The modern Coast Guard was created in 1915 , when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service . In 1939 , the Lighthouse Service was brought under the Coast Guard 's purview . In 1942 , the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation was transferred to the Coast Guard . In 1967 , the Coast Guard moved from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation , an arrangement that lasted until it was placed under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2003 as part of legislation designed to more efficiently protect American interests following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001
terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001
September 11 attacks
United States Coast Guard