During the "ride alongs," Coast Guard personnel will also be available to discuss preparations for Thunder Over Louisville Festivities and to outline the Special Local Regulations that will be in effect during the event with dates and times of river closures; dangerous conditions that boaters could face; and safe boating practices that should be observed year round.    

History of the Coast Guard in Louisville

Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley in Louisville traces its roots to the assignment in 1852 of the first local Supervisory Inspector of the U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service.  Between 1881 and 1972 a one of a kind Louisville Life Saving Station #10 was established just above the Falls of the Ohio during which Coast Guardsmen assisted an estimated 7,000 persons in distress.  At the start of World War II all commercial vessel inspections became a function of the Coast Guard.  The title Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection replaced Supervisory Inspector during this time, and Marine Inspection Office Louisville assumed wartime Captain of the Port responsibilities in 1943.  In 1967, Marine Inspection Office Louisville became Marine Safety Office Louisville.  Finally in 2005, Marine Safety Office Louisville and Coast Guard Group Ohio Valley combined to form Sector Ohio Valley which encompasses all or part of 10 states, more than 3000 commercial miles of navigable waters, three Marine Safety Units, two Marine Safety Detachments, five Shore Side Detachments, six Aids to Navigation Tenders, and one Loran Station.

The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and, until the Navy Department was established in 1798, we served as the nation's only armed force afloat.  We have continued to protect the nation throughout our long history and have served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts.  Our national defense responsibilities remain one of our most important functions even today.