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Return to Article: Coast Guard seeks to restructure major commands

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  It seems to me USCG hqs and the commandant's staff should be able to handle force modernization, readiness, and sustainability centrally. The USCG is not going to fight the Imperial Navy. It needs to prepare for combatting cunning gangs of criminals and cunning terrorists in cunning ways, with cunning methods, and cunning ships and aircraft. This proposed organization looks too much like our overstaffed navy think tanks that can't seem to find enemies to fight. Perhaps we should transfer the DDG-51s to the USCG and put it into the missile defense business. The USCG should look at the Maritime Gendarmerie model and think of itself as a maritime border police, too. Trouble is, the armed forces have all sorts of pie-in-the-sky ideas and no enemies to use them on and no money to pay for them. I think we should transfer the entire foreign aid budget to the USCG, the Border Patrol and the CIA.

  Don Jones Posted February 14, 2008 6:05 PM
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  I'm a retired Army combat arms officer, now proudly serving as a member of the USCG Auxiliary in Alaska. My take on ADM Allen is that he has the warrior spirit, foresight and drive that's forging the Coast Guard into a force that will be fully prepared to face and overcome the many challenges ahead in this very dangerous world. The Auxiliary is already seeing its roles broadening in response to this, and more than ever, we are becoming a full partner in Team Coast Guard thanks to ADM Allen. We see ourselves as force and capabilities multipliers, and eagerly look forward to the future missions we will receive in supporting the overall aims of our parent service. ADM Allen is the right man, in the right place, at the right time and with the right tools, in my view. To echo one of the earlier responses, SEMPER PARATUS, to which I would add, NE PLUS ULTRA (none finer).

  Rich Liebe Posted February 13, 2008 11:07 AM
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  As usual, the Coast Guard is not resting on its laurels. It achieved many laurels during Hurricane Katrina for its quick decisive action. While others were debating what should be done, the USCG was alrady out there doing what it does best. Although Admiral Allen has received many laurels he is not resting on them and is moving forward with what is needed to meet the changing times and threats by unifying the Commands & logistics efforts. As a Mustang Lieutenant, I am proud to have been associated with the Coast Guard and the fine individuals with whom I served. I am especially proud of our Admiral Allen and way he is moving the Coast Guard into to the 21st century. SEMPER PARATUS

  Ken Wingo Posted February 11, 2008 3:28 PM
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  Since its entry into the Department of Homeland Security, the growth and modernization of the Coast Guard is rapidly creating a more vibrant and aggressive service for the frontlines of the War on Terror. The image of its Commandant Admiral Allen in working uniform is the proper image for the Coast Guard and he will be long remembered for it. As a retired Coast Guard officer, I see a clear horizon for the Coast Guard and feel certain - in its race forward - it will never forget its heritage of service to others.

  Ed Sizemore Posted February 11, 2008 1:52 PM
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  This was a long time coming!

  Jimmie Grimes Posted February 11, 2008 8:50 AM