in Guantanamo Bay. I will always remember the place and the people here. This celebration is a great way to spend time together, honoring our service and its contributions to our country."
Members from the Coast Guard Cutter Bear, which was temporarily docked at the naval station, also participated in this year's birthday celebration.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Burris said he was enjoying spending time with his fellow Coast Guardsmen at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
"This is one of my favorite stops we make during our time at sea," Burris said. "What a great place to spend this great day."
| Date Taken: |
08.14.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
08.18.2009 11:02 |
| Story ID: |
37647 |
| Location: |
GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: |
221 |
| Downloads: |
153 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Coast Guard celebrates 219 years, by SGT Emily Greene, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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