8.3: Hostile Acts
Defend U.S. national interests in the maritime domain against hostile acts through military action. Other Information:
The Coast Guard will help to defend the United States from direct attacks on its territory through planning and execution
of homeland defense, and from threats to its national security through military activities wherever needed. The Coast Guard
works closely with its governmental and non-governmental partners to safeguard America’s maritime interests and ensure its
maritime sovereignty. Deterring crime on the sea relies on a foundation of strong laws, awareness, and active presence. Patrols,
interceptions, and inspections, supported by detection, tracking, monitoring, and operational intelligence, serve to counter
contraband smuggling, human trafficking and mass migrations, criminal activities, and terrorist threats. The U.S. Coast Guard
also leads in developing security standards and international enforcement agreements, and partners with the private sector
to develop effective self-regulatory regimes. As part of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Coast Guard supports the National Security
Strategy and related defense strategies. The Coast Guard complements the capabilities of the U.S. Navy, as an essential component
of the National Fleet, and operates alongside the U.S. Marine Corps, as it has done throughout the past two centuries. In
this capacity, the Coast Guard provides unique, non-redundant support to the military Combatant Commanders, including maritime
interception, military environmental response, port security, peacetime military engagement, and coastal sea control. The
Coast Guard has long been responsible for protecting ports, harbors, vessels, and waterfront facilities from accidents, criminal
acts, terrorism, and sabotage. After the “9/11” terrorist attacks, the Coast Guard took on new authorities as the Federal
Maritime Security Coordinator (FMSC) within U.S. ports and adjacent waters. As a result, the Coast Guard is now responsible
for coordinating all maritime security planning and operations in the nation’s ports and waterways, including efforts to prevent
terrorist attacks and to respond as necessary to mitigate the consequences of an attack, should one occur.
Indicator(s):
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