Five Fun Facts About the Coast Guard

Today is Coast Guard Day -- here are some fun facts about organization.

When was the Coast Guard founded? The organization was founded on August 4, 1790 to prevent smuggling and to help the new nation enforce its trade laws.

Is the Coast Guard part of the Navy? The Coast Guard is actually a part of the Department of Homeland Security--it was transferred there from the Department of Transportation back in 2003. But that's only during peace time--during war, the Coast Guard is under the command of the President.

How many lives does the Coast Guard save? The Coast Guard said it averages saving 13 lives a day.

How many boats entering US ports does the Coast Guard screen? On an average day, they screen 679 commercial vessels and 170,000 crew and passengers.

Is there a Coast Guard Academy? Yes, although it is the smallest of the American military academies, the Coast Guard has operated its academy in New London, CT since 1876 and offers a bachelor of science program. Two academy graduates have even gone on to be astronauts with NASA.