The U.S. Naval Institute published NESA Center alum Kevin Duffy’s latest Op-Ed “Getting Real About the ‘Global Coast Guard'” in the October issue of Proceedings.

"During the 2023 State of the Coast Guard address, the service’s Commandant, Admiral Linda Fagan, noted the United States Coast Guard “has never been in greater demand around the world.” She specifically cited the Coast Guard’s value in the Indo-Pacific, West Africa, South America, and the Arabian Gulf, adding that the Coast Guard is viewed as the relevant force model for many partner nations throughout the world. 'We are a global Coast Guard. This is our value to the nation (emphasis added),' Fagan concluded.

The Commandant was correct about the ways in which the Coast Guard bolsters the United States and partner nations in ways that cannot be replicated by other agencies. Despite this, the service has not maximized its overseas potential: the Coast Guard is slow to meet partner nation training requests, fails to assert its relevant authorities to resource and conduct missions abroad, and lacks the personnel policies and overseas staffing for international efficacy. A series of targeted adjustments can and should be undertaken to make the vision of a “global Coast Guard” a reality," writes Duffy.

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About the Author

Commander Kevin Duffy is a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer who leads the global security consultancy Maritime Imperative. He is a special counselor to the NATO Maritime Security Center of Excellence, Istanbul, and an advisor for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

About the Publisher

Proceedings is a monthly magazine published by the United States Naval Institute that covers topics concerning global security and includes articles from military professionals and civilian experts, historical essays, book reviews, full-color photography, and reader commentary.

The views presented in this article are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.