The United States Coast Guard was founded on today’s date, January 28, 1915. The Coast Guard focused on maritime law enforcement in both domestic and international waters. The agency is under the Department of Homeland Security’s supervision but can be transferred to the Navy at the President’s command or by an act of Congress during wartime. The Coast Guard was initially formed on August 4, 1790, at the request of Alexander Hamilton. At that time, it was called the Revenue-Marine. Its purpose was to collect customs duties at U.S. seaports. In the 1860s, it became the Revenue Cutter Service. Over the years, the service incorporated the Life-Saving Service and the Lighthouse Service under its prevue.