Official Coast Guard painting of Signalman Douglas Munro’s last moments while evacuating Marines at Guadalcanal. The painting’s original title was “Douglas A. Munro Covers the Withdrawal of the 7th Marines at Guadalcanal,” and was painted by artist Bernard D’Andrea

Mission + Vision + Values

During the 1942 Battle of Guadalcanal, Douglas Munro was mortally wounded by enemy gunfire while protecting withdrawing Marines. Focused on his mission to the end, his dying words were: "Did they get off?"

Mission

The National Coast Guard Museum supports Coast Guard missions by inspiring and engaging with the public to celebrate the service’s members and their accomplishments of the past, present and future.

Vision

The National Coast Guard Museum will engage and educate through art, artifacts, exhibits, interactive and immersive experiences. Visitors will be able to employ these educational programs utilizing STEM, civics and art, both in person at its physical location and online through virtual exhibits.

A group of men guiding a U.S. Life-Saving Service vessel out to sea at Cape Henry.
A group of men guiding a U.S. Life-Saving Service (USLSS) vessel out to sea at Cape Henry, Va. The USLSS was a forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard and was officially organized under the Treasury Department in 1878.

Values

Since its founding in 1790, the Coast Guard has evolved into a nimble, maritime sea service with a unique identity, purpose and tradition. Through steady pursuit of its many federal duties, the Coast Guard exemplifies its motto, Semper Paratus – “Always Ready.”

Accordion Group

  • Integrity is our standard. We demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior in all of our personal and organizational actions. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.

  • We value our diverse workforce. We treat each other and those we serve with fairness, dignity, respect and compassion. We encourage creativity through empowerment. We work as a team.

  • We are professionals, military and civilian, who seek responsibility, accept accountability, and are committed to the successful achievement of our organizational goals. We exist to serve. We serve with pride.

Photo: Members of the United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard prepare for a flag raising ceremony at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington, D.C.

United States Coast Guard Ethos

In Service to our Nation

With Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty

We protect 

We defend 

We save 

We are Semper Paratus 

We are the United States Coast Guard