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US Coast Guard Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
US Coast Guard Quizzes, Trivia

U.S. Coast Guard Trivia

U.S. Coast Guard Trivia Quizzes

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8 quizzes and 90 trivia questions.
1.
Famous US Coast Guardsmen
  Famous U.S. Coast Guardsmen   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Some of the more famous people who served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Average, 10 Qns, wjames, Jul 20 22
Average
wjames gold member
Jul 20 22
501 plays
2.
  U. S. Coast Guard editor best quiz    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here are some questions about the smallest of the U.S. Armed Forces. The duties of the Coast Guard are varied and there is never a dull day. All of the questions are multiple choice.
Tough, 10 Qns, coastie54, Aug 21 14
Tough
coastie54
2539 plays
3.
  The Coast Guard goes to War    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The United States Coast Guard has come to the aid of the Federal Government in times of conflict since its establishment in 1790! This quiz highlights the Coast Guard's military role up to World War Two. Semper Paratus, Always Ready!
Average, 10 Qns, guitarman96, Jan 11 09
Average
guitarman96
527 plays
4.
  U.S. Coast Guard Academy    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
You have just accepted an appointment to the smallest U.S. service academy. Take a tour and learn what you can expect.
Tough, 20 Qns, battleofendor, Jul 28 25
Tough
battleofendor
Jul 28 25
664 plays
5.
  Heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
An introduction to the many heroes of the oldest continuous sea-going service of the United States. PLEASE RATE THIS QUIZ - thank you!
Average, 10 Qns, wjames, Feb 28 19
Average
wjames gold member
Feb 28 19
161 plays
6.
  Coast Guard Cutters    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about the ships that have served the United States Coast Guard and its predecessors. Have fun and be "Semper Paratus!"
Tough, 10 Qns, battleofendor, Mar 27 07
Tough
battleofendor
620 plays
7.
  Women in the US Coast Guard    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Coast Guard has always been the first among American Armed Forces to integrate women into its functions.
Tough, 10 Qns, uscgx2, Oct 23 09
Tough
uscgx2
389 plays
8.
  United States Coast Guard Aviation    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
USCG aviation has many duties and uses a variety of airplanes. Here are some questions about the history of this US armed forces aviation organization.
Difficult, 10 Qns, coastie54, Apr 25 09
Difficult
coastie54
469 plays
trivia question Quick Question
The Coast Guard Academy operates a square rigged sailing ship named what?

From Quiz "U. S. Coast Guard"





U.S. Coast Guard Trivia Questions
1. The Coast Guard's only Medal of Honor winner, SM 1/c Douglas Munro, was killed while rescuing some trapped Marines in the South Pacific. Which island was the scene of this heroic act?

From Quiz Heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard

Answer: Guadalcanal

Signalman First Class Munro volunteered to lead a group of Higgin's Boats to retrieve some Marines that were surrounded by the Japanese near Point Cruz, Guadalcanal. After being mortally wounded, Munro's last words were "Did they get off?"

2. The oldest reliable records of women associated in an official capacity in the Coast Guard show them as ________ .

From Quiz Women in the US Coast Guard

Answer: lighthouse keeper

The modern day Coast Guard is an amalgamation of several independent services such as the Lighthouse Service. Women worked as lighthouse keepers, with the first documented case in Old Field Point, NY (1826 - 1827). There were several other women, sometimes widows of the assigned lighthousekeeper, who served in the 1830's. They would never have been allowed to serve on any ships, such as a cook or coxswain.

3. The U.S. Coast Guard was initially established in 1790 as the United States Revenue Cutter Service by which founding father?

From Quiz The Coast Guard goes to War

Answer: Alexander Hamilton

The United States Revenue Cutter Service began with the commissioning of ten cutters, small or medium sized armed vessels, by then Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Their mission: to enforce tariff laws on the high seas.

4. What schooner was commanded by the United States' first sea-going comissioned officer?

From Quiz Coast Guard Cutters

Answer: Scammel

Captain Hopley Yeaton, commissioned on 21 March 1791, is the first comissioned officer in the United States Revenue Cutter Service, the predecessor of the Coast Guard. Then Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton created the Revenue Cutter Service to help collect tariffs and restrict smuggling.

5. The first CG aviator was LT Elmer Stone. He was one of the pilots on the first trans-Atlantic in May 1919 in what type of aircraft?

From Quiz United States Coast Guard Aviation

Answer: Curtiss NC-4 seaplane.

LT Stone was the only non-Navy man in the six man crew. Several books have been written about the flight which started with NC-1, NC-3 ,and NC-4 aircraft. Only the NC-4 made it to Lisbon.

6. The United States Coast Guard Academy is located where?

From Quiz U. S. Coast Guard

Answer: New London, Connecticut

The cadet training program started in 1876 in New Bedford Massachusetts on the cutter Dobbin. It later moved to Arundel Cove, Maryland, and, in 1912, moved ashore in New London. Buzzard's Bay is the home of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, King's Point is the location of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the Naval Academy is at Annapolis.

7. Bernie Webber and his crew rescued the crew of the tanker _____ which broke in half during a winter storm in February 1952 off of the coast of Massachusetts. The tanker Fort Mercer also broke in half during the same storm.

