What is the role of the Coast Guard in maritime homeland security?

The Coast Guard plays a crucial role in maritime homeland security by serving as the lead federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Its core missions include: maritime law enforcement (preventing illegal activities like drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing), maritime security (protecting ports, waterways, and critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks and other threats), search and rescue (responding to distress calls and rescuing mariners in danger), and marine environmental protection (preventing and responding to oil spills and other pollution incidents). The Coast Guard enforces maritime laws and regulations, conducts patrols and surveillance, and works with other federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters and ports. It protects the nation's maritime borders and critical infrastructure from a wide range of threats.