"When it came to the missions and responsibilities of each of the services that I looked at very carefully, the Coast Guard came out at the top of the list.”
Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara, USCG
The United States Coast Guard can trace its roots back to legislation signed by the United States Congress on August 4th, 1790 which established a maritime agency to aid and assist in life saving on the high seas. In a letter written on June 4th, 1791, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton addressed the Commanding Officers of the Revenue Cutters, “They will endeavor to overcome difficulties, if any are experienced, by a cool and temperate perseverance in their duty -- by address and 
moderation...” These words would echo through the annals of history to describe a service that endeavors for the highest morals and creed of excellence in maritime safety, security, and stewardship. In honor of the 225th Anniversary of the United States Coast Guard, the United States Navy Memorial honors Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara as the August 2015 Story of the Month.
Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara was inspired to serve her nation by her father who served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunner's Mate during World War Two in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. When reflecting on her decision to join the Coast Guard, Brice-O'Hara remarked, “When it came to the missions and responsibilities of each of the services that I looked at very carefully, the Coast Guard came out at the top of the list. I was very drawn to the humanitarian, environmental protection and the other roles that the Coast Guard plays on behalf of our nation.” These various roles would prove to provide countless rewarding experiences through service to others.
After extensive service in numerous locations throughout the United States and Pacific, one of her most memorable duty stations was at the Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey where she served as the Commanding Officer. Vice Admiral Brice-O'Hara remarked, “Boot camp is only 7 and a half weeks long and we packed a lot into it and we have to make the best use of every minute. We want
to make sure at the end we are sending fleet ready apprentices out to their first assignments and I think we did that very well.” The themes of camaraderie, teamwork, and dedication were seen throughout the interview and Vice Admiral Brice-O'Hara’s proud years of service in the United States Coast Guard.
To hear the inspiring story of Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara, USCG (Ret.) come alive, view her detailed experience that has been digitally archived by the Navy Memorial.
The United States Navy Memorial recognizes the leadership and service of Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara, USCG (Ret.) featured within the series titled, “Tales from the Navy Log Story of the Month.” Each month, this series honors a Veteran’s story recorded by the Stories of Service Program at the Navy Memorial. To learn more about this story and to explore the Navy Memorial Tales from the Navy Log archive, visit the Navy Memorial Stories of Service site.
Click here to see the Video Interviews