This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History – December 15

1846-Revenue Captain Alexander Fraser protested in a report to Congress against "unjust imputations" made against the Service for its involvement in the failure of the first steam cutters.  He also requested the authority to employ medical aid on cutters and to provide pensions for personnel disabled in service.

1854-Congress authorized appointment of first lifeboat station keepers at $200 per year each and superintendents for Long Island and New Jersey serving under Secretary of Treasury who "may also establish such stations at such lighthouses, as, in his judgment, he shall deem best."

1996: The 735-foot M/V Bright Field collided with the New Orleans Riverwalk, causing substantial damage and injuring over 100 people.

(Source: USCG Historian’s Office)