The following Core Values, Ethos and Creed are more than just USCG rules of behavior.
They are a way-of-life that are deeply rooted in heritage and tradition.
They create the strong foundation on which "Team Coast Guard" is built.

These simple, but powerful, Core Values, Ethos and Creed define who the men and woman of "Team Cost Guard" are and guide their performance, conduct and decisions every minute of every day in their professional undertakings and personal lives as representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard.

USCG Core Values

Honor:

Integrity is our standard.  We demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior in all of our personal actions.  We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.

Respect:

We value our diverse work force.  We treat each other with fairness, dignity and compassion.  We encourage individual opportunity and growth.  We encourage creativity through empowerment.  We work as a team.

Devotion to Duty:

We are professionals, military and civilian, who seek responsibility, accept accountability and are committed to the successful achievement of our organizational goals.  We exist to serve.  We serve with pride.

USCG Ethos

I am a Coast Guardsman
I serve the people of the United States
I will protect them
I will defend them
I will save them
I am their shield
For them I am Semper Paratus
I live the Coast Guard core values
I am proud to be a Coast Guardsman
We are the United States Coast Guard

Creed Of The USCG Guardsman

(written by VADM Harry G. Hamlet, USCG)

I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman

I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected in peace and in war throughout the world

I never, by work or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged
I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders
I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share
I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties
I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems
I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others
I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live
I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril
With God’s help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works...

A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN