Organizational Overview

Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded the American people and promoted national security, border security, and economic prosperity in a complex and evolving maritime environment. The Coast Guard saves those in peril and protects the Nation from all maritime threats.

As a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency, a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community, and a first responder, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities, broad jurisdiction, flexible operational capabilities, and a network of partnerships. The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and inland waterways, along more than 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline, throughout the 4.5 million square miles of U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and on the high seas.

The over 50,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of 259 Cutters, 200 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and over 1,600 boats. Operational control of surface and air assets is vested in two Coast Guard geographical Areas (Pacific and Atlantic), nine Coast Guard Districts, and 37 Sectors located at strategic ports throughout the country. Five Mission Support Logistics and Service Centers provide services for operational assets and shore facilities. Coast Guard program oversight, policy development, and personnel administration are carried out at Coast Guard Headquarters located on the St. Elizabeths campus in Washington, DC.

AVERAGE COAST GUARD DAY

• Conducts 42 search and rescue cases;
• Saves 12 lives;
• Saves over $114,000 in property;
• Seizes 1,253 pounds of cocaine and 172 pounds of marijuana;
• Conducts 133 waterborne patrols of critical maritime infrastructure;
• Interdicts 18 illegal migrants;
• Escorts 9 high-capacity passenger vessels;
• Conducts 13 security boardings in and around U.S. ports;
• Screens 313 merchant vessels for potential security threats prior to arrival in U.S. ports;
• Conducts 19 fisheries conservation boardings;
• Services 45 buoys and fixed aids to navigation;
• Investigates 26 pollution incidents;
• Completes 24 safety examinations on foreign vessels;
• Conducts 162 marine inspections of U.S. vessels and facilities;
• Investigates 17 marine casualties involving commercial vessels;
• Facilitates movement of $15.6B worth of goods and commodities through the Nation’s Maritime Transportation System.