U.S. Coast Guard Outdoor Flag

Show your support for our active & retired Military Personnel.  

Outdoor Flags: Manufactured with 100% SolarGuard Nylon or Polyester which is designed to resist fading with normal use. Durable and fast drying. Lightweight nylon material will fly in the lightest breeze.  Features a strong duck heading and two large brass grommets. 

*Made in the U.S.A. 

Semper Paratus in Symbol: The History of the U.S. Coast Guard Flag

At Gates Flag & Banner, we often say that every flag tells a story—and some, like the U.S. Coast Guard flag, tell a story of bravery at sea, dedication to duty, and centuries of unwavering service. Though the Coast Guard is often called “the forgotten military branch,” its flag—and the legacy behind it—is unforgettable.

From lifesaving missions in stormy waters to combat operations overseas, the Coast Guard has been “Always Ready” for nearly 250 years. And the flag that represents this unique service reflects a proud and complex history.

The Origins: A Service Older Than the Nation Itself

The U.S. Coast Guard traces its roots back to 1790, when Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton proposed the creation of a Revenue Marine to enforce tariff laws and prevent smuggling. This precursor to the Coast Guard—eventually called the Revenue Cutter Service—was America’s only armed maritime force until the Navy was established in 1798.

While the service itself is one of the oldest in the country, its official flag came much later—adding a layer of symbolism that took centuries to unfurl.

The Flag’s Design: Honor and Heritage on Display

The current Coast Guard flag is a white field emblazoned with a dark blue version of the Great Seal of the United States, featuring the eagle with outspread wings clutching arrows and an olive branch. Above the eagle are the words:

“UNITED STATES COAST GUARD”
And below:
“SEMPER PARATUS” (Always Ready)
“1790”—the year of the service’s founding.

The Coast Guard flag is often confused with the Coast Guard ensign, which is a different flag used for identifying cutters and official government vessels. The ensign, created in 1799, features red and white vertical stripes and a blue eagle—but it serves a law enforcement role rather than ceremonial representation.

When Was the Flag Adopted?

Despite the Coast Guard’s long history, its ceremonial flag wasn’t officially adopted until January 28, 1964. Before that, versions of the flag existed in various forms—especially during World War II—but it wasn’t until the 1960s that a formal design was standardized and approved.

At Gates Flag & Banner, we’ve produced ceremonial Coast Guard flags for decades—each one crafted with care, respect, and attention to the legacy it represents. The bold blue seal on stark white fabric is not just a visual design—it's a salute to the guardians of America’s coasts, rivers, and ports.

The Flag’s Role Today

Today, the Coast Guard flag is flown during official parades, at change-of-command ceremonies, and on special occasions honoring active duty and veteran personnel. It’s also displayed prominently at Coast Guard bases, ships, and recruitment offices across the country.

And just like the flags of the other branches, it is adorned with campaign streamers, each representing significant operations or wars in which the Coast Guard has served—from the War of 1812 to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

More Than a Flag—A Floating Legacy

The Coast Guard is unique among U.S. armed forces. It’s the only branch that operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime and can be transferred to the Navy during wartime. It performs missions as diverse as drug interdiction, environmental protection, and search and rescue. That diversity is echoed in its flag—a unifying symbol for a service with many roles.

At Gates Flag & Banner, we consider it a special honor to craft flags for the U.S. Coast Guard. Every time we sew those letters and that motto—Semper Paratus—we’re reminded of the service members who brave hurricanes, safeguard the seas, and carry out missions most Americans never see.

Because behind every Coast Guard flag we make, there’s a story of duty, courage, and calm in the storm.