Meet the U.S. Coast Guard’s elite surfmen

The U.S. Coast Guard’s elite surfmen are trusted to drive lifeboats on the most challenging rescue missions. They train in some of the worst weather and on the highest seas in America.

"60 Minutes" is the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen's Top 10.

[Winngnuttz]

I’m a retired Navy CDR who was an initial cadre F/A-18 pilot. The Coastie pilots that I have known are top notch aviators. When the weather turns to dog squeeze and every other pilot is battening down the hatches, the Coastie pilots and crews are manning up and heading out to sea to perform incredible rescues. I have the utmost respect for these guys and gals and we as Americans are very fortunate to have them.

[jrwhite]

As a retired sailor from the US NAVY, we jokingly call them "Puddle Pirates, " but make no mistake. They are top-notch and world class at what they do, and i couldn't do it.

[sfmc]

As a Marine, the thing about us is we train constantly and may never get to use the skill. Also that skill usually involves killing people. The Coasties use their training just about every day, and the best part is that it's about saving people.

[toecuttre]

USN sailor here. We give our Coastie brothers & sisters a light ribbing, but if others knew the Coast Guard as well as we do, the amount of appreciation for them would be unparalled. They do SO MUCH. I had a buddy that forcasted weather for them on an icebreaker years ago & he told me firsthand stories of what they do. And theyve been involved in essentially every U S. overseas war & conflict since forever. Their time in Vietnam was, at times, horrific. Thank you to all that serve in the Coast Guard!
V/R
PO1

[T-Add]

I'm from The Bahamas. When Hurricane Dorian, one of the worst hurricanes in history, hit our islands, the coasties flew into the heart of that cataclysm and pulled people out.

I have nothing but respect for those guys.

[christinduke]

My Son just graduated from Coast guard boot camp group Alpha 206 from Cape May today!! I'm so proud of him 😭

[scottjackson]

Coast Guardsman don't get enough credit. Thanks for your service and the amazing things you do to protect those at sea.

[JoelWelter]

Very cool story. As a retired Navy man, I tip my hat to my brothers and sisters in the United States Coast Guard. Semper Paratus is truly their life.

[jdotsalter]

In Vietnam a small cadre of Coast Guard aviators attached to Air Force search and rescue because they needed trained helicopter pilots, and the CG pilots were the best America had to offer. Even junior officers led higher ranking Air Force officers due to their experience. They flew jolly green missions with AF pararescuemen, rescuing anyone who was in distress in the jungles of Nam. A full CG crew flying an Air Force C-130 tanker got in low level pursuit with a Mig-21 and weaved through the valleys at tree top level, causing the Mig to crash. Lieutenant Jack Rittichier was the first CG casualty in Nam, shot down as he was attempting to rescue a Marine Corps pilot in the jungle. He has a base named after him now.

[michaelmancini]

I’m a retired Recon Marine, so I’m very candid when I say, the US Coast Guard, is widely know as one of the best run military branches in the world, it’s that good

[bradtimms-cohy]

Although I am an Air Force Veteran. I am Oregon born and raised. Grandpa used to take me out Salmon fishing off the coast of Winchester Bay. And taught me to steer and navigate the boat at a very young age. Very rough seas. Got seasick alot. But great times. Glad the U.S.C.G. is out there. God Bless!

[CrashingPotatoEngineer]

I can't express how much I respect these men and women.

[ArizonaGunsDave]

Army veteran here, the Coast Guard is amazing and the men and women in the Coast Guard have my utmost respect!

[MrCtsSteve]

Old Navy guy here, nothing but respect for all these guys 👍

[kiowa]

Awesome. Side note…the 1 guy on the white yacht that was rescued was the thief who stole the boat. Thank goodness we didn’t lose a good man saving that guy…and although I’m sure the CG was briefed about the situation…it didn’t matter to them. A life is a life. Heroes.

[jamialmedia]

Outstanding and hats off to the boat maintenance crew that keeps those boats going 24/ 7!!

[kwnzgtube]

Thank you to all of the US COAST GUARD for your service.

[robertornelas]

Sufrman 0288. Served 24 years in the CG.

[WhiteyThePooh]

As a long time USCG licensed Captain, thank you men and women for all y’all do! We feel a lot safer on those dark days because of y’all!

[ChrisJames-ot]

Always nice to see some credit given to actual heros whose heroism doesn't require the killing of others. ❤❤❤