Why does the Coast Guard operate its ships far from home? Why do they participate in military exercises?
Isn't it time to revamp or better yet, remission the Coast Guard?
They're not the Navy. They have a distinctive mission outside of war. They have limited resources.
Its time for them to give up a warfighting role. Rescue, and law enforcement only. That's how you save the Coast Guard.
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SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 12, 2010) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mellon (WHEC 717) pass each other during a surface gunfire exercise. Chung-Hoon, Mellon and other U.S. and Republic of Singapore Navy ships are participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2010. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kim McLendon/Released)