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UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. Since 1790 the Coast Guard has safeguarded our Nation's maritime interests and environment around the world.

WHY DO WE NEED A COAST GUARD?Coast Guard Activity on an Average Day:

• Assist 192 people in distress• Protect $2.8 million in property• Interdict 14 illegal migrants at sea• Conduct 109 search and rescue cases• Seize $9.6 million worth of illegal drugs• Educate 502 people in boating safety courses

U.S. COAST GUARD

• Respond to 20 oil and hazardous chemical spills• Conduct 19 maritime security boardings.

IN WAR AND PEACEThe Coast Guard has roles in maritime homeland security, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and the maintenance of river,intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation.

ALWAYS ON PATROLWhile most military services are either at war or training for war, the Coast Guard is deployed every day. With a decentralized organization and much responsibility placed on even the most junior personnel, the Coast Guard is frequently lauded for its quick responsiveness and adaptability in a broad range of emergencies.

THE SPIRITIn a 2005 article in TIME magazine following Hurricane Katrina, the author wrote, "the Coast Guard's most valuable contribution to [a military effort when catastrophe hits] may be as a model of flexibility, and most of all, spirit." Wil Milam, a rescue swimmer from Alaska told the magazine, "In the Navy, it was all about the mission. Practicing for war, training for war. In the Coast Guard, it was, take care of our people and the mission will take care of itself."

ADDITIONALLY THE COAST GUARD…

• On an Average Day, the Coast Guard...• Saves 12 lives• Responds to 64 search & rescue cases• Keeps 842 pounds of cocaine off the

streets• Services 116 buoys & fixes 24

discrepancies• Screens 720 commercial vessels &

183,000 crew & passengers• Issues 173 credentials to merchant

mariners• Investigates 13 marine accidents• Inspects 68 containers• Inspects 29 vessels for compliance with

air emissions standards

• Performs 28 safety & environmental examinations of foreign vessels

• Boards 13 fishing boats to ensure compliance with fisheries laws

• Responds and investigates 10 pollution incidents

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