U.S. Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique branch of the U.S. Armed Forces that serves as the nation's premier maritime military service, law enforcement agency, and regulatory body. Operating under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during peacetime, it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during times of war or at the direction of the President.

Core Missions

The Coast Guard is responsible for eleven statutory missions divided into two main categories:

• Homeland Security Missions:
  • Drug Interdiction: Seizing illegal narcotics; for instance, in early 2026, the service interdicted over 200,000 lbs of narcotics.
  • Migrant Interdiction: Enforcing immigration laws and preventing human smuggling.
  • Defense Readiness: Maintaining a global presence and operating as a military force.
  • Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS): Protecting infrastructure from terrorist threats.
• Non-Homeland Security Missions:
  • Search and Rescue (SAR): Saving lives and property at sea.
  • Marine Environmental Protection: Responding to oil spills and enforcing environmental laws.
  • Ice Operations: Using icebreakers like the USCGC Mackinaw to keep maritime lifelines open during winter.
  • Living Marine Resources: Protecting fisheries and endangered species.

Recent Developments (2025–2026)

• Special Missions Command: The Coast Guard is scheduled to establish a new U.S. Coast Guard Special Missions Command (CG SMC) on October 1, 2026, to unify its Deployable Specialized Forces under a single rear admiral.
• Modernization: Under the Force Design 2028 initiative, the service is modernizing its aging aviation fleet and shore infrastructure, including a record-breaking $200 million project for Station South Padre Island.
• Arctic Security: In February 2026, the Coast Guard completed contract awards for 11 Arctic Security Cutters to strengthen U.S. presence in the region.

Service Personnel

• Force Strength: Approximately 44,500 active-duty members, 7,000 reservists, 8,500 civilians, and 21,000 volunteers in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• Leadership: Headed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, currently Admiral Kevin E. Lunday.

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