The U.S. Coast Guard stands as a paramount maritime force, globally recognized for its diverse missions ensuring safety, security, and responsible stewardship across U.S. waters. Operating as a military service, federal law enforcement agency, regulatory body, first responder, and intelligence community member, the Coast Guard’s influence spans all seven continents. This extensive reach is crucial for a nation deeply reliant on maritime activities for both economic prosperity and robust national security.
Charged with safeguarding over 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways, the Coast Guard’s efforts are indispensable. Each year, they save thousands of lives and protect the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a vast 4.5 million square miles of ocean. The demands on the Coast Guard are continually evolving, requiring them to adeptly manage a complex array of maritime risks that our nation faces.
Beyond domestic duties, the Coast Guard serves as a vital instrument of international diplomacy. Its model is emulated by numerous nations seeking to bolster their maritime forces against transnational crime, human smuggling, and maritime security threats, as well as to protect their territorial waters.
A Legacy of Service: 225 Years Strong
With a distinguished 225-year history, the Coast Guard has consistently demonstrated operational excellence. Its broad legal authorities, specialized capabilities, and extensive network of partnerships are key to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
To maintain strategic alignment and enhance its effectiveness against evolving challenges, the Coast Guard has implemented a five-year Strategic Intent, focusing on critical areas such as the Western Hemisphere, Arctic, Energy, and Cyber domains. By strategically leveraging intelligence and adopting a risk-based approach to resource allocation, the Coast Guard enhances its precision and impact in addressing maritime threats. Building on past successes and with ongoing support from both the Administration and Congress, the Coast Guard is committed to strengthening its capabilities to meet the increasingly complex maritime challenges of the 21st century.
Combating Transnational Crime in Southern Waters
The Coast Guard, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is at the forefront of securing the nation’s maritime borders. Persistent threats include illegal migration, human trafficking, and the smuggling of illicit drugs, all intensified by Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) networks. These networks, fueled by the immense profits from illegal activities, employ violence that destabilizes Central American governments, impedes legitimate economic development, terrorizes communities, and contributes to migrant crises.
Strategic deployment of Coast Guard assets in key maritime zones, enhanced by intelligence from a growing network of partners, yields significant results. The advanced National Security Cutters (NSCs), Fast Response Cutters (FRCs), and existing fleets of cutters and aircraft have shown remarkable operational success. Investing in critical acquisitions like the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), designed to replace aging Medium Endurance Cutters (MEC), is crucial for sustained effectiveness. The OPC program is poised for a major advancement with the selection of a single vendor expected by the end of Fiscal Year 2016.
In Fiscal Year 2015, the Coast Guard, working with interagency partners, facilitated the removal of 191.8 metric tons of cocaine and the detention of over 700 smugglers, with Coast Guard assets alone accounting for 144 metric tons and 500 smugglers. Additionally, 2,700 Cuban and 425 Haitian migrants were repatriated, and maritime migration patterns are continuously monitored, especially as relations with Cuba evolve. In Fiscal Year 2016, just three NSCs intercepted over 25 drug shipments in the Eastern Pacific, including two Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible vessels, preventing 28 metric tons of cocaine from reaching communities. The Coast Guard is on track to surpass Fiscal Year 2015’s record drug removal figures, demonstrating its escalating effectiveness.
Arctic Operations: Navigating New Frontiers in Commerce and Science
The Arctic region is undergoing rapid transformation due to shifting weather patterns and ice conditions, presenting both challenges and opportunities. As sea routes become more accessible and interest in natural resources grows, the Coast Guard plays a vital role in promoting safe and responsible maritime activities in this strategically important area. The Coast Guard is adapting its operational presence to effectively respond to increased human activity and potential risks in the Arctic. The planned voyage of the cruise ship CRYSTAL SERENITY from Anchorage to New York City via the Northwest Passage—carrying over 1,000 passengers and 650 crew—marks a historic event and signals the growing commercial interest in Arctic routes.
Working closely with the vessel owners and Canadian partners, the Coast Guard is enhancing safety and security measures for this voyage and mitigating risks inherent in the challenging Arctic environment. Collaborating with Arctic nations, the Coast Guard is committed to strengthening maritime governance, enhancing prevention and response capabilities, and improving awareness of this vast and rapidly changing region.
