The Coast Guard Ensign (Flag)

The Coast Guard ensign is the service's official flag of authority at sea. It is flown from the masthead of Coast Guard cutters to identify them as vessels with the legal power to board, examine, and seize other ships. The 16 Vertical Stripes represent the 16 states in the Union when the flag was adopted in 1799. The Red symbolizes youth and sacrifice; blue represents justice and the covenant against oppression; white stands for light and purity. The upper-left corner features the U.S. Coat of Arms on a white field. It was first flown in 1799 for the Revenue Cutter Service, it was created to distinguish official law enforcement vessels from merchant ships and pirates.