From Quiz Heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard

Answer: Pendleton

Webber and his entire crew received the Gold Lifesavng Medal for this rescue, the nation's highest lifesaving award. The first ship of the newest class of Coast Guard Cutters (WPC) is named for Webber.

8. In World War II, the Coast Guard, as did many other services, had a major enlistment effort aimed at recruiting women, which was meant to free up men to serve in the combat areas. Organized into the Women's Reserve, what were they called?

From Quiz Women in the US Coast Guard

Answer: SPARs

SPAR is an acronymn for "Semper Paratus - Always Ready", the Coast Guard motto. WAVE is Navy, WAAC is Army and WARCOG was a suggestion that thankfully was not accepted.

9. What was the result of the Revenue Cutter Eagle's encounter with HMS Dispatch in 1814?

From Quiz Coast Guard Cutters

Answer: Eagle was forced to surrender

Eagle was stationed in Long Island Sound to protect it from the British during the War of 1812. Eagle encountered the British brig Dispatch and moved to protect the merchantman Suzan from capture. Realizing he was outmatched, Captain Frederick Lee beached Eagle and had her guns moved atop a steep bluff. The Americans began to fire on the British, and they were forced to retreat. The next day, Eagle limped back to port and was captured.

10. The first Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) opened in 1920 at what location?

From Quiz United States Coast Guard Aviation

Answer: Morehead City, North Carolina

Six Curtiss HS-2L flying boats were borrowed from the Navy and began operation on March 24, 1920. However, there were no operating funds appropriated, and after fifteen months, the station closed. The airplanes were returned to the Navy.

11. Coast Guard enlisted personnel are trained at what location?

From Quiz U. S. Coast Guard

Answer: Cape May, New Jersey

Both male and female Coast Guard recruits spend 8 weeks at Cape May. The U.S. Navy trains at Great Lakes. The U.S. Marine Corps trains at San Diego, Camp Pendelton, and Parris Island. At ease!

12. Chief Boatswain's Mate Richard Patterson saved the crew of the USCGC "Point Welcome" during a "friendly fire" incident that killed the ship's captain and one crewman and injured all the rest. For his heroism, which award did Patterson receive?

From Quiz Heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard

Answer: Bronze Star medal

"Point Welcome" was repeatedly strafed and bombed by U.S. Air Force planes over the course of many hours on a dark night near the DMZ. Patterson was not eligible for the Medal of Honor or Navy Cross since the Coast Guard was not operating as part of the Navy in the Vietnam War.

13. Who was the director of the SPARS during World War II and was later awarded the Legion of Merit?

From Quiz Women in the US Coast Guard

Answer: Dorothy Stratton

Navy LT Dorothy Stratton (1899-2006), was also a former dean of women at Purdue University. She was appointed Coast Guard Women's Reserve Lieutenant Commander in 1942, and retired in 1946.

14. What was the first foreign conflict the Revenue Cutter Service was involved in?

From Quiz The Coast Guard goes to War

Answer: The Quasi War with France

Between 1798-1799, the capture of armed French vessels was authorized by Congress. First within range of the U.S. coast, then ultimately on the high seas! This was in response to the French seizure of American vessels that openly traded with the British, who were enemies of the French.

15. All right! You have survived your first week and it is time for church. Nearby the chapel is a tomb. Who does it belong to?

From Quiz U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Answer: Captain Hopley Yeaton

Captain Hopley Yeaton, the Revenue Cutter Service's first commissioned officer, was interred at the Academy in 1975. Legend has it that cadets in academic trouble can sleep on Yeaton's grave and be blessed with the knowledge to improve their grades. The chapel is a great place to be, regardless of your faith. Decorum is somewhat relaxed and there are donuts on Sundays. If you are struggling, the chaplains can be your best friends and give you the extra push to make it another week.

16. What ship fired the first naval shot of the American Civil War?

From Quiz Coast Guard Cutters

Answer: Harriet Lane

Fort Sumter was besieged by the Confederates. The steamer Nashville approached. To prevent her capture, the Harriet Lane fired across the Nashville's bow. Both ships later went on to have distinguished careers. The Nashville became an infamous Confederate blockade runner. The Harriet Lane was captured by the Confederates at Galveston in 1863.

17. In 1925, Congress appropriated $150,000 for 5 airplanes at Ten Pound Island, Gloucester, Massachusetts. What event caused this Congressional action?

From Quiz United States Coast Guard Aviation

Answer: Extensive rumrunning operations during Prohibition.

The rumrunning became so flagrant that the surface units could not cope with the bootleggers. The Coast Guard had borrowed a Navy UO-1 and flown daily patrols to show its effectiveness. The success of the patrols convinced Congress to give the Coast Guard its own airplanes.

18. In 2002, the US Coast Guard became part of what newly-established Government department?

From Quiz U. S. Coast Guard

Answer: Department of Homeland Security

The Coast Guard was established in 1790 as part of the Treasury Department. In 1967, they were transferred to the Department of Transportation. When the Homeland Security Department was established in 2002, the Coast Guard was an integral part of the original organization.

