United States Coast Guard > About Us > Our Organization > Missions > maritime

Maritime Security Operations Program

The Maritime Security Operations program encompasses activities required by executive and policy mandates to detect, deter, prevent, disrupt, and recover from terrorist attacks and other criminal acts in the maritime domain. It includes the execution of antiterrorism, counterterrorism, and security response operations. This program conducts and oversees the operational element of Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security, which complements the other two elements: maritime security regimes and maritime domain awareness.

Maritime Security Response Operations (MSRO)
Coast Guard MSRO activities include: coastal and waterway security deterrence patrols; high-risk value unit vessel escorts; response to threats, and recovery from attacks that may occur; military out-load security activity; enforcement of fixed security zones; control of port access, activity, and movement; waterborne security boardings; airborne use of force; underwater port security; planning and exercises; and focused regional surge operations.
Maritime Force Protection
The Coast Guard provides force protection for U.S. and international warships and other high value assets under agreement and when special circumstances warrant. In particular, under special agreement with the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard provides security for transiting U.S. Navy Fleet Ballistic Submarines at select locations, and assists in the development of concepts of operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Maritime Counter Terrorism
The Coast Guard conducts Law Enforcement Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security operations in the Maritime Domain as directed by the Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, in support of national security objectives and to protect the homeland from threats within the Maritime Domain.