This interview was with the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Karl Schultz, on a segment of Good Morning America. It will give you a very good picture of how busy, diverse and important the USCG is to the nation.
The interviewer in this piece is a bit annoying. His questions are jumbled and overly wordy, but the Admiral is clear, precise, humble and is a masterfully authoritative presence here. Pay attention to what the Admiral says early on about what the U.S. Coast Guard is involved in at this moment, all around the world. When he begins to enumerate all that the USCG is doing you may begin to understand how vital and competent and valuable this incredible service is to the nation’s well-being.
I think you will be impressed with Admiral Schultz’ honesty and his ability to get through the garbled questions, to keep the focus on the USCG and what it sees, responds to, and is responsible for, here and around the world. It is clear that he is the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard for all the right reasons. He demonstrates all of the qualities of a good leader here. You can see his pride in what the Coast Guard does and in the men and women he leads.
The United States Coast Guard’s responsibilities are far wider and more diverse than most are generally aware of today. They are an indispensable part of our safety and security and operate in ways and places far beyond the awareness of most civilians.
Admiral Schultz commands the smallest of our military services, but it is a service that bears more responsibilities for the immediate safety and security of the nation here at home and abroad than you may have imagined.
We here at the Veterans Site honor and respect the United States Coast Guard and the service of all of the men and women who serve in this unique and vital component of our military. Though it is under the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Defense, it is yet a vital element of our military, our national defense, and the daily safety and security of our coastal waters, our lakes and rivers, as well as the Arctic waters. Semper Paratus, Coasties!