Rear Admiral Frederick Billard — commandant, commander, warrior, educator and mastermind of rapid expansion
Billard oversaw the largest and fastest peacetime expansion in Coast Guard history.
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Capt. Francis Martin—the most ancient of “Ancient Mariners” with 63 years of service!
The Coast Guard established the Ancient Mariner Award in 1978 to honor the officer and enlisted cuttermen who personify the dedication and professionalism associated with long service at sea and have held the distinction of cutterman longer than any other officer or enlisted member.
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Construction Update – Sept. 27, 2025
The National Coast Guard Museum is on the rise! Fifth floor framing is almost complete. Next week? THE ROOF! Big news: the 5th floor is almost framed, and the next milestone is THE ROOF! Your National Coast Guard Museum is almost ready to top things off.
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“CG 1”—the Coast Guard’s first aircraft
In 1926, the Coast Guard’s Loening OL-5 launched aviation for Prohibition interdiction, with Gloucester and Cape May air stations aiding cutters to counter rum-running.
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Construction Update – Sept. 23, 2025
Step right up (or down)! An emergency egress ladder well has been installed at YOUR National Coast Guard Museum. Safety first as construction progress continues!
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Elmer Stone—Coast Guard Aviator #1 set the world record over 100 years ago!
It should come as no surprise that over 100 years ago a Coast Guard aviator was the first to pilot an aircraft across the Atlantic. Elmer Fowler Stone topped the list of applicants for the Revenue Cutter Service School of Instruction class of 1913, a small group that would feature several distinguished graduates in the history of Coast Guard aviation.
