The US The Coast Guard turns 225 today - here are 33 jaw-dropping photos of the branch in action in some of the most intense places in America

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US Coast Guard Alaska

Don Kluting/Sitka Mountain Rescue/US Coast Guard

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Today marks the 225th anniversary of the creation of the US Coast Guard.

One of the five service branches in the US military, the Coast Guard is responsible for maritime rescue, drug interdiction, smuggling prevention, and humanitarian aid distribution. Tracing its history to August 4, 1790, the Coast Guard now operates throughout US internal waterways, the coasts, and even distant international waters.

In honor of the Coast Guard's 225 years of service, we have collected some of the most amazing images of them in a range of missions.