Page 26: of Marine News Magazine (March 2020)

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GOVERNMENT UPDATE

The State of the

Coast Guard

Credit: Eric Haun

By Eric Haun

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. complexity within the marine transportation system, from

Karl Schultz outlined his vision for the lique? ed natural gas exports, to offshore wind farms, to service in February during the State of increasingly sophisticated vessels. These factors and a host

U.S. the Coast Guard Address in Charleston, S.C., highlighting of others all contribute to an unprecedented demand for the organization’s top initiatives, accomplishments over Coast Guard services,” Adm. Karl Schultz said.

the past year, and challenges facing the service today and “Nationwide, the Coast Guard has an enduring respon- on the road ahead. sibility to safeguard the marine transportation system and

The 26th Commandant stressed the importance of bolster maritime competitiveness, infrastructure improve-

America’s marine transportation system and highlighted ment, economic prosperity and national security.”

Coast Guard’s role in safeguarding maritime commerce “Our people are working around the clock on waterways among the service’s many crucial contributions to U.S. across the country to keep our maritime industry safe and security. “Our interconnected global economy relies on ef? cient, ensuring American shelves remain stocked and ef? cient ports and waterways. Over 90% of the world’s our vast needs for energy met.” goods move by sea. We are clearly a maritime nation, and The Commandant said ongoing vessel acquisition pro- our marine transportation system generates over 30 mil- grams, including the Polar Security Cutter and Offshore lion jobs and $5.4 trillion annually in economic activity.” Patrol Cutter, will help the Coast Guard to best perform “Today we face unparalleled growth in vessel traf? c and these duties.

March 2020

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