The United States Coast Guard is a military branch with a diverse range of responsibilities. Its primary mission is to ensure the safety and security of the nation's maritime borders, enforce laws and regulations on the waterways, and conduct search and rescue operations. In addition, the Coast Guard is responsible for marine environmental protection, icebreaking, coastal defense, and drug interdiction. The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is made up of approximately 41,000 active-duty personnel, 7,000 reservists, and 8,500 civilian employees. With a history dating back to 1790, the US Coast Guard continues to serve as a vital component of the nation's maritime security infrastructure