Seriously,. why does its chain of command run up through DHS (unless in war).
Why is it placed under the Navy during wartime and not a stand-alone independent service?
How does that work?
Can you please explain.
The Coast Guard provides safety to America’s maritime interests. Protecting these interests is of course important. After 9/11 President Bush signed our CG to be under homeland defense because protecting our Nation (which includes our ports) became obviously vital to our safety.
The legal basis for the Coast Guard is Title 14 of the U.S. code: The Coast Guard as established in 1915 shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times.
Under declaration of war and under the authority of the president, it operates under authority of the department of the navy.
The guard is very small.....about 40,000 uniformed members at this time. I believe the last time the CG was under the navy was WW2. I have no short answer for why. Size of the guard and it it’s many peacetime missions and it’s members training have something to do with it.
I know I gave more of a history lesson than a direct answer, but understanding what the CG is will help.
Plus....the Coast Guard has only operated under the Navy twice. WW1 and WW2. Their engagements include Vietnam, Korea, Iraq War, to name a few recent wars. But they did not operate under the Navy during those.
Under the discretion of the president and/or congress.