Coast Guard celebrates 218th birthday Published Aug. 4, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The following birthday message is sent to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard from Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: On this, the 218th birthday of the United States Coast Guard, our nation pauses to say thanks to you, our guardians of the sea. For more than two centuries, you and your families have stood, always ready for the call, in light or darkness, with sunny skies or through howling gales, to respond to crises and to fight in every one of our nation's armed conflicts. Today, you will save 14 lives and help 98 people in distress; you will keep more than 1000 pounds of illegal drugs off our streets, and will board and inspect nearly 200 vessels to keep our ports and our homeland safe. Whether deployed around the globe as part of the joint force, or building relationships and partner capacity, or preserving the lawful use of the maritime commons, you, your families and our Coast Guard are truly national treasures with broad reach. The Joint Chiefs and I salute you, all our Coast Guardsmen, and wish you a very happy birthday. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page