The Mission of the Coast Guard in Homeland Security

Coast Guard Captain Ted Lindstrom gave the BBRC new insight into the Coast Guard’s role in Homeland Security and the varied tasks the Guard is asked to cover. Lindstrom, a San Francisco Bay native, has been assigned to the Coast Guard Academy as an instructor and as the captain of several of the ships on the West Coast. He currently commands the USCGC Midgett.

“The Midgett is one of twelve High Endurance Cutters used by the Coast Guard. It was commissioned in 1972, the last such vessel to join the force. These ships have two power systems, a diesel unit and another system that allows the cutter to attain speeds of 28 knots. With our multi-mission flexibility, the Coast Guard has become an integral part of the nation’s security.”

President Brian Evison thanks CAPT Lindstrom for his presentation Friday.

CAPT Lindstrom spent some time on the Law Enforcement activities of the Coast Guard. These ships are assigned duties in West Coast Central American waters, interdicting “Go-Fasts,”’ small, extremely rapid boats that are primarily used in maritime smuggling operations. “We’ve been doing this for some time now, and know these small vessels have to re-fuel. So, we attack their gas stations and render them useless. These gas stations are slower boats stationed along the smuggling route.”

In addition to surface ships, the Guard utilizes the MH-68 Helicopter. “This weapon can rapidly fly the drug smuggler’s path, armed with a 50-caliber sharpshooter who can take out their engines.”

The Coast Guard has international agreements with 21 countries. In addition to breaking up the drug smuggling operations, training and technical support consumes much of their work.

One other major area the CG works is Fisheries Enforcement, where they patrol the 200-mile limit, on the lookout for foreign vessels crossing into US territory, as well as ”High Seas Drift Netting.” These groups fish indiscriminately and are targeted by the United Nations and other International organizations, as well as the countries involved.

Thanks to Jim Gordon for his introduction. And, thanks to CAPT Lindstrom for his presentation. He was presented a certificate noting books have been donated in his name on behalf of Rotary’s Literacy project.