Established in 1915, incorporated into the Department of Transportation in 1967. A branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is at service in the Department of Transportation, except in times or war or when the President directs, at which time it operates as part of the Navy. The Coast Guard is involved in search and rescue missions; maritime law enforcement; marine inspections; marine licensing; marine environmental response; port safety and security; waterways management; aids to navigation; bridge administration; ice operations; deep water port licensing; boating safety programs; reserve training and other marine safety and security activities.