Thirteenth Coast Guard District

Thirteenth Coast Guard District

The 13th Coast Guard District and accompanying staff have been located in Seattle since the district's inception in 1913, providing oversight, guidance and support for the operational units within Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, covering more than 460,000 square miles of Pacific Ocean. The district's 1,287 active duty and 459 reserve men and women is augmented by 1,600 volunteer members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Supporting operational units with oil spills and Operation Olympic Peace implemented during whale hunts coastal by the Makah Indian Tribe in Neah Bay, this team of men and women provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week search and rescue service, saving approximately 260 lives each year, while assisting 7,000 others.

The district also ensures the area's more than 2,600 aids to navigation are maintained properly, enforces federal maritime laws and regulations, inspects merchant vessels and license their crews, and takes all appropriate steps to safeguard the region's marine environment.

This coin honors the service of all who report to District 13. Minted in a brass alloy, this coin is embued with durable enamel in the bold colors of the emblem of the 13th.