[Ramius]

I wonder if they're still using Coasties to actually perform the boardings like they used to? Anybody know?

Back in the day, many Navy ships carried a USCG boarding team, and during the boarding ops they'd actually run a CG ensign up the mast.

[wardaddy]

That's because the Red Mustache boys are more used to perusing manifests and crew lists etc looking for suspicious stuff.

All the USN ships in the Caribbean use Coasties for boarding inspections on dope interdiction.

[ETCM]

We have our own teams. We call them VBSS - Visit, Board, Search & Salvage. During OEF, we had a pair of CG guys onboard for a couple of days, but that was it. They gave us a little training in evidence handling. That was the only time I've had CG onboard other than for LEO (Law Enforcement Ops) off Mexico and South America.

[CWOJackson]

Yes, they are still using Coast Guard boarding officers like in the first Gulf War. It stems back to international agreement with the USCG.