The U.S. Postal Service honored the 150th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard Academy on Saturday by issuing a new commemorative stamp. The dedication took place at the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival in New London, Connecticut, where the agency highlighted the academy’s long tradition of service and its iconic training vessels.

Stamp design celebrates historic vessels

The 12 million‑piece stamp features two photographs taken by active‑duty Coast Guardsmen. One image shows the USCGC Eagle, the Academy’s primary training ship since 1946. The other depicts the USCGC Bertholf, a Legend‑class national security cutter that conducts maritime drug interdiction and helps secure the nation’s maritime borders. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the artwork, and the photos were captured by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Thieme (the Eagle) and Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Strohmaier (the Bertholf).

USPS officials stress national pride

“U.S. postage stamps celebrate the very best of America, and we are proud to feature the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on millions of letters that will be sent across the country,” said Marc McCrery, the Postal Service’s vice president for customer experience and the official who dedicated the stamp. McCrery added that the stamp serves as a reminder of the cadets’ bravery, excellence, and the Academy’s motto, “Semper Paratus — Always Ready.”

The ceremony underscored the Postal Service’s tradition of honoring the nation’s premier military service institutions and academies. By placing the Coast Guard Academy on a widely circulated stamp, the USPS aims to raise public awareness of the service’s critical role in protecting America’s waterways and supporting national security.

Local community embraces the tribute

Festival attendees, many of whom are maritime enthusiasts and veterans, gathered on the historic waterfront to watch the dedication. The event highlighted New London’s deep ties to the maritime industry and its ongoing support for the Coast Guard’s mission. Organizers noted that the stamp will travel on letters and packages nationwide, extending the reach of the community’s celebration far beyond Connecticut.

As the stamp enters circulation, collectors and everyday mail users alike will encounter the tribute to the Coast Guard Academy’s 150‑year legacy. The Postal Service expects the stamp to appear on millions of letters, reinforcing the Academy’s values and reminding the public of the men and women who safeguard the nation’s seas.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.