Deployment in USCG?

Question

I have an old friend currently in the USCG. I looked him up on a social networking site and found his page. It says he's unable to visit his page often, so I've yet to receive a response to my messages.

I'm curious. I always thought that the USCG dealt solely with domestic waters rather than venture into international waters, much less international land. Yet, on his webpage he has hosted photos of himself along with other USCG servicemen in Africa and Portugal. Does this happen often? Are there USCG personnel in Iraq or Afghanistan also?

Thanks in advance, all!

Answer 1

It is interesting that you ask this question on Coast Guard Day.

While the overwhelming majority of the Coast Guard is stationed here in the states, there are some stationed all over the world for many reasons. The Coast Guard has also participated in every American war since it's inception, providing a certain expertise that some missions require. They are one of the 5 armed forces, and they can be deployed anywhere.

Primary war missions are Port Security and Patrolling waterways, maintaining security for strategic ports or important infrastructure on the water, and maritime law enforcement / embargo enforcement.

The chances of being deployed in war are very low. Not only are the jobs scarce and specific, they usually ask for volunteers for any specific war related missions, and they always have more volunteers than openings. That's my experience from the first Gulf War.

There were 11 Coast Guard Cutters, including 2 WHEC's (WHEC's are similar to a Navy Destroyer, and have serious warfare capabilities) deployed in 2004 to the Persian Gulf. I am sure they used their existing crews. That is the largest deployment since Vietnam into an active war zone.

There are however a lot of other overseas missions that the Coast Guard participates in. One of these missions includes sharing training with our allies and helping develop their naval or coast guard forces by sharing experience and techniques.

The Coast Guard is about a lot more than saving lives, but that is what they are best know for.

http://www.uscg.mil/top/missions/Defense.asp

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=29375

Answer 2

absolutely there are CG personnel in the Gulf. They have even had casualties. additionally , nearly every US Naval vessel on deployment carries a CG contingent on board, for they are the ones with the authority to board ships and seize cargo like drugs or illegally smuggled oil.