19. What building was named after the United State's first Treasury Secretary?

From Quiz U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Answer: Hamilton Hall

It is named after Alexander Hamilton, the father of the U.S. Coast Guard. He proposed the creation of the Revenue Cutter Service to collect tariffs and restrict smuggling. Hamilton Hall houses some of the Academy's administrative offices.

20. In 1897, crewman from what cutter drove a herd of reindeer across the Artic ice to feed trapped whalers. What was the name of the ship?

From Quiz Coast Guard Cutters

Answer: Bear

In 1897, President McKinley sent to Bear to the Bering Sea to rescue sailors on eight whaling ships trapped in the ice. Lieutenants Jarvis and Bertholf and Surgeon Call drove a herd of reindeer to the stranded ships. This event competed for national media attention with the Spanish-American War. The Bear and her captain, Mike Healy, were, in parts of Alaska, the only representatives of the U.S. government at the time.

21. Where is the oldest, continuously operating Coast Guard Air Station?

From Quiz United States Coast Guard Aviation

Answer: CGAS San Diego, California

CGAS San Diego opened in 1934 and is still in operation today as part of the commercial airport, Lindberg Field. CGAS Salem opened in 1935 as an all-water operation. It was active until 1970 when it closed and operations moved to Cape Cod. CGAS Biloxi opened in 1935 but closed in 1966.

22. Originally, the US Coast Guard was established in 1790 under what name?

From Quiz U. S. Coast Guard

Answer: Revenue Cutter Service

The service was created in 1790 at the recommendation of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the Treasury. Congress established a fleet of 10 sailing vessels to stamp out smuggling and piracy along the coasts of the United States. American Patrol is a WW2 Glenn Miller tune, other nations have a Coastal Defence Force, and the Navy is always the Navy.

23. William Flores was a young seaman aboard a CG Buoy Tender that tragically sank, killing many of its crew. Flores distributed life jackets to those without and died while assisting his shipmates. Which ship did William serve in?

From Quiz Heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard

Answer: Blackthorn

CGC Blackthorn sank in Tampa Bay after a collision with a much larger tanker in January 1980. William Flores received the Coast Guard Medal, the highest non-combat bravery award in the U.S. Coast Guard, twenty years after his heroic death.

24. In 1973, the Coast Guard began accepting women into active duty, and was the first of branch of the US Armed Forces to accept women into their military academy. Which year did the first female officer graduate from the Coast Guard Academy?

From Quiz Women in the US Coast Guard

Answer: 1980

The first woman graduate from the Coast Guard Academy was Jean M. Butler; thirteen other women also graduate as part of the Academy's Class of 1980.

25. Congress declared war on Mexico on May 13, 1846, and once again the U.S. Navy was critically short of small steamers and schooners. This resulted in what type of vessels being used in war for the first time?

From Quiz The Coast Guard goes to War

Answer: Steamboats

The President ordered the use of Revenue Cutter Service cutters because the cutters were steam-powered.

26. What was the last ship to be decommisioned that fought at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?

From Quiz Coast Guard Cutters

Answer: Taney

The Taney was ready to return fire within four minutes on December 7, 1941. She was decomissioned on December 7, 1986 after fifty years of active service in the Coast Guard. She is now a part of the Baltimore Maritime Museum.

27. In 1962, an USCG crew in a UF-2G Grumman Albatross set the world record for an amphibian non-stop distance flight. How far did they fly non-stop?

From Quiz United States Coast Guard Aviation

Answer: 3107 nautical miles; 5754 km

On October 25, 1962, the UF-2G 7255 took off from Kodiak, Alaska, and flew to Pensacola, Florida. To set the amphibian record, the airplane took off from the runway in Kodiak and landed on the water at Pensacola.

28. The name "Coast Guard" came into being in what year?

From Quiz U. S. Coast Guard

Answer: 1915

In 1871, the government formed the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which was operated by the Revenue Cutter Service. In 1878, the Life-Saving Service became an independent bureau of the Department of the Treasury. The Revenue Cutter and Life-Saving services were finally combined as the United States Coast Guard in 1915.

29. This life-long lifesaver died at the age of 75, after a day of boat drills in the surf. After leaping ashore following the last drill, he said "The tide is ebbing", then fell dead of a heart attack. Who is this legend of the Lifesaving Service?

From Quiz Heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard

Answer: Joshua James

Joshua James served as a lifesaver from the age of 15 until he died at 75, and is credited with saving over 600 lives. He served in the Massachisetts Humane Society until the age of 62, when he was appointed Keeper of the U.S. Lifesaving Station in Hull, Massachusetts.

30. In 1977 the Coast Guard began assigning women to sea duty. These were the first mixed gender crews in the US Armed Forces. To which class of ships were the women assigned?

From Quiz Women in the US Coast Guard

Answer: High Endurance Cutters

WHEC Gallatin and WHEC Morgenthau were the first two ships to receive female crew members. The Coast Guard has no medical ships or sub tenders. WHEC stands for High Endurance Cutter (the H stands for Hamilton class).

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Last Updated Oct 25 2025 5:50 AM
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