Editing United States Coast Guard (section)

==Symbols==
===Core values===
The Coast Guard, like the other armed services of the United States, has a set of core values that serve as basic ethical guidelines for all Coast Guard active duty, reservists, auxiliarists, and civilians. The '''Coast Guard Core Values''' are:

{{Blockquote|quote=<poem>'''Honor''': Integrity is our standard. We demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior in all of our personal actions. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.
'''Respect''': We value our diverse workforce. We treat each other with fairness, dignity, and compassion. We encourage individual opportunity and growth. We encourage creativity through empowerment. We work as a team.
'''Devotion to Duty''': We are professionals, military and civilian, who seek responsibility, accept accountability, and are committed to the successful achievement of our organizational goals. We exist to serve. We serve with pride.</poem><ref name="CGCV">{{cite web |title=U.S. Coast Guard Core Values |url=https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=114-06-02&category=core-values |website=U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |access-date=29 April 2022}}</ref>}}<!-- end of bq -->

===The Guardian Ethos===
In 2008, the Coast Guard introduced the Guardian Ethos. As the commandant, Admiral Allen noted in a message to all members of the Coast Guard: [The Ethos] "defines the essence of the Coast Guard," and is the "contract the Coast Guard and its members make with the nation and its citizens."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/call/docs/10-52/ch_3.asp |title=The Coast Guard and Homeland Security |website=United States Army Combined Arms Center |date=July 2010 |access-date=26 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227004050/http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/call/docs/10-52/ch_3.asp |archive-date=27 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===The Coast Guard Ethos===
In an ALCOAST message effective 1 December 2011 the Commandant, Admiral Papp, directed that the language of ''Guardian Ethos'' be superseded by the ''Coast Guard Ethos'' in an effort to use terminology that would help with the identity of personnel serving in the Coast Guard.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shipmates 17 - The Coast Guard Ethos |url=http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/ALCOAST/554-11_alcoast.txt |format=txt |id=ALCOAST 554/11 |website=CGMS General Messages |date=30 November 2011 |access-date=26 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106080309/http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/ALCOAST/554-11_alcoast.txt |archive-date=6 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The term ''coast guardsman'' is the correct form of address used in Title 14 USC and is the form that has been used historically. This changed the line in the Guardian Ethos "I am a Guardian." to become "I am a Coast Guardsman."<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/documents/budget/2009_Posture_Statement.pdf#page=59 |format=PDF |section=The Guardian Ethos |title=U.S. Coast Guard Posture Statement |publisher=United States Coast Guard |date=February 2008 |page=17 |access-date=11 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412083826/https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/documents/budget/2009_Posture_Statement.pdf#page=59 |archive-date=12 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Ethos is:
{{Blockquote|quote=<poem>In Service to our Nation 
With Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty 
We protect 
We defend 
We save 
We are Semper Paratus 
We are the United States Coast Guard</poem>|sign=The Coast Guard Ethos<ref name="ALCOAST 554/11"/>}}

===Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman===
{{main|Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman}}
The "Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman" was written by Vice Admiral [[Harry G. Hamlet]], who served as Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1932 to 1936.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/HGHamletBio.asp |title=Harry G. Hamlet 1932-1936 |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=26 January 2012 |access-date=8 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623125613/http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/HGHamletBio.asp |archive-date=23 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Blockquote|quote=<poem>I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman.
I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world.
I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged.
I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders.
I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share.
I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties.
I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems.
I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others.
I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live.
I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril.
With God's help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works...
A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN.</poem>|sign=Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/History/faqs/creed.asp |title=Coast Guard History: Frequently Asked Questions - Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman |first=Harry G. |last=Hamlet |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=10 October 2012 |access-date=8 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826091059/http://uscg.mil/history/faqs/creed.asp |archive-date=26 August 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<!-- end of bq -->

==="You have to go out, but you don't have to come back!"===
This unofficial motto of the Coast Guard dates to an 1899 [[United States Lifesaving Service]] regulation, which states in part: "In attempting a rescue, ... he will not desist from his efforts until by actual trial, the impossibility of effecting a rescue is demonstrated. The statement of the keeper that he did not try to use the boat because the sea or surf was too heavy will not be accepted, unless attempts to launch it were actually made and failed."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/LSSmotto.asp |title=Coast Guard History: Frequently Asked Questions - What is the origin of the saying "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back"? |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=10 October 2012 |access-date=1 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520071918/http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/LSSmotto.asp |archive-date=20 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Coast Guard ensign===
[[File:Ensign of the United States Coast Guard.svg|thumb|Ensign of the United States Coast Guard]]
[[File:Ensign of the United States Coast Guard (1915-1953).png|thumb|Former Coast Guard ensign, used from 1915 to 1953]]

The Coast Guard [[Ensign (flag)|ensign]] (flag) was first flown by the [[Revenue Cutter Service]] in 1799 to distinguish revenue cutters from merchant ships. A 1 August 1799 order issued by Secretary of the Treasury [[Oliver Wolcott Jr.]] specified that the Ensign would be "sixteen perpendicular stripes (for the number of states in the United States at the time), alternate red and white, the union of the ensign to be the arms of the United States in a dark blue on a white field."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |title=U.S. Coast Guard Flags |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=26 January 2012 |access-date=21 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620095732/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |archive-date=20 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

