A military or governmental organization responsible for protecting coastal waters and enforcing maritime laws.
Compound word combining 'coast' (from Old French 'coste' meaning 'side' or 'rib') and 'guard' (from Old French 'garde'). The term emerged in the 18th century as nations developed naval forces to protect trade routes.
The U.S. Coast Guard is unique among military branches—it can operate in peacetime under the Department of Homeland Security, but switches to the Navy during wartime, making it a shapeshifting institution.
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