1The focus of this anthology is to highlight African-Americans who have served in the U.S. Coast Guard and have achieved excellence, by way of serving with honor, respect, and devotion to duty, through their actions as leaders and selfless deeds. This book also speaks to the character of the honorable men and women who served before us, who broke boundaries and pioneered our inception into the Coast Guard as African-Americans. The history and testimony captured in this body of work, seeks to inspire those who are set to follow as they lead the way. The co-authors have stood on the shoulders of giants before them, with the intent of pulling up future leaders, so they may use this content as a beacon to guide their paths moving forward. "Semper Paratus."