The establishment of the Arctic Coast Guard Forum is a significant step forward, as is the initiative to modernize the icebreaker fleet. However, ensuring sustained success and asserting U.S. sovereign rights in the Polar Regions requires reliable access, which is currently compromised by an aging icebreaking fleet. The Coast Guard urgently needs new heavy polar icebreakers, as called for by the President, to maintain operational readiness. Ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention would significantly enhance national credibility and the ability to protect U.S. interests in the polar regions.
Cybersecurity: Protecting Maritime Transportation Systems
Cybersecurity is integral to both economic and national security, and it is crucial for the Coast Guard’s ability to fulfill its mandated responsibilities. Beyond protecting its own networks from cyber threats, the Coast Guard is developing regulatory frameworks to strengthen cybersecurity protocols within the nation’s critical Maritime Transportation System infrastructure. In Fiscal Year 2016, the Coast Guard partnered with industry stakeholders to conduct cyber vulnerability assessments at ports in Houston, Miami, Seattle, and Savannah. The findings from these assessments are being used to disseminate cyber hygiene best practices. Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSC) are also integrating cybersecurity subcommittees into their operations. Success in this domain depends on attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled cybersecurity workforce, a challenge given the increasing global demand for cyber professionals.
Ensuring Maritime Safety, Security, and Environmental Stewardship for Commerce
A safe and efficient Maritime Transportation System is fundamental to national prosperity. Increased recreational and commercial waterway traffic, alongside the expansion of domestic natural gas extraction and transport, deeper U.S. ports, and the enlargement of the Panama and Suez Canals, are leading to greater MTS congestion and heightened risks to people and property. Ongoing volatility in the domestic energy sector necessitates proactive planning by the Coast Guard and its partners to effectively regulate both established and emerging technologies, ensuring safety, security, and environmental stewardship of U.S. waterways.
In Fiscal Year 2015, the Coast Guard undertook over 16,000 search and rescue missions, saving over 3,500 lives, assisting 26,000 individuals, and preventing over $432 million in property losses. Responses to more than 2,800 oil spills mitigated damage to sensitive natural resources. Additionally, over 5,200 security inspections of maritime facilities, more than 8,500 small vessel security boardings, and over 20,000 security patrols of critical maritime infrastructure were conducted. The deployment of six patrol boats and 250 personnel continued to protect vital Iraqi maritime infrastructure and train Iraqi naval forces.
The Coast Guard also patrolled the world’s largest EEZ, safeguarding sovereign rights and combating illegal fishing. Maintaining the world’s largest aids to navigation system, the Coast Guard issued over 22,000 safety notices to mariners, identified over 1,100 icebergs, and dedicated over 14,000 operational hours to facilitate commerce through ice-covered waters in the Great Lakes and Eastern Seaboard.
Building a 21st Century Coast Guard: Investing in the Future of Maritime Commerce
History confirms that a responsive, capable, and agile Coast Guard is indispensable for national security. Investing in 21st-century Coast Guard platforms and personnel is a judicious allocation of resources. To effectively meet the demands of a rapidly changing operational landscape, the Coast Guard, with sustained support from the Administration and Congress, is committed to ongoing asset recapitalization programs while maintaining financial accountability, evidenced by three consecutive clean financial audits. Despite fiscal uncertainties, progress continues on the NSC and FRC programs, the OPC contract award, and design work to accelerate the acquisition of Polar Icebreakers. These advancements are crucial for equipping the Nation’s 21st Century Coast Guard. However, the Coast Guard’s greatest asset is its people. A resilient and skilled workforce, reflecting the diversity of the American population, is essential. Emphasis on talent management through the Human Capital Strategy and Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan ensures that modern platforms are effectively operated by a proficient workforce, preparing the Coast Guard for future challenges.
Conclusion: Semper Paratus for a Dynamic Future of Commerce and Transportation
As the Coast Guard approaches its 226th anniversary, its enduring value to the nation is undeniable. The dedication of its personnel—48,000 Active Duty and Reserve members, 8,500 civilians, and over 27,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary members—provides exceptional operational return on investment. Despite ongoing challenges, the Coast Guard, with continued support, faces a promising future, upholding its motto Semper Paratus—Always Ready. Thank you for the opportunity to provide this testimony and for your unwavering support of the men and women of the Coast Guard. We welcome your feedback and are ready to address your questions.
