The Long Blue Line (Fall 2020)

DEFENDERS OF OUR NATION WING
The Coast Guard has fought in every major
American conflict since its establishment. During
each engagement, its duties and technologies
have evolved to better defend our country against
maritime threats. The Defenders of Our Nation
Wing uses bold images and iconic settings to
present a chronological journey through the
Coast Guard’s involvement in American conflicts
at home and overseas.
First Hundred Years Gallery: The Revenue
Marine, later called the Revenue Cutter Service,
began by enforcing tariff laws. Congress soon
gave it a new mission — to defend a young Nation
from aggressors. The Service first went to battle
against the French in the Quasi War of 1797. For
the next century, the Service expanded its combat
skills as it fought beside the U.S. Navy in every
major American war including the War of 1812,
the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Armed Force Enters World War I Gallery: In
1915, the Revenue Cutter Service merged with
the U.S. Life-Saving Service to create the Coast
Guard, a new branch of the U.S. military. Two
years later, with America on the brink of entering
WWI, the force officially transferred to the
Department of the Navy. By the war’s end, the
service had transformed into a true armed force.
Trial By Fire World War II Gallery: As America
plunged into World War II, the Coast Guard
32 FALL 2020
THE LONG BLUE LINE