This ensign became familiar in American waters and served as the sign of authority for the Revenue Cutter Service until the early 20th century. The ensign was originally intended to be flown only on revenue cutters and boats connected with the Customs Service but over the years it was found flying atop custom houses as well, and the practice became a requirement in 1874. On 7 June 1910, President [[William Howard Taft]] issued an executive order adding an emblem to (or "[[Defacement (flag)|defacing]]") the ensign flown by the Revenue cutters to distinguish it from what is now called the [[:File:Flag of the United States Customs Service.svg|Customs Ensign]] flown from the custom houses. The emblem was changed to the official seal of the Coast Guard in 1927.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Traditions.asp |title=The Coast Guard Ensign |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |access-date=15 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621093322/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Traditions.asp |archive-date=21 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbp.gov/custoday/jan2000/tradtn.htm |title=Tradition, Service, Honor: The Customs Ensign |first=Anne |last=Saba |website=U.S. Customs Today |date=January 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023181113/http://www.cbp.gov/custoday/jan2000/tradtn.htm |archive-date=23 October 2011 }}</ref>

The purpose of the ensign is to allow ship captains to easily recognize those vessels having legal authority to stop and board them. It is flown only as a symbol of law enforcement authority and is never carried as a parade standard.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |title=U.S. Coast Guard Flags |date=17 November 2014 |access-date=26 February 2015 |quote=As it was intended in 1799, the ensign is displayed as a mark of authority for boardings, examinations and seizures of vessels for the purpose of enforcing the laws of the United States. The ensign is never carried as a parade or ceremony standard. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226191031/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/Coast_Guard_Flags.asp |archive-date=26 February 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Coast Guard standard===
The Coast Guard standard is used in parades and carries the battle honors of the Coast Guard. It was derived from the [[Maritime flags#Jacks|jack]] of the Coast Guard ensign which was flown by revenue cutters. The emblem is a blue eagle from the coat of arms of the United States on a white field. Above the eagle are the words "United States Coast Guard" below the eagle is the motto, "Semper Paratus" and the inscription "1790."<ref>{{cite web |title=Trademarks and Emblems |url=https://www.uscg.mil/Community/Trademark/insignia |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015155156/https://www.uscg.mil/Community/Trademark/insignia/ |archive-date= Oct 15, 2023 }}</ref>
[[File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - Indonesian and U.S. Coast Guard ships transit the Java Sea while conducting ship formation exercises during the at-sea phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2012 Indonesia. (1).jpg|thumb|The Service Mark was developed to distinguish Coast Guard cutters from other government and commercial ships.]]

===Service Mark ("Racing Stripe")===

The Racing Stripe, officially known as the Service Mark, was designed in 1964 by the industrial design office of [[Raymond Loewy]] Associates to give the Coast Guard a distinctive, modern image. Loewy had designed the colors for the [[Air Force One]] fleet for [[Jackie Kennedy]]. President [[John F. Kennedy|Kennedy]] was so impressed with his work, he suggested that the entire Federal Government needed his make-over and suggested that he start with the Coast Guard.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Sea History (magazine)|Sea History]] |number=139 |date=Summer 2012 |title=The History of the 'Racing Stripe' Emblem and Brand |first=William H. |last=Thiesen |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/StripeHistory.pdf |access-date=2 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512082309/http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/StripeHistory.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/10000-10999/CIM_10360_3C.pdf |title=Coatings And Color Manual |website=CG-612 Directives and Publications Division |id=COMDTINST M10360.3C |date=11 March 2005 |access-date=19 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225020659/http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/10000-10999/CIM_10360_3C.pdf |archive-date=25 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> The stripes are canted at a 64-degree angle, coincidentally the year the Racing Stripe was designed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coast Guard History: Frequently Asked Questions - When did the Coast Guard adopt the "slash" for its cutters, boats, and aircraft? |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/slash.asp |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=8 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103062908/http://www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/slash.asp |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The racing stripe is borne by Coast Guard cutters, aircraft, and many boats. First used and placed into official usage as of 6 April 1967, it consists of a narrow blue stripe, a narrow white stripe between, and a broad CG red bar with the Coast Guard shield centered.<ref name="heraldry" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/USCG_Painting_Regs_1973.pdf |title=U.S. Coast Guard Coatings and Color manual |id=CG-263 |website=Coast Guard Historian's Office |date=16 July 1973 |access-date=8 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103062911/http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/USCG_Painting_Regs_1973.pdf |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Red-hulled icebreaker cutters and most HH-65/MH-65 helicopters (i.e., those with a red fuselage) bear a narrow blue stripe, a narrow empty stripe the color of the fuselage (an implied red stripe), and broad white bar, with the Coast Guard shield centered. Conversely, black-hulled cutters (such as buoy tenders and inland construction tenders) use the standard racing stripe. Auxiliary vessels maintained by the Coast Guard also carry the Racing Stripe, but in inverted colors (i.e., broad blue stripe with narrow white and CG red stripes) and the Auxiliary shield. Similar racing stripe designs have been adopted for the use of other coast guards and maritime authorities and many other law enforcement and rescue agencies.{{#tag:ref|For example, the National Park Service operates various vessels with a green racing stripe, as seen at [[Channel Islands National Park#Vessels]] ([https://fineartamerica.com/featured/national-park-service-research-diving-boat-sea-ranger-ii-jason-o-watson.html image]) or at [[Sleeping Bear Dunes]] ([https://www.munsonboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Munson-Model-26-42-8.jpg image]). Other agencies include the [[commons:File:Virginia Beach Police Department Marine Patrol Unit Hull Number 146.JPG|Virginia Beach Police Department Marine Patrol]], the [[commons:File:Chinese Coast Guard ship during DiREx-15.jpg|China Coast Guard]], the [[commons:File:Turkish Coast Guard Kaan 33 class patrol boat 312.jpg|Turkish Coast Guard]], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/89903901@N00/47558755441 Baltimore Police Marine Unit], and the [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/uspp/images/marine-unit.jpg US Park Police]. |group=Note}}