Guardians,
We returned to Washington this afternoon after a busy week in Europe. We participated in the 26th General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization and visited a number of United States, NATO, European Union, and coalition partners.
There are several themes that emerge from the world of work that our Guardians perform this week and every week beyond our maritime borders.
1. The world is becoming more complex and the trend will continue.
2. The issues we face challenge existing governing structures that were created in different times to address different threats.
3. Asymmetrical threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and illegal immigration are proliferating and challenge our governing structures and operational response models.
4. The value, relevance, and return of investment of Coast Guard resources has never been more appreciated.
4. Allocating our forces outside the western hemisphere has always been a challenge but the demand is likely to outstrip our capability for the foreseeable future.
5. These realities will require us to make tough choices in the near future as we reconcile supply and demand for our limited resources.
I am more well informed and sensitive to the complex issues at play having made these visits.
I will be asking some of my senior staff and other leaders to comment as we move forward.
ADM A
