Maritime securityDHS unveils new Maritime security strategy

Published 27 July 2011

Earlier this month DHS unveiled its Maritime Operations Coordination plan designed to more efficiently secure the nation’s coastlines by increasing coordination and information sharing among agencies; the new operation plans works to integrate intelligence sharing between the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Earlier this month DHS unveiled its Maritime Operations Coordination plan designed to more efficiently secure the nation’s coastlines by increasing coordination and information sharing among agencies.

“As America’s maritime first responder, the Coast Guard works closely with our fellow DHS components and security partners to deter and respond to threats in our ports, along our coasts, and in waters of U.S. interest,” said Admiral Robert Papp, the commandant of the Coast Guard. “This plan will combine resources from across DHS to strengthen our ability to protect our nation’s global trade and our citizens.

In particular, the new operation plans works to integrate intelligence sharing between the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

John Morton, the head of ICE, echoed Admiral Papp’s statements adding that the plan will help agencies to better “disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations who wish to do us harm.”

Federal officials say that the new plan recognizes the unique operational challenges of securing the maritime domain and the need for a multilevel approach to security that emphasizes information sharing between federal, state, local, tribal, and international partners.

The release of the strategy comes after Admiral Papp’s testimony before the House Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. The admiral testified that the Coast Guard currently uses a layered security and communications plan to protect the nation’s 350 ports and 95,000 miles of coast line.