August 4th is the birthday of the United States Coast Guard. The USCG traces its roots all the way back to 1790, starting with the US Revenue Cutter Service which was tasked to enforce tariffs and customs during the earliest days of the the United States.

Today, all of us at Browning are proud of the contribution made by our founder, John Moses Browning, in providing many of the firearms designs used by the USGS over the past century to protect America's coasts. 

More than a century ago these USLS boatmen posed for a photo as they prepared for another rescue. USCG image.

Over the two centuries that followed the founding of the original organization, other agencies were added, including the US Life-Saving Service and the US Lighthouse Service. 

The USCG patrols an American harbor, armed with the FN M240 machine gun. USCG image.

Today the USCG operates as part of the US Department of Homeland Security, with duties in national security, maritime law and marine safety, environmental and fisheries enforcement. 

A USCG deck gunner inspects his 50 caliber Browning machine gun. USCG illustration.

Firearms used by the USCG over the years include those designed by John M. Browning.

Browning gives a heartfelt salute to the dedication and valor of all those who help keep us all safe afloat.

Born in 1855, John M. Browning dedicated his life to inventing revolutionary firearms that were desitned to shape the future. Read about him in this riveting biography. Click Here to buy the book.