This book introduces the smallest branch of the U. S. military, the U. S. Coast Guard. Historical information covers its roots in early America and the Revenue Cutter Service promoted by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, and its work during the American Civil War, World War I, and Hurricane Katrina. The coast guard's range of missions, including performing search and rescue missions, protecting U. S. harbors from terrorist attacks, preventing smuggling of illegal drugs, maintaining navigational aids, patrolling the North Atlantic Ocean for icebergs, responding to environmental disasters such as oil spills, promoting boating safety, keeping waterways open and safe, and providing coastal defense of foreign shores such as in Iraq, are highlighted for the reader. Chapters also cover the coast guard's organization by hierarchy, including a sidebar of officer and enlisted ranks, its work as part of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, the duties of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Coast Guard Reserve, requirements for enlistment, training, and the Coast Guard Academy. The book also describes coast guard assets such as cutters, boats, and aircraft including the HC-130 Hercules airplane, the HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, and their duties, size, and range, and the coast guard's current and future plans to upgrade equipment. Full-color photographs, sidebars, fun facts, a graphic timeline, a glossary, and an index accompany this easy-to-read text.