The Long Blue Line (Fall 2020)

ENFORCERS ON THE SEAS WING
From its earliest days and predecessor
Services, the Coast Guard has had a unique
dual identity—as both a military service and
a maritime law enforcer. Today, the Service
has an ever-expanding global reach and
impact. The Enforcers on the Seas Wing
follows the Coast Guard’s law enforcement
operations through time. Individual galleries
and exhibits illustrate the expansion from
tariff enforcement off the eastern coast of the
United States to training and drug interdiction
missions worldwide.
Cutter Evolution Gallery: Visitors get a sense
of Coast Guard cutters throughout history
right up to present day. As cutters
have evolved, they have allowed the
Service to better undertake expanded
missions. The history of cutters is not
just technological—it is connected
to stories of great battles, strong
leaders, and changing cultural
values. From wooden sailing
ships to iron-clad warships, since
1790, these ships have travelled
the oceans undertaking defense
and enforcement missions.
Early Law Enforcement
Gallery: “A few armed vessels,
judiciously stationed at the
entrances of our ports, might at
a small expense be made useful
sentinels of the law.” — Alexander
Hamilton, 1790
The Coast Guard’s law enforcement
mission started with tariff enforcement
on America’s east coast and quickly
expanded. Soon, revenue cutters were
capturing pirates in the Caribbean and
upholding justice in Alaska. This gallery will
help users to understand Posse Comitatus
and the unique nature of the Coast Guard
as an Armed Service.
Rum Wars Gallery: Booze. Hooch. Rum.
During the 1920’s, alcohol by any name
was illegal to buy, sell, or drink in America.
28 FALL 2020
THE LONG BLUE LINE