Go Coast Guard Portland

America’s Framers gave us a nation founded on principles and ideals. Their words established a nation that would provide greater liberty, equality, opportunity, and justice to more people than any other nation in the history of humanity.
However, it has always fallen to The People - some great, but many countless, ordinary people - to work to keep nudging America more and more into alignment with those founding ideals. Today, we honor one of the greatest to ever do that work, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Take some time today to read something he wrote or listen to a speech he gave. Think about all the challenges he faced, and then consider what you can do. How can you serve our continued striving toward those bedrock ideals of America? What’s your role in your country’s story? We’d love to help you find one.

Today marks 84 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, which drew the U.S. into WWII. Our Coast Guard grew to 170,000 men and women during that war, and we played key roles in both the Atlantic and the Pacific theaters. USCG vessels performed convoy es**rt duties, search and rescue, troop transports, and amphibious ops.

“Incredibly, the Coast Guard fully manned more than 350 naval ships, including 76 LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank), 21 cargo and attack-cargo ships, 75 frigates, and 31 transports. In addition, the Coast Guard manned more than 800 cutters, nearly 300 ships for the Army, and thousands of amphibious-type assault craft. In the ships and craft of the amphibious forces, the Coast Guard discharged its most important role during the war - that is getting the men to the beaches and providing support” (Browning, The Coast Guard and the Pacific War, p. 1).

One USCG vessel, the USCGC Taney WHEC-37, bears the distinction of being the last vessel still afloat who fired her guns during the Pearl Harbor attack. The Taney now serves as a pierside museum in Baltimore, MD.
We’re proud to stand the watch for America’s safety and security and freedom, contributing to the long legacy of those who came and went before us. How will you do your part?

An unforgettable day at Fenway Park for the Secretary’s Cup! ⚓️🏈
Not the result we hoped for on the scoreboard but the pride and passion of Team Coast Guard shined brighter than ever.

Opportunities like this highlight what makes the Coast Guard family so special: service, teamwork, tradition, and representing something bigger than ourselves. 🇺🇸

If you’re curious about the Coast Guard the careers, the mission, the community come talk to us! Whether it’s saving lives, protecting the environment, securing our ports, or leading from the front like our Academy cadets… there’s a place for YOU on this team. 💪

Check out our recruiting partners from and to see even more from the game and what life in the Coast Guard can look like! 📲 .in.boston

THIS IS MY T-SHIRT CANNON. THERE ARE MANY LIKE IT, BUT THIS ONE IS MINE…

We’re excited to partner with the Portland Sea Dogs for a special experience tomorrow night! If you’re in the area, come join us at Hadlock Field. We’ll have a boat out front, games on the field, free USCG gifts and prizes available (FCFS), and an oath ceremony to celebrate new members joining our service! Gates open at 4:30, and the weather looks to be great!

Yesterday morning, we had the honor of celebrating the advancement of Petty Officer Devney to Yeoman First Class - congratulations, YN1 Devney!

This milestone reflects the hard work, dedication, and professionalism YN1 has shown throughout his 8 years in the Coast Guard. In just his first year as a recruiter, he’s already made a name for himself as a heavy hitter - bringing energy, commitment, and purpose to every interaction.

YN1 Devney is not only shaping the future of the Coast Guard by finding the next generation of shipmates - he’s also setting the standard for what it means to lead from the front. The future is bright, and this is just the beginning.

We had an awesome time at the Old Port Half Marathon & 5K this weekend! 🇺🇸💪

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about what the U.S. Coast Guard has to offer. We loved connecting with the community and cheering on all the runners—rain or shine! 🌧️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

We’re excited to continue the journey with the future recruits we met over the past few days. Big congratulations to the Coasties and their spouses who crushed it out there today! ⚓👏

Have a Happy Long Weekend, full of all the great things we associate with the unofficial start of an American summer - but have a Meaningful Memorial Day. Take time to think and talk about how our freedoms have been bought for us at the highest price, and offer some honor and gratitude for those who paid that price with their lives. How will you serve to ensure the United States remains a nation worthy of their sacrifices?

Today at Coast Guard Recruiting Office Portland, we had the pleasure of meeting Portland Police Bureau’s newest K9, Archie!

Archie’s been thinking about joining the Coast Guard, but he loves working alongside Officer Smith a little too much to make the leap.

Fun fact—Officer Smith actually used to work closely with our Reserve Recruiter, Chris Thomson. They served together on Peaks Island, where Chris also serves as the island’s Fire Captain. Talk about community connections!

Archie is Portland’s newest emotional support K9, helping the Portland Police better serve our community—something we in the Coast Guard know all about.

Thanks for visiting us, Archie! Stop by anytime

Who remembers JC from last summer? After nearly 2.5 years of patience and effort - returning to Canada to finish his diploma as an adult - waiting forever for his Green Card - and even having lasers shot into his hands on more than a few occasions to remove tattoos… HE’S FINALLY AT CAPE MAY!!!

He got some words of wisdom from Master Chief Hughes, wrapped things up with MK1 at MEPS, swore-in, and stayed positive on the late night bus ride to crazy town.

Based on his relentless dedication during the recruiting process, we have full confidence that JC is crushing it at boot camp, and we can’t wait to see him do great things in the fleet. Stay tuned for an update when he graduates!!!

Welcome Aboard, Hunter Gourde!!! Hunter was sworn-in by his grandfather - Joseph A. Gourde Jr. - a THIRTY-YEAR veteran of the USCG, and retired CWO4 (BOSN)! The oath was administered at Owls Head Lighthouse, where Joseph served as keeper with his wife Carolyn and daughter Patricia from 1976-78. In 1977 the Gourdes welcomed a son named Jeremy who would go on to become Hunter’s father, and a retired BMC after 21 years of Coast Guard service! So many friends and family came together to celebrate Hunter stepping into a family legacy in the USCG - congratulations and sincere gratitude to the Gourde family for 3 generations of standing the watch!

The terror attacks of 9/11/2001 are 23 years behind us, but their impacts are still very present - in the hearts of those who lost loved ones, in the ongoing health issues of many of the response personnel, and in the level of vigilance we must maintain to prevent future tragedies.

Most of you who walk through our door to become the next generation of the U.S. Coast Guard aren’t old enough to remember this dark day in history, but the call you’re answering is the same one we stood to answer then. With HONOR, RESPECT, and DEVOTION to DUTY, we keep answering the call to PROTECT, DEFEND, and SAVE!

We’ll never forget.

#911

Congrats to our very own SK1 Danielle DeVore - making us proud as she competes with the USCG Marksmanship Team! During this event at Camp Perry she participated in the M16 Small Arms Firing School, and then the shooting contest, earning her first points toward her Distinguished Badge!
Do you like going pew-pew?? Whether for hunting, or marksmanship, or just because… ‘Merica?
Come check out the opportunities we can offer, that may incorporate your skills and hobbies into a new career path!
****ms