When the Eagle is in port, people line up for hours just to walk on her decks. She’s a national and international treasure.

Lessons on Eagle don't just apply within the Coast Guard; personal achievement and working together as a team apply wherever you go.

Since 1946, every new cadet undergoing officer training has begun his or her career by learning to sail on Eagle – the traditional way.

Cadets work on Eagle’s decks, they climb her rigging, and they face and overcome their fears.

Using a sextant, cadets learn to navigate with the sun, moon and stars.

Six-week summer cruises may take cadets to foreign ports of call like Bermuda, Nova Scotia, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland and the Bahamas.

Cadets complete practicums in subjects that are key to life at sea, including engineering, navigation, seamanship, line handling, sailing, weather and damage control.

Cadets stand watches on the bridge, on deck, in the engine room and in the scullery and galley.

Work on Eagle is hands-on and days are long - but rewarding!