Awarded to U.S. Coast Guard units distinguishing themselves by valorous, or extremely meritorious service, not involving combat, but in support of Coast Guard operations. The award is the highest peacetime “unit” award presented to U.S. Coast Guard commands. The decoration was created in 1963. Prior to 2003, the Coast Guard Unit Commendation was subordinate to the Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award. With the transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award became obsolete, making the Coast Guard Unit Commendation the senior peacetime award, ranking below the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and, in times of war, the Presidential Unit Citation.