Armed Forces News

Rising threats by criminal organizations are posing an increased risk to national security, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zuknuft believes. As such, the Coast Guard would bear significant responsibility in protecting the nation from such threats – particularly at the southern border, Zuknuft said, speaking Jan. 20 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. as part of the think tank’s Maritime Security Dialogue. Zuknuft’s remarks focused heavily upon the Coast Guard’s Western Hemisphere strategy, which the service released last year. He cited recent successful operations conducted by the San Diego-based cutter Boutwell. During 13 interdiction operations, Boutwell hauled in more than half a million dollars’ worth of contraband, Zuknuft said.