The United States Coast Guard is the oldest continuous seagoing service in the nation — and one of the most misunderstood. Founded in 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard has spent over two centuries guarding American waters, saving lives, and building a culture unlike any other branch of the military.
Whether you served, have a family member who did, or simply respect the men and women who answer the call of the sea, understanding Coast Guard traditions gives you a deeper appreciation for what it means to wear the stripe.
The Semper Paratus Motto
"Always Ready" — that's what Semper Paratus means, and it's more than a motto. It's a daily operating standard. Coast Guard crews are expected to be ready to launch search and rescue missions at a moment's notice, in any weather, day or night. The phrase dates back to the service's earliest days and remains the defining ethos of every Coastie.
The Racing Stripe
The iconic diagonal racing stripe on Coast Guard vessels and aircraft is one of the most recognizable symbols in maritime law enforcement. Introduced in 1967 by designer Ensign Stuart Leavitt, the bold red-and-blue stripe on white was designed to make Coast Guard assets instantly identifiable at sea. Today it's a badge of pride — and a symbol that means help is on the way.
Crossing the Bar
Like all seafaring traditions, the Coast Guard has its own rituals around the sea itself. "Crossing the bar" — a phrase borrowed from Alfred Lord Tennyson's famous poem — refers to the treacherous passage over sandbars at harbor entrances, a maneuver that demands skill, nerve, and respect for the ocean's power. It's also used metaphorically to honor those who have passed on.
The Surfman Legacy
Before the modern Coast Guard, the U.S. Life-Saving Service sent surfmen — brave crews who launched wooden surfboats into crashing surf to rescue shipwreck survivors. Their motto: "You have to go out. You don't have to come back." That spirit of selfless service lives on in every rescue swimmer and boat crew today.
Wearing the Stripe with Pride
Coast Guard service is a lifestyle, not just a job. From the tight-knit station communities to the pride of wearing the uniform, those who serve carry that identity long after they've left active duty. It's a brotherhood and sisterhood forged by shared sacrifice and a love of the sea.
At Fair Winds Clothing, we honor that legacy with our Coast Guard & Navy collection — premium apparel designed for those who've lived the life and those who respect it. Built for the sea. Made to last.