"History of the U.S. Coast Guard"

August 21, 2025 (Thursday, 1900 EST)

Vince Patton, Ed.D., Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Retired

As a multi-mission military and humanitarian service for over 235 years, our nation has depended on the U.S. Coast Guard, which assures our economic prosperity, national defense, and maritime safety and security. This presentation provides an overview of the early history, from its infancy as the Revenue Marine Service, coupled with its continuing value and contributions to the nation today as the U.S. Coast Guard.

Vince Patton’s 30-year U.S. Coast Guard career included assignments both afloat and ashore throughout the United States, as well as a joint military assignment in Cuba and Haiti. In 1998, he was selected as the Eighth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG), which he held until his retirement in November 2002. His highest academic achievement includes a Doctor of Education from The American University in Washington, D.C. Currently, he is a faculty member at the Northeast Maritime Institute College of Maritime Science, where he teaches courses in leadership and ethics.