This distinction recognizes the essential role that the United States Coast Guard plays in keeping New York City’s citizens & waterways safe
Today, Mayor de Blasio welcomed the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Paul Zukunft, to City Hall for a ceremony recognizing New York City as the nation’s largest official Coast Guard City.
Established by Congress in 1998, a Coast Guard City is an honorary designation recognizing special efforts to celebrate the service and sacrifice of Coast Guard men and women. This designation recognizes New York City’s longstanding efforts to embrace Coast Guard men, women, and families stationed at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island during their tour of duty in New York City.
“The men and women of the Coast Guard serving in New York City are a vital part of our community,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Whether they are escorting the NYC Ferries, conducting search and rescue operations, or protecting our ports, our city is immeasurably stronger and safer thanks to the work of members of the Coast Guard. New York City has always been a Coast Guard City in spirit, and I’m honored the designation is now official.”
“The city that never sleeps will now be our newest Coast Guard City,” said Admiral Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. “Today’s designation deepens our historic partnership with the City of New York, and is a testament to the critical role the Coast Guard plays in helping to keep the city safe, secure and resilient.”
About the Coast Guard in New York City:
The Coast Guard was founded in New York City in 1790 by Alexander Hamilton. They are called to action in times of crisis like 9/11, when the Coast Guard evacuated over 500,000 people from lower Manhattan. They also serve and protect New Yorkers every day by escorting ferries, inspecting shipments, and more. New York City is home to more than 1,000 active duty and reserve Coast Guard men and women charged with ensuring the safety, security, and environmental stewardship of the Port of New York and New Jersey. The Coast Guard partners with the FDNY and NYPD to keep the waterways secure.
New York is the largest operational Coast Guard command on the east coast – executing operations from Sandy Hook, N.J. north through the Port of New York and New Jersey, continuing up the Hudson River to just south of Lake Champlain and up the East River to the Long Island Sound/Connecticut border.
In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard in New York:
- Oversaw ports that received 12% of all international goods arriving into the United States, reaching 80 million people
- Maintained responsibility for the security of more than 189 Maritime Transportation Security Act regulated facilities in New York and New Jersey
- Conducted more than 1,200 container inspections and more than 121 high-interest vessel security boardings
- Responded to more than 600 search and rescue calls
“The New York City Department of Veterans’ Services is proud to partner with the United States Coast Guard as we serve New York City’s service members, veterans and their families,” said Loree Sutton, MD, Brigadier General (ret.), Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services. “The 1,000 plus Coast Guard men and women and their families who are stationed in New York City make invaluable contributions to the security and strength of our city, both in their official capacity and as members of our community. We are honored that New York City has been granted the official designation of Coast Guard City, and look forward to continued engagement with the Coast Guard into the future.”
“The U.S. Coast Guard plays a critical role in protecting our City’s waterways, and they are a trusted partner that we work closely with to prepare our coastal residents before hurricanes and other emergencies,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “This designation is an honor and we are proud to celebrate the men and women who work tirelessly to keep New Yorkers safe.”
“On September 11th, during Hurricane Sandy, and hundreds of times each year, the United States Coast Guard has been there to protect and rescue New Yorkers,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “FDNY members are proud to work and train closely with the men and women of the Coast Guard, and we join all of our partners who protect New York Harbor in celebrating this well-deserved honor.”
“I thank the US Coast Guard for recognizing New York City as an official Coast Guard City. Brooklyn’s rich maritime history is reflected by our vibrant ports and waterways, which collectively serve a critical role as our borough’s gateways to the world,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “The women and men of the Coast Guard protect essential commercial, environmental, and transportation interests on a daily basis, and I am proud to work in partnership with them in charting a safe future for our waterfront.”
“The Coast Guard plays a vital role in keeping New Yorkers safe, and we are forever thankful for their work,” said Congressman Dan Donovan. “Our City will always support the brave men and women who defend our seas and shores, and today’s designation emphasizes the strong commitment our community and service members have to one another.”
“It is a great honor to have New York City recognized as the largest official Coast Guard City in the country,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., ranking member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. “The men and women of the Coast Guard have served and protected the people of New York City for decades, and their presence is truly important to the city, especially given our proximity to waterways. It is long overdue that we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these fine service men and women.”
“As Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, I feel it is extremely appropriate that New York City, which has an extensive, active port be designated as an official Coast Guard City,” said Assembly Member Michael Dendekker. “I am proud of this designation which honorees the efforts and service of the men and women who serve in the Coast Guard.”
For more information on the United States Coast Guard in New York City, visit https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.
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